JP2009113946A - Transfer device and parts feeding device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a transfer device capable of efficiently aligning various kinds of parts in a short time, and a parts feeding device provided with the transfer device to feed the various kinds of parts to prescribed positions. <P>SOLUTION: This transfer device 2 is provided with a tray provided with a plurality of recessed parts formed in prescribed arrangement, a tray moving means 30 for moving or reciprocating the tray in a horizontal axial direction, a tray rotation means 40 for rotating the tray with a shaft parallel to the one axial direction as a center, and a control means 5 for controlling the tray moving means 30 and the tray rotation means 40. The control means 5 performs controls to incline the tray at a plurality of different angles by the tray rotation means 40, and at the same time reciprocate the tray by the tray moving means 30, when performing a transfer operation to transfer and align the plurality of parts mounted on the tray in the plurality of recessed parts. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a transfer device that aligns components and a component supply device that supplies components to a predetermined position.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, automation and speeding up of manufacturing processes have been promoted in manufacturing lines for electronic devices and the like. For this reason, various parts used for manufacturing electronic devices or the like are supplied to a manufacturing line or the like after being aligned in a predetermined arrangement by a transfer device or the like in advance. In such a transfer device, a plurality of components are placed on a tray (pallet) having a plurality of recesses formed on the upper surface, and the tray is vibrated and swung to accommodate the components in the recesses (transfer). The parts are aligned (for example, see Patent Document 1).
JP-A-6-72528

  However, the conventional transfer device only vibrates and swings the tray monotonously, and it takes time to complete the alignment of the parts. For this reason, there was a problem that it was not possible to cope with high speed production lines. In addition, since a plurality of components are placed on a tray that vibrates and swings for a long time, the components come into contact with each other and rub against each other, and there is a problem that the wrinkles cause the failure. It was.

  Further, the conventional transfer device has only a function of aligning the components, and there is a problem that the automatic machine cannot directly take out the components from the transfer device.

  The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and a transfer device capable of efficiently arranging various components in a short time, and a component supplied to a predetermined position with the transfer device. It is an object of the present invention to provide a component supply device that can be used.

  (1) The present invention provides a tray having a plurality of recesses formed in a predetermined arrangement, tray moving means for moving or reciprocating the tray in a horizontal uniaxial direction, and an axis parallel to the uniaxial direction. A tray turning means for turning around the tray, and a control means for controlling the tray moving means and the tray turning means, wherein the control means attaches a plurality of components placed on the tray to the When performing a transfer operation for transferring and aligning in a plurality of recesses, the tray rotating means controls the tray to reciprocate at the same time while the tray moving means tilts the tray at different angles. This is a transfer device.

  (2) In the present invention, the tray rotating means is at least a first stop position in which the tray is inclined at a first inclination angle, and the tray is second looser than the first inclination angle. A second stop position in which the tray is tilted at a tilt angle, a third stop position in which the tray is tilted at a third tilt angle opposite to the first and second tilt angles, and The tray is configured to be able to stop at a fourth stop position in which the tray is inclined at a fourth inclination angle that is looser than the third inclination angle, and the tray moving means is configured to each of the first to fourth stop positions. The transfer device according to (1) above, wherein the tray is reciprocated.

  (3) In the present invention, the tray rotating means is set such that the time for stopping at the second stop position is longer than the time for stopping at the first stop position in the transfer operation. The transfer device according to (2) above, wherein the time for stopping at the fourth stop position is set longer than the time for stopping at.

  (4) In the present invention, the tray rotating means may stop the tray in order at the first to fourth stop positions in the transfer operation, and then turn the tray to the first inclination angle or the third angle. The tray moving means is configured to be able to stop at a fifth stop position that is inclined to a fifth inclination angle that is steeper than a tilt angle of the first, and the tray moving means is configured to stop the tray at the fifth stop position. The transfer device according to (2) or (3) above, wherein the transfer device is reciprocated over a longer distance than in the case of the four stop positions.

  (5) In the present invention, the tray moving unit may include an input position at which the plurality of parts are input into the tray, and an extraction position at which the plurality of parts transferred into the plurality of recesses are taken out from the tray. The control unit is configured to set a transfer position for causing the tray to perform the transfer operation between the input position and the take-out position. The transfer device according to any one of (1) to (4) above.

  (6) The present invention is also the transfer device according to (5), wherein the control unit sets a plurality of transfer positions between the input position and the take-out position.

  (7) The present invention is also characterized in that the control means controls the tray rotating means so that the tray maintains a horizontal state at the loading position and the take-out position. The transfer device according to (6).

  (8) The present invention also includes the transfer device according to any one of (5) to (7), and a transport device that takes out the component from the tray at the take-out position and transports the component to a supply area. This is a component supply device.

  (9) In the present invention, the transport device includes a plurality of holding means for holding the components,

  The component supply device according to (8) above, wherein the plurality of holding means are arranged in the same arrangement as a part of the plurality of recesses.

