Electronic component transporter wheel

摘要

A machine for use in shaping the leads of electronic components has a component transporter which comprises a pair of discs each having a resiliently flexible outer peripheral portion in which a plurality of lead receiving notches are formed. Edge separation slots subdivide the peripheral edge portion into a plurality of independently flexible segments. Magnets are arranged to deflect successive segments laterally away from one another during passage through the loading station to widen the gap between the segments to receive the body of a component therebetween and thereafter permit the successive segments to move toward one another to clamp in the body of a component therebetween. A transfer wheel has a peripheral edge formed with a plurality of component recesses. The transfer wheel is mounted to rotate with its peripheral edge overlapping a length of the outer peripheral portion of the discs during passage through the loading station. A guide rail is arranged one on either side of a slipway which intersects the path of travel of the component recesses of the loading wheel assembly as they pass through the loading station. The slipway is shaped to seat the leads of the component in the notches of the disc. The outer peripheral portion of each segment of the disc is formed with a ramp which provides clearance between the overlapping peripheral edge of the disc and the root circle of the transfer wheel.