JP2003104538A - Article aligning and conveying device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an article aligning and conveying device having excellent processing ability and exchanging workability capable of efficiently aligning and conveying articles such as electronic parts or tablets. SOLUTION: By transportable vibrations of a first vibration generating device 12, the electronic parts P contained in a vibration bowl 11 are fed along a spiral feed track 11a to an inlet region of a straight line conveyance shoot 20 via a connection member 30 fixed next to an outlet region 11b of the feed track 11a. The electronic parts P fed in the inlet region are fed along guide grooves of respective lines in plural lines by transportable vibration of a second vibration generating device 25. In the process, by front/back identifying sensors 31-33 corresponding to the guide grooves of the respective lines, the front or the back of the electronic part P fed along the guide groove is identified and according to the identification result, the electronic part P with inappropriate front or back is ejected from the guide groove by an air blow and returned into the vibration bowl 11.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an article feeding apparatus for arranging articles (eg, electronic parts, tablets (medicinal products)) in one row or in a plurality of rows and feeding (feeding) the articles.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a device for arranging articles such as electronic parts and tablets, the articles are directed from the inside to the outside along a spiral feed track formed on the inner surface of a vibrating bowl. 2. Description of the Related Art There is known an article feeding apparatus including a vibrating bowl feeder apparatus that feeds the article by a vibrating bowl and a linear feeder apparatus that linearly feeds the article fed from the vibrating bowl feeder apparatus to a take-out position for the next process.

By the way, as an article to be fed by the above-mentioned article feeding apparatus, there is one having a distinction between the front and the back like a chip-shaped electronic component. Only suitable items need to be sorted and sent.

For this reason, in the conventional article feeding apparatus, generally, a sorting mechanism for sorting the front and back of an article is attached to the vibrating bowl, and the front and back are appropriate in the process of delivering the article along the feeding track of the vibrating bowl. Only items are sorted and sent. The sorting mechanism mounted on the vibrating bowl is composed of a plurality of sorting chute members attached to the vibrating bowl, and front and back identification sensors for identifying the front and back of an article.

[0005]

However, in the above-described conventional article feeding apparatus, since the sorting chute member assembled to the vibrating bowl has a curved shape along the inner surface of the vibrating bowl, the sorting chute member is formed. However, there is a problem that it is difficult to form a multi-row guide groove on the sorting chute member to improve the processing capacity.

Further, in the conventional article feeding apparatus described above,
Since the sorting mechanism that is assembled to the vibrating bowl is made up of a large number of parts, the assembling ability of the sorting mechanism to the vibrating bowl is poor, and it takes a lot of time and effort to replace the sorting mechanism according to the items to be fed. There is a problem.

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and is capable of efficiently delivering articles such as electronic parts and tablets, and is excellent in processing ability and exchanging workability. The purpose is to provide a device.

[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to the present invention, a vibrating bowl having an inner surface formed with a spiral feeding track extending from the inner side to the outer side, and an article is fed along the feeding track of the vibrating bowl. And a first vibration generator that gives a vibrating action for transporting to the vibrating bowl, and an outlet of the feeding track of the vibrating bowl, which is provided so as to cross the opening formed in the upper portion of the vibrating bowl. A linear transport chute in which a plurality of rows of linear guide grooves for linearly transporting the article sent from the area are formed, and the article is sent out along the guide grooves of each row of the linear transport chute, An article feeding apparatus, comprising: a second vibration generator that applies a transporting vibration action to the linear conveyance chute.

According to the present invention, the front / back identification sensor for identifying the front / back of the article sent out along the guide groove in correspondence with the guide groove in each row of the linear transport chute, and the front / back identification sensor. It is preferable to provide a discharging unit that discharges an article whose front and back are not appropriate from the guide groove according to the identification result. Further, it is preferable that the guide grooves in each of the rows of the linear transport chute are formed so as to join together on the downstream side.