  (10) The present invention also includes a plurality of transfer devices that alternately perform the transfer operation, and the transfer device is configured to be able to take out the component from any of the plurality of transfer devices and transfer it to a supply area. The component supply device according to (8) or (9) above, wherein

  (11) The present invention also includes two transfer devices provided side by side, and the conveying device is disposed between the two transfer devices, and the component supply according to (10) above Device.

  (12) In the present invention, a component holder including a plurality of receiving holes is disposed in the supply area, and the plurality of receiving holes are formed in the same arrangement as a part of the plurality of recesses, The said supply apparatus is a components supply apparatus in any one of said (8) thru | or (11) characterized by supplying several said components at once in these receiving holes.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to achieve an excellent effect that various parts can be efficiently aligned in a short time.

  Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a front view of a component supply apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a plan view of the component supply apparatus 1. In addition, in the following description, each direction when the component supply apparatus 1 is seen from the front is shown in principle. The component supply device 1 takes out a component from the transfer device 2 for aligning the components (in this embodiment, a lid for seam sealing of electronic components) supplied in a bulk state (a randomly assembled state) and the transfer device 2 The component holder (in this embodiment, a lid cassette) 100 placed in the supply area 3 is provided with a transport device 4 that supplies the component holder 100 and a control means 5 that controls the entire component supply device 1. The transfer device 2 and the transfer device 4 are disposed on the base 10, and the control means 5 is disposed inside the base 10. The upper part of the base 10 is covered with a transparent dust-proof cover 10A to prevent parts from being supplied to the supply area 3 in a state where dust or dirt is mixed.

  The transfer device 2 includes a tray 20 for aligning parts, a tray moving means 30 for linearly moving or reciprocating the tray 20, a tray rotating means 40 for rotating the tray 20, and an input means for putting parts into the tray 20. 50.

  FIG. 3A is a plan view of the tray 20, and FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II of FIG. As shown in these drawings, the upper surface 20A of the tray 20 is formed with a plurality of recesses 21 in a predetermined arrangement for accommodating (swinging) and aligning components. In this embodiment, the recesses 21 are substantially rectangular recesses that match the shape of the seam sealing lid, and are arranged in a matrix. In addition, you may make it attach the plate-shaped separate member in which the recessed part 21 was formed to the upper surface 20A. If it does in this way, it will become possible to change the shape of the recessed part 21 easily only by replacing | exchanging another plate-shaped member.

  In the left and right ends of the upper surface 20A of the tray 20 in the drawing, inclined surfaces 20B that are inclined so that the outside is lowered are formed. An outer peripheral wall 24 that protrudes upward is continuously formed on the outer periphery of the upper surface 20A and the inclined surface 20B of the tray 20. That is, the left and right end portions of the tray 20 are respectively formed with depressions, and these two depressions are the first accumulation portion 22 and the second accumulation portion where the components are once accumulated during the transfer operation (details will be described later). 23. A receiving plate 25, which is a bent horizontally long plate, is disposed outside the first stacking unit 22. The receiving plate 25 functions as a drop stopper by being positioned outside the first stacking portion 22, and when the tray 20 is tilted by lowering the first stacking portion 22 side, the components fall out of the tray 20. This is to prevent this.

  At substantially the center of the lower surface 20C of the tray 20, a bracket 26 to which a rotating shaft 42 of a tray rotating means 40 described later is connected is provided. The rotation shaft 42 is connected at right angles to a straight line connecting the first stacking unit 22 and the second stacking unit 23. The tray 20 rotates (swings) about the rotation shaft 42 during the transfer operation, and is tilted with the first stacking unit 22 lowered or tilted with the second stacking unit 23 lowered. .

  FIG. 3C is a view showing a case where the air holes 27 connected to the plurality of recesses 21 are formed inside the tray 20 (particularly the bottom surface). By providing the vent hole 27 in this way, it is possible to discharge dust or the like adhering in the recess 21. Moreover, since it is possible to prevent a negative pressure from being generated between the component and the recess 21 when the component is taken out from the recess 21, the component can be taken out from the recess 21 at a high speed. Furthermore, a suction pump or the like may be connected to the vent hole 27 so that components are sucked from the recess 21. By doing in this way, it becomes possible to hold | maintain the components after transfer completion in the recessed part 21 reliably.

  Returning to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the tray moving means 30 is a linear motion actuator using a ball screw transmission device in this embodiment. The tray moving means 30 includes a rail 31, a shaft 32, a motor 33, and a slider 34.

  The rail 31 is disposed in the right side portion of the base 10 with the longitudinal direction being the front-rear direction. The shaft 32 is a shaft on which a male screw is formed, and is disposed along the rail 31 in parallel with the rail 31. The motor 33 is a stepping motor in the present embodiment, and is disposed behind the rail 31. The motor 33 has an output shaft connected to the shaft 32 and is controlled by the control means 5 to drive the shaft 32 to rotate. The slider 34 includes a nut (not shown) that is screwed with the shaft 32, and is disposed on the rail 31 so as to be linearly movable. The slider 34 moves linearly along the rail 31 as the shaft 32 rotates. On the slider 34, the tray 20 is rotatably disposed and a tray rotating means 40 is disposed.

