JP2013173611A - Workpiece feeding device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a workpiece feeding device having high feeding efficiency of workpieces aligned in a predetermined posture.SOLUTION: A workpiece feeding device comprises: a detection means 6 for detecting each of a state in which a workpiece W in a positive direction is present at a detection position 6x set in a conveyance path 32 and a state in which the workpiece W in a different direction is present to output a detection signal corresponding to each of the states; an acceleration means 4 provided in the vicinity of the detection position 6x and temporarily accelerating the workpiece W; a posture conversion means 5 provided in the vicinity of the detection position 6x and converting the posture of the workpiece W by rotating a conveyance direction rear part of the workpiece W toward a conveyance direction front part about an axis perpendicular to the conveyance direction; and a control part 8 controlling the acceleration means 4 and the posture conversion means 5. The control part 8 performs the control of the acceleration means 4 and the posture conversion means 5 on the basis of the detection signals by the detection means 6, the workpiece W is thereby accelerated when the workpiece W arriving at the predetermined detection position 6x is in the positive direction, and the workpiece W is subjected to posture conversion when it is in the different direction.

Description

  The present invention relates to a workpiece supply apparatus that conveys workpieces to a supply destination in an aligned state.

  Conventionally, it has a storage part that stores workpieces that are objects to be supplied, such as electronic components, and a conveyance path that communicates from the storage part to the supply destination, and vibrates the workpiece that is put into the upstream storage part. There is known a workpiece supply apparatus that uses the above-mentioned means to convey the material while aligning it in a line on the conveyance path and to supply the material to a downstream supply destination. The conveyance path is generally formed in a substantially V-shaped cross section by a planar conveyance surface that is continuous in the conveyance direction and a side wall that intersects the conveyance surface so as to be substantially orthogonal to each other and performs lateral positioning. There are many.

  A variety of workpieces can be supplied using such a workpiece supply device. However, depending on the shape of the workpiece and the process at the downstream supply destination, it is necessary to align the workpieces in exactly the same direction. For example, in the case of a rectangular parallelepiped workpiece, a specific surface among the six surfaces is set as the front surface, and the front surface is arranged facing the downstream side in the transport direction, and a specific surface among the four surfaces in contact with the front surface is specified. When the surface is set as the lower surface and this lower surface is placed in a direction that comes into contact with the transport surface, the positive direction is set, and all workpieces are aligned in this positive direction and supplied to the downstream supply destination. May be necessary.

  Therefore, various posture conversion means have been devised for the purpose of performing posture conversion to change the direction of the workpiece when the workpiece on the transport path is in a different direction from the normal direction, and the workpiece supply apparatus provided with such a device Many have been proposed (see Patent Document 1).

  In many of these cases, one of the two opposing surfaces positioned in the longitudinal direction of the workpiece is set as the front surface, and one of the four adjacent surfaces is set as the lower surface, and then the workpiece is first moved along the conveyance path. By arranging the workpiece so that the longitudinal direction of the workpiece faces the conveyance direction and then rotating the workpiece as necessary around an axis parallel to the conveyance direction as a posture change around the parallel axis, the set lower surface is The direction should be in contact with the transport surface. Further, as the posture conversion around the vertical axis, the workpiece is rotated as necessary around an axis perpendicular to the conveyance direction, so that the posture conversion is performed so that the set front surface is located forward when the set front surface is behind the conveyance direction. .

  Pressure air is widely used as a drive source for performing such work posture conversion, and the work rotation is achieved by ejecting air from the air ejection section according to the posture of the work that has reached a predetermined position. I am trying to do. By using such posture changing means, it is possible to align the rectangular parallelepiped workpieces in the positive direction in which each of the six faces has a predetermined orientation.

JP-A-7-206143

  However, the following problems may occur in the process of changing the attitude around the vertical axis. Hereinafter, description will be made with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 11A shows a cross section perpendicular to the workpiece conveyance direction. In this state, the workpiece W is supported by the conveyance surface 932a and the side wall 932b so that the lower surface side of the workpiece W contacts the conveyance surface 932a. It is assumed that the pressure air Ac is ejected to the side surface of the workpiece W from the posture-changing air ejection portion 951 provided on the side wall 932b side. Further, FIG. 11B shows a case where the figure is viewed from obliquely above perpendicular to the conveyance surface 932a. When pressure air Ac is jetted when the rear part of the workpiece W in the conveyance direction (X direction in the figure) approaches the air changing portion 951 for posture conversion, the front of the workpiece W and the conveyance direction X The rotation is performed around a vertical axis (Y axis in the figure).

  By doing so, the work W is placed in a state where the lower surface is kept in contact with the transport surface 932a, and the front surface and the rear surface are interchanged, and the whole moves forward in the transport direction along with the rotation.

  In order to increase the supply efficiency, it is preferable that the workpiece W is transported in a tightly continuous state on the transport path 932, but the workpiece W in front or rear in the transport direction is close to the workpiece W to be rotated. If so, there may be a case where rotation cannot be performed smoothly under the influence of the front and rear workpieces W. In addition, as shown in FIG. 12, even if the workpieces located in front of the conveyance direction are separated from each other, if the distance S is small, the workpiece W rotated as the posture change around the vertical axis is Sometimes it gets on top. When these rotation failures occur, the workpiece W may lose stability and fall from the conveyance path 932, or may be excluded as a posture failure by a later inspection process, leading to a decrease in supply efficiency. Become.

  An object of the present invention is to effectively solve such a problem, and specifically, to provide a workpiece supply device with high supply efficiency that can stably align workpieces in the positive direction. Objective.

  In order to achieve this object, the present invention takes the following measures.

  In other words, the workpiece supply device of the present invention is a workpiece supply device that supplies workpieces to a supply destination while aligning workpieces along the conveyance path, and the workpiece is in the forward direction at a detection position set in the conveyance path. Detecting means for detecting a state existing in a different direction and a state in which the workpiece exists in different directions and outputting a detection signal corresponding to each of these states, and a workpiece provided temporarily in the vicinity of the detection position. Accelerating means for accelerating, and posture conversion that is provided in the vicinity of the detection position and that changes the posture of the workpiece by rotating the rear part in the conveyance direction of the workpiece forward in the conveyance direction and around an axis perpendicular to the conveyance direction. And a control unit for controlling the acceleration unit and the posture conversion unit, and the control unit is configured to control the acceleration unit and the posture conversion unit based on a detection signal from the detection unit. By performing the control, the workpiece is accelerated when the workpiece that has reached the predetermined detection position is in the positive direction, and the posture of the workpiece is changed when the workpiece is in the different direction. And

  With this configuration, the arrival of the workpiece to the detection position and the posture at that time are detected, and the workpiece in the opposite direction is rotated around the front side to change the posture in the forward direction while being separated from the subsequent workpiece. The workpiece in the positive direction can be separated from the subsequent workpiece by accelerating the workpiece. In this way, a space for allowing rotation of workpieces in different directions is always secured in the forward direction, so that the posture can be appropriately changed while suppressing the overlap between the workpieces, and the workpieces are aligned in the positive direction. It is possible to improve the supply efficiency of the workpiece.

