JP2004043162A

JP2004043162A - Device and method for aligning and supplying component

Info

Publication number: JP2004043162A
Application number: JP2002205852A
Authority: JP
Inventors: Susumu Nakayama; 中山　進; Fumio Kato; 加藤　文男; Akira Kato; 加藤　章; Miyuki Nakanishi; 中西　幸
Original assignee: ART TEC KK; Yazaki Corp
Current assignee: ART TEC KK; Yazaki Corp
Priority date: 2002-07-15
Filing date: 2002-07-15
Publication date: 2004-02-12
Anticipated expiration: 2022-07-15
Also published as: JP4172960B2

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a excellent device and a method for aligning and supplying components, which can carry to the downstream side while sorting the direction of components, whose difference in outer diameter between the small diameter section and the large diameter section at both ends is small. <P>SOLUTION: A component sorting means 40 in the device for supplying components unscrambled is provided with a rotary drum 41 having suction fitting holes 42, each of which can suck and hold each of the large diameter sections 12a of rubber plugs 12 transferred unscrambled in a line in order or can fit and hold each of the small diameter sections 12b while sucking it, and gas blowing off mechanisms 45, which are arranged along the circular arc like moving path of the rubber plugs moved held by the suction fitting holes 42 of the rotary drum 41. The gas blowing off mechanisms 45 are provided with a plurality of gas blowing off ports 46, which are arranged in properly spaced relation in the peripheral direction along the side wall 49 near the outer peripheral face of the rotary drum 41 and a pressure gas generator for supplying pressure gas to the gas blowing off ports 46. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は部品の整列供給装置及び整列供給方法に関し、特に、ゴム栓などの方向性を有する形状の部品の向きを選別しながら下流側に供給する整列供給装置及び整列供給方法の改良に関するものである。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
一般に、ゴム栓などの方向性を有する形状の部品の向きを選別しながら下流側に搬送する為には、振動式ボールフィーダやドラム式パーツフィーダ等のパーツフィーダが用いられている。
図７は、一般的なパーツフィーダに設けられている機構を模式的に示した搬送手順を示す概略図である。又、図８は、パーツフィーダに供給される部品であるゴム栓の正面図である。
【０００３】
図８に示したように、方向性を有する形状の部品の一例としてのゴム栓１０は、大径部１０ａと小径部１０ｂとが同心上に連続して配置された筒状体であり、下流側に配設されたゴム栓挿入装置に対しては、大径部１０ａと小径部１０ｂとが同一方向に揃えられた姿勢になっている必要がある。
【０００４】
そこで、図７に示したように、パーツフィーダは、ゴム栓１０を貯留する貯留部からゴム栓１０を集める収集部１と、収集されたゴム栓１０の姿勢を整える選別部２と、整列されたゴム栓１０を搬送する搬送部３とを順に備えており、前記選別部２及び前記搬送部３を図示しない加振機で振動させて、ゴム栓１０を下流側に搬送している。
【０００５】
図７（Ａ）に示したように、収集部１においては、段差１ａを設けてゴム栓１０を下流側に設けた下段側に送給し、円柱形状を呈するゴム栓１０の軸線を鉛直方向に沿わせている。この場合、ゴム栓１０の姿勢は、大径部１０ａが上（小径部１０ｂが下）を向いているものもあれば、その逆のものもある。
【０００６】
図７（Ｂ）に示したように、選別部２では、ゴム栓１０の外形に沿って姿勢を規制する落とし板２ａが設けられており、大径部１０ａが上になっている姿勢でゴム栓１０が搬送された場合には、図７（Ｃ）に示すように、前記落とし板２ａにゴム栓１０の大径部１０ａが当接して正規の搬送方向から外れ、収集部１に回収されるようになっている。
【０００７】
そして、図７（Ｄ）に示したように、選別部２によって選別された正規の姿勢（大径部１０ａが下になっている姿勢）のゴム栓１０のみが、下流側に搬送されるようになっている。
ところで、近年のワイヤハーネスの細線・軽量化に伴う防水コネクタの小型化により、図９に示したような極小のゴム栓１２が用いられるようになってきた。前記ゴム栓１２は、図９に示したように、大径部１２ａと小径部１２ｂとの径の差が小さく、直径に対する高さの比も、図８に示したゴム栓１０より大きくなっている。
【０００８】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
