Carrier belt system and chain wheel for reducing jamming

Abstract

A pick and place system includes a carrier tape radial feeder and a pick head configured to pick one of the plurality of components of the carrier tape at the component cutting and / or place location. The carrier belt radial feeder includes: a drive sprocket having a plurality of sprocket teeth; a component cutting and / or placing position comprising a mold reference surface; and the pull-down mechanism is positioned near the component cutting and / or placing position. The drive sprocket is configured to rotate, the sprocket teeth are engaged with bearing holes in a bearing belt, the bearing belt bears a plurality of components, when the drive sprocket rotates, the bearing belt is pushed to move forwards, and the pull-down mechanism is configured to pull down the bearing belt, the drive sprocket is configured to bend when the carrier tape is pulled down by the pull-down mechanism until the bottom of one of the plurality of components in the cutting and / or placement position contacts the die reference surface, and the drive sprocket is configured to bend when the pull-down mechanism pulls down the carrier tape. A method of conveying an assembly is also disclosed.

Description

[0001] Related matters This application claims U.S. Provisional Patent Application 63 / 580,197, filed September 1, 2023, entitled “Carrier Belt System and Sprocket for Reducing Jamming,” the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference again. Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to reducing potential jamming in indexing components into the radial feed pick-up area due to inconsistent component tape application. Furthermore, this disclosure also relates to providing a pull-down mechanism to align components with the cut and die reference surfaces before tape cutting, thereby generating more consistent component lead lengths and / or shapes. Background Technology

[0003] Picking and placing equipment needs to place components in a repeatable manner within the reach of the picking head. Radial components are typically mounted on carrier belts, which are fed onto the machine via radial feeders.

[0004] Existing sprockets used for carrier belt indexers are typically rigid, which hinders the pulling of components toward cutting and forming tools. Because the carrier belt is constrained by the sprocket teeth, these rigid sprockets prevent components with large pitches from being pulled to the reference surface.

[0005] Therefore, such methods and systems will be widely welcomed in this field. Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to one aspect, a carrier belt radial feeder includes: a drive sprocket having a plurality of sprocket teeth; a component cutting and / or placement position including a die reference surface; and a pull-down mechanism located near the component cutting and / or placement position. The drive sprocket is configured to rotate. The plurality of sprocket teeth engage with carrier holes on a carrier belt carrying a plurality of components, and the carrier belt is propelled forward when the drive sprocket rotates. The pull-down mechanism is configured to pull the carrier belt down until the bottom of one of the plurality of components at the cutting and / or placement position contacts the die reference surface. Furthermore, the drive sprocket is configured to bend as the pull-down mechanism pulls the carrier belt down.

[0007] According to another aspect, a method of using a carrier tape radial feeder assembly includes providing the carrier tape radial feeder, the carrier tape radial feeder including a drive sprocket having a plurality of sprocket teeth, an assembly cut and / or placement location containing a mold datum, and a pull down mechanism located proximate the assembly cut and / or placement location. The method further includes rotating the drive sprocket, engaging a carrier hole in a carrier tape with the plurality of sprocket teeth, the carrier tape carrying a plurality of assemblies thereon, advancing the carrier tape forward by the drive sprocket during rotation and engagement, pulling down the carrier tape with the pull down mechanism until a bottom of one of the plurality of assemblies located at the cut and / or placement location contacts the mold datum, bending the drive sprocket as the pull down mechanism pulls down the carrier tape, and removing one of the plurality of assemblies on the carrier tape by a pick head, the assembly being located at the assembly cut and / or placement location.

[0008] According to another aspect, a pick and place system includes a carrier tape radial feeder. The carrier tape radial feeder includes a drive sprocket having a plurality of sprocket teeth, an assembly cut and / or placement location containing a mold datum, and a pull down mechanism located proximate the assembly cut and / or placement location. The pick and place system further includes a pick head configured to pick one of the plurality of assemblies of the carrier tape at the assembly cut and / or placement location. The drive sprocket of the carrier tape radial feeder is configured to rotate, the sprocket teeth are configured to engage a carrier hole on a carrier tape, the carrier tape carrying a plurality of assemblies thereon, the drive sprocket is configured to advance the carrier tape forward when the drive sprocket rotates, the pull down mechanism is configured to pull down the carrier tape until a bottom of one of the plurality of assemblies located at the cut and / or placement location contacts the mold datum, and the drive sprocket is configured to bend as the pull down mechanism pulls down the carrier tape.

