U.S. patent application number 09/404658 was filed with the patent office on 2001-05-31 for part retainer for holding a part.
Invention is credited to HIKITA, OSAMU, KADORIKU, SHINJI, MARUYAMA, YOSHIO, NAGANO, DAISUKE, WADA, YOSHINORI, YAMAZAKI, OSAMU.
Application Number | 20010002005 09/404658 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26348185 |
Filed Date | 2001-05-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010002005 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
MARUYAMA, YOSHIO ; et
al. |
May 31, 2001 |
PART RETAINER FOR HOLDING A PART
Abstract
The present invention is a part retainer for housing and
retaining various electronic and mechanical parts (27) wherein a
retaining unit (2) has an engaging piece (7) that stably stops at
both a position at which it protrudes toward the opening of a part
housing space (5) and a position at which it withdraws, and which
can move between these two positions under a specified or more
amount of force, and wherein when protruding toward the opening,
the engaging piece (7) prevents the part (27) housed in the housing
space (5) from jumping out.
Inventors: |
MARUYAMA, YOSHIO;
(KYOTO-SHI, JP) ; WADA, YOSHINORI; (MORIGUCHI-SHI,
JP) ; KADORIKU, SHINJI; (TAKARAZUKA-SHI, JP) ;
YAMAZAKI, OSAMU; (TOYONAKA-SHI, JP) ; HIKITA,
OSAMU; (HIRAKATA-SHI, JP) ; NAGANO, DAISUKE;
(NARA-SHI, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PARKHURST & WENDEL LLP
1412 PRINCE STREET
SUITE 210
ALEXANDRIA
VA
223142805
|
Family ID: |
26348185 |
Appl. No.: |
09/404658 |
Filed: |
September 24, 1999 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
09404658 |
Sep 24, 1999 |
|
|
|
08836361 |
May 12, 1997 |
|
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|
6003675 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
206/714 ;
206/716 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H05K 13/0084
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/714 ;
206/716 |
International
Class: |
B65D 085/00; B65D
085/30; B65D 085/48 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 22, 1995 |
JP |
7-244452 |
Jan 29, 1996 |
JP |
8-12555 |
Claims
1. A part retainer (1) comprising connected retaining units (2) for
housing and retaining parts (27), wherein the retaining unit has an
engaging piece (7) that stably stops at both a position at which it
protrudes toward the opening of the part housing space (5) and a
position at which it withdraws, and which can move between these
two points under a specified amount or more of force, and wherein
when protruding toward the opening, the engaging piece (7) prevents
the part (27) housed in the housing space (5) from jumping out.
2. A part retainer (1) according to claim 1 wherein either of the
opposed sidewalls (2a,2a) of the retaining unit (2) and either end
of the engaging piece (7) are connected together by a pair of link
pieces (28a,28b) via a self hinge (9).
3. A part retainer according to claim 1 wherein either of the
opposed sidewalls (2a,2a) of the retaining unit (2) and either end
of the engaging piece (7) are connected together by a single link
piece (8) via a self hinge (9).
4. A part retainer according to claim 1 wherein either end of the
pair of link pieces (28a,28b) hinge-connected together is connected
to either of the opposed or adjacent sidewalls (2a,2a) of the
retaining unit (2), with the engaging piece (7) disposed in one of
the link pieces (28a,28b).
5. A part retainer according to claim 1 wherein either end of a
curved supporting piece (29) is connected to either of the opposed
or adjacent end walls (2a,2a) of the retaining unit (2) via a self
hinge (9), with the engaging piece (7) disposed at the approximate
center of the curved supporting piece (29).
6. A part retainer according to claim 1 including a protrusion (10)
located above or below the engaging piece (7) for moving the
engaging piece (7) between the two positions through a guide groove
(26) or protrusion formed on the top surface of a guide rail (25)
along which the part retainer (1) travels.
7. A part retainer according to claim 1 wherein the engaging piece
(7) is disposed at one or both ends of the retaining unit (2).
8. A part retainer according to claim 1 wherein the engaging piece
(7) is disposed in one or more corners of the retaining unit
(2).
9. A part retainer according to claim 1 wherein connecting holes
(14) are disposed in one side of the retaining unit (2) in the
connection direction while engaging protrusions (12) that fit and
engage the engaging holes (14) are disposed on the other side of
the retaining unit (2) in the connection direction, and wherein an
engagingly locking means (15) that engages the circumference of the
connecting hole (14) to prevent the protrusion (12) from being
removed is provided on the engaging protrusion (12).