しかしながら、図７に示したような従来のパーツフィーダでは、図９に示したような極小のゴム栓１２の向きを選別しながら下流側に搬送することが難しく、対応できないという問題が発生した。
即ち、前記ゴム栓１２は、大径部１２ａと小径部１２ｂとの外径寸法差が小さく、直径に対する高さの比が大きく倒れ易いので、図７（Ｂ）に示したような直立させた状態で搬送されるゴム栓１０の外形に沿って姿勢を規制する落とし板２ａを設けた選別部２では、ゴム栓１２の前後方向（両端方向）の区別をすることができない。
【０００９】
そこで、従来のパーツフィーダでは、前記ゴム栓１２を同一方向に揃えて下流側に搬送することができず、結果的にゴム栓挿入設備全体の生産能力が低下するという問題が生じていた。
従って、本発明の目的は上記課題を解消することに係り、両端部における小径部と大径部との外径寸法差が小さい部品の向きを選別しながら下流側に搬送することができる良好な部品の整列供給装置及び整列供給方法をを提供することである。
【００１０】
【課題を解決するための手段】
本発明の上記目的は、両端部に小径部と大径部を有する部品を搬送する搬送経路中に設けられ、該部品の向きを選別して下流側に供給する為の部品選別手段を備えた部品の整列供給装置であって、
前記部品選別手段が、一列に整列されて順次搬送されてくる前記部品の大径部を吸引保持可能又は小径部を嵌合保持可能な吸引嵌合孔を備えた部品搬送機構と、該部品搬送機構に保持されて移動させられる前記部品の移動経路に沿って配設されると共に、移動中の前記部品に気体を吹き付けることによって、前記吸引嵌合孔内に前記小径部が嵌合保持されていない部品を正規の移動経路から外す気体吹き出し機構と、を備えたことを特徴とする部品の整列供給装置により達成される。
【００１１】
上記部品の整列供給装置によれば、部品選別手段に一列に整列されて順次搬送される部品は、小径部のみが部品搬送機構の吸引嵌合孔に嵌合保持され、該吸引嵌合孔の内径より大きい大径部は前記吸引嵌合孔に嵌合保持されず、吸引保持されるだけである。
そして、前記吸引嵌合孔に大径部が吸引保持された状態で前記部品搬送機構により移動させられる部品の場合は、小径部が吸引嵌合孔に嵌合保持されていないので、部品の移動経路に沿って配設された気体吹き出し機構からの気体が吹き付けられることによって、正規の移動経路から外される。
【００１２】
その結果、前記部品搬送機構の吸引嵌合孔に小径部が嵌合保持された正規の向きの部品のみが、該部品搬送機構により順次移動させられる。
従って、大径部と小径部との外径寸法差が小さく、直径に対する高さの比が大きく倒れ易い部品であっても、該部品の向きを選別しながら下流側に搬送することができる。
【００１３】
又、本発明の上記目的は、両端部に小径部と大径部を有する部品を搬送する搬送経路中において該部品の向きを選別し、下流側に供給する為の部品の整列供給方法であって、
吸引嵌合孔に前記部品の大径部を吸引保持又は小径部を嵌合保持しながら移動させると共に、移動中の前記部品に気体を吹き付けることによって、前記吸引嵌合孔内に前記小径部が嵌合保持されていない部品を正規の移動経路から外すことを特徴とする部品の整列供給方法により達成される。
【００１４】
上記部品の整列供給方法によれば、順次搬送される部品は、小径部のみが吸引嵌合孔に嵌合保持され、該吸引嵌合孔の内径より大きい大径部は前記吸引嵌合孔に嵌合保持されず、吸引保持されるだけである。
そして、前記吸引嵌合孔に大径部が吸引保持された状態で移動させられる部品の場合は、小径部が吸引嵌合孔に嵌合保持されていないので、気体が吹き付けられることによって、正規の移動経路から外される。
【００１５】
その結果、前記吸引嵌合孔に小径部が嵌合保持された正規の向きの部品のみを順次移動させることができ、大径部と小径部との外径寸法差が小さく、直径に対する高さの比が大きく倒れ易い部品であっても、該部品の向きを選別しながら下流側に搬送することができる。
【００１６】
尚、好ましくは前記部品搬送機構に保持されて移動させられる前記部品の移動経路には、前記小径部が前記嵌合孔内に嵌合保持されている部品上に重なった状態の他の部品に当接し、重なった状態の部品を正規の移動経路から外す部品分離部材が配設されている。
この場合、前記部品搬送機構により嵌合保持されて移動させられる部品上に重なった状態の他の部品が、部品分離部材に当接して正規の移動経路から外されるので、複数の部品同士が重なった状態で下流側に供給されるのを防ぐことができる。
【００１７】
また、好ましくは前記部品搬送機構が、半径方向に延びる複数の吸引嵌合孔を外周面に穿設した回転ドラムを有し、前記気体吹き出し機構が、前記回転ドラムの外周面近傍に沿って配設された複数の気体吹き出し口を備える。
この場合、回転するコンパクトな回転ドラムと気体吹き出し口とによって、部品の向きを連続して選別することができ、作業効率が向上する。
【００１８】
また、好ましくは前記部品選別手段により選別された正規の姿勢の前記部品を該部品選別手段から受け取って下流に連続搬送するベルト搬送手段が、前記部品を一対の無端ベルト間に挟持した状態で連続搬送する。
更に、好ましくは前記ベルト搬送手段により搬送された前記部品を下流に送出するシューターが、加圧ガスによって前記部品を下流に送出する。
この場合、前記部品選別手段により選別された正規の姿勢の前記部品を、迅速、且つ確実に下流へ連続搬送することができる。
【００１９】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下、添付図面に基づいて本発明の一実施形態に係る部品の整列供給装置及び整列供給方法を詳細に説明する。
図１及び図２は本発明の一実施形態に係る部品の整列供給装置の概略を示す正面図及び平面図であり、図３は図１に示した部品選別手段の動作を説明する拡大断面図であり、図４は図３に示した部品選別手段の斜視図であり、図５及び図６は図３に示した部品選別手段の動作を説明する拡大断面図である。
【００２０】
本実施形態に係る部品の整列供給装置２０は、図１及び図２に示したように、ゴム栓（部品）１２（図９、参照）を図示しないゴム栓挿入装置に搬送する搬送経路中に設けられており、前記ゴム栓が投入されたボールホッパー３１に振動を与える加振機３２を備えた振動式ボールフィーダ３０と、該振動式ボールフィーダ３０により一列に整列されて順次搬送されてくるゴム栓１２の向きを選別して下流側に供給する為の部品選別手段４０と、該部品選別手段４０により選別された正規の姿勢（小径部１２ｂが下になっている姿勢）のゴム栓１２を部品選別手段４０から受け取って下流に連続搬送するベルト搬送手段５０と、該ベルト搬送手段５０により搬送されたゴム栓１２を下流に送出するシューター６０と、該シューター６０により送出されたゴム栓１２を同一方向（小径部１２ｂが先端側となっている方向）に一列に整列した状態でストックするゴム栓配列部７０と、該ゴム栓配列部７０にストックされたゴム栓１２を１個ずつ下流側に配設されたゴム栓挿入装置に供給する為のセパレータ部８０とを備えている。
