WO2016096036A1

WO2016096036A1 - Removable wall sections for bowl feeder

Info

Publication number: WO2016096036A1
Application number: PCT/EP2014/078722
Authority: WO
Inventors: Valerio Osler; Miguel Gonzalez; Thierry BOISSENIN
Original assignee: Ismeca Semiconductor Holding Sa
Priority date: 2014-12-19
Filing date: 2014-12-19
Publication date: 2016-06-23
Also published as: TW201623124A; CN107000940B; CN107000940A

Abstract

According to the present invention there is provided a bowl feeder section (20a; 20b) which is optimized for use to feed components with a predefined characteristic from a bowl feeder (1). There is also provided a bowl feeder component to which the bowl feeder section can be removably attached. When the bowl feeder section is removably attached to the bowl feeder component collectively they define a bowl feeder which is optimized for feeding components which have the predefined characteristic. There is further provide a corresponding assembly which comprises a bowl feeder component and a plurality of bowl feeder sections each of which is optimized for use to feed component with a different predefined characteristic. There is also provided a corresponding method for providing a bowl feeder optimized for feeding components having a predefined characteristic.

Description

REMOVABLE WALL SECTIONS FOR BOWL FEEDER

Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention concerns, a bowl feeder component, and, a plurality of bowl feeder sections which is optimized for use to feed component with different predefined characteristics, wherein depending on the characteristics of the components which are to be fed, a user can select the bowl feeder section which is optimized for use to feed

components which that characteristic, can be removably attach the selected bowl feeder section to the bowl feeder component, so as to define a bowl feeder which is optimized for feeding the components. Description of related art

[0002] Bowl feeders are well known in the art of electrical component handling and are used to feed individual electrical components into a processing line. Typically, the bowl feeders will include a bowl shaped structure with a spiral track located on the inside of the surface of the bowl shaped structure. The bowl feeder is vibrated so that the components to be fed are moved along the spiral track to an exit of the bowl feeder.

[0003] An external track such as the track disclosed in US5553737 is typically located at the exit of the bowl feeder which transfer the

components from the exit of the bowl feeder to the processing line. As disclosed in US5553737 this external track is replaced depending on the size of the component to be transferred.

[0004] In existing bowl feeders the bowl feeders are configured to feed a specific component; when components having different characteristics (e.g. having different sizes, shape, weight or material etc) are to be fed, not only must the external track be replaced but also the bowl feeder must be replaced or adjusted so that it is suitable to feed these components. For example, if wider components are to be fed then the bowl feeder would need to be replaced with a bowl feeder which has a wider spiral track. The replacement of bowl feeder is troublesome and time consuming and this leads to a long interruption of the feeding process.

[0005] In other cases the bowl feeder will not be replaced but

adjustments to the bowl feeder will be necessary in order to enable the bowl feeder to handle the new types of components. For example, if the bowl feeder is configured to feed components with Gold contacts the bowl feeder will typically comprise sensors which sense Gold exclusively which are used to detect the orientation of the components; if components with Tin contacts are to be fed using the bowl feeder it is necessary to replace these sensors with sensors which can sense Tin. Likewise the position of the sensors will need to be adjusted if the new components to be fed are a different size to the components which the bowl feeder was previously used to feed.

[0006] There are many other adjustments which need to be made to the bowl feeder in order to configure the bowl feeder so that it can feed the different types of components. It is troublesome and time consuming to make all the necessary adjustments and this leads to a long interruption of the feeding process.

[0007] It is an aim of the present invention to obviate or mitigate at least some of the above-mentioned disadvantages.

Brief summary of the invention

[0008] According to the present invention there is provided a bowl feeder component which is configured to define at least a portion of a bowl-shaped structure of a bowl feeder, wherein the bowl feeder component comprises at least one member to which at least one bowl feeder section, which is optimized for use to feed components with a predefined characteristic from a bowl feeder, can be removably attached, so that the at least one bowl feeder section and bowl feeder component collectively define a bowl feeder which is optimized for feeding

components which have a predefined characteristic. [0009] Preferably the at least one bowl feeder section is configured to define another portion of the bowl-shaped structure of the bowl feeder.

[0010] A bowl feeder component may comprise, a base member which defines a base of the bowl feeder, and a wall member which extends from only a first portion of the perimeter of the base member so that the wall member defines only part of a wall of the bowl feeder, and a second portion of the perimeter of the base member comprises said at least one member to which the at least one bowl feeder section can be removably attached. [0011] The wall member may comprise a track along which components to be feed from the bowl feeder can be moved.

[0012] The bowl feeder component may further comprise sockets which are connectable to a blower by means of a suitable conduit, so that the blower can blow air through the sockets. [0013] According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a bowl feeder section, which is optimized for use to feed components with a predefined characteristic from a bowl feeder, and which is configured such that it can be removably attached to a bowl feeder component according to any one of the preceding claims, so that the bowl feeder section and bowl feeder component collectively define a bowl feeder which is optimized for feeding components which have the predefined characteristic.

[0014] The bowl feeder section may comprise connecting means which can removably attach the bowl feeder section to the bowl feeder component.

[0015] The bowl feeder section may be configured to have a have a curved profile so that it can define at least a portion of a bowl-shaped structure of a bowl feeder. [0016] Preferably the bowl feeder section will have a curved profile with a radius of curvature equal to the radius of curvature of a wall of bowl feeder component.