According to the present invention, a linear transfer chute is provided so as to traverse the opening formed in the upper portion of the vibrating bowl,
Since a linear guide groove for linearly conveying the article is formed on the linear conveyance chute, a multi-row guide groove can be easily formed on the linear conveyance chute that is a sorting chute. Therefore, the processing capacity of the device can be easily improved.

Further, according to the present invention, since a large number of parts required as a sorting mechanism are put together in one unit (straight line transfer chute) independent of the vibrating bowl, the kind of articles to be fed Can be dealt with only by exchanging the linear transport chute, so that the labor and time required for exchanging the sorting mechanism can be significantly reduced.

Further, according to the present invention, since the work of sorting and arranging the articles is carried out on the linear conveying chute side, the articles fed from the exit area of the feeding track of the vibrating bowl are conveyed to the linear conveying chute. Random loading is possible, which eliminates the need for a sophisticated coupling method such as feeding fed articles one by one to a linear feeder, and the coupling between the vibrating bowl and the linear transfer chute is not required. Can be performed by a simpler method.

[0013]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. 1 to 3 are views showing an embodiment of an article feeding apparatus according to the present invention. In addition,
In the present embodiment, a case will be described as an example in which a chip-shaped electronic component having a front side and a back side is used as an article to be fed.

As shown in FIG. 1, the article feeding apparatus 1 includes a vibrating bowl 11 having an inner surface formed with a spiral feeding track 11a extending from the inner side to the outer side, and the feeding track 11a of the vibrating bowl 11. A first vibration generating device 12 that applies a transporting vibration action to the vibration bowl 11 is provided so as to send out the electronic component P along the direction. The first vibration generator 12 is installed on the support base 51.

Further, the article feeding device 1 includes a vibrating bowl 11
A linear transport chute 20 for linearly transporting the electronic component P, which is provided so as to traverse an opening formed in the upper part of the vibration bowl 11 and is fed from the exit region 11b of the feeding track 11a of the vibrating bowl 11, A second vibration generating device 25 that gives a vibrating action of transportability to the chute 20 is provided. It should be noted that the second vibration generator 25 includes the support base 51.
The vibrating device 26 installed above, a holding plate 27 attached to the upper part of the vibrating device 26, and a weight 28 attached to one end of the holding plate 27. The linear transport chute 20 is fixed to the end opposite to the end to which the weight 28 is attached.

Here, the linear transfer chute 20 is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 5, a plurality of rows of linear guide grooves (first guide grooves 21a and 21b, second guide grooves 22a to 22a) that meet on the downstream side are joined.
2d and the third guide grooves 23a, 23b) are formed, and the exit area 1 of the feeding track 11a of the vibrating bowl 11 is formed.
Electronic component P sent out from 1b through the connecting member 30
Can be sent out along the guide grooves of each row of the linear transport chute 20. The vibrating bowl 1
The electronic component P sent from the exit area 11b of the first feeding truck 11a is sent to the guide groove of each row via the entrance area 24a. Further, the electronic components P sent out along the guide grooves of each row are joined at the joining region 24b, and then sent out to the take-out position 52 of the electronic components P along the extension region 24c.

As shown in FIG. 3, the first guide groove 21
a, 21b, second guide grooves 22a to 22d, third guide groove 2
3a, 23b, the inlet region 24a, the merging region 24b and the extension region 24c are inclined at a predetermined angle so that the electronic component P can be pressed against the wall surface adjacent thereto.

Here, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the guide grooves or extension regions 24 of each row of the linear transport chute 20 are provided.
Corresponding to c, front and back identification sensors 31 to 34 for identifying the front and back of the electronic component P sent out along the guide groove or the extension region 24c are provided. In addition, the extension area 24
An overflow detection sensor 35 that detects the transport status of the electronic component P is provided corresponding to c. Note that FIG.
As shown in, the front and back identification sensors 31 to 34 and the overflow detection sensor 35 are fixed to the holding plate 27 of the second vibration generator 25 via the sensor holding bracket 29.

