GB2554619A

GB2554619A - Component for attracting article

Info

Publication number: GB2554619A
Application number: GB1720204.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Watanabe Kousuke; Iwasa Takuya; Kawanishi Norio
Original assignee: Ishida Co Ltd
Current assignee: Ishida Co Ltd
Priority date: 2015-05-26
Filing date: 2016-03-24
Publication date: 2018-04-04
Anticipated expiration: 2036-03-24
Also published as: CN107530886B; JPWO2016189946A1; WO2016189946A1; JP6600354B2; GB201720204D0; CN107530886A; GB2554619B

Abstract

A component (10A) for attracting an article comprises first and second suction members (51, 52), first and second attraction devices (71, 72), and a multi-chamber unit (20A). The multi-chamber unit (20A) has: a suction mechanism-side member (30A) having first and second suction mechanism-side connection openings (21, 22); an article-side member (40A) having first and second article-side connection openings (23, 24); and a separator (25A) provided to either the suction mechanism-side member (30A) or the article-side member (40A). The first and second suction members (51, 52) are respectively connected to the first and second suction mechanism-side connection openings (21, 22). In a first state (F1), the first and second article-side connection openings (23, 24) are each in communication only with a corresponding one of the first and second suction mechanism-side connection openings (21, 22). In a second state (F2), the first and second article-side connection openings (23, 24) are each in communication with both the first and second suction mechanism-side connection openings (21, 22).

Description

(56) Documents Cited:

JP 2012/187679 A

CD-ROM of the specification and drawings annexed to the request of Japanese utility model application number. 66089/1993 - 20/06/1995

US 2010/0040450 A1 (58) Field of Search:

INT CL B25J, B65G (87) International Publication Data:

WO2016/189946 Ja 01.12.2016 (71) Applicant(s):

Ishida Co., Ltd (Incorporated in Japan)

Sanno-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606, Japan (72) Inventor(s):

Kousuke Watanabe Takuya Iwasa Norio Kawanishi (74) Agent and/or Address for Service:

Gill Jennings & Every LLP

The Broadgate Tower, 20 Primrose Street, LONDON, EC2A 2ES, United Kingdom (54) Title of the Invention: Component for attracting article Abstract Title: Component for attracting article (57) A component (10A) for attracting an article comprises first and second suction members (51,52), first and second attraction devices (71,72), and a multi-chamber unit (20A). The multi-chamber unit (20A) has: a suction mechanism-side member (30A) having first and second suction mechanism-side connection openings (21, 22); an article-side member (40A) having first and second article-side connection openings (23, 24); and a separator (25A) provided to either the suction mechanism-side member (30A) or the article-side member (40A). The first and second suction members (51, 52) are respectively connected to the first and second suction mechanism-side connection openings (21, 22). In a first state (F1), the first and second articleside connection openings (23, 24) are each in communication only with a corresponding one of the first and second suction mechanism-side connection openings (21, 22). In a second state (F2), the first and second article-side connection openings (23, 24) are each in communication with both the first and second suction mechanism-side connection openings (21, 22).

10A.

1/9

10081

Δ

F I G. 1

2/9

WO

F I G. 2

3/9

F I G. 3

4/9

F I G. 4

F I G. 5

F1

I

5/9

F I G. 6

10A

25A

40A

6/9

F I G. 8

F I G. 9

10A’

10B ί/q

F I G. 1 Ο

8/9

F I G. 1 1

F1 i----m

20A S

9/9

F I G. 1 3

F I G. 1 4

DESCRIPTION

PRODUCT SUCKING AND HOLDING COMPONENT

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a product sucking and holding component.

BACKGROUND ART

Sometimes a product sucking and holding component is attached to the distal end of an arm of an industrial robot. The product sucking and holding component sucks and holds a product by means of air suction. The robot and the product sucking and holding component disclosed in patent document 1 (Japanese Patent No. 4,168,008) moves a product in the following way. First, the product sucking and holding component contacts the product and thereafter holds the product by means of air suction. Next, the arm of the robot changes its posture to thereby move the product. Finally, the product sucking and holding component releases the product by ending the air suction at the moving destination.