[0017] The bowl feeder section may comprise a wall member which defines another part of the wall of the bowl feeder.

[0018] The bowl feeder section may be optimized for use to feed components with a predefined characteristic from a bowl feeder, by comprising, a track having a width which is sufficient to enable the components with the predefined characteristic to be moved along; and a means for removing from the track components with the predefined characteristic which are in an orientation other than a predefined orientation.

[0019] In other words the means for removing can remove components from the track, which have the predefined characteristic, but which are not in the predefined orientation.

[0020] Preferably the track will have a width which is sufficient to enable the components with the predefined characteristic to be moved along the track by means of vibration of the track.

[0021] The means for removing from the track components with the predefined characteristic, which are in an orientation other than a predefined orientation, may comprise one or more nozzles, which can blow air, the one or more nozzles being positioned such that it/they can blow air onto a component with the predefined characteristic which is located on the track, and which is not in the predefined orientation, to remove that component from the track.

[0022] The one or more nozzles will preferably blow a component back into the bowl feeder; or more precisely will blow a component such that it is moved onto the base of the bowl feeder component. [0023] The bowl feeder section may be optimized for use to feed components with a predefined characteristic from a bowl feeder, by comprising one or more sensors which is/are positioned so that it/they can sense the orientation of a component with the predefined characteristic on the track.

[0024] The bowl feeder section may comprise a controller which can control the opening and closing of the one or more nozzles based on the orientation of the component detected by said one or more sensors. The controller will preferably open a nozzle when a sensor detects that a component is not in the predefined orientation, so that the air blown by the nozzle blows the component off the track back onto the based on the bowl feeder.

[0025] The bowl feeder section may be optimized for use to feed components with a predefined characteristic from a bowl feeder, by comprising one or more baffles which are dimensioned such that they can manipulate the orientation of components with the predefined

characteristic, which moves along the track.

[0026] The bowl feeder section may be optimized for use to feed components with a predefined characteristic from a bowl feeder, by comprising one or more blowing regulators which are adjusted such that the one or more nozzles blow a air at a predefined strength sufficient to push a component from the track back into the bowl feeder.

[0027] The predefined characteristic may be any one or more of:

predefined dimension; predefined shape; a predefined material; and/or a predefined weight.

[0028] According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided an assembly comprising a bowl feeder component according to any one of the above-mentioned bowl feeder components and a plurality of bowl feeder sections according to any one of the above-mentioned bowl feeder sections, wherein each of the plurality of bowl feeder sections is optimized for use to feed components having a different predefined characteristic, so that each of the bowl feeder sections can be selectively removably attached to the bowl feeder component to selectively define a bowl feeder optimized for feeding components which have a predefined characteristic.

[0029] The present invention therefore provides a modular bowl feeder. In a preferred embodiment the present invention provides modular bowl feeder in which the bowl shaped structure of the bowl feeder is modular.

[0030] Each of the plurality of bowl feeder sections may comprise a track, and wherein the width of the track of each of the plurality of bowl feeder sections may be different. For example one bowl feeder section may have track with a width of 0.8mm which is the optimum width to feed rectangular components with the dimensions 0.6mm*0.4mm*1 mm; and another one bowl feeder section may have track with a width of 3.25mm which is the optimum width for use to feed rectangular components with the dimensions 3mm*3mm*0.6mm.

[0031] Each of the plurality of bowl feeder sections may comprise one or more baffles, and wherein the configurations of the one or more baffles differs between the plurality of bowl feeder sections. For example the dimensions and/or shape of the one or more baffles differs between the plurality of bowl feeder sections so that each of the bowl feeder sections is optimized to adjust the orientation of components which have a different predefined characteristics.

[0032] Each of the plurality of bowl feeder sections may comprise one or more sensors, and wherein the position of the one or more sensors, relative to a surface of a track of the respective bowl feeder section, differs between the plurality of bowl feeder sections. For example the sensors on one bowl feeder section may be located at 3mm above the surface of the track so that it is optimized to sense the orientation of a rectangular component with the dimensions 0.6mm*0.4mm*1 mm; while the sensors on another bowl feeder section may be located at 1 .5mm above the surface of the track so that it is optimized to sense the orientation of a rectangular component with the dimensions 3mm*3mm*0.6mm.

[0033] Each of the plurality of bowl feeder sections may comprise one or more sensors, and the type of one or more sensors may differ between the plurality of bowl feeder section. For example at least one sensor of a bowl feeder section is configured to detect a different predefined characteristic than a corresponding sensor on another of the plurality of bowl feeder sections. For example the sensors on one bowl feeder section may be sensors which are configured to sense gold and the sensors on another bowl feeder section may be configured to detect copper.

[0034] Each of the plurality of bowl feeder sections may further comprise one or more nozzles which can blow air, and wherein the position of the one or more nozzles, relative to a surface of a track of the respective bowl feeder section, differs between the plurality of bowl feeder sections. For example, a nozzle on one bowl feeder section may extend over the track and be located at a height above the track so that it can blow air on an outer edge of a rectangular component with the dimensions

0.6mm*0.4mm*1 mm located on the track; while a nozzle on another bowl feeder section may extend further over the track and be located at a higher height above the track so that it can blow air on an outer edge of a rectangular component with the dimensions 3mm*3mm*0.6mm located on the track.

[0035] Each of the plurality of bowl feeder sections may further comprise one or more blowing regulators which can be adjusted to set the strength of the air blown from a respective nozzle when that nozzle is open; and wherein the setting of the one or more blowing regulators on the plurality of bowl feeder sections differs between the plurality of bowl feeder sections.

