Holding device and holding process

Abstract

To provide a holding device and a holding process.SOLUTION: A holding device (10) is used to hold feeder devices (140) for providing electronic components (110) to a pick and placing machine. The holding device (10) includes: a basic body (20) having a holding capacity (22) for holding the feeder devices (140); and at least one open device (40) for opening and closing the holding capacity (22). The holding device (10) includes a detection device (60) and a control device (70). The detection device (60) detects a transport device (160) different from the holding device (10) for transporting at least one feeder device (140). The control device (70) automatically opens or closes the open device based on the detected transport device (160).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a holding device for holding a plurality of feeder devices for providing electronic components to a pick and place machine. Moreover, the present invention relates to a holding process for holding, by the holding device, at least one feeder device for providing electronic components to a pick and place machine. [Background technology]

[0002] In the field of pick-and-place technology for electronic components on a substrate, for example, there are a large number of different components (with, for example, resin-sealed housings), which can be damaged by moisture and its expansion inside the component during further processing steps, such as the soldering process, etc. These components should preferably be stored in a defined (especially dry) environment.

[0003] Preferably, these components are initially hermetically welded before being used for the first time. Drying cabinets are known to be used for the storage of already started component reels, in which the corresponding moisture-sensitive components may be installed by hand.

[0004] There is a need in the industry to minimize the manual labor required to operate pick and place machines. Known feed devices for component coils for supplying components to pick and place machines are increasingly being replaced by feeder devices with integrated component magazines and / or component coils. No holding devices are known for such feeder devices with moisture sensitive devices. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The problem of the present invention is therefore to eliminate or at least partially eliminate the disadvantages in the prior art as described above. Among other things, the object of the present invention is to provide a holding device which, among other things, facilitates holding a plurality of feeder devices for providing electronic components to a pick-and-place machine. Moreover, the object of the present invention is also to provide a holding process for holding, by the holding device, at least one feeder device for providing electronic components to a pick-and-place machine. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The above-mentioned object is achieved by the claims. In particular, the object is achieved by a holding device for holding a plurality of feeder devices for providing electronic components to a pick-and-place machine with the features of independent claim 1. Moreover, the object is achieved by a holding process for holding at least one feeder device for providing electronic components to a pick-and-place machine by means of a holding device with the features of independent claim 12. Further advantages and details of the invention emerge from the dependent claims, the description and the drawings. The features and details described in connection with the holding device according to the invention naturally also apply in connection with the holding process according to the invention and vice versa in each case, such that cross reference is or can always be made with respect to the disclosure of the individual inventive aspects.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the invention, this object is achieved by a holding device for holding a plurality of feeder devices for providing electronic components to a pick-and-place machine, the holding device comprising a basic body part with a holding volume for holding the plurality of feeder devices and at least one opening device for opening and closing the holding volume, the holding device comprising a detection device and a control device, the detection device being designed to detect a transport device separate from the holding device for transporting the at least one feeder device, and the control device being designed to automatically open and hermetically close the opening device based on the detected transport device.

[0008] The holding device is preferably designed to be airtight or essentially airtight. Closing preferably allows airtight closure of the holding volume.

[0009] In the context of the present invention, a feeder device is preferably understood as a feeder device with an integrated component magazine (particularly a component coil). Alternatively or additionally, a feeder device is to be understood as a feeder cassette, a tape reel and / or a differently designed component storage device. The electronic components are preferably to be understood as moisture-sensitive devices (MSD). The feeder device is preferably designed, when used together with a pick-and-place machine, to provide the pick-and-place machine with electronic components.

[0010] The holding device is designed to hold a plurality of feeder devices. For example, the feeder device offers holding options for 10, 20 or 30 feeder devices. The basic body of the holding device is preferably to be understood as a housing (particularly as an airtight or essentially airtight housing). The phrase "X or essentially X" is to be understood in the context of the present invention as small deviations that may occur (e.g. due to manufacturing tolerances, material and / or process characteristics) without changing the intended function underlying the feature. The basic body comprises a holding volume therein. The basic body further comprises at least one opening device (particularly precisely one opening device) for opening and closing the holding volume for inserting a feeder device into the holding volume and / or for removing a feeder device from the holding volume. The opening device and / or the basic body preferably have at least one sealing device for airtight closure of the holding volume. The opening device is preferably designed for at least partially automated opening and closing.