10. A method for manufacturing part retainers (1) comprising using
a molding machine (21) to mold a retaining unit (2), moving the
molded retaining unit to-a position at which a previously molded
retaining unit has been placed, fitting in the connecting holes
(14) in one side of one retaining unit (2) in the connection
direction the engaging protrusions (12) on the other side of the
other retaining unit to connect the retaining units, and
sequentially transferring the connected retaining units (2) for a
distance corresponding to a single retaining unit.
11. A part retainer manufacturing method according to claim 10
wherein the retaining unit (2) is molded at a position at which the
engaging piece (7) withdraws from the opening of the part housing
space (5).
12. A part retainer manufacturing method according to claim 11
wherein while the part retainer (1) is being sequentially
transferred after retaining units (2) have been connected, the
engaging piece (7) is moved to the protruding position at which it
protrudes toward the opening of the part housing space (5).
13. A part supply apparatus comprising a part supply apparatus body
(60) that can be installed in and removed from an automatic
assembly machine, a feed reel section (43) that is disposed at one
end of the part supply apparatus body (60) and around which a
tape-like part retainer is wound, a part removal position that is
formed at the other end of the part supply apparatus body (60) and
at which parts are removed from the part retainer (1), a winding
reel section (69) that is disposed at one end of the part supply
apparatus body (60) and around which the part retainer (1) is
rewound after parts have been removed at the part removal section,
a tape feed means (48) for moving the part retainer drawn out from
said feed reel section (43) to a specified part removal position
(62) and allowing it to be wound by the winding reel section (69),
and a tape guide (50) for engaging the part retainer (1) to the
tape feed means (48), wherein eliminating the pressure of the tape
guide (50) enables the part retainer to be removed from the side of
the apparatus with the connections in the part retainer (1)
maintained.
14. A part supply apparatus according to claim 13 wherein the tip
of the tape guide (50) is rotatably shaft-supported at the other
end of the part supply apparatus body (60).
15. A part supply apparatus according to claim 13 wherein a
groove-like tape travelling space (61) laterally opened for
enabling the tape to be replaced from the side of the apparatus is
formed in the part supply apparatus body (60).
16. A part supply apparatus according to claim 13 including a
one-way clutch that enables the winding reel section (69) to rotate
only in the winding direction.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a part retainer for housing
and retaining various electronic and mechanical parts and a method
for manufacturing this retainer, as well as a part supply apparatus
for supplying parts housed in the part retainer to an automatic
assembly machine.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Conventional part retainers for retaining and loading a
collection of a large number of parts in a part supply apparatus
include retaining tapes with a large number of housing recesses
formed at a specified interval. After housing parts in the housing
recesses, such part retainers cover the top surface thereof with
cover tapes to prevent the parts from jumping out.
[0003] Such part retainers, however, require parts to be covered
with cover tapes during housing and the tapes to be released and
wound during part supply, thereby requiring a part supply apparatus
of a complicated configuration. In addition, the released tapes
must be wasted, thereby increasing costs.
[0004] As a device that solves this problem, the applicant proposed
in JPA 6-156562, a part retainer 31 comprising a connected
retaining units 32 each having a housing recess 33 in which a part
is housed and an engaging piece 34 disposed in the opening for
preventing the part from jumping out, as shown in FIG. 13. The
engaging piece 34 has a protrusion 36 protruding therefrom, is
disposed at the end of a supporting piece 35 integrally extending
from the sidewall of the retaining unit 32, and protrudes into the
opening of the housing recess 33. Since the protrusion 36 on the
top surface of the engaging piece 34 engages a guide groove (not
shown) formed in a guide rail through which the part retainer 31
travels, the engaging piece 34 is guided by the guide groove to
move toward a withdrawing position as the part retainer 31 moves,
thereby enabling the part to be housed in and removed from the
housing recess 33. Reference numeral 37 designates a feed hole
formed in either side of the retaining unit 32, and 38 is a
connecting piece for connecting retaining units 32 together.
[0005] In the part retainer disclosed in the above publication,
however, if the engaging piece 34 remains at the withdrawing
position for a long time, a creep phenomenon may cause the
supporting piece 35 to remain deformed and to be prevented from
elastic return. Thus, the engaging piece 34 cannot reliably retain
parts.
[0006] In addition, since the engaging piece 34 protrudes into the
housing recess 33, a notch opposite to the engaging piece 34 must
be formed during molding of the retaining unit 32, and the part
cannot be engaged or retained in its full circumference.