  The tray rotating means 40 includes a motor 41 and a rotating shaft 42. The motor 41 is a stepping motor in the present embodiment, and is disposed in the front portion of the slider 34. The motor 41 has an output shaft connected to the rotation shaft 42 and is driven by the control means 5 to rotate the rotation shaft 42. The rotating shaft 42 is disposed in parallel with the rail 21 and is connected to the bracket 26 of the tray 20. Accordingly, the tray 20 is rotated about an axis parallel to the moving direction of the slider 34.

  The input unit 50 includes a hopper 51 and a belt conveyor 52, and is disposed on the front right side of the tray moving unit 30. The hopper 51 is a funnel-shaped container and stores a plurality of parts in a bulk state. The hopper 51 is provided with an opening / closing device (not shown) at the bottom. This opening / closing device is controlled by the control means 5 to open and close, and a predetermined amount of parts stored in the hopper 51 are cut out and dropped onto the belt conveyor 52. The belt conveyor 52 is disposed from below the hopper 51 to above the front portion of the rail 21 and is driven by a motor (not shown) controlled by the control means 5. The belt conveyor 52 conveys the parts cut out from the hopper 51 and puts them in a substantially central portion of the tray 20.

  The conveying device 4 includes a component moving unit 60 that linearly moves components from the tray 20 to the supply area 3 and a component suction unit 70 that sucks and holds the components.

  The component moving means 60 is a linear motion actuator using a ball screw transmission in this embodiment. The component moving means 60 includes a rail 61, a shaft 62, a motor 63, and a slider 64.

  The rail 61 is disposed with the longitudinal direction in the left-right direction above the rear portion of the base 10 via leg portions 61A provided at both left and right end portions. Specifically, the rail 61 is arranged from the rear upper part of the rail 31 of the transfer device 2 to the rear upper part of the supply area 3. The shaft 62 is a shaft on which a male screw is formed, and is disposed along the rail 61 in parallel with the rail 61. The motor 63 is a stepping motor in the present embodiment, and is disposed at the left end of the rail 61. The motor 63 has an output shaft connected to the shaft 62 and is driven by the control means 5 to rotate the shaft 62. The slider 64 includes a nut (not shown) that is screwed with the shaft 62, and is disposed on the rail 61 so as to be linearly movable. The slider 64 moves linearly along the rail 61 as the shaft 62 rotates. A component suction means 70 is disposed on the slider 64.

  The component suction means 70 includes a suction part 71 that sucks parts and a cylinder 72 that moves the suction part 71 in the vertical direction. The suction unit 71 includes a plurality of suction nozzles 73 arranged in a line in a direction parallel to the rail 61. The cylinder 72 is an air cylinder in the present embodiment, and moves the suction portion 71 by air pressure supplied from an external compressor or the like (not shown). The suction nozzle 73 is disposed with its distal end facing downward, and its proximal end is connected to a suction pump (not shown). The suction unit 71 sucks the component from the tray by the suction nozzle 73 and sucks and holds the component at the tip of the suction nozzle 73.

  FIG. 3D is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the tray 20 and the suction unit 71. As shown in the figure, the plurality of suction nozzles 73 are arranged at the same pitch so as to correspond to the recesses 21 of the tray 20. Accordingly, the suction portion 71 can suck and hold the components housed in the recess 21 of the tray 20 and aligned while maintaining the aligned state. That is, the transport device 4 is configured to be able to transport a part of a plurality of parts aligned on the tray 20 to the supply area 3 while maintaining the aligned state. In the present embodiment, the number of suction nozzles 73 is set to half of one row of the recesses 21. Accordingly, the transport device 4 transports the line of the aligned parts to the supply area in two steps.

  Returning to FIGS. 1 and 2, the supply area 3 is set slightly above the left side of the upper part of the base 10. In the present embodiment, a component holder 100 is disposed in the supply area 3. As described above, in the present embodiment, the component holder 100 is a lid cassette used in the seam welding apparatus, and is for holding a large amount of seam welding lids supplied to the seam welding apparatus.

  The component holder 100 includes a plurality of receiving holes 101 that are deep holes for stacking and holding a large number of components. The plurality of receiving holes 101 are formed in a line at the same number and the same pitch as the suction nozzles 73 of the transport device 4. And the component holder 100 is arrange | positioned in the supply area with the opening part of the accommodation hole 101 up so that the row of accommodation holes 101 may become in parallel with the rail 1 of the conveying apparatus 4. FIG. That is, the arrangement of the receiving holes 101 is the same as the half of one row of the recesses 210 of the tray 20. Accordingly, the plurality of components that have been conveyed to the supply area 3 while maintaining the alignment state on the tray 20 by the conveying device 4 are accommodated in the accommodation holes 101 of the component holder 100 while maintaining the alignment state. It will be.

  In the present embodiment, the arrangement of the recesses 21 of the tray 20 and the arrangement of the suction nozzles of the transport device 4 are determined in correspondence with the arrangement of the accommodation holes 101 of the component holder 100, but the present invention is not limited to this. Instead of this, the arrangement of the receiving holes 101 of the component holder 100 may be determined in accordance with the arrangement of the recesses 21 of the tray 20.

