JP2012188202A - Workpiece feeding device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a workpiece feeding device which suppresses staining or charging of a workpiece by reducing staying, stacking, tangling or sticking of the workpiece in a conveyance body and contributes to improvement of productivity.SOLUTION: The workpiece feeding device 100 includes: a conveyance body 122 which includes a workpiece revolving passage 122c formed into a closed annular shape around an axis line and a workpiece holding surface 122cb at an outer peripheral edge, and a workpiece conveyance path 122d obliquely branched in a predetermined direction around the axis more toward the outer peripheral side than the predetermined position of the workpiece revolving passage 122c and configured to gradually rise around the axis; and an oscillator 121 for reciprocally oscillating the conveyance body 122 around the axis. By the reciprocal oscillation of the conveyance body 122 around the axis, the workpiece moves in a predetermined direction on the workpiece revolving passage 122c and the workpiece conveyance path 122d.

Description

  The present invention relates to a workpiece supply apparatus, and more particularly, to a workpiece supply structure suitable for transferring a minute electronic component at high speed by vibration.

  Generally, a vibration-type component supply device called a parts feeder is used in a factory that handles many electronic components. In particular, in recent years, there has been a demand for accurately aligning and supplying high-speed surface mount type electronic components, so the demand for small parts feeders for electronic components has increased. Yes. As such a small parts feeder, there is generally known a bowl type parts feeder provided with a transport body having a bowl shape and having a spiral transport path formed therein. This bowl-type parts feeder is configured to place the above-mentioned transport body on a rotary vibrator and vibrate around the axis, thereby gradually aligning a large number of parts stored in the inner bottom on the spiral transport path. It is configured to raise.

  Further, as conventional bowl-type parts feeders, in addition to those having the typical structure as described above, those improved in accordance with various situations are known. For example, in Patent Document 1 below, a bowl-shaped part having a configuration in which pressurized air is blown onto an adjustment unit in order to prevent clogging of components and a spiral conveyance path that forms a single ring A feeder is disclosed. Further, in Patent Document 2, in order to remove static electricity and realize efficient conveyance, parts are conveyed to the upper edge of the vibrating body together with static electricity from the inner bottom of the bowl-shaped vibrating body through the air tube. A bowl-type parts feeder is described in which parts are conveyed along a spiral conveying path at the upper edge.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 1-313211 JP 2000-335735 A

  However, the vibration type component supply device is excellent in that it can accurately supply a large amount of micro components at high speed as described above, but a large number of workpieces stay on the inner bottom of the transport body, and the workpieces are stacked, entangled, Since sticking or the like is likely to occur, a large number of workpieces collected on the inner bottom of the transport body are rubbed against each other due to vibration, and are also transported while receiving friction from the bowl by vibration on the spiral transport path. As a result, the transfer parts may become dirty or static electricity may accumulate. Further, when the work is charged, dirt easily adheres due to static electricity, so that the work becomes more serious and the degree thereof is likely to vary. Therefore, there is a problem that it is not possible to sufficiently improve the reliability of products and the prevention of performance degradation that are particularly required in recent years.

  In particular, in light emitting elements such as LEDs, it is necessary to use a highly permeable resin material for windows and the like, so that many dirt easily adhere to them, and since the resin material is an insulator, it is charged. Since it becomes easier to adhere to the product when it is charged, it is difficult to supply parts with stable cleanliness, and dirt also adheres to the carrier, so frequent cleaning (cleaning) There is also a problem that it is necessary to perform maintenance work such as.

  Furthermore, since the types of workpieces are frequently changed in many types of small lots in recent years, when it takes time to discharge the remaining parts from the equipment when changing workpiece lots, it is possible to produce as much as possible. There is also a problem that the performance is lowered.

  Therefore, the present invention solves the above-mentioned problems, and the problem is to suppress the dirt and electrification of the workpiece by reducing the retention of the workpiece in the conveyance body, the stacking, entanglement, and sticking of the workpieces. In addition, an object is to realize a workpiece supply apparatus that can contribute to the improvement of productivity.

  In view of such circumstances, the workpiece supply device of the present invention is configured in an annular shape closed around an axis and has a workpiece peripheral circuit provided with a workpiece holding surface on the outer periphery, and an outer periphery from a predetermined position of the workpiece peripheral circuit. A transport body having a work transport path configured to obliquely branch in a predetermined direction around the axis toward the side and gradually rise around the axis, and to reciprocate and vibrate the transport body around the axis And a vibration body, wherein the workpiece moves in the predetermined direction on the workpiece peripheral circuit and the workpiece conveyance path by reciprocal vibration around the axis of the conveyance body.

  According to the present invention, when the workpiece is introduced into the workpiece circulating portion, the conveyed workpiece reciprocally vibrates around the axis due to the exciting action of the vibrating body, so that the introduced workpiece becomes a closed annular workpiece circulating It rotates in a predetermined direction while receiving centrifugal force on the road and being pressed against the work holding surface on the outer peripheral side. At this time, when the work reaches a predetermined position of the work peripheral circuit, the work is pushed out onto the work transport path branched from the work peripheral circuit, and is transported while rising in the predetermined direction on the work transport path. Moreover, the workpiece | work which was not pushed out to the workpiece conveyance path further circulates on a workpiece | work peripheral circuit. By forming the closed circular work peripheral circuit in this way, the introduced work can be dispersed in the circumferential direction, so that the retention of the work on the work peripheral circuit is suppressed, and a plurality of works are stacked. In addition, it is possible to suppress entanglement and sticking, and to reduce dirt and electrification of the work caused by these. Also, in this state, the workpieces can be pushed out little by little by centrifugal force from a predetermined position on the workpiece peripheral circuit to the workpiece conveyance path obliquely branched in a predetermined direction toward the outer periphery, so that the workpieces on the workpiece conveyance path are aligned from the beginning. Since the work is transported in a state close to the state, the distance of the work transport path for aligning the work can be shortened, so that the adhesion and charging of the work can be further reduced and the work can be transported efficiently. Will also be possible. Furthermore, since the work transfer distance is reduced, the time required for the work lot change operation can be reduced, and thus the overall productivity can be improved.

  In the present invention, it is preferable that the work peripheral circuit is configured to be flat in the rotating direction. According to this, since the workpiece peripheral circuit is configured to be flat in the circumferential direction, the circumferential speed of the workpiece can be made uniform in the circumferential direction, and the overall speed can be slightly increased. Since the dispersibility and uniformity of the workpiece can be improved, it is possible to further suppress adhesion of dirt and charging due to rubbing between the workpieces. Further, since the centrifugal force acting on the work on the work peripheral circuit is made uniform, the work can be gathered to the outer peripheral side in a stable state along the work holding surface. Accordingly, it is possible to substantially increase the conveyance speed by improving the efficiency of supplying the workpiece to the workpiece conveyance path.

  In the present invention, it is preferable that the workpiece rotating speed of the workpiece peripheral circuit is 0.8 times or more and 1.3 times or less the workpiece conveying speed in the outermost peripheral portion of the workpiece conveying path. In particular, the circumferential speed is preferably 0.9 times or more and 1.2 times or less, more preferably 0.95 times or more and 1.1 times or less of the transport speed. If the circulating speed is less than the above range, it is difficult to secure the number of workpieces carried into the workpiece conveyance path unless the number of workpieces or workpiece density of the workpiece circumferential circuit is increased, and the workpiece circumferential circuit as in the conventional bowl type feeder This makes it easy for workpieces to be stacked, entangled, and stuck. If the circulatory speed exceeds the above range, a part of the work peripheral circuit or part of the work transport path will be retained, and the work will tend to be stacked, entangled, stuck, etc. descend.

  In this invention, it is preferable to further comprise an airflow spraying means for blowing an ionized airflow onto the work on the work peripheral circuit from the inner peripheral side of the work peripheral circuit. According to this, since the ionized airflow is blown from the inner peripheral side of the work peripheral circuit to the work by the airflow blowing means, the work can be uniformly and sufficiently neutralized, so It is possible to avoid problems such as adhesion of dirt and adsorption of workpieces to the workpiece conveyance path.

  In the present invention, air flow spraying means for blowing an air flow from the inner peripheral side of the work peripheral circuit to the work on the work peripheral circuit, the air flow spraying means in the predetermined direction toward the work peripheral circuit It is desirable to blow the airflow diagonally. According to this, since the ionized airflow is blown toward the work in an oblique direction, the movement speed of the work peripheral circuit can be increased without hindering the movement of the work peripheral circuit in the work rotation direction. In addition, it is desirable that the airflow spraying means includes a plurality of airflow outlets that are dispersedly arranged on the inner peripheral side of the work peripheral circuit along the circumferential direction, preferably evenly.

  In the present invention, it is preferable that a work introduction mechanism for introducing the work onto the work peripheral circuit is further provided, and the work introduction mechanism is configured to be capable of controlling a work introduction amount. According to this, since the work introduction amount can be controlled by the work introduction mechanism, the stacking, entanglement, and sticking of the works are further reduced by limiting the amount of work moving around in the work peripheral circuit. it can. In this case, it is desirable that the work introduction mechanism is provided on the inner peripheral side of the work peripheral circuit, and has a work introduction port that opens from the inner peripheral side toward the outer peripheral side and faces the work peripheral circuit. According to this, since it is not necessary to secure the installation space for the workpiece introduction mechanism outside the transport body, the entire apparatus can be configured compactly.

  In the present invention, there is further provided work detection means for detecting the work on the work peripheral circuit, and work introduction control means for controlling an introduction amount or introduction frequency of the work by the work introduction mechanism in accordance with a detection value of the work detection means. It is preferable to comprise.

  In this invention, it is preferable that the said conveyance body is comprised in the ring shape provided with the opening part in the inner peripheral side of the said workpiece | work peripheral circuit. According to this, since the transport body has the opening on the inner peripheral side of the work peripheral circuit, it is possible to reduce the weight of the transport body by the amount of the opening, and as a result, it is possible to reduce driving addition of the vibration body. At the same time, it is possible to improve the vibration efficiency of the transport body and increase the transport efficiency. Moreover, it becomes possible to process a conveyance body (especially processing of an inner peripheral part) easily by having an opening part. Furthermore, since it becomes easy to arrange | position at least one part of the said workpiece | work introduction mechanism and the said air supply structure in the inner peripheral side of a conveyance body, these installation becomes easy.

  Advantageous Effects of Invention According to the present invention, it is possible to achieve an excellent effect that it is possible to realize a work supply device that can reduce work stagnation and suppress dirt and electrification of the work and contribute to an improvement in productivity.

The perspective view which shows the whole structure of the Example of the workpiece | work supply apparatus which concerns on this invention. The front view of the Example. The rear view of the Example. The left view and right view of the Example. The top view of the Example. FIG. 2 is an enlarged partial perspective view of the embodiment (a perspective view showing an enlarged VI region shown in FIG. 1). The perspective view which shows a mode that the hopper (work introduction | transduction mechanism) was removed from the Example. The perspective view which shows a mode that the upper part of the air supply structure was further removed from the state shown in FIG. 7 of the Example. The disassembled perspective view of the conveyance bowl and air supply structure in the Example, and the side view and bottom view of the upper part of an air supply structure. The top view of the principal part of the Example. The expansion explanatory perspective view of the principal part of the Example. The longitudinal cross-sectional view of the principal part of the Example. The expanded partial sectional view which expands and shows the VIII area | region shown in FIG.

  Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. 1 to 6 are a perspective view, a front view, a rear view, a left side view and a right side view, a plan view, and an enlarged partial perspective view showing the overall configuration and appearance of a workpiece supply apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure (perspective view of VI area | region shown in FIG. 1). 12 is a longitudinal sectional view of the embodiment, and FIG. 13 is an enlarged partial sectional view showing an enlarged VIII region shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the workpiece supply apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment includes a workpiece introduction unit 110 having a hopper-type appearance structure and a bowl-type feeder structure that receives a workpiece from the workpiece introduction unit 110. 1 workpiece conveyance unit 120 and 2nd workpiece conveyance unit 130 provided with the linear type feeder structure which receives supply of a workpiece | work from the 1st workpiece conveyance unit 120 are provided. The workpiece introduction unit 110, the first workpiece transfer unit 120, and the second workpiece transfer unit 120 are provided on an installation table 101 and an anti-vibration member such as an anti-vibration spring and an anti-vibration rubber (not shown) on the installation table 101. It is supported by a base structure including an attached vibration isolation table 102. Note that the workpiece supply apparatus of the present invention basically corresponds to the first workpiece transfer unit 120, but as in the present embodiment, the workpiece introduction unit 110 corresponding to the workpiece introduction mechanism described above and more additionally. The second work conveyance unit 130 connected to the above can be included.

  The workpiece introduction unit 110 includes a funnel-shaped hopper container 111 in the illustrated example having an enlarged diameter upper part provided with an inlet 111a and a reduced diameter lower part provided with an outlet 111b (see FIG. 12). A bowl-shaped take-out chute 112 provided with a base 112a facing the discharge port 111b below the hopper container 111 from below and a work introduction port 112b for introducing a work into the first work supply unit 120. And a chute drive unit 113 for driving the take-out chute 112.

  The hopper container 111 is supported and fixed by a column 114 and a support arm 115 fixed to the vibration isolator 102. Here, as shown in FIG. 12, the hopper container 111 is attached to the support arm 115 via a cylindrical vibration-proof material 116 and a sleeve 117 made of silicone resin or the like. The vibration isolator 116 interposed between the hopper container 111 and the support arm 115 reduces the vibration of the workpiece introduction unit 110. A holding body 118 is fixed to the lower part of the hopper container 111, and the takeout chute 112 and the chute driving unit 113 are supported on the holding body 118. That is, the workpiece introduction unit 110 has a structure in which the hopper container 111 is supported by the support arm 115 and the takeout chute 112 and the chute drive unit 113 are suspended below the hopper container 111.

  In the chute drive unit 113 of the present embodiment, the base material 113a is fixed to the holding body 118, the base end of the plate-like piezoelectric drive body 113b is attached to the base material 113a, and the distal end of the piezoelectric drive body 113b. Is connected to the base end of the elastic spring plate 113d through the spacer 113c. The distal end of the elastic spring plate 113d is connected to the base 112a of the take-out chute 112. Here, the piezoelectric driving body 113b and the elastic spring plate 113d are connected in a U shape via a spacer 113c. Thereby, the chute drive part 113 can be comprised compactly. When the piezoelectric drive body 113b is AC driven to generate flexural vibration, the vibration is transmitted to the base 112a of the take-out chute 112 via the elastic spring plate 113d, and the base 112a of the take-out chute 112 vibrates up and down. Thereby, the work brought from the hopper container 111 onto the base 112a of the take-out chute 112 is gradually discharged from the work introduction port 112b.

  A work detector 119 is attached to the holding body 118. The work detector 119 detects a work on the work peripheral circuit 122c. In the illustrated example, the work detector 119 is a reflective optical sensor. When the number of workpieces or workpiece density that circulates on the workpiece circumferential circuit 122c detected by the workpiece detector 119 decreases, the chute driving unit 113 operates to move from the workpiece introduction port 112b of the take-out chute 112 onto the workpiece circumferential circuit 122c. When a workpiece is introduced and the number of workpieces or the workpiece density increases, the introduction of the workpiece is stopped. For example, the introduction amount of the workpiece is controlled so as to reduce the variation in the number of workpieces and the workpiece density on the workpiece peripheral circuit 122c. The

  In the present embodiment, the work introduction unit 110 is disposed on the inner peripheral side of the work peripheral circuit 122c. The take-out chute 112 introduces the workpiece from the workpiece introduction port 112b onto the workpiece circumferential circuit 122c from the inner circumference side toward the outer circumference side. Here, the workpiece introduction angle position around the axis line by the take-out chute 112 is not particularly limited, but in the illustrated example, the workpiece introduction position is set directly below the support arm 115. Further, in the illustrated example, the workpiece introduction angle position is set to the near side (for example, about 10 to 50 degrees before) with respect to a predetermined orientation described later with respect to a transfer start portion 122d1 of the workpiece transfer path 122d described later. . Further, the detection position of the number of workpieces or the workpiece density by the workpiece detector 119 is on the side of the predetermined direction with respect to the workpiece introduction angle position, and is on the side opposite to the predetermined direction with respect to the transfer start unit 122d1. Be placed. Thus, while preventing the introduced work from directly entering the work conveyance path 122d, it is possible to quickly compensate and minimize the decrease in the amount of supply to the work conveyance path 122d, and the work introduction angle. Since the variation in the number of workpieces or the workpiece density due to the introduction of workpieces at the position can be quickly detected, the supply amount of the workpiece to the workpiece conveyance path 122d can be stabilized and the variation in the supply amount can be reduced.

