JP2015030543A - Part feeder - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a part feeder capable of converting all workpieces into a normal attitude by transporting the workpieces on a predetermined region regardless of whether the attitude of the all workpieces which are an approximately rectangular shape and have a centroid on a position eccentric to any one of opposite front surface and rear surface is the normal attitude or not immediately before reaching the predetermined region on a travel surface, and improving transport processing performance and attitude conversion processing performance.SOLUTION: A part feeder F has an attitude conversion part 1 which is configured to make the attitude of the workpiece a desired one of two attitudes by inclining by own weight, by passing of the workpiece having a centroid on a position eccentric to the rear surface side and is an approximately rectangular shape through a first groove 21, and converts the attitude of the workpiece into a normal attitude in which whole front surface is exposed in an upper part by inclining by own weight by passing of the workpiece through a second groove 31.

Description

  The present invention relates to a parts feeder capable of adjusting the transport posture of each transport object while transporting in a state where the transport object is supported on a traveling surface of a vibrating track.

  Conventionally, as a parts feeder that transports a workpiece such as a workpiece along a spiral or linear track, the posture of the workpiece to be transported along the traveling surface of the track is aligned and transported to the next process. Therefore, what is equipped with the apparatus which sorts | selects the attitude | position of a conveyance target object is known.

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses that an opening is formed on a traveling surface of a truck, a light beam is irradiated from the opening to a conveyance object conveyed along the traveling surface, and the object to be conveyed is determined by the amount of reflected light received A configuration for determining the posture of an object is disclosed. Further, in Patent Document 2, a light beam is irradiated from a position facing a traveling surface toward a predetermined regular reflection area of a conveyance object, and the conveyance object is correct based on the amount of reflected light received. A configuration is disclosed in which it is determined whether or not it is in a posture.

  While the transport object determined to be in the correct posture by such a configuration is transported to the downstream side as it is, for example, air is blown against the transport object determined to be not in the correct posture, for example, the track running surface It is set so that it is removed from the upstream side and transported again from the upstream side.

  In addition, a configuration is known in which a conveyance object that is determined to be not in a correct posture is converted into a correct posture by, for example, blowing air and inverting it on the traveling surface of a truck.

JP 2004-51280 A JP 2011-184160 A

  However, all of the configurations described in the above-mentioned patent documents are a device that irradiates a conveyance object on a traveling surface from a predetermined position, a device that can detect reflected light, or a light that has both an irradiation function and a detection function. Mechanical devices and parts such as sensors are essential. Therefore, it can be said that the accuracy of posture selection processing of the conveyance object depends on the detection accuracy and mounting accuracy of each of these devices and sensors, and the cost increases.

  Furthermore, when a configuration is adopted in which air is blown away from the traveling surface determined to be not in the correct posture and removed from the traveling surface, or the posture is changed by reversing on the traveling surface, It is necessary to adjust the air blowing position and the amount of air blowout with high accuracy according to the weight, etc. There is a possibility that the object to be conveyed in a posture different from the correct posture may be further conveyed to the downstream side. In addition, it may be possible to set the transport speed of the transport object to be slow so that air can be reliably blown to the transport object that is determined to be not in the correct posture. The ability will also decline.

  In particular, when an air blowing hole for blowing air is formed on the travel surface, the object to be transferred that passes through the portion where the air blowing hole is formed is unexpectedly moved regardless of whether or not it is in a normal conveying posture. It is also assumed that the intended transport process cannot be performed.

  In addition, the conveyance object that is determined to be not in the correct posture is blown off by the air and removed from the traveling surface, and the conveyance object is temporarily returned to the upstream side in the conveyance direction from the region where the posture determination process is performed (posture determination region). If the configuration in which the posture determination process is performed again in the order of arrival in the posture determination region is employed, unless the object to be conveyed is in the correct posture before reaching the posture determination region, The posture determination process for the conveyance target object is repeated, which may cause a decrease in the conveyance processing capability and the determination processing capability.

  In addition, a notch is formed on the running surface, and the portion where the notch is formed is defined as a posture determination region having a narrower width than other travel surfaces, and the object to be transferred depends on whether the center of gravity of the object to be transferred deviates from the posture determination region. A configuration is also known in which the posture of an object is selected, and when the center of gravity of the object to be transported deviates from the posture determination area, the object to be transported is returned to the upstream side of the posture determination area and transported to the posture determination area again. Yes. However, even with such a configuration, as long as the center of gravity of the conveyance object does not pass through the posture determination area in a posture that does not deviate from the posture determination area, the selection process of the conveyance object is repeated, and again the conveyance processing It can lead to a decrease in capacity and sorting capacity.

  Here, some of the objects to be conveyed have a center of gravity at the center thereof, and some of the objects to be conveyed are located at a position close to either the front surface or the back surface where the center of gravity faces (directly facing). The problem as described above may occur when all the objects to be transported are transported regardless of the position of the center of gravity.

