JP2009126649A - Turret transport device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a turret transport device improved in maintenance performance. <P>SOLUTION: A turret table 30 of a turret transport device 1 can be moved between an operation position, in which a plurality of part holding means 32 face a receipt stage 11 and a carryout stage 12, and a retreat position, in which the part holding means 32 do not face the receipt stage 11 and the carryout stage 12, by operation of an arm 20. The turret table 30 is driven by a rotary driving means 40 to rotate in the operation position so as to hold parts on the receipt stage 11 with the part holding means 32, transport them to the carryout stage 12, and release them in the carryout stage 12. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a turret transport device that transports a component to a predetermined position.

  Conventionally, in the conveyance of various components such as electronic components, a rotary conveyance device (turret conveyance device) is used together with a linear motion type conveyance device. Of these, the turret transport device holds and transports parts on a rotating, generally disk-shaped turret table (turn table, index table), and it is necessary to change the direction of the parts or to process parts It is used when assembly or various inspections are performed during transportation.

  Such a turret transport apparatus includes a plurality of suction nozzles, chucks, and the like as holding means for holding components in the turret table. Accordingly, it is necessary to provide independent piping and wiring for each of the plurality of holding means, and since the turret table continues to rotate in one direction, it is necessary to prevent the piping and wiring from being twisted by this rotation.

  For this reason, a turret table must be provided with a large number of air pipes and electric wires and solenoid valves, a rotary joint that connects the air source and air pipes, and a slip ring that connects the power source and the electric wires. There was a problem that the table became large and hindered speeding up. In addition, since a large number of devices are arranged in a complicated manner above and around the turret table, there is a problem that the maintainability deteriorates.

On the other hand, an air circuit switching mechanism in which only a part of the electromagnetic valve is arranged on a turret table (turn table) has been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 1).
JP-A-10-152222

  However, in the air circuit switching mechanism in the transport device described in Patent Document 1, only a part of the electromagnetic valve is disposed on the turret table, but the rotary joint (center valve) is disposed on the turret table. Because of the arrangement, the periphery of the turret table still has a complicated configuration, and the maintainability has not been improved.

  In particular, since the suction nozzle is directed downward and is always facing the base supporting the turret table, it is difficult to check for damage or clogging of the suction nozzle tip, and it is very difficult to repair or replace it. There was a problem that it took a long time. In addition, when a processing / assembling apparatus or inspection device for parts is arranged in the middle of conveyance in such a conveyance device, these machining / assembly apparatus or inspection device is always covered with a turret table having a complicated structure. At the same time, the suction nozzles are close to each other and face each other. Therefore, there is a problem that not only the maintainability of the transfer device itself but also the maintainability of the accessory devices such as the processing / assembling apparatus and the inspection apparatus are deteriorated.

  The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a turret transport device with improved maintainability.

  (1) The present invention provides a base including a receiving stage to which parts are supplied from the outside, a carry-out stage to carry parts to the outside, an arm configured to be operable, and a turret table rotatably supported by the arm. Rotation drive means for rotationally driving the turret table, and a plurality of component holding means disposed on the turret table along the rotation direction for holding the components, wherein the turret table is provided on the arm. An operation position in which the plurality of component holding means is opposed to the receiving stage and the unloading stage by operation, and a retracted position in which the plurality of component holding means are non-facing to the receiving stage and the unloading stage. And is rotated by being driven by the rotation driving means at the operating position. Wherein the component in the receiving stage held by the component holding means conveyed to the unloading stage, characterized in that it releases at the unloading stage, a turret carrying device.

  (2) The present invention is also characterized in that the component holding means includes a suction nozzle for sucking a component, and a suction passage connecting the suction nozzle and the low pressure source is formed inside the turret table. The turret transport device according to (1) above.

  (3) The present invention is also characterized in that a switching valve for switching communication / blocking between the suction nozzle and the low-pressure source is disposed in the middle of a suction passage formed in the turret table. The turret transport device described in the above.

  (4) In the present invention, a part of the switching valve is exposed to an outer surface of the turret table, and a valve driving unit disposed on the arm or the base is connected to the switching valve from the outside of the turret table. The turret transport device according to (3), wherein the switching valve is switched by applying an external force to a part exposed on the outer surface.

  (5) In the present invention, the switching valve includes a movable part that reciprocates with at least a part of the switching valve being exposed to the outer surface, and the movable part is moved in one direction by the valve driving means disposed on the base. The turret transport device according to (4), wherein the switching valve is switched by moving the movable part in the other direction by the valve driving means disposed on the arm. It is.

  (6) The present invention further includes reciprocating means for reciprocating the turret table in a direction in which the component holding means is moved closer to and away from the receiving stage and the unloading stage. ) To (5).

  (7) In the present invention, the arm is swingably disposed above the base, the receiving stage and the unloading stage are disposed on substantially the same horizontal plane, and the turret table is configured to receive the receiving table. The central axis of rotation is set in the vertical direction at the operating position above the stage and the carry-out stage, and further moves to the upper retracted position as the arm swings. The turret transport device according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein the turret transport device is in a state directed to a side.

  (8) In the present invention, when the turret table is located at a position where one of the plurality of component holding means faces the receiving stage, the other part holding means faces the carry-out stage. And holding the component from the receiving stage by a component holding means located at a position facing the receiving stage, and supplying the component to the unloading stage by a component holding means located at a position facing the unloading stage. The turret transport device according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein the parts are released substantially simultaneously.

