JP2004238200A - Parts supply device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To appropriately cope with a case where parts of one oscillation type parts feeder get mixed in the other oscillation type parts feeder when supplying a plurality of parts having a similar size and a similar shape from separated parts feeders. <P>SOLUTION: A first selecting gauge 37 of a first parts feeder 7 is formed with gauge passing spaces having a dimension for passing the first parts 1 to feed them to a delivery part 13 of the first parts feeder 7 and while not passing the second parts 2 got mixed in the first parts feeder 7. A second selection gauge 43 is formed with gauge passing space having a dimension for not passing the second parts 2 to feed them to a delivery part 4 of the second parts feeder 8 and passing the first parts got mixed in the second parts feeder 8 not to deliver from the second parts feeder 8. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention belongs to the field of accurately supplying a plurality of parts by a selection gauge of a vibrating parts feeder having a circular bowl for storing parts.
[0002]
[Prior art]
The supply of one type of component from a single vibrating parts feeder to a destination is implemented in various ways. It is already known to supply this part to a plurality of locations.
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 61-219487
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, with respect to supplying a plurality of parts having similar dimensions and shapes from separate vibrating parts feeders, when parts housed in one vibrating parts feeder are mixed into the other vibrating parts feeder, or In the opposite case, appropriate countermeasures have not been taken at present.
[0005]
[Means to solve the problem and its operation]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems. According to the first aspect of the present invention, the parts feeder has a circular bowl at least along the inner periphery of the vibrated circular bowl. A guide plate for a component inclined so that the outer peripheral side is lowered, and a selection gauge for selecting a component moving to the outer peripheral side of the guide plate by the inclination of the guide plate using a passage space having a predetermined height are provided. A first parts feeder accommodating a first part having a low height and a second parts feeder accommodating a second part having a height higher than the first part are provided. The first sorting gauge of the one-part feeder passes the first part and sends it to the sending part of the first part feeder, and sends the first part feeder out of the first part feeder without passing through the second part. What The second sorting gauge of the second part feeder sends the second part feeder to the sending part of the second part feeder without passing the second part, and passes the first part mixed into the second part feeder. The component supply device is characterized in that the component supply device is a passage space having a size not to be sent out from the second part feeder.
[0006]
The first part, which has passed the gauge of the first selection gauge of the first parts feeder, is sent to the sending part of the first parts feeder as a normal part, and some cause is contained in the first parts feeder. The second part that has been interrupted cannot pass through the first selection gauge and is not sent out from the first part feeder. Therefore, the abnormal second part mixed into the first parts feeder is not sent out from the first parts feeder, and an erroneous operation such that the second part is supplied to the target location is prevented. Further, the second part, which cannot pass through the gauge height of the second selection gauge of the second parts feeder, is sent to the sending part of the second parts feeder as a normal part, and is placed in the second parts feeder. The first part that has been cut for some reason passes through the second selection gauge and is not sent out from the second parts feeder. Therefore, the abnormal first part mixed into the second parts feeder is not sent out from the second parts feeder, and an erroneous operation such that the first part is supplied to the destination is prevented.
[0007]
In the above-described operation, the first part feeder sends the first part that has passed the first sorting gauge as a normal part, and the second part feeder that failed to pass the second sorting gauge as the normal part. Sent out. As described above, the parts that have passed in the first case are normal and the parts that have not passed in the second state are normal, and are sent out from the respective part feeders. Since the passing states of the first and second parts are reversed in this way, the first and second parts having different heights are mixed between the first and second part feeders. When this happens, parts that must not be sent are reliably removed, and only the normal parts in each parts feeder are sent. That is, since the function unique to the first parts feeder and the function unique to the second parts feeder are paired in an opposite relationship, even if the abnormal components as described above are mixed, the system can be reliably operated. Normal operation is obtained.
