DELIVERY DEVICE, CHOPPING MACHINE AND PROCEDURE
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- DE · DE
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- ROHDE & SCHWARZ GMBH & CO KG
- Filing Date
- 2024-06-11
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-09
Smart Images
Figure 00000000_0000_ABST
Abstract
Description
AREA OF INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a delivery device and a corresponding method. TECHNICAL BACKGROUND
[0002] The present invention is described below mainly in connection with so-called “feeders” for placement machines, but can also be applied to other areas of application.
[0003] Components for automated placement in a pick-and-place machine are typically supplied on a tape containing individual pockets, each holding a single component. A film seals the individual pockets on the top of the tape. Before the components are placed in an electrical circuit, this film is removed. Sometimes, individual components may stick to the film during removal, resulting in empty pockets or components being placed upside down in their respective pockets. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] One objective of the invention is therefore to improve the automatic assembly of electrical circuits.
[0005] The problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims, the description, and the accompanying figures. In particular, the independent claims of one claim category may also be further developed analogously to the dependent claims of another claim category.
[0006] The present invention discloses: A delivery device for a pick-and-place machine, wherein the delivery device has a belt holder configured to receive a foil-sealed component belt with individual component pockets, each of the component pockets having an opening on its underside and the component pockets of the component belt being sealed with a sealing film, and a belt guide arranged downstream of the belt holder in the direction of belt movement, and configured to guide the component belt, and a belt opening device arranged on the belt guide, which is configured to generate a vacuum on the undersides of the component pockets and to remove the sealing film from the respective component pockets when a vacuum is generated.
[0007] The present invention further discloses: A placement machine comprising at least one delivery device according to the invention and a component removal device, which is designed to remove respective components from an open component belt which is guided in the at least one delivery device.
[0008] The present invention further discloses: A method for supplying components to a placement machine, wherein the method comprises picking up a foil-sealed component belt with individual component pockets, each of the component pockets having an opening on its underside and the component pockets of the component belt being sealed with a sealing film, guiding the component belt to a belt opening device, generating a vacuum on the underside of the component pockets in the belt opening device, and removing the sealing film from the respective component pockets when a vacuum has been generated.
[0009] The underlying insight of the present invention is that components adhering to the sealing film lead to high rework costs and thus high costs in the production of electronic circuits.
[0010] The idea underlying the present invention is to take this knowledge into account and to provide a way to open a component belt without components sticking to the sealing film.
[0011] Typically, electrical or electronic components are delivered to the placement machine on a tape and mounted onto the printed circuit board. A sealing film is welded to the tape, which is removed during the automated placement process. Components regularly stick to the film and cannot be properly mounted.
[0012] Particularly small components, such as glass diodes of type 3585.9847.00 or type 1145.5173.00, can adhere to the sealing film when the component tape's sealing film is removed and consequently be pulled out of the cavity of the respective component pocket. As a result, the components are lost or can only be installed incorrectly, e.g., upside down.
[0013] Components adhering to the sealing film thus lead to an extremely high increase in component consumption, especially in the SMD area. Since some of these are allocation components, it frequently happens that affected components have to be manually placed on the SMD line. However, manual placement is usually difficult, as these components can be damaged even by touching them with tweezers.
[0014] If components are mounted upside down, this also results in increased repair effort in the SMD area. As mentioned above, the components' sensitivity to touch, e.g., glass diodes, makes repairs difficult. Due to manual assembly or repairs, components are occasionally mounted with reversed polarity.
[0015] To avoid the aforementioned problems, the delivery device features a belt receptacle, a belt guide, and a belt opening device.
[0016] The belt feeder receives a foil-sealed component belt. The component belt has individual component pockets, each with an opening on its underside and sealed with a sealing film. The belt guide directs the component belt to the belt opening device for opening, i.e., for removing the sealing film. A placement machine, in which the feeder is located, typically has a drive that feeds the component belt in at intervals or continuously and discharges it after component removal. The belt guide is positioned downstream of the belt feeder in the direction of belt movement. The direction of belt movement does not necessarily refer to a geometric or spatial direction. Rather, the term "belt movement direction" simply describes the component flow or transport direction of the components within the component belt.
[0017] The belt opening device creates a vacuum on the underside of each component pocket and removes the sealing film from the respective component pockets when the vacuum is created.