[0011] The insertion and / or removal of the feeder device into and / or from the holding volume is preferably performed by a transport device which is separate from the holding device. The transport device is designed to transport at least one feeder device (in particular a plurality of feeder devices). Preferably, the transport device is designed as a known transport robot and / or line robot. The transport device is preferably to be understood as an external, independent and / or mobile transport device in relation to the holding device according to the invention.

[0012] The holding device is particularly advantageous due to the control device and the detection device, because the detection device is designed to detect the transport device, and based on the detected transport device, the control device is designed to automatically open and close the opening device. The control device is preferably connected to the opening device and / or the detection device in a manner that allows data and / or signal communication. The control device preferably includes a logic device for evaluating the detection data of the detection device.

[0013] The holding device designed in this way is particularly advantageous as it particularly facilitates holding a plurality of feeder devices for providing electronic components to a pick-and-place machine, the dehumidifying device enables a favorable environment for moisture-sensitive components in the holding volume and opening device, and in conjunction with the control device and detection device enables advantageous automated opening and closing of the opening device and advantageous insertion and / or removal of the feeder devices into and / or from the holding volume.

[0014] According to a preferred further development of the invention, it can be provided that the holding device comprises a dehumidifying device for dehumidifying the air in the holding volume, in particular that the dehumidifying device comprises a drying device and / or a temperature control device, the drying device being designed to dry the air in the holding volume and / or the temperature control device being designed to control the temperature of the air in the holding volume, in particular that the drying device and the temperature control device are of a common design.

[0015] The holding device includes a dehumidification device for dehumidifying the air in the holding volume. Thus, the dehumidification device preferably enables a favorable environment in the holding volume for moisture-sensitive devices. The dehumidification device preferably includes at least one air conveying device (e.g., a fan and / or a blower) and / or a liquid storage tank for storing liquid from the air of the holding volume. Alternatively or additionally, the dehumidification device includes a drain interface for draining liquid from the air of the holding volume. Dehumidification of the air in the holding volume should preferably be understood as removal of moisture from the air in the holding volume.

[0016] The common design of the drying device and the temperature control device should preferably be understood as a common housing, for example as a common design of the heating device and / or the air conveying device, and / or as a common flow channel. The temperature control device should preferably be understood as a heating device and / or a cooling device. Preferably, the temperature control device and / or the drying device have an exhaust air device and / or a supply air device for one-sided and / or two-sided air exchange with the surroundings of the holding device. The holding device designed in this way is particularly advantageous due to the design of the dehumidification device, because it makes it particularly easy to dehumidify the air in the holding volume.

[0017] According to a preferred further development of the invention, it can be provided in the holding device that the holding device comprises at least one sensor device for detecting at least one environmental value in the holding volume, in particular that the dehumidifying device is designed to dehumidify the air in the holding volume based on the at least one detected environmental value. The holding device is preferably designed to control the dehumidifying device by the at least one sensor device and / or based on the at least one detected environmental value. The sensor device is preferably designed as a measuring device. The sensor device is preferably designed to detect at least one value related to humidity, temperature and / or pressure in the holding device (in particular in the holding volume). The holding device preferably comprises an operating unit for controlling and / or regulating the dehumidifying device based on the at least one detected environmental value. The holding device preferably comprises an output device for outputting the at least one detected environmental value and / or an adjustable set point value for the at least one detected environmental value. A holding device designed in this way is particularly advantageous due to the at least one sensor device for detecting at least one environmental value. This is because it allows dehumidification of the air in the holding volume in an especially simple and / or controlled manner.