  In addition, a sensor for discriminating the workpiece posture can be simply configured to reduce the apparatus cost, and it is possible to ensure the accuracy when discriminating the workpiece state and to perform an appropriate operation. The detection means is a single sensor that outputs the detection signal at a low level or a high level in response to a state where no workpiece exists at the detection position, and the workpiece exists in the positive direction. By outputting the detection signal at a level corresponding to each state and a state existing in a different direction, the same detection signal is output at least three different output levels of high level, low level and intermediate level according to the state of the workpiece And when the controller determines the state corresponding to the intermediate level detection signal, it recognizes that the level has been reached, The condition is that a certain time elapses while maintaining the level, and when determining the state corresponding to the low level or the high level, it is only necessary to recognize that the level has been reached. It is preferable to configure.

  In order to realize the above configuration in a simpler form, the detection means is a transmissive photoelectric sensor composed of a light projecting unit and a light receiving unit, and a signal corresponding to the amount of light detected by the light receiving unit. As the detection signal, the light projecting unit and the light receiving unit are provided so as to face each other across the conveyance path of the workpiece, and the workpiece passing on the conveyance path is from the light projection unit. It is preferable that at least a part of the detection light reaching the light receiving unit is shielded.

  In addition, when there is an opening that is open in the vertical direction on either side of the workpiece, it is possible to capture the characteristics of these shapes and obtain an output level that more appropriately corresponds to the orientation of the workpiece. Therefore, when the workpiece is arranged with the specific surface below or above, an opening that is opened up and down is formed on either one of the two opposing side surfaces, and the specific surface is conveyed. When the workpiece reaches the detection position in a positive posture while being in contact with the surface, a part of the detection light from the light projecting unit passes through the opening and reaches the light receiving unit, and the specific surface So that the detection light from the light projecting unit is almost entirely shielded from the light receiving unit when it reaches the detection position in a different orientation while contacting the transport surface. The light projecting unit and the light receiving unit are arranged to be arranged. Door is preferred.

  In addition, in order to realize the acceleration unit and the posture conversion unit in a simpler form and improve the controllability and cause the workpiece to perform a desired operation more appropriately, the acceleration unit includes the detection position. An accelerating air ejection portion that ejects pressure air from the rear to the front in the transport direction, a first air supply source that supplies pressure air, the acceleration air ejection portion, and the first air supply source. A first solenoid valve that switches between the communication state and the non-communication state, wherein the posture changing means is provided on the side wall side substantially orthogonal to the conveying surface and ejects pressure air to the rear side surface of the workpiece at the detection position A second air supply source that supplies pressure air, a second air supply source that supplies pressure air, and a second electromagnetic that switches between a communication state and a non-communication state of the posture conversion air ejection portion and the second air supply source. It is preferable to configured with.

  Furthermore, in order to more accurately perform the posture conversion or acceleration operation on the workpiece at the detection position without the influence of the subsequent workpiece, the speed of the workpiece at the detection position is increased to increase the speed of the subsequent workpiece. As a means for realizing this, the ascending gradient of the conveying path in the vicinity of the detection position is gentler than the ascending gradient of the conveying path at least upstream in the conveying direction from the vicinity of the detection position. It is preferable to set to be configured.

  According to the present invention described above, it is possible to stably align the workpieces in the positive direction, and it is possible to provide a workpiece supply device with high supply efficiency.

The schematic diagram which shows the system configuration | structure of the workpiece supply apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. The side view which cuts and shows the main-body part of the workpiece supply apparatus partially. Explanatory drawing which shows an example of the workpiece | work made into supply object in the workpiece | work supply apparatus. The perspective view of the vertical axis | shaft attitude | position conversion part in the workpiece | work supply apparatus. The side view which showed typically the attitude | position conversion part about the vertical axis in the workpiece supply apparatus. Sectional drawing which cut | disconnected the vertical-axis attitude | position conversion part in the workpiece | work supply apparatus along the detection light passage path | route. Sectional drawing which cut | disconnected the vertical axis | shaft attitude | position conversion part in the work supply apparatus along the pressure air passage. The schematic diagram explaining operation | movement of the attitude | position conversion part about the vertical axis in the workpiece supply apparatus. Explanatory drawing which shows the relationship between the detection waveform of the transmissive photoelectric sensor in the said workpiece | work supply apparatus, and the ejection timing of each air. The flowchart which shows the control flow of the control part in the workpiece supply apparatus. The schematic diagram of the attitude | position conversion part about the vertical axis in the conventional workpiece supply apparatus. The schematic diagram which shows the problem of the vertical-axis attitude | position conversion part in the conventional workpiece supply apparatus.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the workpiece supply device 1 of this embodiment forms a conveyance path 32 for conveying the workpiece W with respect to the bowl 3 constituting the main body 1 a, and in the middle of the conveyance path. The first to third posture converting units R1 to R3 for converting the posture of the workpiece W, and the first to third inspection / excluding units E1 to E1 that inspect the posture of the workpiece W and exclude those not in the desired posture. E3 is provided.

  Among the posture conversion units R1 to R3, the first posture conversion unit R1 and the second posture conversion unit R2 as the parallel axis rotation posture conversion unit are workpieces W around an axis parallel to the transport direction (X direction in the drawing). The posture is changed by rotating the. On the other hand, the third posture conversion unit R3 as the posture conversion unit around the vertical axis shows a main part of the present invention, and performs posture conversion by rotating the workpiece W around the axis perpendicular to the transport direction. Is.

  The third posture conversion unit R3 includes a transmission photoelectric sensor 6 as detection means for detecting the workpiece W at a specific detection position 6x on the conveyance path 32, and acceleration means 4 for temporarily accelerating the workpiece W. , Posture changing means 5 for rotating the workpiece W around an axis perpendicular to the conveying direction, and a control unit 8 for operating them. In addition, the detection position 6x here shows the position of the workpiece | work W corresponding to the detection area LA mentioned later for detecting the workpiece | work W. FIG.