Consequently, some parts cannot be stably retained.
[0007] Furthermore, conventional part supply apparatuses for
supplying parts to an electronic part mounting machine have a
structure in which the travelling surface for the part retainer is
completely covered near a part removal position, as shown in FIG.
25. Thus, if in particular, due to the switching of product types,
the part retainer is removed from the part supply apparatus before
all the housed parts have been used up, the tape must be cut before
or after the part removal section and rewound to a feed or winding
reel. If parts are used again, the tape must be connected again,
and a large amount of time is required to replace the tape.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[0008] In view of the conventional problems, an objective of this
invention is to provide a part retainer and its manufacturing
method which can stably and reliably retain parts in their full
circumference as well as a part supply apparatus for which the part
retainer is used.
[0009] According to this invention, a part retainer of the present
invention comprising connected retaining units for housing and
retaining parts, and the retaining unit has an engaging piece that
stably stops at both a position at which it protrudes toward the
opening of the part housing space and a position at which it
withdraws, and which can move between these two points under a
specified or more amount of force. When protruding toward the
opening, the engaging piece prevents the part housed in the housing
space from jumping out.
[0010] The above configuration enables the engaging piece
protruding into the opening to hold the part housed in the part
housing space. In addition, by moving the engaging piece to the
withdrawing position, the part can be removed. Even if the engaging
piece remains at the withdrawing position for a long time, it can
be reliably moved to the protruding position to reliably retain the
part. After supplying the housed part to the automatic assembly
machine, the retainer can be reused by housing parts therein
again.
[0011] To enable the engaging piece to stably stop at the position
at which it protrudes toward the opening and the position at which
it withdraws and to move between these two positions, each of the
opposed sidewalls of the retaining unit and each end of the
engaging piece are connected together by a pair of link pieces via
a self hinge. This allows either side of the engaging piece to be
supported by the quadric link mechanism, so the engaging-piece is
stable at the two positions and can stably move between the two
positions with its attitude maintained.
[0012] Even if each of the sidewalls of the retaining unit and each
of the sides of the engaging piece are connected via a single link
piece, the engaging piece is stable at the two positions and can
stably move between these positions. Either end of the pair of link
pieces hinge-connected together may be connected to either of the
opposed or adjacent sidewalls of the retaining unit, with the
engaging piece disposed in one of the link pieces. Either end of a
curved supporting piece may also be connected to either of the
opposed or adjacent end walls of the retaining unit via a self
hinge, with the engaging piece disposed at the approximate center
of the curved supporting piece. The more simple configurations
described above can produce effects almost similar to those of the
first embodiment.
[0013] In addition, by providing a protrusion located above or
below the engaging piece for moving the engaging piece between the
two positions through a guide groove or protrusion disposed along
the travelling passage of the part retainer and leading to a part
housing or removal position, the engaging piece can be moved
between the two positions as the part retainer moves. In
particular, when the protrusion is disposed below the engaging
piece, the guide groove can be located on the same side as a feed
mechanism of the part retainer to reduce the dimensional error
between the guide groove and the feed mechanism, thereby improving
the reliability in moving the engaging piece.
[0014] The engaging piece may be disposed at one or both ends of
the retaining unit, or in one or more corners thereof. Disposing
the engaging piece in corners enables dead space to be efficiently
used and reduces the movement of the engaging piece if corners of
the part have protrusions such as leads.
[0015] In addition, by disposing connecting holes in one side of
the retaining unit in the connection direction while disposing on
the other side thereof in the connection direction engaging
protrusions that fit and engage the engaging holes, and providing
on the engaging protrusion an engagingly locking means that engages
the circumference of the connecting hole to prevent the protrusion
from being removed, simply fitting the engaging protrusions in the
connecting holes enables retaining units to be connected so as not
to be separated easily or inadvertently.
[0016] The method for manufacturing part retainers according to
this invention comprises using a molding machine to mold a
retaining unit, moving the molded retaining unit to a position at
which a previously molded retaining unit has been placed, fitting
in the connecting holes in one side of one retaining unit in the
connection direction the engaging protrusions on the other side of
the other retaining unit to connect the retaining units, and
sequentially transferring the connected retaining units a distance
corresponding to a single retaining unit. According to this method,
retaining units are molded and sequentially connected to improve
the productivity of part retainers.