【００２１】
前記振動式ボールフィーダ３０は、ボールホッパー３１内に投入されたゴム栓１２を部品選別手段４０に向かって搬送する為の搬送レール３３が螺旋トラック３１ａの終端に接続されており、加振機３２によってボールホッパー３１に対して所定の振動を与えることにより、ボールホッパー３１内に投入されたゴム栓１２を搬送レール３３に沿って一列に整列させ、列の先頭のゴム栓１２を前記部品選別手段４０へ向かって自動的に順次搬送する。
【００２２】
従って、上記搬送レール３３上で搬送されているゴム栓１２は、図示しないゴム栓挿入装置に送給されるべき正規の姿勢のものと、この正規の姿勢に対して１８０度反転したものとが、混在した状態になっており、これら混在したゴム栓１２が部品選別手段４０に送給される。
尚、前記各ゴム栓１２は、大径部１２ａと小径部１２ｂとの外径寸法差が小さく、直径に対する高さの比が大きいので、搬送方向に軸線を沿わせて倒れた姿勢になり、小径部１２ｂが下流側のものと上流側のものとが混在している。
【００２３】
前記部品選別手段４０は、図３及び図４に示したように、前記振動式ボールフィーダ３０により一列に整列されて順次搬送されてくる前記ゴム栓１２の大径部１２ａを吸引保持可能又は小径部１２ｂを吸引しながら嵌合保持可能な吸引嵌合孔４２を備えた部品搬送機構である回転ドラム４１と、該回転ドラム４１の吸引嵌合孔４２に保持されて移動させられるゴム栓１２の円弧状移動経路に沿って配設される気体吹き出し機構４５とを備える。
【００２４】
前記回転ドラム４１は、図３に示したように、半径方向に延びる複数の吸引嵌合孔４２が外周面に所定間隔をもって穿設された円板状ドラムであり、モータＭにより図中時計回り方向にベルト駆動される。
これら各吸引嵌合孔４２には、放射状に配設され、図示しない吸引装置に連通された吸引路４３が連通形成されている。
前記吸引嵌合孔４２は、ゴム栓１２の小径部１２ｂの外径より大きく、大径部１２ａの外径より小さい内径と、該小径部１２ｂの長さより深い深さとを備えた断面円形状の有底孔であり、底部に前記吸引路４３が連通している。
【００２５】
そして、前記回転ドラム４１は、略水平方向に延びると共に先端側が若干下がるように配設されている前記搬送レール３３の先端に対して、その外周面が近接して対向すると共に、前記各吸引嵌合孔４２の軸線が前記搬送レール３３の搬送方向に沿って倒れた姿勢のゴム栓１２の軸線と略一致するように配置される。
そこで、前記吸引嵌合孔４２に接近したゴム栓１２は、該吸引嵌合孔４２に大径部１２ａが吸引されて吸引保持されるか、或いは該吸引嵌合孔４２内に小径部１２ｂが吸引されて没入し、吸引嵌合孔４２に嵌合保持されことにより、回転ドラム４１の回転に伴って移動させられる。
【００２６】
前記気体吹き出し機構４５は、図３及び図４に示したように、前記回転ドラム４１の外周面近傍の側壁４９に沿って周方向に適宜間隔で配設された複数（本実施形態においては、３個）の気体吹き出し口４６と、該気体吹き出し口４６に連通するように側壁４９に形成された各供給孔４９ａに加圧ガスを供給するチューブ４７と、図示しないコンプレッサー等の加圧ガス発生装置とを備えており、前記回転ドラム４１の吸引嵌合孔４２に嵌合保持されて移動中のゴム栓１２に気体（空気）を吹き付ける。
【００２７】
更に、前記回転ドラム４１と伴に移動させられるゴム栓１２の移動経路である該回転ドラム４１の外周面近傍の側壁４９には、前記ゴム栓１２の大径部１２ａの長さより若干長い距離だけ回転ドラム４１の外周面から離れた位置に、回転ドラム４１の軸線と平行に延びる部品分離部材４８が突設されている。尚、本実施形態における部品分離部材４８は、丸棒状のピンであるが、これに限定されるものではない。
【００２８】
前記ベルト搬送手段５０は、図２乃至図４に示したように、一対の無端ベルト５１，５２と、各無端ベルト５１，５２を駆動する駆動ローラ５２及び従動ローラ５３と、テンションローラ５４とを備えており、前記部品選別手段４０から受け取った前記ゴム栓１２を一対の無端ベルト５１，５２間に挟持した状態でシューター６０へ連続搬送する。尚、前記駆動ローラ５２は、前記回転ドラム４１と同期してモータＭによってベルト駆動される。
【００２９】
即ち、前記ベルト搬送手段５０は、回転ドラム４１の吸引嵌合孔４２に嵌合保持されて移動させられたゴム栓１２を直立した状態で受け取れるように、受け取り部となる一端部が前記回転ドラム４１の頂部近傍に位置している。
そして、一対の無端ベルト５１，５２間に挟持された状態で搬送される各ゴム栓１２は、前記部品選別手段４０により選別された正規の姿勢（小径部１２ｂが下になっている直立した姿勢）のゴム栓１２を部品選別手段４０から受け取って下流に連続搬送する。この時、前記回転ドラム４１と前記無端ベルト５１，５２は同期して駆動されているので、ゴム栓１２同士を離れた状態で搬送することができる。
【００３０】
前記シューター６０は、図３に示したように、図示しない加圧ガス発生装置からチューブ６２を介して噴射ノズル６１に供給された加圧ガスによって、前記ベルト搬送手段５０により搬送されてきたゴム栓１２を下流のチューブ６３を介してゴム栓配列部７０に送出する。
【００３１】
前記ゴム栓配列部７０は、複数のゴム栓１２を同一方向（小径部１２ｂが先端側となっている方向）に一列に整列した状態でストックする直線トラック７２と、該直線トラック７２に振動を与える加振機７１とを備え、下流のセパレータ部８０にゴム栓１２を連続供給する為の直線振動パーツフィーダである。
【００３２】
次に、上記整列供給装置２０における部品選別手段４０の動作を説明する。
先ず、動式ボールフィーダ３０のボールホッパー３１内に投入されたゴム栓１２は、搬送レール３３上に一列に整列され、下流の部品選別手段４０に順次搬送される。但し、前記搬送レール３３上で、搬送方向に軸線を沿わせて倒れた姿勢で搬送されるゴム栓１２は、図４及び図５に示したように、小径部１２ｂが下流側のものと上流側のものとが混在した状態になっている。
【００３３】
次に、部品選別手段４０に順次搬送されたゴム栓１２の搬送方向先端は、回転ドラム４１の外周面に当接する。
回転ドラム４１は、回転駆動されると共に外周面に設けた吸引嵌合孔４２から吸引しているので、小径部１２ｂが搬送方向先端を向いているゴム栓１２は、該小径部１２ｂが吸引嵌合孔４２内に吸引されて没入し、吸引嵌合孔４２に嵌合保持された状態で、回転ドラム４１と伴に移動する。
【００３４】
一方、該吸引嵌合孔４２の内径より大きい大径部１２ａが搬送方向先端を向いているゴム栓１２は、該大径部１２ａが吸引嵌合孔４２内に嵌合保持されず、吸引嵌合孔４２に吸引保持された状態で、回転ドラム４１と伴に移動する。
【００３５】
そして、回転ドラム４１と伴に移動するゴム栓１２には、該ゴム栓１２の円弧状移動経路に沿って配設された気体吹き出し機構４５の気体吹き出し口４６から吹き出す加圧空気が吹き付けられる。