Numerous products can be moved more efficiently by using a method called “double picking.” Double picking is performed in the following way using a product sucking and holding component equipped with two air suction paths. First, the product sucking and holding component contacts one product, and thereafter the first path holds the product.

Next, the product sucking and holding component contacts another product, and thereafter the second path holds the product. Next, the robot moves the two products. Finally, the product sucking and holding component releases the two products.

It is preferred that a product sucking and holding component capable of double picking has a rotating mechanism so that it can change the arrangement direction of the two products.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION <Technical Problem>

The air suction paths are often configured using flexible hoses. There is the concern that when the rotating mechanism is operated, the hoses will become twisted, swung about, and contact other devices. Because of this, wear, degradation, or damage to the hoses may occur.

Particularly in a case where the product handled by the product sucking and holding component is a collection of chips, particles, or powder packaged in a bag comprising a film, it is expected that the hoses will sustain damage more quickly. This is because it is difficult to hold the products because this type of product is pliant and deforms easily. In order to reliably hold this type of product, it is necessary to further increase the diameter of the sucking and holding openings in the product sucking and holding component that the product contacts, and to suck a larger volume of air per unit of time. The potential for the durability of a fat and heavy hose used for that purpose to be inferior with respect to twisting and swinging is high.

It is an object of the present invention to reduce damage to members configuring suction paths in a product sucking and holding component capable of double picking and rotating.

A product sucking and holding component pertaining to a first aspect of the invention includes a first suction member, a second suction member, a first sucking and holding device, a second sucking and holding device, and a multi-chamber unit. The first suction member extends from a suction mechanism. The second suction member extends from the suction mechanism. The first sucking and holding device sucks and holds a product. The second sucking and holding device sucks and holds a product. In the multi-chamber unit is formed an inside space. The multi-chamber unit can switch between a first state and a second state. The multi-chamber unit has a suction mechanism-side member, a product-side member, and a separator. In the suction mechanism-side member are formed a first suction mechanism-side connecting port and a second suction mechanism-side connecting port. The first suction mechanism-side connecting port is connected to the first suction member. The second suction mechanism-side connecting port is connected to the second suction member. In the product-side member are formed a first product-side connecting port and a second productside connecting port. The first product-side connecting port is connected to the first sucking and holding device. The second product-side connecting port is connected to the second sucking and holding device. The product-side member rotates relative to the suction mechanism-side member. The separator is provided on either one of the product-side member and the suction mechanism-side member. The separator divides the inside space to form plural chambers. In the first state the separator communicates the first product-side connecting port to just the first suction mechanism-side connecting port and communicates the second product-side connecting port to just the second suction mechanism-side connecting port. In the second state the separator communicates both the first product-side connecting port and the second product-side connecting port to both the first suction mechanism-side connecting port and the second suction mechanism-side connecting port.

According to this configuration, the first suction member and the second suction member are both connected to the suction mechanism-side member and are not connected to the product-side member. Consequently, in the product sucking and holding component that can double pick, it is unlikely for the first suction member and the second suction member to be swung about even when the product-side member rotates, so damage to the first suction member and the second suction member can be reduced.

A product sucking and holding component pertaining to a second aspect of the invention is the product sucking and holding component pertaining to the first aspect, wherein the separator is provided on the product-side member.

According to this configuration, the separator is provided on the product-side member. Consequently, the separator can be configured as a part integrated with a rotating shaft, and it becomes unnecessary for the rotating shaft to slide against the separator.

A product sucking and holding component pertaining to a third aspect of the invention is the product sucking and holding component pertaining to the first aspect, wherein the separator is provided on the suction mechanism-side member.

According to this configuration, the separator is provided on the suction mechanismside member. Consequently, it suffices for the shape of the product-side member to close off the opening in the underside of the suction mechanism-side member, so design freedom increases.

