Method and apparatus for collectively changing components at component supply section

Abstract

A transfer rack 15 loaded with a seriate number of component supply cassettes 14 to be handled collectively is carried and retained on a truck 61 so that it can be taken in and out of the truck 61. The transfer rack 15 is passed between the truck 61 and a component supply section 8. Thus, the withdrawal of the transfer rack 15 from the component supply section 8 to the truck 61 and the delivery of the transfer rack 15 to the component supply section 8 are executed in a timely manner so as to change the component supply cassettes 14 at the component supply section 8. The transfer rack 15 delivered to the component supply section 8 is positioned by operating an automatic positioning means at the component supply section 8 in a direction in which it is loaded and unloaded and in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which it is loaded and unloaded.

1 . A transfer rack which is loaded with a specified number of component accommodating members positioned and supported individually and comprises a storage means for storing component information of a type of the component stored in each supported component accommodating member.  
   
   
       2 . A truck for collectively changing components at a component supply section, comprising a main body having running wheels, the main body being provided with a guide means for guiding a transfer rack in passing the transfer rack by loading and unloading the transfer rack at a component supply section of an objective working machine and a retaining means for retaining the transfer rack received on the guide means.  
   
   
       3 . The truck claimed in  claim 2 , comprising a stopper means for preventing the main body from running with the running wheels.  
   
   
       4 . The truck as claimed in  claim 3 , comprising a connecting means for connecting the component supply section with the main body in a state in which the main body is put in a specified positional relation with the component supply section of the objective working machine.  
   
   
       5 . The truck as claimed in  claim 3 , comprising a height adjusting means for adjusting in height a transfer rack support section.  
   
   
       6 . The truck as claimed in  claim 2 , comprising a connecting means for connecting the component supply section with the main body in a state in which the main body is put in a specified positional relation with the component supply section of the objective working machine.  
   
   
       7 . The truck as claimed in  claim 6 , comprising a height adjusting means for adjusting in height a transfer rack support section.  
   
   
       8 . The truck as claimed in  claim 2 , comprising a height adjusting means for adjusting in height a transfer rack support section.  
   
   
       9 - 49 . (Cancelled).