そこで、前記吸引嵌合孔４２に大径部１２ａが吸引保持された状態で回転ドラム４１と伴に移動させられているゴム栓１２は、小径部１２ｂが吸引嵌合孔４２に嵌合保持されていないので、図５に示したように、前記気体吹き出し口４６から吹き出す加圧空気により吹き飛ばされ、正規の移動経路から外される。
【００３６】
一方、小径部１２ｂが吸引嵌合孔４２に嵌合保持されているゴム栓１２は、前記気体吹き出し口４６から吹き出す加圧空気により吹き飛ばされないので、回転ドラム４１と伴に正規の移動経路を移動することができる。
その結果、前記回転ドラム４１の吸引嵌合孔４２に小径部１２ｂが嵌合保持された正規の向きのゴム栓１２のみが、該回転ドラム４１により順次移動させられる。
【００３７】
又、前記搬送レール３３上で、搬送方向に軸線を沿わせて倒れた姿勢で搬送される複数のゴム栓１２同士は、図６に示したように、上流側のゴム栓１２の小径部１２ｂが、下流側のゴム栓１２の大径部１２ａの電線挿通孔内に嵌まり込み、重なった状態となることもある。
そして、回転ドラム４１の吸引嵌合孔４２内に小径部１２ｂが嵌合保持された正規の向きのゴム栓１２は、他のゴム栓１２が上に重なった状態で回転ドラム４１と伴に正規の移動経路を移動する。
【００３８】
ところが、前記回転ドラム４１と伴に移動させられるゴム栓１２の移動経路である該回転ドラム４１の外周面近傍の側壁４９には、上述した如き部品分離部材４８が突設されているので、前記小径部２１ｂが前記嵌合孔４２内に嵌合保持されている部品上に重なった状態のゴム栓１２は、該部品分離部材４８に当接して弾かれ、正規の移動経路から外される。
そこで、複数のゴム栓１２同士が重なった状態で、下流側の前記ベルト搬送手段５０に供給されるのを防ぐことができる。
【００３９】
即ち、本実施形態に係る整列供給装置２０によれば、前記ゴム栓１２のように大径部１２ａと小径部１２ｂとの外径寸法差が小さく、直径に対する高さの比が大きく倒れ易いゴム栓であっても、前記部品選別手段４０は該ゴム栓１２の向きを選別しながら下流側に搬送することができる。
従って、本実施形態に係る整列供給装置２０は、従来のパーツフィーダでは困難であったゴム栓１２を同一方向に揃えて下流側に搬送することができ、ゴム栓挿入設備全体の生産能力を向上させることができる。
尚、本実施形態に係る整列供給装置２０は、図８に示したゴム栓１０のような他の形状のゴム栓の整列供給にも応用できることは云うまでもなく、両端部に小径部と大径部を有する全ての部品に応用可能である。
【００４０】
更に、本実施形態の部品選別手段４０は、ゴム栓１２の小径部１２ｂを吸引しながら嵌合保持可能な吸引嵌合孔を備えた部品搬送機構として、半径方向に延びる複数の吸引嵌合孔４２を外周面に穿設した回転ドラム４１を設けると共に、気体吹き出し機構４５が、前記回転ドラム４１の外周面近傍に沿って配設された複数の気体吹き出し口４６を備えている。
そこで、回転するコンパクトな前記回転ドラム４１と前記気体吹き出し口４６とによって、ゴム栓１２の向きを連続して選別することができ、作業効率が向上する。
【００４１】
尚、本発明の部品の整列供給装置における部品選別手段、部品搬送機構及び気体吹き出し機構等の構成は、上記実施形態の構成に限定されるものではなく、本発明の趣旨に基づいて種々の形態を採りうることは云うまでもない。
例えば、上記実施形態においては、気体吹き出し機構４５が、回転ドラム４１の外周面近傍に沿って配設された３個の気体吹き出し口４６を備えているが、これに限定されるものではなく、少なくとも１個の気体吹き出し口４６を備えていれば良い。
【００４２】
【発明の効果】
本発明の部品の整列供給装置及び整列供給方法によれば、順次搬送される部品は、小径部のみが吸引嵌合孔に嵌合保持され、該吸引嵌合孔の内径より大きい大径部は前記吸引嵌合孔に嵌合保持されず、吸引保持されるだけである。
そして、前記吸引嵌合孔に大径部が吸引保持された状態で移動させられる部品の場合は、小径部が吸引嵌合孔に嵌合保持されていないので、気体が吹き付けられることによって、正規の移動経路から外される。
【００４３】
その結果、前記吸引嵌合孔に小径部が嵌合保持された正規の向きの部品のみを順次移動させることができ、大径部と小径部との外径寸法差が小さく、直径に対する高さの比が大きく倒れ易い部品であっても、該部品の向きを選別しながら下流側に搬送することができる。
従って、両端部における小径部と大径部との外径寸法差が小さい部品の向きを選別しながら下流側に搬送することができる良好な部品の整列供給装置及び整列供給方法をを提供できる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の一実施形態に係る部品の整列供給装置の概略を示す正面図である。
【図２】図１に示した整列供給装置の概略平面図である。
【図３】図１に示した部品選別手段の動作を説明する拡大断面図である。
【図４】図３に示した部品選別手段の斜視図である。
【図５】図３に示した部品選別手段の動作を説明する拡大断面図である。
【図６】図３に示した部品選別手段の動作を説明する拡大断面図である。
【図７】従来の一般的なパーツフィーダに設けられている機構を模式的に示した搬送手順を示す概略図である。
【図８】ゴム栓の正面図である。
【図９】極小のゴム栓を示す斜視図及び正面図である。
【符号の説明】
１２　　ゴム栓（部品）
１２ａ　大径部
１２ｂ　小径部
２０　　部品の整列供給装置
４０　　部品選別手段
４１　　回転ドラム（部品搬送機構）
４２　　吸引嵌合孔
４５　　気体吹き出し機構
４６　　気体吹き出し口
４８　　部品分離部材[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for arranging and supplying components, and more particularly, to an improvement in an apparatus and method for arranging and supplying components to a downstream side while selecting the direction of a component having a directional shape such as a rubber stopper. is there.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In general, a part feeder such as a vibrating ball feeder or a drum type part feeder is used to convey a part having a directional shape such as a rubber stopper to a downstream side while selecting the direction of the part.
FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a transport procedure schematically illustrating a mechanism provided in a general parts feeder. FIG. 8 is a front view of a rubber stopper which is a component supplied to the parts feeder.
[0003]
As shown in FIG. 8, the rubber plug 10 as an example of a component having a directional shape is a cylindrical body in which a large diameter portion 10 a and a small diameter portion 10 b are arranged concentrically and continuously, and a downstream portion is provided. It is necessary that the large-diameter portion 10a and the small-diameter portion 10b have a posture aligned in the same direction with respect to the rubber plug insertion device disposed on the side.
[0004]
Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7, the parts feeder is aligned with the collection unit 1 that collects the rubber plugs 10 from the storage unit that stores the rubber plugs 10, and the sorting unit 2 that adjusts the posture of the collected rubber plugs 10. And a transport unit 3 for transporting the rubber stopper 10 in order. The sorting unit 2 and the transport unit 3 are vibrated by a vibrator (not shown) to transport the rubber stopper 10 to the downstream side.
[0005]
As shown in FIG. 7 (A), in the collecting unit 1, the rubber plug 10 is fed to the lower stage provided with the step 1 a provided on the downstream side with the step 1 a provided, and the axis of the rubber plug 10 having a cylindrical shape is set in the vertical direction. Along. In this case, the posture of the rubber plug 10 may be such that the large-diameter portion 10a is directed upward (the small-diameter portion 10b is directed downward) or vice versa.
[0006]
As shown in FIG. 7 (B), the sorting unit 2 is provided with a drop plate 2 a for regulating the posture along the outer shape of the rubber plug 10, and the rubber plate is set in a posture in which the large diameter part 10 a is up. When the stopper 10 is transported, as shown in FIG. 7 (C), the large diameter portion 10a of the rubber stopper 10 comes into contact with the dropping plate 2a, comes off the regular transport direction, and is collected by the collection unit 1. It has become so.
[0007]
Then, as shown in FIG. 7D, only the rubber plug 10 in the normal posture (the posture in which the large-diameter portion 10a is down) selected by the screening unit 2 is conveyed to the downstream side. It has become.
By the way, with the recent miniaturization of the waterproof connector accompanying the thinning and weight reduction of the wire harness, a very small rubber stopper 12 as shown in FIG. 9 has been used. As shown in FIG. 9, the rubber plug 12 has a small difference in diameter between the large-diameter portion 12a and the small-diameter portion 12b, and has a larger height-to-diameter ratio than the rubber plug 10 shown in FIG. I have.
[0008]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the conventional parts feeder as shown in FIG. 7 has a problem that it is difficult to convey it to the downstream side while selecting the direction of the extremely small rubber stopper 12 as shown in FIG.
That is, since the rubber stopper 12 has a small outer diameter difference between the large diameter portion 12a and the small diameter portion 12b, and has a large height ratio to the diameter, the rubber stopper 12 stands upright as shown in FIG. 7B. In the sorting unit 2 provided with the drop plate 2a that regulates the posture along the outer shape of the rubber plug 10 conveyed in the state, the rubber plug 12 cannot be distinguished in the front-rear direction (both ends).
[0009]
Therefore, in the conventional parts feeder, the rubber stoppers 12 cannot be arranged in the same direction and transported to the downstream side, resulting in a problem that the production capacity of the entire rubber stopper insertion equipment is reduced.
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to solve the above-described problems, and it is possible to convey a downstream part while selecting the direction of a component having a small outer diameter difference between a small diameter part and a large diameter part at both ends. An object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a method for arranging and supplying components.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The object of the present invention is provided in a transport path for transporting a component having a small-diameter portion and a large-diameter portion at both ends, and includes a component selection unit for selecting the direction of the component and supplying the component to a downstream side. A component aligning and feeding device,
A component transport mechanism having a suction fitting hole capable of sucking and holding a large-diameter portion or fitting and holding a small-diameter portion of the component which is sequentially aligned and conveyed in a line; The small-diameter portion is fitted and held in the suction fitting hole by being arranged along the movement path of the component held and moved by the mechanism and by blowing gas to the moving component. And a gas blowing mechanism that removes a missing part from a regular movement path.
[0011]
According to the component aligning and feeding device, only the small-diameter portion of the component which is sequentially aligned and transported by the component selecting means is fitted and held in the suction fitting hole of the component transport mechanism. The large diameter portion larger than the inner diameter is not fitted and held in the suction fitting hole, but is only held by suction.
In the case of a component that is moved by the component conveying mechanism in a state where the large-diameter portion is suction-held in the suction fitting hole, the movement of the component is not performed because the small-diameter portion is not fitted and held in the suction fitting hole. When the gas is blown from the gas blowing mechanism disposed along the path, the gas is removed from the normal movement path.
[0012]
As a result, only the components in the normal direction in which the small-diameter portions are fitted and held in the suction fitting holes of the component transport mechanism are sequentially moved by the component transport mechanism.
Therefore, even if the component has a small outer diameter difference between the large-diameter portion and the small-diameter portion and has a large height ratio to the diameter, and can easily collapse, the component can be conveyed to the downstream side while selecting the direction of the component.
[0013]
Further, the above object of the present invention is a method for sorting and supplying components for selecting the direction of a component having a small-diameter portion and a large-diameter portion at both ends in a transport path for transporting the component, and supplying the component to a downstream side. hand,
By moving the large-diameter portion of the component into the suction fitting hole while holding it by suction or holding the small-diameter portion, and blowing gas on the moving component, the small-diameter portion is placed in the suction fitting hole. This is achieved by a method for arranging and supplying components, characterized in that components that are not fitted and held are removed from the normal movement path.
