COMPONENT PLACEMENT MACHINE AS WELL AS A METHOD FOR TRANSPORTING PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARDS

摘要

A component placement machine with a frame and with a transport device for transporting printed circuit boards in an X-direction as well as a method for transporting printed circuit boards whereby the transport device comprises at least one transport beam extending in the X-direction. The transport beam can be driven in the X-direction in a reciprocating movement, whereby the transport device is provided with a clamping mechanism connected to the transport beam for clamping on to a lateral edge extending in the X-direction of the printed circuit boards to be transported. The device is further provided with a supporting mechanism connected to the frame for supporting two lateral edges on both sides of the printed circuit boards, whereby the clamping mechanism can be brought into an active clamping position such that the clamping mechanism is active during the movement of the transport beam in the positive X-direction and can be brought to a resting position during the return of the transport beam in the negative X-direction. While the clamping mechanism is in a resting position the printed circuit boards are supported by the supporting mechanism.