[0009] According to another aspect, a drive sprocket assembly for a carrier tape radial feeder includes an inner yoke, an outer sprocket surrounding the inner yoke, the outer sprocket having a plurality of sprocket teeth disposed about an outer circumference of the outer sprocket, and a spring plate attached to each of the inner yoke and the outer sprocket. The spring plate is configured to facilitate the outer sprocket being able to bend relative to the inner yoke in response to a downward or upward force applied to the outer sprocket.

[0010] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS The above and other advantages of the present application are more fully understood in connection with the following description and appended drawings. In the drawings like reference numerals refer to individual elements and features of the drawings. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the application.

[0011] Figure 1 A carrier tape is shown having a component carrier and indicating the height of the component tape according to one embodiment; Figure 2 A carrier tape is shown having a specific hole diameter of 4 mm and arranged with a standard pitch of 12.7 mm according to one embodiment; Figure 3 A carrier tape is shown having a specific hole diameter of 4 mm and arranged with a standard pitch of 15 mm according to one embodiment; Figure 4 A perspective view of a carrier tape radial feeder is shown according to one embodiment, including a drive sprocket and component cutout and current position; Figure 5 A carrier tape radial feeder is shown according to one embodiment; Figure 4 A carrier tape radial feeder is shown according to one embodiment; Figure 6 A down-draw mechanism is shown mounted on a feeder at a cutting and / or placement position according to one embodiment, configured to draw the carrier tape downward until the component bottom contacts the mold datum; A carrier tape radial feeder is shown according to one embodiment; Figure 7 A side perspective view of the component position in a carrier tape feeder in Figures 4-5 A side perspective view of the component position in a carrier tape feeder in Figure 8 Figures 4-5 A side view of the component in a carrier tape feeder in Figure 7 A perspective view of a standard sprocket is shown in Figure 10A A main perspective view of a drive sprocket is shown according to one embodiment; Figure 10B A rear perspective view of a drive mechanism is shown according to one embodiment in Figure 10A A main perspective view of an outer sprocket of a drive sprocket is shown according to one embodiment in Figure 11A Figure 10A A main perspective view of an outer sprocket of a drive sprocket is shown according to one embodiment in 10B Figure 11B ​​​A perspective view of a drive sprocket in accordance with one embodiment is shown in Figure 11A A rear perspective view of a drive sprocket in accordance with one embodiment is shown in Figure 12A A perspective view of a drive sprocket in accordance with one embodiment is shown in Figure 10A and 10B A perspective view of an inner assembly or yoke of a drive sprocket in accordance with one embodiment is shown in Figure 12B A perspective view of a drive sprocket in accordance with one embodiment is shown in Figure 12A A rear perspective view of an inner assembly or yoke of a drive sprocket in accordance with one embodiment is shown in Figure 13 A perspective view of a spring plate of a drive sprocket in accordance with one embodiment is shown in Figure 14A A perspective view of a drive sprocket in accordance with one embodiment is shown in Figure 10A and 10B A side view of a drive sprocket in accordance with one embodiment is shown in Figure 14B A side view of a drive sprocket in accordance with one embodiment is shown in Figure 10A and 10B A side view of a drive sprocket in accordance with one embodiment is shown in Figure 15 A perspective view of a carrier tape feeder (including a tape down mechanism prior to tape down) is shown in Figures 4-5 and Figures 7-8 A perspective view of a carrier tape feeder (including a tape down mechanism prior to tape down) is shown in Figure 16 A perspective view of a carrier tape feeder (including a tape down mechanism prior to tape down) is shown in Figures 4-5 , Figures 7-8 and Figure 15 A perspective view of a carrier tape feeder (including a tape down mechanism prior to tape down) is shown in Figure 17 A perspective view of a carrier tape feeder (including a tape down mechanism prior to tape down) is shown in Figures 4-5 , Figures 7-8 and Figures 15-16 A perspective view of a carrier tape feeder (including a tape down mechanism prior to tape down) is shown in Figure 18 A perspective view of a carrier tape feeder (including a tape down mechanism prior to tape down) is shown in Figures 4-5 , Figures 7-8 and Figure 15 A perspective view of a carrier tape feeder (including a tape down mechanism prior to tape down) is shown in DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present teachings. The appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "an embodiment" in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