[0008]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the first parts feeder and the second parts feeder are arranged close to each other. If both parts feeders are arranged in such a manner that they are close to each other, it is easy for parts to be put in one parts feeder to be mixed into the other parts feeder, but according to the present invention, However, by the above-described sorting operation, abnormal parts can be reliably removed from any of the parts feeders.
[0009]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect, the first component and the second component have a circular cross section, and the first component and the second component have substantially the same diameter. The height of the part is set lower than its diameter, the passage space of the first sorting gauge is set to be larger than the height of the first part and smaller than the diameter of the second part, and the height of the second part is set to A component supply characterized in that it is set to be substantially the same as or larger than the diameter, and the passage space of the second selection gauge is set smaller than the height of the second component and larger than the diameter of the first component. Device.
[0010]
Therefore, the first sorting gauge allows the normal first part to pass by its height measurement, and even if the second part falls over and arrives at the first sorting gauge, the first sorting is performed at the diameter part of the second part. Since the passage of the gauge is prohibited, even if the second part falls down, it can always be excluded as an abnormal part. On the other hand, the second sorting gauge inhibits the passing of the normal second part by measuring its height, and when the first part falls and reaches the second sorting gauge, the second sorting is performed at the diameter of the first part. Since the passage of the gauge is permitted, even if the first component falls down, it can always be excluded as an abnormal component.
[0011]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the parts feeder includes a guide plate of a part which is inclined so that the outer peripheral side of the circular bowl becomes lower at least along the inner periphery of the circular bowl to be vibrated, and an inclination of the guide plate. And a selection gauge for selecting a part moving to the outer peripheral side of the guide plate by using a passage space of a predetermined height, and a regulating surface of the selection gauge formed at the center side of the circular bowl. Are displaced stepwise toward the outer peripheral side of the circular bowl in the traveling direction of the component on the guide plate.
[0012]
Components that move while contacting the above-mentioned regulating surface have the regulating surface gradually displaced toward the outer periphery in the middle of the regulating surface. When it is offset and the displaced component is pushed by the subsequent non-displaced component, the rolling property of the displaced component while contacting the regulating surface is improved, and the movement of the component is facilitated. This is particularly effective for improving the component fluidity when the component is moved to the downstream side of the gauge without passing through the sorting gauge.
[0013]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the illustrated embodiments. FIG. 1 is a plan view showing the entire apparatus of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a side view showing the shape of a target component in the present invention. The parts are basically circular in cross section, and as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, both the first part 1 having a low height and the second part 2 having a high height have a cylindrical portion (or a column). 3) and a circular flange 4 formed integrally therewith. The height of both parts 1 and 2 is determined by the axial length of the cylindrical portion 3, and the diameter is determined by the diameter of both flanges 4. The first component 1 has a height H1 including the thickness of the flange 4 set shorter than the diameter D1 of the flange 4. The height H2 of the second component 2 including the thickness of the flange 4 is set to be substantially the same as or larger than the diameter D2 of the flange 4. Regarding the dimensions of each part of both parts, D1 of the first part 1 and D2 of the first part 2 are almost the same, here, 10 mm. H1 of the first component 1 is 8 mm, and H2 of the second component 2 is 10 mm. Both parts are made of steel material.
[0014]
The component having the above-mentioned shape is conveyed while being suspended by guide rails 5 and 5 arranged in parallel on the left and right as shown in FIG. Further, since both parts 1 and 2 are divided by the height of the cylindrical portion 3 and the diameter of the flange 4, another example of the part targeted by the present invention is a cylindrical part shown in (D). May be targeted.
[0015]
A first parts feeder 7 that accommodates the first component 1 and a second parts feeder 8 that accommodates the second component 2 are arranged close to each other on the support base 6. The first and second parts feeders 7 and 8 are of a vibration type having circular bowls 9 and 10, respectively, and are inclined along the inner circumferences of the bowls 9 and 10 so that the outer peripheral side of the bowls becomes lower. Guide plates 11 and 12 are spirally arranged. The leading ends of the guide plates 11 and 12 serve as sending parts 13 and 14 of the parts feeder, and are connected to sending paths 15 and 16, respectively.