[0014]
According to the above-described method for supplying and arranging components, only the small-diameter portion of the sequentially conveyed component is fitted and held in the suction fitting hole, and the large-diameter portion larger than the inner diameter of the suction fitting hole is formed in the suction fitting hole. It is not fitted and held, but only held by suction.
In the case of a component that is moved while the large-diameter portion is suction-held in the suction fitting hole, the small-diameter portion is not fitted and held in the suction fitting hole. Removed from the route of travel.
[0015]
As a result, it is possible to sequentially move only the components in the normal orientation in which the small-diameter portion is fitted and held in the suction fitting hole, the outer diameter difference between the large-diameter portion and the small-diameter portion is small, and the height with respect to the diameter is small. Even if a component has a large ratio and is likely to fall, it can be transported downstream while selecting the direction of the component.
[0016]
Preferably, the moving path of the component held and moved by the component transport mechanism includes another component in a state where the small-diameter portion overlaps the component held and held in the fitting hole. A component separating member is provided which abuts and removes the overlapping component from the normal movement path.
In this case, the other component overlapping with the component that is fitted and held by the component transport mechanism and moved is in contact with the component separating member and is removed from the normal movement path, so that a plurality of components are connected to each other. It is possible to prevent supply to the downstream side in an overlapping state.
[0017]
Preferably, the component transport mechanism has a rotary drum having a plurality of radially extending suction fitting holes formed in an outer peripheral surface thereof, and the gas blowing mechanism is disposed along a vicinity of the outer peripheral surface of the rotary drum. A plurality of gas outlets are provided.
In this case, the direction of the components can be continuously selected by the compact rotating drum and the gas outlet, which improves the working efficiency.
[0018]
Further, preferably, the belt transporting means for receiving the component in the normal posture selected by the component selecting means from the component selecting means and continuously transporting the component downstream is continuous in a state where the component is sandwiched between a pair of endless belts. Transport.
Further, preferably, a shooter for sending the component conveyed by the belt conveying means downstream sends the component downstream by the pressurized gas.
In this case, the component in the normal posture selected by the component selection unit can be continuously and rapidly conveyed downstream.
[0019]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an apparatus for aligning and supplying components according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
1 and 2 are a front view and a plan view, respectively, showing an outline of an apparatus for arranging and supplying components according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an enlarged sectional view for explaining the operation of the component selection means shown in FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the component selecting means shown in FIG. 3, and FIGS. 5 and 6 are enlarged sectional views for explaining the operation of the component selecting means shown in FIG.
[0020]
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the component aligning and supplying device 20 according to the present embodiment includes a rubber stopper (component) 12 (see FIG. 9) in a transport path for transporting the rubber stopper (part) to a rubber stopper inserting device (not shown). A vibrating ball feeder 30 provided with a vibrator 32 for vibrating the ball hopper 31 into which the rubber stopper has been inserted, and the vibrating ball feeder 30 sequentially transports the ball hopper 31 in a line. A component selecting means 40 for selecting the direction of the rubber plug 12 and supplying it to the downstream side, and a rubber plug 12 in a normal posture (a posture in which the small diameter portion 12b is downward) selected by the component selecting means 40. Belt conveying means 50 which receives the rubber stopper 12 from the component selecting means 40 and continuously conveys it downstream, a shooter 60 which sends out the rubber stopper 12 conveyed by the belt conveying means 50 downstream, and A rubber plug arraying section 70 for stocking the rubber plugs 12 in a line in the same direction (a direction in which the small diameter portion 12b is on the tip side), and a rubber plug 12 stocked in the rubber plug arraying section 70. And a separator section 80 for supplying the rubber plugs one by one to a rubber plug insertion device arranged on the downstream side.
[0021]
The vibrating ball feeder 30 has a transport rail 33 for transporting the rubber stopper 12 put into the ball hopper 31 toward the component selecting means 40 connected to the end of the spiral track 31a. By applying a predetermined vibration to the ball hopper 31, the rubber stoppers 12 inserted into the ball hopper 31 are aligned in a line along the transport rail 33, and the rubber stoppers 12 at the head of the line are separated by the component selection means. It is automatically and sequentially conveyed toward 40.
[0022]
Therefore, the rubber stopper 12 transported on the transport rail 33 has a regular posture to be fed to a rubber stopper insertion device (not shown) and a rubber stopper 12 which is inverted by 180 degrees with respect to the regular posture. The rubber plugs 12 are fed to the component selecting means 40.
In addition, since each rubber stopper 12 has a small outer diameter difference between the large-diameter portion 12a and the small-diameter portion 12b and a large ratio of the height to the diameter, the rubber stopper 12 is in a posture of being inclined along the axis in the transport direction, The small-diameter portion 12b includes both a downstream portion and an upstream portion.
[0023]
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the component selecting means 40 is capable of sucking and holding the large-diameter portion 12 a of the rubber plug 12 which is sequentially arranged in a line by the vibrating ball feeder 30 or has a small diameter. The rotary drum 41, which is a component transport mechanism having a suction fitting hole 42 capable of fitting and holding while sucking the portion 12b, and the rubber stopper 12 held and moved by the suction fitting hole 42 of the rotary drum 41 A gas blowing mechanism 45 disposed along the arcuate movement path.
[0024]
As shown in FIG. 3, the rotary drum 41 is a disc-shaped drum in which a plurality of suction fitting holes 42 extending in the radial direction are formed at predetermined intervals on the outer peripheral surface. The belt is driven in the direction.
Each of the suction fitting holes 42 has a suction passage 43 radially disposed therein and connected to a suction device (not shown).
The suction fitting hole 42 has a circular cross section having an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the small diameter portion 12b of the rubber plug 12 and smaller than the outer diameter of the large diameter portion 12a, and a depth deeper than the length of the small diameter portion 12b. The suction passage 43 communicates with the bottom.
[0025]
The outer peripheral surface of the rotary drum 41 is substantially opposed to the distal end of the transport rail 33 that is disposed so that the distal end side is slightly lowered while extending in the substantially horizontal direction. It is arranged so that the axis of the hole 42 substantially coincides with the axis of the rubber plug 12 that is inclined along the transport direction of the transport rail 33.