A product sucking and holding component pertaining to a fourth aspect of the invention is the product sucking and holding component pertaining to any one of the first aspect to the third aspect, wherein the switching between the first state and the second state is performed as a result of the product-side member rotating 90° relative to the suction mechanism-side member.

According to this configuration, double picking is possible by adopting the first state when holding the products and the second state when placing the products, whereby wearingdown of the first suction member and the second suction member at that time can be further reduced.

A product sucking and holding component pertaining to a fifth aspect of the invention is the product sucking and holding component pertaining to any one of the first aspect to the fourth aspect, further comprising a first switching element and a second switching element. The first switching element switches between transmitting and not transmitting suction force of the suction mechanism to the first suction member. The second switching element switches between transmitting and not transmitting the suction force of the suction mechanism to the second suction member. The sucking and holding operation of the first sucking and holding device and the sucking and holding operation of the second sucking and holding device are performed independently of each other.

According to this configuration, the sucking and holding operation of the first sucking and holding device and the sucking and holding operation of the second sucking and holding device are performed independently of each other. Consequently, the first sucking and holding device and the second sucking and holding device can share the single suction mechanism.

A product sucking and holding component pertaining to a sixth aspect of the invention is the product sucking and holding component pertaining to any one of the first aspect to the fifth aspect, further comprising a rotational angle detector and a type determiner. The rotational angle detector detects a rotational angle of the product-side member. The type determiner determines types of the product-side member in accordance with output of the rotational angle detector. A projecting portion is formed on the product-side member. A limiting portion is formed on the suction mechanism-side member. The limiting portion limits the rotation of the product-side member by contacting the projecting portion.

According to this configuration, the type of the product-side member, and furthermore the type of the first sucking and holding device and the second sucking and holding device, can be determined by the angle in which the product-side member can rotate. Consequently, wrong types of parts can be kept from being installed.

According to the product sucking and holding component pertaining to the first aspect of the invention, damage to the first suction member and the second suction member can be reduced.

According to the product sucking and holding component pertaining to the second aspect of the invention, it becomes unnecessary for the rotating shaft to slide against the separator.

According to the product sucking and holding component pertaining to the third aspect of the invention, design freedom increases.

According to the product sucking and holding component pertaining to the fourth aspect of the invention, wearing-down of the first suction member and the second suction member in double picking can be further reduced.

According to the product sucking and holding component pertaining to the fifth aspect of the invention, the first sucking and holding device and the second sucking and holding device can share the single suction mechanism.

According to the product sucking and holding component pertaining to the sixth aspect of the invention, wrong types of parts can be kept from being installed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a general view of a box packing machine 100 in which a product sucking and holding component 10A pertaining to a first embodiment of the invention is installed.

FIG. 2 is a general view of the internal configuration of the box packing machine 100.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the product sucking and holding component 10A pertaining to the first embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram showing air suction paths of the product sucking and holding component 10A.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a first state FI of the product sucking and holding component 10A.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the first state FI of the product sucking and holding component 10A.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the first state FI of the product sucking and holding component 10A.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a second state F2 of the product sucking and holding component 10A.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a product sucking and holding component 10 A’ pertaining to an example modification of the first embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10 is an exploded view of a product sucking and holding component 10B pertaining to a second embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the first state FI of the product sucking and holding component 10B.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing the first state FI of the product sucking and holding component 10B.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing the first state FI of the product sucking and holding component 10B.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing the second state F2 of the product sucking and holding component 10B.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS <First Embodiment ^ (1) Overall Configuration

FIG. 1 shows a box packing machine 100 in which a product sucking and holding component 10A pertaining to a first embodiment of the invention is installed. The box packing apparatus 100 is for putting plural products P into one box B. Attached to a frame 81 of the box packing machine 100 are a parallel link robot 82, which groups the plural products P in one place, and a boxing robot 83, which puts the grouped plural products P into the box B. The product sucking and holding component 10A is installed in the parallel link robot 82.