[0018] According to a preferred further development of the invention, it can be provided in the holding device that the detection device is designed for active and / or passive detection of the transport device separate from the holding device and / or that the detection device comprises a data interface for sending data to and / or receiving data from the transport device. The detection device is preferably designed for active and / or passive detection of the transport device. To clarify, the transport device can be detected by the detection device actively, for example optically, and / or passively, for example by an opening request by the transport device to the detection device (in particular a data-based and / or signal-based opening request). The detection device can preferably be designed as an IO interface, a data interface and / or a signal interface. The detection device preferably comprises at least one sensor device (in particular an optical sensor device) for detecting the transport device and / or for receiving data and / or signals from the transport device. A holding device designed in this way is particularly advantageous due to the design of the detection device. This is because it is particularly easy to insert and / or remove the feeder device into and / or from the holding volume and / or to dehumidify the air in the holding volume.

[0019] According to a preferred further development of the invention, it can be provided in the holding device that the holding device comprises a plurality of positioning devices for holding a plurality of feeder devices at appropriate positions in the holding volume, in particular that the plurality of positioning devices comprises a plurality of feeder positions for holding at least one feeder device each. In the context of the present invention, a plurality of positioning devices is preferably to be understood as a device for positioning the feeder devices in the holding volume and / or for fixing their positions. Specifically, the plurality of positioning devices are designed, for example, as spatial boundaries, partitions, webs and / or arrangements, which advantageously hold and position a plurality of feeder devices in a repeatable manner and / or at defined positions. The positioning devices allow advantageously defined distances between the feeder devices and, consequently, advantageous circulation in the holding volume. The positioning devices preferably form a plurality of feeder positions, each of which is preferably designed to hold at least one or exactly one feeder device. A holding device designed in this way is particularly advantageous due to the plurality of positioning devices. This is because it is particularly easy to insert and / or remove the feeder device into and / or from the holding volume and / or to dehumidify the air in the holding volume.

[0020] According to a preferred further development of the invention, it can be provided in the holding device that the holding device comprises a recognition device, which is designed to recognize at least one feeder device in the holding volume and / or to recognize at least one empty positioning device, and in particular that the control device is designed to automatically open and close the opening device based on the recognized feeder device and / or the recognized empty positioning device in the holding volume.

[0021] The recognition of the empty positioning device and / or at least one feeder device in the holding volume by the recognition device advantageously allows the opening and closing of the opening device, which takes into account the recognized empty positioning device and / or the recognized at least one feeder device in the holding volume. For example, the opening device is only opened by the control device so that the recognized at least one feeder device is released for removal by a separate transport device, for example, the smallest possible opening of the holding volume is generated by the opening device at the same time. In other words, the recognition device allows the smallest possible exchange between the air in the holding volume and the environment by taking into account the position of the recognized at least one feeder device and / or the recognized empty positioning device in the holding volume for the opening of the opening device by the control device. The holding device is preferably designed to recognize the feeder device by the recognition device (for example, by reading the feeder ID). This is done by switching on or a switching-on process of the feeder device, for example, via a standard interface between the feeder device and the holding device and / or via an RFID tag in and / or on the feeder device. Additionally or alternatively, the holding device is preferably designed to communicate with the corresponding transport device, such that data about the feeder device to be delivered can be processed and taken into account, for example, when selecting a positioning device for the corresponding feeder device. The request to open the opening device is preferably active or passive. In other words, the request to open the opening device is made by the holding device, the feeder device, the transport device and / or via a higher level logic system, the corresponding logic system being preferably connected to the holding device, the feeder device and / or the transport device in a manner that allows data communication.A holding device designed in this way is particularly advantageous due to the design of the recognition device, since it is particularly easy to insert and / or remove the feeder device into and / or from the holding volume and / or to dehumidify the air in the holding volume, and air exchange is advantageously minimized when opening the opening device.