  The first work transfer unit 120 is disposed below the work introduction unit 110. The first workpiece transfer unit 120 includes a rotary vibrator 121 corresponding to the vibration exciter fixed on the vibration isolator 102, and the carrier fixed on the vibration plate 121 a above the rotary vibrator 121. And a transfer bowl 122 corresponding to. The transport bowl 122 reciprocates around a vertical axis by the rotary vibrator 121. Specifically, the vibration direction is a direction that is obliquely upward in a counterclockwise direction when the device is viewed from above (hereinafter simply referred to as a “predetermined direction”). Is torsional vibration. Due to this torsional vibration, the workpiece moves in the predetermined direction in a workpiece peripheral circuit 122c and a workpiece conveyance path 122d described later on the conveyance bowl 112. An engagement groove 122b extending in the circumferential direction is formed in the outer peripheral bottom of the transfer bowl 112, and a clamp member (not shown) that engages with the engagement groove 122b is attached to the outer periphery of the vibration plate 121a. The outer peripheral bottom portion of the bowl 122 is fixed to the outer peripheral portion of the vibration plate 121a.

  In the present embodiment, the transport bowl 122 is configured in a ring frame shape having an opening 122a at the center of the bowl-shaped inner bottom. The holding body 118 and the chute driving unit 113 fixed to the holding body 118 are suspended from above in the opening 122 a of the transport bowl 122, and the lower end of the holding body 118 and the vibration plate of the rotary vibrator 121. It faces 121a with a gap. However, the conveyance bowl 122 may be configured in a bowl shape with the inner bottom portion closed as is generally the case.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the transport bowl 122 is configured in a bowl shape so that the inner surface as a whole is low on the center (edge of the opening 122 a) side and high on the peripheral side. A work peripheral circuit 122 c formed in an annular shape closed around the axis is formed on the inner peripheral portion of the inner surface of the transfer bowl 122. The work circumferential circuit 122c is configured to be flat in the circumferential direction. In addition, the work peripheral circuit 122c is arranged on the inner peripheral side, and is configured to have a ring belt-like work support surface 122ca configured to have a width of at least 2 to 5 times the maximum dimension of the work in the radial direction, and the work support surface 122ca It has a work holding surface 122cb that is provided in a ring shape adjacent to the outer peripheral side and is inclined so as to face obliquely inward in the radial direction (see FIGS. 11 and 13). In the case of the illustrated example, strictly speaking, the work support surface 122ca of the work peripheral circuit 122c is slightly inclined outward in the width direction in a manner having a downward slope toward the outer peripheral side (radially outward). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it may be configured to be flat when viewed in the width direction.

  As shown in FIG. 10, on the inner surface of the transfer bowl 122, the work peripheral circuit 122c is branched obliquely from one place to the outer peripheral side, and gradually advances from the branch point toward the outer peripheral side in the circumferential direction. A rising spiral workpiece conveyance path 122d is formed. The direction of branching of the work conveyance path 122d is an oblique direction toward the outer peripheral side with respect to the predetermined direction when viewed from above in the figure. The workpiece conveyance path 122d is formed adjacent to the outer peripheral side of the workpiece supporting surface 122d and inclined to the substantially horizontal or outer peripheral side, and holds the workpiece inclined substantially toward the vertical or inner peripheral side. And a surface 122db (see FIGS. 10 and 13).

  In the workpiece transfer path 122d, the transfer start portion 122d1 corresponding to the end connected to the workpiece peripheral circuit 122c opens to the workpiece peripheral circuit 122c due to the lack of the workpiece holding surface 122cb of the workpiece peripheral circuit 122c. Therefore, in the opening range AP (see FIG. 10), the workpiece support surface 122ca of the workpiece peripheral circuit 122c and the workpiece support surface 122da of the workpiece conveyance path 122d are directly adjacent to or connected to each other. At this time, the work holding surface 122cb of the work peripheral circuit 122c faces the transfer start part 122d1, and the predetermined direction from the end on the side of the predetermined direction of the opening range AP with respect to the work peripheral circuit 122c of the work transfer path 122d. It is configured to gradually rise in height as it goes further. In addition, the work support surface 122da of the transfer start portion 122d1 is configured to gradually become wider from the end opposite to the predetermined direction toward the predetermined direction.

  In the transfer start portion 122d1, the work support surface 122da is formed with a downward slope from the boundary with the work support surface 122ca of the work peripheral circuit 122c toward the outer peripheral side. Thereby, a workpiece | work can be smoothly carried in into the workpiece | work conveyance path 122d from the workpiece | work peripheral circuit 122c. Further, the workpiece conveyance path 122d gradually rises as it proceeds from the conveyance start portion 122d1 to the predetermined direction, and the workpiece holding surface 122cb of the workpiece circumferential circuit 122c adjacent to the inner circumferential side is accompanied by this rising gradient. Is increased as described above.

  The workpiece conveyance path 122d is formed to have a length that allows the conveyance start portion 122d1 to the conveyance end portion 122d7 to make one round around the axis. A first posture control unit 122d2 in which the workpiece support surface 122da has a concave arc-shaped cross section is provided at the tip of the portion that gradually becomes wider from the conveyance start unit 122d1, and is provided at the bottom of the first posture control unit 122d2. A second attitude control unit 122d3 is formed in which the workpiece support surface 122da and the workpiece holding surface 122db are started from the connected portion. A narrow width portion 122d4 in which the workpiece support surface 122da is narrower than the upstream side is formed at the tip of the second attitude control portion 122d3, and the workpiece support surface 122da is at the tip of the narrow width portion 122d4 from the upstream side. A wide portion 122d5 that is also wide is formed. A narrow width portion 122d6 in which the workpiece support surface 122da is narrower than the upstream side again is formed at the tip of the wide width portion 122d5, and finally reaches the conveyance end portion 122d7.

  An inclined surface 122h is formed at the lower part on the inner peripheral side of at least a partial region of the workpiece conveyance path 122d (particularly, the narrow width portions 122d4 and 122d6), and the workpiece dropped from the workpiece conveyance path 122d moves on the inclined surface 122h. It slides down and returns to the work peripheral circuit 122c or the work collection path 122i. Note that the work that has slipped into the work collection path 122i is finally returned to the work peripheral circuit 122c while being conveyed in the predetermined direction by the torsional vibration.

  Here, the workpiece introduced from the workpiece introduction port 112b of the workpiece introduction unit 110 is not necessarily introduced directly onto the workpiece peripheral circuit 122c, but the inclined surface above the outer peripheral side of the workpiece peripheral circuit 122c. It may be introduced onto 122h or the work collection path 122i. In this case, since the work introduced onto the inclined surface 122h or the work collection path 122i is dispersed while sliding along the inclined surface and enters the work peripheral circuit 122c, the work dispersion effect on the work peripheral circuit 122c is further increased. Can be increased.

  9 and 10, notched regions 122e, 122f, and 122g are provided on the outer peripheral portion of the transport bowl 122. By fitting a member (not shown) into these notch regions, the conveyance path portions 122d3 'and 122d5' that are missing in the bowl body are formed, and the workpiece conveyance path 122d is completed. For example, when a gate block having an open / close gate is attached to the cutout region 122e, the gate block constitutes the transfer path portion 122d3 ′ and opens the open / close gate to thereby transfer the transfer path portion 122d3. It is configured so that the workpiece can be discharged from the inside of the transfer bowl 122 through the gate opening that is open to '. In addition, when a work selection block having a work detector such as an optical sensor and an airflow outlet for removing a work is attached to the notch region 122f, the work detector detects whether the work passage block 122d5 ' When a workpiece that has been conveyed in a posture different from the posture is detected, an air flow is ejected from the air flow blowing port, and the workpiece can be configured to fall downward on the inner peripheral side of the conveying bowl 122.

  As shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, the inner periphery of the transport bowl 122 has a lower disk 123 having an opening 123a at a position corresponding to the opening 122a of the transport bowl 122, and an opening at the same position. An upper disk 124 with 124a is attached. On the upper surface 123b of the lower disk 123, a plurality of air passages 123c extending obliquely in the predetermined direction toward the outer peripheral side (the work peripheral circuit 122c side) are formed around the axis (equally in the circumferential direction in the illustrated example) The tip of the airflow outlet 123d faces the work peripheral circuit 122c from the inner peripheral side. An air supply path 124c formed of an annular air supply groove is formed on the lower surface 124b of the upper disk 124. An air supply hole 124d is formed in the air supply path 124c and is inclined in the predetermined direction to pass through the upper disk 124. The material of the lower disk 123 and the upper disk 124 is not particularly limited, but is preferably an insulator in order to have a charge eliminating function described later.

  The upper disk 124 is fixed on the inner peripheral part of the conveying bowl 122 in a state where it is disposed on the lower disk 123. The upper surface 123b and the lower surface 124b are in close contact with each other, and the air supply groove constituting the air supply path 124c is disposed to face the base end portions of the plurality of the air passages 123c. When a gas such as compressed air or nitrogen gas is supplied to the air supply hole 124d, the gas is supplied to the plurality of air passages 123c via the air supply passage 124c, and the airflow is supplied from the airflow outlet 123d toward the work peripheral circuit 122c. It squirts diagonally to the side of the predetermined direction and hits the work. The gas is introduced into the air supply hole 124d by connecting a pipe (not shown) to the joint 125 shown in FIG. As will be described later, in the present embodiment, the air supplied to the air supply holes 124d is ionized air ionized by an ionizer or the like. The lower disk 123 and the upper disk 124, particularly the upper disk 124, are preferably made of a transparent or translucent material so that the internal gas passage can be seen. The lower disk 123 and the upper disk 124 are fixed as described above to constitute an air supply structure (airflow spraying means) for blowing an airflow from the inner peripheral side to the work on the work peripheral circuit 122c.

  At this time, as shown in FIG. 9, the lower disk 123 is fixed on an inner peripheral seat surface 122 j provided around the opening 122 a of the transport bowl 122. The inner peripheral seating surface 122j is formed below the work peripheral circuit 122c on the radially inner side of the work peripheral circuit 122c. In this way, the air supply structure (airflow spraying means) composed of the lower disk 123 and the upper disk 124 is mounted on the inner peripheral seating surface 122j formed lower than the work peripheral circuit 122c. Since it can arrange | position in a substantially horizontal direction with respect to the workpiece | work on the periphery circuit 122c, an airflow can be reliably applied to a workpiece | work.

  The second work transfer unit 130 includes a linear vibrator 131 fixed on the vibration isolator 102 and a linear transport body 132 fixed on a vibrator 131 a above the linear vibrator 131. As shown in FIG. 4, the linear vibrator 131 includes a piezoelectric drive body 131c and an amplification spring body 131d which are plate-like elastic support portions connected in series between the vibration body 131a and the base portion 131b. And the same piezoelectric drive body 131e and the amplification spring body 131f are each arrange | positioned before and behind the conveyance direction. These elastic support portions are inclined so as to have a plate-like surface that extends obliquely upward toward the conveyance direction, thereby generating a reciprocating linear vibration obliquely upward toward the conveyance direction, and linearly passing through the vibrating body 131a. The carrier 132 is vibrated.

  The straight conveyance body 132 is formed with a workpiece conveyance path 132a that extends in a straight line. A conveyance start portion 132a1 of the workpiece conveyance path 132a is connected to the conveyance termination portion 122d7 of the workpiece conveyance path 122d of the conveyance bowl 122 (actually Are opposed to each other with a slight gap smaller than the workpiece size. Further, the conveyance terminal portion 132a2 of the workpiece conveyance path 132a is preferably supported by the vibration isolation table 102, the base portion 131b, etc., and is passed through a workpiece transfer unit (not shown) that is substantially in a vibration-free state. It faces a supply end (not shown) of various handling devices such as a mounting device. The workpiece of this embodiment is finally supplied to the supply end through the workpiece conveyance path 132a.

  In the workpiece supply apparatus 100 of the present embodiment configured as described above, a workpiece having a predetermined shape is conveyed as follows. In addition, the conveyance bowl 122 and the linear conveyance body 132 of this embodiment are comprised assuming conveyance of a rectangular parallelepiped workpiece | work (electronic component), and are provided with the conveyance path shape suitable for the said workpiece | work. However, in FIG. 11, the workpiece is schematically shown as a sphere larger than the assumed workpiece, not the assumed workpiece shape, so that the workpiece can be easily seen in the drawing. Note that workpieces suitable for this embodiment include LED (light-emitting diode) chips, such as those with a sticky surface that tends to become dirty or easily charged during transportation, or surfaces that are insulating and easily charged. An electronic component provided with

  In the present embodiment, in the workpiece introduction unit 110, when the number of workpieces or the workpiece density on the workpiece peripheral circuit 122c is lowered below the first threshold by the workpiece detector 119, the piezoelectric driver 113b vibrates, and the elastic spring plate The take-out chute 112 vibrates through 113d, and the work is introduced from the work introduction port 112b to the work peripheral circuit 122c. Further, when the number of workpieces or the workpiece density on the workpiece peripheral circuit 122c increases beyond a second threshold value that is larger than the first threshold value, the vibration of the piezoelectric driving body 113b stops, and the workpiece is introduced into the workpiece peripheral circuit 122c. Also stop.

  By adjusting the work introduction frequency as described above, the number of works or the work density on the work peripheral circuit 122c is maintained between the first threshold value and the second threshold value. The detected value of the number of workpieces or the workpiece density by the workpiece detector 119 varies with time due to the deviation of the workpiece along the circulation direction on the workpiece circumferential circuit 122c. Therefore, an average value for a certain fixed time is obtained. The average value may be compared with the first threshold value or the second threshold value to determine the presence / absence of workpiece introduction. Further, the work introduction amount may be increased or decreased according to the difference between the detected value or the average value and the first threshold value or the second threshold value. Of course, both the work introduction amount and the work introduction frequency may be controlled. In the present embodiment, the workpiece introduction by the workpiece introduction unit 110 is intermittently performed as described above, but the workpiece introduction is continuously performed by controlling the driving strength of the piezoelectric driving body 113b and the like. The introduction speed may be controlled.

  As described above, the workpiece introduced into the workpiece circumferential circuit 122c moves so as to circulate in the predetermined direction on the workpiece support surface 122ca. At this time, the work circulates so as to be pressed against the work holding surface 122cb formed on the outer peripheral side by centrifugal force or by the inclination of the work support surface 122ca outward in the radial direction. However, when there are a large number of workpieces in the workpiece circumferential circuit 122c, a plurality of workpieces are connected in the radial direction and are distributed around the workpiece support surface 122ca in a circular manner.

  An airflow is blown obliquely in a predetermined direction from the inner peripheral side of the work peripheral circuit 122 to the work that circulates around the work peripheral circuit 122c. This air flow is uniformly generated over the entire circumference of the work peripheral circuit 122c by providing a plurality of air flow outlets 123d provided in the air flow spraying means in a circumferential direction. In the present embodiment, the air flow is obliquely ejected in a predetermined direction, thereby bringing about an effect of promoting rather than hindering the circumferential movement of the workpiece on the workpiece circumferential circuit 122c. In addition, by forming the air flow with an ionized gas such as static elimination air, an effect of reducing the amount of charge of the work on the work peripheral circuit 122c can be obtained.

  When the workpiece in the workpiece peripheral circuit 122c reaches the position facing the conveyance start portion 122d1 of the workpiece conveyance path 122d, the workpiece holding surface 122cb is missing, so that the workpiece that has circulated at least on the outermost side is the conveyance start portion. It enters into 122d1. At this time, since the workpiece support surface 122da of the conveyance start portion 122d1 is inclined so as to be inclined downward in the radial direction, the entered workpiece is immediately separated from the workpiece peripheral circuit 122c and is not obstructed by other workpieces. As long as it is pressed against the workpiece holding surface 122cb of the workpiece conveyance path 122d, the workpiece is conveyed while gradually rising along the workpiece conveyance path 122d.

  On the other hand, the workpiece that has not been introduced from the workpiece peripheral circuit 122c to the transfer start portion 122d1 passes through the workpiece peripheral circuit 122c on the inner peripheral side of the transfer start portion 122d1 as it is, and continues to move around. In this situation, when the work density of the work peripheral circuit 122c is high, the work that has circulated around the outer peripheral side in the width direction of the work support surface 122ca of the work peripheral circuit 122c is introduced into the transfer start portion 122d1 of the work transfer path 122d. However, the work that has circulated on the inner peripheral side of the work support surface 122ca is generated by passing through the inner peripheral side of the opening range AP in the circulatory direction as it is blocked by the work that circulates on the outer peripheral side. As a result, the substantial transport distance may increase for some of the workpieces that have circulated on the inner peripheral side, but the workpieces are distributed on the peripheral circuit for a large number of workpieces introduced to the workpiece peripheral circuit 122c in general. Thus, it is effective to prevent the workpieces from being stacked, entangled, and stuck while avoiding the retention of the workpieces.

  Thereafter, the workpiece in the workpiece conveyance path 122d is adjusted in the width direction by the arc-shaped workpiece support surface 122da in the first posture control unit 122d2, and the workpiece support surface 122da of the second posture control unit 122d3 that follows this is adjusted. The workpiece is conveyed in a posture controlled by the workpiece holding surface 122db. Thereafter, the workpiece having a posture different in the width direction from the normal posture is slid downward along the inclined surface 122h by the narrow workpiece support surface 122da in the narrow portion 122d4, and returned to the workpiece peripheral circuit 122c.