  (9) The present invention further includes an alignment stage that is arranged on the base and adjusts the position, orientation, and posture of the component with respect to the component holding means, and the turret table is included in the plurality of component holding means. The turret according to (8) above, wherein when one is in a position facing the receiving stage, the other component holding means is in a position facing the alignment stage. It is a transport device.

  (10) The present invention may further include an inspection stage disposed on the base and inspecting the quality or characteristics of the component, wherein the turret table includes one of the plurality of component holding means as the receiving stage. The turret transport apparatus according to (8) or (9) above, wherein the other component holding means is located at a position facing the inspection stage when it is at the facing position. It is.

  (11) The present invention may further include a discharge stage that is disposed on the base and discharges the specific component, and the turret table has one of the plurality of component holding means facing the receiving stage. The turret transport according to any one of (8) to (10), wherein the other component holding means is located at a position facing the discharge stage when in the position. Device.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the outstanding effect that the maintainability of a turret conveying apparatus can be improved can be show | played.

  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 turret transport apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a plan view of the turret transport apparatus 1. In addition, each direction in the following description is based on the case where the turret conveyance device 1 is viewed from the front in principle.

  The turret transport device 1 transports the components supplied in an aligned state from the component supply device 2 to the taping device 3 and inspects the components during the transport. As shown in these drawings, the turret transport device 1 includes a base 10, an arm 20 that is swingably disposed on the base 10, a turret table 30 that is rotatably disposed on the arm, and a turret table. Rotation driving means 40 for rotating 30, reciprocating means 50 for reciprocating the turret table 30 up and down, swinging means 60 for swinging the arm 20, and control means 70 for controlling the entire conveying device 1. Configured.

  The base 10 is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped member and is a portion that becomes a base of the transport apparatus 1. Control means 70 is disposed inside the base 10. On the upper surface of the base 10, a receiving stage 11 to which the component supply device 2 is connected and a carry-out stage 12 to which the taping device 3 is connected are provided. In the present embodiment, the parts supply device 2 is a parts feeder that conveys parts in a bulk state on the receiving stage 11 in an aligned state. The taping device 3 is a device that continuously seals the components conveyed onto the carry-out stage 12 in an electronic component conveyance tape.

  The receiving stage 11 is provided at a position in front of the center portion of the upper surface of the base 10, and the carry-out stage 12 is provided at a position on the left side of the center portion of the upper surface of the base 10. A column member 10a is disposed at the left end of the upper surface of the base 10, and an arm bracket 14 is disposed at the upper end of the column member 10a to support the arm 20 so as to be operable (swingable).

  The arm 20 is an arm-shaped member extending from the arm bracket 14 toward the right above the base 10. A turret table 30 is rotatably held on the arm 20, and a rotation driving means 40 and a reciprocating means 50 are disposed.

  The turret table 30 is a substantially disk-shaped member, and includes a plurality of component holding means 32 on a slightly inner circumference of the outer peripheral surface. In the present embodiment, the component holding means 32 is composed of suction nozzles whose tips are directed to the upper surface of the base 10, and twelve in the circumferential direction are arranged at an equal pitch. 1 and 2 show a case where the turret table 30 is in the operating position. The turret table 30 is held by the arm 20 so that the central axis of rotation is in the vertical direction at the operating position. The turret table 30 is configured such that all the component holding means 32 pass above the receiving base 11 and the carry-out base 12 when rotated at the operating position. Further, when any one of the component holding means 32 is at a position facing the receiving stage 11 in the operation position, the other component holding means 32 is at a position facing the carry-out stage 12.

  A hollow shaft 34 projects from the center of the upper surface of the turret table 30. The hollow shaft 34 is a center of rotation of the turret table 30 and is a portion that is rotatably held by the arm 20. The interior of the hollow shaft 34 is a part of a passage connecting a vacuum pump (not shown) serving as a low pressure source and the component holding means 32. An air pipe 37 connected to a vacuum pump is connected to the upper end of the hollow shaft 34 via a swivel joint 36. Further, two passive portions 38 projecting in a bowl shape are provided on the outer peripheral surface near the upper end of the hollow shaft 34. The two passive portions 38 are portions to which the reciprocating means 50 is connected.

  FIG. 3A is a plan view of the turret table 30, and FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view around the turret table 30. As shown in these drawings, inside the turret table 30, a central air chamber 30a that is coaxially connected to the hollow shaft 34 is formed at the center, and each component from the central air chamber 30a is further formed. A plurality of suction passages 30b individually connected to the holding means 32 are formed radially. In the middle of each suction passage 30b, a switching valve 80 for switching communication / blocking between the component holding means 32 and the vacuum pump is disposed. That is, the turret table 30 is provided with the same number (12) of switching valves 80 as the plurality of component holding means 32, and each component holding means 32 can individually switch between communication and cutoff with the vacuum pump. ing.

  4A and 4B are sectional views of the switching valve 80. FIG. As shown in these drawings, the switching valve 80 includes a substantially rod-shaped movable portion 82 whose both ends are exposed to the outside and reciprocates up and down, and a cylindrical fixed portion 84 through which the movable portion 82 is inserted. It is configured.

  The movable part 82 includes a substantially rod-shaped body part 82a and stoppers 82b at both ends of the body part 82a. The trunk portion 82a has a central portion formed with a smaller diameter than other portions, and includes a large diameter portion 82a1 and a small diameter portion 82a2. The stopper 82b has a larger diameter than the large-diameter portion 82a1 of the trunk portion 82a, and prevents the movable portion 82 from coming out of the fixed portion 84.