On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, on the wall surface adjacent to the guide groove or the extension region 24c in each row, the air blow-out port 41 for preventing overlap is constantly blown out.
a to 44a are formed, and two of the electronic components P (see reference numerals P and P ′ in FIG. 3) that are stacked and sent out
It is possible to discharge the electronic components (see reference numeral P'in FIG. 3) in the layers and above from the guide groove or the extension region 24c. Also, the guide groove or extension region 2 of each row
On the wall surface adjacent to 4c, front and back sorting air outlets (discharge means) 41b to 44b for blowing out air according to the identification result by the front and back identification sensors 31 to 34 are formed, so that the electronic component P whose front and back are not appropriate is formed. It can be discharged from the guide groove or the extension region 24c. Furthermore, on the wall surface adjacent to the extension region 24c,
An overflow preventing air outlet 44c is formed to blow out air according to the detection result of the overflow detecting sensor 35. By appropriately controlling the amount and timing of the air blown out from the overflow preventing air outlet 44c. The amount of the electronic component P taken out from the take-out position 52 of the linear transport chute 20 can be adjusted. The air outlets 41a to 44a, 41b
An air supply device (not shown) is connected to 44b and 44c. Also, the air outlet 41b
.. 44b and 44c have front and back identification sensors 31 to 34.
The air outlets 41b to 44 according to the identification result by the overflow detection sensor 35 or the detection result by the overflow detection sensor 35.
An air supply amount control device (not shown) for controlling the blowing of air from b and 44c is provided.

Next, the operation of this embodiment having such a configuration will be described.

In FIG. 1, when the first vibration generator 12 is driven, the electronic component P housed in the vibrating bowl 11 is driven.
However, due to the vibration effect of transportability, the spiral feed truck 1
1a from the inside to the outside, and via the connecting member 30 provided adjacent to the exit area 11b of the feeding truck 11a, the entrance area 24a of the linear transport chute 20.
Sent to.

Here, when the first vibration generator 12 is driven and the vibrating device 26 of the second vibration generator 25 is driven, the electronic component P sent to the inlet area 24a is discharged as shown in FIG. , The guide grooves (first guide grooves 21a and 21b, second guide groove 22a to
22d and the third guide grooves 23a, 23b) are fed in a plurality of rows.

Incidentally, in the process of sending out the electronic parts P along the guide grooves of each row in this way, the front and back discrimination sensor 3
The front and back of the electronic component P sent out along the guide groove are identified by 1 to 33, and air is blown out from the front and back sorting air outlets 41b to 43b according to the identification result, so that the front and back are not appropriate. The electronic component P is discharged from the guide groove. Further, the air is constantly blown out from the overlap preventing air blowing ports 41a to 43a, so that the electronic parts P are sent out in a stacked relation with each other.
Among them, the electronic components of the second or higher layer are discharged from the guide groove.

After that, the electronic parts P sent out along the guide grooves of each row are joined at the joining area 24b, and then sent out to the take-out position 52 of the electronic parts P along the extension area 24c.

In the process of sending out the electronic component P along the extension region 24c in this manner, the front and back identification sensor 34 identifies the front and back of the electronic component P sent along the extension region 24c, and the identification is performed. The air is blown out from the front / back sorting air outlet 44b according to the result, so that the electronic component P having an unsuitable front / back is discharged from the extension region 24c. In addition, the overlapping-prevention air outlet 44a discharges the electronic components of the second layer or more among the electronic components P which are stacked and sent out from the extension region 24c.

Further, in the process of sending out the electronic component P along the extension region 24c, the overflow detection sensor 3
5, the conveyance status of the electronic component P sent out along the extension region 24c is detected, and the blowing amount and the blowing timing of the air blown from the overflow preventing air blowing port 44c are appropriately controlled according to the detection result. As a result, the amount of the electronic component P taken out from the take-out position 52 of the linear transport chute 20 is adjusted.

The air outlets 41a to 44a,
The electronic component P blown off by the air blown from 41b to 44b, 44c or the electronic component P overflowing from the linear transport chute 20 is returned to the vibrating bowl 11.