  The workpiece in the normal posture enters the wide width portion 122d5 from the narrow width portion 122d4 as it is, and in a stable conveyance state, the workpiece sorting means provided in a workpiece sorting block (not shown) mounted in the notch region 122f is used to A workpiece whose posture or the posture before and after is different from the normal posture, or a workpiece whose shape or other points are defective is excluded, slides down on the inclined surface 122h, and is conveyed in a predetermined direction in the workpiece collection path 122i. Then, it is returned to the work peripheral circuit 122c again.

  The workpieces that have passed through the wide width portion 122d5 are further selected by the narrow workpiece support surface 122da of the narrow width portion 122d6, and finally the workpieces that are in a normal posture in the width direction, front and back, or front-rear direction are aligned in a row. To reach the conveyance end portion 122d7. Thereafter, when the workpiece advances from the conveyance end portion 122d7 onto the workpiece conveyance path 132a, various processes such as posture selection and reversal are further performed on the workpiece conveyance path 132a as necessary, and finally the complete posture is obtained. Only complete workpieces are supplied in alignment. Note that the above-mentioned processing such as posture control, posture selection, and appearance / shape quality selection, etc., depends on the type of workpiece (shape and size) and the conditions required at the time of supply (quality of posture and quality). It is set accordingly.

  When the workpiece is replaced, the workpiece introduction by the workpiece introduction unit 110 is stopped, or the workpiece introduction is continuously performed to discharge the workpiece already stored in the hopper container 111, and then the workpiece is transferred. An open / close gate of a gate block (not shown) attached to the notch region 122e through which the workpiece transfer path 122d passes the workpiece already supplied into the bowl 122 is opened, and the workpiece is discharged to the outside of the transfer bowl 122 through the gate port. Thus, the workpiece can be quickly removed from the apparatus before the workpiece reaches the conveyance end portion 122d7 of the workpiece conveyance path 122d and the conveyance termination portion 132a2 of the workpiece conveyance path 132a.

  According to the present embodiment, the closed annular work peripheral circuit 122c is configured, and the work is moved around on the work peripheral circuit 122c at a high speed, thereby dispersing the introduced plurality of works in the peripheral direction. Can do. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the workpieces from being stacked, entangled, and stuck to each other as in the conventional bowl-type parts feeder, so that the workpieces are less likely to be contaminated or charged. In particular, in this embodiment, the work introduction unit 110 controls the amount of work introduced into the work peripheral circuit 122c, thereby limiting the number of works or the work density on the work peripheral circuit 122c. Charging can be avoided more effectively.

  Since the workpiece circumferential circuit 122c is configured to be flat in the circumferential direction, the movement speed of the workpiece on the workpiece circumferential circuit 122c is higher than the workpiece conveyance path 122d that gradually rises in the conveyance direction. Further, the rotating speed of the work is also made uniform around the axis. Therefore, the dispersion action in the circumferential direction of the workpiece that moves around by the vibration of the workpiece support surface 122ca is also increased, and the stacking, entanglement, and sticking of the workpiece can be suppressed. For the same reason, the centrifugal force applied to the workpiece on the workpiece support surface 122ca of the workpiece peripheral circuit 122c also increases, so that the pressing action of the workpiece on the outer peripheral side can be enhanced, and the workpiece loading speed at the conveyance start portion 122d1 also increases. In addition, smooth movement from the work peripheral circuit 122c to the work conveyance path 122d, and thus efficient and high-speed supply of the work can be realized.

  In the present embodiment, since the workpieces are loaded in a state in which the workpieces are aligned to some extent on the transfer start portion 122d1 of the workpiece transfer path 122d, the transfer distance for obtaining the aligned state can be reduced. As a result, the workpiece conveyance path 122d can be set to have a length that makes one round around the axis line in the illustrated example, and the workpiece conveyance distance can be greatly shortened compared to the conventional helical conveyance path over many laps. Thereby, dirt and electrification of a work can be further suppressed.

  In the case of the present embodiment, the work rotating speed in the work peripheral circuit 122c is the maximum work speed of the work in the work transport path 122d (specifically, the part on the outermost peripheral side, in the illustrated example, the transport end part 122d7). It is preferably set within a range of 0.8 to 1.3 times the workpiece unloading speed), and preferably within a range of 1.9 to 1.2 times. In the present embodiment, it is actually set within a range of 1.95 to 1.1 times. Here, below these ranges, in order to ensure the transfer efficiency in the work transfer path 122d, it is necessary to introduce an excessive work into the work peripheral circuit 122c. Tangles and sticking are likely to occur. Conversely, if the number of workpieces and the workpiece density are reduced in an attempt to avoid stacking, entanglement, and sticking of workpieces in the workpiece peripheral circuit 122c, the conveyance efficiency in the workpiece conveyance path 122d is decreased. On the other hand, if it exceeds the above range, the workpieces are likely to stay in the workpiece conveyance path 122d, and the workpieces are stacked, entangled, stuck, and the like, and the conveyance efficiency is lowered. On the contrary, in order to prevent this, it is necessary to reduce the number of workpieces and the workpiece density of the workpiece peripheral circuit 122c.

  In general, in the case of a conventional bowl-type feeder having a workpiece conveyance path that spirally extends from the inner bottom at the center inside the bowl-type conveyance body, the amplitude of vibration increases as the radial position increases away from the axis. Since the workpiece conveyance speed increases, the inner circumferential portion (upstream side) near the inner bottom is slowly conveyed in a state where a large number of workpieces are stacked, and the conveyance speed increases as it proceeds to the outer circumferential portion (downstream side). The workpieces are separated and approach the aligned state. However, in the present embodiment, the conventional conventional concept is eliminated, the radial position of the work peripheral circuit 122c is set closer to the outer periphery, and the air flow by the air blowing means is configured to be flat in the circumferential direction as described above. While increasing the peripheral speed of the workpiece by spraying, the maximum radial position of the workpiece conveyance path 122d is 1.5 times or less, preferably 1.3 times or less, preferably 1.2 times or less the above-mentioned radial position of the workpiece circumferential circuit 122c. By limiting the rotation speed to less than twice, the rotation speed is set within the above range with respect to the maximum conveyance speed. In this way, while preventing the workpieces from being stacked, entangled and stuck in the workpiece peripheral circuit 122c, the workpiece is prevented from staying in the workpiece conveyance path 122d. It has succeeded in improving the conveyance efficiency as a whole while suppressing dirt and electrification.

  That is, in this embodiment, the work is distributed in the work peripheral circuit 122c, accelerated to a speed close to the maximum transport speed, and further fed to the work transport path 122d in a state where the work is aligned to some extent by centrifugal force. Yes. Thereby, in the workpiece conveyance path 122d, it is only necessary to further align the workpieces that have been aligned to some extent and perform selection as necessary, so that the conveyance distance can be shortened. Therefore, even when the entire work peripheral circuit 122c and the work transfer path 122d are viewed, the stacking, entanglement, and sticking of the works can be suppressed, and the transfer distance can be greatly reduced. Can be significantly reduced as compared with the prior art. Here, in order to smoothly feed a work from the work peripheral circuit 122c to the work transport path 122d using centrifugal force, the work transport path 122d needs to be pulled out to the outer peripheral side of the work peripheral circuit 122c. Since the work speed is considered to be substantially proportional to the radial position according to the vibration amplitude, the work speed of the work conveyance path 122d on the outer peripheral side inevitably increases more than the work speed of the work peripheral circuit 122c due to the increase of the radial position. . However, in the present embodiment, the workpiece peripheral circuit 122c is configured to be flat in the circumferential direction, but the workpiece conveyance path 122d has a gradient that rises in the conveyance direction around the axis, so that the workpiece speed in the workpiece conveyance path 122d is reduced. In the work peripheral circuit 122c, air current is blown in the direction in which the work is accelerated by the air supply structure, so that the work speed in the work peripheral circuit 122c can be increased. The difference in work speed on the path 122d is suppressed. In the case of the illustrated example, the average value of the workpiece circulation speed in the workpiece circumferential circuit 122c and the workpiece conveyance speed in the workpiece conveyance path 122d is configured to be substantially equal, thereby obtaining extremely high conveyance efficiency. Yes.

  In the present embodiment, since the transport bowl 122 has a structure having the opening 122a in the center, the transport bowl 122 can be reduced in weight, so that the transport efficiency can be increased and the transport speed can be improved. Moreover, since the driving load of the rotary vibrator 121 is also reduced, the manufacturing cost of the rotary vibrator 121 can be reduced. Furthermore, in the conveying bowl 122, the shape of the work peripheral circuit 122c and the shape of the inner peripheral seating surface 122j are also important, but there is an advantage that the processing of the inner peripheral portion is facilitated by the presence of the opening 122a. Furthermore, installation of the air supply structure and the work introduction unit 110 is facilitated, and the entire apparatus can be made compact.

  Note that the workpiece supply device of the present invention is not limited to the above-described illustrated examples, and it is needless to say that various changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, in the above-described embodiment, there is only one workpiece transfer path 122d branched from the workpiece peripheral circuit 122c, but the present invention may be configured such that a plurality of workpiece transfer paths branch from the workpiece peripheral circuit 122c.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Work supply apparatus, 101 ... Installation stand, 102 ... Anti-vibration stand, 110 ... Work introduction unit, 111 ... Hopper container, 112 ... Extraction chute, 112a ... Base, 112b ... Work introduction port, 113 ... Work removal mechanism, 113a DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS ... Base material, 113b ... Piezoelectric drive body, 113c ... Spacer, 113d ... Elastic spring plate, 114 ... Strut, 115 ... Support arm, 116 ... Anti-vibration material, 117 ... Sleeve, 118 ... Holding body, 119 ... Work detector, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 120 ... 1st workpiece conveyance unit, 121 ... Rotary vibrator, 121a ... Vibration board, 122 ... Conveyance bowl, 122a ... Opening part, 122b ... Engagement groove, 122c ... Work peripheral circuit, 122ca ... Work support surface, 122cb ... Workpiece Holding surface, 122d ... work conveying path, 122da ... work supporting surface, 122db ... work holding surface, 122d1 ... Feed start part, 122d7 ... Conveyance terminal part, 123 ... Lower disk, 123a ... Opening part, 123b ... Upper surface, 123c ... Ventilation path, 123d ... Air flow outlet, 124 ... Upper disk, 124a ... Opening part, 124b ... Lower surface, 124c ... Air supply path, 124d ... Air supply hole, 130 ... Second work conveyance unit, 131 ... Linear vibrator, 131a ... Vibration body, 132 ... Linear conveyance body, 132a ... Work conveyance path, 132a1 ... Conveyance start part, 132a2 ... Conveyance Termination

  The present invention relates to a workpiece supply apparatus, and more particularly, to a workpiece supply structure suitable for transferring a minute electronic component at high speed by vibration.

  Generally, a vibration-type component supply device called a parts feeder is used in a factory that handles many electronic components. In particular, in recent years, there has been a demand for accurately aligning and supplying high-speed surface mount type electronic components, so the demand for small parts feeders for electronic components has increased. Yes. As such a small parts feeder, there is generally known a bowl type parts feeder provided with a transport body having a bowl shape and having a spiral transport path formed therein. This bowl-type parts feeder is configured to place the above-mentioned transport body on a rotary vibrator and vibrate around the axis, thereby gradually aligning a large number of parts stored in the inner bottom on the spiral transport path. It is configured to raise.

  Further, as conventional bowl-type parts feeders, in addition to those having the typical structure as described above, those improved in accordance with various situations are known. For example, in Patent Document 1 below, a bowl-shaped part having a configuration in which pressurized air is blown onto an adjustment unit in order to prevent clogging of components and a spiral conveyance path that forms a single ring A feeder is disclosed. Further, in Patent Document 2, in order to remove static electricity and realize efficient conveyance, parts are conveyed to the upper edge of the vibrating body together with static electricity from the inner bottom of the bowl-shaped vibrating body through the air tube. A bowl-type parts feeder is described in which parts are conveyed along a spiral conveying path at the upper edge.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 1-313211 JP 2000-335735 A

  However, the vibration type component supply device is excellent in that it can accurately supply a large amount of micro components at high speed as described above, but a large number of workpieces stay on the inner bottom of the transport body, and the workpieces are stacked, entangled, Since sticking or the like is likely to occur, a large number of workpieces collected on the inner bottom of the transport body are rubbed against each other due to vibration, and are also transported while receiving friction from the bowl by vibration on the spiral transport path. As a result, the transfer parts may become dirty or static electricity may accumulate. Further, when the work is charged, dirt easily adheres due to static electricity, so that the work becomes more serious and the degree thereof is likely to vary. Therefore, there is a problem that it is not possible to sufficiently improve the reliability of products and the prevention of performance degradation that are particularly required in recent years.

  In particular, in light emitting elements such as LEDs, it is necessary to use a highly permeable resin material for windows and the like, so that many dirt easily adhere to them, and since the resin material is an insulator, it is charged. Since it becomes easier to adhere to the product when it is charged, it is difficult to supply parts with stable cleanliness, and dirt also adheres to the carrier, so frequent cleaning (cleaning) There is also a problem that it is necessary to perform maintenance work such as.

  Furthermore, since the types of workpieces are frequently changed in many types of small lots in recent years, when it takes time to discharge the remaining parts from the equipment when changing workpiece lots, it is possible to produce as much as possible. There is also a problem that the performance is lowered.

  Therefore, the present invention solves the above-mentioned problems, and the problem is to suppress the dirt and electrification of the workpiece by reducing the retention of the workpiece in the conveyance body, the stacking, entanglement, and sticking of the workpieces. In addition, an object is to realize a workpiece supply apparatus that can contribute to the improvement of productivity.

In view of such circumstances, the workpiece supply device of the present invention is configured in an annular shape closed around an axis , and is provided in a ring shape adjacent to a ring belt-shaped workpiece support surface and the outer peripheral side of the workpiece support surface. A workpiece peripheral circuit provided with a workpiece holding surface, and an oblique branch in a predetermined direction around the axis toward the outer peripheral side from a transfer start portion where the workpiece holding surface is missing at a predetermined position of the workpiece peripheral circuit, A transport body having a work transport path configured to gradually rise around the axis, a vibrating body that reciprocally vibrates the transport body around the axis, and a work that introduces the work onto the work peripheral circuit. the introduction amount includes a workpiece supply mechanism capable of controlling, and moving the workpiece by a reciprocating oscillation about the axis of the conveying member is at the work frequency divider and the workpiece transfer path to said predetermined direction, said By controlling the workpiece introduction amount, the workpiece on the workpiece circumferential circuit circulates while being pressed against the workpiece holding surface, or the outermost workpiece is pressed against the workpiece holding surface and a plurality of workpieces are connected in the radial direction, The workpiece circumferential surface is dispersed and moved to the inner and outer positions on the workpiece support surface, the radial position of the workpiece peripheral circuit is set closer to the outer periphery, and the maximum radial position of the workpiece conveyance path is 1.5 times the radial position of the workpiece peripheral circuit. and wherein the der Rukoto below.

According to the present invention, when the workpiece is introduced into the workpiece circulating portion, the conveyed workpiece reciprocally vibrates around the axis due to the exciting action of the vibrating body, so that the introduced workpiece becomes a closed annular workpiece circulating It rotates in a predetermined direction while receiving centrifugal force on the road and being pressed against the work holding surface on the outer peripheral side. At this time, when the workpiece reaches the conveyance start portion at a predetermined position of the workpiece circumferential circuit, the workpiece is pushed out onto the workpiece conveyance path branched from the workpiece circumferential circuit, and is conveyed while rising in the predetermined direction on the workpiece conveyance path. Moreover, the workpiece | work which was not pushed out to the workpiece conveyance path further circulates on a workpiece | work peripheral circuit. By forming the closed circular work peripheral circuit in this way, the introduced work can be dispersed in the circumferential direction, so that the retention of the work on the work peripheral circuit is suppressed, and a plurality of works are stacked. In addition, it is possible to suppress entanglement and sticking, and to reduce dirt and electrification of the work caused by these. Also, in this state, the workpieces can be pushed out little by little by centrifugal force from a predetermined position on the workpiece peripheral circuit to the workpiece conveyance path obliquely branched in a predetermined direction toward the outer periphery, so that the workpieces on the workpiece conveyance path are aligned from the beginning. Since the work is transported in a state close to the state, the distance of the work transport path for aligning the work can be shortened, so that the adhesion and charging of the work can be further reduced and the work can be transported efficiently. Is also possible. Furthermore, since the work transfer distance is reduced, the time required for the work lot change operation can be reduced, and thus the overall productivity can be improved.

