Cassette for storing a plurality of electronic component chips

Claim 1

A cassette for storing a plurality of electronic component chips and for providing said plurality of electronic component chips to an apparatus for supplying electronic component chips, said cassette comprising: case means internally provided with a main, open storage space for storing a plurality of electronic component chips arrayed in random positions and orientations, first and second outer wall surfaces adjacently intersecting with each other and an outlet formed in said first outer wall surface to communicate with said storage space and for discharging said electronic component chips; and openable closure means closing said outlet, said closure means being formed by a flexible plate; said case means being provided with a guide portion for slidably guiding said closure means over a portion along said first outer wall surface and a portion along said second outer wall surface, said closure means being guided by said guide portion to open and close said outlet with one end portion thereof being positioned along said second outer wall surface whether said outlet is opened or closed; slidable opening/closing operation means for opening and closing said closure means being provided in said one end portion of said closure means to be exposed on said second outer wall surface; a mounting part being provided in the vicinity of said first outer wall surface of said case means for detachably mounting said case means on an apparatus for supplying said electronic component chips with said outlet being directed to said apparatus.