  The present invention relates to a parts feeder that aligns a posture while transporting a substantially rectangular parallelepiped transport object having a center of gravity at a position close to either the front surface or the back surface facing each other, and has been made paying attention to the problems described above. The main purpose is to use a mechanical device or form an air outlet hole on the running surface to determine the posture of a substantially rectangular parallelepiped conveyance object having a center of gravity different from the original center of gravity. It is an object of the present invention to provide a parts feeder that can be converted into a normal posture in a predetermined area of a track and can improve the processing capability for aligning the conveying posture, and thus improve the conveying processing capability.

  That is, the parts feeder of the present invention includes a track having a traveling surface that supports the object to be conveyed, and a vibration means that conveys the object to be conveyed in a predetermined conveying direction on the traveling surface by vibrating the track. The object can be converted into a normal posture by a posture conversion unit formed in a predetermined region on the running surface. Here, the object to be transported in the present invention has a substantially cuboid shape and has a center of gravity at a position close to one of the front and back surfaces facing each other. And in the parts feeder of the present invention, the posture that the surface farther from the center of gravity of the front surface or the back surface is exposed upward is defined as the normal posture, and the conveyance object is converted into the normal posture by the posture conversion unit. There is a configuration described below.

  In the parts feeder of the present invention, at least one of the front surface and the back surface of the transport object being transported is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the travel surface at least upstream of the posture conversion unit in the transport direction. Any one other than the front surface and the back surface of the transport object being transported and inclined 90 degrees or substantially 90 degrees with respect to the upstream first travel surface. It is set to the upstream traveling surface which has the upstream 2nd traveling surface which can face and contact one surface. Here, the upstream traveling surface is not L-shaped in the vertical cross section extending over the upstream first traveling surface and the upstream second traveling surface, but the upstream first traveling surface and the upstream first traveling surface. It is preferable that the two running surfaces are set to be inclined surfaces facing diagonally upward to be V-shaped or substantially V-shaped.

  And the parts feeder which concerns on this invention is the attitude | position provided with the 1st attitude | position conversion part and the 2nd attitude | position conversion part provided in the downstream rather than the 1st attitude | position conversion part in the conveyance direction in the predetermined area | region on a driving | running | working surface. A conversion part is formed.

  A 1st attitude | position conversion part has the 1st groove | channel formed ranging over the 1st traveling surface and 2nd traveling surface which are respectively continuous with an upstream 1st traveling surface and an upstream 2nd traveling surface. In the present invention, the opening width of the first groove in the vertical longitudinal section straddling the first traveling surface and the second traveling surface is longer than the short side of the object to be transported in the same longitudinal section and transported in the same longitudinal section. It is set shorter than the long side of the object.

  Here, the “short side of the object to be transported” means that a front surface or a back surface is in contact with the upstream first travel surface on the upstream travel surface, and a surface other than the front surface or the back surface is on the upstream second travel surface. A surface that is in contact with the upstream second traveling surface when the transported object transported in the contacted posture is viewed in a vertical longitudinal section across the upstream first traveling surface and the upstream second traveling surface. This is a line segment (side) corresponding to (a surface other than the front surface or the back surface). Similarly, the “long side of the transport object” is the same when the transport object on the upstream travel surface is viewed in a vertical longitudinal section straddling the upstream first travel surface and the upstream second travel surface. These are line segments (sides) corresponding to the front or back surface that is in contact with the upstream first traveling surface.

  And the 1st attitude | position conversion which has such a 1st groove | channel is the one where the attitude | position of the conveyance target object just before reaching the 1st groove | channel is a far side from a gravity center among a front surface or a back surface in an upstream 1st running surface. When the first posture is in contact with the surface, the entire surface that has been in contact with the upstream second traveling surface among the conveyance objects that have reached the first groove is dropped and accommodated in the first groove. By locating the center of gravity of the object to be transported on the vertical line passing through the center of the first groove in the longitudinal section or on the second running surface side from the vertical line, from the first posture to the center of gravity of the front surface or the back surface The object to be transported immediately before reaching the first groove is converted into a posture in which the near surface is brought into contact with the second traveling surface and the surface of the front surface or the back surface that is far from the center of gravity is exposed obliquely upward. The posture of the object is at the center of gravity of the front or back surface on the upstream first traveling surface. In the second posture in which the other surface is brought into contact, the entire surface that has been in contact with the second traveling surface on the upstream side of the conveyance object that has reached the first groove is dropped into the first groove. By housing, the center of gravity of the object to be transported is positioned closer to the first traveling surface than the vertical line, so that the surface closer to the center of gravity is contacted with the first traveling surface and the front surface or the back surface. The second posture in which the surface far from the center of gravity is exposed obliquely upward is maintained.