  In addition, the component supply apparatus 1 includes a component suction detection sensor 81, a component supply detection sensor 82, and a component alignment adjuster 90.

  In this embodiment, the component suction detection sensor 81 is a reflection type photosensor including a plurality of light projecting units and light receiving units corresponding to a plurality of suction nozzles 73, and is disposed in the vicinity of the moving path of the component suction unit 70. ing. In the component holding detection sensor 81, each light projecting unit emits light toward the component sucked by the plurality of suction nozzles 73. Then, whether or not the plurality of suction nozzles 73 are sucking the component is individually detected based on whether or not each light receiving unit has received the light reflected by the component.

  In this embodiment, the component supply detection sensor 82 is a transmission type photosensor including a plurality of light projecting portions and light receiving portions corresponding to the plurality of receiving holes 101 of the component holder 100, and is in the vicinity of the opening portion of each receiving hole 101. A light projecting unit and a light receiving unit are respectively provided. Each light projecting portion of the component supply sensor 82 emits light so as to traverse each accommodation hole 101, and each light receiving portion on the opposite side receives this light. Then, when a component is supplied to the receiving hole 101 and the light emitted from the light projecting unit is blocked, it is detected that the component has been supplied to the receiving hole 101.

  The component alignment adjuster 90 is for finely adjusting the alignment state of the components sucked by the suction nozzle 73 in the middle of conveyance, and is arranged in the vicinity of the moving path of the component suction means 70. FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a part of the component alignment adjuster 90. As shown in the figure, the component alignment adjuster 90 includes a plurality of L-shaped contact members 92. The plurality of contact members 92 are arranged at the same number and the same pitch as the suction nozzles 73. Then, as shown in the figure, the abutting member 92 is brought into contact with two orthogonal end faces of the component 110 while the conveying device 4 conveys the component to the supply area 3, so that the posture of the component and The position can be finely adjusted.

  As described above, the component supply device 1 can supply a plurality of components to the supply area 3 in a state in which a plurality of components are aligned with higher accuracy as necessary. In addition, by not using the component alignment adjuster 90, it is possible to improve the cycle time of component supply.

  Next, the operation of the component supply apparatus 1 will be described. 5 to 9 are diagrams illustrating the operation of the component supply device 1.

  First, the transfer device 2 is operated under the control of the control means 5 to align the parts supplied to the hopper of the charging device 50 in a bulk state. First, the tray moving means 30 moves the tray 20 to the loading position A near the loading means 50 as shown in FIG. At this time, the tray rotating means 40 maintains the tray 20 in a horizontal state. Then, the loading means 50 loads a predetermined amount of parts (not shown) onto the tray 20.

  Next, the tray moving means 30 moves the tray 20 to the transfer position B, C, or D as shown in FIG. Then, the tray moving means 30 and the tray rotating means 40 cause the tray 20 to perform a transfer operation. In this embodiment, three transfer positions are set, and each transfer position B to D is used in turn each time a transfer operation is executed. That is, when the transfer operation is first executed at the transfer position B, the next transfer operation is executed at the transfer position C, and the next transfer operation is executed at D. In the transfer operation, the tray moving unit 30 reciprocates the tray 20 as will be described later. By changing the position where the transfer operation is performed in this way, the shaft 32, the rail 31 and the like of the tray moving unit 30 are locally moved. Abrasion can be prevented.

  FIGS. 7A to 7D and FIGS. 8A to 8D are views showing the posture of the tray 20 during the transfer operation. The tray 20 that has moved to the transfer position is in a horizontal state as shown in FIG. From this state, the tray rotating means 40 first rotates the tray 20 in the direction in which the first stacking unit 22 is lowered, and the tray 20 is placed with the first stacking unit 22 down as shown in FIG. To stop at a predetermined angle (preparation stop position). Then, the tray moving means 30 reciprocates the tray 20 (preparation step). Thus, by reciprocating (vibrating) the tray 20 in an inclined state, the components on the tray 20 gradually move (slide down) toward the first stacking unit 22. That is, in the transfer operation, first, an operation of stacking the components on the tray 20 in the first stacking unit 22 is performed. The tray moving means 30 stops after reciprocating the tray 20 for a predetermined time. As a result, most of the components are accumulated in the first accumulation portion 22, and some of the components are accommodated in the recess 21. The angle at which the tray 20 is inclined may be set to an appropriate value according to the shape, size, slipperiness, ease of fitting into the recess 21 and the like.

  Next, the tray rotating means 40 rotates the tray 20 in the direction in which the second stacking unit 23 is lowered, and the tray 20 is moved downward with the second stacking unit 23 down as shown in FIG. Stop in a state of being inclined at an inclination angle of 1 (first stop position). Then, the tray moving means 30 reciprocates the tray 20 (first step). In the state where the tray 20 is inclined in this way, the inclined surface 20B of the first stacking portion 22 is in a state where the inner side is lowered. Accordingly, the components in the first stacking unit 22 slide down toward the second stacking unit 23 on the opposite side as the tray 20 reciprocates. In the first step, the tray moving means 30 stops after reciprocating the tray 20 for the first duration. After the first duration time has elapsed, almost all the components in the first stacking unit 22 are discharged from the first stacking unit 22, and some of the components are accommodated in the recess 21 while sliding down. . The first tilt angle and the first duration time may be set to appropriate values according to the shape, size, slipperiness, ease of fitting into the recess 21 and the like.