Finally, the electronic component P sent to the take-out position 52 of the linear transport chute 20 is taken out via a transfer robot (not shown) or the like and sent to the next step.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the linear transfer chute 20 is provided so as to cross the opening formed in the upper portion of the vibrating bowl 11, and the electronic component P is linearly moved to the linear transfer chute 20. Since the linear guide groove for the automatic transfer is formed, it is possible to easily form the multi-row guide groove on the linear transfer chute 20 which is the sorting chute. The ability can be easily improved.

Further, according to the present embodiment, since the multi-point components required for the sorting mechanism are put together in one unit (the linear transfer chute 20) independent of the vibrating bowl 11, it is considered as a feeding target. Even if the type of the article is changed, it can be dealt with only by exchanging the linear transport chute 20, so that the labor and time required for exchanging the sorting mechanism can be remarkably reduced.

Further, according to the present embodiment, since the work of selecting and aligning the electronic parts P is performed on the side of the linear transfer chute 20, the electronic parts P are sent out from the exit region 11b of the feeding track 11a of the vibrating bowl 11. The electronic parts P can be randomly placed in the inlet region 24a of the linear transport chute 20, and therefore, the vibrating bowl 11 and the linear transport chute 20 are easily connected to each other via the connecting member 30 or the like. be able to.

In the above-described embodiment, the guide grooves (first guide groove 21) of each row of the straight conveying chute 20 are arranged.
a, 21b, the second guide grooves 22a to 22d, and the third guide grooves 23a, 23b) are described as an example in which they are merged on the downstream side, but the invention is not limited to this, and the electronic components P are separated into multiple rows. Of course, it is also possible to send it to the downstream side while keeping the state.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the front and back of the electronic component P are selected and aligned by the linear transport chute 20 is described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the linear transport chute 20 is not limited thereto. A plurality of rows of guide grooves extending in parallel with each other may be provided to form an article feeding device for separating articles into multiple rows and feeding the articles. In this case, the front / back identification sensor 3 used in the above-described embodiment.
1, 32, 33, 34 and the front and back sorting air outlets (discharging means) 41b, 42b, 43b, 44b and the like can be omitted.

[0034]

As described above, according to the present invention, there is provided an article feeding apparatus which can feed articles such as electronic parts and tablets efficiently and which is excellent in processing ability and exchange workability. be able to.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of an embodiment of an article feeding apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a main part of a linear transport chute of the article feeding device shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 article feeding device 11 vibrating bowl 11a feeding track 11b exit area 12 first vibration generating device 20 linear conveying chute 21a, 21b first guide groove 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d second guide groove 23a, 23b third guide groove 24a inlet area 24b merging area 24c extension area 25 second vibration generating device 26 vibrating device 27 holding plate 28 weight 29 sensor holding bracket 30 connecting members 31, 32, 33, 34 front and back discrimination sensor 35 overflow detection sensors 41a, 42a, 43a , 44a Overlapping prevention air outlets 41b, 42b, 43b, 44b Front and back sorting air outlets (discharging means) 44c Overflow prevention air outlets 51 Supports 52 Extraction position P Electronic parts (articles)

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A vibrating bowl having an inner surface formed with a spiral feeding track from the inner side to the outer side, and with respect to the vibrating bowl so as to feed an article along the feeding track of the vibrating bowl. A first vibration generating device for providing a transporting vibration action; and an article that is provided so as to cross an opening formed in an upper portion of the vibrating bowl and linearly conveys an article fed from an exit region of the feeding track of the vibrating bowl. A linear transport chute in which a plurality of rows of linear guide grooves for transporting the linear transport chute are formed, and the linear transport chute transports the article along the guide grooves of each row of the linear transport chute. And a second vibration generating device for imparting a vibrating action to the article. 2. A front / back identification sensor for identifying the front / back of an article sent along the guide groove corresponding to the guide groove of each row of the linear transport chute, and the identification result by the front / back identification sensor. The article feeding apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a discharging unit configured to discharge an article having an unsuitable front and back from the guide groove. 3. The article feeding apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the guide grooves of each of the rows of the linear transport chute are formed so as to meet on the downstream side.