Operating station for the application of electronic components to semi-finished articles for an article manufacturing machine and article manufacturing machine

Abstract

An operating station (2) is described for the application of electronic components (C) to semi-finished articles for an article manufacturing machine (1) comprising a handling unit (7) configured to pick up and release the electronic components (C) and to transfer each electronic component (C) provided with a support film from a respective feeding element (5) to a support film removal unit (8) and to transfer each electronic component (C) devoid of the support film from the support film removal unit (8) to the respective semi-finished article; and a support film removal unit (8) provided with a support element (13) which defines a seat configured to house a single electronic component (C) provided with the support film; wherein the seat is open at the bottom so that the electronic component (C) is housed inside the seat with the support film facing a removal device (14) arranged below the said support element (13); the removal device (14) is configured to cooperate with the support film, in particular with a free portion (8) thereof, and to guide the support film so as to follow a curve allowing the support film to be separated from the electronic component (C).

Description

[0001] "OPERATING STATION FOR THE APPLICATION OF ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS TO SEMI-FINISHED ARTICLES FOR AN ARTICLE MANUFACTURING MACHINE AND ARTICLE MANUFACTURING MACHINE"

[0002] Cross-Reference to Related Applications

[0003] This Patent Application claims priority from Italian Patent Application No. 102024000018703 filed on August 8, 2024, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0004] Technical Field

[0005] The present invention relates to an operating station for the application of electronic components to semi-finished articles for an article manufacturing machine and to an article manufacturing machine.

[0006] Prior Art

[0007] As is known, a manufacturing machine for the production and / or assembly of articles, for example in the field of electronic cigarettes, generally comprises a conveying system that develops along a processing path and comprises a plurality of processing stations that are arranged in succession along the conveying system and are designed to feed components of the article or to perform processing on the semi-finished articles.

[0008] Typically, the conveying system comprises a linear transport conveyor provided with a plurality of carriages, independent from one another and configured to house a number of semi-finished articles. The linear transport conveyor supports the carriages and moves them cyclically through the operating stations and typically comprises a guide that is arranged in a fixed position and a plurality of slides, each supporting a corresponding carriage and is coupled to the guide to slide freely along said guide. Finally, the linear transport conveyor comprises a linear electric motor (of a known type) that moves the slides carrying the carriages along the processing path and is defined by a stator (namely, a fixed primary) that is advantageously arranged in a fixed position along the guide and a plurality of movable sliders (namely, movable secondaries), each being electromagnetically coupled to the stator to receive a driving force from the stator and is rigidly connected to a corresponding slide. Each slide is operated intermittently, namely, a non-continuous motion that provides for a cyclical alternation of motion steps, in which the slide moves between adjacent operating stations, and stops steps at the operating stations. The carriages are arranged on the sides of the respective slides, facing, in use, the various operating stations to receive component parts of the article or to perform processing operations on the semi-finished articles. Alternatively, the article conveying system comprises a linear belt or chain conveyor.

[0009] In some cases, an operating station is configured to apply an electronic component (such as, for example, a speaker) to each semi-finished article. The electronic components travel along a feeding path from a collecting deposit to reach the operating station. Preferably, the electronic components are self- adhesive and are initially connected to a thin support film. More specifically, each support film has a first face (or surface) to which the electronic components are connected in a removable manner and a second face (or surface) opposite to the first.

[0010] Typically, the operating station comprises an electronic component feeding unit configured to feed the electronic components with the support film and a separating device configured to separate the individual electronic components from their support film before applying the same to the semi-finished articles.

[0011] US4838452 describes a known operating station for the application of electronic components to semi-finished articles for an article manufacturing machine.

[0012] In this regard, there is a growing need for technical solutions that improve the operation of said operating stations for the application of electronic components to semi-finished articles.

[0013] Description of the Invention

[0014] The object of the present invention is to provide an operating station for the application of electronic components to semi-finished articles for an article manufacturing machine that is free from the drawbacks of the prior art and is, at the same time, easy and inexpensive to manufacture.