  In the present invention, it is preferable that the work peripheral circuit is configured to be flat in the rotating direction. According to this, since the workpiece peripheral circuit is configured to be flat in the circumferential direction, the circumferential speed of the workpiece can be made uniform in the circumferential direction, and the overall speed can be slightly increased. Since the dispersibility and uniformity of the workpiece can be improved, it is possible to further suppress adhesion of dirt and charging due to rubbing between the workpieces. Further, since the centrifugal force acting on the work on the work peripheral circuit is made uniform, the work can be gathered to the outer peripheral side in a stable state along the work holding surface. Accordingly, it is possible to substantially increase the conveyance speed by improving the efficiency of supplying the workpiece to the workpiece conveyance path.

  In the present invention, it is preferable that the workpiece rotating speed of the workpiece peripheral circuit is 0.8 times or more and 1.3 times or less the workpiece conveying speed in the outermost peripheral portion of the workpiece conveying path. In particular, the circumferential speed is preferably 0.9 times or more and 1.2 times or less, more preferably 0.95 times or more and 1.1 times or less of the transport speed. If the circulating speed is less than the above range, it is difficult to secure the number of workpieces carried into the workpiece conveyance path unless the number of workpieces or workpiece density of the workpiece circumferential circuit is increased, and the workpiece circumferential circuit as in the conventional bowl type feeder This makes it easy for workpieces to be stacked, entangled, and stuck. If the circulatory speed exceeds the above range, a part of the work peripheral circuit or part of the work transport path will be retained, and the work will tend to be stacked, entangled, stuck, etc. descend.

  In this invention, it is preferable to further comprise an airflow spraying means for blowing an ionized airflow onto the work on the work peripheral circuit from the inner peripheral side of the work peripheral circuit. According to this, since the ionized airflow is blown from the inner peripheral side of the work peripheral circuit to the work by the airflow blowing means, the work can be uniformly and sufficiently neutralized, so It is possible to avoid problems such as adhesion of dirt and adsorption of workpieces to the workpiece conveyance path.

  In the present invention, air flow spraying means for blowing an air flow from the inner peripheral side of the work peripheral circuit to the work on the work peripheral circuit, the air flow spraying means in the predetermined direction toward the work peripheral circuit It is desirable to blow the airflow diagonally. According to this, since the ionized airflow is blown toward the work in an oblique direction, the movement speed of the work peripheral circuit can be increased without hindering the movement of the work peripheral circuit in the work rotation direction. In addition, it is desirable that the airflow spraying means includes a plurality of airflow outlets that are dispersedly arranged on the inner peripheral side of the work peripheral circuit along the circumferential direction, preferably evenly.

In the present invention, the further comprises a workpiece introduction mechanism for introducing the workpiece into the workpiece circulating path, the workpiece supply mechanism than Ru is configured to control the work introduction amount, work amount of circular movement within the workpiece peripheral circuit By restricting, the stacking, entanglement and sticking of workpieces can be further reduced. In this case, it is desirable that the work introduction mechanism is provided on the inner peripheral side of the work peripheral circuit, and has a work introduction port that opens from the inner peripheral side toward the outer peripheral side and faces the work peripheral circuit. According to this, since it is not necessary to secure the installation space for the workpiece introduction mechanism outside the transport body, the entire apparatus can be configured compactly.

  In the present invention, there is further provided work detection means for detecting the work on the work peripheral circuit, and work introduction control means for controlling an introduction amount or introduction frequency of the work by the work introduction mechanism in accordance with a detection value of the work detection means. It is preferable to comprise.

  In this invention, it is preferable that the said conveyance body is comprised in the ring shape provided with the opening part in the inner peripheral side of the said workpiece | work peripheral circuit. According to this, since the transport body has the opening on the inner peripheral side of the work peripheral circuit, it is possible to reduce the weight of the transport body by the amount of the opening, and as a result, it is possible to reduce driving addition of the vibration body. At the same time, it is possible to improve the vibration efficiency of the transport body and increase the transport efficiency. Moreover, it becomes possible to process a conveyance body (especially processing of an inner peripheral part) easily by having an opening part. Furthermore, since it becomes easy to arrange | position at least one part of the said workpiece | work introduction mechanism and the said air supply structure in the inner peripheral side of a conveyance body, these installation becomes easy.

  Advantageous Effects of Invention According to the present invention, it is possible to achieve an excellent effect that it is possible to realize a work supply device that can reduce work stagnation and suppress dirt and electrification of the work and contribute to an improvement in productivity.

The perspective view which shows the whole structure of the Example of the workpiece | work supply apparatus which concerns on this invention. The front view of the Example. The rear view of the Example. The left view and right view of the Example. The top view of the Example. FIG. 2 is an enlarged partial perspective view of the embodiment (a perspective view showing an enlarged VI region shown in FIG. 1). The perspective view which shows a mode that the hopper (work introduction | transduction mechanism) was removed from the Example. The perspective view which shows a mode that the upper part of the air supply structure was further removed from the state shown in FIG. 7 of the Example. The disassembled perspective view of the conveyance bowl and air supply structure in the Example, and the side view and bottom view of the upper part of an air supply structure. The top view of the principal part of the Example. The expansion explanatory perspective view of the principal part of the Example. The longitudinal cross-sectional view of the principal part of the Example. The expanded partial sectional view which expands and shows the VIII area | region shown in FIG.

  Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. 1 to 6 are a perspective view, a front view, a rear view, a left side view and a right side view, a plan view, and an enlarged partial perspective view showing the overall configuration and appearance of a workpiece supply apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure (perspective view of VI area | region shown in FIG. 1). 12 is a longitudinal sectional view of the embodiment, and FIG. 13 is an enlarged partial sectional view showing an enlarged VIII region shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the workpiece supply apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment includes a workpiece introduction unit 110 having a hopper-type appearance structure and a bowl-type feeder structure that receives a workpiece from the workpiece introduction unit 110. 1 workpiece conveyance unit 120 and 2nd workpiece conveyance unit 130 provided with the linear type feeder structure which receives supply of a workpiece | work from the 1st workpiece conveyance unit 120 are provided. The workpiece introduction unit 110, the first workpiece transfer unit 120, and the second workpiece transfer unit 120 are provided on an installation table 101 and an anti-vibration member such as an anti-vibration spring and an anti-vibration rubber (not shown) on the installation table 101. It is supported by a base structure including an attached vibration isolation table 102. Note that the workpiece supply apparatus of the present invention basically corresponds to the first workpiece transfer unit 120, but as in the present embodiment, the workpiece introduction unit 110 corresponding to the workpiece introduction mechanism described above and more additionally. The second work conveyance unit 130 connected to the above can be included.

  The workpiece introduction unit 110 includes a funnel-shaped hopper container 111 in the illustrated example having an enlarged diameter upper part provided with an inlet 111a and a reduced diameter lower part provided with an outlet 111b (see FIG. 12). A bowl-shaped take-out chute 112 provided with a base 112a facing the discharge port 111b below the hopper container 111 from below and a work introduction port 112b for introducing a work into the first work supply unit 120. And a chute drive unit 113 for driving the take-out chute 112.

  The hopper container 111 is supported and fixed by a column 114 and a support arm 115 fixed to the vibration isolator 102. Here, as shown in FIG. 12, the hopper container 111 is attached to the support arm 115 via a cylindrical vibration-proof material 116 and a sleeve 117 made of silicone resin or the like. The vibration isolator 116 interposed between the hopper container 111 and the support arm 115 reduces the vibration of the workpiece introduction unit 110. A holding body 118 is fixed to the lower part of the hopper container 111, and the takeout chute 112 and the chute driving unit 113 are supported on the holding body 118. That is, the workpiece introduction unit 110 has a structure in which the hopper container 111 is supported by the support arm 115 and the takeout chute 112 and the chute drive unit 113 are suspended below the hopper container 111.

  In the chute drive unit 113 of the present embodiment, the base material 113a is fixed to the holding body 118, the base end of the plate-like piezoelectric drive body 113b is attached to the base material 113a, and the distal end of the piezoelectric drive body 113b. Is connected to the base end of the elastic spring plate 113d through the spacer 113c. The distal end of the elastic spring plate 113d is connected to the base 112a of the take-out chute 112. Here, the piezoelectric driving body 113b and the elastic spring plate 113d are connected in a U shape via a spacer 113c. Thereby, the chute drive part 113 can be comprised compactly. When the piezoelectric drive body 113b is AC driven to generate flexural vibration, the vibration is transmitted to the base 112a of the take-out chute 112 via the elastic spring plate 113d, and the base 112a of the take-out chute 112 vibrates up and down. Thereby, the work brought from the hopper container 111 onto the base 112a of the take-out chute 112 is gradually discharged from the work introduction port 112b.

  A work detector 119 is attached to the holding body 118. The work detector 119 detects a work on the work peripheral circuit 122c. In the illustrated example, the work detector 119 is a reflective optical sensor. When the number of workpieces or workpiece density that circulates on the workpiece circumferential circuit 122c detected by the workpiece detector 119 decreases, the chute driving unit 113 operates to move from the workpiece introduction port 112b of the take-out chute 112 onto the workpiece circumferential circuit 122c. When a workpiece is introduced and the number of workpieces or the workpiece density increases, the introduction of the workpiece is stopped. For example, the introduction amount of the workpiece is controlled so as to reduce the variation in the number of workpieces and the workpiece density on the workpiece peripheral circuit 122c. The

  In the present embodiment, the work introduction unit 110 is disposed on the inner peripheral side of the work peripheral circuit 122c. The take-out chute 112 introduces the workpiece from the workpiece introduction port 112b onto the workpiece circumferential circuit 122c from the inner circumference side toward the outer circumference side. Here, the workpiece introduction angle position around the axis line by the take-out chute 112 is not particularly limited, but in the illustrated example, the workpiece introduction position is set directly below the support arm 115. Further, in the illustrated example, the workpiece introduction angle position is set to the near side (for example, about 10 to 50 degrees before) with respect to a predetermined orientation described later with respect to a transfer start portion 122d1 of the workpiece transfer path 122d described later. . Further, the detection position of the number of workpieces or the workpiece density by the workpiece detector 119 is on the side of the predetermined direction with respect to the workpiece introduction angle position, and is on the side opposite to the predetermined direction with respect to the transfer start unit 122d1. Be placed. Thus, while preventing the introduced work from directly entering the work conveyance path 122d, it is possible to quickly compensate and minimize the decrease in the amount of supply to the work conveyance path 122d, and the work introduction angle. Since the variation in the number of workpieces or the workpiece density due to the introduction of workpieces at the position can be quickly detected, the supply amount of the workpiece to the workpiece conveyance path 122d can be stabilized and the variation in the supply amount can be reduced.

  The first work transfer unit 120 is disposed below the work introduction unit 110. The first workpiece transfer unit 120 includes a rotary vibrator 121 corresponding to the vibration exciter fixed on the vibration isolator 102, and the carrier fixed on the vibration plate 121 a above the rotary vibrator 121. And a transfer bowl 122 corresponding to. The transport bowl 122 reciprocates around a vertical axis by the rotary vibrator 121. Specifically, the vibration direction is a direction that is obliquely upward in a counterclockwise direction when the device is viewed from above (hereinafter simply referred to as a “predetermined direction”). Is torsional vibration. Due to this torsional vibration, the workpiece moves in the predetermined direction in a workpiece peripheral circuit 122c and a workpiece conveyance path 122d described later on the conveyance bowl 112. An engagement groove 122b extending in the circumferential direction is formed in the outer peripheral bottom of the transfer bowl 112, and a clamp member (not shown) that engages with the engagement groove 122b is attached to the outer periphery of the vibration plate 121a. The outer peripheral bottom portion of the bowl 122 is fixed to the outer peripheral portion of the vibration plate 121a.

  In the present embodiment, the transport bowl 122 is configured in a ring frame shape having an opening 122a at the center of the bowl-shaped inner bottom. The holding body 118 and the chute driving unit 113 fixed to the holding body 118 are suspended from above in the opening 122 a of the transport bowl 122, and the lower end of the holding body 118 and the vibration plate of the rotary vibrator 121. It faces 121a with a gap. However, the conveyance bowl 122 may be configured in a bowl shape with the inner bottom portion closed as is generally the case.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the transport bowl 122 is configured in a bowl shape so that the inner surface as a whole is low on the center (edge of the opening 122 a) side and high on the peripheral side. A work peripheral circuit 122 c formed in an annular shape closed around the axis is formed on the inner peripheral portion of the inner surface of the transfer bowl 122. The work circumferential circuit 122c is configured to be flat in the circumferential direction. In addition, the work peripheral circuit 122c is arranged on the inner peripheral side, and is configured to have a ring belt-like work support surface 122ca configured to have a width of at least 2 to 5 times the maximum dimension of the work in the radial direction, and the work support surface 122ca It has a work holding surface 122cb that is provided in a ring shape adjacent to the outer peripheral side and is inclined so as to face obliquely inward in the radial direction (see FIGS. 11 and 13). In the case of the illustrated example, strictly speaking, the work support surface 122ca of the work peripheral circuit 122c is slightly inclined outward in the width direction in a manner having a downward slope toward the outer peripheral side (radially outward). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it may be configured to be flat when viewed in the width direction.

  As shown in FIG. 10, on the inner surface of the transfer bowl 122, the work peripheral circuit 122c is branched obliquely from one place to the outer peripheral side, and gradually advances from the branch point toward the outer peripheral side in the circumferential direction. A rising spiral workpiece conveyance path 122d is formed. The direction of branching of the work conveyance path 122d is an oblique direction toward the outer peripheral side with respect to the predetermined direction when viewed from above in the figure. The workpiece conveyance path 122d is formed adjacent to the outer peripheral side of the workpiece supporting surface 122d and inclined to the substantially horizontal or outer peripheral side, and holds the workpiece inclined substantially toward the vertical or inner peripheral side. And a surface 122db (see FIGS. 10 and 13).

  In the workpiece transfer path 122d, the transfer start portion 122d1 corresponding to the end connected to the workpiece peripheral circuit 122c opens to the workpiece peripheral circuit 122c due to the lack of the workpiece holding surface 122cb of the workpiece peripheral circuit 122c. Therefore, in the opening range AP (see FIG. 10), the workpiece support surface 122ca of the workpiece peripheral circuit 122c and the workpiece support surface 122da of the workpiece conveyance path 122d are directly adjacent to or connected to each other. At this time, the work holding surface 122cb of the work peripheral circuit 122c faces the transfer start part 122d1, and the predetermined direction from the end on the side of the predetermined direction of the opening range AP with respect to the work peripheral circuit 122c of the work transfer path 122d. It is configured to gradually rise in height as it goes further. In addition, the work support surface 122da of the transfer start portion 122d1 is configured to gradually become wider from the end opposite to the predetermined direction toward the predetermined direction.

  In the transfer start portion 122d1, the work support surface 122da is formed with a downward slope from the boundary with the work support surface 122ca of the work peripheral circuit 122c toward the outer peripheral side. Thereby, a workpiece | work can be smoothly carried in into the workpiece | work conveyance path 122d from the workpiece | work peripheral circuit 122c. Further, the workpiece conveyance path 122d gradually rises as it proceeds from the conveyance start portion 122d1 to the predetermined direction, and the workpiece holding surface 122cb of the workpiece circumferential circuit 122c adjacent to the inner circumferential side is accompanied by this rising gradient. Is increased as described above.

  The workpiece conveyance path 122d is formed to have a length that allows the conveyance start portion 122d1 to the conveyance end portion 122d7 to make one round around the axis. A first posture control unit 122d2 in which the workpiece support surface 122da has a concave arc-shaped cross section is provided at the tip of the portion that gradually becomes wider from the conveyance start unit 122d1, and is provided at the bottom of the first posture control unit 122d2. A second attitude control unit 122d3 is formed in which the workpiece support surface 122da and the workpiece holding surface 122db are started from the connected portion. A narrow width portion 122d4 in which the workpiece support surface 122da is narrower than the upstream side is formed at the tip of the second attitude control portion 122d3, and the workpiece support surface 122da is at the tip of the narrow width portion 122d4 from the upstream side. A wide portion 122d5 that is also wide is formed. A narrow width portion 122d6 in which the workpiece support surface 122da is narrower than the upstream side again is formed at the tip of the wide width portion 122d5, and finally reaches the conveyance end portion 122d7.

  An inclined surface 122h is formed at the lower part on the inner peripheral side of at least a partial region of the workpiece conveyance path 122d (particularly, the narrow width portions 122d4 and 122d6), and the workpiece dropped from the workpiece conveyance path 122d moves on the inclined surface 122h. It slides down and returns to the work peripheral circuit 122c or the work collection path 122i. Note that the work that has slipped into the work collection path 122i is finally returned to the work peripheral circuit 122c while being conveyed in the predetermined direction by the torsional vibration.

  Here, the workpiece introduced from the workpiece introduction port 112b of the workpiece introduction unit 110 is not necessarily introduced directly onto the workpiece peripheral circuit 122c, but the inclined surface above the outer peripheral side of the workpiece peripheral circuit 122c. It may be introduced onto 122h or the work collection path 122i. In this case, since the work introduced onto the inclined surface 122h or the work collection path 122i is dispersed while sliding along the inclined surface and enters the work peripheral circuit 122c, the work dispersion effect on the work peripheral circuit 122c is further increased. Can be increased.