[0013] The present teachings will be described in greater detail in connection with exemplary embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the present teachings are described in conjunction with various embodiments and examples, it should be understood that the present teachings are not limited to such embodiments. Rather, the present teachings cover various alternatives, modifications and equivalents, which would be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. Other embodiments, modifications and examples will readily suggest themselves to those skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. The disclosure is intended to embrace all alternatives, modifications and equivalents that can be included within the scope of the present teachings.

[0014] Pick and place equipment requires components to be placed in a repeatable manner in a location that the pick head can reach. Radial components are typically located on a carrier tape that can be fed into the machine by a radial feeder. Embodiments of the present invention aim to increase flexibility and reduce jamming that can occur when indexing components to the radial feeder pick area due to inconsistencies in component tape. In addition, embodiments of the present invention aim to provide a means of pulling down the components to align the reference surface of the cutting / forming tool prior to cutting from the tape. This will result in more consistent component pin length and / or forming effects.

[0015] In addition, considering that certain component feeding applications require the pins of the components to be cut to a precise length or require a specific shape to be generated on the pins. In order to do this reliably, the components need to be aligned with the cutting / forming tool. In order to justify the means of pulling down such components, the embodiments described in this specification envisage installing a mechanism in the feeder at the cutting / forming location that will pull down the carrier tape until the components are stopped completely on the cutting / forming die.

[0016] Chain wheels known in the prior art are rigid and therefore cannot pull the components towards the cutting and forming die in the manner envisaged in this specification. In particular, because the carrier tape is constrained on the chain wheel teeth, the rigid splines prevent components with a wide pin span from being pulled towards the reference surface.

[0017] Figure 1 A carrier tape 10 is shown according to one embodiment, having component carriers 12, and the height of the component tape is indicated as H. As shown, the carrier tape 10 is shown with a plurality of components 14 arranged thereon. Each of the plurality of components 14 includes two pins 16 connected to a component carrier 12 portion of the carrier tape 10. The component carrier 12 further includes openings 18 or holes (referred to in the art as pitch) arranged uniformly thereon. The openings 18 or holes can have different sizes or pitches, and can be utilized by a chain wheel to cause movement of the carrier tape 10. Figure 2 A carrier tape 20 is shown according to one embodiment, having holes of a specific diameter of 4mm, and a standard pitch of 12.7mm. Figure 3A carrier tape 30 is shown according to one embodiment having a specific hole diameter of 4 mm and a standard pitch of 15 mm. In other words, Figure 3 The pitch of the carrier tape 30 shown in FIG. 1 is greater than Figure 2 The pitch of the carrier tape 20 shown in FIG. 2. Embodiments of the present application can accommodate carrier tapes of any size, pitch, and / or gauge.

[0018] When feeding the carrier tape 10, 20, 30 in a feeder, a drive sprocket is typically used that engages the openings 18 on the carrier tape to push the carrier tape forward as the drive sprocket rotates. A method of using a carrier tape radial feeder with a flexible drive sprocket to deliver an assembly will now be described.

[0019] Figure 4 A perspective view of a carrier tape radial feeder 100 according to one embodiment is shown including a drive sprocket 101 and an assembly cutting and / or current position 150. Figure 5 A perspective view of a carrier tape radial feeder 100 according to one embodiment is shown including a drive sprocket 101 and an assembly cutting and / or current position 150. Figure 4 A perspective view of a carrier tape radial feeder 100 according to one embodiment is shown including a drive sprocket 101 and an assembly cutting and / or current position 150. Figure 4 A single assembly 14 is shown at the cutting and / or current position 150, while the other assemblies of the carrier tape have been removed for better illustration of the drive sprocket 101, but Figure 5 The view shown illustrates a carrier tape radial feeder 100 having a carrier tape 10, 20, 30 containing a plurality of assemblies 14. As Figure 5 As shown, an assembly 14a is at the assembly cutting and / or current position. After the assembly 14a is cut and ready for picking, the carrier tape 10, 20, 30 is advanced and the remaining assemblies are moved one step closer to the cutting and / or current position 150. Thus, the next assembly 14b is shown, followed by assembly 14c, and so on.