[0036] According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for providing a bowl feeder optimized for feeding components having a predefined characteristic, the method comprising the steps of, (a) selecting from a plurality of bowl feeder sections according to any one of the above-mentioned bowl feeder sections, each of the plurality of bowl feeder sections a being optimized for use to feed components with different predefined characteristics, a bowl feeder section which is optimized for use to feed components with the predefined characteristic; and (b) removably attaching the selected bowl feeder section to a bowl feeder component according to any one of the above-mentioned bowl feeder components, to form a bowl feeder which is optimized for feeding components which have the predefined characteristic. [0037] The method may further comprise the step of, removing from the bowl feeder component a bowl feeder section which is removably attached to the bowl feeder component, prior performing step (b).

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0038] The invention will be better understood with the aid of the description of an embodiment, which is given by way of example only, and illustrated by the figures, in which:

Fig. 1 provides a perspective view of an exemplary bowl feeder component according to a first aspect of the present invention;

Fig. 2 provides a perspective view of a exemplary bowl feeder section according to a second aspect of the present invention;

Fig. 3 provides a perspective view of an assembly according to a further aspect of the present invention;

Fig. 4 provides a perspective view of a bowl feeder which is defined when the bowl feeder section in the assembly shown in Fig. 3 is selected is removably attached to the bowl feeder component in the assembly shown in Fig. 3; Fig. 5 provides a perspective view of an adjustable baffle which can be provided on a bowl feeder section;

Figure 6a shows the position of a sensor in a bowl feeder section which is configured to feed a component which has a predefined dimension; and Figure 6b shows the position of a sensor in another bowl feeder section which is configured to feed a component which has a different predefined dimension; Figure 6c shows the width of a track in a bowl feeder section which is configured to feed a component which has a predefined dimension; and Figure 6d shows the width of a track in a bowl feeder section which is configured to feed a component which has a different predefined dimension.

Detailed Description of possible embodiments of the Invention

[0039] Referring to Figs 1 and 2; Fig. 1 provides a perspective view of an exemplary bowl feeder component 1 according to a first aspect of the present invention; Fig. 2 provides a perspective view of an exemplary bowl feeder section 20 according to a second aspect of the present invention.

[0040] The bowl feeder component 1 is configured to define at least a portion of a bowl-shaped structure of a bowl feeder. In this example the bowl feeder component 1 is part-bowl-shaped. The bowl feeder

component 1 comprises a plurality of members 2 to which a bowl feeder section 20 (as shown in Figure 2) which defines another portion of the bowl-shaped structure of a bowl feeder, can be removably attached. It will be understood that the bowl feeder component 1 may comprise any number of members 2; for example the bowl feeder component 1 may comprises a single member 2 or may comprise two or more members 2.

[0041] Fig. 4 provides a perspective view of an example of a bowl feeder 40 which is defined when the bowl feeder section 20 is attached to the members 2 the bowl feeder section 20 and bowl feeder component 1 .

Depending on the characteristics of the bowl feeder section 20 the bowl feeder 40 is suitable for feeding components which have a predefined characteristic (e.g. components with a particular dimension).

[0042] Referring to Fig. 1 , the bowl feeder component 1 comprises, a base member 3 which defines a base of the bowl feeder, and a wall member 4 which extends from only a first portion 5 of the perimeter 6 of the base member 3, so that the wall member 4 defines only part of a wall of the bowl feeder. The base member 3 is circular shaped, and the wall member 4 is curved shaped. The plurality of members 2 to which the bowl feeder section 20 can be removably attached, are provided on a second portion 7 of the perimeter 6 of the base member 3. The second portion 7 of the perimeter 6 of the base member 3 is the portion of the perimeter 6 in which the wall member 4 is absent.

[0043] The wall member 4 comprises a track 8 along which components to be fed from the bowl feeder can be moved. Typically, during operation, the bowl feeder will be vibrated so that the components are shuffled along this track 8. The track has an end 13.

[0044] In this example the members 2 each comprise screw holes 10; these screw holes can receive screws which can removably attach the bowl feeder section 20 to the members 2 of the bowl feeder component 1 . It will be understood that any other suitable attachments means may used to attach the bowl feeder section 20 to the bowl feeder component 1 to form the bowl feeder 40. Additionally sockets 9 are provided on each of the members 2; the sockets 9 are connectable to a blower (not shown) by means of conduits 12, so that the blower can blow air through the sockets 9.

[0045] Fig. 2 provides a perspective view of an exemplary bowl feeder section 20 according to a second aspect of the present invention.

[0046] The bowl feeder section 20 is configured to define at least a portion of a bowl-shaped structure of a bowl feeder. The bowl feeder section 20 is configured such that it can be removably attached to a bowl feeder component 1 shown in Fig. 1 . The bowl feeder section 20 comprises screw holes 33; the position of the screw holes 33 correspond to the position of the screw holes 10 which are provided in the members 2 of the bowl feeder section 20; accordingly screws may be screwed through both sets of screw holes 33,10 so as to removably attach the bowl feeder section 20 to the bowl feeder component 1 . It will be understood that any suitable attachment means may be provided to enable the bowl feeder section 20 to be removably attached to the bowl feeder component 1 ; the present invention is not limited to using screws and screw holes 10,33 to achieve the removable attachment; for example clips provided on the bowl feeder section 20 and/or on the bowl feeder component 1 may be used to removably attach the bowl feeder section 20 to the bowl feeder

component 1 .