  The bowl 1 is formed in a mortar shape having a substantially circular shape in a plan view, and the inner side is a storage portion 31, and a workpiece W to be supplied can be put in, and a spiral shape is formed from the storage portion 31 toward the outer peripheral direction. A conveyance path 32 is provided, and the downstream side of the conveyance path 32 is configured to be connected to a supply destination (not shown).

  As shown in FIG. 2, the conveyance path 32 is substantially V-shaped by a planar conveyance surface 32 a provided to be inclined by a predetermined angle from a horizontal plane, and a side wall 32 b intersecting so as to be substantially orthogonal thereto. The work W is transported while being supported by both the transport surface 32a and the side wall 32b.

  The bowl 1 is vibrated while being supported on the vibration portion 2 as shown in FIG. The vibration unit 2 is fixed to a fixed block 21 that is installed on the floor via vibration-proof springs 21a to 21a, a movable block 22 that is disposed above the fixed block 21 and attaches the bowl 1 to the upper surface, and a fixed block 21. Displacement is generated by magnetically attracting the leaf springs 23 to 23 that are elastically connected in a state where the movable block 22 is separated from the block 21 and the opposed movable block 22 fixed on the fixed block 21. And an electromagnet 24.

  More specifically, the fixed block 21 and the movable block 22 are formed so as to have a substantially circular shape in plan view, and are arranged so that their centers are substantially at the same position. Then, four leaf springs 23 to 23 are equally arranged around these centers and are provided so as to be inclined in the same direction. By doing so, when the electromagnet 24 is attracted to the fixed block 21 side, the movable block 22 is displaced downward and torsionally moves around the center. The electromagnet 24 is configured so that vibration including a vertical component and a twist component can be generated in the bowl 1 by applying a current from a power source (not shown) while being periodically turned on and off at a predetermined frequency. Yes. By controlling this vibration, the workpiece W on the conveyance path 32 is conveyed.

  Here, an example of the workpiece W to be supplied by the workpiece supply apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment is shown in FIG. 3A, 3B, and 3C show a side view, a front view, and a perspective view of the workpiece W, respectively. The workpiece W has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and is formed such that the E surface We and the F surface Wf are opposed to each other in the longitudinal direction. A side surface Wa, B surface Wb, C surface Wc and D are side surfaces adjacent to these. Four surfaces of the surface Wd are sequentially formed. Moreover, it is comprised so that it may become flat most with respect to the direction orthogonal to A surface Wa. That is, the distance between the A surface Wa and the C surface Wc facing each other is formed to be smaller than the distance between the B surface Wb and the D surface Wd facing each other while being orthogonal to each other. Further, the A surface Wa side has different features such as shape, reflectivity, color, and the like from the C surface Wc side opposite to the A surface Wa side, so that it can be easily distinguished. The A surface Wa is also referred to as a specific surface that serves as a reference for performing posture conversion in the following. Furthermore, the opening surface W1-W1 is formed in three places in D surface Wd, and when each A surface Wa side which is a specific surface is made into the upper side or the lower side, it is an open part continuous in an up-down direction. It is supposed to function as.

  As described above, the workpiece W is formed so that the A surface Wa and the C surface Wc, which are opposed to each other, and the B surface Wb and the D surface Wd are distinguishable among the four side surfaces. For this reason, when the workpiece W is conveyed, it is important which surface corresponds to the front-rear direction or the vertical direction with respect to the conveyance direction. In the present application, as an example, the A surface Wa, which is a specific surface, is in contact with the transport surface 32a and the F surface Wf faces forward with respect to the transport direction, and this direction is referred to as a positive direction. The direction is referred to as a different direction.

  The workpiece supply apparatus 1 of the present embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is configured to regulate and align the posture of the workpiece W in the positive direction.

  First, the workpiece W is arranged so that the longitudinal direction of the workpiece 9 coincides with the conveyance direction by the process of conveyance along the conveyance path 32 from the storage unit 31. That is, one of the E surface We and the F surface Wf (see FIG. 3) of the workpiece W is the front side in the transport direction, and the other is the rear side. Further, the flattened direction is directed in the direction orthogonal to the transport surface 32a. That is, either one of the A surface Wa and the C surface Wc of the workpiece W is brought into contact with the transport surface 32a. Hereinafter, a direction orthogonal to the A plane Wa and the C plane Wc is referred to as a flat direction of the workpiece.

  The orientation of the workpiece W is the posture in which the workpiece W is most stable in the conveyance process, but various means that can be referred to as simple can be used to increase the supply efficiency in the correct posture. For example, a means for partially reducing the width of the conveyance path 32, a means for providing a step in the middle, or a position where the air hits only a work W whose longitudinal direction is different from the conveyance direction. An air ejection means or the like can be suitably used.

  In a state where the direction of the workpiece W is aligned to some extent using the above-described means, in principle, either the E surface We or the F surface Wf (see FIG. 3) faces the front side in the transport direction, and the transport surface 32a On the other hand, either the A surface Wa or the C surface Wc comes into contact. On the premise of such a state, the first posture conversion unit R1 and the second posture conversion unit R2 detect the posture of the workpiece W and appropriately move the workpiece W about an axis parallel to the conveyance direction (X direction in the drawing). The posture is changed by rotating it so that the A surface Wa, which is a specific surface, can be brought into contact with the transport surface 32a. A detection means using a photoelectric sensor, an image processing means based on imaging, or the like can be used for the posture detection of the workpiece W, and a means for jetting pressure air from the side of the workpiece 9 can be used for posture conversion. it can.

  As described above, the third attitude converting unit R3 as the vertical axis attitude converting unit that can be said to be a main part of the present invention includes the transmission photoelectric sensor 6 installed at the detection position 6x for detecting the workpiece W, and the acceleration. Means 4, posture changing means 5 for rotating the workpiece W around an axis perpendicular to the conveyance direction, and a control unit 8 for operating them are provided, and these are provided at specific positions on the conveyance path 32. It is configured.

  Explaining a specific configuration, the accelerating means 4 includes an acceleration air ejection part 41 provided in the transport path 32, a first air supply source 43 that supplies pressure air to the acceleration air ejection part 41, and these acceleration air ejection parts 41. And a first electromagnetic valve 42 that switches between a communication state and a non-communication state between the first air supply source 43 and the first air supply source 43. The posture changing means 5 includes a posture changing air ejection portion 51 provided in the conveyance path 32, a second air supply source 53 for supplying pressure air to the posture changing air jet portion 51, and the posture changing air jet portion 51 and the second. The second electromagnetic valve 52 is configured to switch between a communication state and a non-communication state with the air supply source 53. Here, the first air supply source 43 and the second air supply source 53 are separately configured so that the pressure air supplied from each of them can be finely adjusted independently. For simplification, it is also possible to configure the same air supply source.