[0015] A further object is to provide a manufacturing machine that is free from the drawbacks of the prior art and is, at the same time, easy and inexpensive to manufacture. According to the present invention, an operating station for the application of electronic components to semi-finished products for an article manufacturing machine and an article manufacturing machine as set forth in the attached claims are provided.

[0016] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017] The present invention will now be described with reference to the attached drawings, which illustrate a non-limiting embodiment thereof, wherein:

[0018] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an operating station specialized for the application of electronic components to semi-finished products in a manufacturing machine made according to the present invention and in a first operating configuration with parts removed for clarity;

[0019] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the operating station of Figure 1 in a second operating configuration with parts removed for clarity;

[0020] Figure 3 is a side view of a detail of the operating station of Figure 1 in a first operating configuration with parts removed for clarity; and

[0021] Figure 4 is a side view of a detail of the operating station of Figure 1 in a second operating configuration with parts removed for clarity.

[0022] Preferred Embodiments of the Invention

[0023] In Figures from 1 to 4, number 1 indicates a manufacturing machine for the production of articles, for example, but not limited to, in the field of electronic cigarettes.

[0024] The manufacturing machine 1 comprises a conveying system (not illustrated) that develops along a processing path P and comprises a plurality of operating (or processing) stations 2 that are arranged in succession along the conveying system and are designed to feed components of the article or to perform processing operations on the semi-finished articles.

[0025] Advantageously, the conveying system comprises a transport conveyor that in turn comprises a number of carriages (or trays). Said carriages are independent from one another and are configured to house a number of articles. Specifically, each carriage is configured to house one article. The transport conveyor supports the carriages and moves the same cyclically through the operating stations 2.

[0026] Advantageously, the transport conveyor comprises a guide that is arranged in a fixed position; in particular, the guide is preferably made of a single fixed track (namely, devoid of movement) or a double track. Furthermore, the transport conveyor comprises a number of slides, each supporting a corresponding carriage and is coupled to the guide to slide freely along the guide. According to one possible embodiment, the transport conveyor is a linear transport conveyor and comprises a linear electric motor (of a known type) that moves the slides carrying the carriages along the processing path P. According to a preferred alternative, the linear electric motor comprises a stator (namely, a fixed primary) that is advantageously arranged in a fixed position along the guide and a plurality of movable sliders (namely, movable secondaries), each being electromagnetically coupled to the stator to receive a driving force from said stator and is rigidly connected to a corresponding slide. Each slide is operated intermittently, namely, with a non-continuous motion that provides for a cyclical alternation of motion steps, in which the slide is in motion to move between adjacent operating stations 2, and stopping steps at the operating stations 2. Each slide is controlled independently from one another.

[0027] Alternatively, the article transport conveyor comprises a belt or chain conveyor.

[0028] The carriages are arranged on the sides of the respective slides facing, in use, the various operating stations 2 to receive article components or to perform processing on the semi-finished articles.

[0029] The manufacturing machine 1 comprises, among other things, also an operating station 2 configured for the application of an electronic component C (e.g., a speaker) to each semi-finished product. The electronic components C travel along a feeding path R to reach the operating station 2. Preferably, the electronic components C travel along a feeding path R substantially parallel to the processing path P.

[0030] Preferably, but not exclusively, the electronic components C are of the self- adhesive type. The electronic components C are initially connected to a very thin support film. More specifically, the support film has a first face (or surface) to which the electronic components C are connected in a removable manner and a second face (or surface) that is free (namely, not connected to the electronic component C) and opposite the first face (or surface). Advantageously, the first face can be provided with an anti-adhesive coating, such as a silicone coating, to facilitate the removal of the electronic components C.