  9 and 10, notched regions 122e, 122f, and 122g are provided on the outer peripheral portion of the transport bowl 122. By fitting a member (not shown) into these notch regions, the conveyance path portions 122d3 'and 122d5' that are missing in the bowl body are formed, and the workpiece conveyance path 122d is completed. For example, when a gate block having an open / close gate is attached to the cutout region 122e, the gate block constitutes the transfer path portion 122d3 ′ and opens the open / close gate to thereby transfer the transfer path portion 122d3. It is configured so that the workpiece can be discharged from the inside of the transfer bowl 122 through the gate opening that is open to '. In addition, when a work selection block having a work detector such as an optical sensor and an airflow outlet for removing a work is attached to the notch region 122f, the work detector detects whether the work passage block 122d5 ' When a workpiece that has been conveyed in a posture different from the posture is detected, an air flow is ejected from the air flow blowing port, and the workpiece can be configured to fall downward on the inner peripheral side of the conveying bowl 122.

  As shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, the inner periphery of the transport bowl 122 has a lower disk 123 having an opening 123a at a position corresponding to the opening 122a of the transport bowl 122, and an opening at the same position. An upper disk 124 with 124a is attached. On the upper surface 123b of the lower disk 123, a plurality of air passages 123c extending obliquely in the predetermined direction toward the outer peripheral side (the work peripheral circuit 122c side) are formed around the axis (equally in the circumferential direction in the illustrated example) The tip of the airflow outlet 123d faces the work peripheral circuit 122c from the inner peripheral side. An air supply path 124c formed of an annular air supply groove is formed on the lower surface 124b of the upper disk 124. An air supply hole 124d is formed in the air supply path 124c and is inclined in the predetermined direction to pass through the upper disk 124. The material of the lower disk 123 and the upper disk 124 is not particularly limited, but is preferably an insulator in order to have a charge eliminating function described later.

  The upper disk 124 is fixed on the inner peripheral part of the conveying bowl 122 in a state where it is disposed on the lower disk 123. The upper surface 123b and the lower surface 124b are in close contact with each other, and the air supply groove constituting the air supply path 124c is disposed to face the base end portions of the plurality of the air passages 123c. When a gas such as compressed air or nitrogen gas is supplied to the air supply hole 124d, the gas is supplied to the plurality of air passages 123c via the air supply passage 124c, and the airflow is supplied from the airflow outlet 123d toward the work peripheral circuit 122c. It squirts diagonally to the side of the predetermined direction and hits the work. The gas is introduced into the air supply hole 124d by connecting a pipe (not shown) to the joint 125 shown in FIG. As will be described later, in the present embodiment, the air supplied to the air supply holes 124d is ionized air ionized by an ionizer or the like. The lower disk 123 and the upper disk 124, particularly the upper disk 124, are preferably made of a transparent or translucent material so that the internal gas passage can be seen. The lower disk 123 and the upper disk 124 are fixed as described above to constitute an air supply structure (airflow spraying means) for blowing an airflow from the inner peripheral side to the work on the work peripheral circuit 122c.

  At this time, as shown in FIG. 9, the lower disk 123 is fixed on an inner peripheral seat surface 122 j provided around the opening 122 a of the transport bowl 122. The inner peripheral seating surface 122j is formed below the work peripheral circuit 122c on the radially inner side of the work peripheral circuit 122c. In this way, the air supply structure (airflow spraying means) composed of the lower disk 123 and the upper disk 124 is mounted on the inner peripheral seating surface 122j formed lower than the work peripheral circuit 122c. Since it can arrange | position in a substantially horizontal direction with respect to the workpiece | work on the periphery circuit 122c, an airflow can be reliably applied to a workpiece | work.

  The second work transfer unit 130 includes a linear vibrator 131 fixed on the vibration isolator 102 and a linear transport body 132 fixed on a vibrator 131 a above the linear vibrator 131. As shown in FIG. 4, the linear vibrator 131 includes a piezoelectric drive body 131c and an amplification spring body 131d which are plate-like elastic support portions connected in series between the vibration body 131a and the base portion 131b. And the same piezoelectric drive body 131e and the amplification spring body 131f are each arrange | positioned before and behind the conveyance direction. These elastic support portions are inclined so as to have a plate-like surface that extends obliquely upward toward the conveyance direction, thereby generating a reciprocating linear vibration obliquely upward toward the conveyance direction, and linearly passing through the vibrating body 131a. The carrier 132 is vibrated.

  The straight conveyance body 132 is formed with a workpiece conveyance path 132a that extends in a straight line. A conveyance start portion 132a1 of the workpiece conveyance path 132a is connected to the conveyance termination portion 122d7 of the workpiece conveyance path 122d of the conveyance bowl 122 (actually Are opposed to each other with a slight gap smaller than the workpiece size. Further, the conveyance terminal portion 132a2 of the workpiece conveyance path 132a is preferably supported by the vibration isolation table 102, the base portion 131b, etc., and is passed through a workpiece transfer unit (not shown) that is substantially in a vibration-free state. It faces a supply end (not shown) of various handling devices such as a mounting device. The workpiece of this embodiment is finally supplied to the supply end through the workpiece conveyance path 132a.

  In the workpiece supply apparatus 100 of the present embodiment configured as described above, a workpiece having a predetermined shape is conveyed as follows. In addition, the conveyance bowl 122 and the linear conveyance body 132 of this embodiment are comprised assuming conveyance of a rectangular parallelepiped workpiece | work (electronic component), and are provided with the conveyance path shape suitable for the said workpiece | work. However, in FIG. 11, the workpiece is schematically shown as a sphere larger than the assumed workpiece, not the assumed workpiece shape, so that the workpiece can be easily seen in the drawing. Note that workpieces suitable for this embodiment include LED (light-emitting diode) chips, such as those with a sticky surface that tends to become dirty or easily charged during transportation, or surfaces that are insulating and easily charged. An electronic component provided with

  In the present embodiment, in the workpiece introduction unit 110, when the number of workpieces or the workpiece density on the workpiece peripheral circuit 122c is lowered below the first threshold by the workpiece detector 119, the piezoelectric driver 113b vibrates, and the elastic spring plate The take-out chute 112 vibrates through 113d, and the work is introduced from the work introduction port 112b to the work peripheral circuit 122c. Further, when the number of workpieces or the workpiece density on the workpiece peripheral circuit 122c increases beyond a second threshold value that is larger than the first threshold value, the vibration of the piezoelectric driving body 113b stops, and the workpiece is introduced into the workpiece peripheral circuit 122c. Also stop.

  By adjusting the work introduction frequency as described above, the number of works or the work density on the work peripheral circuit 122c is maintained between the first threshold value and the second threshold value. The detected value of the number of workpieces or the workpiece density by the workpiece detector 119 varies with time due to the deviation of the workpiece along the circulation direction on the workpiece circumferential circuit 122c. Therefore, an average value for a certain fixed time is obtained. The average value may be compared with the first threshold value or the second threshold value to determine the presence / absence of workpiece introduction. Further, the work introduction amount may be increased or decreased according to the difference between the detected value or the average value and the first threshold value or the second threshold value. Of course, both the work introduction amount and the work introduction frequency may be controlled. In the present embodiment, the workpiece introduction by the workpiece introduction unit 110 is intermittently performed as described above, but the workpiece introduction is continuously performed by controlling the driving strength of the piezoelectric driving body 113b and the like. The introduction speed may be controlled.

  As described above, the workpiece introduced into the workpiece circumferential circuit 122c moves so as to circulate in the predetermined direction on the workpiece support surface 122ca. At this time, the work circulates so as to be pressed against the work holding surface 122cb formed on the outer peripheral side by centrifugal force or by the inclination of the work support surface 122ca outward in the radial direction. However, when there are a large number of workpieces in the workpiece circumferential circuit 122c, a plurality of workpieces are connected in the radial direction and are distributed around the workpiece support surface 122ca in a circular manner.

  An airflow is blown obliquely in a predetermined direction from the inner peripheral side of the work peripheral circuit 122 to the work that circulates around the work peripheral circuit 122c. This air flow is uniformly generated over the entire circumference of the work peripheral circuit 122c by providing a plurality of air flow outlets 123d provided in the air flow spraying means in a circumferential direction. In the present embodiment, the air flow is obliquely ejected in a predetermined direction, thereby bringing about an effect of promoting rather than hindering the circumferential movement of the workpiece on the workpiece circumferential circuit 122c. In addition, by forming the air flow with an ionized gas such as static elimination air, an effect of reducing the amount of charge of the work on the work peripheral circuit 122c can be obtained.

  When the workpiece in the workpiece peripheral circuit 122c reaches the position facing the conveyance start portion 122d1 of the workpiece conveyance path 122d, the workpiece holding surface 122cb is missing, so that the workpiece that has circulated at least on the outermost side is the conveyance start portion. It enters into 122d1. At this time, since the workpiece support surface 122da of the conveyance start portion 122d1 is inclined so as to be inclined downward in the radial direction, the entered workpiece is immediately separated from the workpiece peripheral circuit 122c and is not obstructed by other workpieces. As long as it is pressed against the workpiece holding surface 122cb of the workpiece conveyance path 122d, the workpiece is conveyed while gradually rising along the workpiece conveyance path 122d.

  On the other hand, the workpiece that has not been introduced from the workpiece peripheral circuit 122c to the transfer start portion 122d1 passes through the workpiece peripheral circuit 122c on the inner peripheral side of the transfer start portion 122d1 as it is, and continues to move around. In this situation, when the work density of the work peripheral circuit 122c is high, the work that has circulated around the outer peripheral side in the width direction of the work support surface 122ca of the work peripheral circuit 122c is introduced into the transfer start portion 122d1 of the work transfer path 122d. However, the work that has circulated on the inner peripheral side of the work support surface 122ca is generated by passing through the inner peripheral side of the opening range AP in the circulatory direction as it is blocked by the work that circulates on the outer peripheral side. As a result, the substantial transport distance may increase for some of the workpieces that have circulated on the inner peripheral side, but the workpieces are distributed on the peripheral circuit for a large number of workpieces introduced to the workpiece peripheral circuit 122c in general. Thus, it is effective to prevent the workpieces from being stacked, entangled, and stuck while avoiding the retention of the workpieces.

  Thereafter, the workpiece in the workpiece conveyance path 122d is adjusted in the width direction by the arc-shaped workpiece support surface 122da in the first posture control unit 122d2, and the workpiece support surface 122da of the second posture control unit 122d3 that follows this is adjusted. The workpiece is conveyed in a posture controlled by the workpiece holding surface 122db. Thereafter, the workpiece having a posture different in the width direction from the normal posture is slid downward along the inclined surface 122h by the narrow workpiece support surface 122da in the narrow portion 122d4, and returned to the workpiece peripheral circuit 122c.

  The workpiece in the normal posture enters the wide width portion 122d5 from the narrow width portion 122d4 as it is, and in a stable conveyance state, the workpiece sorting means provided in a workpiece sorting block (not shown) mounted in the notch region 122f is used to A workpiece whose posture or the posture before and after is different from the normal posture, or a workpiece whose shape or other points are defective is excluded, slides down on the inclined surface 122h, and is conveyed in a predetermined direction in the workpiece collection path 122i. Then, it is returned to the work peripheral circuit 122c again.

  The workpieces that have passed through the wide width portion 122d5 are further selected by the narrow workpiece support surface 122da of the narrow width portion 122d6, and finally the workpieces that are in a normal posture in the width direction, front and back, or front-rear direction are aligned in a row. To reach the conveyance end portion 122d7. Thereafter, when the workpiece advances from the conveyance end portion 122d7 onto the workpiece conveyance path 132a, various processes such as posture selection and reversal are further performed on the workpiece conveyance path 132a as necessary, and finally the complete posture is obtained. Only complete workpieces are supplied in alignment. Note that the above-mentioned processing such as posture control, posture selection, and appearance / shape quality selection, etc., depends on the type of workpiece (shape and size) and the conditions required at the time of supply (quality of posture and quality). It is set accordingly.

  When the workpiece is replaced, the workpiece introduction by the workpiece introduction unit 110 is stopped, or the workpiece introduction is continuously performed to discharge the workpiece already stored in the hopper container 111, and then the workpiece is transferred. An open / close gate of a gate block (not shown) attached to the notch region 122e through which the workpiece transfer path 122d passes the workpiece already supplied into the bowl 122 is opened, and the workpiece is discharged to the outside of the transfer bowl 122 through the gate port. Thus, the workpiece can be quickly removed from the apparatus before the workpiece reaches the conveyance end portion 122d7 of the workpiece conveyance path 122d and the conveyance termination portion 132a2 of the workpiece conveyance path 132a.

  According to the present embodiment, the closed annular work peripheral circuit 122c is configured, and the work is moved around on the work peripheral circuit 122c at a high speed, thereby dispersing the introduced plurality of works in the peripheral direction. Can do. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the workpieces from being stacked, entangled, and stuck to each other as in the conventional bowl-type parts feeder, so that the workpieces are less likely to be contaminated or charged. In particular, in this embodiment, the work introduction unit 110 controls the amount of work introduced into the work peripheral circuit 122c, thereby limiting the number of works or the work density on the work peripheral circuit 122c. Charging can be avoided more effectively.

  Since the workpiece circumferential circuit 122c is configured to be flat in the circumferential direction, the movement speed of the workpiece on the workpiece circumferential circuit 122c is higher than the workpiece conveyance path 122d that gradually rises in the conveyance direction. Further, the rotating speed of the work is also made uniform around the axis. Therefore, the dispersion action in the circumferential direction of the workpiece that moves around by the vibration of the workpiece support surface 122ca is also increased, and the stacking, entanglement, and sticking of the workpiece can be suppressed. For the same reason, the centrifugal force applied to the workpiece on the workpiece support surface 122ca of the workpiece peripheral circuit 122c also increases, so that the pressing action of the workpiece on the outer peripheral side can be enhanced, and the workpiece loading speed at the conveyance start portion 122d1 also increases. In addition, smooth movement from the work peripheral circuit 122c to the work conveyance path 122d, and thus efficient and high-speed supply of the work can be realized.

  In the present embodiment, since the workpieces are loaded in a state in which the workpieces are aligned to some extent on the transfer start portion 122d1 of the workpiece transfer path 122d, the transfer distance for obtaining the aligned state can be reduced. As a result, the workpiece conveyance path 122d can be set to have a length that makes one round around the axis line in the illustrated example, and the workpiece conveyance distance can be greatly shortened compared to the conventional helical conveyance path over many laps. Thereby, dirt and electrification of a work can be further suppressed.

  In the case of the present embodiment, the work rotating speed in the work peripheral circuit 122c is the maximum work speed of the work in the work transport path 122d (specifically, the part on the outermost peripheral side, in the illustrated example, the transport end part 122d7). It is preferably set within a range of 0.8 to 1.3 times the workpiece unloading speed), and preferably within a range of 1.9 to 1.2 times. In the present embodiment, it is actually set within a range of 1.95 to 1.1 times. Here, below these ranges, in order to ensure the transfer efficiency in the work transfer path 122d, it is necessary to introduce an excessive work into the work peripheral circuit 122c. Tangles and sticking are likely to occur. Conversely, if the number of workpieces and the workpiece density are reduced in an attempt to avoid stacking, entanglement, and sticking of workpieces in the workpiece peripheral circuit 122c, the conveyance efficiency in the workpiece conveyance path 122d is decreased. On the other hand, if it exceeds the above range, the workpieces are likely to stay in the workpiece conveyance path 122d, and the workpieces are stacked, entangled, stuck, and the like, and the conveyance efficiency is lowered. On the contrary, in order to prevent this, it is necessary to reduce the number of workpieces and the workpiece density of the workpiece peripheral circuit 122c.

In general, in the case of a conventional bowl-type feeder having a workpiece conveyance path that spirally extends from the inner bottom at the center inside the bowl-type conveyance body, the amplitude of vibration increases as the radial position increases away from the axis. Since the workpiece conveyance speed increases, the inner circumferential portion (upstream side) near the inner bottom is slowly conveyed in a state where a large number of workpieces are stacked, and the conveyance speed increases as it proceeds to the outer circumferential portion (downstream side). The workpieces are separated and approach the aligned state. However, in the present embodiment, the conventional conventional concept is eliminated, the radial position of the work peripheral circuit 122c is set closer to the outer periphery, and the air flow by the air blowing means is configured to be flat in the circumferential direction as described above. by spraying while you and increasing the circulation speed of the workpiece, 1.5 times the maximum radial position of the workpiece conveying path 122d above the radial position of the workpiece divider 122c or less, preferably 1.3 times or less, actually By limiting the rotation speed to 1.2 times or less, the rotation speed is set within the above range with respect to the maximum conveyance speed. In this way, while preventing the workpieces from being stacked, entangled and stuck in the workpiece peripheral circuit 122c, the workpiece is prevented from staying in the workpiece conveyance path 122d. It has succeeded in improving the conveyance efficiency as a whole while suppressing dirt and electrification.