  Further, based on the workpiece detection signal from the detection means 6, a control signal is sent from the control unit 8 to the first electromagnetic valve 42 and the second electromagnetic valve 52, and in response to this signal, the first electromagnetic valve 42 and the second electromagnetic valve 42. The electromagnetic valve 52 is configured to switch between the communication state and the non-communication state described above. That is, the control unit 8 is configured to control the operation of the acceleration unit 4 and the operation of the attitude conversion unit 5 based on the workpiece detection signal from the detection unit 6.

  After passing through the first to third posture changing units R1 to R3 configured along the transport path 32 as described above, it is inspected whether the workpiece W is in a positive posture, and the workpiece W that is in a different direction is excluded. Therefore, a first inspection / exclusion unit E1, a third inspection / exclusion unit E3, and a second inspection / exclusion unit E2 are provided. The first to third inspection / exclusion units E1 to E3 detect the posture of the workpiece W corresponding to each of the first to third posture conversion units R1 to R3. The work W is removed from the conveyance path 32 by returning air toward the inner side from the 32b side, and returned to the storage unit 31.

  Hereinafter, the accelerating unit 4, the posture converting unit 5 and the detecting unit 6 constituting the third posture converting unit R3 as a vertical axis posture converting unit which is a main part of the present invention will be described in detail. FIG. 4 shows a perspective view when the third posture changing portion R3 is viewed from above the inner peripheral side of the bowl 3, and the positional relationship of each portion will be described with reference to this drawing.

  A part of the conveyance path 32 formed in the bowl 3 is formed with a notch 33 which is notched on both the conveying surface 32 a and the side wall 32 b, and is a flat plate which is a separate member so as to be accommodated in the notch 33. The conveyance surface plate 71 and the side wall block 72 are provided. Specifically, as shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 6, a conveyance surface plate 71 is installed on an installation surface 33 a formed on the notch 33, and a side wall block 72 is provided on the upper surface of the conveyance surface plate 71. It is installed. Further, returning to FIG. 4, the upper surface 71 a of the conveying surface plate 71 is smoothly continuous with the conveying surface 32 a formed on the bowl 3 without any step on the upstream side or the downstream side. And a single conveyance surface 32a is formed integrally therewith. Similarly, the side wall 72b of the side wall block 72 is also provided so as to be smoothly continuous with the side wall 32b formed on the bowl 3 without any step on either the upstream side or the downstream side. And constitutes one side wall 32b.

  Further, as schematically shown in FIG. 5, the ascending gradient θ1 of the conveying surface 71a (32a) formed on the conveying surface plate 71 is gentler than the ascending gradient θ0 of the bowl 3 before and after the conveying surface plate 71. It is configured to be. By doing so, the work W transported along the transport path 32 from the upstream side increases the speed on the transport surface plate 71, and even if the plurality of work Ws are close to the detection position 6x. Even if it has been transported, it can be once separated in the transport direction on the transport surface plate 71, and the effect of facilitating later-described workpiece detection and posture conversion is produced. In order to separate the workpiece W on the conveyance surface plate 71 in this way, it is only necessary to make the upward gradient θ1 of the conveyance surface plate 71 gentle with respect to the upstream side. However, the conveyance speed in the entire conveyance path 32 is sufficient. In order to reduce the variation, it is preferable to make the ascending gradient of the conveying surface 32a the same as much as possible. Therefore, the upstream and downstream sides of the conveying surface plate 71 are formed with the same ascending gradient. Therefore, it is preferable to form the rising gradient of the conveying surface plate 71 gently. From the viewpoint of ease of manufacture, it can be said that it is preferable to form the upstream side and the downstream side with substantially the same ascending gradient.

  In the transport surface plate 71, a long hole 71 b having a longitudinal direction in the transport direction of the work W is formed at a position corresponding to the work W passing through the transport path 32. As shown in FIG. 6, an opening hole 33b is also formed in the notch 33 of the bowl 3 at a position corresponding to the long hole 71b. The light projecting unit 61 is disposed on the lower side and the light receiving unit 62 is opposed to each other across the conveyance path 32 together with the long hole 71b and the opening hole 33b. The light receiving unit 62 constitutes one transmission type photoelectric sensor. The light projecting unit 61 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the bowl 3 while being inclined, and the light receiving unit 62 is provided on the side wall block 72, and both are connected to a controller (not shown), and a detection signal is transmitted through the controller. It is configured to emit. The light projecting unit 61 emits detection light that is substantially perpendicular to the conveyance surface 32a through the opening hole 33b and the long hole 71b, and the light receiving unit 62 detects the detection light, so that the workpiece W shields the detection light. Accordingly, the detection signal is changed and output.

  Returning to FIG. 4, the accelerating air ejection portion 41 constituting the accelerating means 4 is configured as an air nozzle and is fixed to the bowl 3 via a support block 44. The air nozzle 41 has an injection hole 41a at the tip arranged rearward in the conveyance direction of the workpiece W in the vicinity of the detection position 6x. By blowing pressure air from here, pressure is applied to the workpiece W from the rear, and the front It can be temporarily accelerated toward the. A communication hole (not shown) for introducing pressure air to the air nozzle 41 is formed in the support block 44 and is connected to the first electromagnetic valve 42 (see FIG. 1).

  Further, the posture changing air jetting part 51 constituting the posture changing means 5 is configured as an air jet hole and is provided on the side wall 32b of the conveyance path 32 in the vicinity of the detection position 6x, that is, on the side surface 72a of the side wall block 72. Yes. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view passing through the air ejection hole 51. The air ejection hole 51 is formed in a direction perpendicular to the side surface 72 b of the side wall block 72, and a communication hole 72 a provided inside the side wall block 72 is continuous with the air ejection hole 51. Furthermore, pressure air Ac can be introduced into the communication hole 72a from the second electromagnetic valve 52 (see FIG. 1) via the joint 54 and its internal space 54a. As shown in FIG. 4, the air ejection hole 51 is located slightly behind the elongated hole 72 for detecting the workpiece W, and when the workpiece W reaches a position where the elongated hole 72 is shielded. When the pressure air is ejected from the air ejection hole 51, the pressure air hits the rear part in the transport direction of the work W, so that the rear part of the work W is directed forward and around the axis perpendicular to the transport direction, more specifically, It is provided in a positional relationship that can be rotated around an axis that is perpendicular to the transport surface 32a.