[0016]
Each of the delivery paths 15 and 16 is connected to a switching mechanism 17 so that the first component 1 or the second component 2 selected here is supplied to a destination 18. The switching mechanism 17 is configured such that delivery paths 15 and 16 are connected to the first through hole 21 and the second through hole 22 of the substrate 19, respectively, and a through hole 23 is formed in a switching piece 18 that advances and retreats along the substrate 19. A supply pipe 24 is connected to the switching piece 18 in a state communicating with the hole 23. The switching piece 18 is moved forward and backward by the air cylinder 25. The supply pipe 24 is made of a flexible synthetic resin material such as urethane.
[0017]
Although there are various target locations, each of the first component 1 and the second component 2 is a rivet that is formed by punching and joining two aluminum plates, and thus the target location is a caulking device.
[0018]
Each of the transmission paths 15 and 16 is provided with a mechanism for transmitting parts one by one. This mechanism is constituted by an advancing / retracting type restricting piece 26 for stopping a leading-edge part and an advancing / retreating type restricting piece 27 for stopping a second part. The respective restricting pieces 26 and 27 are air cylinders 28 and 29. They are going to retreat. Immediately downstream of the restricting piece 26, injection passages 31 and 32 for the carrier air are opened to the respective delivery passages 15 and 16. The operation of the parts feeder is stopped when the number of component rows in the delivery paths 15 and 16 reaches a predetermined number, and a sensor 33 including a proximity switch or the like is used to determine whether the number is equal to the predetermined number. Reference numeral 34 is attached to a pipe member constituting each of the delivery paths 15 and 16.
[0019]
When the regulating piece 26 on the delivery path 16 side retreats in the state of FIG. 1, the foremost second component 2 falls, and the second through hole 22, the through hole 23, and the supply pipe 24 are vigorously received by the injection of the carrier air. To the destination 18. Thereafter, at the same time when the regulating piece 26 advances again, and at the same time, when the regulating piece 27 retreats, the entire component row advances by one component and the second component moves to the foremost position. Thereafter, the regulating piece 27 advances to prepare for the next component delivery.
[0020]
Since the first part 1 and the second part 2 are very similar in shape and dimensions, the first part 1 or the second part 2 spilled from the bowls 9 and 10 may be mistakenly replaced with the wrong side of the bowl 9 or 10. Returning occurs. As described above, the two parts are similar because the parts are cylindrical rivets. Therefore, when the thickness of the aluminum plate changes, it is necessary to supply a rivet corresponding to the thickness of the aluminum plate. A slight difference is given to H2. Therefore, the first part 1 is cut into the bowl 10 of the second parts feeder 8, and the second part 2 is cut into the bowl 9 of the first parts feeder 7.
[0021]
Therefore, a description will be given of a structure corresponding to a case where the second part 2 is inserted into the first parts feeder 7. In the first parts feeder 7 shown in FIG. 1, the components are turned clockwise on the guide plate 11, but in FIG. 3, in order to facilitate understanding, in FIG. It is shown in a form in which the parts move counterclockwise.
[0022]
An outer wall plate 36 of the bowl 9 is arranged upright on the outer peripheral side of the guide plate 11, and a first selection gauge 37 is provided along the guide plate 11 so as to be continuous with the outer wall plate 36. The first selection gauge 37 passes the first component 1 that has moved while the guide plate 11 is standing upright with the flange 4 facing downward, and the passage height H11 of the passage space 38 is equal to the height of the first component 1. Is set to be larger than H1. Therefore, the second component 2 having a height of H2 cannot pass through the passage height H11. An area 39 of the guide plate 11 that has passed through the first sorting gauge 37 is continuous with the sending section 13 of the first parts feeder 7. Further, when the second part 2 falls down and moves on the guide plate 11, its diameter, that is, the diameter D2 of the flange 4 is larger than the passage height H11. You cannot pass.