  That is, in the parts feeder of the present invention, the posture of the conveyance object on the upstream conveyance surface provided on the upstream side in the conveyance direction with respect to the first posture conversion unit is the center of gravity of the front surface or the back surface on the upstream first traveling surface. Is limited to either the first posture in which the surface farther from the surface is in contact, or the second posture in which the surface closer to the center of gravity of the front surface or the back surface is in contact with the upstream first traveling surface, Since the opening width of the first groove is set to be larger than the short side of the conveyance target in the longitudinal section as described above, the first groove is in contact with the upstream second running surface until just before reaching the first groove. The surface (any one of the four surfaces other than the front surface or the back surface) is accommodated in the first groove without contacting the second traveling surface. Then, any one of the four surfaces other than the front surface or the back surface is accommodated in the first groove, so that the conveyance object is stabilized by the upstream first traveling surface and the upstream second traveling surface. The supported state is once released.

  And since the conveyance object of the parts feeder which concerns on this invention is a conveyance object which has a gravity center in the position which approached any one of the front surface or the back surface side, the upstream first traveling surface and the upstream side The transport object released from the support state by the second traveling surface is naturally positioned such that the surface closer to the center of gravity of the front surface or the back surface is lower than the surface farther from the center of gravity of the front surface or the back surface. Try to tilt to the side.

  Therefore, when the transport object in the first posture in which the surface farther from the center of gravity is in contact with the first traveling surface on the upstream side reaches the first groove, the center of gravity is the first in the longitudinal section. By being on the vertical line passing through the center of the groove or on the second running surface side from the vertical line, the object to be conveyed tilts in a direction to bring the surface closer to the center of gravity of the front surface or the back surface closer to the second running surface side. (Rotate), from the first posture, the surface of the front surface or the back surface that is closer to the center of gravity is brought into contact with the second traveling surface, and the surface of the front surface or the back surface that is far from the center of gravity is obliquely upward It will be converted to the posture that was exposed.

  Further, when the transport object in the second posture in which the surface closer to the center of gravity of the front surface or the back surface contacts the upstream first traveling surface reaches the first groove, the center of gravity is the first groove in the longitudinal section. The object to be transported tilts (rotates) in a direction in which the surface closer to the center of gravity of the front surface or the back surface is closer to the first traveling surface side than the vertical line passing through the center of the first traveling surface side. However, since the surface near the center of gravity of the front surface or the back surface is already in contact with the first running surface when the first groove is reached, the surface near the center of gravity of the front surface or the back surface is Tilt in the direction approaching the first traveling surface side is restricted, and as a result, the back surface is brought into contact with the first traveling surface, and the surface of the front surface or the back surface that is far from the center of gravity is exposed obliquely upward. The second posture will be maintained.

  Furthermore, in the parts feeder according to the present invention, the second posture conversion unit is formed across the first traveling surface and the second traveling surface, and the opening width in the longitudinal section is longer than the long side in the longitudinal section of the conveyance object. The second groove is set to be larger, the contact state between the transport object that has reached the second groove and the first travel surface and the second travel surface is released, and the transport object is placed in a normal posture (front surface or back surface). (The posture in which the surface farther from the center of gravity is exposed upward) is applied.

  Thus, in the present invention, since the opening width in the longitudinal section of the second groove is set to be larger than the long side in the longitudinal section of the conveyance object, the front surface or the back surface passes through the first groove. The object close to the center of gravity is in contact with the second running surface and the front or back surface of the surface farther from the center of gravity is exposed obliquely upward. In this case, the contact surface between the front surface or the back surface that is closer to the center of gravity and the second traveling surface is released, so that the transport object has a front surface or the back surface that is closer to the center of gravity. It naturally tilts to a lower posture, and is converted into a normal posture in which the surface farther from the center of gravity of the front or back surface is exposed upward.

  Further, by passing through the first groove, the conveying object in the second posture in which the back surface is brought into contact with the first traveling surface and the surface farthest from the center of gravity or the back surface is exposed obliquely upward. When the object reaches the second groove, the contact state between the surface near the center of gravity of the front surface or the back surface and the first traveling surface is released, so that the object to be conveyed is the front surface or the back surface. The surface closer to the center of gravity naturally tilts to a lower position, and is converted into a normal posture in which the surface of the front or back surface that is far from the center of gravity is exposed upward.

  As described above, if the parts feeder according to the present invention, the entire surface including the short side of the object to be transported (the entire surface other than the front surface or the back surface) can be accommodated. The first posture conversion unit having a first groove set to an opening width that cannot accommodate the entire front surface or the entire back surface including the long side of the conveyance object, and the entire front surface including the long side of the conveyance object Alternatively, the posture changing unit is configured using the second posture changing unit having the second groove set to the opening width capable of accommodating the entire back surface, and the center of gravity position is on either the front side or the back side. Since it is set to change its posture by tilting the transport object itself, the device that irradiates the transport object on the traveling surface from a predetermined position, a device that can detect reflected light, or an irradiation function And mechanics such as optical sensors with detection functions This is advantageous in terms of cost, and requires no equipment or parts, and the posture of the transported object that has reached the posture changer is in a normal posture without being affected by the detection accuracy and mounting accuracy of the mechanical device. Therefore, it is possible to improve the processing capability for aligning the transport posture, and thus improve the transport processing capability.

