Method and Device for Extracting Electronic Components From Tubes and Electronic Component Feeding Device

Abstract

A method for extracting electronic components from a tube, the electronic components being extracted from the tube with pneumatic means. Also, a device for extracting electronic components from a tube comprising a pneumatic system for extracting electronic components from a tube and device for feeding with electronic components a processing line comprising such an extraction device. The use of pneumatic means for extracting electronic components can offer, among other advantages, that of allowing the tube to remain in horizontal position whilst avoiding the use of delicate and complicated mechanical means.

1 - 34 . (canceled) 
   
   
       35 . A method for extracting electronic components conditioned in a rectilinear tube permitting their transport, said method comprising the steps of:
 extracting said electronic components from said tube through an overpressure being generated at an extremity of said tube with pneumatic means;   automatically detecting correct extraction of the components using detectors; and   automatically vibrating said tube and/or inverting the direction of travel of said component in said tube when an incorrect extraction has been automatically detected.   
   
   
       36 . The method of  claim 35 , wherein said overpressure being generated by compressed air being injected into said tube. 
   
   
       37 . The method of  claim 35 , wherein extracting said electronic components from the closed tube through an overpressure being generated at an extremity of said tube with pneumatic means. 
   
   
       38 . The method of  claim 35 , further comprising a step of generating a depression at said extremity of said tube to invert the direction in which said electronic components circulate in said tube. 
   
   
       39 . The method of  claim 35 , wherein the correct extraction of said components is controlled by optical detectors. 
   
   
       40 . An extraction device for extracting electronic components conditioned in a rectilinear tube permitting their transport, comprising:
 a pneumatic system allowing an overpressure to be created at one of the extremities of said tube for extracting said electronic components from said tube; and   a pincer for grasping said one extremity, said pincer comprising a compressible and mouldable material capable of adapting itself to the outer profile of said tube when said pincer grasps said one extremity.   
   
   
       41 . The extraction device of  claim 40 , said rectilinear tube including at least one opening on its upper surface, said opening extending along the entire length of said tube. 
   
   
       42 . The extraction device of  claim 40 , said pneumatic system allowing compressed air to be injected into said tube. 
   
   
       43 . The extraction device of  claim 40 , said pneumatic system comprising means for hermetically connecting an extremity of said tube to said pneumatic system. 
   
   
       44 . The extraction device of  claim 40 , said pneumatic system enabling a depression to be generated at an extremity of said tube to invert the direction in which said electronic components circulate in said tube. 
   
   
       45 . The extraction device of  claim 44 , said pincer comprising a compressible and mouldable material for moulding itself to the outer profile of said tube when said pincer grasps said extremity. 
   
   
       46 . The extraction device of  claim 45 , said compressible and mouldable material comprising a foam for making an airtight seal with said tube. 
   
   
       47 . The extraction device of  claim 44 , said pincer forming a chamber connected to said pneumatic system and hermetically connected to said extremity when said pincer grasps said extremity. 
   
   
       48 . The extraction device of  claim 44 , said pincer comprising two jaws. 
   
   
       49 . The extraction device of  claim 48 , said two jaws being padded with a compressible and mouldable material. 
   
   
       50 . The extraction device of  claim 40 , said pneumatic system being designed so as to generate a to-and-fro movement of the electronic components in said tube. 
   
   
       51 . The extraction device of  claim 50 , said pneumatic system adapted for creating a depression at an extremity of said tube. 
   
   
       52 . The extraction device of  claim 40 , further comprising control means for automatically controlling the extraction of said electronic components from said tube. 
   
   
       53 . The extraction device of  claim 52 , said control means comprising an optical sensor. 
   
   
       54 . The extraction device of  claim 40 , further comprising a control system for controlling and/or supervising the functioning of said extraction device. 
   
   
       55 . The extraction device of  claim 40 , for extracting electronic components simultaneously from a plurality of said tubes. 
   
   
       56 . The extraction device of  claim 40 , said pincer comprising a compressible and mouldable material capable of moulding itself to the outer profile of said tube when said pincer grasps an extremity of said tube. 
   
   
       57 . An extraction device for extracting electronic components conditioned in a rectilinear tube permitting their transport, said device comprising:
 a pneumatic system allowing an overpressure to be created at one of the extremities of said tube with pneumatic means for extracting said components from said tube;   a control system for automatically detecting correct extraction of the components; and   means for automatically vibrating said tube and/or means for automatically inverting the direction of travel of said component in said tube when an incorrect extraction has been automatically detected.   
   
   
       58 . The extraction device of  claim 57 , further comprising a pincer for grasping an extremity of said tube, said pincer comprising a compressible and mouldable material capable of adapting itself to the outer profile of said tube when said pincer grasps said extremity.