[0023]
Therefore, the normal first component 1 that has passed through the first sorting gauge 37 is sent from the area 39 to the sending unit 13. On the other hand, the second part 2 that has been mixed into the first parts feeder 7 cannot pass through the first selection gauge 37 regardless of the standing state or the falling state (see FIG. 5A), and It is discharged from the opened discharge port 40. A storage box 41 without an outlet is provided below the discharge port 40 in order to prevent the discharged second part 2 from being mixed into the first parts feeder 7 again. Reference numeral 42 denotes a guide side plate provided on the outer peripheral portion of the area 39.
[0024]
Next, a structure corresponding to the case where the first component 1 is inserted into the second parts feeder 8 will be described. A second selection gauge 43 is provided along the guide plate 11 so as to be continuous with the outer wall plate 36 similar to the previous one. The second selection gauge 43 does not pass the second component 2 that has moved while the guide plate 11 is standing with the flange 4 facing downward, and the passage height H22 of the passage space 44 is the height of the second component 2. It is set smaller than the height H2. H22 is set to be larger than H1. Therefore, the first component 1 having a height of H1 can pass through the passage height H22, and falls down and is contained in the storage box 45 arranged below the passage space 44. The normal second part 2 that cannot pass through the second selection gauge 43 is sent out from the area 46 to the sending unit 14. When the second part 2 falls down and moves on the guide plate 11, its diameter, that is, the diameter D2 of the flange 4 is larger than the passage height H22. Since it cannot pass through, it is transferred to the sending unit 14.
[0025]
By the way, when the first component 1 has reached the second sorting gauge 43 in a state where it has fallen, it is necessary to remove the abnormal first component 1 (see FIGS. 5B and 5C). As shown in (B), when the flange 4 of the first component 1 moves without passing through the passage space 44, the first component 1 that is an erroneous component is sent out from the sending unit 14. For this purpose, a notch 47 having a passage height H23 for passing the flange 4 of the first component 1 is formed in the passage space 44. When the first component 1 falls, the length of the cylindrical portion 3 is short, so that the inclination angle of the cylindrical portion 3 increases, and the inclination angle of the flange 4 increases in proportion thereto. As a result, the first component 1 Flange height becomes lower. Utilizing the changed state that has been lowered in this way, the flange 4 of the first component 1 that has fallen is passed through, but the flange 4 of the second component 2 that has fallen is sent to the sending unit 14 without passing through. Therefore, the passage height of each part related to the passage height H23 of the notch portion 47 becomes D22 which is equal to H22 <the height of the inclined flange D11 <H23 <H2 and H2. Such a relational expression is used to take advantage of a slight difference in the height dimension of the flange caused by the inclination angle of the flange, since the diameters of the flanges 4 of the first and second parts are the same. . If the height of the flange 4 is greatly reduced due to the inclination of the first part 1 or if the diameter of the first part 1 is smaller than the diameter of the second part 2, such a notch 47 is formed. Formation can be stopped.
[0026]
FIGS. 6 and 7 show a structure for smoothing the fluidity of parts in this kind of gauge for selecting parts. That is, the regulating surface 48 of the selection gauge 43 formed on the center side of the circular bowl 10 is displaced stepwise toward the outer peripheral side of the circular bowl 10 in the traveling direction of the component on the guide plate 11. It is. The regulating surface 48 is displaced stepwise toward the outer peripheral side of the circular bowl 10 to form four regulating surfaces 48A, 48B, 48C, 48D. Therefore, an offset L is formed between a component having a circular cross section in contact with the regulating surface 48A and a component having a circular cross section in contact with the adjacent regulating surface 48B.
[0027]
Therefore, when the displaced part is pushed by the subsequent non-displaced part, the rolling property of the displaced part while contacting the regulating surface is improved, and the movement of the part is improved. Be facilitated. This is particularly effective for improving the component fluidity when the component is moved to the downstream side of the gauge without passing through the sorting gauge.