FIG. 2 shows the internal configuration of the box packing machine 100. A first conveyor 91 conveys one at a time the products P that enter through a product inlet PI. The parallel link robot 82 picks up two products P on the first conveyor 91, rotates the two products P by 90°, and places them on a second conveyor 92 to form a product row R comprising the two products P. The second conveyor 92 adjusts its conveyance speed to thereby create a product group G comprising four products P. The boxing robot 83 simultaneously holds the four products constituting the product group G and puts them into the box B standing by in a box standby portion 84.

The box B enters through a box inlet BI1 or a box inlet BI2, moves over conveyor rollers 94, and is pushed by a pushing mechanism 95 to a third conveyor 93. Thereafter, the box B is conveyed by the third conveyor 93 to the box standby portion 84 and receives the product groups G multiple times. Thereafter, the box B is again conveyed by the third conveyor 93 and exits through a box outlet BO.

The parallel link robot 82 uses double picking to efficiently move the products P from the first conveyor 91 to the second conveyor 92. The double picking is performed in the following way using the product sucking and holding component 10A, which has a first sucking and holding device 71 and a second sucking and holding device 72 that are respectively connected to two air suction paths. First, the parallel link robot 82 causes the first sucking and holding device 71 to contact one product P on the first conveyor 91 and holds that product P. Next, the parallel link robot 82 moves the product sucking and holding component lOAto cause the second sucking and holding device 72 to contact another product P on the first conveyor 91 and holds that product P. Finally, the parallel link robot 82 rotates by 90° the two products P that it is holding and places them on the second conveyor 92. Hence, the product row R is formed on the second conveyor 92.

(2) Detailed Configuration

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the product sucking and holding component 10A, and FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram of the air suction paths of the product sucking and holding component 10A. As shown in these drawings, the product sucking and holding component

10A has a multi-chamber unit 20A, a metal pipe 11, the first sucking and holding device 71, the second sucking and holding device 72, a first suction member 51, a second suction member 52, a first switching element 53, a second switching element 54, and a suction mechanism 58.

(2-1) Multi-chamber Unit 20A

As shown in FIG. 3, the multi-chamber unit 20A has a suction mechanism-side member 30A and a product-side member 40A.

(2-1-1) Suction Mechanism-side Member 30A

The suction mechanism-side member 30Ais an cylinder-shaped member whose underside is open. Formed in the suction mechanism-side member 30A are a first suction mechanism-side connecting port 21, a second suction mechanism-side connecting port 22, and a hole 31. The first suction mechanism-side connecting port 21 and the second suction mechanism-side connecting port 22 are for respectively connecting the later-described first suction member 51 and second suction member 52. The hole 31 is for passing therethrough a later-described rotating shaft 41.

(2-1-2) Product-side Member 40A

The product-side member 40A is a disc-shaped member that rotatably fits together with the suction mechanism-side member 30A. Formed in the product-side member 40A are a first product-side connecting port 23 and a second product-side connecting port 24. A rotating shaft 41 that extends upward is formed in the center of the product-side member 40A. The rotating shaft 41 is for receiving the transmission of power from a motor, not shown in the drawings, in order to rotate the product-side member 40A. A separator 25A extends from the rotating shaft 41 toward the outer periphery. The separator 25 A is for dividing the space inside the multi-chamber unit 20A into two chambers in order to create the two air suction paths.

(2-2) Metal Pipe 11

The metal pipe 11 is secured to the suction mechanism-side member 30A. The rotating shaft 41 is housed in the space inside the metal pipe 11.