[0031] The manufacturing machine 1 comprises a feeding unit 3 for the electronic components C. More specifically, the feeding unit 3 for the electronic components C comprises a conveying system that develops along the feeding path R. Advantageously, the conveying system 4 comprises a transport conveyor which in turn comprises a number of carriages 5 (or trays). Said carriages are independent from one another and are configured to house a number of electronic components C. In particular, each carriage 5 is configured to house one electronic component C. The transport conveyor supports the carriages and moves them cyclically to the operating station 2. Advantageously, the transport conveyor comprises a guide 6 which is arranged in a fixed position; in particular, the guide 6 is preferably made of a single fixed track (namely, devoid of movement) or a double track. Furthermore, the transport conveyor comprises a number of slides, each supporting a corresponding carnage 5 and is coupled to the guide 6 to slide freely along the guide 6. According to a possible embodiment, the transport conveyor is a linear transport conveyor and comprises a linear electric motor (of a known type) that moves the slides carrying the carriages 5 along the feeding path R. According to a preferred alternative, the linear electric motor comprises a stator (namely, a fixed primary) that is advantageously arranged in a fixed position along the guide 6 and a plurality of movable sliders (namely, movable secondaries), each being electromagnetically coupled to the stator to receive a driving force from the stator and is rigidly connected to a corresponding slide. Each slide is operated intermittently, namely, a non-continuous motion that provides for a cyclical alternation of motion steps, in which the slide is moving, and stopping steps. Each slide is controlled independently from one another.

[0032] Alternatively, the conveying system 4 comprises a belt or chain conveyor.

[0033] The conveying system 4 is configured to sequentially feed the individual electronic components C provided with (and connected to) the support film from a collecting deposit (not shown) along the feeding path R.

[0034] The operating station 2 comprises a handling unit 7 for the electronic components C. The handling unit 7 is configured to pick up, transfer, and release the electronic components C. More specifically, the handling unit 7 is configured to transfer each electronic component C provided with the support film from the respective carriage 5 to a support film removal unit 8, and then each electronic component C devoid of the support film from the support film removal unit 8 to the respective semi-finished product.

[0035] The handling unit 7 comprises at least one manipulator robot 9.

[0036] More specifically, the manipulator robot 9 comprises a pair of pick-and-place devices 10 arranged side by side and connected to one another, by means of which the electronic components C are picked up, transferred, and released. The two pick-and-place devices 10 are moved together; in other words, the two pick-and-place devices 10 are not operated in an independent manner from one another.

[0037] The manipulator robot 9 comprises an upper support 11 that supports the pick- and-place devices 10 and cyclically moves them, respectively, from a position corresponding to the carriage 5 to the support film removal unit 8 and from the support film removal unit 8 to a position corresponding to the semi-finished article and vice versa (namely, from the support film removal unit 8 to the position corresponding to the carriage 5 and from the position corresponding to the semi-finished article to the support film removal unit 8). Finally, the manipulator robot 9 comprises drive means (of a known type and not illustrated), preferably a linear electric motor, which moves the pick-and-place devices 10. More specifically, the pick-and-place devices 10 move in a transverse direction, preferably orthogonal, to both the feeding path R and the processing path P.

[0038] More specifically, the pick-and-place device 10A is configured to cyclically move the electronic components C provided with the support film from the carriage 5 to the support film removal unit 8 (furthermore, the pick-and-place device 10A moves in the opposite direction from the support film removal unit 8 to the position corresponding to the carriage 5). The pick-and-place device 10B is configured to cyclically move the electronic components C devoid of the respective support film from the support film removal unit 8 to the corresponding semi-finished product (furthermore, the pick-and-place device 10B moves in the opposite direction from the position corresponding to the semi-finished product to the support film removal unit 8). The two pick-and-place devices 10 are both movable between a pick-up position and a release position, and vice versa, from the release position to the pick-up position.

[0039] In the pick-up position illustrated in Figure 1 , the pick-and-place device 10A is arranged at the carriage 5 to pick-up the electronic component C provided with its support film, while the pick-and-place device 10B is arranged at the support film removal unit 8 to pick-up the corresponding electronic component C devoid of the support film.