[0047] It will be understood that in the present invention the bowl feeder component 1 and bowl feeder section 20 are not limited to having a part-bowl-shape; each may have any suitable shape.

[0048] As shown in Fig. 4, when the bowl feeder section 20 is removably attached to the bowl feeder component 1 , they collectively define a bowl feeder 40 which is suitable for feeding components which have a

predefined characteristic.

[0049] In this example the bowl feeder section 20 comprises a wall member 21 which can define a part of the wall of the bowl feeder when the bowl feeder component 20 is removably attached to a bowl feeder component 1 . The wall member 21 has a cured profile. In this example the radius of curvature of the wall member 21 of the bowl feeder section 20 corresponds to the radius of curvature of the wall member 4 on the bowl feeder component 1 .

[0050] The wall member 21 comprises a track 22 which has a predefined width 'w' so that only components having a predefined characteristic (e.g. predefined dimensions, or dimensions within a predefined range) can be supported on the track. The track 22 is arranged on the wall member 21 so that a start 23 of the track 22 aligns with the end 13 of the track 8 in the bowl feeder component 1 , to form a continuous spiral track, when the bowl feeder section 20 is removably attached to the bowl feeder component 1 to define the bowl feeder 40. [0051] The bowl feeder section 20 further comprises baffles 25a-f which are located along the track 22. Each baffle 25a-f is a structure which can change the orientation of a component which moves along the track 22; for example a baffle may flip the component, other baffles may rotate the component. For example: the baffle 25a is a step 25a, as a component moves over the step 25a the component will flip; the baffle 25b,25e is a bowl-shaped cut out 25b, as a component moves through the bowl-shaped cut out 25b, 25e the component will be forced to rotate; the baffle 25c is a fin member 25c, as a component moves along the track 22 the fin member 25c will abut the component and as the component continues to move along the track 22 the fin member 25c will force the component to rotate; the baffles 25d- 25f are chicanes 25d- 25f, each of which will rotate the component as the component moves along the chicane 25d- 25f.

[0052] It should be understood that the bowl feeder section 20 could comprise any number of baffles and that the baffles may have any suitable structure, may have any suitable dimension, and/or may be located at any suitable position along the track 22 or on the bowl feeder section 20. Preferably the structure, dimensions, and/or location of each of the baffles will be such that the baffles are suitable for flipping and/or rotating only components which have predefined characteristic (e.g. predefined dimensions, or dimensions within a predefined range). Thus the structure, dimensions, and/or location of the baffles on a bowl feeder section 20 can dictate which components (e.g. the shape and/or dimension) that bowl feeder section 20 is most suitable to handle. At the manufacturing stage, each bowl feeder section 20 is provided with baffles with suitable structures, dimensions, and/or locations, depending on which components that bowl feeder section 20 will be used to feed. [0053] Some baffles are designed to be adjustable by the user. Figure 5 provides a perspective view of an adjustable baffle 25g which may be provided on the bowl feeder section 20. The baffle 25g comprises a wing member 50 and a wedge member 51 ; the wedge member 52 is mounted on rail members 52a,b and is provided with an adjusting knob 53. The adjusting knob 53 can be screwed to move the wedge member 52 along the rail members 52a,b so that the height of the wedge member 52 above a surface 54 of the track 22 can be adjusted. Height of the wedge member 52 above the surface 54 of the track 22 is adjusted according to the dimensions of the components which are to be fed from the bowl feeder 40. For example the wedge member 52 will be move to a higher position above the surface 54 of the track 22 is larger dimension components are to be fed from the bowl feeder 40.

[0054] The bowl feeder section 20 further comprise a plurality of sensors 26a-c; in this example the sensor 26a-c are each configured such that they can detect the orientation of a component. The bowl feeder section 20 may be provided with different types of sensors 26a-c depending on the characteristics of the components which the bowl feeder section 20 will be used to feed: For example, if the bowl feeder section 20 will be used to feed components which have gold contacts on their under-surface, the sensor 26a may be a sensor suitable for detecting gold; the orientation of those components can be determined based on whether the sensor 26a detects gold or not; if the sensor 26a detects gold this would indicate that the component is orientated so that its under-surface is facing towards the sensor 26a; whereas if the sensor 26a does not detect gold this would indicate that the component is orientated so that its under-surface is facing away from the sensor 26a. On the other hand if the bowl feeder section 20 will be used to feed components which have copper contacts on their under-surface the sensor 26a may be a sensor suitable for detecting copper. [0055] In another example the sensor may be a sensor 26a-c may be designed to have a light source on one side of the track 22 and a light detector on an opposite side of the track 22; with the light detector arranged to receive light from the light source. The light source and light detector may be located at a predefined height about the surface 54 of the track 22 depending on the dimensions of the components which the bowl feeder section 20 will be used to feed. For example, if the bowl feeder section 20 will be used to feed rectangular components with the

dimensions 0.4mm*0.6mm*1 mm then the light source and a light detector may be positioned such that the centres of the light source and a light detector are located at a position of 0.3mm above the surface 54 of the track 22. Thus, when the component is resting on its 0.4mm*1 mm it will interrupt the light passing from the light source to the light detector as it moves along the track 22; if on the other hand the component is resting on its 1 mm*0.6mm it will not interrupt the light passing from the light source to the light detector as it moves along the track 22; accordingly the orientation of the component can be determined depending on whether the component interrupts the light passing from the light source to the light detector.