[0020] As shown, the drive sprocket 101 includes a plurality of sprocket teeth 102. The drive sprocket 101 is configured to rotate to push the assemblies 14 on the carrier tape (as shown in Figures 1-3 FIGS. 1, 2, and 3) forward. In particular, the plurality of sprocket teeth 102 engage the carrier holes 18 in the carrier tape 10, 20, 30 to push the carrier tape 10, 20, 30 forward as the drive sprocket 101 rotates.

[0021] The carrier belt radial feeder 100, as shown, includes a body 140 extending between two plates or surfaces. The body 140 of the carrier belt radial feeder 100 is configured to house at least one motor or drive (not shown) that drives a rotatable shaft 130 attached thereto when a drive sprocket 101 rotates. Therefore, the carrier belt radial feeder 100 can be configured to drive attached carrier belts 10, 20, 30 through the feeder to sequentially present each component at a cutting and / or placement position 150. The motor system may include an indexing device that ensures precise rotation of the rotatable shaft 130 and the advance and movement of the carrier belts 10, 20, 30. Furthermore, within the body 140, the carrier belt radial feeder 100 may include a feed path for the carrier belts 10, 20, 30. A portion of this feed path is shown in Figure 5.

[0022] The component cutting and / or placement location 150 includes a mold reference surface 152. This mold reference surface 152 is defined between at least one plate 154 configured to provide a carrier belt feed path structure. Furthermore, although in Figure 4 and Figure 5 Hidden in the view shown, but visible in Figure 6, the carrier belt radial feeder 100 also includes a pull-down mechanism 120 located near the component cutting and / or placement location. Specifically, Figure 6 A pull-down mechanism 120 is shown mounted at or near the cutting and / or placement position 150. The pull-down mechanism 120 is designed to pull the component carrier 12 (not in) Figure 6 (As shown in the image) to pull the support belts 10, 20, and 30 until the component reaches its lowest point on the mold reference surface 152. The function of the pull-down mechanism 120 is... Figures 15-18 As shown in the diagram and described in more detail below. Specifically, the pull-down mechanism 120 includes multiple fingers 122 designed to pull down component portions of the carrier belts 10, 20, and 30 until one of the components 14 at the cutting and / or in-use position 150 comes to a complete stop on the mold reference surface 152. During this pull-down action, the drive sprocket 101 bends according to the pulling action of the pull-down mechanism 120 on the carrier belts 10, 20, and 30, the details of which will be explained in detail below. Figures 14A-14B The details are presented in more detail in the text.

[0023] Figure 7 An embodiment is shown. Figures 4-5Figure 8 shows a side perspective view of the component position of the carrier belt feeder 100 before the pull-down operation, illustrating the component offset gap 158 between component 14 and the mold reference surface 152. Figure 8 also illustrates, according to one embodiment, the process of feeding from [the material] without the component offset gap 158. Figures 4-5 and Figure 7 The side view of component 14 in the carrier belt feeder 100 pulled down to the mold reference surface 152.

[0024] Figure 9 shows a perspective view of a standard prior art sprocket 50. This standard prior art sprocket 50 is a circular toothed sprocket made of a single component, and its structure does not possess the flexibility expected of the drive sprocket 101 described herein.

[0025] Figure 10A A front perspective view of a drive sprocket 101 according to one embodiment is shown. Figure 10B It shows Figure 10A Rear perspective view of drive sprocket 101. This drive sprocket 101 may be a flexible drive sprocket assembly comprising multiple independent components, including an inner yoke 106 and an outer sprocket 104 surrounding the inner yoke 106. The outer sprocket 104 includes a plurality of sprocket teeth 102 axially distributed around the outer sprocket 104. Furthermore, the drive sprocket 101 assembly includes a spring plate 108 attached to each of the inner yoke 106 and the outer sprocket 104. The spring plate 108 is designed to cause the outer sprocket 104 to bend relative to the inner yoke 106 in response to a downward force acting on the outer sprocket 104, as described below.