[0028]
FIG. 7 shows a case in which an elongated notch 49 is provided on the outer peripheral side of the guide plate 11. By doing so, components that have passed through the passage space 44 will fall down quickly, and even if subsequent components move in large quantities. In addition, the components can be smoothly sorted out and the components can be sorted smoothly.
[0029]
In the present invention, a target part is specified as the rivet part shown in FIG. 2, and first and second parts feeders provided with the sorting mechanism shown in FIGS. Components can be constructed as a system for controlling the supply of components by the sensors 33 and 34, the regulating pieces 26 and 27, and the switching mechanism 17. In the system constructed in this way, it is possible to solve the above-described trouble of “breaking” of components, and to achieve normal component supply to the target portion 18.
[0030]
According to the above-described embodiment, the first component 1 that has passed the gauge height of the first selection gauge 37 of the first parts feeder 7 is sent to the sending unit 13 of the first parts feeder 7 as a normal component, The second part 2 that has been cut into the first parts feeder 7 for some reason cannot pass through the first selection gauge 37 and is not sent out from the first parts feeder 7. Therefore, the abnormal second part 2 that has been mixed into the first parts feeder 7 is not sent out from the first parts feeder 7 and an erroneous operation such that the second part 2 is supplied to the destination 18 is not performed. Is prevented. In addition, the second part 2 that has failed to pass the gauge height of the second sorting gauge 43 of the second parts feeder 8 is sent to the sending unit 14 of the second parts feeder 8 as a normal part, The first part 1 that has been mixed into the two-part feeder 8 for some reason passes through the second selection gauge 43 and is not sent out from the second part feeder 8. Therefore, the abnormal first part 1 that has been mixed into the second parts feeder 8 is not sent out from the second parts feeder 8, and an erroneous operation such that the first parts 1 are supplied to the destination 18 is not performed. Is prevented.
[0031]
In the above-described operation, the first part feeder 7 sends out the first part 1 that has passed through the first sorting gauge 37 as a normal part, and the second part feeder 8 fails to pass the second part that cannot pass through the second sorting gauge 43. 2 is sent out as a normal part. As described above, the parts that have passed in the first case are normal and the parts that have not passed in the second state are normal, and are sent out from the respective parts feeders 7 and 8. Since the passing states of the first and second parts are reversed in this way, the first part 1 and the second part 2 having different heights are mixed between the first and second part feeders. Even if such a situation occurs, parts that should not be sent out are reliably removed, and only normal parts in each of the parts feeders 7 and 8 are sent out. In other words, since the function unique to the first parts feeder 7 and the function unique to the second parts feeder 8 form a pair in an opposite relationship, even if the abnormal components are mixed as described above, Thus, a reliable normal operation can be obtained.
[0032]
If both parts feeders 7 and 8 are arranged close to each other, it is easy for parts to be put in one parts feeder 7 or 8 to be mixed into the other parts feeder 8 or 7. According to this, even if the parts are mixed, the abnormal parts can be reliably removed from any of the parts feeders by the above-described sorting operation.
[0033]
Also, the first sorting gauge 37 allows the normal first part 1 to pass by its height measurement, and even if the second part 2 falls down and reaches the first sorting gauge 37, the diameter of the second part 2 is increased. Since the passage of the first selection gauge 37 is prohibited in the portion, even if the second component 2 is overturned, it can always be excluded as an abnormal component. On the other hand, the second sorting gauge 43 inhibits the passing of the normal second part 2 by measuring its height, and when the first part 1 falls down and reaches the second sorting gauge 43, the diameter of the first part 1 is reduced. Since the passage of the second selection gauge 43 is allowed in the portion, even if the first component 1 is overturned, it can be always excluded as an abnormal component.
[0034]
Components that move while contacting the regulating surfaces 48A, 48B, 48C, and 48D are displaced radially outward in the middle of the regulating surface, and therefore components displaced outward are not displaced. When the displaced part is pushed by the subsequent non-displaced part, the rolling property of the displaced part while contacting the regulating surface becomes good, and the displaced part becomes better. Movement is facilitated. This is particularly effective for improving the component fluidity when the component is moved to the downstream side of the gauge without passing through the sorting gauge.