  Here, regarding the transmission photoelectric sensor 6 for detecting the workpiece W described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 6, a detection signal obtained therefrom will be described. As described above, the light projecting unit 61 emits detection light through the long hole 71b opened in the conveyance surface plate 71, and the light receiving unit 62 captures the detection light and outputs an output corresponding to the amount of light detected through a controller (not shown). To emit. That is, as schematically shown in FIG. 8, the area opened by the long hole 71b is the above-described work detection area LA, and the work W is detected at the detection position 6x according to the ratio of the work W existing in the area. Existence and orientation can be determined.

  As described above, when the workpiece W arrives at the detection position 6x, the longitudinal direction of the workpiece W becomes the conveyance direction (X direction), and the A surface Wa (see FIG. 3) which is a specific surface is the conveyance surface. The direction is in contact with 32a. Therefore, either one of the B surface Wb and the D surface Wd of the workpiece W comes into contact with the side wall 32b, and the other is on the opposite side. Of these two orientations, the case where the D surface Wd in which the opening W1 is formed abuts against the side wall 32b as shown in FIG. 8A is the positive direction, and B as shown in FIG. 8B. The case where the surface Wb contacts the side wall 32b is a different direction.

  In a state where the workpiece W does not exist at a position where the workpiece W interferes with the workpiece detection area LA formed by the long hole 71b, a detection signal at a high level corresponding to all the workpiece detection areas LA is issued. Further, when the workpiece W is in the positive direction and is present at the detection position 6x as shown in FIG. 8A, the workpiece detection area LA is positioned so as to overlap with a partial area of the opening W1. Therefore, only a part of the detection light reaches the light receiving unit 32 (see FIG. 6) from the light projecting unit 31, and an intermediate level detection signal corresponding to this light amount is emitted. Further, when the workpiece W is in a different direction as shown in FIG. 8B and exists at the detection position 6x, the entire relationship of the workpiece detection region LA is blocked by the workpiece W. Therefore, there is almost no light amount from the light projecting unit 31 to the light receiving unit 32 (see FIG. 6), and a detection signal at a low level is emitted.

  Since the positional relationship between the workpiece detection area LA and the opening W1 of the workpiece W is formed so as to obtain the output level change of the detection signal as described above, as the workpiece W is conveyed, FIG. It has an output change as shown in each upper stage of a) and (b). FIGS. 9A and 9B show changes in the sensor detection signal when the workpiece W passes through the sensor detection area LA in the positive direction and the different direction, respectively, and the first electromagnetic valve 42 and the second electromagnetic valve associated therewith. It is the schematic diagram which showed the operation | movement of the valve 52 (refer FIG. 1). The control unit 8 (see FIG. 1) internally stores two threshold values Lt1 and Lt2, and based on the magnitude relationship of the detection signal with respect to each of these threshold values Lt1 and Lt2, the presence or absence of the workpiece W at the detection position 6x, In addition, the first electromagnetic valve 42 and the second electromagnetic valve 52 (see FIG. 1) are operated while determining the posture such as the positive direction or the different direction.

  First, based on FIG. 9A, the change of the detection signal when the workpiece W passes through the workpiece detection area LA in the positive direction, and the electromagnetic valves 42 and 52 performed by the control unit 8 based on this change (see FIG. 1). ) Will be described.

  When the workpiece W does not exist within the workpiece detection area LA, the detected light amount from the light projecting unit 61 to the light receiving unit 62 is almost the maximum value, and accordingly, a detection signal of a high level L1 is output. The Since the detection signal at this time cannot be said to be less than the threshold values Lt1 and Lt2, it is determined that the workpiece W does not exist at the detection position 6x for control.

  From this state, if the workpiece W passes over the workpiece detection area LA at a constant speed, the detection signal changes as shown in the figure. When the work W reaches the workpiece detection area LA, the detection light is gradually shielded, and the level of the detection signal is lowered accordingly. Then, at the point where the center of the workpiece detection area LA and the center position in the conveyance direction of the workpiece W coincide with each other, a part of the detection light passes through the opening W1 and the rest is shielded. It drops to L2. Then, the detected light quantity gradually recovers as the work W is transported, and when the work W is separated from the work detection area LA, the detection signal returns to the high level L1.

  With respect to the intermediate level L2, the first threshold value Lt1 is set large and the second threshold value Lt2 is set small. In terms of control, the workpiece W is present at the detection position 6x and is in a positive posture on condition that the time T1 has elapsed with this state maintained from the time when the detection signal falls below the first threshold value Lt1. Judgment. If the detection signal returns to a level equal to or higher than the first threshold value Lt1 before the time T1 elapses, it is determined that the workpiece W is not at the detection position 6x.

  When it is determined that the workpiece W exists at the detection position 6x and is in the positive direction, the first electromagnetic valve 42 (see FIG. 1) is turned on, that is, as shown in FIG. 8A, the air nozzle 41 By further ejecting the pressure air Ac, the workpiece W at the detection position 6x is temporarily accelerated and moved forward in the conveying direction in the posture along the conveying surface 32a and the side wall 32b. Separate. And as shown to Fig.9 (a), when the time Tc1 passes, the 1st electromagnetic valve 42 will be turned off and the ejection of pressure air Ac will be stopped.

  As described above, when the operation of the workpiece W due to the ejection of the acceleration pressure air Ac is taken into account, the workpiece W is quickly detached from the workpiece detection area LA from the time when the pressure air Ac is ejected. The actual detection signal waveform changes rapidly to the high level L1 as indicated by the line P1 in the figure.

  Next, based on FIG.9 (b), the change of the detection signal when the workpiece | work W passes the workpiece | work detection area | region LA in a different direction, and each solenoid valve 42 and 52 which the control part 8 performs based on this (FIG.1). Operation) will be described.

  When the workpiece W does not exist within the workpiece detection area LA, a detection signal of a high level L1 is output. From this state, if the workpiece W passes over the workpiece detection area LA at a constant speed, the detection signal changes as shown in the figure. When the workpiece W reaches the workpiece detection area LA, the detection light is shielded, and the level of the detection signal decreases correspondingly. Then, at the point where the center of the workpiece detection area LA and the center position in the conveyance direction of the workpiece W coincide with each other, almost all of the detection light is shielded, so that the detection signal is lowered to the low level L0. Then, the detected light quantity gradually recovers as the work W is transported, and when the work W is separated from the work detection area LA, the detection signal returns to the high level L1.