  That is, in this embodiment, the work is distributed in the work peripheral circuit 122c, accelerated to a speed close to the maximum transport speed, and further fed to the work transport path 122d in a state where the work is aligned to some extent by centrifugal force. Yes. Thereby, in the workpiece conveyance path 122d, it is only necessary to further align the workpieces that have been aligned to some extent and perform selection as necessary, so that the conveyance distance can be shortened. Therefore, even when the entire work peripheral circuit 122c and the work transfer path 122d are viewed, the stacking, entanglement, and sticking of the works can be suppressed, and the transfer distance can be greatly reduced. Can be significantly reduced as compared with the prior art. Here, in order to smoothly feed a work from the work peripheral circuit 122c to the work transport path 122d using centrifugal force, the work transport path 122d needs to be pulled out to the outer peripheral side of the work peripheral circuit 122c. Since the work speed is considered to be substantially proportional to the radial position according to the vibration amplitude, the work speed of the work conveyance path 122d on the outer peripheral side inevitably increases more than the work speed of the work peripheral circuit 122c due to the increase of the radial position. . However, in the present embodiment, the workpiece peripheral circuit 122c is configured to be flat in the circumferential direction, but the workpiece conveyance path 122d has a gradient that rises in the conveyance direction around the axis, so that the workpiece speed in the workpiece conveyance path 122d is reduced. In the work peripheral circuit 122c, air current is blown in the direction in which the work is accelerated by the air supply structure, so that the work speed in the work peripheral circuit 122c can be increased. The difference in work speed on the path 122d is suppressed. In the case of the illustrated example, the average value of the workpiece circulation speed in the workpiece circumferential circuit 122c and the workpiece conveyance speed in the workpiece conveyance path 122d is configured to be substantially equal, thereby obtaining extremely high conveyance efficiency. Yes.

  In the present embodiment, since the transport bowl 122 has a structure having the opening 122a in the center, the transport bowl 122 can be reduced in weight, so that the transport efficiency can be increased and the transport speed can be improved. Moreover, since the driving load of the rotary vibrator 121 is also reduced, the manufacturing cost of the rotary vibrator 121 can be reduced. Furthermore, in the conveying bowl 122, the shape of the work peripheral circuit 122c and the shape of the inner peripheral seating surface 122j are also important, but there is an advantage that the processing of the inner peripheral portion is facilitated by the presence of the opening 122a. Furthermore, installation of the air supply structure and the work introduction unit 110 is facilitated, and the entire apparatus can be made compact.

  Note that the workpiece supply device of the present invention is not limited to the above-described illustrated examples, and it is needless to say that various changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, in the above-described embodiment, there is only one workpiece transfer path 122d branched from the workpiece peripheral circuit 122c, but the present invention may be configured such that a plurality of workpiece transfer paths branch from the workpiece peripheral circuit 122c.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Work supply apparatus, 101 ... Installation stand, 102 ... Anti-vibration stand, 110 ... Work introduction unit, 111 ... Hopper container, 112 ... Extraction chute, 112a ... Base, 112b ... Work introduction port, 113 ... Work removal mechanism, 113a DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS ... Base material, 113b ... Piezoelectric drive body, 113c ... Spacer, 113d ... Elastic spring plate, 114 ... Strut, 115 ... Support arm, 116 ... Anti-vibration material, 117 ... Sleeve, 118 ... Holding body, 119 ... Work detector, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 120 ... 1st workpiece conveyance unit, 121 ... Rotary vibrator, 121a ... Vibration board, 122 ... Conveyance bowl, 122a ... Opening part, 122b ... Engagement groove, 122c ... Work peripheral circuit, 122ca ... Work support surface, 122cb ... Workpiece Holding surface, 122d ... work conveying path, 122da ... work supporting surface, 122db ... work holding surface, 122d1 ... Feed start part, 122d7 ... Conveyance terminal part, 123 ... Lower disk, 123a ... Opening part, 123b ... Upper surface, 123c ... Ventilation path, 123d ... Air flow outlet, 124 ... Upper disk, 124a ... Opening part, 124b ... Lower surface, 124c ... Air supply path, 124d ... Air supply hole, 130 ... Second work conveyance unit, 131 ... Linear vibrator, 131a ... Vibration body, 132 ... Linear conveyance body, 132a ... Work conveyance path, 132a1 ... Conveyance start part, 132a2 ... Conveyance Termination

  The present invention relates to a workpiece supply apparatus, and more particularly, to a workpiece supply structure suitable for transferring a minute electronic component at high speed by vibration.

  Generally, a vibration-type component supply device called a parts feeder is used in a factory that handles many electronic components. In particular, in recent years, there has been a demand for accurately aligning and supplying high-speed surface mount type electronic components, so the demand for small parts feeders for electronic components has increased. Yes. As such a small parts feeder, there is generally known a bowl type parts feeder provided with a transport body having a bowl shape and having a spiral transport path formed therein. This bowl-type parts feeder is configured to place the above-mentioned transport body on a rotary vibrator and vibrate around the axis, thereby gradually aligning a large number of parts stored in the inner bottom on the spiral transport path. It is configured to raise.

  Further, as conventional bowl-type parts feeders, in addition to those having the typical structure as described above, those improved in accordance with various situations are known. For example, in Patent Document 1 below, a bowl-shaped part having a configuration in which pressurized air is blown onto an adjustment unit in order to prevent clogging of components and a spiral conveyance path that forms a single ring A feeder is disclosed. Further, in Patent Document 2, in order to remove static electricity and realize efficient conveyance, parts are conveyed to the upper edge of the vibrating body together with static electricity from the inner bottom of the bowl-shaped vibrating body through the air tube. A bowl-type parts feeder is described in which parts are conveyed along a spiral conveying path at the upper edge.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 1-313211 JP 2000-335735 A

  However, the vibration type component supply device is excellent in that it can accurately supply a large amount of micro components at high speed as described above, but a large number of workpieces stay on the inner bottom of the transport body, and the workpieces are stacked, entangled, Since sticking or the like is likely to occur, a large number of workpieces collected on the inner bottom of the transport body are rubbed against each other due to vibration, and are also transported while receiving friction from the bowl by vibration on the spiral transport path. As a result, the transfer parts may become dirty or static electricity may accumulate. Further, when the work is charged, dirt easily adheres due to static electricity, so that the work becomes more serious and the degree thereof is likely to vary. Therefore, there is a problem that it is not possible to sufficiently improve the reliability of products and the prevention of performance degradation that are particularly required in recent years.

  In particular, in light emitting elements such as LEDs, it is necessary to use a highly permeable resin material for windows and the like, so that many dirt easily adhere to them, and since the resin material is an insulator, it is charged. Since it becomes easier to adhere to the product when it is charged, it is difficult to supply parts with stable cleanliness, and dirt also adheres to the carrier, so frequent cleaning (cleaning) There is also a problem that it is necessary to perform maintenance work such as.

  Furthermore, since the types of workpieces are frequently changed in many types of small lots in recent years, when it takes time to discharge the remaining parts from the equipment when changing workpiece lots, it is possible to produce as much as possible. There is also a problem that the performance is lowered.

  Therefore, the present invention solves the above-mentioned problems, and the problem is to suppress the dirt and electrification of the workpiece by reducing the retention of the workpiece in the conveyance body, the stacking, entanglement, and sticking of the workpieces. In addition, an object is to realize a workpiece supply apparatus that can contribute to the improvement of productivity.

  In view of such circumstances, the workpiece supply device of the present invention is configured in an annular shape closed around an axis, and is provided in a ring shape adjacent to a ring belt-shaped workpiece support surface and the outer peripheral side of the workpiece support surface. A workpiece peripheral circuit provided with a workpiece holding surface, and an oblique branch in a predetermined direction around the axis toward the outer peripheral side from a transfer start portion where the workpiece holding surface is missing at a predetermined position of the workpiece peripheral circuit, A transport body having a work transport path configured to gradually rise around the axis, a vibrating body that reciprocally vibrates the transport body around the axis, and a work that introduces the work onto the work peripheral circuit. A workpiece introduction mechanism capable of controlling the introduction amount, and the workpiece moves in the predetermined direction on the workpiece peripheral circuit and the workpiece conveyance path by reciprocating vibration around the axis of the conveyance body, By controlling the workpiece introduction amount, the workpiece on the workpiece circumferential circuit circulates while being pressed against the workpiece holding surface, or the outermost workpiece is pressed against the workpiece holding surface and a plurality of workpieces are connected in the radial direction, The workpiece circumferential surface is dispersed and moved to the inner and outer positions on the workpiece support surface, the radial position of the workpiece peripheral circuit is set closer to the outer periphery, and the maximum radial position of the workpiece conveyance path is 1.5 times the radial position of the workpiece peripheral circuit It is characterized by the following.

According to the present invention, when a workpiece is introduced into the workpiece circumferential circuit , the conveyed workpiece reciprocally vibrates around the axis line due to the exciting action of the vibrating body, so that the introduced workpiece becomes a closed annular workpiece circumference. It rotates in a predetermined direction while receiving centrifugal force on the road and being pressed against the work holding surface on the outer peripheral side. At this time, when the workpiece reaches the conveyance start portion at a predetermined position of the workpiece circumferential circuit, the workpiece is pushed out onto the workpiece conveyance path branched from the workpiece circumferential circuit, and is conveyed while rising in the predetermined direction on the workpiece conveyance path. Moreover, the workpiece | work which was not pushed out to the workpiece conveyance path further circulates on a workpiece | work peripheral circuit. By forming the closed circular work peripheral circuit in this way, the introduced work can be dispersed in the circumferential direction, so that the retention of the work on the work peripheral circuit is suppressed, and a plurality of works are stacked. In addition, it is possible to suppress entanglement and sticking, and to reduce dirt and electrification of the work caused by these. Also, in this state, the workpieces can be pushed out little by little by centrifugal force from a predetermined position on the workpiece peripheral circuit to the workpiece conveyance path obliquely branched in a predetermined direction toward the outer periphery, so that the workpieces on the workpiece conveyance path are aligned from the beginning. Since the work is transported in a state close to the state, the distance of the work transport path for aligning the work can be shortened, so that the adhesion and charging of the work can be further reduced and the work can be transported efficiently. Is also possible. Furthermore, since the work transfer distance is reduced, the time required for the work lot change operation can be reduced, and thus the overall productivity can be improved.

  In the present invention, it is preferable that the work peripheral circuit is configured to be flat in the rotating direction. According to this, since the workpiece peripheral circuit is configured to be flat in the circumferential direction, the circumferential speed of the workpiece can be made uniform in the circumferential direction, and the overall speed can be slightly increased. Since the dispersibility and uniformity of the workpiece can be improved, it is possible to further suppress adhesion of dirt and charging due to rubbing between the workpieces. Further, since the centrifugal force acting on the work on the work peripheral circuit is made uniform, the work can be gathered to the outer peripheral side in a stable state along the work holding surface. Accordingly, it is possible to substantially increase the conveyance speed by improving the efficiency of supplying the workpiece to the workpiece conveyance path.

  In the present invention, it is preferable that the workpiece rotating speed of the workpiece peripheral circuit is 0.8 times or more and 1.3 times or less the workpiece conveying speed in the outermost peripheral portion of the workpiece conveying path. In particular, the circumferential speed is preferably 0.9 times or more and 1.2 times or less, more preferably 0.95 times or more and 1.1 times or less of the transport speed. If the circulating speed is less than the above range, it is difficult to secure the number of workpieces carried into the workpiece conveyance path unless the number of workpieces or workpiece density of the workpiece circumferential circuit is increased, and the workpiece circumferential circuit as in the conventional bowl type feeder This makes it easy for workpieces to be stacked, entangled, and stuck. If the circulatory speed exceeds the above range, a part of the work peripheral circuit or part of the work transport path will be retained, and the work will tend to be stacked, entangled, stuck, etc. descend.

In the present invention, that further to comprise an airflow blowing device for blowing ionized air flow to the work of the workpiece circulation path from the inner peripheral side of the workpiece divider. According to this, since the ionized airflow is blown from the inner peripheral side of the work peripheral circuit to the work by the airflow blowing means, the work can be uniformly and sufficiently neutralized, so It is possible to avoid problems such as adhesion of dirt and adsorption of workpieces to the workpiece conveyance path.

  In the present invention, air flow spraying means for blowing an air flow from the inner peripheral side of the work peripheral circuit to the work on the work peripheral circuit, the air flow spraying means in the predetermined direction toward the work peripheral circuit It is desirable to blow the airflow diagonally. According to this, since the ionized airflow is blown toward the work in an oblique direction, the movement speed of the work peripheral circuit can be increased without hindering the movement of the work peripheral circuit in the work rotation direction. In addition, it is desirable that the airflow spraying means includes a plurality of airflow outlets that are dispersedly arranged on the inner peripheral side of the work peripheral circuit along the circumferential direction, preferably evenly.

  In the present invention, the apparatus further comprises a work introduction mechanism for introducing the work onto the work peripheral circuit, and the work introduction mechanism is configured to be able to control the work introduction amount. By limiting, it is possible to further reduce stacking, entanglement, and sticking of workpieces. In this case, it is desirable that the work introduction mechanism is provided on the inner peripheral side of the work peripheral circuit, and has a work introduction port that opens from the inner peripheral side toward the outer peripheral side and faces the work peripheral circuit. According to this, since it is not necessary to secure the installation space for the workpiece introduction mechanism outside the transport body, the entire apparatus can be configured compactly.

  In the present invention, there is further provided work detection means for detecting the work on the work peripheral circuit, and work introduction control means for controlling an introduction amount or introduction frequency of the work by the work introduction mechanism in accordance with a detection value of the work detection means. It is preferable to comprise.

In this invention, it is preferable that the said conveyance body is comprised in the ring shape provided with the opening part in the inner peripheral side of the said workpiece | work peripheral circuit. According to this, since the conveyance body has the opening on the inner peripheral side of the work peripheral circuit, the weight of the conveyance body can be reduced by the amount corresponding to the opening, and as a result, the driving load of the vibrating body can be reduced. At the same time, it is possible to improve the vibration efficiency of the transport body and increase the transport efficiency. Moreover, it becomes possible to process a conveyance body (especially processing of an inner peripheral part) easily by having an opening part. Furthermore, since it becomes easy to arrange | position at least one part of the said workpiece | work introduction mechanism and the said air supply structure in the inner peripheral side of a conveyance body, these installation becomes easy.

  Advantageous Effects of Invention According to the present invention, it is possible to achieve an excellent effect that it is possible to realize a work supply device that can reduce work stagnation and suppress dirt and electrification of the work and contribute to an improvement in productivity.

The perspective view which shows the whole structure of the Example of the workpiece | work supply apparatus which concerns on this invention. The front view of the Example. The rear view of the Example. The left view and right view of the Example. The top view of the Example. FIG. 2 is an enlarged partial perspective view of the embodiment (a perspective view showing an enlarged VI region shown in FIG. 1). The perspective view which shows a mode that the hopper (work introduction | transduction mechanism) was removed from the Example. The perspective view which shows a mode that the upper part of the air supply structure was further removed from the state shown in FIG. 7 of the Example. The disassembled perspective view of the conveyance bowl and air supply structure in the Example, and the side view and bottom view of the upper part of an air supply structure. The top view of the principal part of the Example. The expansion explanatory perspective view of the principal part of the Example. The longitudinal cross-sectional view of the principal part of the Example. The expanded partial sectional view which expands and shows the VIII area | region shown in FIG.

  Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. 1 to 6 are a perspective view, a front view, a rear view, a left side view and a right side view, a plan view, and an enlarged partial perspective view showing the overall configuration and appearance of a workpiece supply apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure (perspective view of VI area | region shown in FIG. 1). 12 is a longitudinal sectional view of the embodiment, and FIG. 13 is an enlarged partial sectional view showing an enlarged VIII region shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 1, the workpiece supply apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment includes a workpiece introduction unit 110 having a hopper-type appearance structure and a bowl-type feeder structure that receives a workpiece from the workpiece introduction unit 110. 1 workpiece conveyance unit 120 and the 2nd workpiece conveyance unit 130 provided with the linear feeder structure which receives supply of a workpiece | work from the 1st workpiece conveyance unit 120 are provided. The workpiece introduction unit 110, the first workpiece transfer unit 120, and the second workpiece transfer unit 130 are provided on an installation table 101 and an anti-vibration member such as an anti-vibration spring and an anti-vibration rubber (not shown) on the installation table 101. It is supported by a base structure including an attached vibration isolation table 102. Note that the workpiece supply apparatus of the present invention basically corresponds to the first workpiece transfer unit 120, but as in the present embodiment, the workpiece introduction unit 110 corresponding to the workpiece introduction mechanism described above and more additionally. The second work conveyance unit 130 connected to the above can be included.