[0056] It will also be understood that the sensors 26a-c provided on the bowl feeder may have any suitable configuration depending on the characteristics of the components which that bowl feeder section 20 will be used to feed. Preferably the sensors 26a-c will be configured sense a characteristic (e.g. the orientation) of only components having a

predefined characteristic (e.g. predefined dimensions, or dimensions within a predefined range). For example the bowl feeder section 20 could be provided with any number of sensors 26a-c, and that the sensors 26a-c could be provided at any position on the bowl feeder section 20 depending on the dimensions of the components which that bowl feeder section 20 will be used to feed. Thus the type of sensors, number of sensors, and position of the sensor may dictate the type of component which the bowl feeder section 20 is most suitable to handle; at the manufacturing stage, each bowl feeder section 20 may be provided with a suitable number of sensors, of a suitable type, at a suitable positions, depending on

characteristics of the components (e.g. the shaped and/or dimension and/or material which the component comprises) which that bowl feeder section 20 will be used to feed. [0057] The bowl feeder section 20 may further comprise a plurality of nozzles 28a-d through which air, from a blower (not shown) can be emitted when the nozzles 28a-d are opened. The nozzles 28a-d can each be selectively opened to blow air or closed so that no air is blown from a nozzle 28a-d. The air blown out of a nozzle 28a-d can blow on a

component to push a component off of the track 22 back onto the base 3 of the bowl feeder. Typically a nozzle 28a-d is opened to blow air so as to blow components which have been detected by one of the sensors 26a-c as being in an orientation other than a predefined desired orientation. The bowl feeder section 20 will typically comprise a controller 32 which can control the opening and closing of each of the one or more nozzles 28a-c based on the orientation of the component detected by the sensors 26a-c; the controller 32 receives a signal from a sensor 26a-c if that sensor 26a-c detects that a component is not in a predefined desired orientation (i.e. detects that a component is in an orientation other than a predefined desired orientation); in response to receiving such a signal from a sensor 26a-c the controller 32 will open the nozzle 28a-d which is located after the sensor 26a-c along the direction of movement of the component along the track 22, so that the component is blown back to the base 3 of the bowl feeder 40.

[0058] In order to enable the air to push a component off of the track 22 the air blown from the nozzle 28a-d must be blown onto the

component on the track 22; therefore the nozzles 28a-d should be positioned in the bowl feeder section 20 at a suitable position, depending on the dimensions of the components which the bowl feeder section 20 will be used to feed, which will ensure that when the nozzles 28a-d is opened air will be blown onto a component on the track 22 beneath the nozzle 28a-d. In particular it is most desirable that air from a nozzle 28a-d will be blown onto a portion of the component which is furthest from the wall of the wall member 21 of the bowl feeder section 20; this achieves the more reliable removal of the component from the track 22. If, for example the bowl feeder section 20 is to be used to feed components which have a rectangular dimension 0.6mm*0.4mm*1 mm then the nozzles 28a-d should be positioned, for example, at 0.3mm above the surface 54 of the track so as to ensure that the air will be blown onto a component on the track 22 when the nozzle 28a-d is opened; if on the other hand the bowl feeder section 20 is to be used to feed components which have a rectangular dimension 0.6mm*3mm*3mm then the nozzles 28a-d should be positioned, for example, at 1.5mm above the surface 54 of the track, so as to ensure that the air will be blown onto a component on the track 22 when the nozzle 28a-d is opened. The positioning of the nozzles 28a-d will depend on the direction in which the nozzles 28a-d blow; however what is important is that the position of the nozzles 28a-d is such that when a nozzle 28a-d is opened the air emitted from the nozzle 28a-d can blow onto a component on the track 22 to blow that component off of the track.

[0059] The bowl feeder section 20 further comprises internal channels 31 which are located such that they come into fluid communication with the sockets 9 in the bowl feeder component when the bowl feeder section 20 is removably attached to the bowl feeder component 1 . Tubes 27 fluidly connect the nozzles 28a-d with the channels 31 . Accordingly, during use, air emitted from a blower (not shown) can pass through the conduits 12, through the sockets 9 in the bowl feeder component 1, into the internal channels 31 in the bowl feeder section 20, through the tubes 27 and out of one or more of the nozzles 28a-d when open.

[0060] Once again, the position (and/or number) of the nozzles 28a-d provided on the bowl feeder section 20 will dictate the type of component (e.g. the dimensions of the component) which the bowl feeder section 20 is most suitable to handle. At a manufacturing stage, each bowl feeder section 20 may be provided with a suitable number of nozzles 28a-d at suitable positions, depending on characteristics of the component (e.g. the shape and/or weight and/or dimensions of the component) that bowl feeder section 20 will be used to feed.

[0061] The bowl feeder section 20 further comprises blowing regulators 29a-d for each nozzle 28a-d; each blowing regulator 29a-d is adjustable to regulate the amount of air which is emitted from a corresponding nozzle 28a-d when open, so that the strength of blowing is regulated. The blowing regulators 29a-d are each set such that said nozzles 28a-d emit a predefined amount of air when the nozzles 28a-d are open. This setting is dictated by characteristics of the component (e.g. the weight and/or shape and or/dimensions of the component) which the bowl feeder section 20 will be used to feed. It will be understood that the bowl feeder section 20 may comprise any suitable number of nozzles, tubes, channels and regulators.