  Furthermore, the parts feeder of the present invention provided with the posture changing unit described above can be removed from the running surface by blowing air on the object to be transported that has been determined not to be in the correct posture, or reversed on the running surface. If a configuration that changes the posture is adopted, the required severe conditions, that is, the air blowing position and the amount of blowing must be adjusted with high accuracy according to the shape and weight of the object to be conveyed. It is possible to physically convert the object to be transported to the normal posture with the characteristic shape of the running surface without any conditions being imposed, and the labor and burden required to ensure proper posture conversion processing. Can be reduced.

  In particular, when an air blowing hole for blowing air is formed on the travel surface, the object to be transferred that passes through the portion where the air blowing hole is formed is unexpectedly moved regardless of whether or not it is in a normal conveying posture. However, in the present invention, it is not necessary to form the blowout holes, and the posture changing unit having the first groove and the second groove can prevent the object to be conveyed. Since the posture is converted to a normal posture, and both the first groove and the second groove are formed across the first traveling surface and the second traveling surface, It can be easily understood that unlike a blowout hole that seems to be present, a situation in which the object to be conveyed is unexpectedly caught in the first groove or the second groove can hardly occur or is extremely unlikely.

  In addition, if the parts feeder according to the present invention is used, the conveyance object passing through the first groove and the second groove itself by utilizing the unbalance that the center of gravity position of the conveyance object is shifted from the center portion. Since it is configured so that it falls down and finally becomes a normal posture, the posture conversion efficiency does not vary depending on the conveyance speed of the conveyance target, and even when the conveyance target is set relatively fast, It is possible to change the posture of all the conveyance objects that pass through the conversion unit, and it is possible to avoid a decrease in conveyance processing capacity due to setting the conveyance speed to be slow.

  Further, in the parts feeder according to the present invention, the conveyance object on the upstream traveling surface is brought into contact with the upstream first traveling surface while facing either the front surface or the back surface, and the upstream second traveling surface. In this configuration, one of the four surfaces other than the front surface or the back surface is brought into contact with the surface, and all the conveyance objects that have reached the posture conversion unit in that posture are converted into a normal posture. The conveyance object determined to be not is blown off by air and removed from the traveling surface, and the conveyance object once returned to the upstream side in the conveyance direction from the region where the posture determination process is performed is conveyed again to the posture determination region, and the posture is determined. Whether the center of gravity of the object to be transported deviates from the posture determination region, with the mode for performing the discrimination processing, or a notch formed on the traveling surface, and the portion where the notch is formed as a posture determination region narrower than the other traveling surfaces Depending on whether or not to convey If the posture is determined, and the center of gravity of the transport object deviates from the posture determination area, the problem occurs if the transport object is returned to the upstream side of the posture determination area and transported to the posture determination area again. That is, as long as the posture determination area is not reached in a desired posture, the posture determination process can be repeated many times to solve the problem that the processing ability to align the transport posture and the decrease in the transport processing capability can be caused.

  The present invention has either a configuration in which the first groove of the first posture changing unit and the second groove of the second posture changing unit are made continuous in the transport direction, or a configuration in which the first groove and the second groove are not made continuous in the transport direction. However, the former configuration, that is, the first groove and the second groove are transported in the transport direction in terms of shortening the time required to change the posture of the transport object that has reached the first groove to the normal posture. It is desirable to have a continuous configuration.

  As specific examples of the parts feeder of the present invention, a linear type part feeder (linear feeder) capable of transporting a transport object along a linear track, or a transport object can be transported along a spiral track. A bowl type parts feeder (bowl feeder) can be mentioned. In particular, if the above-described posture changing unit is applied to a bowl feeder that forms a spiral track along the inward surface of the peripheral wall, either the first traveling surface or the second traveling surface is directed inward of the peripheral wall. It can be formed using the surface.

  According to the present invention, the parts feeder for aligning the posture while transporting a substantially rectangular parallelepiped transport object having a center of gravity at a position close to either the front surface or the back surface facing each other is the first groove having the shape described above. And it is the composition provided with the posture change part which formed the 2nd groove in the position which straddles the 1st running surface and the 2nd running surface, respectively, and the conveyance subject which reached the 1st groove and the 2nd groove naturally tilts, By setting it to be in a normal posture to fall, without using a mechanical device or forming an air outlet hole on the running surface, it is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped transport with a center of gravity at a position different from the original center of gravity position Provided is a parts feeder that can smoothly convert the posture of an object into a normal posture in a predetermined area of a track, and can improve the processing capability to align the conveying posture, and thus improve the conveying processing capability.