[0017] Since the retaining unit is molded in such a way that the
engaging piece withdraws from the opening of the part housing
space, a retaining frame that retains the full circumference of the
part can be formed in the part housing space in order to provide a
part retainer capable of stably holding parts. While the retainer
units are being sequentially transferred, after having
been-connected each other, each engaging piece is moved to the
protruding position at which it protrudes toward the opening of the
part housing space, and the resin hinge at the connection is moved
immediately after the molding, whereby the strength of the engaging
piece is increased, and the retainer can be reliably used over a
long period of time.
[0018] A part supply apparatus according to this invention
comprises a part supply apparatus body that can be installed in and
removed from an automatic assembly machine, a feed reel section
that is disposed at one end of the part supply apparatus body and
around which a tape-like part retainer is wound, a part removal
position that is formed at the other end of the part supply
apparatus body and at which parts are removed from the part
retainer, a winding reel section that is disposed at one end of the
part supply apparatus body and around which the part retainer is
rewound after parts have been removed at the part removal section,
a tape feed means for moving the part retainer drawn out from the
feed reel section to a specified part removal position and allowing
it to be wound by the winding reel section, and a tape guide for
pressing the part retainer against the other end of the part supply
apparatus body, wherein eliminating the pressure of the tape guide
enables the part retainer to be removed from the side of the
apparatus with the connections in the part retainer maintained.
[0019] The above constitution enables the part retainer to be
installed in and removed from the side of the part supply apparatus
while remaining connected from the feed reel to the winding reel.
The part supply apparatus according to this invention enables the
tape-like part retainer in use to be replaced without cutting it,
thereby significantly reducing the time required for
replacement.
[0020] Furthermore, by including a one-way clutch in which the
winding reel section can rotate only in the winding direction, the
winding reel is prevented from rotating in the opposite direction,
thereby enabling the tape-like part retainer be stably
transferred.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a
part retainer according to a first embodiment of this
invention.
[0022] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a connecting operation
for retaining units according to the first embodiment.
[0023] FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of an engaging
protrusion of the retaining unit according to the first
embodiment.
[0024] FIG. 4 is a partial cross sectional view showing a
connecting operation for retaining units according to the first
embodiment.
[0025] FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view showing a process for
fitting the engaging protrusion in the connecting hole during
connection of the retaining units according to the first
embodiment.
[0026] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the connecting section
of the retaining unit with the engaging protrusion fitted in the
connection hole according to the first embodiment.
[0027] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing an apparatus for
manufacturing part retainers according to this invention.
[0028] FIG. 8 is a plan view of a process for housing parts in the
part retainer according to this invention.
[0029] FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view of a process for housing
and removing parts from the part retainer according to the first
embodiment. The left half is a cross sectional view showing the
housing or removal of a part, while the right half is a cross
sectional view showing the retention of a part.
[0030] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a
part retainer according to a second embodiment of this
invention.
[0031] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a
part retainer according to a third embodiment of this
invention.
[0032] FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a
part retainer according to a fourth embodiment of this
invention.
[0033] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a
conventional part retainer.
[0034] FIG. 14 is a front view of a part supply apparatus according
to this invention.
[0035] FIG. 15 is a cross sectional view of the part supply
apparatus taken across line W-W in FIG. 14.
[0036] FIG. 16 is a plan view of the integral part of the part
supply apparatus near a part removal position.
[0037] FIG. 17 is a front view showing the part supply apparatus
including the part retainer.
[0038] FIG. 18 is a plan view showing the neighborhood of the part
output position of the part supply apparatus when the part retainer
is in use.
[0039] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of an engaging piece closing
member in the part supply apparatus.
[0040] FIG. 20 is a rear view of the part supply apparatus.
[0041] FIG. 21 is a left end view of the part supply apparatus.
[0042] FIG. 22 is a right end view of the part supply
apparatus.
[0043] FIG. 23 is a plan view of the part supply apparatus.
[0044] FIG. 24 is a bottom view of the part supply apparatus.
[0045] FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a conventional part supply
apparatus.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0046] One embodiment of a part retainer according to this
invention is described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9.
[0047] In FIGS. 1 and 2, 1 is a part retainer comprising a large
number of retaining units 2 (only two are illustrated). Each
retaining unit houses and retains a part to constitute a tape-like
collection of parts.
[0048] The retaining unit 2 is manufactured by injection molding
polypropylene or polyethylene, has a generally rectangular planar
shape that is long in the direction perpendicular to the connection
direction, and has feed holes 3 formed at a specified pitch on
either side in the connection direction. The retaining unit 2 has a
shallow recess 4 except in its circumferential portion, and the
middle of the recess 4 is used as a space 5 for housing a part. The
housing space 5 is surrounded by a square upright retaining frame 6
that retains the four corners of a part.