[0022] According to a preferred further development of the invention, the holding device can be provided with at least one opening device for a defined section-wise opening of the holding volume (in particular for a defined minimum opening of at least one feeder position) and / or the opening device is designed in at least two parts and / or as a lateral roller shutter. When the holding volume is opened, air can be constantly exchanged between the holding volume and the environment, which has a negative effect on the favorable environment in the holding volume. An advantageous further development is therefore provided if the holding volume is opened such that the exchange of air between the holding volume and the environment is kept to a minimum. To clarify, it is advantageous if only a defined, partial and / or minimum opening of the opening device is performed, thus allowing the removal and / or insertion of at least one feeder device (in particular only one feeder device) from and / or into the holding volume. The opening device is preferably designed as an opening device for opening exactly one feeder position. The opening device is preferably designed as a lateral roller shutter, a sliding door, a roller shutter and / or as at least two parts. It is particularly preferred if the opening device is designed as a lateral roller shutter with at least two roller shutter halves (especially with each roller shutter half having a width corresponding to at least 80%, preferably at least 90% or at least 95% of the width of the opening device and / or the holding volume). An opening device designed in this way is particularly advantageous, since the two roller shutter halves are designed to move together, allowing an opening slot in front of each feeder device and / or in front of exactly one feeder device. A holding device designed in this way is particularly advantageous due to the design of the opening device.This is because it is particularly easy to insert and / or remove the feeder device into and / or from the holding volume and / or to dehumidify the air in the holding volume, and air exchange is advantageously minimized when opening the opening device.

[0023] According to a preferred further development of the invention, it can be provided in the holding device that the holding device, in particular the positioning devices, comprises a plurality of guide devices in the holding volume, the guide devices each being designed for guiding and / or releasably connecting at least one of the plurality of feeder devices. The guiding and / or releasable connection of the plurality of feeder devices in the holding volume is particularly advantageous for enabling a safe and repeatable positioning of the plurality of feeder devices in the holding volume and / or fixing of their position. The guide device is preferably designed as a guide rail, in particular as an omega profile, as a guide slot, in at least two parts and / or on the opposite side of the holding volume. Guiding the plurality of feeder devices in the holding volume advantageously allows to compensate for inaccuracies in the positioning between the transport device and the holding device. The releasable connection is preferably removable for removal of the feeder device by the holding device and / or the transport device. The connection is explicitly described, for example, as being formed by a snap-in connection and / or a protrusion. A holding device designed in this way is particularly advantageous due to the plurality of positioning devices. This is because it is particularly easy to insert and / or remove the feeder device into and / or from the holding volume and / or to dehumidify the air in the holding volume.

[0024] According to a preferred further development of the invention, the holding device can include a coupling device for coupling and fixing the position of the separate transport device to the counter-coupling device. It is particularly advantageous if the transport device and the holding device are arranged and / or positioned in a defined manner relative to one another, in particular with regard to the insertion and / or removal of the feeder device into and / or from the holding volume by the transport device. For this defined arrangement relative to one another, the holding device has a coupling device for coupling and fixing the position of the separate transport device to the counter-coupling device. To clarify, the coupling device allows the coupling of the separate transport device with the counter-coupling device and thus ensures a defined arrangement of the transport device relative to the holding device with repeatable accuracy. The coupling device is preferably arranged on the outside of the holding device in order to provide advantageous accessibility for the coupling with the counter-coupling device. For example, the coupling device is designed as a funnel and for coupling with a spherical counter coupling device, which is guided in the funnel for coupling, allowing the transport device to be positioned in a defined manner relative to the holding device when the counter coupling device and the coupling device approach each other. A holding device designed in this way is particularly advantageous due to the coupling device, since it is particularly easy to insert and / or remove the feeder device into and / or from the holding volume and / or to dehumidify the air in the holding volume.

[0025] According to a preferred further development of the invention, it can be provided in the holding device that the holding device comprises a pressure device, which is designed to generate an overpressure in the holding volume, in particular that the pressure device is designed together with a dehumidification device. The pressure device is an advantageous complement for the holding device according to the invention, in particular because the overpressure in the holding device (in particular in the holding volume) advantageously reduces or even prevents the ingress of air from the surroundings when the opening device is opened and / or when the opening device is open. Moreover, the pressure device is advantageous for reducing or preventing the ingress of air from the surroundings through possible leaks in the basic body of the holding device. The pressure device preferably comprises a pump device for generating an overpressure in the holding volume. A holding device designed in this way is particularly advantageous due to the pressure device, in particular because it is particularly easy to insert and / or remove the feeder device into and / or from the holding volume and / or to dehumidify the air in the holding volume.