[0018] The vacuum created on the underside of the component pocket, which has an opening, draws the components within the pocket towards the corresponding hole. The strength of the vacuum can be adjusted to suit the specific component. The "underside" of the component pocket refers to the side opposite the sealing film.
[0019] While the component in the component pocket is drawn to the underside of the pocket by the generated vacuum, the belt opening device removes the sealing film from the component belt. Because the component is drawn to the opening on the underside of the component pocket by the vacuum, it does not adhere to the sealing film when it is removed.
[0020] In one embodiment, after removing the sealing film, the component can be removed directly by a suitable component removal device. If the component belt is transported further after the sealing film has been removed, the component removal device can then remove the respective component.
[0021] By eliminating the aforementioned problems with the aid of the delivery device or the placement machine or the method according to the present invention, production delays are avoided and production costs are significantly reduced, since manual placement, troubleshooting, repairs, defect slippage, etc., are eliminated. This also increases the quality of the manufactured assemblies.
[0022] Further embodiments and developments are described in the dependent claims and in the description with reference to the figures. In particular, all embodiments mentioned herein can be combined with one another in any order or number, unless individual features are mutually exclusive. In particular, the dependent claims of one claim category can also be further developed according to another claim category.
[0023] In one embodiment, which can be combined with all the embodiments mentioned herein, the belt opening device can have a vacuum chamber which can be coupled to a vacuum generating device and which can have an opening through which the underside of the component belt can be guided.
[0024] The vacuum chamber can be designed in such a way that one or more component pockets are pulled or pushed over the vacuum chamber with their undersides facing the vacuum chamber.
[0025] If the set vacuum is present in the vacuum chamber, the underside of the respective component pocket is drawn against the vacuum chamber. Simultaneously, the component is drawn from the inside against the underside of the vacuum chamber through the opening in the underside. When the corresponding component pocket is opened, the component cannot be pulled out of the pocket along with the sealing film.
[0026] The vacuum generation device can be located remotely from the belt opening device or can be designed as a unit consisting of belt receptacle, belt guide, and belt opening device, and can be coupled to the vacuum chamber via a corresponding vacuum line.
[0027] In further embodiments, the belt opening device may only comprise the vacuum chamber, which can be coupled to an external vacuum generation device. Such a vacuum generation device can supply several delivery devices with a corresponding vacuum.
[0028] In a further embodiment, which can be combined with all embodiments mentioned herein, the opening of the vacuum chamber can be larger than the openings on the undersides of the component pockets. This allows the entire underside of the component pockets to be drawn in and ensures that the vacuum is reliably generated within the component pockets.
[0029] In some embodiments, the opening of the vacuum chamber can also be smaller than the openings on the undersides of the component pockets.
[0030] In yet another embodiment, which can be combined with all the embodiments mentioned herein, the vacuum generating device can be directly coupled to the vacuum chamber and permanently generate a vacuum in the vacuum chamber.
[0031] As explained above, a vacuum line can couple a vacuum generating device of the delivery device or the belt opening device, or an external vacuum generating device, to the vacuum chamber.
[0032] Such a vacuum generation device can permanently supply the vacuum chamber with a corresponding vacuum.
[0033] In such embodiments, the component belt is continuously drawn against the vacuum chamber, even during its movement across the chamber. This can be advantageous for guiding the component belt, as it keeps it permanently in position and, depending on the design, eliminates the need for additional guide elements on the vacuum chamber.
[0034] In yet another embodiment, which can be combined with all the embodiments mentioned herein, the delivery device may further comprise a controllable valve arranged between the vacuum generating device and the vacuum chamber, and a valve control device coupled to the controllable valve, configured to close and open the controllable valve in a pulsed manner.
[0035] The valve control unit can be integrated into a control unit of the placement machine or the delivery device, which can also control the drive of the component belt, for example, or it can be designed as a separate control unit.
[0036] The valve control device can control the controllable valve in such a way that a vacuum is only created in the vacuum chamber when a component pocket is located above the vacuum chamber and is opened.
[0037] This ensures that the component belt is only drawn into the vacuum chamber at the precise moment the component is to be removed from the component pocket. Movement of the component belt at other times is not affected.
[0038] In a further embodiment, which can be combined with all embodiments mentioned herein, the belt opening device can be arranged in the direction of belt movement in front of or behind the belt guide, or in or parallel to the belt guide.