[0049] An engaging piece 7 that can move between a position at
which it protrudes into the opening above the housing space 5 and a
position at which it withdraws from the opening is disposed on
either side of the housing space 5. When in the protruding
position, the engaging piece 7 holds the top surface of a part
housed in the housing space 5 to prevent it from jumping out,
whereas in the withdrawing position, it enables a part to be housed
in or removed from the housing space 5. In FIG. 1, in the retaining
unit 2 located diagonally upward, the engaging piece 7 is in the
withdrawing position, whereas in the retaining unit 2 located
diagonally downward, the engaging piece 7 is in the protruding
position. This is also applicable to FIGS. 10 to 12.
[0050] The engaging piece 7 is connected via a pair of link pieces
8 to either sidewall 2a disposed in the connection direction of the
retaining units 2. Each link piece 8 has a length somewhat longer
than half the length obtained by subtracting the width of the
engaging piece 7 from the distance between the sidewalls 2a, 2a.
The connection between the link piece 8 and the sidewall 2a and
between the link piece 8 and the engaging piece 8 are made using
thin self hinges 9. This enables the engaging piece 7 to be stable
at the two positions, that is, the protruding and withdrawing
positions, and to move between the two positions under a specified
force, as described above. The engaging piece 7 has on its bottom
surface protrusions 10 with which the engaging piece 7 can be moved
between the two positions.
[0051] A pair of connecting pieces 11 each having an engaging
protrusion 12 protruding downward therefrom is disposed at an
appropriate interval at one edge of the retaining unit 2 in the
connection direction. A pair of protrusions 13 each having a
connecting hole 14 engaging the engaging protrusion 12 are disposed
at the other edge in the connection direction at the positions
corresponding to the connecting holes 11. The engaging protrusion
12 has a sharp protrusion 12a formed at its bottom end and an
engagingly locking means 15 protruding from its one side, as shown
in FIG. 3 in detail. The engagingly locking means 15 has inside a
recess 16 of a width larger than that of the claw, and both ends of
the engagingly locking means 15 and the sidewall of the recess 16
are connected by a thin connecting wall 16a. Thus, when fitted in
the connecting hole 14 under an appropriate amount of external
force, the engagingly locking means 15 is ensured to return to its
original state. An engaged surface 17 is formed around the
connecting hole 14 and engages the engagingly locking means 15 when
the engaging protrusion 12 is completely fitted in the connecting
hole 14.
[0052] To connect retaining units 2 together, one retaining unit 2
is supported downward while the other is supported downward by a
suction means 18 with its connecting hole 14 located above the
engagingly locking protrusion 12 of the first retaining unit 2, as
shown in FIG. 4, and the second retaining unit 2 is lowered as
shown by the arrow in the figure. Then, as shown in FIGS. 5(a) to
(c), the engaging protrusion 12 is contracted and fitted in the
connecting hole 14, and the engagingly locking means 15 withdraws
toward the recess 16, returns, and engages the engaged surface 17
formed on one side of the connecting hole 14. The unit is then in
the state shown in FIG. 6, thereby preventing the engaging
protrusion 12 from being removed from the connecting hole 14 and
ensuring that the retaining units 2 are connected together.
[0053] The engaging protrusion 12 can be reliably fitted in the
connecting hole 14 because the needle-like end of a supporting
member 19 is inserted into the recess 16 of the engaging protrusion
12 to support the protrusion 12 from downward and because a
pressing member 20 presses the protrusion 13 with the connecting
hole 14 from upward, as shown in FIG. 4. Thus, if the engaging
protrusion 12 includes the engagingly locking means 15, simply
fitting the engaging protrusion 12 in the connecting hole 14
enables the retaining units 2 to be connected together so as not be
separated easily or inadvertently.
[0054] Next, a part retainer manufacturing apparatus and process is
described with reference to FIG. 7. In FIG. 7, 21 is a molding
machine for injection-molding a retaining unit 2, and 22 is a
transfer and load means for obtaining the molded retaining unit 2
from the molding machine 21 and transferring it to a connecting
section 23 and includes the suction means 18. The connecting
section 23 is configured so as to receive and support retaining
units 2, and has a feed means 24 for sequentially feeding a
distance equal to the width of the retaining unit 2, the part
retainer 1 comprising retaining units 2 connected using their feed
holes 3; the supporting member 19 (see FIG. 4); and the pressing
member 20.