[0026] Figure 11A An embodiment is shown. Figure 10A and Figure 10B Main perspective view of the outer sprocket 104 of the middle drive sprocket. Figure 11B An embodiment is shown. Figure 11A Rear perspective view of the outer sprocket 104 of the drive sprocket 101. As shown, the outer sprocket 104 includes a circumferential recess 103. A spring plate 108 is designed to attach to the circumferential recess 103 of the outer sprocket 104.

[0027] Figure 12A An embodiment is shown. Figure 10A and 10B Main perspective view of the inner component or inner yoke 106 of the central drive sprocket 101. Figure 12B An embodiment is shown. Figure 12AA rear perspective view of the inner assembly or inner yoke 106 of the drive sprocket 101. The inner yoke 106 includes a circumferential body 107 and a cylindrical extension 105 having an inner opening 109 for receiving a rotatable shaft 130 driven by the carrier tape radial feeder 100, as described above. The inner yoke 106 also includes an outer radial portion 111 and a stepped portion 113 between the outer radial portion 111 and the cylindrical extension 105. A spring plate 108 is attached to the stepped portion 113 of the inner yoke 106 of the assembly of the drive sprocket 101.

[0028] Figure 13 A perspective view of the spring plate 108 of the drive sprocket 101 of FIG. 10 is shown, according to one embodiment. The spring plate 108 includes a central opening 110 that receives and surrounds the cylindrical extension 105 of the inner yoke 106 described above. In addition, the spring plate 108 includes a first circumferential portion 112 that defines an inner radius portion of the spring plate 108. The body of the spring plate 108 further extends to a second circumferential portion 116 that defines an outer radius portion of the spring plate 108. In addition, the spring plate 108 includes flexible connecting portions 118 that extend between and connect the first circumferential portion 112 and the second circumferential portion 116.

[0029] The spring plate 108 is secured to the inner yoke 106 and the outer sprocket 104, respectively, to determine the assembly of the drive sprocket 101. Specifically, the first annular portion 112 is secured to the stepped portion 113 of the inner yoke 106. The second annular portion 116 is secured to the circumferential recessed portion 103 of the outer sprocket 104. The spring plate 108 can be flexible and enable one side of the outer sprocket 104 to move downward relative to the inner yoke 106 when the outer sprocket 104 encounters a downward force or pressure. While the spring plate 108 can flex in response to a downward force or pressure, it can also facilitate flexing or movement between the outer sprocket 104 and the inner yoke 106 in response to an upward force or pressure. This upward flexing helps to prevent jamming and enables a greater change in the winding height to be achieved with an initial setting of the assembly feed height closer to the height of the mold datum 152.

[0030] Figure 14A A perspective view of the drive sprocket 101 of FIG. 10 is shown, according to one embodiment. Figure 10A and 10B A side view of the drive sprocket 101 of FIG. 10 in a flexed position. Figure 14B A perspective view of the drive sprocket 101 of FIG. 10 is shown, according to one embodiment. Figure 10A and 10Bside view of the drive sprocket 101 when not bent. Because the carrier tape 10, 20, 30 is constrained on the drive sprocket 101 (as described above), the outer sprocket 104 of the drive sprocket 101 is able to bend down and move down relative to the inner yoke 106 (as shown in Figure 14A As shown in the views in Figure 14A , the right side of the outer sprocket 104 is lower than the left side. This bending can be achieved by applying a downward force to the right side of the outer sprocket 104, or it can be achieved by applying an upward force to the left side of the outer sprocket 104. Thus, the spring plate 108 and the outer sprocket 104 can be designed to respond to both of these forces by bending upward and downward.

[0031] Reference is now made to Figures 15-18 , which shows various stages of the envisioned process. In particular, Figure 15 Figures 4-5 and Figures 7-8 , a perspective view of the carrier tape feeder 100 is shown, including the pull-down mechanism 120 prior to pulling down the carrier tape 10, 20, 30. As shown, the assembly 14 is above the mold datum 152. The pull-down mechanism 120 is in the retracted position. The assembly carrier 12 is shown, and the leads 16 of the assembly 14 are at the cutting and / or placement position 150. In addition, in this view, the gripper 160 and the cutter 162 are both in the retracted state prior to activation.