(2-3) First Sucking and Holding Device 71

The first sucking and holding device 71 is for holding the product P by means of air suction, and has a manifold 711, an air outlet 712, and contact members 713. The manifold 711 is a hollow box-like member. The air outlet 712 for connecting to the first product-side connecting port 23 of the product-side member 40A is formed in the upper surface of the manifold 711. Plural holes are formed in the undersurface of the manifold 711, and a contact members 713 is attached to each of the holes. The contact members 713 are for contacting the product P and establishing air tightness for the air suction. The contact members 713 are cylinder-shaped members that are extensible/contractible and made of a flexible substance. (2-4) Second Sucking and Holding Device 72

The second sucking and holding device 72 is a part identical to the first sucking and holding device 71, and has a manifold 721, an air outlet 722, and contact members 723. The air outlet 722 is connected to the second product-side connecting port 24.

(2-5) First Suction Member 51 and Second Suction Member 52

As shown in FIG. 4, the first suction member 51 and the second suction member 52 are members constituting paths for guiding air, and are hoses, for example. The first suction member 51 and the second suction member 52 extend from the first suction mechanism-side connecting port 21 and the second suction mechanism-side connecting port 22, respectively. (2-6) First Switching Element 53 and Second Switching Element 54

The first switching element 53 and the second switching element 54 are devices for switching between connecting and disconnecting the air suction paths, and are electromagnetic valves, for example. The first switching element 53 and the second switching element 54 are connected to the first suction member 51 and the second suction member 52, respectively.

(2-7) Suction Mechanism 58

The suction mechanism 58 has a suction apparatus 55 and a suction mechanism-side conduit 56.

(2-7-1) Suction Apparatus 55

The suction apparatus 55 is an apparatus that generates power for air suction, and is a vacuum pump, for example.

(2-7-2) Suction Mechanism-side Conduit 56

The suction mechanism-side conduit 56 is a Y-tube that branches at a branch point 57, and connects the first switching element 53, the second switching element 54, and the suction apparatus 55.

(3) Operation

In the double picking, the product sucking and holding component 10A switches to a first state FI when picking up the products P and switches to a second state F2 when moving the products.

(3-1) First State FI

FIG. 5 to FIG. 7 show the first state F1 of the product sucking and holding component

10A. In the first state FI the two air suction paths are completely independent of each other. Consequently, in the first state FI the two air suction paths can be individually operated.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view along a horizontal plane. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view along line V-V of FIG. 5. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view along line VI-VI of FIG. 5.

As shown in these drawings, in the first state FI air sucked through the first sucking and holding device 71 enters one chamber in the multi-chamber unit 20A via the first product-side connecting port 23 and exits through the first suction mechanism-side connecting port 21.

Air sucked through the second sucking and holding device 72 enters one chamber in the multi-chamber unit 20A via the second product-side connecting port 24 and exits through the second suction mechanism-side connecting port 22. These two air suction paths are separated from each other by the separator 25 A.

(3-2) Second State F2

FIG. 8 shows the second state F2 of the product sucking and holding component 10 A. In the second state F2 the direction of the product-side member 40A is rotated by 90° from the first state FI. In the second state F2 the two air suction paths merge in the multi-chamber unit 20A. Consequently, in the second state F2 individually operating the two air suction paths is not expected. It is expected that the second state F2 is adopted when the first sucking and holding device 71 and the second sucking and holding device 72 are both holding products P.

(4) Characteristics (4-1)

The first suction member 51 and the second suction member 52 are both connected to the suction mechanism-side member 30A and are not connected to the product-side member 40A. Consequently, in the product sucking and holding component lOAthat can double pick, it is unlikely for the first suction member 51 and the second suction member 52 to be swung about even when the product-side member 40A rotates, so damage to the first suction member 51 and the second suction member 52 can be reduced.

(4-2)

The separator 25 A is provided on the product-side member 40A. Consequently, the separator 25 A can be configured as a part integrated with the rotating shaft 41, and it becomes unnecessary for the rotating shaft 41 to slide against the separator 25 A.

(4-3)

Double picking is possible by adopting the first state FI when holding the products P and the second state F2 when placing the products P, whereby wearing-down of the first suction member 51 and the second suction member 52 at that time can be further reduced. (4-4)

The sucking and holding operation of the first sucking and holding device 71 and the sucking and holding operation of the second sucking and holding device 72 are performed independently of each other. Consequently, the first sucking and holding device 71 and the second sucking and holding device 72 can share the single suction mechanism 58 or suction apparatus 55.