The top view of the parts feeder which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. Schematic which looked at the workpiece | work in the embodiment from the front side. Schematic which looked at the workpiece | work in the embodiment from the back surface side. The figure which shows the gravity center position of a workpiece | work in the state seen from the A direction of FIG. The aa line end surface schematic diagram in FIG. The figure which shows the workpiece | work conveyed in a 1st attitude | position on the upstream running surface in the same embodiment in the cc line end surface schematic diagram of FIG. The figure which shows typically the workpiece | work immediately after reaching | attaining the 1st attitude | position conversion part in the 1st attitude | position in the embodiment corresponding to the principal part enlarged view of FIG. The figure which shows typically the workpiece | work tilted in a predetermined direction by the 1st attitude | position conversion part in the same embodiment corresponding to FIG. The figure which shows typically the workpiece | work further inclined rather than the state of FIG. 8 in the predetermined direction in the 1st attitude | position conversion part in the same embodiment. The figure which shows typically the workpiece | work which changed the attitude | position from the 1st attitude | position to the 3rd attitude | position in the 1st attitude | position conversion part in the same embodiment corresponding to FIG. The figure which shows typically the workpiece | work conveyed in a 2nd attitude | position on the upstream running surface in the embodiment corresponding to FIG. The figure which shows typically the workpiece | work with which the 2nd attitude | position was hold | maintained in the 1st attitude | position conversion part immediately after reaching | attaining the 1st attitude | position conversion part in the embodiment corresponding to FIG. The bb line end surface schematic diagram in FIG. The figure which shows typically the workpiece | work immediately after arrived at the 2nd attitude | position conversion part in the 3rd attitude | position in the same embodiment corresponding to the principal part enlarged view of FIG. The figure which shows typically the workpiece | work which changed the attitude | position from the 3rd attitude | position to the normal attitude | position in the 2nd attitude | position conversion part in the same embodiment corresponding to FIG. The figure which shows typically the workpiece | work immediately after reaching | attaining the 2nd attitude | position conversion part in the 2nd attitude | position in the same embodiment corresponding to FIG. The figure which shows typically the workpiece | work which changed the attitude | position from the 2nd attitude | position to the normal attitude | position in the 2nd attitude | position conversion part in the embodiment corresponding to FIG. Operation | movement explanatory drawing of the workpiece | work which carries out attitude | position conversion from a 1st attitude | position to the 3rd attitude | position in the 1st attitude | position conversion part in the embodiment.

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

  As shown in FIG. 1, the parts feeder F according to the present embodiment includes a track T having a running surface that supports the object to be conveyed, and the object to be conveyed is vibrated by vibrating the track T by vibration means (not shown). W can be transported along a traveling surface in a predetermined transport direction.

  In the present embodiment, the workpiece W shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 is applied as the conveyance object. As shown in FIG. 4 (the figure is a view taken in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 2), the workpiece W is a direction in which the front surface W1 and the back surface W2 face each other (in this embodiment, this direction is the thickness of the workpiece W). In the direction or the height direction), it is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape having a center of gravity WG at a position close to either the front surface W1 or the back surface W2. 2 and 3 show a workpiece W mainly composed of a rectangular parallelepiped case W5 (for example, made of ceramic) in which a recess W4 opened only on the front surface W1 is formed, and the recess W4 is filled with a synthetic resin W6.

  On the front surface W1 of the workpiece W, a synthetic resin W6 filled in the recess W4 and a case W5 surrounding the synthetic resin W6 are exposed. On the back surface W2 of the workpiece W, the synthetic resin W6 is exposed. The case W5 is exposed without taking it out. And since such a workpiece | work W has a larger specific gravity (heavy) than the raw material which forms the case W5 in the raw material with which the recessed part W4 is filled, as shown in FIG. It is located closer to the back surface W2 side of the workpiece W than the center WC of W. In particular, in the present embodiment, since the opening center of the recess W4 that opens to the front surface W1 coincides with or substantially coincides with the center of the front surface W1, the center of gravity WG of the workpiece W is the back surface as shown in FIG. It can be said that it is near the center of W2. The opening depth and the opening shape of the recess W4 can be set to appropriate values and shapes. When the material forming the case W5 has a smaller specific gravity (lighter) than the material filled in the recess W4, the center of gravity WG of the workpiece W is closer to the front surface W1 side of the workpiece W than the center WC of the workpiece W. In the following description, it is assumed that the center of gravity WG of the workpiece W is located at the position shown in FIG. 4, that is, near the center of the back surface W2.