  Both the first threshold value Lt1 and the second threshold value Lt2 are set sufficiently large with respect to the minimum level L0. In terms of control, when the detection signal falls below the second threshold value Lt2, it is determined that the workpiece W exists at the detection position 6x and has a posture in a different direction. Then, the second electromagnetic valve 52 (see FIG. 1) is immediately turned on, that is, as shown in FIG. 8B, the pressure air Ac is ejected from the air ejection hole 51 toward the rear part in the conveyance direction of the workpiece W. While the work W is positioned on the transport surface 32a, the rear part in the transport direction is rotated forward in the transport direction and about an axis perpendicular to the transport direction (Y axis in the figure). And as shown in FIG.9 (b), when the time Tc2 passes, the 2nd solenoid valve 42 will be turned off and the ejection of pressure air Ac for attitude | position conversion will be stopped.

  As described above, when the operation of the workpiece W due to the ejection of the pressure air Ac for posture conversion is taken into consideration, the workpiece W is quickly detached from the workpiece detection area LA from the time when the pressure air Ac is ejected. Therefore, the actual detection signal waveform changes rapidly to the high level L1 as indicated by the line P2 in the figure. Therefore, the time T2 from when the detection signal falls below the first threshold value Lt1 to when the detection signal returns to the first threshold value Lt1 or more is very short, and is sufficiently shorter than the above-described time T1. Therefore, while using the same detection signal, it is possible to achieve both the determination that the workpiece W exists in the positive direction and the determination that the workpiece W exists in a different direction without using a complicated control program. .

  The control of the acceleration means 4 and the attitude conversion means 5 constituting the attitude conversion unit R3 as described above will be described again using the flowchart of FIG.

  First, as a first step, the control unit 8 (see FIG. 1) determines whether the sensor detection signal is less than the first threshold Lt1 (ST1). When it is not less than the first threshold value Lt1, since the workpiece W does not exist at the detection position 6x, the determination is repeatedly performed as a standby state waiting for the workpiece W.

  If the sensor detection signal is less than the first threshold value Lt1, it is determined whether time T1 has elapsed from this state (ST2). When the time T1 has elapsed, it is determined that the workpiece W is present in the positive direction at the detection position 6x, and the process proceeds to the step on the right side in the figure, and the first electromagnetic valve 42 (FIG. 1). (See) is turned on (ST7), and after waiting for the elapse of a predetermined time Tc1 (ST8), the first electromagnetic valve is turned off (ST9), thereby completing a series of operations.

  When it is determined that the time T1 has not elapsed in the determination step (ST2) of the elapse of the time T1, the process proceeds to a step (ST3) where the sensor detection signal is determined to be less than the second threshold value Lt2. Here, if it is not less than the second threshold value Lt2, the process returns to the determination step (ST2) of the elapse of time T1 again. When it is less than the second threshold value Lt2, it is determined that the workpiece W exists in the detection position 6x in a different direction, and the process proceeds to a step in the downward direction in the figure, and the second electromagnetic valve 52 ( 1) is turned on (ST4), and after waiting for the elapse of a certain time Tc2 (ST5), the second electromagnetic valve is turned off (ST9), thereby completing a series of operations.

  Although the control unit 8 (see FIG. 1) is configured to include one control program according to the above flowchart, the same operation is performed by a combination with a simple relay circuit or timer circuit. It is also possible. Further, the controller for performing the operation of the transmissive photoelectric sensor 6 and outputting the detection signal may be configured to include the function as the control unit 8.

  The workpiece supply apparatus 1 configured as described above can be used as follows. The description will be made with reference to FIG.

  First, the workpiece | work W used as supply object is thrown into the storage part 31, and the voltage of a predetermined frequency is applied to the vibration part 2 (refer FIG. 2). Thereby, a vibration including a vertical direction component and a torsional direction component is generated in the bowl 1, and by this vibration, the workpiece W of the storage unit 31 moves in the outer peripheral direction of the bowl 1 and enters the conveyance path 32. It starts to be transported along the transport path 32.

  As the workpiece W travels on the conveyance path 32, the posture of the workpiece W is corrected in a direction in which the longitudinal direction coincides with the conveyance direction and the flat direction is perpendicular to the conveyance surface 32a. The workpiece W is aligned in a direction in which the A surface Wa (see FIG. 3) abuts on the conveyance surface 32a by the first posture conversion unit R1 and the second posture conversion unit R2. If these functions are functioning correctly, in this state, there are two types of patterns: a positive direction in which the D surface Wd contacts the side wall 32b and a different direction in which the B surface Wb contacts.

  When the workpiece W reaches the detection position 6x in the third posture conversion unit R3, the ascending gradient of the conveyance surface plate 71 (see FIG. 5) is set more gently than the upstream side at the location. W is in a state of being separated from the subsequent one.

  Further, when the workpiece W is in the positive direction at the detection position 6x, the transmission photoelectric sensor 6 generates a detection signal of the intermediate level L2. Based on this detection signal, specifically, on condition that the detection signal falls below the first threshold value Lt1 and the time T1 has passed in that state (see FIG. 9), the control unit 8 detects that the workpiece W is at the detection position 6x. It is determined that the first electromagnetic valve 42 exists in the positive direction, and a command is given to turn on the first electromagnetic valve 42 until the time Tc1 elapses. By doing so, the pressure air from the first air supply source 42 is ejected from the air nozzle 41 as the acceleration air ejection section for a short time, and the workpiece W is temporarily accelerated. At this time, due to the effect of the ascending gradient of the conveying surface plate 71 (see FIG. 5) being moderate, it is separated from the subsequent workpiece W. It is possible to apply the pressure air Ac to the air and effectively accelerate it. Thus, by temporarily accelerating the workpiece W in the positive direction, the workpiece W can be largely separated from the succeeding workpiece W, and a space for rotating the workpiece W when the succeeding workpiece W is in a different direction. Can be obtained.

  When the workpiece W is in a different direction at the detection position 6x, the transmission photoelectric sensor 6 generates a detection signal at a low level L0. Based on this detection signal, specifically, only when the detection signal falls below the second threshold value Lt2 (see FIG. 9), the control unit 8 causes the workpiece W to be present at the detection position 6x in a different direction. A command is given to turn on the second solenoid valve 52 until the time Tc2 elapses. By doing so, the pressure air from the second air supply source 52 is ejected from the air ejection hole 51 for a short time, and the rear part in the conveyance direction of the workpiece W is rotated forward in the conveyance direction. At this time, since the ascending gradient of the conveying surface plate 71 (see FIG. 5) is moderate, it is separated from the succeeding workpiece W, so that it interferes with the succeeding workpiece W when rotating. Therefore, it is possible to smoothly change the posture. In addition, the workpiece W that has passed the detection position 6x previously has already moved forward by the acceleration means 4 when it is in the positive direction, and is rotated by the attitude conversion means 5 when it is in the opposite direction. In addition, since the distance is further increased in combination with the effect of the gentle ascending gradient of the conveyance surface plate 71 (see FIG. 5), any posture is possible. Even so, a space for the subsequent work W to rotate is formed rearward. Therefore, in order to change the posture of the workpiece W in a different direction, it is possible to appropriately change the posture to be in the positive direction without overlapping such as overlapping with the workpiece W in front.