  Three ring-shaped packings of an upper packing 86a, an intermediate packing 86b, and a lower packing 86c are disposed on the inner peripheral surface 84a of the fixed portion 84 at a predetermined interval. Two vent holes 84a and 84b penetrating in the radial direction are formed in the peripheral wall of the fixed portion 84. The vent hole 84a is formed between the upper packing 86a and the intermediate packing 86b, and communicates with the suction passage 30b on the central air chamber 30a side. The vent hole 84b is formed between the intermediate packing 86b and the lower packing 86c, and communicates with the suction passage 30b on the component holding means 32 side.

  FIG. 4A shows a state where the movable portion 82 is in the upper position, that is, a state where the lower stopper 82 b is in contact with the lower end of the fixed portion 84. In this state, the upper packing 86a and the lower packing 86c are in contact with the large diameter portion 82a1 of the trunk portion 82a, and the space between the upper packing 86a and the lower packing 86c is kept airtight. And since the small diameter part 82a2 is located in the part of the intermediate packing 86b, the clearance gap has arisen between the intermediate packing 86b and the small diameter part 82a2. Therefore, the vent holes 84a and 84b positioned above and below the intermediate packing 82b are in communication with each other through the gap between the intermediate packing 86b and the small diameter portion 82a2. That is, the switching valve 80 communicates the vacuum pump and the component holding means 32 when the movable part 82 is in the upper position.

  On the other hand, FIG. 4B shows a state in which the movable portion 82 is in the lower position, that is, a state in which the upper stopper 82 b is fitted in the depression 84 c on the upper portion of the fixed portion 84. In this state, the upper packing 86a and the intermediate packing 86b are in contact with the large diameter portion 82a1 of the body portion 82a, and the space between the upper packing 86a and the intermediate packing 86b is kept airtight. And the small diameter part 82a2 of the movable part 82 is located in the part of the lower packing 86c. Accordingly, the suction passage 30b on the side of the central air chamber 30a connected to the vent hole 84a is blocked, and the suction passage 30b on the side of the component holding means 32 connected to the vent hole 84b is in communication with the atmosphere. That is, the switching valve 80 shuts off the vacuum pump and the component holding means 32 and opens the component holding means 32 to the atmosphere when the movable portion 82 is in the lower position.

  As described above, the switching valve 80 is configured to switch communication / blocking between the vacuum pump and the component holding means 32 by reciprocating the movable portion 82 up and down. Then, the component holding means 32 communicated with the vacuum pump by the switching valve 80 sucks and holds the component, and is shut off from the vacuum pump by the switching valve 80 and released to the atmosphere. Release and drop.

  The reciprocating motion of the movable portion 82 of the switching valve 80 is performed by, for example, the receiving valve driving means 90 disposed on the base 10 and the unloading valve driving means 92 (see FIG. 1) disposed on the arm 20. . In the present embodiment, the receiving valve driving means 90 and the unloading valve driving means 92 are constituted by air cylinders including rods 90a and 92a that expand and contract.

  Returning to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the receiving valve drive means 90 is disposed on the upper surface of the base 10 in the vicinity of the receiving stage 11. Then, the receiving valve driving means 90 pushes up the movable portion 82 of the switching valve 80 connected to the component holding means 32 located at the position facing the receiving stage 11 from below and moves it from the lower position to the upper position. More specifically, the receiving valve driving means 90 extends the rod 90 a to bring the tip of the rod 90 a into contact with the lower end surface of the movable portion 82 and presses it to move the movable portion 82 upward. Thereby, the component holding means 32 sucks and holds the components on the receiving stage 11. On the other hand, the unloading valve driving means 92 is suspended from the arm 20 and disposed above the vicinity of the unloading stage 12. The unloading valve driving means 92 pushes down the movable portion 82 of the switching valve 80 connected to the component holding means 32 located at the position facing the unloading stage 12 from above, and moves it from the upper position to the lower position. More specifically, the unloading valve drive means 92 extends the rod 92a to bring the tip of the rod 92a into contact with the upper end surface of the movable portion 82 and presses it to move the movable portion 82 downward. As a result, the component holding means 32 releases the held component and places it on the carry-out stage 12.

  The rotation driving means 40 is fixed to the lower surface of the arm 20 and is located between the arm 20 and the turret table 30. As shown in FIG. 3B, in the present embodiment, the rotation driving means 40 is a DD motor that includes a stator 42 that is fixed to the arm 20 and a cylindrical rotor 44 that rotates on the outer periphery of the stator 42. It is. A through hole 42a is formed in the central axis of the stator 42, and the hollow shaft 34 of the turret table 30 is inserted into the through hole 42a. The six pins 46 projecting from the lower end of the rotor 44 are inserted into six insertion holes 30 c formed in the turret table 30. Accordingly, the rotational force of the rotor 44 is transmitted to the turret table 30 via these pins 46.