Therefore, the rubber stopper 12 approaching the suction fitting hole 42 is sucked and held by the large diameter portion 12a in the suction fitting hole 42, or the small diameter portion 12b is provided in the suction fitting hole 42. By being sucked and immersed, and fitted and held in the suction fitting hole 42, it is moved with the rotation of the rotating drum 41.
[0026]
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a plurality of the gas blowing mechanisms 45 are arranged at appropriate intervals in the circumferential direction along the side wall 49 near the outer peripheral surface of the rotary drum 41 (in the present embodiment, (3) gas outlets 46, a tube 47 for supplying a pressurized gas to each supply hole 49a formed in the side wall 49 so as to communicate with the gas outlets 46, and a pressurized gas generator such as a compressor (not shown). A gas (air) is blown onto the moving rubber stopper 12 fitted and held in the suction fitting hole 42 of the rotary drum 41.
[0027]
Further, a side wall 49 near the outer peripheral surface of the rotary drum 41, which is a moving path of the rubber plug 12 moved together with the rotary drum 41, has a distance slightly longer than the length of the large diameter portion 12a of the rubber plug 12. At a position apart from the outer peripheral surface of the rotating drum 41, a component separating member 48 extending parallel to the axis of the rotating drum 41 is provided in a protruding manner. The component separating member 48 in the present embodiment is a round bar-shaped pin, but is not limited to this.
[0028]
As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the belt conveying means 50 includes a pair of endless belts 51, 52, a driving roller 52 for driving the endless belts 51, 52, a driven roller 53, and a tension roller 54. The rubber stopper 12 received from the component selection means 40 is continuously transported to the shooter 60 while being sandwiched between the pair of endless belts 51 and 52. The driving roller 52 is belt-driven by a motor M in synchronization with the rotating drum 41.
[0029]
That is, the belt transporting means 50 has one end serving as a receiving portion so as to receive the rubber plug 12 fitted and held in the suction fitting hole 42 of the rotating drum 41 and moved in an upright state. 41 is located near the top.
Each of the rubber plugs 12 conveyed while being sandwiched between the pair of endless belts 51 and 52 has the normal posture (the upright posture in which the small-diameter portion 12b is downward) selected by the component selection means 40. ) Is received from the component selection means 40 and continuously conveyed downstream. At this time, since the rotating drum 41 and the endless belts 51 and 52 are driven in synchronization with each other, the rubber stoppers 12 can be transported away from each other.
[0030]
The shooter 60 is, as shown in FIG. 3, a rubber stopper conveyed by the belt conveying means 50 by a pressurized gas supplied from a pressurized gas generator (not shown) to a jet nozzle 61 via a tube 62. 12 is sent out to the rubber stopper arrangement section 70 through the downstream tube 63.
[0031]
The rubber stopper array unit 70 includes a linear track 72 that stocks a plurality of rubber stoppers 12 in a line in the same direction (a direction in which the small-diameter part 12b is on the distal end side). And a vibrator 71 for feeding the rubber plug 12 to the downstream separator section 80 continuously.
[0032]
Next, the operation of the component selection means 40 in the alignment and supply device 20 will be described.
First, the rubber stoppers 12 put in the ball hopper 31 of the dynamic ball feeder 30 are arranged in a line on the transport rail 33 and are sequentially transported to the downstream component sorting means 40. However, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the rubber stopper 12 which is conveyed on the conveyance rail 33 in an inclined position along the axis in the conveyance direction has a small-diameter portion 12b and a small-diameter portion 12b which are upstream and downstream. It is in a state where it is mixed with those on the side.
[0033]
Next, the leading end in the transport direction of the rubber stopper 12 sequentially transported to the component selection means 40 abuts on the outer peripheral surface of the rotating drum 41.
Since the rotary drum 41 is driven to rotate and sucks through the suction fitting hole 42 provided on the outer peripheral surface, the rubber stopper 12 having the small diameter portion 12b facing the front end in the conveyance direction is fitted with the small diameter portion 12b. It is sucked and immersed in the mating hole 42, and moves with the rotary drum 41 while being fitted and held in the suction fitting hole 42.
[0034]
On the other hand, in the rubber stopper 12 in which the large-diameter portion 12a larger than the inner diameter of the suction fitting hole 42 faces the leading end in the conveyance direction, the large-diameter portion 12a is not fitted and held in the suction fitting hole 42, It moves with the rotating drum 41 while being suction-held by the hole 42.
[0035]
Then, pressurized air blown from the gas blowout port 46 of the gas blowout mechanism 45 disposed along the circular movement path of the rubber plug 12 is blown onto the rubber stopper 12 moving with the rotary drum 41.
Therefore, the rubber stopper 12 which is moved together with the rotary drum 41 in a state where the large-diameter portion 12a is suction-held in the suction fitting hole 42 has the small-diameter portion 12b fitted and held in the suction fitting hole 42. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5, the gas is blown off by the pressurized air blown out from the gas blowout port 46, and is removed from the normal movement path.
[0036]
On the other hand, the rubber stopper 12 whose small-diameter portion 12b is fitted and held in the suction fitting hole 42 is not blown off by the pressurized air blown out from the gas blowing port 46, and thus moves along the regular movement path with the rotating drum 41. can do.
As a result, only the rubber plug 12 in the normal direction in which the small diameter portion 12b is fitted and held in the suction fitting hole 42 of the rotary drum 41 is sequentially moved by the rotary drum 41.
[0037]
As shown in FIG. 6, the plurality of rubber stoppers 12 conveyed on the conveying rail 33 in an inclined position along the axis in the conveying direction are connected to the small-diameter portion 12b of the rubber stopper 12 on the upstream side. May be fitted into the wire insertion hole of the large-diameter portion 12a of the rubber plug 12 on the downstream side, and may be in an overlapping state.
The rubber plug 12 in the normal direction in which the small-diameter portion 12b is fitted and held in the suction fitting hole 42 of the rotary drum 41 is properly formed together with the rotary drum 41 in a state where the other rubber plugs 12 are overlaid. To move along the path.
[0038]
However, since the component separating member 48 as described above protrudes from the side wall 49 near the outer peripheral surface of the rotary drum 41, which is the movement path of the rubber stopper 12 moved together with the rotary drum 41, The rubber stopper 12 in a state where the small diameter portion 21b is overlapped on the component fitted and held in the fitting hole 42 is abutted against the component separating member 48 and is repelled to be removed from the regular movement path.