[0055] The molding machine 21 molds the retaining unit 2, which is
then transferred to the connecting section 23 in which a previously
molded retaining unit has been placed. The connecting holes 14 in
the first retaining unit 2 is then fitted to the engaging
protrusions 12 at the corresponding end of the second retaining
unit to connect them together, as described above. The productivity
of the part retainer 1 is improved by repeating the operation of
the feed means 24 for feeding the part retainer 1 a distance equal
to a single retaining unit.
[0056] In this manufacturing process, since during molding of the
retaining unit 2, the engaging piece 7 withdraws from the opening
in the housing space 5, it does not interfere with the space 5.
Consequently, a retaining frame 6 for holding the full
circumference of a part can be formed in the housing space 5 to
obtain a part retainer 1 that can hold parts stably, as shown in
FIG. 1.
[0057] In addition, a guide groove (not shown) is disposed in the
bottom of the connection section 23, so that the protrusions 10 for
moving the engaging piece 7 back and forth are engaged thereto and
guided therealong. When the engaging piece 7 is moved to the
protruding position toward the opening of the housing space 5 while
the connected retaining units 2 are being sequentially transferred,
self hinges 9 which have just been molded can be moved in order to
improve the strength of the engaging piece, thereby realizing long
and reliable use of the part retainer.
[0058] Next, housing, retention, and removal of-parts using the
part retainer of the above configuration are described with
reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. The part housing and retention section
or removal section has a guide rail 25 for guiding the part
retainer 1 as shown in FIG. 9, and the part retainer 1 moves along
the guide rail 25. The guide groove 26 engages the protrusions 10
for moving the engaging piece 7 back and forth is formed in the top
surface of the guide rail 25. The guide means for the protrusions
10 need not be configured as the guide groove 26 but may be shaped
like a protrusion.
[0059] If a part 27 is housed and retained in each retaining unit 2
of the part retainer 1, the engaging piece 7 moves to the
withdrawing position while each retaining unit 2 is moving toward
the housing position, as shown in FIG. 8(a), and at the housing
position, the part 27 is housed in the housing space 5 as shown in
FIG. 8(b). While the retaining unit is subsequently moving further
from the housing position, the engaging piece 7 moves to the
protruding position to prevent the part 27 from jumping out and to
retain it in the part retainer 2, as shown in FIG. 8(c). Repetition
of these operations allows the efficient production of a collection
of parts with the part 27 held in each retaining unit 2 of the part
retainer 1.
[0060] If this collection of parts is loaded on the part supply
apparatus and the part 27 is removed, the engaging piece 7 moves
from the state in FIG. 8(c) in which the part 27 is engagingly held
to the withdrawing position shown in FIG. 8(b) while the retaining
unit 2 is moving toward the part removal position, and at the
removal position, the part 27 is removed as shown in FIG. 8(a).
[0061] FIG. 8 illustrates as the part 27 an electronic part (called
"QFP") having a large number of leads-around its outer
circumference. With the bottom surface of the base of the leads of
the QFP 27 supported on the supporting frame 6, the top surface of
the base of the leads and the sides of the main body 27a are held
by the engaging piece 7. Since the QFP 27 is fixed and held with
all the leads completely supported by the supporting frame 6, the
leads are prevented from being damaged or bent.
[0062] As described above, according to the part retainer 1 of this
embodiment, the engaging piece 7 is stable at the protruding and
withdrawing positions and can move between these two positions, so
the part 27 housed in the housing space 5 is retained by the
engaging piece 7 protruding into the opening. In addition, the part
27 can be removed by moving the engaging piece 7 to the withdrawing
position, and the engaging piece 7 can be reliably moved to the
protruding position even after it has remained at the withdrawing
position for a long time, thereby enabling the part to be reliably
retained. In addition, since the engagement piece 7 and the
retaining unit 2 are connected together by the pair of link pairs 8
via the self hinge, each engagement piece 7 is supported by the
quadric link mechanism, is stable at the two positions, and can
move stably between the two positions while maintaining its
attitude, thereby providing stable operations. Furthermore, the
strength of the engaging piece 7 is improved to firmly hold the
part.
[0063] Although the above embodiment connects the pair of link
pieces 8 to either side of the engaging piece 7, either of the
opposed sidewalls 2a of the retaining unit 2 may be connected to
either side of the engagement piece 7 by a single link piece 8 via
the self hinge 9. This configuration can produce effects similar to
those with the-pair of link pieces 8 because the protrusion 10 is
provided for each engaging piece 7 and because protrusion 10 can be
guided along the guide groove 26 to reliably move the engagement
piece 7 to the protruding or withdrawing position in order to make
the piece 7 stable at that position.