[0040] In the release position illustrated in Figure 2, the pick-and-place device 10A is arranged at the support film removal unit 8 to release the electronic component C provided with the support film, while the pick-and-place device 10B is arranged at the semi-finished product A to release the electronic component C devoid of the support film.

[0041] Finally, the manipulator robot 9 (and consequently, each pick-and-place device 10) is vertically movable between two extreme positions: a raised transfer position (between the carriage 5 and the support film removal unit 8 and between the support film removal unit 8 and the respective semi-finished product) and a lowered position for picking up and / or releasing the electronic components C.

[0042] Each pick-and-place device 10 comprises a head element 12 configured to be arranged in contact and to hold the electronic component C. More specifically, when the pick-and-place device 10 moves to the lowered position, the head element 12 is designed to pick up the electronic component C from the carriage 5 or from the support film removal unit 8.

[0043] During the transfer of the electronic component C from the carriage 5 to the support film removal unit 8 or from the support film removal unit 8 to the respective semi-finished article, the pick-and-place device 10 is arranged in the raised position and the head element 12 is designed to hold the electronic component C. Finally, when the pick-and-place device 10 moves back to the lowered position, the head element 12 is designed to release the electronic component C into the support film removal unit 8 or onto the semi-finished article.

[0044] According to a possible embodiment, the head element 12 is provided with elastic means, specifically at least one spring, configured to regulate the pressure applied to the electronic components C during the pick-up step and, especially, during the release step.

[0045] According to a possible embodiment, an upper end of each electronic component C engages a seat obtained in the head element 12.

[0046] According to a preferred embodiment, the head element 12 is provided with gripping members to hold the electronic components C. Advantageously, the head element 12 is provided with gripping members to hold the electronic components C by suction.

[0047] The operating station 2 also comprises the support film removal unit 8 configured to remove the support film from each electronic component C. The support film removal unit 8 is interposed between the conveying system 4 and the semi-finished product conveying system. In other words, the conveying system 4 and the semi-finished product conveying system are arranged on opposite sides of the support film removal unit 8.

[0048] More specifically, the support film removal unit 8 comprises a support element 13 that defines a seat configured to house one single electronic component C provided with a support film. The electronic component C is housed within the seat with the support film facing downward (namely, away from the pick-and- place device 10 that released the same into the seat). The support element 13 is provided with a through cavity so that the support film is exposed and faces a removal device 14 arranged below the support element 13. In other words, the seat is open at the bottom so that the electronic component C is housed within the seat with the support film facing downward and facing the removal device 14. The removal device 14 is configured to guide each support film and cause the latter to curve at a very narrow angle; specifically, the angle is narrow enough to allow the support film to be separated from the electronic component C, thus avoiding damage to the electronic component C or tearing of the support film.

[0049] The electronic component C is separated, namely, detached from the relative support film and is held by the support element 13. More specifically, the support element 13 comprises a number of external gripping members 15 configured to be arranged in contact with the electronic component C and to apply a gentle external pressure during the removal of the support film. Advantageously, each gripping member 15 comprises a gripping (or clamping) element with two levers that fit into recesses obtained in the support element 13 and that are arranged on opposite sides of the electronic component C. Each gripping member 15 is movable between an open position in which the two levers are not in contact with the electronic component C and a closed position in which the two levers are in contact with the electronic component C. The gripping members 15 move to the closed position only once the pick-and-place device 10A has released the electronic component C provided with the support film into the seat of the support element 13, and are moved from the closed position to the open position once the removal of the support film is completed, when the pick-and-place device 10B comes into contact with the electronic component C for the picking- up step. The support element 13 comprises known means for operating the gripping members 15.