[0026] According to a preferred further development of the invention, it can be provided in the holding device that the holding device includes an identification device, which is configured to identify an ID element of at least one of the feeder devices. It is particularly advantageous to identify the feeder device so that the correct feeder device, and thus the correct component, can always be removed from the holding device by the transport device. The identification device therefore advantageously allows a traceable allocation of the feeder device in the holding device and / or to the transport device. The data detected from the identification of the ID element is preferably stored on a storage device of the holding device or transmitted, for example, using a data interface of the holding device, to a separate server device and / or a separate storage device. The ID element is designed, for example, as a QR code and / or a bar code on the feeder device. The holding device is preferably designed to recognize the feeder device by a recognition device, for example by reading the feeder ID. This is done by switching on or a switch-on process of the feeder device, for example, via a standard interface between the feeder device and the holding device or via an RFID tag in and / or on the feeder device. A holding device designed in this way is particularly advantageous due to the identification device, since it particularly facilitates the traceable insertion and / or removal of the feeder device into and / or from the holding volume and / or the dehumidification of the air in the holding volume.

[0027] According to a second aspect of the invention, this object is achieved by a holding process for holding, by a holding device, at least one feeder device for providing electronic components to a pick-and-place machine, the holding process comprising: - detecting, by a detection device of the holding device, a transport device separate from the holding device for transporting the at least one feeder device; - opening and / or closing the holding volume by an opening device of the holding device by a control device of the holding device based on the detected transport device; Includes.

[0028] Unless expressly stated otherwise, the method steps described above and below can be performed individually, together, once, several times, simultaneously, and / or one after the other in any order. For example, designations such as "first procedural step" and "second procedural step" do not require any chronological order and / or priority. A preferred order of method steps provides that the method steps are performed in the order listed. The dehumidification of the air in the holding volume is preferably performed constantly or conditionally, in particular in a controlled manner and / or in response to environmental values ​​detected by a sensor device of the holding device. The holding process designed in this way is particularly advantageous since it particularly facilitates holding a plurality of feeder devices for providing electronic components to a pick-and-place machine, the dehumidification device allowing an advantageous environment for moisture-sensitive components in the holding volume and the opening device, and in conjunction with the control device and the detection device allows an advantageous automated opening and closing of the opening device and an advantageous insertion and / or removal of the feeder device into and / or from the holding volume.

[0029] According to a preferred further development of the invention, it can be provided that in the holding process the holding device is designed according to the first aspect. All advantages already described with respect to the holding device according to the first aspect of the invention result from the described holding process.

[0030] According to a preferred further development of the invention, in the holding process, the holding process, in particular the opening and / or closing, can be - a defined minimum opening of the opening device for at least one feeder device, in particular for exactly one feeder device, and / or - Dehumidifying the air in the holding volume of the basic body of the holding device. It may be provided that the method further comprises:

[0031] When the holding volume is opened, air may be constantly exchanged between the holding volume and the environment, which has a negative effect on the favorable environment in the holding volume. Therefore, an advantageous further development is provided if the holding volume is opened such that the exchange of air between the holding volume and the environment is kept to a minimum. To clarify, it is advantageous if only a defined opening, partial opening and / or a minimum opening of the opening device is performed, thus allowing the removal and / or insertion of at least one feeder device (particularly only one feeder device) from and / or into the holding volume. The opening device is preferably designed as an opening device for opening exactly one feeder position. The holding process designed in this way is particularly advantageous, because it is particularly easy to insert and / or remove a feeder device into and / or from the holding volume and / or to dehumidify the air in the holding volume, and the exchange of air is advantageously minimized when opening the opening device.

[0032] The holding device and the holding process according to the invention are explained in more detail below on the basis of the drawings, which are shown in each case diagrammatically. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0033] [Figure 1]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a holding device for holding a plurality of feeder devices for feeding electronic components to a pick and place machine. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a top view of a holding device for holding a plurality of feeder devices for feeding electronic components to a pick and place machine. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a further holding device for holding a plurality of feeder devices for feeding electronic components to a pick and place machine. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a holding device from FIG. 3 for holding a plurality of feeder devices for feeding electronic components to a pick-and-place machine; [Diagram 5] 13A is a perspective view of a further embodiment of an opening device for opening and closing a holding volume. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a configuration of the opening device from FIG. 5 for opening and closing the holding volume. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a flow chart illustrating the retention process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0034] Elements having the same function and mode of operation are provided with the same reference symbols in Figures 1 to 7, respectively.