[0039] The arrangement of the belt opening device relative to the belt guide can vary depending on the application. Depending on the available space in the respective pick-and-place machine, the belt opening device can be positioned before or after the belt guide. In some embodiments, the belt guide can also be positioned both before and after the belt opening device. The belt guide can also be arranged parallel to the belt opening device.
[0040] In some embodiments, the belt opening device can be integrated into the belt guide. In such embodiments, the component belt is actively guided through the belt guide before, during, and after the component pockets are opened.
[0041] In a further embodiment, which can be combined with all embodiments mentioned herein, the delivery device has a belt drive which is designed to move the component belt in a clocked or continuous manner.
[0042] In a further embodiment, which can be combined with all embodiments mentioned herein, the placement machine can have a belt drive which is arranged outside the at least one delivery device and moves the respective component belt.
[0043] The belt drive can be implemented in different ways. As explained above, it can be located either in the delivery device or outside of it, within the placement machine.
[0044] The above embodiments and further developments can be combined with one another as appropriate. Further possible embodiments, further developments, and implementations of the invention also include combinations of features of the invention described previously or subsequently with regard to the exemplary embodiments, even if not explicitly mentioned. In particular, the person skilled in the art will also add individual aspects as improvements or additions to the respective basic form of the present invention. CONTENT OF THE DRAWINGS
[0045] The present invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the schematic figures of the drawings. These show: Fig. 1 a block diagram of an embodiment of a delivery device according to the present invention; Fig. 2 a block diagram of a further embodiment of a delivery device according to the present invention; Fig. 3 a block diagram of an embodiment of a delivery device according to the present invention; Fig. 4 a block diagram of an embodiment of a pick-and-place machine according to the present invention; and Fig. 5 a flowchart of an embodiment of a method according to the present invention.
[0046] In all figures, identical or functionally equivalent elements and devices have been provided with the same reference numerals, unless otherwise specified. DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES OF EXECUTION
[0047] Fig. Figure 1 shows a block diagram of a delivery device 100. The delivery device 100 has a belt receptacle 101, behind which a belt guide 106 and a belt opening device 107 are arranged. A component belt 102 runs through the belt receptacle 101, the belt guide 106, and the belt opening device 107. The belt guide 106 is shown in front of the belt opening device 107 only as an example. In further embodiments, the belt guide 106 can be arranged after the belt opening device 107, or the belt opening device 107 can be arranged within the belt guide 106. In a further embodiment, the belt guide 106 can be integrated into the belt receptacle 101 with or without the belt opening device 107. The component belt 102 has a plurality of component pockets 103-1 - 103-6, each of which holds a component (shown with a dashed line) and has an opening 104 on its underside. The opening 104 is shown in the side view of the Fig. 1 not visible. It is understood that the opening 104 can have any shape appropriate to the application. For example, the opening can be round, oval, or rectangular. The explanations given above and below regarding further embodiments of the delivery device also apply mutatis mutandis to the delivery device 100.
[0048] The belt holder 101 receives the foil-sealed component belt 102, in which the individual component pockets 103-1 - 103-6 are closed with a continuous sealing film 105. The belt guide 106 serves as a guide for the component belt 102, so that it can be fed to the belt opening device 107 in a predetermined orientation. For this purpose, the belt guide 106 can have corresponding (not shown) rails, walls, bearings, and other suitable elements. For example, the belt guide 106 can have a type of channel, in particular a partially open channel, in which the component belt 102 can be guided.
[0049] The belt opening device 107 creates a vacuum (indicated by two arrows) on the undersides of the component pockets 103-1 - 103-6, whereby the sealing film 105 is removed from the respective component pockets 103-1 - 103-6 when the vacuum is created. To create the vacuum, the belt opening device 107 can, for example, guide the end of a vacuum line or hose directly under the opening 104 of the respective component pocket 103-1 - 103-6. A corresponding vacuum generation device may be provided.
[0050] In embodiments, the belt holder 101, the belt guide 106, and the belt opening device 107 can be designed similarly to, or as in, a conventional feeder for pick-and-place machines. In such embodiments, the elements for generating the vacuum can be added to the belt opening device 107.
[0051] Although not explicitly stated, the delivery device 100 may have a drive for the component belt 202, which moves the component belt 202 over the belt opening device 107. Such a drive may also be located outside the delivery device 100, e.g., in a corresponding placement machine.