(5) Example Modifications (5-1) Head Type Determining Mechanism

TIG. 9 shows part of a product sucking and holding component 10 A’ pertaining to an example modification of the first embodiment of the invention. The multi-chamber unit 20A of the product sucking and holding component 10A differs from that of the product sucking and holding component 10A pertaining to the first embodiment in that it has a limiting portion 35 and a projecting portion 45.

The projecting portion 45 is provided on the product-side member 40A. The limiting portion 35 is provided on the suction mechanism-side member 30A. The projecting portion 45 moves on a circular path because of the rotation of the product-side member 40A. The limiting portion 35 blocks part of the circular path to thereby physically limit the rotation of the product-side member 40A.

Tor performing the work of packing various types of the products P into boxes, a plurality of first sucking and holding devices 71 and a plurality of second sucking and holding devices 72, having structures optimal for each type of product P, and a plurality of product-side members 40B, to which those are attached, might be prepared. However, at the site of the box packing work, there is a concern that, in setting up the box packing machine 100, wrong types of these parts might be installed because of human error.

However, according to the product sucking and holding component 10A pertaining to the present example modification, the type of the product-side member 40B that is installed can be checked. That is, each type of the product-side members 40B is designed in such a way that the position of the projecting portion 45 is different. Tor this reason, the rotatable angle differs according to each type of the product-side members 40B. When the projecting portion 45 is limited by the limiting portion 35 at the angle that becomes the limit of rotation, the electrical current consumed by the motor for causing the product-side member 40B to rotate increases. Consequently, by monitoring the electrical current value, the installation position of the projecting portion 45 can be grasped to thereby determine the type of the product-side member 40B.

The detection of the rotational angle and the determination of the type of the productside member 40B are executed by a control circuit and a program that control each part of the product sucking and holding component 10A.

According to this configuration, the type of the product-side member 40B, and furthermore the type of the first sucking and holding device 71 and the second sucking and holding device 72, can be determined by the angle in which the product-side member 40A can rotate. Consequently, wrong types of parts can be kept from being installed.

(5-2) Shape of Multi-chamber Unit 20A

In the above-described first embodiment the suction mechanism-side member 30A and the product-side member 40A are shaped like a cylinder or a disc. Instead of this, the suction mechanism-side member 30A and the product-side member 40Amay also have other shapes provided that the rotation of the product-side member 40Ais not obstructed.

(5-3) Number of Chambers in Multi-chamber Unit 20A

In the above-described first embodiment the space inside the multi-chamber unit 20A is divided into two chambers. Instead of this, the multi-chamber unit 20Amay also have a structure having a number of chambers other than two, such as three or four, for example.

<Second Embodiment^ (1) Overall Configuration

FIG. 10 shows a product sucking and holding component 10B pertaining to a first embodiment of the invention. The structure of a multi-chamber unit 20B of the product sucking and holding component 10B differs from that of the multi-chamber unit 20 A pertaining to the first embodiment. Specifically, a separator 25B of the multi-chamber unit 20B is provided on a suction mechanism-side member 30B that is fixed rather than on a product-side member 40B that rotates.

(2) Operation

In the double picking, the product sucking and holding component 10B, like the product sucking and holding component 10A pertaining to the first embodiment, switches to the first state FI when picking up the products P and switches to the second state F2 when moving the products.

(2-1) First State FI

FIG. 11 to FIG. 13 show the first state FI of the product sucking and holding component 10B. As in the first embodiment, in the first state FI the two air suction paths are completely independent of each other.

FIG 11 is a cross-sectional view along a horizontal plane. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view along line XII-XII of FIG. 11. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view along line XIII-XIII of FIG. 11. As shown in these drawings, in the first state FI the two air suction paths are separated from each other by the separator 25B provided on the suction mechanism-side member 3OB.