[0035] 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a holding device 10 for holding a plurality of feeder devices 140 for supplying electronic components 110 to a pick-and-place machine. The holding device 10 includes a basic body part 20 having a holding volume 22 for holding a plurality of feeder devices 140, an opening device 40 (not shown) for opening and closing the holding volume 22, and a dehumidifying device 50 for dehumidifying the air in the holding volume 22. For clarity, the opening device 40 is not shown in FIG. 1. The holding device 10 further includes a detection device 60 and a control device 70, where the detection device 60 is designed to detect a transport device 160 separate from the holding device 10 for transporting the plurality of feeder devices 140, and the control device 70 is designed to automatically open and close the opening device 40 (not shown) based on the detected transport device 160. The dehumidifying device 50 includes a drying device 51 and a temperature control device 52, the drying device 51 is designed to dry the air in the holding volume 22, and / or the temperature control device 52 is designed to control the temperature of the air in the holding volume 22, and the drying device 51 and the temperature control device 52 are of a common design. The holding device 10 includes a sensor device 80 for detecting a plurality of environmental values ​​in the holding volume 22, and the dehumidifying device 50 is designed to dehumidify the air in the holding volume 22 based on the detected environmental values. The detection device 60 is designed for active and passive detection of a transport device 160 separate from the holding device 10, and the detection device 60 includes a data interface 62 for transmitting data to and receiving data from the transport device 160. The holding device 10 includes a plurality of positioning devices 30 for holding a plurality of feeder devices 140 at appropriate positions in the holding volume 22, and the plurality of positioning devices 30 includes a plurality of feeder positions 24 for holding one feeder device 140 at a time.The holding device 10 (here, a plurality of positioning devices 30) comprises a plurality of guide devices 32 in the holding volume 22, each of which is designed to guide and removably couple to one of the plurality of feeder devices 140. The holding device 10 comprises a coupling device 90 for coupling a separate transport device 160 to a counter coupling device 162 and fixing its position. The holding device 10 comprises an identification device 100, which is configured to identify an ID element 142 of one of the plurality of feeder devices 140.

[0036] 2 shows a schematic top view of a holding device 10 for holding a plurality of feeder devices 140 for supplying electronic components 110 to a pick-and-place machine. The holding device 10 includes a basic body part 20 having a holding volume 22 for holding a plurality of feeder devices 140, a two-part opening device 40 for opening and closing the holding volume 22, and a dehumidifying device 50 for dehumidifying the air in the holding volume 22. The holding device 10 further includes a detection device 60 and a control device 70, where the detection device 60 is designed to detect a transport device 160 (not shown) separate from the holding device 10 for transporting at least one feeder device 140, and the control device 70 is designed to automatically open and close the opening device 40 based on the detected transport device 160 (not shown). For clarity, the transport device 160 is not shown in FIG. 2. The holding device 10 comprises a plurality of positioning devices 30 for holding a plurality of feeder devices 140 in appropriate positions in the holding volume 22, the plurality of positioning devices 30 comprising a plurality of feeder positions 24 for holding one feeder device 140 at a time. The opening device 40 is designed for a defined section-by-section opening of the holding volume 22, in this case for a defined minimum opening of exactly one feeder position 24. Moreover, the opening device 40 is two-part and designed as a lateral roller shutter. The holding device 10 comprises a recognition device 64, which is designed for recognizing one feeder device 140 in the holding volume 22 and for recognizing one empty positioning device 30, and the control device 70 is designed for automatically opening and closing the opening device 40 based on the recognized feeder device 140 and the recognized empty positioning device 30 in the holding volume 22.