[0052] Fig. Figure 2 shows a block diagram of a delivery device 200. The delivery device 200 is based on the delivery device 100. Consequently, the delivery device 200 has a belt receptacle 201, behind which a belt guide 206 and a belt opening device 207 are arranged. A component belt 202 runs through the belt receptacle 201, the belt guide 206, and the belt opening device 207. The belt guide 206 is shown in front of the belt opening device 207 only as an example. In further embodiments, the belt guide 206 can be arranged after the belt opening device 207, or the belt opening device 207 can be arranged within the belt guide 206. In a further embodiment, the belt guide 206 can be integrated into the belt receptacle 201 with or without the belt opening device 207.The component belt 202 has a plurality of component pockets 203-1 - 203-6, each of which holds a component (shown with a dashed line) and has an opening 204 on its underside. The opening 204 is visible in the side view of the... Fig. 2 not visible. It is understood that the opening 204 can have any shape appropriate to the application. For example, the opening can be round, oval, or rectangular. The belt receptacle 201 receives the foil-sealed component belt 202, in which the individual component pockets 203-1 - 203-6 are closed with a continuous sealing film 205. The explanations given above and below regarding further embodiments of the delivery device also apply mutatis mutandis to the delivery device 200.
[0053] The belt opening device 207 of the delivery device 200 has a vacuum chamber 210 which is coupled to a vacuum generating device 213. The vacuum chamber 210 has an opening 211 through which the underside of the component belt 202 is guided during operation of the delivery device 200.
[0054] In some embodiments, the opening 211 of the vacuum chamber 210 can be larger than the openings 204 on the undersides of the component pockets 203-1 - 203-6, although smaller openings 204 are also possible. Simultaneously, the opening 211 of the vacuum chamber 210 can be smaller than the area of the underside of the component pockets 203-1 - 203-6. In other embodiments, the opening 211 of the vacuum chamber 210 can be larger, and in particular longer, than the underside of a respective component pocket 203-1 - 203-6. For example, the opening 211 of the vacuum chamber 210 can be configured to provide a vacuum for two or more component pockets 203-1 - 203-6 simultaneously. For this purpose, the opening 211 of the vacuum chamber 210 can have a length equal to the respective number of component pockets 203-1 - 203-6. The width of the opening 211 of the vacuum chamber 210 can be adjusted to the component belt 202 so that it is also drawn in outside the component pockets 203-1 - 203-6.The belt opening device 207 may have corresponding sealing elements, e.g. sealing lips.
[0055] In the delivery device 200, the vacuum generation unit 213 is directly coupled to the vacuum chamber 210. A vacuum is continuously generated in the vacuum chamber 210 as long as the vacuum generation unit 213 is active.
[0056] For example, a suitable device in which a Venturi nozzle generates the vacuum can be used as a vacuum generating device 213.
[0057] Fig. Figure 3 shows a block diagram of a delivery device 300. The delivery device 300 is based on the delivery device 100. Consequently, the delivery device 300 has a belt receptacle 301, behind which a belt guide 306 and a belt opening device 307 are arranged. A component belt 302 runs through the belt receptacle 301, the belt guide 306, and the belt opening device 307. The belt guide 306 is shown in front of the belt opening device 307 only as an example. In further embodiments, the belt guide 306 can be arranged after the belt opening device 307, or the belt opening device 307 can be arranged within the belt guide 306. In a further embodiment, the belt guide 306 can be integrated into the belt receptacle 301 with or without the belt opening device 307.The component belt 302 has a plurality of component pockets 303-1 - 303-6, each of which holds a component (shown with a dashed line) and has an opening 304 on its underside. The opening 304 is visible in the side view of the... Fig. 3 not visible. It is understood that the opening 304 can have any shape appropriate to the application. For example, the opening can be round, oval, or rectangular. The belt receptacle 301 receives the foil-sealed component belt 302, in which the individual component pockets 303-1 - 303-6 are closed with a continuous sealing film 305. The explanations given above and below regarding further embodiments of the delivery device also apply mutatis mutandis to the delivery device 300.
[0058] The belt opening device 307 of the delivery device 300 also has a vacuum chamber 310, which is coupled to a vacuum generation device 313. The vacuum chamber 310 has an opening 311 through which the underside of the component belt 302 is guided during operation of the delivery device 300.
[0059] In the delivery device 300, the vacuum generating unit 313 is not directly coupled to the vacuum chamber 310. Instead, a controllable valve 315 is arranged between the vacuum chamber 310 and the vacuum generating unit 313. The controllable valve 315 is controlled by a valve control unit 316. Consequently, the vacuum is only generated in the vacuum chamber 310 when the valve control unit 316 actuates the controllable valve 315 accordingly. The vacuum generating unit 313 can also be arranged in the belt opening device 307 of the delivery device 300.