  Next, the tray rotating means 40 slightly rotates the tray 20 in the direction in which the second stacking unit 23 is raised, and the tray 20 is placed with the second stacking unit 23 down as shown in FIG. The vehicle is stopped in a state where it is inclined at a second inclination angle that is looser than the first inclination angle (second stop position). Then, the tray moving means 30 reciprocates the tray 20 (second step). Since the second tilt angle is looser than the first tilt angle, the speed at which the component slides down becomes slow, so that the component is accommodated in the recess 21 with a high probability. Parts not accommodated in the recess 21 are accumulated in the second accumulation unit 23. In the second step, the tray moving unit 30 stops after the tray 20 is reciprocated for a second duration longer than the first duration. In addition, what is necessary is just to set an appropriate value for the 2nd inclination angle and 2nd continuation time according to the shape etc. of components like the above.

  Next, the tray rotating means 40 rotates the tray 20 in the direction in which the first stacking unit 22 is lowered, and the tray 20 is placed with the first stacking unit 22 facing downward as shown in FIG. It stops in the state inclined at the inclination angle of 3 (third stop position). That is, the tray 20 is tilted in the direction opposite to the first step. Then, the tray moving means 30 reciprocates the tray 20 (third step). At this time, since the inclined surface 20B of the second stacking portion 23 is in a state where the inner side is lowered, the components in the second stacking portion 23 slide down toward the first stacking portion 22 on the opposite side. At that time, a part of the component is accommodated in the recess 21. In the third step, the tray moving means 30 stops after reciprocating the tray 20 for the third duration.

  Next, the tray rotating means 40 slightly rotates the tray 20 in the direction in which the first stacking unit 22 is raised, and the tray 20 is placed with the first stacking unit 22 facing down as shown in FIG. Stop in a state tilted at the fourth tilt angle (fourth stop position). That is, the tray 20 is tilted in the direction opposite to the second step. Then, the tray moving means 30 reciprocates the tray 20 (fourth step). At this time, the parts that slide down are accommodated in the recesses 21 with a high probability, and the parts that are not accommodated in the recesses 21 are accumulated in the first accumulation unit 22. In the fourth step, the tray moving means 30 stops after reciprocating the tray 20 for a fourth duration longer than the third duration.

  As a result of the above operation, the parts are accommodated in almost all the recesses 21 formed in the tray 20. That is, the parts are aligned in a predetermined arrangement. In addition, the ratio in which the components are accommodated in the recesses 21 can be increased by repeating the first to fourth steps a plurality of times in order. What is necessary is just to set the suitable frequency | count according to the magnitude | size, shape, etc. of components how many times the said 1st step-4th step are performed.

  Next, the tray rotating means 40 rotates the tray 20 in the direction in which the first stacking unit 22 is lowered, and the tray 20 is placed with the first stacking unit 22 facing down as shown in FIG. The vehicle is stopped in a state where it is inclined at a fifth inclination angle larger than the first inclination angle or the third inclination angle (fifth stop position). Then, the tray moving means 30 reciprocates the tray 20 by a moving distance larger than the first step to the fourth step (fifth step). In this way, the tray 20 is reciprocated more vigorously at a steep inclination angle, so that the parts that are not accommodated in the correct posture in the recess 21 or the parts that are simply caught in the recess 21 are stored in the first stacking unit. 22 can be dropped. That is, it is possible to eliminate components that are not properly aligned on the tray 20. When the vent hole 27 as shown in FIG. 3 (c) is provided in the tray 20, the concave portion can be formed in the correct posture by sucking the component through the vent hole 27 when the fifth step is executed. Even the components housed in 21 can be prevented from being excluded.

  Finally, the tray rotating means 40 rotates the tray 20 in the direction in which the first stacking unit 22 is raised, and the tray 20 is placed in a horizontal state as shown in FIG. To do. After the transfer operation is completed, the tray moving unit 30 moves the tray 20 to the take-out position E as shown in FIG.

  Thus, the parts alignment by the transfer device 2 is completed. Next, these aligned parts are taken out of the tray 20 and conveyed by the control unit 5 under the control of the control means 5, and supplied to the component holder 100 in the supply area 3.

  First, the component moving means 60 moves the component suction means 70 above the tray 20. Next, the cylinder 72 of the component suction means 70 lowers the suction portion 71 and brings the tip of the suction nozzle 73 into contact with the component housed in the recess 21. Then, the suction nozzle 73 sucks and sucks the components, and the cylinder 72 raises the suction portion 71 that sucks the components, and removes the components from the tray 20. Thereafter, the component moving means 60 moves the components together with the component suction means 70 toward the upper side of the supply area 3, that is, conveys the components.