[0032] Figure 16 Figures 4-5 , Figures 7-8 and Figure 15 , a perspective view of the carrier tape feeder 100 is shown, including the pull-down mechanism 120, which is used to pull down the carrier tape 10, 20, 30 and / or the assembly carrier 12. When this pull-down mechanism 120 is activated, the assembly 14, which is at the cutting and / or placement position 150, is pulled up to the mold datum 152, where the gripper 160 and the cutter 162 can come into contact and clamp.

[0033] Figure 17 is shown, according to one embodiment Figures 4-5 , Figures 7-8 and Figures 15-16The diagram shows a perspective view of the carrier tape feeder 100 (including the clamp 160 in the clamping position). As shown, the clamp 160 is configured to advance toward the pin 16 to contact and / or clamp the pin 16 of the component 14 located at the component cutting and / or placement position 150. This clamping operation of the clamp 160 holds the pin 16 in a fixed or retained position, allowing the cutter 162 to be subsequently activated to cut the pin 16, thereby separating the component 14 from the component carrier 12.

[0034] Figure 18 An embodiment is shown. Figures 4-5 , Figures 7-8 and Figure 15 The diagram shows a perspective view of the carrier tape feeder 100 (including the cutter 162 in the cutting position). As shown, the cutter 162 may be designed to cut the pins 16 of the component 14 at the component cutting and / or placement position 150, thereby separating the component 14 from the carrier tapes 10, 20, 30 and / or the component carrier 12 thereon.

[0035] As described herein, the drive sprocket 101 can be positioned close to the pick-up point (i.e., the cutting and / or placement position 150) to maintain positional control over the carrier belts 10, 20, 30 as much as possible, thereby ensuring that the pins 16 are accurately positioned between the clamp 160 and the cutter 162. Therefore, a potential drawback of positioning the drive sprocket 101 close to the pick-up point is that this proximity would prevent the pull-down mechanism 120 from moving the belt downwards due to the constraint of the sprocket teeth. However, this drawback is avoided by the flexible sprocket 101 envisioned in this specification, which solves this proximity problem by allowing individual teeth 102 to bend downwards as needed during the operation of the pull-down mechanism 120.

[0036] It is foreseeable that the design of this embodiment is robust enough to transport component 14 forward normally without damaging the spring plate. Furthermore, the method described in this specification and the described drive hole 101 have been shown to reduce belt jamming in the belt transport path, thereby improving transport performance.

[0037] Embodiments of the present invention also allow the use of multiple spring plates 108 and different plate thicknesses as needed to generate the spring force required for the desired application.

[0038] A further envisioned method involves conveying component 14 via a carrier belt radial feeder 100. According to various methods contemplated by the invention, component 14 is loaded into the carrier belt radial feeder 100, and the position of the drive sprocket 101 is adjusted to precisely align component 14 onto the cutting / forming dies 160, 162, and then the drive sprocket 101 is locked in place. The component at the cutting and / or placement position 150 is then cut and removed. The carrier belt radial feeder 100 feeds the next component into place. The pull-down mechanism 120 grips the component carrier 12 of the carrier belts 10, 20, 30 and aligns the next component 14 onto the cutting / forming dies 160, 162. The drive sprocket 101 is bent as needed to ensure that component 14 is fully conformed to the die reference surface 152. The clamp 160 contacts the pin 16 above the cutter 162, thereby controlling component 14 at the cutting and / or placement position 150. Cutter 162 (i.e., cutter / former) will activate and process pin 16, separating component 14 from component carrier 12. Carrier belt radial feeder 100 will notify the pick and place machine (not shown) that component 14 is ready for picking. The pick and place machine will then grip the component and notify carrier belt radial feeder 100 to release clamp 160. Carrier belt radial feeder 100 will retract clamp 160, cutter / former 162, and pull-down mechanism 120. After a short delay, the machine pick head will remove component 14 from carrier belt radial feeder 100. Once carrier belt radial feeder 100 detects that component 14 has been removed, it will position itself for the next component and repeat this cycle.