[0062] Thus a bowl feeder section 20 can be configured to feed a components with a predefined characteristic (e.g. a components with a predefined dimension and/or shape and/or weight) by providing that bowl feeder section 20 with at least one of: a track 22 of a suitable dimension (e.g. a track of a suitable width 'w'); and/or a suitable configuration of baffles 25a-f; and/or suitable sensors 26a-c in suitable positions; and/or nozzles 28a-d in suitable positions; and/or setting blowing regulators 29a-d appropriately so that air is blown at an appropriate strength when a nozzle 28a-d is opened.

[0063] In particular a bowl feeder section 20 can be configured to feed components with predefined dimensions, by providing that bowl feeder section 20 with at least one of: a track 22 having a dimension wide enough to support a component which is in a predefined orientation (e.g. a track of a suitable width 'w'); and/or baffles 25a-f with a dimension sufficient to enable to each baffle 25a-f to appropriately manipulate the orientation of the component having the predefined dimensions; and/or positioning suitable types of sensors 26a-c at a height above the surface 54 of the track 22 which will enable the sensors 26a-c to detect if a component which has the predefined dimensions is not in a predefined desired orientation;

and/or by positioning the nozzles 28a-d at a suitable position (e.g. height above the surface 54 of the track 22) which ensure that when a nozzle 28a- d is opened it can blow air onto a component having predefined

dimensions on the track 22 to blow that component off of the track 22; and/or by adjusting the blowing regulators so that air is blown at an appropriate strength from the nozzles 28a-d when the nozzle 28a-d is opened. The present invention further provides an assembly which comprises a bowl feeder component 1 as shown in Fig. 1 and a plurality of bowl feeder sections 20; each of the plurality of bowl feeder sections 20 is configured to feed components having different predefined characteristics (e.g. each of the plurality of bowl feeder sections 20 is configured to feed components having different predefined dimensions). Depending on the characteristics (e.g dimension) of the components which are to be feed, the user selects the corresponding bowl feeder section 20 which is configured to feed components having that characteristic. The user simply attaches the selected bowl feeder section 20 to the bowl feeder component 1 to form a bowl feeder 40 which is optimized for feeding the components.

Advantageously no adjustment of the bowl feeder 40 is required since each of the attached bowl feeder section 20 is already configured to feed components with that characteristic.

[0064] Fig. 3 provides a perspective view of an assembly 39 according to a further aspect of the present invention. The assembly 39 comprises a bowl feeder component 1 having all the same features of the bowl feeder component shown in Fig. 1 and a plurality of bowl feeder sections 20a,20b each of which is suitable for use, or optimized, to feed components having a different predefined characteristics. Each of the bowl feeder sections 20a,20b may have some or all of the features of the bowl feeder section 20 illustrated in Fig. 2; however since the bowl feeder sections 20a,20b are configured so that they are suitable to feed different dimensioned components the dimensions and/or positions of those features will differ between the bowl feeder sections 20a, 20b. For example, each of the bowl feeders section 20a,20b will comprise a track 22 but the width 'w' of the tack 22 in the bowl feeder section 20a will differ to the width 'w of the track in the bowl feeder section 20b; each of the bowl feeders section 20a,20b will comprise a baffles 25a-f but the dimensions of the baffles 25a- f in the bowl feeder section 20a will differ to the dimensions of the baffles 25a-f in the bowl feeder section 20b; likewise each of the bowl feeders section 20a,20b will comprise a sensors 26a-c and nozzles 28a-d but the positions of these sensors 26a-c and nozzles 28a-d will be different between the bowl feeders sections 20a,20b. [0065] In this example the assembly 39 comprises a first and second bowl feeder sections 20a,20b however it will be understood that the assembly 39 may comprise any number, greater than two, of bowl feeder sections. Each of the bowl feeder sections may be configured so that it is suitable for use, or optimized, to feed components which have different characteristics (e.g. each of the bowl feeder sections may be configured so that it is suitable for use, or optimized, to feed components having different dimensions).

[0066] In the exemplary assembly 39 illustrated in Fig. 3 the first bowl feeder section 20a is configured so that it is suitable for use, or optimized, to feed rectantular components having length and width dimensions of 0.6mm*0.4mm*1 mm; while the second bowl feeder section 20b is

configured so that it is suitable for use, or optimized, to feed rectantular components having length and width dimensions of 3mm*3mm*0.6mm. [0067] For example, the width 'w' of the tack 22 in the bowl feeder section 20a is 0.8mm so that the track 22 will support a component of dimensions 0.6mm*0.4mm*1 mm; and the width 'w of the track 22 in the bowl feeder section 20b is 3.25mm so that the track 22 will support a component of dimensions 3mm*3mm*0.6mm; the baffles 25a-f in the bowl feeder section 20a are dimensioned so that they can manipulate the orientation of a component with dimensions 0.6mm*0.4mm*1 mm; and dimensions of the baffles 25a-f in the bowl feeder section 20b are

dimensioned so that they can manipulate the orientation of a component with dimensions 3mm*3mm*0.6mm; the sensors 26a-c in the bowl feeder section 20a are located 0.3mm above the surface 54 of the track 22 so that the sensors 26a-c can sense if a component with the dimensions

0.6mm*0.4mm*1 mm is in an undesired orientation; and the sensors 26a-c in the bowl feeder section 20b are located 1 .5mm above the surface 54 of the track 22 so that the sensors 26a-c can sense if a component with the dimensions 3mm*3mm*0.6mm is in an undesired orientation. The nozzles 28a-d in the bowl feeder section 20a are suitably positioned so that they can blow air on the a component with the dimensions

0.6mm*0.4mm*1 mm, located on the track 22, to blow that component off of the track 22; and the nozzles 28a-d in the bowl feeder section 20b are suitably positioned so that they can blow air on the a component with the dimensions 3mm*3mm*0.6mm, located on the track 22, to blow that component off of the track 22. The blowing regulators 29a-d in each bowl feeder section 20a, 20b are also appropriately preset so that they can blow air at an appropriate strength required to blow their respective

components from the respective tracks 22.