  In the present embodiment, a workpiece W including a rectangular parallelepiped case W5 in which a plan view shape (bottom view shape) is a square or a substantially square shape is applied. Accordingly, among the six surfaces forming the outer surface of the case W5, the shapes of the four surfaces other than the front surface W1 and the back surface W2 facing in the thickness direction or the height direction are all the same or substantially the same rectangle or substantially rectangular shape. None, these four surfaces will be described as side surfaces W3 of the workpiece W below. That is, the workpiece W of the present embodiment has a rectangular or substantially rectangular shape when viewed from the side. In the present embodiment, the workpiece W is used in which the distance (thickness dimension or height dimension) between the front surface W1 and the back surface W2 is set shorter than the distance between the opposing (facing) side surfaces W3. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 4, in the side view of the workpiece W, the short side WS that is a line segment that connects the front surface W1 and the back surface W2, and the long side WL that is a line segment that connects the opposing side surfaces W3. And can be distinguished. In the following description, the “short side WS” and “long side WL” of the workpiece W indicate the short side WS and the long side WL.

  In addition, although not shown in figure, although the terminal is attached to the predetermined part of case W5 among the workpiece | work W of this embodiment, the presence of these terminals is the front surface W1, the back surface W2, and the side surface of the workpiece W. Since the smoothness of W3 is not greatly affected, the following description will be made on the assumption that all six surfaces of the workpiece W, the front surface W1, the back surface W2, and the side surface W3, are smooth or substantially smooth. The weight of the terminal itself affects the center of gravity WG of the workpiece W. In this embodiment, the terminal is attached to, for example, a portion of the case W extending over the side surface W3 and the back surface W2.

  The parts feeder F according to the present embodiment includes a bowl B that accommodates, aligns, and conveys (feeds) the workpiece W, and a vibration that is generated below the bowl B that is disposed below the bowl B and includes the track T. It is configured as a torsional vibration part feeder provided with vibration means (not shown), so-called bowl feeder.

  The bowl B includes a track T extending in a spiral shape provided on an inward surface of the peripheral wall, and conveys the workpiece W along the track T by vibration applied from a vibration means. The vibration means is, for example, a piezoelectric oscillation type disposed below the bowl B. Of course, an electromagnetic oscillation type may be applied as the vibration means. In the parts feeder F of the present embodiment, the vibrating means is arranged in a state where an appropriate vibration isolating unit is interposed on a stage (not shown). And in order to convey the workpiece | work W, adjusting the attitude | position, the high frequency torsional vibration is generated with respect to the bowl B. FIG. As a result, the workpiece W stored in the bowl B is conveyed along the track T counterclockwise in plan view.

  A large number of workpieces W are accommodated on the bottom surface B1 of the bowl B, and a track T having a starting point TS at the peripheral edge portion of the bottom surface B1 is formed along the peripheral wall B2 of the bowl B in a spiral shape that is inclined. In the present embodiment, a linear feeder (not shown) having a linear track continuous with the end point TE of the track T is connected to the bowl feeder F. Among the tracks T, a downwardly inclined track T1 that starts from the starting point TS and is slightly inclined downward toward the outside of the radial direction, a component of the conveying force that is directed to the outside due to the torsional vibration received by the workpiece W and the downwardly inclined track. Due to the inclination of T1, the workpiece W is conveyed while being in contact with the peripheral wall B2. A notch or groove (not shown) for narrowing the width of the downward inclined track T1 is formed in the middle of the downward inclined track T1, and the downward inclined track T1 is spread over the entire width of the downward inclined track T1 and conveyed by these notched portions and grooves. Among the workpieces W, the workpiece W on the inner circumference side or the workpiece W with the center of gravity WG off from the downward inclined track T1 is returned to the bottom surface B1, and the outer periphery of the workpieces W conveyed across the downward inclined track T1 with a full width. The work W on the side and the work W having the center of gravity WG on the downward inclined track T1 can be conveyed downstream. An early exit gate G is provided in the middle of the downwardly inclined track T1. The quick exit gate G is not used in a steady state, and is used to quickly take out the workpiece W remaining on the bottom surface B1 at the end of the work. On the downstream side of the quick exit gate G, an alignment track T2 having a substantially V-shaped running surface is formed.

  The V-shaped alignment track T2 has a first traveling surface T21 inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to a horizontal or substantially horizontal surface, and is inclined 90 degrees or substantially 90 degrees with respect to the first traveling surface T21. And a second traveling surface T22 that can face and come into contact with any one side surface W3 of the workpiece W being conveyed. Then, a narrow portion (not shown) in which the width of the traveling surface T22 is narrowed is formed in a predetermined region of the second traveling surface T22 of the alignment track T2 along the conveying direction, and the front surface W1 or the back surface of the workpiece W is formed. Only a workpiece W in a transporting posture in which any one of the surfaces W2 faces and contacts the first traveling surface T21 and any one side surface W3 of the workpiece W contacts and contacts the second traveling surface T22. It is set so as to be conveyed downstream from the narrow portion. In the alignment track T2, the work W is brought into contact with the first traveling surface T21 with either one of the front surface W1 or the back surface W2 and one of the side surfaces W3 is the second surface W3. The posture is adjusted to be in contact with the traveling surface T22 and further conveyed downstream. Here, among the first traveling surface T21 and the second traveling surface T22 of the V-shaped alignment track T2, the first traveling surface T21 and the second traveling surface T22 on the downstream side of the narrow portion are respectively in the present invention. A traveling surface that corresponds to the “upstream first traveling surface TA1” and the “upstream second traveling surface TA2” and that includes these “upstream first traveling surface TA1” and “upstream second traveling surface TA2” is the present invention. Corresponds to the “upstream travel surface TA”.