[0050] As illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, the removal device 14 comprises an arm 16 configured to cooperate with the profile of a deflector element 17 to hold a free portion S of the support film. Specifically, the arm 16 is driven (operated) by a longitudinally movable pushing member 19. The arm 16 is movable between an open position, in which the arm 16 is not in contact with said deflector element 17, and a closed position in which the arm 16 cooperates with the profile of the deflector element 17 to hold said free portion S. In the closed position, the arm 16 comes into contact with the deflector element 17, in particular with a straight segment 17* of the profile of the deflector element 17 to engage and hold the free portion S. Once the closed position is reached, the movement of the deflector element 17 drags the support film, detaching the same from the electronic component C. In particular, the support film comes into contact with a semicircular section 17** of the profile of the deflector element 17.

[0051] The deflector element 17 is movable between a (first) forward position in which it faces the seat housing the electronic component C and the support film is still connected to the electronic component C and a (second) retracted position in which the support film is disconnected from the electronic component C, and vice versa (from the retracted position to the forward position). During the movement of the deflector element 17 from the forward position to the retracted position, the support film travels along the curve that allows the separation from the electronic component C. The deflector element 17 is operated between the retracted position and the forward position (and vice versa) by means of an operating device; advantageously, said operating device comprises a kinematic mechanism for controlling the movement of the deflector element 17 between the forward position and the retracted position (and vice versa). Finally, the removal device 14 comprises a device for collecting the support films removed from the electronic components C.

[0052] The method for the application of the electronic components C to the semifinished articles by means of the station 2 described above is described in the following: a) the carriage 5 supporting the electronic component C reaches the operating station 2 designed for the application of the electronic component C to a respective semi-finished article; the electronic component C is provided with the support film facing downwards; b) the pick-and-place device 10A moves to the lowered position to remove the electronic component C from the carriage 5; more specifically, the pick-type device 10A moves from the raised position to the lowered position and the head element 12 is arranged in contact with the electronic component C; c) once the electronic component C has been picked up, the pick-and-place device 10A moves from the lowered position to the raised position and moves at the support film removal unit 8, holding the electronic component C; d) the pick-and-place device 10A moves back to the lowered position to release the electronic component C into the seat within the support element 13. More specifically, the pick-and-place device 10A moves from the raised position to the lowered position, and the head element 12 releases the electronic component C into the seat obtained in the support element 13, with the support film facing the removal device 14; e) once the pick-and-place device 10A has released the electronic component C provided with the support film into the seat of the support element 13, the gripping members 15 move to the closed position in contact with the electronic component C, thus applying a gentle external pressure to the electronic component C; f) the arm 16 is in the closed position in contact with the deflector element 17 and, by operating the pushing member 18, moves to the open position so that the free portion S of the support film is inserted between the deflector element 17 and the arm 16; g) the arm 16 moves again to the closed position by operating the pushing member 18 so that the free portion S of the support film is held between the deflector element 17 and the arm 16; in particular, the free portion S of the support film is held between the straight segment 17* and the arm 16; h) the deflector element 17 is in the forward position facing the seat housing the electronic component C and moves towards the retracted position; during the movement of the deflector element 17 from the forward position to the retracted position, the support film follows the curve that allows the separation from the electronic component C; i) once the support film has been detached from the electronic component C, the pick-and-place device 10B moves to the lowered position to remove the electronic component C from the seat obtained in the support element 13; more specifically, the pick-type device 10B moves from the raised position to the lowered position and the head element 12 is arranged in contact with the electronic component C; j) the gripping members 15 move to the open position to release the electronic component C; k) once the electronic component C has been picked up, the pick-and-place device 10B moves from the lowered position to the raised position and moves at the semi-finished article, holding the electronic component C; l) the pick-and-place device 10B returns to the lowered position to release the electronic component C into the semi-finished article; more specifically, the pick-type device 10B moves from the raised position to the lowered position, and the head element 12 releases the electronic component C devoid of its support film onto the semi-finished article.