[0064] A second embodiment of the part retainer according to this
invention is described with reference to FIG. 10. According to the
second embodiment, either end of a pair of link pieces 28a, 28b
connected together by the self hinge 9 is connected to either of
the opposed sidewalls 2a of the retaining unit 2 by the self hinge
9, with the engaging piece 7 provided on one of the link pieces
28a.
[0065] In this embodiment, despite a change in the attitude between
the protruding position and the withdrawing position, the engaging
piece 7 produces effects similar to those of the above embodiment
by preventing the part from jumping out in the protruding position
while enabling the part to be removed from the housing space 5 in
the withdrawing position.
[0066] A third embodiment of the part retainer according to this
invention is described with reference to FIG. 11. According to this
embodiment, either end of a flexible curved supporting piece 29 is
connected to either of the opposed sidewalls 2a of the retaining
unit 2 by the self hinge 9, with the engaging piece 7 disposed at
the approximate center of the curved supporting piece 29.
[0067] According to this embodiment, since the curved supporting
piece 29 changes its attitude between a curve toward the housing
space 5 and a curve toward the opposite direction to the housing
space 5, the engaging piece 7 can move between the protruding
position and the withdrawing position and is stable at these two
positions. Thus, effects similar to those of the above embodiments
can be obtained by allowing the engaging piece 7 to prevent the
part from jumping out at the protruding position while enabling it
to be removed from the housing space 5 at the withdrawing
position.
[0068] A fourth embodiment of the part retainer according to this
invention is described with reference to FIG. 12. Although the
above embodiments have been shown with the engagement piece 7
disposed at either end of the retaining unit 2, the fourth
embodiment includes the engaging piece 7 of the same shape as the
second embodiment in each corner at either end. In the illustrated
embodiment, the ends of link pieces 30a, 30b are connected to
either sidewall 2a of the retaining unit 2 and the sidewall 2b at
either end of the retaining unit 2, respectively, with the engaging
piece 7 disposed on one of the link pieces 30a.
[0069] Of course, other mechanisms such as the one shown in FIG. 11
may be used.
[0070] By disposing the engaging piece 7 in the corner of the
housing space 5, the dead space can be effectively used and no
substantial movement of the engaging piece 7 is required. As a
result, the engaging piece 7 does not interfere with parts having
protrusions such as leads in their four corners.
[0071] Although the above embodiments have been shown with the
engaging piece 7 disposed at either end or each corner of the
housing space 5, the engaging piece 7 may be disposed only at one
end or in one or two corners of the housing space 5 and used to
hold and fix the part.
[0072] Next, an embodiment of a part supply apparatus according to
this invention which uses the part retainer is described.
[0073] FIG. 14 is a front view of a part supply apparatus according
to this invention. FIG. 20 is a rear view, FIG. 21 is a left side
view, FIG. 22 is a right side view, FIG. 23 is a plan view, and
FIG. 24 is a bottom view.
[0074] In FIG. 14, 40 is a reel retention section rotatably
retaining a reel around which the part retainer 1 with parts housed
is wound, 41 is a reel presser section for contacting the outer
circumference of a reel 43 to regulate the unwanted rotation of the
reel 43 as shown in FIG. 17, and 42 is a roller that changes the
travelling direction of the tape-like part retainer transferred
from the reel 43. These components constitute the feed reel
section. Reference numeral 44 designates a clamp lever for
operating a clamp 45 to fix the part supply apparatus to the part
supply section of an electronics mounting machine (not shown). As
the clamp lever 44 is rotated to the position shown by the broken
line, the fixing clamp 44 is accordingly moved to the position also
shown by the broken line to release the part supply apparatus from
the electronics mounting machine. Reference numeral 46 denotes a
positioning pin that is fitted in a positioning hole provided in a
part supply section of the electronics mounting machine to regulate
the mounting position of the part supply apparatus when the part
supply apparatus is fixed to the electronics mounting apparatus.
Reference numeral 47 is a feed lever. When a specified amount of
external force is applied to the feed lever 47 from the direction
shown by arrow A, a tape feed means 48 connected to the lever is
rotated a specified amount in the direction shown by arrow B. Since
the feed holes 3 in the tape-like part retainer 1 engage the gear
of the tape feed means 48, the rotation of the tape feed means 48
causes the part retainer 1 to be moved a specified amount. At this
point, a tape guide 50 that can rotate around a supporting point 49
applies a downward pressure to fit the gear of the tape feed means
48 in the feed holes 3 of the part retainer 1. The position of the
supporting point 49 is not limited to those shown in FIGS. 14 and
17, and other positions may be used as long as the tape guide 50 is
rotatably supported.