  The component suction detection sensor 81 detects whether or not each suction nozzle 73 is sucking a component while the component moving means 60 is transporting the component toward the supply area 3. As a result, the suction nozzle 73 that is not sucking parts is released from suction. Further, the component suction means 70 lowers the suction portion 71 once in the middle of conveyance and causes the component sucked by the suction nozzle 73 to contact the component alignment adjuster 90. Thereby, the alignment state of each component is finely adjusted with high accuracy.

  Thereafter, the component suction means 70 that has reached the upper side of the supply area 3 lowers the suction portion 71 by the cylinder 72 and inserts the component sucked by the suction nozzle 73 into the housing hole 101 of the component holder 100. Then, the suction of the suction nozzle 73 is released, the component is dropped from the suction nozzle 73, and the component is supplied into the accommodation hole 101. At this time, the component supply detection sensor 82 detects the falling component, and determines whether or not the component is supplied for each of the accommodation holes 101.

  After supplying the components into the accommodation hole 101, the component suction means 70 raises the suction portion 71. Then, the component moving means 60 moves the component suction means 70 toward the upper side of the tray 20 in order to take out the next component from the tray 20.

  The transport device 4 repeats the above operation to take out and transport all the components on the tray 20 and supply them to the component holder 100. In the present embodiment, the conveying device 4 takes out the components on the tray 20 in order from the rear row and conveys them. Accordingly, the tray moving means 30 moves the tray 20 backward by one row of components every time the conveyor device 4 takes out one row of components from the tray 20 (in this embodiment, every time the components are taken out twice). Move towards.

  When the conveying device 4 takes out all the components on the tray 20, the transfer device 2 aligns the components again. Then, when the transfer device 2 completes the alignment of the components, the transport device 4 transports the components again. The alignment of the components by the transfer device 2 and the conveyance of the components by the conveyance device 4 are repeatedly executed until a predetermined number of components are supplied to the component holder 100.

  As described above, the transfer device 2 according to the present embodiment is configured such that the tray 20 is inclined at a plurality of different angles by the control unit 5 that controls the tray moving unit 30 and the tray rotating unit 40, and at the same time, the tray moving unit. 30 to control the tray 20 to reciprocate. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently align various components in a short time, and a sufficient number of components can be aligned and supplied to a high-speed production line or the like. In addition, it is possible to prevent wrinkles from entering parts due to contact and friction between parts for a long time during the transfer operation.

  In addition, the tray rotating means 40 is at least in a state in which the tray 20 is inclined at a first inclination angle and a second inclination angle that is looser than the first inclination angle. The second stop position, the third stop position that is inclined to the third inclination angle that is opposite to the first and second inclination angles, and the fourth inclination angle that is looser than the third inclination angle. The tray moving means 30 reciprocates the tray 20 at each of the first to fourth stop positions. For this reason, in the first step of the first stop position (or the third step of the third stop position), the components are quickly discharged from the first stacking unit 22 (or the second stacking unit 23), and at the second stop position. In the second step (or the fourth step at the fourth stop position), the component can be accommodated in the recess 21 with a high probability. As a result, various parts can be efficiently aligned in a short time.

  In addition, the tray rotating means 40 is set so that the time for stopping at the second stop position is set longer than the time for stopping at the first stop position in the transfer operation, and the fourth stop position is set longer than the time for stopping at the third stop position. The time to stop at is set longer. That is, the first step (or the third step), which is a step of mainly discharging the components from the first stacking portion 22 (or the second stacking portion 23), is shortened and the components are accommodated in the recess 21. By lengthening the two steps (or the fourth step), various parts can be efficiently aligned in a short time.

  In addition, the tray rotating means 40 stops the tray 20 at the first inclination angle or the fifth inclination angle that is steeper than the third inclination angle after sequentially stopping at the first to fourth stop positions in the transfer operation. The tray moving means 30 is configured to be able to stop at the fifth stop position that is inclined, and to reciprocate the tray 20 at a fifth stop position for a longer distance than at the first to fourth stop positions. The parts remaining on the tray 20 in an unaligned state can be eliminated. Thereby, it is possible to prevent unaligned parts from being taken out from the tray 20 and conveyed. In addition, it is possible to prevent the removal of the aligned parts from being hindered by the unaligned parts.

  In addition, the tray moving means 30 is arranged between the tray 20 between an input position A where a plurality of parts are input into the tray 20 and an extraction position E where a plurality of parts transferred into the plurality of recesses 21 are extracted from the tray 20. The control means 5 sets the transfer positions B to D that cause the tray 20 to perform the transfer operation between the input position A and the take-out position E. It is possible to automate a series of steps including loading, alignment of parts by a transfer operation, and removal of parts from the transfer device 2. Further, the transfer device 2 can be incorporated into an automated production line or a part of various devices. Furthermore, by using the tray moving means 20 as the tray 20 moving means and the reciprocating means of the tray 20 during the transfer operation, the number of parts can be reduced and the cost of the transfer device 2 can be reduced.

  Further, since the control means 5 sets a plurality of transfer positions B to D between the input position A and the take-out position E, the components of the tray moving means 30 that reciprocates the tray 20 in the transfer operation are locally worn. Can be prevented. As a result, the lifetime of the entire apparatus can be extended and maintenance costs can be reduced.