[0035]
【The invention's effect】
The first part, which has passed the gauge of the first selection gauge of the first parts feeder, is sent to the sending part of the first parts feeder as a normal part, and some cause is contained in the first parts feeder. The second part that has been interrupted cannot pass through the first selection gauge and is not sent out from the first parts feeder. Therefore, the abnormal second part mixed in the first parts feeder is not sent out from the first parts feeder, and an erroneous operation such that the second part is supplied to the target location is prevented. In addition, the second part, which cannot pass the gauge height of the second selection gauge of the second parts feeder, is sent to the sending part of the second parts feeder as a normal part, and is placed in the second parts feeder. The first part that has been cut for some reason passes through the second selection gauge and is not sent out from the second parts feeder. Therefore, the abnormal first part mixed into the second parts feeder is not sent out from the second parts feeder, and an erroneous operation such that the first part is supplied to a target location is prevented.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a plan view showing the entire system.
FIG. 2 is a side view showing a form of a component.
FIG. 3 is a plan view and a cross-sectional view illustrating a sorting structure in a first parts feeder.
FIG. 4 is a plan view and a sectional view showing a sorting structure in a second parts feeder.
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a behavior of a component in a selection gauge and a side view of a second selection gauge.
FIG. 6 is a sectional view showing a modification of the selection gauge.
FIG. 7 is a plan view and a cross-sectional view of a guide plate.
[Explanation of symbols]
Reference Signs List 1 first part 2 second part 3 cylindrical part 4 flange H1 first part height H2 second part height D1 first part diameter D2 second part diameter 7 first parts feeder 8 second parts feeder 9 Bowl 10 Bowl 11 Guide plate 12 Guide plate 13 Sending section 14 Sending section 37 First sorting gauge 43 Second sorting gauge 48 Regulatory surface L Offset

Claims (4)

The parts feeder moves at least along the inner periphery of the circular bowl to be vibrated so that the outer peripheral side of the circular bowl becomes lower, and moves to the outer peripheral side of the guide plate by the inclination of the guide plate. A sorting gauge for sorting the parts using a passage space having a predetermined height; a first parts feeder accommodating the first parts having a low height; and a height higher than that of the first parts. A second parts feeder accommodating a second part which is higher than the first parts feeder, and the first selection gauge of the first parts feeder passes the first parts to the first parts feeder and sends the first parts. The second part mixed into the feeder is a passage space of a size that does not pass through the first part feeder without passing through the second part feeder, and the second sorting gauge of the second part feeder does not pass through the second part. A component supply device, wherein the first component that is sent out to the sending part of the second parts feeder and is mixed into the second parts feeder is a passage space having a size not to be sent out from the second parts feeder. . 2. The component supply device according to claim 1, wherein the first parts feeder and the second parts feeder are arranged close to each other. In claim 1 or claim 2, the first part and the second part are circular in cross section, the diameters of the first part and the second part are substantially the same, and the height of the first part is larger than the diameter. The passage space of the first sorting gauge is set to be larger than the height of the first part and smaller than the diameter of the second part, and the height of the second part is substantially equal to or smaller than the diameter. A component supply device which is set to be high and the passage space of the second selection gauge is set smaller than the height of the second component and larger than the diameter of the first component. The parts feeder moves at least along the inner periphery of the circular bowl to be vibrated so that the outer peripheral side of the circular bowl becomes lower, and moves to the outer peripheral side of the guide plate by the inclination of the guide plate. And a sorting gauge for sorting the parts using a passage space having a predetermined height, and a regulating surface of the sorting gauge formed on the center side of the circular bowl is provided for the parts on the guide plate. A component supply device characterized in that the component supply device is displaced stepwise toward an outer peripheral side of a circular bowl in a traveling direction.

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