[0037] FIG. 3 shows a schematic perspective view of a further holding device 10 for holding a plurality of feeder devices 140 for supplying electronic components 110 to a pick-and-place machine. The holding device 10 comprises a basic body part 20 with a holding volume 22 for holding a plurality of feeder devices 140 and a two-part opening device 40 for opening and closing the holding volume 22. The holding device 10 further comprises a detection device 60 and a control device 70, which are of a common design. The opening device 40 is in two parts and is designed as an articulated lateral roller shutter. The opening device 40 is shown closed in FIG. 3. The holding device 10 comprises a plurality of positioning devices 30 for holding the plurality of feeder devices 140 in appropriate positions in the holding volume 22, the plurality of positioning devices 30 comprising a plurality of feeder positions 24 for holding one feeder device 140 at a time. In FIG. 3, the holding device 10 is shown cut or open at the top for better illustration.

[0038] Figure 4 shows a schematic perspective view of the holding device 10 from Figure 3 for holding a number of feeder devices 140 for supplying electronic components 110 to a pick-and-place machine. The holding device 10 comprises a basic body part 20 with a holding volume 22 for holding a number of feeder devices 140 and a two-part opening device 40 for opening and closing the holding volume 22. The holding device 10 further comprises a detection device 60 and a control device 70, which are of a common design. The opening device 40 is in two parts and is designed as an articulated lateral roller shutter. In Figure 4, the opening device 40 is shown in an open state so that exactly one feeder device 140 is released for removal by a separate transport device 160 (not shown), advantageously allowing as little air exchange as possible between the holding volume 22 and the environment. The holding device 10 includes a plurality of positioning devices 30 for holding a plurality of feeder devices 140 in appropriate positions within the holding volume 22, which in turn includes a plurality of feeder positions 24 for holding one feeder device 140 at a time. In Figure 4, the holding device 10 is shown cut or opened at the top for better illustration.

[0039] Fig. 5 shows a schematic perspective view of a further embodiment of an opening device 40 for opening and closing the holding volume 22. The opening device 40 is in six parts and designed as a lateral roller shutter. The opening device 40 is shown closed in Fig. 5. The individual elements of the roller shutter can preferably be moved independently of one another, such that an opening for at least one feeder device 140 (not shown) can be generated between each pair of two adjacent elements of the roller shutter.

[0040] Figure 6 shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of the opening device 40 from Figure 5 for opening and closing the holding volume 22. The opening device 40 is in six parts and is designed as a lateral roller shutter. In Figure 6, the opening device 40 is shown in the open state so that exactly one feeder device 140 is released for removal by a separate transport device 160 (not shown), advantageously allowing as little air exchange as possible between the holding volume 22 and the environment. The individual elements of the roller shutter can preferably be moved independently of one another, such that an opening for at least one feeder device 140 can be generated between each pair of two adjacent elements of the roller shutter.

[0041] Fig. 7 shows a schematic flow diagram of an embodiment of a holding process 200 according to the invention. For improved clarity, only the reference numerals of the method steps are shown in Fig. 3. In a first process step, the holding process 200 comprises dehumidifying 202 the air in the holding volume 22 of the basic body 20 of the holding device 10. In a further process step, the holding process 200 comprises detection 204 of a transport device 160 separate from the holding device 10 for transporting at least one feeder device 140 by the detection device 60 of the holding device 10. In a further process step, the holding process 200 comprises opening and / or closing 206 of the holding volume 22 by the opening device 40 of the holding device 10 by the control device 70 of the holding device 10 based on the detected transport device 160. In a further process step, the holding process 200 comprises a defined minimum opening 208 of the opening device 40 for exactly one feeder device 140. [Explanation of symbols]

[0042] 10 Holding Device 20 Basic body part 22 Retention Volume 24 Feeder Position 30 Positioning Device 32 Guide Device 40 Open Device 50 Dehumidifying Device 51 Drying Device 52 Temperature Control Device 54 Pressure Devices 60 Detection Devices 62 Data Interface 64 Recognition Device 70 Control Device 80 Sensor Devices 90 Connected Devices 100 Identification Device 110 Electronic Components 140 Feeder Device 142 ID Element 160 Transportation Devices 162 Counter Linking Device 200 Retention Process 202 Dehumidification 204 Detected 206 Opening and / or Closing 208 Specified minimum opening