  In addition, the control means 5 controls the rotation means 40 so that the tray 20 maintains a horizontal state at the loading position A and the removal position E, so that the parts are charged into the transfer apparatus 2 and the parts from the transfer apparatus 2. Can be taken out by an automatic machine. In particular, when taking out a part from the transfer device 2, it is possible to take out and carry the part in an aligned state using an actuator such as a robot arm.

  In addition, the component supply device 1 according to the present embodiment includes the transfer device 2 and the conveyance device 4 that takes out the component from the tray 20 at the take-out position E and conveys the component to the supply area 3. Can be efficiently performed in a short time by one apparatus. Thereby, a sufficient number of parts can be aligned and supplied to a high-speed production line or the like. Further, the component supply device 1 can be incorporated into a part of an automated production line or the like.

  Further, the transport device 4 includes a plurality of holding means (suction nozzles 73) for holding the parts, and the plurality of holding means are arranged in the same arrangement as a part of the plurality of recesses 21, so that the plurality of parts are arranged. In the aligned state, it can be transported and supplied to the supply area 3 efficiently in a short time. Thereby, it becomes easy to incorporate the component supply apparatus 1 into a part of an automated production line or the like.

  In the supply area 3, a component holder 100 having a plurality of receiving holes 101 is arranged, and the plurality of receiving holes 101 are formed in the same arrangement as a part of the plurality of recesses 21. In order to supply a plurality of components into the plurality of receiving holes 101 at once, the components supplied in a bulk state are aligned and supplied efficiently in a short time to a component holder 100 used in a production line or the like. It becomes possible to do. Thereby, a sufficient number of parts can be supplied to a high-speed production line or the like.

  In addition, in the transfer apparatus 2 which concerns on this embodiment, although the linear motion actuator using a ball screw transmission device is employ | adopted as the tray moving means 30, it is not limited to this, For example, the linear motor was utilized. You may employ | adopt the actuator of other structures, such as a linear actuator. Moreover, you may employ | adopt the actuator which carries out circular motion and curve motion instead of linear motion.

  The tray rotating means 40 is not limited to a structure in which the rotating shaft 42 is rotated by the stepping motor 41. For example, a linear motion actuator such as an air cylinder that moves the end of the tray 20 up and down is used. It may be adopted.

  Moreover, in the component adsorption | suction means 70 of the conveying apparatus 4 which concerns on this embodiment, the structure in which the adsorption nozzle 73 connected to the suction pump attracts | sucks and adsorb | sucks components is employ | adopted, but it is not limited to this. Other structures such as using an electromagnet may be used.

  Moreover, in the component supply apparatus 1 which concerns on this embodiment, although three transfer positions B-D are set, two transfer positions may be used alternately and four or more transfer positions may be used. The position may be set.

  In the transfer operation, the first tilt angle and the third tilt angle may be equal to each other in the opposite directions. For example, when the horizontal state is 0 degree, the first inclination angle may be set to 25 degrees counterclockwise, and the third inclination angle may be set to 25 degrees clockwise. Similarly, the second inclination angle and the fourth inclination angle may be equal to each other in the opposite directions. Further, the first duration and the third duration may be set to the same duration, and similarly, the second duration and the fourth duration may be set to the same duration.

  Moreover, when repeating the 1st step-4th step of transfer operation | movement, you may make it change each step by changing the inclination angle in each step. For example, in each step of the second time, the inclination angle may be made slower than the first time, and the duration time may be shortened.

  Further, after the second step of the transfer operation, for example, a step of reciprocating the tray 20 by tilting the tray 20 at an inclination angle looser than the second inclination angle with the second stacking unit 23 facing down may be added. Further, a step similar to the above may be added after the fourth step. That is, in this embodiment, the inclination angle is changed to two stages, but the inclination angle may be changed to three or more stages.

  Moreover, although the component supply apparatus 1 which concerns on this embodiment supplies components to the component holder 100, it is not limited to this, What supplies components directly to a production line etc., for example, a seam The sealing lid may be directly supplied to the seam welding apparatus.

  Further, the component supply device 1 may include a plurality of transfer devices 2. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the component supply device 1 includes two transfer devices 2. In this example, as shown in the figure, the two transfer devices 2 are arranged in parallel on the left and right sides of the component supply device 1. The supply area 3 is set between the two transfer devices 2, and the transfer device 4 is disposed so as to connect the two transfer devices 2. That is, in this example, it is configured so that a part can be taken out from both of the two transfer apparatuses 2 by one transport apparatus 4 and transported toward the supply area 3. As described above, the component supply device 1 includes the two transfer devices 2, and the two transfer devices 2 perform the transfer operation alternately, thereby shortening the component supply cycle time. That is, the waiting time until the parts are aligned can be eliminated by causing the other transfer apparatus 2 to perform the transfer operation while the transfer apparatus 4 is transferring the parts from the tray 20 of the one transfer apparatus 2. .

  Further, as in this example, by disposing the transport device 4 between the two transfer devices 2, the entire component supply device 1 can be configured in a compact manner. Furthermore, since the moving distance of the component suction means 70 of the transport device 4 can be shortened, the cycle time of component supply can be shortened.