  Returning to FIGS. 1 and 2, the reciprocating means 50 is disposed on the upper surface of the arm 20, and includes a motor 52 that is a stepping motor, a cam 54 that is fixed to the output shaft of the motor 52, The lever 56 is configured to connect the passive portion 38 of the hollow shaft 34 of the turret table 30 and the lever bracket 58 that fixes the lever 56 to the arm 20 so as to be swingable. The lever 56 includes a shaft portion 56a that is rotatably supported by the lever bracket 56, a left arm portion 56b that extends from the shaft portion 56a toward the left cam 54, and a passive hollow shaft 34 that extends rightward from the shaft portion 56a. It consists of two right arm portions 56 c extending toward the portion 38. A left roller 56d and a right roller 56e are disposed at the tips of the left arm portion 56b and the right arm portion 56c, respectively. The left roller 56d is positioned below the cam 54, and the two right rollers 56e are positioned between the two passive portions 38 so as to sandwich the hollow shaft 34, respectively.

  Due to the weight of the turret table 30, the passive portion 38 on the upper side of the hollow shaft 34 always presses the right roller 56e downward. For this reason, the left roller 56d on the opposite side is always pressed toward the upper cam 54 by the lever principle. Therefore, when the motor 52 rotates the cam 54, the left roller 56d moves up and down along the shape of the cam 54. Along with this, the lever 56 swings like a seesaw to raise or lower the turret table 30. That is, the turret table 30 is reciprocated in the direction of approaching and separating from the upper surface of the base 10. Since the passive portion 38 is formed on the bowl, the right roller 56e is always in contact with the passive portion 38 even if the turret table 30 rotates and changes its direction. Therefore, the reciprocating means 50 can reciprocate the turret table 30 regardless of the direction of the turret table 30. The reciprocating means 50 can reciprocate the turret table 30 even when the turret table 30 is rotating. During rotation of the turret table 30, the right roller 56 e rolls with the rotation of the passive portion 38, so that the reciprocating means 50 does not hinder the rotation of the turret table 30.

  FIG. 1 shows a state in which the turret table 30 is raised. On the other hand, FIG. 5 shows a state where the turret table 30 is lowered. As shown in FIG. 5, when the turret table 30 is lowered, the tip of the component holding means 32 is close to the receiving stage 11 and the unloading stage 12. That is, the component holding means 32 sucks and holds the component from the receiving stage 11 and releases and carries the component onto the carry-out stage 12 while the turret table 30 is lowered. On the other hand, the turret table 30 is rotated while the turret table 30 is raised.

  The swinging means 60 includes a motor 62, a screw shaft 64 connected to the output shaft of the motor 62, and a nut 66 disposed on the arm 20. The motor 32 is, for example, a stepping motor, and is disposed on the left side surface of the column member 10a with the output shaft facing upward via a motor bracket 16. The screw shaft 64 is a rod-like member having a screw formed on the outer peripheral surface, and is coaxially connected to the output shaft of the motor 62. The nut 66 is provided with a female screw that is screwed with the male screw of the screw shaft 64, and is rotatably disposed above the left end of the arm 20 via a nut bracket 68. The nut 66 is screwed with the screw shaft 64, and is moved linearly along the screw shaft 64 when the screw shaft 64 is driven and rotated by the motor 62. The nut 66 is located on the left side of the swing center of the arm 20. Therefore, the turret table 30 can be raised by moving the nut 66 downward, and the turret table 30 can be lowered by moving the nut 66 upward.

  FIG. 6 is a front view showing a state in which the turret table 30 is moved to the retracted position. The swinging means 60 has an operating position (see FIG. 1) where the component holding means 32 faces the receiving stage 11 and the unloading stage 12, and the component holding means 32 is non-facing to the receiving stage 11 and the unloading stage 12. The turret table 30 can be moved between the retracted positions. Specifically, the swinging means 60 moves the turret table 30 from the operating position to the retracted position by rotating the arm 20 by approximately 90 degrees. Since the nut 66 and the motor 62 are rotated or oscillated as the arm 20 is rotated, the oscillating means 60 can smoothly rotate the arm 20 while having a simple configuration. In the present embodiment, the turret table 30 is largely pulled away from the base 10 by being moved to the retracted position, and the lower surface of the turret table 30 and the tip of the component holding means 32 are opened sideways. By doing in this way, maintenance of the component holding means 32, the switching valve 80, etc. can be performed easily. Further, since the upper portion of the base 10 is largely opened, maintenance of the receiving stage 11 and the unloading stage 12 disposed on the upper surface of the base 10 can be easily performed.

  Returning to FIGS. 1 and 2, on the upper surface of the base 10, in addition to the receiving stage 11 where the component holding means 32 sucks the component and the unloading stage 12 where the component holding means 32 releases the component, the component in the middle of conveyance A direction determination stage 13 for determining the orientation of the parts, an alignment stage 14 for adjusting the position, orientation and orientation of the parts being transported, two inspection stages 15 and 16 for inspecting the quality or characteristics of the parts, and defective products in the inspection A discharge stage 17 is provided for discharging the components determined to be.

  Specifically, the direction determination stage 13 determines the orientation of the component by photographing the component sucked by the component holding means 32 with a CCD camera or the like. In the alignment stage 14, the turret table 30 is lowered and the position and posture are adjusted by bringing the component sucked by the component holding means 32 into contact with the jig. Further, based on the determination result of the direction determination stage 13, the orientation of the component is adjusted to a predetermined direction by rotating the jig by a predetermined angle. In the two inspection stages 15 and 16, the turret table 30 is lowered and the probe is brought into contact with the terminal of the component adsorbed by the component holding means 32. Then, the transmission frequency, power consumption, impedance, insulation resistance, etc. are measured. In the discharge stage 17, the parts determined to be defective in the inspection stages 15 and 16 are released from the part holding means 32 and discharged into a predetermined container or the like. The discharge valve driving means 94 for operating the switching valve 80 in the discharge stage 17 is suspended from the arm 20 and disposed above the vicinity of the carry-out stage 12.