[0060] Fig. Figure 4 shows a block diagram of a placement machine 420. The placement machine 420 has a feeder 400. The feeder 400 corresponds to the feeder 100. It is understood that any of the embodiments of the feeder described herein can be used in the placement machine 420.
[0061] In addition to the delivery device 400, the placement machine 420 has a component removal device 421, which is designed to remove the respective component from one of the open component pockets 403-1 - 403-6 and transport it to the corresponding destination. The component removal device 421 can be designed, for example, as a negative pressure or vacuum suction nozzle, or as a mechanical gripper.
[0062] Fig. Figure 5 shows a flowchart of a method according to the present invention for supplying components to a placement machine.
[0063] The method comprises picking up S1 a foil-sealed component belt 102, 202, 302, 402 with individual component pockets 103-1 - 103-6, 203-1 - 203-6, 303-1 - 303-6, 403-1 - 403-6, wherein each of the component pockets 103-1 - 103-6, 203-1 - 203-6, 303-1 - 303-6, 403-1 - 403-6 has an opening 104, 204, 304, 404 on its underside and the component pockets 103-1 - 103-6, 203-1 - 203-6, 303-1 - 303-6, 403-1 - 403-6 of the component belt 102, 202, 302, 402 are sealed with a sealing foil 105, 205, 305, 405.Furthermore, the method involves guiding S2 of the component belt 102, 202, 302, 402 to a belt opening device 107, 207, 307, 407, generating S3 a vacuum on the underside of the component pockets 103-1 - 103-6, 203-1 - 203-6, 303-1 - 303-6, 403-1 - 403-6 in the belt opening device 107, 207, 307, 407, and removing S4 the sealing film 105, 205, 305, 405 from the respective component pockets 103-1 - 103-6, 203-1 - 203-6, 303-1 - 303-6, 403-1 - 403-6 when a vacuum has been generated. on.
[0064] The negative pressure can be generated in the process with a negative pressure chamber 210, 310, 410, which can be coupled with a negative pressure generating device 213, 313, 413, and which can have an opening 211, 311, 411 through which the underside of the component belt 102, 202, 302, 402 can be guided.
[0065] The opening 211, 311, 411 of the vacuum chamber 210, 310, 410 can be larger than the openings 104, 204, 304, 404 on the undersides of the component pockets 103-1 - 103-6, 203-1 - 203-6, 303-1 - 303-6, 403-1 - 403-6. As mentioned above, the opening 211, 311, 411 of the vacuum chamber 210, 310, 410 can also be smaller.
[0066] Since the devices and methods described in detail above are exemplary embodiments, they can be modified extensively by a person skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. In particular, the mechanical arrangements and the relative sizes of the individual elements are merely exemplary. Reference symbol list 100, 200, 300, 400 delivery device 101, 201, 301, 401 belt holder 102, 202, 302, 402 Component belt 103-1 - 103-6, 203-1 - 203-6 Component Bag 303-1 - 303-6, 403-1 - 403-6 Component Bag 104, 204, 304, 404 Opening 105, 205, 305, 405 Sealing foil 106, 206, 306, 406 Belt guide 107, 207, 307, 407 Belt opening device 210, 310, 410 Low-pressure chamber 211, 311, 411 Opening 212, 312, 412 Vacuum line 213, 313, 413 Vacuum generating device 315 controllable valve 316 Valve control unit 420 Placement machine 421 Component removal device S1 - S4 process steps
Claims
[1] Delivery device (100, 200, 300, 400) for a pick-and-place machine (420), wherein the delivery device (100, 200, 300, 400) comprises: a belt receptacle (101, 201, 301, 401) which is configured to receive a foil-sealed component belt (102, 202, 302, 402) with individual component pockets (103-1 - 103-6, 203-1 - 203-6, 303-1 - 303-6, 403-1 - 403-6), wherein each of the component pockets (103-1 - 103-6, 203-1 - 203-6, 303-1 - 303-6, 403-1 - 403-6) has an opening (104, 204, 304, 404) on its underside and the component pockets (103-1 - 103-6, 203-1 - 203-6, 303-1 - 303-6, 403-1 - 403-6) of the component belt (102, 202, 302, 402) are closed with a sealing film (105, 205, 305, 405); a belt guide (106, 206, 306, 406) which is arranged in the direction of belt movement after the belt receptacle (101, 201, 301, 401) and is