  In addition, arrangement | positioning of the some transfer apparatus 2, the supply area 3, and the conveying apparatus 4 is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 10, You may employ | adopt other arrangement | positioning according to installation space etc.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, the transfer apparatus and component supply apparatus of this invention are not limited to above-described embodiment, In the range which does not deviate from the summary of this invention, various changes are carried out. Of course, it can be added.

  The present invention can be used in the field of manufacture of electronic equipment, electronic parts or other various articles, or physical distribution.

It is a front view of the components supply apparatus 1 which concerns on embodiment of this invention. 1 is a plan view of a component supply device 1. FIG. (A) is a plan view of the tray 20, (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II of (a), and (c) is a case where air holes 27 connected to the plurality of recesses 21 are formed inside the tray 20. (D) is a diagram showing the relationship between the tray 20 and the suction portion 71. FIG. It is the figure which expanded and showed a part of component alignment adjustment tool 90. FIG. It is the figure which showed the action | operation of the components supply apparatus. It is the figure which showed the action | operation of the components supply apparatus. It is the figure which showed the attitude | position of the tray 20 at the time of (a)-(d) transfer operation | movement. It is the figure which showed the attitude | position of the tray 20 at the time of (a)-(d) transfer operation | movement. It is the figure which showed the action | operation of the components supply apparatus. It is the figure which showed the example with which the components supply apparatus 1 is provided with the two transfer apparatuses 2. FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Component supply apparatus 2 ... Transfer apparatus 3 ... Supply area 4 ... Conveyance apparatus 5 ... Control means 20 ... Tray 21 ... Recessed part 30 ... Tray movement means 40- ..Tray turning means 73 ... Suction nozzle 100 ... Part holder 101 ... Accommodating hole A ... Input position B, C, D ... Transfer position E ... Extraction position

Claims (12)

A tray having a plurality of recesses formed in a predetermined arrangement;
Tray moving means for moving or reciprocating the tray in a horizontal uniaxial direction;
Tray rotating means for rotating the tray around an axis parallel to the one-axis direction;
Control means for controlling the tray moving means and the tray rotating means,
The control means tilts the tray at a plurality of different angles by the tray rotating means when performing a transfer operation in which a plurality of components placed on the tray are transferred into the plurality of recesses and aligned. At the same time, the transfer device is controlled to reciprocate the tray by the tray moving means. The tray rotating means is at least a first stop position where the tray is inclined at a first inclination angle, and a state where the tray is inclined at a second inclination angle that is looser than the first inclination angle. A second stop position, a third stop position in which the tray is inclined at a third inclination angle opposite to the first and second inclination angles, and the tray is at the third inclination. It is configured to be able to stop at a fourth stop position that is inclined to a fourth inclination angle that is looser than the angle,
The tray moving means reciprocates the tray at each of the first to fourth stop positions.
The transfer device according to claim 1. In the transfer operation, the tray rotating means is set to have a longer time to stop at the second stop position than a time to stop at the first stop position, and more than the time to stop at the third stop position. 4 The time to stop at the stop position is set longer,
The transfer device according to claim 2. In the transfer operation, the tray rotating means stops the tray in order at the first to fourth stop positions, and then tilts the tray to a fifth inclination angle that is steeper than the first inclination angle or the third inclination angle. It is configured to be able to stop at the fifth stop position that is inclined to
The tray moving means is configured to reciprocate the tray at a distance that is longer than that at the first to fourth stop positions at the fifth stop position.
The transfer device according to claim 2 or 3. The tray moving means moves the tray between an input position where the plurality of parts are input into the tray and an extraction position where the plurality of parts transferred into the plurality of recesses are removed from the tray. Configured as possible,
The control means is characterized in that the transfer position for causing the tray to perform the transfer operation is set between the input position and the extraction position.
The transfer device according to claim 1. The control means sets a plurality of transfer positions between the input position and the extraction position,
The transfer device according to claim 5. The control means controls the tray rotating means so that the tray maintains a horizontal state at the loading position and the take-out position.
The transfer device according to claim 5 or 6. A transfer device according to any one of claims 5 to 7,
A component supply apparatus comprising: a conveyance device that extracts the component from the tray at the extraction position and conveys the component to a supply area. The transport device includes a plurality of holding means for holding the components,
The plurality of holding means are arranged in the same arrangement as a part of the plurality of recesses,
The component supply apparatus according to claim 8. A plurality of the transfer devices that perform the transfer operation alternately,
The transport device is configured to be able to take out the component from any of the plurality of transfer devices and transport it to a supply area.
The component supply apparatus according to claim 8 or 9. It is equipped with two transfer devices provided alongside,
The transfer device is disposed between the two transfer devices,
The component supply apparatus according to claim 10. In the supply area, a component holder having a plurality of receiving holes is arranged,
The plurality of receiving holes are formed in the same arrangement as a part of the plurality of recesses,
The transport device supplies a plurality of the components at a time into the plurality of receiving holes,
The component supply apparatus according to claim 8.

Images