  Each of these stages 11 to 17 is arranged on the passage route of the component holding means 32 accompanying the rotation of the turret table 30, that is, on the same circumference as the component holding means 32 is arranged. . The stages 11 to 17 are arranged at the same pitch as the component holding means 32. More specifically, the direction determination stage 13, the alignment stage 14, and the two inspection stages 15 and 16 are arranged at the same pitch as the component holding means 32 in the counterclockwise direction when viewed from above from the receiving stage 11. The discharge stage 17 is disposed at a position away from the carry-out stage 12 by the same pitch as the component holding means 32 in the clockwise direction.

  In the present embodiment, by arranging the stages 11 to 17 in this way, when one of the component holding means 32 is at a position facing the receiving stage 11, the other component holding means 32 is changed to the other stages 12 to 12. 17 to face each other. The cycle time is improved by performing the above processes in the stages 11 to 17 substantially simultaneously.

  Next, the operation of the turret transport device 1 will be described. FIG. 7 is a plan view showing the operation of the turret transport device 1.

  First, the turret table 30 is lowered with one of the component holding means 32 facing the receiving stage 11. Then, the receiving valve driving means 90 operates the switching valve 80 connected to the component holding means 32 facing the receiving stage 11. Thereby, the component 100 on the receiving stage 11 is attracted and held by the component holding means 32. Thereafter, the turret table 30 is raised and rotated counterclockwise by the pitch of the component holding means 32 as viewed from above (1/12 rotation). As a result, the component 100 previously sucked moves to the direction determination stage 13. Further, the next component holding means 32 faces the receiving stage 11. Then, the turret table 30 is lowered again, and the direction of the component 100 sucked earlier is discriminated in the direction discriminating stage 13. At the same time, in the receiving stage 11, the next component 100 is attracted to the component holding means 32.

  Similarly, the turret table 30 repeats ascending, 1/12 rotation, and descending. And when the turret table 30 descend | falls, the process in each stage 11-17 is performed simultaneously. As a result, the component 100 sucked from the receiving stage 11 moves in the order of the direction determination stage 13, the alignment stage 14, the inspection stage 15, and the inspection stage 16, and the processes in the stages 13 to 16 are performed in order.

  The turret table 30 may be lifted, rotated 1/12, and lowered after the completion of lifting, and may start rotating after the rotation has stopped, or may start rotating while being lifted, The descent may be started during the rotation.

  The component 100 sucked from the receiving stage 11 reaches the carry-out stage 12 after the turret table 30 rotates 9/12. In the carry-out stage 12, the carry-out valve driving means 92 operates the switching valve 80 after the turret table 30 is lowered. As a result, the component 100 is released from the component holding means 32 and carried onto the carry-out stage 12. In the present embodiment, an electronic component transport tape is disposed on the carry-out stage 12, and the released component 100 is accommodated in the recess of the electronic component transport tape.

  When the component 100 determined to be defective in the inspection stage 15 or the inspection stage 16 reaches the discharge stage 17, the discharge valve driving means 94 operates the switching valve 80 after the turret table 30 is lowered. Thereby, the component 100 determined to be defective is discharged into a container or the like.

  In this way, the turret transport apparatus 1 transports the parts 100 from the receiving stage 11 to the unloading stage 12 one after another. After the first part 100 reaches the carry-out stage 12, the part 100 is carried onto the carry-out stage 12 every time the turret table rotates 1/12. Further, since the processing in each of the stages 11 to 17 is performed substantially simultaneously when the turret table 30 is lowered, no wasteful waiting time or the like is generated during the conveyance. Therefore, the turret transport apparatus 1 can transport a large number of components 100 at high speed while performing alignment and inspection of the components 100 during the transport.

  As described above, in the turret transport device 1 according to the present embodiment, the turret table 30 has the operation position where the plurality of component holding means 32 are opposed to the receiving stage 11 and the unloading stage 12 by the operation of the arm 20. The component holding means 32 is configured to be movable between a retracted position where the component holding means 32 is in a non-facing state with respect to the receiving stage 11 and the unloading stage 12.

  For this reason, the component holding means 32 is brought as close as possible to the receiving stage 11 and the unloading stage 12 at the operation position, so that the turret table 30 is moved to the receiving stage 11 and the maintenance stage etc. while improving the cycle time of parts conveyance. It can be largely separated from the carry-out stage 12. Thereby, not only the turret table 30 and the component holding means 32 but also various devices such as the receiving stage 11 and the unloading stage 12 provided on the upper surface of the base 10 can be easily maintained. Further, even when various devices and members such as the component holding means 32 are replaced with a change in the components to be conveyed, the replacement operation can be performed quickly, so that the operating rate of the device can be improved. .

  The component holding means 32 includes a suction nozzle that sucks the component, and a suction passage 30 b that connects the suction nozzle and a vacuum pump that is a low-pressure source is formed inside the turret table 30. For this reason, it is not necessary to arrange a large number of air pipes and rotary joints around the turret table 30, and the turret table 30 can be configured in a compact manner to improve the conveyance speed. In addition, there is room in the space around the turret table 30 and it is not necessary to consider the handling of the air piping. Therefore, the turret table 30 can be moved to a retracted position where it is easy to work during maintenance or the like.