The workpiece introduction unit 110 includes a funnel-shaped hopper container 111 in the illustrated example having an enlarged diameter upper part provided with an inlet 111a and a reduced diameter lower part provided with an outlet 111b (see FIG. 12). A bowl-shaped take-out chute 112 provided with a base 112a facing the discharge port 111b below the hopper container 111 from below and a work introduction port 112b for introducing a work into the first work transfer unit 120. And a chute drive unit 113 for driving the take-out chute 112.

  The hopper container 111 is supported and fixed by a column 114 and a support arm 115 fixed to the vibration isolator 102. Here, as shown in FIG. 12, the hopper container 111 is attached to the support arm 115 via a cylindrical vibration-proof material 116 and a sleeve 117 made of silicone resin or the like. The vibration isolator 116 interposed between the hopper container 111 and the support arm 115 reduces the vibration of the workpiece introduction unit 110. A holding body 118 is fixed to the lower part of the hopper container 111, and the takeout chute 112 and the chute driving unit 113 are supported on the holding body 118. That is, the workpiece introduction unit 110 has a structure in which the hopper container 111 is supported by the support arm 115 and the takeout chute 112 and the chute drive unit 113 are suspended below the hopper container 111.

  In the chute drive unit 113 of the present embodiment, the base material 113a is fixed to the holding body 118, the base end of the plate-like piezoelectric drive body 113b is attached to the base material 113a, and the distal end of the piezoelectric drive body 113b. Is connected to the base end of the elastic spring plate 113d through the spacer 113c. The distal end of the elastic spring plate 113d is connected to the base 112a of the take-out chute 112. Here, the piezoelectric driving body 113b and the elastic spring plate 113d are connected in a U shape via a spacer 113c. Thereby, the chute drive part 113 can be comprised compactly. When the piezoelectric drive body 113b is AC driven to generate flexural vibration, the vibration is transmitted to the base 112a of the take-out chute 112 via the elastic spring plate 113d, and the base 112a of the take-out chute 112 vibrates up and down. Thereby, the work brought from the hopper container 111 onto the base 112a of the take-out chute 112 is gradually discharged from the work introduction port 112b.

  A work detector 119 is attached to the holding body 118. The work detector 119 detects a work on the work peripheral circuit 122c. In the illustrated example, the work detector 119 is a reflective optical sensor. When the number of workpieces or workpiece density that circulates on the workpiece circumferential circuit 122c detected by the workpiece detector 119 decreases, the chute driving unit 113 operates to move from the workpiece introduction port 112b of the take-out chute 112 onto the workpiece circumferential circuit 122c. When a workpiece is introduced and the number of workpieces or the workpiece density increases, the introduction of the workpiece is stopped. For example, the introduction amount of the workpiece is controlled so as to reduce the variation in the number of workpieces and the workpiece density on the workpiece peripheral circuit 122c. The

  In the present embodiment, the work introduction unit 110 is disposed on the inner peripheral side of the work peripheral circuit 122c. The take-out chute 112 introduces the workpiece from the workpiece introduction port 112b onto the workpiece circumferential circuit 122c from the inner circumference side toward the outer circumference side. Here, the workpiece introduction angle position around the axis line by the take-out chute 112 is not particularly limited, but in the illustrated example, the workpiece introduction position is set directly below the support arm 115. Further, in the illustrated example, the workpiece introduction angle position is set to the near side (for example, about 10 to 50 degrees before) with respect to a predetermined orientation described later with respect to a transfer start portion 122d1 of the workpiece transfer path 122d described later. . Further, the detection position of the number of workpieces or the workpiece density by the workpiece detector 119 is on the side of the predetermined direction with respect to the workpiece introduction angle position, and is on the side opposite to the predetermined direction with respect to the transfer start unit 122d1. Be placed. Thus, while preventing the introduced work from directly entering the work conveyance path 122d, it is possible to quickly compensate and minimize the decrease in the amount of supply to the work conveyance path 122d, and the work introduction angle. Since the variation in the number of workpieces or the workpiece density due to the introduction of workpieces at the position can be quickly detected, the supply amount of the workpiece to the workpiece conveyance path 122d can be stabilized and the variation in the supply amount can be reduced.

  The first work transfer unit 120 is disposed below the work introduction unit 110. The first workpiece transfer unit 120 includes a rotary vibrator 121 corresponding to the vibration exciter fixed on the vibration isolator 102, and the carrier fixed on the vibration plate 121 a above the rotary vibrator 121. And a transfer bowl 122 corresponding to. The transport bowl 122 reciprocates around a vertical axis by the rotary vibrator 121. Specifically, the vibration direction is a direction that is obliquely upward in a counterclockwise direction when the device is viewed from above (hereinafter simply referred to as a “predetermined direction”). Is torsional vibration. Due to this torsional vibration, the workpiece moves in the predetermined direction in a workpiece peripheral circuit 122c and a workpiece conveyance path 122d described later on the conveyance bowl 112. An engagement groove 122b extending in the circumferential direction is formed in the outer peripheral bottom of the transfer bowl 112, and a clamp member (not shown) that engages with the engagement groove 122b is attached to the outer periphery of the vibration plate 121a. The outer peripheral bottom portion of the bowl 122 is fixed to the outer peripheral portion of the vibration plate 121a.

  In the present embodiment, the transport bowl 122 is configured in a ring frame shape having an opening 122a at the center of the bowl-shaped inner bottom. The holding body 118 and the chute driving unit 113 fixed to the holding body 118 are suspended from above in the opening 122 a of the transport bowl 122, and the lower end of the holding body 118 and the vibration plate of the rotary vibrator 121. It faces 121a with a gap. However, the conveyance bowl 122 may be configured in a bowl shape with the inner bottom portion closed as is generally the case.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the transport bowl 122 is configured in a bowl shape so that the inner surface as a whole is low on the center (edge of the opening 122 a) side and high on the peripheral side. A work peripheral circuit 122 c formed in an annular shape closed around the axis is formed on the inner peripheral portion of the inner surface of the transfer bowl 122. The work circumferential circuit 122c is configured to be flat in the circumferential direction. In addition, the work peripheral circuit 122c is arranged on the inner peripheral side, and is configured to have a ring belt-like work support surface 122ca configured to have a width of at least 2 to 5 times the maximum dimension of the work in the radial direction, and the work support surface 122ca It has a work holding surface 122cb that is provided in a ring shape adjacent to the outer peripheral side and is inclined so as to face obliquely inward in the radial direction (see FIGS. 11 and 13). In the case of the illustrated example, strictly speaking, the work support surface 122ca of the work peripheral circuit 122c is slightly inclined outward in the width direction in a manner having a downward slope toward the outer peripheral side (radially outward). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it may be configured to be flat when viewed in the width direction.

As shown in FIG. 10, on the inner surface of the transfer bowl 122, the work peripheral circuit 122c is branched obliquely from one place to the outer peripheral side, and gradually advances from the branch point toward the outer peripheral side in the circumferential direction. A rising spiral workpiece conveyance path 122d is formed. The direction of branching of the work conveyance path 122d is an oblique direction toward the outer peripheral side with respect to the predetermined direction when viewed from above in the figure. Work conveying path 122d includes a workpiece support surface 122Da inclined toward the substantially horizontal or outer peripheral side, is formed adjacent to the outer periphery of the workpiece support surface 122Da, workpiece holding inclined toward the substantially vertical or inner peripheral side And a surface 122db (see FIGS. 10 and 13).

  In the workpiece transfer path 122d, the transfer start portion 122d1 corresponding to the end connected to the workpiece peripheral circuit 122c opens to the workpiece peripheral circuit 122c due to the lack of the workpiece holding surface 122cb of the workpiece peripheral circuit 122c. Therefore, in the opening range AP (see FIG. 10), the workpiece support surface 122ca of the workpiece peripheral circuit 122c and the workpiece support surface 122da of the workpiece conveyance path 122d are directly adjacent to or connected to each other. At this time, the work holding surface 122cb of the work peripheral circuit 122c faces the transfer start part 122d1, and the predetermined direction from the end on the side of the predetermined direction of the opening range AP with respect to the work peripheral circuit 122c of the work transfer path 122d. It is configured to gradually rise in height as it goes further. In addition, the work support surface 122da of the transfer start portion 122d1 is configured to gradually become wider from the end opposite to the predetermined direction toward the predetermined direction.

  In the transfer start portion 122d1, the work support surface 122da is formed with a downward slope from the boundary with the work support surface 122ca of the work peripheral circuit 122c toward the outer peripheral side. Thereby, a workpiece | work can be smoothly carried in into the workpiece | work conveyance path 122d from the workpiece | work peripheral circuit 122c. Further, the workpiece conveyance path 122d gradually rises as it proceeds from the conveyance start portion 122d1 to the predetermined direction, and the workpiece holding surface 122cb of the workpiece circumferential circuit 122c adjacent to the inner circumferential side is accompanied by this rising gradient. Is increased as described above.

  The workpiece conveyance path 122d is formed to have a length that allows the conveyance start portion 122d1 to the conveyance end portion 122d7 to make one round around the axis. A first posture control unit 122d2 in which the workpiece support surface 122da has a concave arc-shaped cross section is provided at the tip of the portion that gradually becomes wider from the conveyance start unit 122d1, and is provided at the bottom of the first posture control unit 122d2. A second attitude control unit 122d3 is formed in which the workpiece support surface 122da and the workpiece holding surface 122db are started from the connected portion. A narrow width portion 122d4 in which the workpiece support surface 122da is narrower than the upstream side is formed at the tip of the second attitude control portion 122d3, and the workpiece support surface 122da is at the tip of the narrow width portion 122d4 from the upstream side. A wide portion 122d5 that is also wide is formed. A narrow width portion 122d6 in which the workpiece support surface 122da is narrower than the upstream side again is formed at the tip of the wide width portion 122d5, and finally reaches the conveyance end portion 122d7.

  An inclined surface 122h is formed at the lower part on the inner peripheral side of at least a partial region of the workpiece conveyance path 122d (particularly, the narrow width portions 122d4 and 122d6), and the workpiece dropped from the workpiece conveyance path 122d moves on the inclined surface 122h. It slides down and returns to the work peripheral circuit 122c or the work collection path 122i. Note that the work that has slipped into the work collection path 122i is finally returned to the work peripheral circuit 122c while being conveyed in the predetermined direction by the torsional vibration.

  Here, the workpiece introduced from the workpiece introduction port 112b of the workpiece introduction unit 110 is not necessarily introduced directly onto the workpiece peripheral circuit 122c, but the inclined surface above the outer peripheral side of the workpiece peripheral circuit 122c. It may be introduced onto 122h or the work collection path 122i. In this case, since the work introduced onto the inclined surface 122h or the work collection path 122i is dispersed while sliding along the inclined surface and enters the work peripheral circuit 122c, the work dispersion effect on the work peripheral circuit 122c is further increased. Can be increased.

  9 and 10, notched regions 122e, 122f, and 122g are provided on the outer peripheral portion of the transport bowl 122. By fitting a member (not shown) into these notch regions, the conveyance path portions 122d3 'and 122d5' that are missing in the bowl body are formed, and the workpiece conveyance path 122d is completed. For example, when a gate block having an open / close gate is attached to the cutout region 122e, the gate block constitutes the transfer path portion 122d3 ′ and opens the open / close gate to thereby transfer the transfer path portion 122d3. It is configured so that the workpiece can be discharged from the inside of the transfer bowl 122 through the gate opening that is open to '. In addition, when a work selection block having a work detector such as an optical sensor and an airflow outlet for removing a work is attached to the notch region 122f, the work detector detects whether the work passage block 122d5 ' When a workpiece that has been conveyed in a posture different from the posture is detected, an air flow is ejected from the air flow blowing port, and the workpiece can be configured to fall downward on the inner peripheral side of the conveying bowl 122.

  As shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, the inner periphery of the transport bowl 122 has a lower disk 123 having an opening 123a at a position corresponding to the opening 122a of the transport bowl 122, and an opening at the same position. An upper disk 124 with 124a is attached. On the upper surface 123b of the lower disk 123, a plurality of air passages 123c extending obliquely in the predetermined direction toward the outer peripheral side (the work peripheral circuit 122c side) are formed around the axis (equally in the circumferential direction in the illustrated example) The tip of the airflow outlet 123d faces the work peripheral circuit 122c from the inner peripheral side. An air supply path 124c formed of an annular air supply groove is formed on the lower surface 124b of the upper disk 124. An air supply hole 124d is formed in the air supply path 124c and is inclined in the predetermined direction to pass through the upper disk 124. The material of the lower disk 123 and the upper disk 124 is not particularly limited, but is preferably an insulator in order to have a charge eliminating function described later.

  The upper disk 124 is fixed on the inner peripheral part of the conveying bowl 122 in a state where it is disposed on the lower disk 123. The upper surface 123b and the lower surface 124b are in close contact with each other, and the air supply groove constituting the air supply path 124c is disposed to face the base end portions of the plurality of the air passages 123c. When a gas such as compressed air or nitrogen gas is supplied to the air supply hole 124d, the gas is supplied to the plurality of air passages 123c via the air supply passage 124c, and the airflow is supplied from the airflow outlet 123d toward the work peripheral circuit 122c. It squirts diagonally to the side of the predetermined direction and hits the work. The gas is introduced into the air supply hole 124d by connecting a pipe (not shown) to the joint 125 shown in FIG. As will be described later, in the present embodiment, the air supplied to the air supply holes 124d is ionized air ionized by an ionizer or the like. The lower disk 123 and the upper disk 124, particularly the upper disk 124, are preferably made of a transparent or translucent material so that the internal gas passage can be seen. The lower disk 123 and the upper disk 124 are fixed as described above to constitute an air supply structure (airflow spraying means) for blowing an airflow from the inner peripheral side to the work on the work peripheral circuit 122c.

  At this time, as shown in FIG. 9, the lower disk 123 is fixed on an inner peripheral seat surface 122 j provided around the opening 122 a of the transport bowl 122. The inner peripheral seating surface 122j is formed below the work peripheral circuit 122c on the radially inner side of the work peripheral circuit 122c. In this way, the air supply structure (airflow spraying means) composed of the lower disk 123 and the upper disk 124 is mounted on the inner peripheral seating surface 122j formed lower than the work peripheral circuit 122c. Since it can arrange | position in a substantially horizontal direction with respect to the workpiece | work on the periphery circuit 122c, an airflow can be reliably applied to a workpiece | work.

  The second work transfer unit 130 includes a linear vibrator 131 fixed on the vibration isolator 102 and a linear transport body 132 fixed on a vibrator 131 a above the linear vibrator 131. As shown in FIG. 4, the linear vibrator 131 includes a piezoelectric drive body 131c and an amplification spring body 131d which are plate-like elastic support portions connected in series between the vibration body 131a and the base portion 131b. And the same piezoelectric drive body 131e and the amplification spring body 131f are each arrange | positioned before and behind the conveyance direction. These elastic support portions are inclined so as to have a plate-like surface that extends obliquely upward toward the conveyance direction, thereby generating a reciprocating linear vibration obliquely upward toward the conveyance direction, and linearly passing through the vibrating body 131a. The carrier 132 is vibrated.

  The straight conveyance body 132 is formed with a workpiece conveyance path 132a that extends in a straight line. A conveyance start portion 132a1 of the workpiece conveyance path 132a is connected to the conveyance termination portion 122d7 of the workpiece conveyance path 122d of the conveyance bowl 122 (actually Are opposed to each other with a slight gap smaller than the workpiece size. Further, the conveyance terminal portion 132a2 of the workpiece conveyance path 132a is preferably supported by the vibration isolation table 102, the base portion 131b, etc., and is passed through a workpiece transfer unit (not shown) that is substantially in a vibration-free state. It faces a supply end (not shown) of various handling devices such as a mounting device. The workpiece of this embodiment is finally supplied to the supply end through the workpiece conveyance path 132a.

  In the workpiece supply apparatus 100 of the present embodiment configured as described above, a workpiece having a predetermined shape is conveyed as follows. In addition, the conveyance bowl 122 and the linear conveyance body 132 of this embodiment are comprised assuming conveyance of a rectangular parallelepiped workpiece | work (electronic component), and are provided with the conveyance path shape suitable for the said workpiece | work. However, in FIG. 11, the workpiece is schematically shown as a sphere larger than the assumed workpiece, not the assumed workpiece shape, so that the workpiece can be easily seen in the drawing. Note that workpieces suitable for this embodiment include LED (light-emitting diode) chips, such as those with a sticky surface that tends to become dirty or easily charged during transportation, or surfaces that are insulating and easily charged. An electronic component provided with

  In the present embodiment, in the workpiece introduction unit 110, when the number of workpieces or the workpiece density on the workpiece peripheral circuit 122c is lowered below the first threshold by the workpiece detector 119, the piezoelectric driver 113b vibrates, and the elastic spring plate The take-out chute 112 vibrates through 113d, and the work is introduced from the work introduction port 112b to the work peripheral circuit 122c. Further, when the number of workpieces or the workpiece density on the workpiece peripheral circuit 122c increases beyond a second threshold value that is larger than the first threshold value, the vibration of the piezoelectric driving body 113b stops, and the workpiece is introduced into the workpiece peripheral circuit 122c. Also stop.