(2-2) Second State F2

FIG. 14 shows the second state F2 of the product sucking and holding component 10B. In the second state F2 the direction of the product-side member 40B is rotated by 90° from the first state FI. As in the first embodiment, in the second state F2 the two air suction paths merge in the multi-chamber unit 20B.

(3) Characteristics

The separator 25B is provided on the suction mechanism-side member 30B. Consequently, it suffices for the shape of the product-side member 40B to close off the opening in the underside of the suction mechanism-side member 3 OB, so design freedom increases.

(4) Example Modifications

The example modifications of the first embodiment may also be applied to the present embodiment.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

P	Product
FI	First State
F2	Second State
10A	Product Sucking and Holding Component
10B	Product Sucking and Holding Component
11	Metal Pipe
20A	Multi-chamber Unit
20B	Multi-chamber Unit
21	First Suction Mechanism-side Connecting Port
22	Second Suction Mechanism-side Connecting Port
23	First Product-side Connecting Port
24	Second Product-side Connecting Port
25A	Separator
25B	Separator
30A	Suction Mechanism-side Member

30B Suction Mechanism-side Member

Hole

Limiting Portion

40A Product-side Member

40B Product-side Member

Rotating Shaft

Projecting Portion

First Suction Member

Second Suction Member

First Switching Element

Second Switching Element

Suction Apparatus

Suction Mechanism-side Conduit

Branch Point

Suction Mechanism

First Sucking and Holding Device

Second Sucking and Holding Device

100 Box Packing Machine

711 Manifold

712 Air Outlet

713 Contact Members

721 Manifold

722 Air Outlet

723 Contact Members

CITATION LIST <Patent Literature>

Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 4,168,008

Claims

1. A product sucking and holding component comprising:

a first suction member that extends from a suction mechanism; a second suction member that extends from the suction mechanism; a first sucking and holding device that sucks and holds a product; a second sucking and holding device that sucks and holds a product; and a multi-chamber unit in which an inside space is formed and which can switch between a first state and a second state, wherein the multi-chamber unit has a suction mechanism-side member in which are formed a first suction mechanism-side connecting port connected to the first suction member and a second suction mechanism-side connecting port connected to the second suction member, a product-side member in which are formed a first product-side connecting port to which the first sucking and holding device is connected and a second product-side connecting port to which the second sucking and holding device is connected, and which rotates relative to the suction mechanism-side member, and a separator that is provided on either one of the product-side member and the suction mechanism-side member and divides the inside space to form plural chambers, in the first state the separator communicates the first product-side connecting port to just the first suction mechanism-side connecting port and communicates the second productside connecting port to just the second suction mechanism-side connecting port, and in the second state the separator communicates both the first product-side connecting port and the second product-side connecting port to both the first suction mechanism-side connecting port and the second suction mechanism-side connecting port.

2. The product sucking and holding component according to claim 1, wherein the separator is provided on the product-side member.

3. The product sucking and holding component according to claim 1, wherein the separator is provided on the suction mechanism-side member.

4. The product sucking and holding component according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the switching between the first state and the second state is performed by the product-side member rotating by 90° relative to the suction mechanism-side member.

5. The product sucking and holding component according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising:

5 a first switching element that switches between transmitting and not transmitting suction force of the suction mechanism to the first suction member and a second switching element that switches between transmitting and not transmitting the suction force of the suction mechanism to the second suction member, wherein the sucking and holding operation of the first sucking and holding device and 10 the sucking and holding operation of the second sucking and holding device are performed independently of each other.

6. The product sucking and holding component according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising:

15 a rotational angle detector that detects a rotational angle of the product-side member and a type determiner that determines types of the product-side member in accordance with output of the rotational angle detector, wherein

20 a projecting portion is formed on the product-side member, and a limiting portion that limits the rotation of the product-side member by contacting the projecting portion is formed on the suction mechanism-side member.