  In addition, since the switching valve 80 for switching communication / blocking of the suction nozzle (part holding means 32) and the vacuum pump is disposed in the middle of the suction passage 30b formed in the turret table 30, it is as close as possible to the suction nozzle. A switching valve 80 can be provided. Thereby, since the suction passage 30b between the switching valve 80 and the suction nozzle (component holding means 32) is shortened, the time required for the pressure change inside the suction passage 30b and the suction nozzle can be shortened. That is, the response speed of the suction / release of parts by the suction nozzle (part holding means 32) with respect to switching of the switching valve 80 is improved. Therefore, since it is possible to switch the suction and release of the component by the component holding means 32 in a short time, the cycle time of the component conveyance can be improved.

  As in the present embodiment, a plurality of component holding means 32 are arranged on the circumference centered on the rotation center of the turret table 30, and the suction passage 30 b is arranged between the rotation center of the turret table 30 and each component holding means 32. In the case of being provided between them, it is more preferable to arrange the switching valve 80 on the component holding means 32 side than the midpoint between the rotation center of the turret table 30 and the component holding means 32.

  Further, a part of the switching valve 80 is exposed on the outer surface of the turret table 30, and the valve driving means 90, 92, 94 disposed on the arm 20 or the base 10 are connected to the switching valve 80 from the outside of the turret table 30. The switching valve 80 is switched by applying an external force to a part exposed on the outer surface. Therefore, the switching valve 80 is operated to the rotating turret table 30 while the switching valve 80 is disposed as close as possible to the suction nozzle (component holding means 32) so as to shorten the time required for sucking and releasing the parts. There is no need to provide an actuator or the like. As a result, it is not necessary to consider the handling of air piping and electrical wiring connected to the actuator arranged on the turret table 30, so that the turret table 30 is made compact and the turret table is moved to the retracted position during maintenance. It becomes possible to make it.

  Further, the switching valve 80 includes a movable part 82 that reciprocates with at least a portion exposed on the outer surface, and the movable part 82 is moved in one direction by the receiving valve driving means 90 disposed on the base 10. In addition, since the movable portion 82 is moved in the other direction by the unloading valve driving means 92 or the discharging valve driving means 94 disposed on the arm 20, the switching valve 80 is switched, so that the switching valve 80 is simplified. In addition, each valve driving means 90, 92, 94 for operating the switching valve can be configured by a simple device such as an air cylinder. As a result, the cost of the apparatus can be reduced and the frequency of occurrence of failures can be reduced.

  Further, since the turret transport device 1 includes reciprocating means 50 for reciprocating the turret table 30 in a direction in which the component holding means 32 is moved closer to and away from the receiving stage 11 and the unloading stage 12, the turret table 30 is raised. By rotating, parts can be conveyed without interfering with the receiving stage 11 and the unloading stage 12. In addition, when an alignment stage 14 that adjusts the orientation of a component by bringing a jig into contact with the component, and inspection stages 15 and 16 that perform various inspections by contacting a probe to the component are provided during the conveyance of the component In addition, it is possible to prevent the parts from being conveyed.

  Further, the arm 20 is swingably disposed above the base 10, the receiving stage 11 and the unloading stage 12 are disposed on substantially the same horizontal plane, and the turret table 30 includes the receiving stage 11 and the unloading stage 12. In the upper operating position, the center axis of rotation is set in the vertical direction, and the arm 20 moves to the upper retracted position as the arm 20 swings, and the component holding means 32 faces sideways in the retracted position. It becomes. Thus, while adopting an efficient layout in which the receiving stage 11 and the unloading stage 12 are arranged on the upper surface of the base 10 and the turret table 30 is arranged above the receiving stage 11, the component holding means 32 is moved to the side during maintenance. Therefore, maintenance of the apparatus can be facilitated. In addition, by making the operation of the arm 20 simple, the movement of the turret table 30 between the operating position and the retracted position can be ensured, and the turret table 30 can be positioned at the operating position. Accuracy can be improved. Thereby, it is possible to reduce the probability of occurrence of a malfunction or failure during conveyance.

  The turret table 30 is configured such that when one of the plurality of component holding means 32 is at a position facing the receiving stage, the other component holding means 32 is at a position facing the carry-out stage 12; The parts holding means 32 at the position facing the receiving stage 11 holds the parts from the receiving stage 11 and the parts holding means 32 at the position facing the unloading stage 12 releases the parts to the unloading stage 12 substantially simultaneously. . For this reason, it is possible to continuously hold the component from the receiving stage 11 and release the component to the carry-out stage 12 at high speed without causing unnecessary movement of the turret table 30. Thereby, the cycle time of conveyance of components can be improved.

  Further, the turret transport device 1 includes an alignment stage 14 that is disposed on the base 10 and adjusts the position, orientation, and orientation of the parts with respect to the part holding means 32, and the turret table 30 includes a plurality of parts holding means 32. When one of these is located at a position facing the receiving stage 11, the other component holding means 32 is arranged at a position facing the alignment stage 14. For this reason, without causing unnecessary movement of the turret table 30, not only the holding of the parts from the receiving stage 11 and the releasing of the parts to the carry-out stage 12, but also the parts can be aligned continuously at a high speed.