Claims

1. A holding device (10) for holding a plurality of feeder devices (140) for providing electronic components (110) to a pick-and-place machine, said holding device (10) comprising a basic body part (20) having a holding volume (22) for holding said plurality of feeder devices (140) and at least one opening device (40) for opening and closing said holding volume (22), The holding device (10) comprises a detection device (60) and a control device (70), characterized in that the detection device (60) is designed to detect a transport device (160) separate from the holding device (10) for transporting at least one feeder device (140), and the control device (70) is designed to automatically open and close the opening device (40) based on the detected transport device (160).

2. The holding device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the holding device (10) comprises a dehumidifying device (50) for dehumidifying the air in the holding volume (22), in particular the dehumidifying device (50) comprises a drying device (51) and / or a temperature control device (52), the drying device (51) being designed to dry the air in the holding volume (22) and / or the temperature control device (52) being designed to control the temperature of the air in the holding volume (22), in particular the drying device (51) and the temperature control device (52) being of a common design.

3. The holding device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the holding device (10) comprises at least one sensor device (80) for detecting at least one environmental value in the holding volume (22), and in particular the dehumidification device (50) is designed to dehumidify the air in the holding volume (22) based on the at least one detected environmental value.

4. The holding device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the detection device (60) is designed for active and / or passive detection of a transport device (160) separate from the holding device (10) and / or the detection device (60) comprises a data interface (62) for transmitting data to and / or receiving data from the transport device (160).

5. The holding device (10) of claim 1, characterized in that the holding device (10) includes a plurality of positioning devices (30) for holding the plurality of feeder devices (140) in appropriate positions within the holding volume (22), in particular the plurality of positioning devices (30) including a plurality of feeder positions (24) for holding at least one feeder device (140) at a time.

6. 2. The holding device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the holding device (10) comprises a recognition device (64) designed to recognize at least one feeder device (140) in the holding volume (22) and / or to recognize at least one empty positioning device (30), and in particular the control device (70) is designed to automatically open and close the opening device (40) based on the recognized feeder device (140) and / or the recognized empty positioning device (30) in the holding volume (22).

7. said at least one opening device (40) being designed for a defined section-by-section opening of said holding volume (22), in particular for a defined minimum opening of at least one feeder position (24); and / or 2. The holding device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the opening device (40) is designed in at least two parts and / or as a lateral roller shutter.

8. The holding device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the holding device (10), in particular the plurality of positioning devices (30), comprises a plurality of guide devices (32) in the holding volume (22), the plurality of guide devices (32) each designed to guide and / or detachably connect to at least one of the plurality of feeder devices (140).

9. 2. The holding device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a coupling device (90) for coupling the separate transport device (160) to a counter coupling device (162) and fixing it in position.

10. The holding device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the holding device (10) comprises a pressure device (54) designed to generate an overpressure in the holding volume (22), in particular the pressure device (54) being designed together with the dehumidification device (50).

11. The holding device (10) of claim 1, characterized in that the holding device (10) includes an identification device (100) configured to identify an ID element (142) of at least one of the plurality of feeder devices (140).

12. A holding process (200) for holding at least one feeder device (140) for providing electronic components (110) to a pick-and-place machine by a holding device (10), said holding process (200) comprising: - detecting (204) by a detection device (60) of said holding device (10) a transport device (160) separate from said holding device (10) for transporting at least one feeder device (140); - opening and / or closing (206) said holding volume (22) by an opening device (40) of said holding device (10) by a control device (70) of said holding device (10) based on said detected transport device (160); A holding process (200).

13. 13. A holding process (200) according to claim 12, characterized in that the holding device (10) is designed according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

14. The holding process (200), in particular the opening and / or closing (206), may include: a defined minimum opening (208) of said opening device (40) for at least one feeder device (140), in particular for exactly one feeder device (140), and / or - dehumidifying (202) the air in the holding volume (22) of the basic body (20) of said holding device (10); The holding process (200) of claim 12, further comprising:

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