[0075] The rotational force of the tape feed means 48 is
transmitted to a lever 52 via a link 51. As the lever 52 rotates
around a supporting point 53, the force of a spring 54 activates a
lever 55 to cause a link 56 abutting the lever 55 to rotate a
winding means 57 a specified amount in the direction shown by arrow
C.
[0076] Reference numeral 58 indicates a tape travelling section
that acts as a surface on which the tape-like part retainer 1
travels, and 59 is a base section the bottom surface of which is
mounted on the electronics mounting machine. As shown in FIG. 15,
the tape travelling section 58 and the base section 59 are each
mounted on the part supply apparatus body 60 from its side. These
components 58, 59, and 60, however, need not be separate members,
but may be formed as an integral member. According to this
embodiment, the above constitution serves to form a groove-like
tape travelling space that enables the tape to be replaced from the
side of the apparatus.
[0077] FIG. 16 is a plan view of an integral part near a part
removal position 62. An engaging piece closing member 64 with a
specified pair of guide protrusions 63 arranged in parallel with
each other as shown in FIG. 19 is disposed within a specified range
of the tape travelling section 58 including the part removal
position. The engaging piece closing member 64 is provided in such
a manner that the tape travelling surface 65 is as high as a tape
travelling surface 66 of the tape travelling section 58. The tape
guide 50 also has slits 67 for avoiding contact with the gear of
the tape feed means 48 as shown in the figure.
[0078] The operation during loading of the part retainer is
described with reference to FIGS. 17 and 18.
[0079] The tape-like part retailer 1, drawn out from the feed reel
43, has its direction changed by the roller 42 so as to be
approximately parallel with the tape travelling section 58, and
pressed by the tape guide 50 against the tape travelling surface 65
near the part removal position 62. The gear of the tape feed means
48 is engaged with the feed holes 3 formed in the part retainer 1.
The electronics mounting machine presses the feed lever 47 a
specified amount in direction A to rotate the interlocked tape feed
means 48 a specified amount in direction B, thereby feeding the
part retainer 1 a specified amount in direction D. At this point,
at the part removal position 62, the protrusions 10 on the rear
surface of the part retainer 1 move along the inclined sides of the
guide protrusions 63 and outward relative to the tape feed
direction to open the engaging piece 7 in order to enable the
retained part 27 to be removed from upward. After the part 27 has
been removed at the part removal position 62, the part retainer 1
passes through the groove-like tape travelling space 61 formed
below the tape traveling section 58, and is rewound around the reel
69. The winding operation of the winding means 57 is in synchronism
with the tape feed operation of the tape feed means 48. In
addition, since the winding means 57 is prevented from rotating in
the opposite direction by a one-way clutch, the tape-like retainer
1 does not become loose during winding, and can be wound stably. As
in the feed reel 43, the winding side has a reel presser
section.
[0080] To replace the part retainer 1, the tape guide 50 is rotated
upward around the supporting point 49 to release the engagement
between the part retainer 1 and the gear of the tape feed means 48.
The part retainer 1 is further moved in the direction shown by
arrow D so as to become loose. The tape-like part retainer 1 can
then be removed from the side of the apparatus (toward the reader
in FIG. 17) with its connection between the feed reel 43 and the
winding reel 69 maintained. Replacement is thus easy.
[0081] Although this embodiment has been shown in conjunction with
the formation of the groove-like tape travelling space 61 for
enabling the part retainer 1 to be replaced from the side of the
apparatus, this invention is not limited to the groove-like space
61 and only requires a space through which the part retainer 1 can
travel to be provided on the tape travelling surface, the tape
guide 50 to be rotated upward around the supporting point 49, and a
gap to be provided between the tape guide 50 and the tape
travelling surface such that the part retainer 1 can be removed
therefrom.
[0082] In addition, this invention maintains a specified distance
between the tip curved surface 70 of the tape guide 50 and the tape
feed means 48, removal operation is easy when the part retainer is
removed from the winding means 57 during replacement of the part
retainer.
[0083] This part supply apparatus can be applied to a part retainer
1 with a different housing pitch by replacing the engaging piece
closing member 64.
* * * * *