  As described above, the work W that has passed through the third posture conversion unit R3 is inspected by the first to third inspection / exclusion units E1 to E3 to determine whether or not it is in a predetermined posture, and is determined to be different. In such a case, it is removed from the transport path 32 and returned to the storage unit 31. The workpiece W that has passed through the first to third inspection / exclusion units E1 to E3 and has been confirmed to be in a predetermined positive orientation is supplied toward the supply destination.

  As described above, the workpiece supply apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment is a workpiece supply apparatus 1 that transports workpieces W while aligning the workpieces W along the conveyance path 32 and supplies the workpieces to a supply destination, and is set in the conveyance path 32. Detecting means 6 for detecting a state in which the workpiece W is present in the positive direction and a state in which the workpiece W is present in a different direction and outputting a detection signal corresponding to each of the states; Accelerating means 4 for temporarily accelerating the workpiece W provided near the detection position 6x, and a rear portion in the conveyance direction of the workpiece W provided near the detection position 6x facing forward in the conveyance direction and with respect to the conveyance direction And a posture change means 5 for changing the posture of the workpiece W by rotating around a vertical axis, and a control portion 8 for controlling the acceleration means 4 and the posture change means 5. However, By controlling the acceleration means 4 and the attitude changing means 5 based on the detection signal from the means 6, when the work W that has reached the predetermined detection position 6x is in the positive direction, the work W is accelerated. If the direction is different, the posture of the workpiece W is changed.

  Since it is configured in this manner, the arrival of the workpiece W at the predetermined detection position 6x and the posture at that time are detected, and the workpiece W in the opposite direction rotates by rotating the rear part in the conveyance direction forward in the conveyance direction. While changing the posture in the positive direction, the workpiece W can be separated from the succeeding workpiece W, and the workpiece W in the positive direction can be separated from the succeeding workpiece W by being accelerated. By doing this, when changing the posture of the workpiece W in a different direction, a space for always allowing forward rotation is ensured. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently suppress the overlapping of the workpieces W. Therefore, it is possible to improve the supply efficiency when aligning and supplying the workpieces W in the forward direction.

  Further, the detection means 6 is a single sensor, outputs the detection signal at a high level L1 corresponding to the state where the workpiece W does not exist at the detection position 6x, and the workpiece W exists in the positive direction. The detection signal is output at a level corresponding to a state that exists and a state that exists in a different direction, so that the same detection signal is output at least among the high level L1, the low level L0, and the intermediate level L2 according to the state of the workpiece W. In addition, the control unit 8 recognizes that the level L2 has been reached when determining the state corresponding to the detection signal of the intermediate level L2. From the condition that the predetermined time T1 has elapsed while maintaining the intermediate level L2, and when determining the state corresponding to the low level L0, the level L0 has been reached. Therefore, it is possible to easily perform control while judging the three states using the output of the single sensor 6 and reduce the cost of the apparatus. In addition, when determining that the state corresponds to the intermediate level L2, the passage of the predetermined time T1 is a condition, so that it is not confused with the state corresponding to the low level L0. Thus, it is possible to determine the state of the workpiece W and to appropriately perform the operation.

  The detection means 6 is a transmissive photoelectric sensor including a light projecting unit 61 and a light receiving unit 62, and outputs a signal corresponding to the amount of light detected by the light receiving unit 62 as the detection signal. The light projecting unit 61 and the light receiving unit 62 are provided so as to face each other across the conveyance path 32 of the work W, and the work W passing on the conveyance path 32 is received from the light projecting unit 61 by the light receiving unit. Since at least a part of the detection light reaching 62 is shielded, a detection signal whose output level changes according to the position and shape of the workpiece W can be obtained. It becomes possible to do.

  In addition, when the workpiece W is arranged on the lower side or the upper side of the specific surface Wa, an opening W1 that is opened up and down is formed on either one of two opposing side surfaces, and the specific surface Wa When the work W arrives at the detection position 6x in a positive orientation while contacting the transport surface 32a, a part of the detection light from the light projecting unit 61 passes through the opening W1 and receives the light. 62, and when the detection surface 6x reaches the detection position 6x in a different orientation while the specific surface Wa is in contact with the transport surface 32a, the detection light from the light projecting unit 61 is in contact with the light receiving unit 62. Since the light projecting unit 61 and the light receiving unit 62 are arranged so as to be in a positional relationship in which almost all of the light is shielded by the opening W1, detection is performed by the opening W1 provided on one of the side surfaces of the workpiece W. The light projecting unit 61 is positioned so that a part of the light passes therethrough. By arranging the optical portion 62, it becomes possible to obtain a detection signal which changes the output level depending on the orientation of the workpiece W suitably.

  The acceleration means 4 ejects the pressure air Ac toward the work W at the detection position 6x from the rear to the front in the transport direction, and the first air supply source 43 that supplies the pressure air Ac. And a first electromagnetic valve 42 that switches between a communication state and a non-communication state between the acceleration air ejection part 41 and the first air supply source 43, and the posture changing means 5 is substantially orthogonal to the transport surface 32a. An attitude changing air ejection part 51 that ejects pressure air Ac to the rear side surface of the workpiece W at the detection position 6x provided on the side wall 32b side, a second air supply source 53 that supplies the pressure air Ac, and the attitude Since the second electromagnetic valve 52 that switches the communication air ejection part 51 and the second air supply source 53 between communication and non-communication is provided, the acceleration means 4 and the attitude conversion are provided. The stage 5 is realized with a simple configuration using the pressure air Ac and the electromagnetic valves 42 and 52, and can be controlled with good accuracy and accuracy, so that the workpiece W is appropriately subjected to a desired acceleration or posture change operation. It becomes possible.