designed to guide the component belt (102, 202, 302, 402); and a belt opening device (107, 207, 307, 407) which is arranged on the belt guide (106, 206, 306, 406) and which is designed to generate a vacuum on the undersides of the component pockets (103-1 - 103-6, 203-1 - 203-6, 303-1 - 303-6, 403-1 - 403-6) and to remove the sealing film (105, 205, 305, 405) from the respective component pockets (103-1 - 103-6, 203-1 - 203-6, 303-1 - 303-6, 403-1 - 403-6) when a vacuum is generated. [2] Delivery device (100, 200, 300, 400) according to claim 1, wherein the belt opening device (107, 207, 307, 407) has a vacuum chamber (210, 310, 410) which is coupled to a vacuum generating device (213, 313, 413) and which has an opening (211, 311, 411) through which the underside of the component belt (102, 202, 302, 402) can be guided. [3] Delivery device (100, 200, 300, 400) according to claim 2, wherein the opening (211, 311, 411) of the vacuum chamber (210, 310, 410) has a size which is larger than the openings (104, 204, 304, 404) on the undersides of the component pockets (103-1 - 103-6, 203-1 - 203-6, 303-1 - 303-6, 403-1 - 403-6). [4] Delivery device (100, 200, 300, 400) according to one of the preceding claims 2 and 3, wherein the vacuum generating device (213, 313, 413) is directly coupled to the vacuum chamber (210, 310, 410) and permanently generates a vacuum in the vacuum chamber (210, 310, 410). [5] Delivery device (100, 200, 300, 400) according to one of the preceding claims 2 and 3, further comprising: a controllable valve (315) which is arranged between the vacuum generating device (213, 313, 413) and the vacuum chamber (210, 310, 410); and a valve control device (316) which is coupled to the controllable valve (315) and which is configured to close and open the controllable valve (315) in a pulsed manner. [6] Delivery device (100, 200, 300, 400) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the belt opening device (107, 207, 307, 407) is arranged in the belt movement direction before or after the belt guide (106, 206, 306, 406); or wherein the belt opening device (107, 207, 307, 407) is arranged in or parallel to the belt guide (106, 206, 306, 406). [7] Picking and packing machine (420) comprising: at least one delivery device (100, 200, 300, 400) according to one of the preceding claims; and a component removal device (421) which is designed to remove respective components from an open component belt (102, 202, 302, 402) which is guided in the at least one delivery device (100, 200, 300, 400). [8] Method for supplying components to a placement machine (420), wherein the method comprises: Picking up (S1) a foil-sealed component belt (102, 202, 302, 402) with individual component pockets (103-1 - 103-6, 203-1 - 203-6, 303-1 - 303-6, 403-1 - 403-6), wherein each of the component pockets (103-1 - 103-6, 203-1 - 203-6, 303-1 - 303-6, 403-1 - 403-6) has an opening (104, 204, 304, 404) on its underside and the component pockets (103-1 - 103-6, 203-1 - 203-6, 303-1 - 303-6, 403-1 - 403-6) of the Component belt (102, 202, 302, 402) are sealed with a sealing film (105, 205, 305, 405); Guiding (S2) the component belt (102, 202, 302, 402) to a belt opening device (107, 207, 307, 407); Creating (S3) a vacuum on the underside of the component pockets (103-1 - 103-6, 203-1 - 203-6, 303-1 - 303-6, 403-1 - 403-6) in the belt opening device (107, 207, 307, 407); and Removal (S4) of the sealing film (105, 205, 305, 405) from the respective component pockets (103-1 - 103-6, 203-1 - 203-6, 303-1 - 303-6, 403-1 - 403-6) under generated negative pressure. [9] Method according to claim 8, wherein the vacuum is generated with a vacuum chamber (210, 310, 410) which is coupled to a vacuum generating device (213, 313, 413) and which has an opening (211, 311, 411) through which the underside of the component belt (102, 202, 302, 402) can be guided. [10] Method according to claim 9, wherein the opening (211, 311, 411) of the vacuum chamber (210, 310, 410) has a size which is larger than the openings (104, 204, 304, 404) on the undersides of the component pockets (103-1 - 103-6, 203-1 - 203-6, 303-1 - 303-6, 403-1 - 403-6).