[0053] LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

[0054] 1 manufacturing machine

[0055] 2 operating stations

[0056] 3 electronic component feeding unit

[0057] 4 conveying system 5 carriage

[0058] 6 guide

[0059] 7 handling unit

[0060] 8 support film removal unit

[0061] 9 manipulator robot

[0062] 10, 10A, 10B pick-and-place device

[0063] 11 upper support

[0064] 12 head element

[0065] 13 support element

[0066] 14 removal device

[0067] 15 gripping members

[0068] 16 arm

[0069] 17 deflector element

[0070] 17* straight segment of the profile

[0071] 17** semicircular segment of the profile

[0072] 18 pushing member

[0073] P processing path

[0074] C electronic component

[0075] R feeding path

[0076] S free portion of the support film

Claims

CLAIMS1.- An operating station (2) for the application of electronic components (C) to semi-finished articles for an article manufacturing machine (1 ) comprising:- a handling unit (7) configured to pick up and release the electronic components (C), to transfer each electronic component (C) provided with a support film from a feeding device (5) to a support film removal unit (8) and to transfer each electronic component (C) devoid of the support film from the support film removal unit (8) to the respective semi-finished article; and- a support film removal unit (8) provided with a support element (13), which defines a seat configured to house a single electronic component (C) provided with the support film; wherein the seat is open at the bottom so that the electronic component (C) is housed inside the seat with the support film facing a removal device (14) arranged below said support element (13); the removal device (14) is configured to cooperate with the support film, in particular with a free portion (S) thereof, and to guide the support film so as to follow a curve allowing the support film to be separated from the electronic component (C).2.- The operating station according to claim 1 , wherein the support element (13) comprises a number of external gripping members (15) configured to be placed in contact with the electronic component (C) from opposite sides and to apply a gentle external pressure during the removal of the support film.3.- The operating station according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the removal device (14) comprises an arm (16) configured to cooperate with the profile of a deflector element (17) to hold the free portion (S) of each support film.4.- The operating station according to claim 3, wherein the arm (16) shifts, by means of a pushing member (18), between an open position, in which the arm(16) is not in contact with said deflector element (17), and a closed position, in which the arm (16) cooperates with a preferably straight segment (17*) of the profile of the deflector element (17) to engage and hold the free portion (S).5.- The operating station according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the deflector element(17) is movable between a first position, in which it faces the seat housing the electronic component (C) and the support film is connected to the electronic component (C), and a second position, in which the support film is disconnectedfrom the electronic component (C); the movement of the deflector element (17) in the transition from the first position to the second position pulls the support film away from the electronic component (C).6.- The operating station according to claim 5, wherein the deflector element (17) is moved between the first position and the second forward position by means of an operating device comprising a kinematic mechanism.7.- The operating station according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the handling unit (7) comprises a manipulator robot (9) provided with a pair of pick-and-place devices (10) arranged side by side and connected to one another.8.- The operating station according to claim 7 and comprising a first pick-and- place device (10A) configured to cyclically move the electronic components (C) provided with the support film from the feeding device (5) to the support film removal unit (8) and a second pick-and-place device (1 OB) configured to cyclically move the electronic components (C) devoid of the support film from the support film removal unit (8) to the respective semi-finished article.9.- An article manufacturing machine (1 ) comprising:- an operating station (2) for the application of electronic components (C) to semifinished articles according to any one of the preceding claims; and- a first conveying system (4), which develops along a first feeding path (R) and is provided with a transport conveyor, which supports and cyclically moves, in the area of the operating station (2), the electronic components (C) provided with the support film; and- a second conveying system, which develops along a second processing path (P) and is provided with a transport conveyor, which supports and cyclically moves, in the area of the operating station (2), the semi-finished articles to which the electronic components (C) devoid of the support film are applied.10.- The machine according to claim 9, wherein the second processing path (P) is parallel to the first feeding path (R).11.- The machine according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the support film removal unit (8) is interposed between the first conveying system (4) and the second conveying system.

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