[0068] It will be understood that the assembly 39 may comprise any number of bowl feeder sections, each configured for use, or optimized, to feed components having a different predefined characteristics; for example the assembly 39 may comprise a numerous bowl feeder sections, each configured for use to feed components having different shapes,

dimensions, weights, and/or materials.

[0069] Figure 6a shows the position of a sensor 26a in the bowl feeder section 20a; the sensor 26a has the same features of the senor described earlier; specifically the sensor 26a comprises a light source 61 on one side of the track 22 and a light detector 62 located on an opposite side of the track 22 and arranged to receive light from the light source 61 . The light source 61 and light detector 62 are positioned so that the centres of the light source 61 and light detector 62 are located 0.3mm above the surface 54 of the track 22. In this position a 0.6mm*0.4mm*1 mm component 65 with its 0.4mm*1 mm surface contacting the surface 54 of track 22 will interrupt the light passing from the light source 61 to the light detector 62 as it moves along the track 22; if on the other hand the 0.6mm*0.4mm*1 mm

component 65 is resting on its 1 mm*0.6mm surface it will not interrupt the light passing from the light source to the light detector as it moves along the track 22; accordingly the orientation of the 0.6mm*0.4mm*1 mm component 65 can be determined depending on whether the component 65 interrupts the light passing from the light source 61 to the light detector 62.

[0070] Figure 6b shows the position of a sensor 26a in the bowl feeder section 20b; the sensor 26a has the same features of the senor described earlier; specifically the sensor 26a comprises a light source 61 on one side of the track 22 and a light detector 62 located on an opposite side of the track 22 and arranged to receive light from the light source 61 . The light source 61 and light detector 62 are positioned so that the centres of the light source 61 and light detector 62 are located 1 .5mm about the surface 54 of the track 22. In this position a component 65 with its 0.6mm*3mm surface contacting the surface 54 of track 22 will interrupt the light passing from the light source 61 to the light detector 62 as it moves along the track 22; if on the other hand the component 65 is resting on its 3mm*3mm surface the component 65 will not interrupt the light passing from the light source to the light detector as it moves along the track 22; accordingly by positioning the sensor 26 so that it is 1.5mm above the surface 54 of the track 22, the orientation of the 3mm*3mm*0.6mm component 65 can be determined depending on whether the component 65 interrupts the light passing from the light source 61 to the light detector 62.

[0071] Figure 6c shows the width 'w' of the track 22 in the bowl feeder section 20a. Preferably the width 'w' of the track 22 in the bowl feeder section 20a, which is configured to feed components with the dimension 0.6mm*0.4mm*1 mm, is 0.8mm; such a width allows for a gap of 0.4mm between components which are orientated such that their 0.4mm*1 mm surface is resting on the track 22 and the walls which define the track 22.

[0072] Figure 6d shows the width 'w' of the track 22 in the bowl feeder section 20b. Preferably the width 'w' of the track 22 in the bowl feeder section 20b, which is configured to feed components with the dimension 3mm*3mm*0.6mm, is 3.25mm; such a width allows for a gap of 2.65mm between components which are orientated such that their 0.6mm*3mm surface is resting on the track 22 and the walls which define the track 22 in the bowl feeder section 20a.

[0073] During use a user determines one or more predefined

characteristic of the type component which are to be fed. For example the user will determine the dimensions, shape, weight and/or the material of the component which is to be fed by the bowl feeder. Based on the determined characteristic(s) the user will then select, from the plurality of bowl feeder sections in the assembly which bowl feeder section to attach to the bowl feeder component, so as to define a bowl feeder which is most suitable for feeding the type of component. For example, in the case of the assembly 39 which is shown in Fig. 3, a user will first measure the

dimensions of the components which are to be feed from the bowl feeder 40; if the dimensions of the components are 0.6mm*0.4mm*1 mm the user will select to attach the first bowl feeder section 20a to the bowl feeder component 1 thereby providing a bowl feeder 40 which is suitable for, or optimized for, feeding components having dimensions

0.6mm*0.4mm*1 mm. Alternatively if the dimensions of the components are 3mm*3mm*0.6mm the user will select to attach the second bowl feeder section 20b to the bowl feeder component 1 , thereby providing a bowl feeder 40 which is suitable for, or optimized for, feeding the components having dimensions 3mm*3mm*0.6mm.

[0074] If the both components having dimensions 0.6mm*0.4mm*1 mm and components having dimensions 0.6mm*0.4mm*1 mm are to be fed from the bowl feeder 40, then the user can simply first attach the first bowl feeder section 20a to the bowl feeder component 1 , and feed the

components having dimensions 0.6mm*0.4mm*1 mm, and then replace the first bowl feeder section 20a with the second bowl feeder section 20b to feed the components having dimensions 3mm*3mm*0.6mm. Fig. 4 provides a perspective view of a bowl feeder 40 which is defined when a bowl feeder section 20a or 20b in the assembly shown in Fig. 3 is selected and is removably attached to the bowl feeder component 1 in the assembly shown in Fig. 3.