  Further, the turret transport device 1 includes inspection stages 15 and 16 that are disposed on the base 10 and inspect the quality or characteristics of the components. The turret table 30 is received by one of the plurality of component holding means 32. When in a position facing the stage 11, the other component holding means 32 is configured to be in a position facing the inspection stages 15 and 16. For this reason, without causing unnecessary movement of the turret table 30, not only holding of the parts from the receiving stage 11 and releasing of the parts to the carry-out stage 12 but also inspection of the parts can be performed continuously at high speed.

  The turret transport device 1 includes a discharge stage 17 that is disposed on the base 10 and discharges specific parts (for example, parts determined to be defective in the inspection stages 15 and 16). When one of the plurality of component holding means 32 is at a position facing the receiving stage 11, the other component holding means 32 is at a position facing the discharge stage 17. For this reason, it is possible not only to hold the parts from the receiving stage 11 and release the parts to the carry-out stage 12 but also to discharge specific parts continuously at a high speed without causing unnecessary movement of the turret table 30. it can.

  Although the turret transport device 1 according to the present embodiment includes twelve component holding means 32, the present invention is not limited to this, and other number of component holding means 32 is provided. May be.

  The component holding means 32 has the suction nozzle tip directed downward, but is not limited to this, and the suction nozzle tip may be directed laterally or upward. Further, the component holding means 32 is not limited to the one constituted by the suction nozzle, and may have a structure for gripping the component by air drive, for example.

  Further, the turret table 30 is arranged so that the central axis of rotation in the driving position is in the vertical direction, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the central axis of rotation in the driving position is horizontal or oblique. It may be arranged so that. Further, it goes without saying that the turret table 30 is not limited to a disk shape, and may have other shapes.

  The switching valve 80 is not limited to the one that shuts off the vacuum pump and the suction nozzle and communicates the suction nozzle with the atmosphere. For example, the switching valve 80 shuts off the vacuum pump and the suction nozzle and connects the suction nozzle to a high pressure such as a compressor. It may be in communication with a source. By doing so, there is a case where the part can be released from the suction nozzle at a higher speed.

  In the present embodiment, the valve body that switches between communication and blocking of the switching valve 80 is integrally formed with the movable portion 82, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the valve body and the movable portion 82 are configured. You may make it comprise from another member connected by the gearwheel or the link mechanism. Further, in some cases, the turret table 30 may be provided with an actuator, a motor, or the like that operates the valve body, and the movable portion 82 may be configured by an operation changeover switch such as an actuator.

  In addition, each valve driving means 90 to 94 is not constituted by an operating air cylinder or the like, but each valve driving means 90 to 94 is constituted by a rod-like member protruding from the base 10 or the arm 20, and the turret table 30. The tip of these rod-shaped members may be pressed against the end face of the movable portion 82 of the switching valve 80 when the valve is raised or lowered.

  Moreover, the arm 20 is not limited to what is arrange | positioned at the base 10, What is arrange | positioned at another member and what was installed independently may be sufficient as it. Furthermore, the arm 20 may be configured to be able to perform an operation other than swinging. For example, the arm 20 may be configured to swing after linearly moving upward, or to swing or rotate about a plurality of different rotation axes.

  Further, the positions of the receiving stage 11 and the unloading stage 12 are not limited to the positions shown in the present embodiment, and the receiving stage 11 and the unloading stage 12 may be arranged at other positions. Similarly, the other stages 13 to 17 may be provided at positions different from the positions shown in the present embodiment. Furthermore, in addition to the stages 13 to 17 or in place of any of the stages 13 to 17, a stage for performing other processing such as assembly of parts may be provided.

  Further, two turret tables may be provided in the turret transport device 1. FIG. 8 is a plan view showing an example when the turret transport device 1 is provided with the sub turret table 110.

  In this example, the sub turret table 110 is rotatably disposed behind the turret table 30 as viewed from the front, with a part thereof overlapping below the turret table 30. In this sub turret table 110, a plurality (12 pieces) of component holding means 112 are arranged at a constant pitch on a slightly inner circumference of the outer peripheral surface. The component holding means 112 has a structure in which a component is placed and held on the upper surface.

  The sub turret table 110 rotates by 1/12 turn counterclockwise as viewed from above, at the same timing as the turret table 30. In the delivery areas 114 and 116 where parts are delivered between the tables 30 and 110, the parts holding means 32 of the turret table 30 and the parts holding means 112 of the sub turret table 110 are always kept in an opposing state. It is configured.

  The transfer valve driving means 96 disposed on the arm 20 operates the valve 80 connected to the component holding means 32 located in the delivery area 114. As a result, in the delivery area 114, the part that has been adsorbed by the part holding means 32 is released and is dropped and held on the part holding means 112 of the sub turret table 110.

  The components held by the component holding means 112 in the delivery area 114 are conveyed counterclockwise as viewed from above as the sub-turret table 110 rotates. Various processes are performed on the parts being conveyed by the sub turret table 110. For example, in this example, a printing stage 120 and a printing inspection stage 122 are provided in the middle of conveyance by the sub turret table 110. In the printing stage 120, printing is performed on the upper surface of the component by a laser printing device. In the print inspection stage 122, a print defect or the like is inspected by a CCD camera or the like.

  In the turret table 30, since the upper surface of the component is hidden in contact with the suction nozzle, it is impossible to print on the upper surface of the component. Therefore, in this example, it is possible to print on the upper surface of the component by transferring the component to the sub-turret table 110 that places and holds the component on the upper surface.