Therefore, it is possible to prevent the plurality of rubber plugs 12 from being supplied to the belt conveying means 50 on the downstream side in an overlapping state.
[0039]
That is, according to the alignment supply device 20 according to the present embodiment, the difference in outer diameter between the large-diameter portion 12a and the small-diameter portion 12b is small, as in the rubber stopper 12, and the ratio of the height to the diameter is large. Even in the case of a stopper, the component selecting means 40 can convey the rubber stopper 12 to the downstream side while selecting the direction.
Therefore, the alignment feeding device 20 according to the present embodiment can align the rubber plugs 12 in the same direction and convey them to the downstream side, which has been difficult with the conventional parts feeder, and improve the production capacity of the entire rubber plug insertion equipment. Can be done.
It is needless to say that the alignment supply device 20 according to the present embodiment can be applied to the alignment supply of rubber plugs of other shapes such as the rubber plug 10 shown in FIG. Applicable to all parts with a diameter.
[0040]
Further, the component selecting means 40 of the present embodiment is a component transport mechanism having a suction fitting hole capable of fitting and holding while sucking the small diameter portion 12b of the rubber plug 12, and a plurality of suction fitting holes extending in the radial direction. A rotating drum 41 having an outer peripheral surface 42 is provided, and a gas blowing mechanism 45 includes a plurality of gas blowing ports 46 arranged along the vicinity of the outer peripheral surface of the rotating drum 41.
Therefore, the direction of the rubber stopper 12 can be continuously selected by the compact rotating drum 41 and the gas outlet 46, which improves the working efficiency.
[0041]
The configurations of the component selection means, the component transport mechanism, the gas blowing mechanism, and the like in the component alignment and supply device of the present invention are not limited to the configuration of the above-described embodiment, and various configurations based on the gist of the present invention. Needless to say, it can be taken.
For example, in the above embodiment, the gas blowing mechanism 45 includes three gas blowing ports 46 arranged along the vicinity of the outer peripheral surface of the rotary drum 41, but is not limited thereto. It is sufficient if at least one gas outlet 46 is provided.
[0042]
【The invention's effect】
According to the component aligning and feeding device and the aligning and feeding method of the present invention, only the small diameter portion of the sequentially conveyed component is fitted and held in the suction fitting hole, and the large diameter portion larger than the inner diameter of the suction fitting hole is It is not fitted and held in the suction fitting hole, but only sucked and held.
In the case of a component that is moved while the large-diameter portion is suction-held in the suction fitting hole, the small-diameter portion is not fitted and held in the suction fitting hole. Removed from the route of travel.
[0043]
As a result, it is possible to sequentially move only the components in the normal orientation in which the small-diameter portion is fitted and held in the suction fitting hole, the outer diameter difference between the large-diameter portion and the small-diameter portion is small, and the height with respect to the diameter is small. Even if a component has a large ratio and is likely to fall, it can be transported downstream while selecting the direction of the component.
Accordingly, it is possible to provide a good component supply apparatus and a suitable component supply method that can convey a component to the downstream side while selecting the direction of the component having a small outer diameter difference between the small diameter portion and the large diameter portion at both ends.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a front view schematically showing a component aligning and feeding device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of the alignment supply device shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is an enlarged sectional view for explaining the operation of the component selecting means shown in FIG.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the component selection means shown in FIG.
FIG. 5 is an enlarged sectional view for explaining the operation of the component selection means shown in FIG.
FIG. 6 is an enlarged sectional view for explaining the operation of the component selecting means shown in FIG.
FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing a transfer procedure schematically showing a mechanism provided in a conventional general parts feeder.
FIG. 8 is a front view of a rubber stopper.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view and a front view showing an extremely small rubber stopper.
[Explanation of symbols]
12 Rubber stoppers (parts)
12a Large-diameter portion 12b Small-diameter portion 20 Parts alignment and supply device 40 Parts selection means 41 Rotary drum (component transport mechanism)
42 suction fitting hole 45 gas blowing mechanism 46 gas blowing port 48 parts separating member

Claims

A component alignment and supply device provided in a transport path for transporting a component having a small-diameter portion and a large-diameter portion at both ends, and having component selection means for selecting the direction of the component and supplying the component to a downstream side. hand,
A component transport mechanism having a suction fitting hole capable of sucking and holding a large-diameter portion or fitting and holding a small-diameter portion of the component which is sequentially aligned and conveyed in a line; The small-diameter portion is fitted and held in the suction fitting hole by being arranged along the movement path of the component held and moved by the mechanism and by blowing gas to the moving component. And a gas blowing mechanism for removing a missing part from a normal movement path.

In the movement path of the component held and moved by the component transport mechanism, the small-diameter portion abuts on another component in a state of being superimposed on the component fitted and held in the suction fitting hole, 2. The device according to claim 1, further comprising a component separating member that removes another component in an overlapped state from a normal movement path. 3.

The component conveying mechanism has a rotary drum having a plurality of radially extending suction fitting holes formed in an outer peripheral surface thereof, and the gas blowing mechanism is disposed along a vicinity of the outer peripheral surface of the rotary drum. The component supply apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: a gas outlet.

Belt conveying means for receiving the component in the normal posture selected by the component selecting means from the component selecting means and continuously conveying the component downstream, that the component is continuously conveyed while being sandwiched between a pair of endless belts. 4. The device for arranging and supplying components according to claim 1, wherein the device is arranged and supplied.

5. The device according to claim 4, wherein a shooter that sends the component downstream by the belt transport unit sends the component downstream using a pressurized gas. 6.

A part alignment method for selecting the direction of the component in a transport path for transporting the component having a small diameter portion and a large diameter portion at both ends, and supplying the component downstream.
By moving the large-diameter portion of the component into the suction fitting hole while holding it by suction or holding the small-diameter portion, and blowing gas on the moving component, the small-diameter portion is placed in the suction fitting hole. A method for arranging and supplying components, wherein components not fitted and held are removed from a regular movement path.

A component separating member is brought into contact with another component in a state where the small diameter portion is fitted and held in the suction fitting hole, and the other component in the overlapped state is removed from a normal movement path. 7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the parts are arranged and supplied.