  Since the upward gradient θ1 of the transport path 32a in the vicinity of the detection position 6x is set to be gentler than at least the upward slope θ0 of the transport path 32a on the upstream side in the transport direction from the vicinity of the detection position 6x. In the vicinity of the position 6x, the transfer speed of the workpiece W increases, the interval between the workpieces W that are continuously transferred increases, and the posture change and acceleration operations are performed more accurately without being affected by the subsequent workpiece W. It becomes possible to make it.

  The specific configuration of each unit is not limited to the above-described embodiment.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the workpiece feeding apparatus is configured as a bowl feeder type workpiece feeding path in which the movement path of the workpiece W is spiral. However, the linear feeder type feeding in which the conveyance path of the workpiece W is linearly formed. It can also be configured as a device.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, in order to change the posture of the workpiece W, the rear part in the transport direction is rotated forward about the axis perpendicular to the transport surface 32a. However, when the detection position 6x is reached. In accordance with the posture of the workpiece W and the posture intended at the time of supply, an air ejection hole 51 as an air ejection portion for posture conversion is provided in the transport surface 32a and is configured to rotate about an axis perpendicular to the side wall 32b. It is also possible. Moreover, if it is provided on both the conveyance surface 32a and the side wall 32b and is used properly according to the workpiece W, it is possible to handle different types of workpieces W with one workpiece supply device.

  In the above-described embodiment, the transmissive photoelectric sensor 6 is used as the workpiece W detection means. However, a detection signal that changes according to the posture of the workpiece W can be obtained by using a reflective photoelectric sensor. Can be suitably used. Furthermore, as long as the position of the workpiece W can be detected and the posture can be detected by capturing the characteristics of each surface of the workpiece W, not only a photoelectric sensor but also a fiber sensor, a proximity sensor, a laser sensor, etc. The same configuration can be achieved by using various sensors. In addition, by combining the image pickup means and the image recognition processing, it can be used as a detection means in place of the transmissive photoelectric sensor 6 and can be similarly configured using this.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the electromagnet 24 is used as a drive source for causing the vibration unit 2 to vibrate. However, the drive source may be in this form as long as the vibration frequency and the excitation force can be controlled. Not limited to. For example, it is possible to vibrate the vibration table 2 by attaching a piezoelectric element to the surface of the leaf springs 23 and 23 and applying a sinusoidal voltage to the piezoelectric element to cause periodic elongation.

  Other configurations can be variously modified without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Work supply apparatus 2 ... Excitation part 3 ... Bowl 4 ... Acceleration means 5 ... Vertical axis | shaft attitude | position conversion part (attitude | position conversion means)
6 ... Transmission type photoelectric sensor (detection means)
8 ... Control part 32 ... Conveyance path 32a ... Conveyance surface 32b ... Side wall 41 ... Air nozzle (acceleration air ejection part)
41a ... Air ejection hole 42 ... 1st solenoid valve 43 ... 1st air supply source 51 ... Air ejection hole (Air ejection part for attitude | position conversion)
52 ... 2nd solenoid valve 53 ... 2nd air supply source 61 ... Projection part 62 ... Light receiving part Ac ... Pressure air L0 ... (detection signal) low level L1 ... (detection signal) high level L2 ... (detection signal) ) Intermediate level W: Workpiece W1: Opening X: Transfer direction θ0: Gradient (of the conveyance surface upstream from the detection position) θ1: Gradient (of the conveyance surface at the detection position)

Claims (6)

A workpiece supply device that conveys workpieces while aligning them along a conveyance path and supplies them to a supply destination,
Detecting means for detecting a state in which the workpiece exists in the positive direction at a detection position set in the conveyance path and a state in which the workpiece exists in a different direction and outputting a detection signal corresponding to each of these states; ,
Accelerating means provided near the detection position for temporarily accelerating the workpiece;
A posture converting means that is provided in the vicinity of the detection position and converts the posture of the workpiece by rotating a rear portion in the conveyance direction of the workpiece forward in the conveyance direction and around an axis perpendicular to the conveyance direction;
A control unit that controls the acceleration unit and the posture conversion unit;
The control unit controls the acceleration unit and the posture conversion unit based on the detection signal from the detection unit, so that the workpiece that has reached a predetermined detection position is accelerated in the positive direction. The workpiece supply device is configured to change the posture of the workpiece when the direction is different. The detection means is a single sensor, outputs the detection signal at a low level or a high level corresponding to a state where no workpiece exists at the detection position, and a state where the workpiece exists in the positive direction; By outputting the detection signal at a level corresponding to a state existing in a different direction, the same detection signal is changed at at least three different output levels of a high level, a low level and an intermediate level according to the state of the workpiece. Output, while
When the control unit determines the state corresponding to the detection signal at the intermediate level, it recognizes that the level has been reached, and then a certain time elapses while maintaining the intermediate level. In addition, when determining the state corresponding to the low level or the high level, it is configured so that only the fact that the level has been recognized is recognized as a condition. Work supply device. The detection means is a transmissive photoelectric sensor composed of a light projecting unit and a light receiving unit, and outputs a signal corresponding to the amount of light detected by the light receiving unit as the detection signal,
The light projecting unit and the light receiving unit are provided so as to face each other across a transport path of the workpiece, and at least a part of the detection light that the work passing through the transport path reaches the light receiving unit from the light projecting unit The workpiece supply device according to claim 2, wherein the workpiece supply device is configured to shield the workpiece. When the workpiece has a specific surface disposed on the lower side or the upper side, an opening that is opened up and down is formed on either one of the two opposing side surfaces,
When the workpiece reaches the detection position in a positive posture while the specific surface is in contact with the conveyance surface, a part of the detection light from the light projecting unit passes through the opening and reaches the light receiving unit. In addition, the positional relationship in which almost all of the detection light from the light projecting unit is shielded with the light receiving unit when the specific surface is brought into contact with the conveyance surface and the detection position is reached in a different orientation. The work feeding apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the light projecting unit and the light receiving unit are arranged so as to be. The acceleration means ejects pressure air from the rear toward the front in the conveying direction with respect to the workpiece at the detection position, a first air supply source that supplies pressure air, and the acceleration air ejection part And a first solenoid valve that switches between communication and non-communication with the first air supply source,
The posture changing means is provided on the side wall side substantially orthogonal to the conveyance surface and jets pressure air to the rear side surface of the workpiece at the detection position, and a second air supply for supplying pressure air The work supply apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising a second electromagnetic valve that switches a communication state between a source, the posture changing air ejection portion, and the second air supply source.   6. The ascending gradient of the conveyance path in the vicinity of the detection position is set to be gentler than the ascending gradient of the conveyance path at least on the upstream side in the conveyance direction from the vicinity of the detection position. The workpiece supply device described in 1.

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