  The re-holding valve driving means 98 disposed on the base 10 operates the valve 80 connected to the component holding means 32 located in the delivery area 116. As a result, in the delivery area 116, the parts conveyed to the delivery area 116 by the sub turret table 110 are again attracted and held by the parts holding means 32 of the turret table 30.

  Further, in this example, the realignment stage 18 is provided next to the delivery area 116 on the transport path by the turret table 30. The realignment stage 18 is for adjusting again the orientation of the parts changed through the sub turret table 110. In the most alignment stage 18, as in the alignment stage 14, the component adsorbed by the component holding means 32 is brought into contact with the jig and the jig is rotated by a predetermined angle to adjust the direction of the component in a predetermined direction.

  As described above, by providing the sub turret table 110 in addition to the turret table 30, more processing can be performed on the components being transported. Further, it is possible to perform processing using an apparatus that is difficult to be disposed around the turret table 30 such as a laser printing apparatus. Furthermore, by differentiating the method or direction of holding the parts between the turret table 30 and the sub turret table 110, more types of processing can be performed on the parts being transported.

  Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the turret transport apparatus of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Of course.

  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 turret conveyance apparatus 1 which concerns on embodiment of this invention. 2 is a plan view of the turret transport device 1. FIG. (A) is a top view of the turret table 30, (b) is sectional drawing of the turret table 30 periphery. (A) And (b) It is sectional drawing of the switching valve | bulb 80. FIG. It is the front view which showed the state which lowered the turret table. It is the front view which showed the state which moved the turret table 30 to the retracted position. 4 is a plan view showing the operation of the turret transport device 1. FIG. FIG. 4 is a plan view showing an example when a sub turret table 110 is provided in the turret transport device 1.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Turret transfer apparatus 10 ... Base 11 ... Acceptance stage 12 ... Unloading stage 14 ... Alignment stage 15, 16 ... Inspection stage 17 ... Discharge stage 20 ... Arm 30 ... Turret table 30b ... Suction passage 32 ... Part holding means 40 ... Rotary drive means 50 ... Reciprocating means 80 ... Switching valve 82 ... Moving part 90 ... When receiving Valve driving means 92... Valve driving means when unloading 94... Valve driving means when discharging

Claims (11)

A base provided with a receiving stage to which parts are supplied from the outside and a carry-out stage for carrying parts out to the outside;
An arm configured to be operable;
A turret table rotatably held by the arm;
Rotation driving means for rotating the turret table;
A plurality of component holding means disposed on the turret table and holding the components along the rotation direction;
The turret table includes an operating position where the plurality of component holding means are opposed to the receiving stage and the unloading stage by the operation of the arm, and the plurality of component holding means are not connected to the receiving stage and the unloading stage. It is movable between a retreat position that is in an opposing state, and is rotated by being driven by the rotation driving means at the operation position, whereby the parts on the receiving stage are held by the parts holding means and A turret transport device, wherein the turret transport device transports to a carry-out stage and releases the unload stage. The component holding means includes a suction nozzle for sucking a component,
The suction passage connecting the suction nozzle and the low pressure source is formed in the turret table,
The turret transport device according to claim 1. A switching valve for switching communication / blocking between the suction nozzle and the low-pressure source is disposed in the middle of a suction passage formed in the turret table.
The turret transport device according to claim 2. A part of the switching valve is exposed on the outer surface of the turret table,
The valve driving means disposed on the arm or the base switches the switching valve by applying an external force to a part exposed to the outer surface of the switching valve from the outside of the turret table.
The turret transport device according to claim 3. The switching valve includes a movable part that reciprocates with at least a portion exposed to the outer surface,
The movable portion can be moved in one direction by the valve driving means disposed on the base, and the movable portion can be moved in the other direction by the valve driving means disposed on the arm. Characterized by switching the switching valve,
The turret transport apparatus according to claim 4. The apparatus further comprises reciprocating means for reciprocating the turret table in a direction in which the component holding means is moved close to and away from the receiving stage and the unloading stage.
The turret transport device according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The arm is disposed above the base to be swingable,
The receiving stage and the unloading stage are arranged on substantially the same horizontal plane,
The turret table has a center axis of rotation set in the vertical direction at the operating position above the receiving stage and the unloading stage, and moves to a further retracted position along with the swing of the arm. In, the part holding means is in a state of being directed to the side,
The turret transport device according to any one of claims 1 to 6. The turret table is configured such that when one of the plurality of component holding means is at a position facing the receiving stage, the other component holding means is at a position facing the carry-out stage;
The component holding means located at the position facing the receiving stage holds the component from the receiving stage, and the component holding means located at the position facing the unloading stage releases the component to the unloading stage substantially simultaneously. It is characterized by
The turret transport device according to any one of claims 1 to 7. An alignment stage disposed on the base for adjusting the position, orientation and posture of the component relative to the component holding means;
The turret table is configured such that when one of the plurality of component holding means is at a position facing the receiving stage, the other component holding means is at a position facing the alignment stage. It is characterized by
The turret transport apparatus according to claim 8. An inspection stage disposed on the base and inspecting the quality or characteristics of the component;
The turret table is configured such that when one of the plurality of component holding means is at a position facing the receiving stage, the other component holding means is at a position facing the inspection stage. It is characterized by
The turret transport apparatus according to claim 8 or 9. A discharge stage disposed on the base for discharging the specific part;
The turret table is configured such that when one of the plurality of component holding means is at a position facing the receiving stage, the other component holding means is at a position facing the discharge stage. It is characterized by
The turret transport apparatus according to claim 8.

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