[0075] Advantageously the user can quickly and easily provide a bowl feeder 40 which is suitable for, or optimized for, feeding components with a predefined characteristics (e.g. dimensions) simply by selecting to attach to the bowl feeder component 1 a bowl feeder section 20a,20b which is configured to feed components with the predefined characteristics.

Advantageously the user is not required to make complicated, time consuming, adjustments to the bowl feeder to make it suitable to feed the components with the predefined characteristic; for example the user does not need to adjust the position of the sensors 26a-c or nozzles 28a-d; the user does not need to replace sensors 26a-c with other more suitable types of sensors; the user does not need to adjust any baffles; the user does not need to adjust the blowing regulators 29a-d; since the bowl feeder section 20a,20b which the user selects and attaches to the bowl feeder component 1 is already configured and optimized to feed components with the predefined characteristic.

[0076] Various modifications and variations to the described

embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. Although the invention has been described in

connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiment.

Claims

1 . A bowl feeder component which is configured to define at least a portion of a bowl-shaped structure of a bowl feeder,

wherein the bowl feeder component comprises at least one member to which at least one bowl feeder section, which is optimized for use to feed components with a predefined characteristic from a bowl feeder, can be removably attached, so that the at least one bowl feeder section and bowl feeder component collectively define a bowl feeder which is optimized for feeding components which have a predefined

characteristic.

2. A bowl feeder component according to claim 1 wherein comprising,

a base member which defines a base of the bowl feeder, and a wall member which extends from only a first portion of the perimeter of the base member so that the wall member defines only part of a wall of the bowl feeder, and a second portion of the perimeter of the base member comprises said at least one member to which the at least one bowl feeder section can be removably attached.

3. A bowl feeder component according to claim 2 wherein the wall member comprises a track along which components to be feed from the bowl feeder can be moved.

4. A bowl feeder section,

which is optimized for use to feed components with a predefined characteristic from a bowl feeder, and

which is configured such that it can be removably attached to a bowl feeder component according to any one of the preceding claims, so that the bowl feeder section and bowl feeder component collectively define a bowl feeder which is optimized for feeding components which have the predefined characteristic.

5. A bowl feeder section according to claim 4 wherein the bowl feeder section is configured to have a have a curved profile so that it can define at least a portion of a bowl-shaped structure of a bowl feeder.

6. A bowl feeder section according to claim 4 or 5 wherein the bowl feeder section is optimized for use to feed components with a predefined characteristic from a bowl feeder, by comprising,

a track having a width which is sufficient to enable the components with the predefined characteristic to be moved along; and a means for removing from the track components with the predefined characteristic which are in an orientation other than a predefined orientation.

7. A bowl feeder section according to any one of claims 4-6 wherein the predefined characteristic is any one or more of: predefined dimension; predefined shape; a predefined material; and/or a predefined weight.

8. An assembly comprising a bowl feeder component according to any one of claims 1 - 3 and a plurality of bowl feeder sections according to claim 4-7, wherein each of the plurality of bowl feeder sections is optimized for use to feed components having a different predefined characteristic, so that each of the bowl feeder sections can be selectively removably attached to the bowl feeder component to selectively define a bowl feeder optimized for feeding components which have a predefined characteristic.

9. An assembly according to claim 8 wherein each of the plurality of bowl feeder sections comprise a track, and wherein the width of the track of each of the plurality of bowl feeder sections is different.

10. An assembly according to any one of claims 8 or 9 wherein each of the plurality of bowl feeder sections comprise one or more baffles, and wherein the configurations of the one or more baffles differs between the plurality of bowl feeder sections.

1 1 . An assembly according to any one of claims 8 -10 wherein each of the plurality of bowl feeder sections comprise one or more sensors, and wherein the position of the one or more sensors, relative to a surface of a track of the respective bowl feeder section, differs between the plurality of bowl feeder sections.

12. An assembly according to any one of claims 8-1 1 wherein each of the plurality of bowl feeder sections further comprises one or more nozzles which can blow air, and wherein the position of the one or more nozzles, relative to a surface of a track of the respective bowl feeder section, differs between the plurality of bowl feeder sections.

13. An assembly according to any one of claims 8-12 wherein each of the plurality of bowl feeder sections further comprises one or more blowing regulators which can be adjusted to set the strength of the air blown from a respective nozzle when that nozzle is open; and wherein the setting of the one or more blowing regulators on the plurality of bowl feeder sections differs between the plurality of bowl feeder sections.

14. An method for providing a bowl feeder optimized for feeding components having a predefined characteristic, the method comprising the steps of,

(a) selecting from a plurality of bowl feeder sections according to any one of claims 4-7, each of the plurality of bowl feeder sections a being optimized for use to feed components with different predefined characteristics, a bowl feeder section which is optimized for use to feed components with the predefined characteristic;

(b) removably attaching the selected bowl feeder section to a bowl feeder component according to any one of claims 1 -3 to form a bowl feeder which is optimized for feeding components which have the predefined characteristic.

1 5. An method according to claim 14 further comprising the step of, removing from the bowl feeder component a bowl feeder section which is removably attached to the bowl feeder component, prior performing step (b).