[0039] In other embodiments, the contemplated method includes providing a carrier belt radial feeder, such as carrier belt radial feeder 100. The method may include rotating a drive sprocket 101 to engage carrier holes 18 on carrier belts 10, 20, 30 with a plurality of sprocket teeth 102 carrying a plurality of components 14. The method may also include, during rotation and engagement, using the drive sprocket 101 to push the carrier belts 10, 20, 30 forward and using a pull-down mechanism 120 to pull the carrier belts 10, 20, 30 down until the bottom of the component in the carrier belt assembly 14 located at the cutting and / or placement position 150 contacts the mold reference surface 152. The method may also include bending the carrier belts 10, 20, 30 or their component carriers 12 due to the pull-down mechanism 120 pulling down the drive sprocket 101. The method may also include removing a component 14 located at a component cutting and / or placement position 150 from a plurality of carrier belt assemblies 14 in the carrier belts 10, 20, 30 or their component carriers 12 by a picking head of a picking and placing machine.

[0040] Furthermore, the bending of the drive sprocket also includes relative bending between the outer sprocket 104 and the inner yoke 106, which is caused by the downward force applied to the outer sprocket 104.

[0041] The method may also include: contacting the pins 16 of the component 14 located at the cutting and / or placement position 150 by the clamp 160 and cutting the pins 16 by the cutter 162, thereby separating the component 14 from the carrier tapes 10, 20, 30 and / or its component carrier 12.

[0042] The method may also include delivering component 14 to the picking head of the picking and placing system after cutting and before removal, and then retracting the clamp 160, cutter 162 and pull-down mechanism 120.

[0043] The various elements in this embodiment are described using terms such as “a” or “one or more.” These terms mean that there are one or more such elements. “Comprising,” “having,” and their derivatives are intended to be inclusive, meaning that there may be other elements besides those listed. When “or” is used with a list of at least two terms, it means any single term or any combination of terms. The terms “first” and “second” are used to distinguish elements but do not indicate a specific order.

[0044] Although the invention has been described in detail with respect to only a limited number of embodiments, it should be readily understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Rather, modifications can be made to incorporate any number of variations, alterations, substitutions, or equivalent arrangements that are consistent with the spirit and scope of the invention. Furthermore, while various embodiments of the invention have been described, it should be understood that certain aspects of the invention may include only the described embodiments. Therefore, the invention should not be considered as limited by the foregoing description, but only by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A radial feeder with a carrier belt, comprising: A drive sprocket, which has multiple sprocket teeth; Component cutting and / or placement location, which includes the mold reference surface; as well as The pull-down mechanism is located near the component cutting and / or placement location. The drive sprocket is configured to rotate. The plurality of sprocket teeth mesh with bearing holes on the bearing belt, which carries multiple components. When the drive sprocket rotates, it pushes the bearing belt forward. The pull-down mechanism is configured to pull the carrier belt down until the bottom of one of the plurality of components located at the cutting and / or placement position contacts the mold reference surface. The drive sprocket is configured to bend when the pull-down mechanism pulls down the carrier belt.

2. The radial feeder with a bearing belt as described in claim 1, wherein, The drive sprocket is a component, including: Inner yoke; An outer sprocket surrounding the inner yoke, the outer sprocket having a plurality of sprocket teeth arranged around its outer periphery; and A spring plate is attached to each of the inner yoke and the outer sprocket.

3. The bearing belt as described in claim 2, wherein, The spring plate is configured to allow the outer sprocket to bend relative to the inner yoke in response to a downward or upward force applied to the outer sprocket.

4. The radial feeder with a bearing belt as described in claim 2, wherein, The inner yoke includes a circumferential body and a cylindrical extension having an inner opening for accommodating a rotatable shaft.

5. The radial feeder with a bearing belt as described in claim 4, wherein, The spring plate includes a central opening that receives and extends around the cylindrical extension of the inner yoke, and wherein the spring plate includes a first circumferential portion having an inner radius, a second circumferential portion having an outer radius, and a flexible connecting portion that extends between and connects the first circumferential portion and the second circumferential portion.

6. The radial feeder with a bearing belt as described in claim 5, wherein, The first circumferential portion is attached to the inner yoke, and the second circumferential portion is attached to the outer sprocket.