  By adjusting the work introduction frequency as described above, the number of works or the work density on the work peripheral circuit 122c is maintained between the first threshold value and the second threshold value. The detected value of the number of workpieces or the workpiece density by the workpiece detector 119 varies with time due to the deviation of the workpiece along the circulation direction on the workpiece circumferential circuit 122c. Therefore, an average value for a certain fixed time is obtained. The average value may be compared with the first threshold value or the second threshold value to determine the presence / absence of workpiece introduction. Further, the work introduction amount may be increased or decreased according to the difference between the detected value or the average value and the first threshold value or the second threshold value. Of course, both the work introduction amount and the work introduction frequency may be controlled. In the present embodiment, the workpiece introduction by the workpiece introduction unit 110 is intermittently performed as described above, but the workpiece introduction is continuously performed by controlling the driving strength of the piezoelectric driving body 113b and the like. The introduction speed may be controlled.

  As described above, the workpiece introduced into the workpiece circumferential circuit 122c moves so as to circulate in the predetermined direction on the workpiece support surface 122ca. At this time, the work circulates so as to be pressed against the work holding surface 122cb formed on the outer peripheral side by centrifugal force or by the inclination of the work support surface 122ca outward in the radial direction. However, when there are a large number of workpieces in the workpiece circumferential circuit 122c, a plurality of workpieces are connected in the radial direction and are distributed around the workpiece support surface 122ca in a circular manner.

Airflow is blown obliquely in a predetermined direction from the inner peripheral side of the work peripheral circuit 122c to the work that circulates around the work peripheral circuit 122c . This air flow is uniformly generated over the entire circumference of the work peripheral circuit 122c by providing a plurality of air flow outlets 123d provided in the air flow spraying means in a circumferential direction. In the present embodiment, the air flow is obliquely ejected in a predetermined direction, thereby bringing about an effect of promoting rather than hindering the circumferential movement of the workpiece on the workpiece circumferential circuit 122c. In addition, by forming the air flow with an ionized gas such as static elimination air, an effect of reducing the amount of charge of the work on the work peripheral circuit 122c can be obtained.

  When the workpiece in the workpiece peripheral circuit 122c reaches the position facing the conveyance start portion 122d1 of the workpiece conveyance path 122d, the workpiece holding surface 122cb is missing, so that the workpiece that has circulated at least on the outermost side is the conveyance start portion. It enters into 122d1. At this time, since the workpiece support surface 122da of the conveyance start portion 122d1 is inclined so as to be inclined downward in the radial direction, the entered workpiece is immediately separated from the workpiece peripheral circuit 122c and is not obstructed by other workpieces. As long as it is pressed against the workpiece holding surface 122cb of the workpiece conveyance path 122d, the workpiece is conveyed while gradually rising along the workpiece conveyance path 122d.

  On the other hand, the workpiece that has not been introduced from the workpiece peripheral circuit 122c to the transfer start portion 122d1 passes through the workpiece peripheral circuit 122c on the inner peripheral side of the transfer start portion 122d1 as it is, and continues to move around. In this situation, when the work density of the work peripheral circuit 122c is high, the work that has circulated around the outer peripheral side in the width direction of the work support surface 122ca of the work peripheral circuit 122c is introduced into the transfer start portion 122d1 of the work transfer path 122d. However, the work that has circulated on the inner peripheral side of the work support surface 122ca is generated by passing through the inner peripheral side of the opening range AP in the circulatory direction as it is blocked by the work that circulates on the outer peripheral side. As a result, the substantial transport distance may increase for some of the workpieces that have circulated on the inner peripheral side, but the workpieces are distributed on the peripheral circuit for a large number of workpieces introduced to the workpiece peripheral circuit 122c in general. Thus, it is effective to prevent the workpieces from being stacked, entangled, and stuck while avoiding the retention of the workpieces.

  Thereafter, the workpiece in the workpiece conveyance path 122d is adjusted in the width direction by the arc-shaped workpiece support surface 122da in the first posture control unit 122d2, and the workpiece support surface 122da of the second posture control unit 122d3 that follows this is adjusted. The workpiece is conveyed in a posture controlled by the workpiece holding surface 122db. Thereafter, the workpiece having a posture different in the width direction from the normal posture is slid downward along the inclined surface 122h by the narrow workpiece support surface 122da in the narrow portion 122d4, and returned to the workpiece peripheral circuit 122c.

  The workpiece in the normal posture enters the wide width portion 122d5 from the narrow width portion 122d4 as it is, and in a stable conveyance state, the workpiece sorting means provided in a workpiece sorting block (not shown) mounted in the notch region 122f is used to A workpiece whose posture or the posture before and after is different from the normal posture, or a workpiece whose shape or other points are defective is excluded, slides down on the inclined surface 122h, and is conveyed in a predetermined direction in the workpiece collection path 122i. Then, it is returned to the work peripheral circuit 122c again.

  The workpieces that have passed through the wide width portion 122d5 are further selected by the narrow workpiece support surface 122da of the narrow width portion 122d6, and finally the workpieces that are in a normal posture in the width direction, front and back, or front-rear direction are aligned in a row. To reach the conveyance end portion 122d7. Thereafter, when the workpiece advances from the conveyance end portion 122d7 onto the workpiece conveyance path 132a, various processes such as posture selection and reversal are further performed on the workpiece conveyance path 132a as necessary, and finally the complete posture is obtained. Only complete workpieces are supplied in alignment. Note that the above-mentioned processing such as posture control, posture selection, and appearance / shape quality selection, etc., depends on the type of workpiece (shape and size) and the conditions required at the time of supply (quality of posture and quality). It is set accordingly.

  When the workpiece is replaced, the workpiece introduction by the workpiece introduction unit 110 is stopped, or the workpiece introduction is continuously performed to discharge the workpiece already stored in the hopper container 111, and then the workpiece is transferred. An open / close gate of a gate block (not shown) attached to the notch region 122e through which the workpiece transfer path 122d passes the workpiece already supplied into the bowl 122 is opened, and the workpiece is discharged to the outside of the transfer bowl 122 through the gate port. Thus, the workpiece can be quickly removed from the apparatus before the workpiece reaches the conveyance end portion 122d7 of the workpiece conveyance path 122d and the conveyance termination portion 132a2 of the workpiece conveyance path 132a.

  According to the present embodiment, the closed annular work peripheral circuit 122c is configured, and the work is moved around on the work peripheral circuit 122c at a high speed, thereby dispersing the introduced plurality of works in the peripheral direction. Can do. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the workpieces from being stacked, entangled, and stuck to each other as in the conventional bowl-type parts feeder, so that the workpieces are less likely to be contaminated or charged. In particular, in this embodiment, the work introduction unit 110 controls the amount of work introduced into the work peripheral circuit 122c, thereby limiting the number of works or the work density on the work peripheral circuit 122c. Charging can be avoided more effectively.

  Since the workpiece circumferential circuit 122c is configured to be flat in the circumferential direction, the movement speed of the workpiece on the workpiece circumferential circuit 122c is higher than the workpiece conveyance path 122d that gradually rises in the conveyance direction. Further, the rotating speed of the work is also made uniform around the axis. Therefore, the dispersion action in the circumferential direction of the workpiece that moves around by the vibration of the workpiece support surface 122ca is also increased, and the stacking, entanglement, and sticking of the workpiece can be suppressed. For the same reason, the centrifugal force applied to the workpiece on the workpiece support surface 122ca of the workpiece peripheral circuit 122c also increases, so that the pressing action of the workpiece on the outer peripheral side can be enhanced, and the workpiece loading speed at the conveyance start portion 122d1 also increases. In addition, smooth movement from the work peripheral circuit 122c to the work conveyance path 122d, and thus efficient and high-speed supply of the work can be realized.

  In the present embodiment, since the workpieces are loaded in a state in which the workpieces are aligned to some extent on the transfer start portion 122d1 of the workpiece transfer path 122d, the transfer distance for obtaining the aligned state can be reduced. As a result, the workpiece conveyance path 122d can be set to have a length that makes one round around the axis line in the illustrated example, and the workpiece conveyance distance can be greatly shortened compared to the conventional helical conveyance path over many laps. Thereby, dirt and electrification of a work can be further suppressed.

In the case of the present embodiment, the work rotating speed in the work peripheral circuit 122c is the maximum work speed of the work in the work transport path 122d (specifically, the part on the outermost peripheral side, in the illustrated example, the transport end part 122d7). It is preferably set within a range of 0.8 to 1.3 times the workpiece unloading speed), and preferably within a range of 0.9 to 1.2 times. In the present embodiment, it is actually set within a range of 0.95 to 1.1 times. Here, below these ranges, in order to ensure the transfer efficiency in the work transfer path 122d, it is necessary to introduce an excessive work into the work peripheral circuit 122c. Tangles and sticking are likely to occur. Conversely, if the number of workpieces and the workpiece density are reduced in an attempt to avoid stacking, entanglement, and sticking of workpieces in the workpiece peripheral circuit 122c, the conveyance efficiency in the workpiece conveyance path 122d is decreased. On the other hand, if it exceeds the above range, the workpieces are likely to stay in the workpiece conveyance path 122d, and the workpieces are stacked, entangled, stuck, and the like, and the conveyance efficiency is lowered. On the contrary, in order to prevent this, it is necessary to reduce the number of workpieces and the workpiece density of the workpiece peripheral circuit 122c.

  In general, in the case of a conventional bowl-type feeder having a workpiece conveyance path that spirally extends from the inner bottom at the center inside the bowl-type conveyance body, the amplitude of vibration increases as the radial position increases away from the axis. Since the workpiece conveyance speed increases, the inner circumferential portion (upstream side) near the inner bottom is slowly conveyed in a state where a large number of workpieces are stacked, and the conveyance speed increases as it proceeds to the outer circumferential portion (downstream side). The workpieces are separated and approach the aligned state. However, in the present embodiment, the conventional conventional concept is eliminated, the radial position of the work peripheral circuit 122c is set closer to the outer periphery, and the air flow by the air blowing means is configured to be flat in the circumferential direction as described above. While the peripheral speed of the workpiece is increased by spraying, the maximum radial position of the workpiece conveyance path 122d is 1.5 times or less, preferably 1.3 times or less, preferably 1 or less than the radial position of the workpiece circumferential circuit 122c. By limiting the rotation speed to 2 times or less, the rotation speed is set within the above range with respect to the maximum conveyance speed. In this way, while preventing the workpieces from being stacked, entangled and stuck in the workpiece peripheral circuit 122c, the workpiece is prevented from staying in the workpiece conveyance path 122d. It has succeeded in improving the conveyance efficiency as a whole while suppressing dirt and electrification.

  That is, in this embodiment, the work is distributed in the work peripheral circuit 122c, accelerated to a speed close to the maximum transport speed, and further fed to the work transport path 122d in a state where the work is aligned to some extent by centrifugal force. Yes. Thereby, in the workpiece conveyance path 122d, it is only necessary to further align the workpieces that have been aligned to some extent and perform selection as necessary, so that the conveyance distance can be shortened. Therefore, even when the entire work peripheral circuit 122c and the work transfer path 122d are viewed, the stacking, entanglement, and sticking of the works can be suppressed, and the transfer distance can be greatly reduced. Can be significantly reduced as compared with the prior art. Here, in order to smoothly feed a work from the work peripheral circuit 122c to the work transport path 122d using centrifugal force, the work transport path 122d needs to be pulled out to the outer peripheral side of the work peripheral circuit 122c. Since the work speed is considered to be substantially proportional to the radial position according to the vibration amplitude, the work speed of the work conveyance path 122d on the outer peripheral side inevitably increases more than the work speed of the work peripheral circuit 122c due to the increase of the radial position. . However, in the present embodiment, the workpiece peripheral circuit 122c is configured to be flat in the circumferential direction, but the workpiece conveyance path 122d has a gradient that rises in the conveyance direction around the axis, so that the workpiece speed in the workpiece conveyance path 122d is reduced. In the work peripheral circuit 122c, air current is blown in the direction in which the work is accelerated by the air supply structure, so that the work speed in the work peripheral circuit 122c can be increased. The difference in work speed on the path 122d is suppressed. In the case of the illustrated example, the average value of the workpiece circulation speed in the workpiece circumferential circuit 122c and the workpiece conveyance speed in the workpiece conveyance path 122d is configured to be substantially equal, thereby obtaining extremely high conveyance efficiency. Yes.

  In the present embodiment, since the transport bowl 122 has a structure having the opening 122a in the center, the transport bowl 122 can be reduced in weight, so that the transport efficiency can be increased and the transport speed can be improved. Moreover, since the driving load of the rotary vibrator 121 is also reduced, the manufacturing cost of the rotary vibrator 121 can be reduced. Furthermore, in the conveying bowl 122, the shape of the work peripheral circuit 122c and the shape of the inner peripheral seating surface 122j are also important, but there is an advantage that the processing of the inner peripheral portion is facilitated by the presence of the opening 122a. Furthermore, installation of the air supply structure and the work introduction unit 110 is facilitated, and the entire apparatus can be made compact.

  Note that the workpiece supply device of the present invention is not limited to the above-described illustrated examples, and it is needless to say that various changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, in the above-described embodiment, there is only one workpiece transfer path 122d branched from the workpiece peripheral circuit 122c, but the present invention may be configured such that a plurality of workpiece transfer paths branch from the workpiece peripheral circuit 122c.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Work supply apparatus, 101 ... Installation stand, 102 ... Anti-vibration stand, 110 ... Work introduction unit, 111 ... Hopper container, 112 ... Extraction chute, 112a ... Base, 112b ... Work introduction port, 113 ... Work removal mechanism, 113a DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS ... Base material, 113b ... Piezoelectric drive body, 113c ... Spacer, 113d ... Elastic spring plate, 114 ... Strut, 115 ... Support arm, 116 ... Anti-vibration material, 117 ... Sleeve, 118 ... Holding body, 119 ... Work detector, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 120 ... 1st workpiece conveyance unit, 121 ... Rotary vibrator, 121a ... Vibration board, 122 ... Conveyance bowl, 122a ... Opening part, 122b ... Engagement groove, 122c ... Work peripheral circuit, 122ca ... Work support surface, 122cb ... Workpiece Holding surface, 122d ... work conveying path, 122da ... work supporting surface, 122db ... work holding surface, 122d1 ... Feed start part, 122d7 ... Conveyance terminal part, 123 ... Lower disk, 123a ... Opening part, 123b ... Upper surface, 123c ... Ventilation path, 123d ... Air flow outlet, 124 ... Upper disk, 124a ... Opening part, 124b ... Lower surface, 124c ... Air supply path, 124d ... Air supply hole, 130 ... Second work conveyance unit, 131 ... Linear vibrator, 131a ... Vibration body, 132 ... Linear conveyance body, 132a ... Work conveyance path, 132a1 ... Conveyance start part, 132a2 ... Conveyance Termination

Claims (9)

  A work peripheral circuit that is configured in an annular shape that is closed around the axis and has a work holding surface on the outer peripheral edge, and is inclined obliquely in a predetermined direction around the axis from a predetermined position of the work peripheral circuit toward the outer peripheral side. A transport body having a work transport path configured to branch and gradually rise around the axis, and a vibrating body that reciprocally vibrates the transport body about the axis, A workpiece supply apparatus, wherein a workpiece moves in the predetermined direction on the workpiece peripheral circuit and the workpiece conveyance path by reciprocating vibration around an axis.   The workpiece supply device according to claim 1, wherein the workpiece peripheral circuit is configured to be flat in a circumferential direction.   The work supply apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an airflow spraying unit that blows an ionized airflow onto the work on the work peripheral circuit from an inner peripheral side of the work peripheral circuit.   Airflow spraying means for blowing airflow onto the work on the work peripheral circuit from the inner peripheral side of the work peripheral circuit, and the airflow spraying means obliquely flows airflow in the predetermined direction toward the work peripheral circuit. The work supply device according to claim 1, wherein the work supply device is sprayed.   5. The work supply device according to claim 3, wherein the airflow spraying unit includes a plurality of airflow outlets dispersedly arranged along a circumferential direction on an inner peripheral side of the work peripheral circuit.   The work introduction mechanism for introducing the work onto the work peripheral circuit is further provided, and the work introduction mechanism is configured to be capable of controlling a work introduction amount. Work feeding device.   The work introduction mechanism is provided on the inner peripheral side of the work peripheral circuit, and has a work introduction port that opens from the inner peripheral side toward the outer peripheral side and faces the work peripheral circuit. Work feeding device.   Work detection means for detecting the work on the work peripheral circuit, and work introduction control means for controlling an introduction amount or introduction frequency of the work by the work introduction mechanism in accordance with a detection value of the work detection means. The workpiece supply apparatus according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that   9. The workpiece supply device according to claim 1, wherein the transfer body is configured in a ring shape having an opening on an inner peripheral side of the workpiece peripheral circuit.

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