7. The radial feeder with a bearing belt as described in claim 6, wherein, The inner yoke also includes an outer radial portion and a stepped portion located between the outer radial portion and the cylindrical extension, wherein the first circumferential portion of the spring plate is attached to the stepped portion.

8. The radial feeder with a bearing belt as described in claim 6, wherein, The outer sprocket includes a circumferential recessed portion, wherein the second circumferential portion of the spring plate is attached to the circumferential recessed portion of the outer sprocket.

9. The radial feeder with a bearing belt as described in claim 1, further comprising: A clamp configured to contact the pins of the component from the component cutting and / or placement position.

10. The radial feeder with a bearing belt as described in claim 9, further comprising: A cutter configured to cut the pins of the component in the cutting and / or placement assembly to isolate the component from the carrier tape.

11. A method of conveying an assembly using a carrier belt radial feeder, comprising: The carrier belt radial feeder is provided, the carrier belt radial feeder comprising: A drive sprocket, which has multiple sprocket teeth; The component cutting and / or placement location, which includes the mold reference surface; and The pull-down mechanism is located near the component cutting and / or placement location. Rotate the drive sprocket; The carrier belt is designed to engage with the multiple sprocket teeth, and the carrier belt carries multiple components. During rotation and engagement, the drive sprocket pushes the carrier belt forward; The support belt is pulled down using the pull-down mechanism until the bottom of one of the multiple components located at the cutting and / or placement position contacts the mold reference surface; The drive sprocket bends as the pull-down mechanism pulls down the carrier belt; and The component is removed from the carrier belt by a picking head, the component being located at the component cutting and / or placement position.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein, The drive sprocket is an assembly comprising: an inner yoke; an outer sprocket surrounding the inner yoke, the outer sprocket having a plurality of sprocket teeth arranged around its outer periphery; and a spring plate attached to each of the inner yoke and the outer sprocket; wherein the bending of the drive sprocket further comprises: In response to the application of a downward or upward force on the outer sprocket, the outer sprocket bends relative to the inner yoke.

13. The method of claim 11, further comprising: The pins of the components in the plurality of components located at the cutting and / or placement positions are brought into contact using a clamp.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising: The pins of the component located at the cutting and / or placement position are cut off by a cutter to separate the component from the carrier tape.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising: After cutting is completed and at the component cutting and / or placement location, the component is presented to the picking head of the picking and placing system.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising: After the presentation and before the removal, the clamp, the cutter, and the pull-down mechanism are retracted.

17. A picking and placing system, comprising: A carrier belt radial feeder, the carrier belt radial feeder comprising: A drive sprocket, which has multiple sprocket teeth; The component cutting and / or placement location, which includes the mold reference surface; and The pull-down mechanism is located near the component cutting and / or placement location. The drive sprocket is configured to rotate. The sprocket teeth mesh with the bearing holes on the carrier belt, which carries multiple components. When the drive sprocket rotates, it pushes the carrier belt forward. The pull-down mechanism is configured to pull the carrier belt down until the bottom of one of the plurality of components located at the cutting and / or placement position contacts the mold reference surface. The drive sprocket is configured to bend when the pull-down mechanism pulls the carrier belt down, and A picking head is configured to pick up one of the plurality of components of the carrier belt at the component cutting and / or placement location.

18. The picking and placing system of claim 17, wherein, The drive sprocket is a component, including: Inner yoke; An outer sprocket surrounding the inner yoke, the outer sprocket having a plurality of sprocket teeth arranged around its outer periphery; and A spring plate is attached to each of the inner yoke and the outer sprocket.

19. The picking and placing system of claim 18, wherein, The spring plate is configured to allow the outer sprocket to bend relative to the inner yoke in response to a downward or upward force applied to the outer sprocket.

20. A drive sprocket assembly for carrying a radial feeder, comprising: Inner yoke; An outer sprocket surrounds the inner yoke, the outer sprocket having a plurality of sprocket teeth arranged around the outer periphery of the outer sprocket; as well as A spring plate, which is attached to each of the inner yoke and the outer sprocket; The spring plate is configured to allow the outer sprocket to bend relative to the inner yoke in response to a downward or upward force applied to the outer sprocket.

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