  In the bowl feeder F according to the present embodiment, the workpiece W that has reached this region is arranged on the downstream side of the alignment track T2, more specifically, on the upstream running surface TA, and the front surface W1 or the back surface W2. A normal posture (r) in which the surface farther from the center of gravity WG (in this embodiment, the surface farther from the center of gravity WG is the front surface W1 as shown in FIGS. 2 to 4) is faced upward. Is provided with a posture conversion unit 1 (posture conversion track T3) that can be converted into

  The posture conversion unit 1 includes a first posture conversion unit 2 and a second posture conversion unit 3 provided on the downstream side in the transport direction from the first posture conversion unit 2.

  As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 5 (the figure is a schematic diagram of the end surface along the line aa in FIG. 1), the first posture conversion unit 2 is connected to the upstream first traveling surface TA1 and upstream of the upstream traveling surface TA. The first running surface 4 and the second running surface 5 that are formed across the first running surface 4 and the second running surface 5 that are continuous with the second side running surface TA2 and cut in the vertical direction, that is, the first running surface 4 and the second running surface. 5 has a first groove 21 in which the opening width in a vertical longitudinal section across 5 is set larger than the short side WS of the work W and smaller than the long side WL of the work W. As described above, the “short side WS” and the “long side WL” of the work W mean the short side WS and the long side WL when the work W is viewed from the side surface W3, respectively (see FIG. 4). Here, the “short side WS of the workpiece W” means that the front surface W1 or the back surface W2 is in contact with the upstream first travel surface TA1 on the upstream travel surface TA and the front surface W1 or the back surface W2 is in contact with the upstream second travel surface TA2. When the workpiece W conveyed in a posture in which the surface W3 other than the back surface W2 is in contact is captured by a vertical longitudinal section straddling the upstream first traveling surface TA1 and the upstream second traveling surface TA2, the upstream side first 2 A line segment (side) corresponding to the side W3 that is a surface in contact with the traveling surface TA2, that is, a surface other than the front surface W1 or the back surface W2. In addition, the “long side WL of the workpiece W” is obtained when the workpiece W on the upstream traveling surface TA is captured by a vertical longitudinal section straddling the upstream first traveling surface TA1 and the upstream second traveling surface TA2. These are line segments (sides) corresponding to the front surface W1 or the back surface W2 that are in contact with the upstream first traveling surface TA1.

  In addition, the inclination angles of the first traveling surface 4 and the second traveling surface 5 that form a part of the posture converting unit 1 are the upstream first traveling surface TA1 and the upstream second traveling surface TA2 of the upstream traveling surface TA. The inclination angles are the same or substantially the same. In the present embodiment, the first traveling surface 4 is formed using the inward surface of the peripheral wall of the bowl B. In the present embodiment, the first traveling surface 4 is set to an inclined surface that is steeper than the second traveling surface 5.

  Then, through the conveyance process until reaching the upstream travel surface TA, either the front surface W1 or the back surface W2 comes into contact with the upstream first travel surface TA1 on the upstream travel surface TA. As shown in FIG. 6 (the figure schematically shows the end surface of line cc in FIG. 1), the front surface of the workpiece W whose orientation has been adjusted is the surface farther from the center of gravity WG. In the case of the first posture (f) in which W1 is brought into contact with the upstream first traveling surface TA1, the first posture conversion unit 2 according to the present embodiment has its posture as shown in FIGS. The workpiece W that has reached the first groove 21 in (f) is converted into a third posture (t) in which the front surface W1 faces obliquely upward and conveyed downstream, and as shown in FIG. The back surface W2 in which the posture of the workpiece W immediately before reaching the point is the surface closer to the center of gravity WG When the second posture (s) is in contact with and in contact with the upstream first traveling surface TA1, as shown in FIG. 12, the workpiece W that has reached the first groove 21 in the posture (s) is in the second posture. (S) is further conveyed downstream.

  Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, the first groove 21 has a partial arc shape opened upward, and the opening edge 211 on the first traveling surface 4 side is changed to the opening edge on the second traveling surface 5 side. It is set higher than 212. In the present embodiment, the center 21C of the arc of the first groove 21 is defined as an intersection T24 between the lower ends of the first traveling surface 4 and the second traveling surface 5 (this intersection T24 is an imaginary intersection that does not actually exist). Yes, in FIG. 5, a non-existent surface of the first traveling surface 4 and the second traveling surface 5 is indicated by an imaginary line), and is set at a position slightly offset by a predetermined dimension on the second traveling surface 5 side. The lowest position of the first groove 21 is set to be lower than the intersection T24 between the lower ends of the first traveling surface 4 and the second traveling surface 5.

  The posture immediately before reaching the first groove 21 in which the opening width is set larger than the short side WS of the workpiece W and shorter than the long side WL is the first posture (f) shown in FIG. 6 or the second posture shown in FIG. When the workpiece W which is (s) reaches the first groove 21, at that time, any one side surface W3 of the workpiece W which has been in contact with the upstream second traveling surface TA2 until immediately before is the upstream second The entire side surface W3 enters (accommodates) the first groove 21 by its own weight without contacting the second traveling surface 5 continuous with the traveling surface TA2 (FIGS. 7 and 12). reference). Further, when the workpiece W in the first posture (f) or the second posture (s) reaches the first groove 21, the upstream side first traveling surface TA1 immediately before reaching the first groove 21 of the workpiece W. A part of the front surface W1 or the back surface W2 facing the whole enters the first groove 21 (accommodated).

  The workpiece W reaches the first groove 21 in the first posture (f) shown in FIG. 6 and, as shown in FIG. 7, any one side surface W3 that has been in contact with the upstream second traveling surface TA2 until just before. Is accommodated in the first groove 21, the center of gravity WG of the workpiece W is perpendicular to the center 21 </ b> C of the first groove 21 in the vertical longitudinal section straddling the first traveling surface 4 and the second traveling surface 5. By being on the second running surface 5 side from 21L (vertical line), as shown in FIG. 8, all four corners of the side surface W3 of the workpiece W or a plurality of locations out of the four corners are in contact with the first groove 21 Thus, the entire workpiece W tilts (rotates) in a direction in which the back surface W2 that is the surface closer to the center of gravity WG of the workpiece W approaches the second traveling surface 5. As a result, as shown in FIG. 9, the workpiece W is a surface farther from the center of gravity WG, the front surface W1 gradually or away from the first traveling surface 4, and the workpiece W is closer to the center of gravity WG. As shown in FIG. 10, a part of the back surface W2, which is the surface closer to the center of gravity WG, is finally brought into the second travel surface 5 as shown in FIG. The entire front surface W1, which is the surface facing and contacting the center of gravity WG, is converted into a third posture (t) that is exposed obliquely upward. Here, the change over time (tilt of the workpiece W) from the first posture (f) to the third posture (t) of the workpiece W in the first groove 21 described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 10 is shown in FIG. Show. In the figure, in the process of changing from the first posture (f) to the third posture (t), the workpiece W (a) corresponding to the time point shown in FIG. 7 is indicated by a solid line, and the workpiece corresponding to the time point shown in FIG. W (b) is indicated by a broken line, a workpiece W (c) corresponding to the time point shown in FIG. 9 is indicated by a one-dot chain line, a work W (d) corresponding to the time point shown in FIG. (A), (b), (c), and (d) are attached to the center of gravity position WG of the workpiece W in FIG.

  In addition, the work W reaches the first groove 21 in the second posture (s) shown in FIG. 11 and, as shown in FIG. When the entire side surface W3 is accommodated in the first groove 21, the center 21C of the first groove 21 in the vertical longitudinal section in which the center of gravity WG of the workpiece W straddles the first traveling surface 4 and the second traveling surface 5 is obtained. The workpiece W tends to tilt in a direction approaching the first traveling surface 4 side by being on the first traveling surface 4 side with respect to the perpendicular line 21L passing through. However, as shown in FIG. 12, when the workpiece W reaches the first groove 21, any one side W <b> 3 that has been in contact with the upstream second traveling surface TA <b> 2 until just before is in the first groove 21. All four corners or a plurality of four corners of the side surface W3 are in contact with the first groove 21 and a part of the back surface W2, which is the surface of the workpiece W closer to the center of gravity WG, is in the first travel. Since the surface 4 is in contact with and in contact with the surface 4, the movement of the workpiece W tilting in a direction in which the workpiece W approaches the first traveling surface 4 side is restricted. Therefore, in the first posture conversion unit 2, the workpiece W that has reached the first groove 21 in the second posture (s) is a back surface W2 that is the surface of the workpiece W that is closer to the center of gravity WG. 5, the posture immediately before reaching the first groove 21, that is, the second posture (s) can be held without tilting (rotating) the entire workpiece W in the direction approaching 5. The workpiece W that has reached the first groove 21 has a part of the back surface W2 that is a surface closer to the center of gravity WG facing and in contact with the first running surface 4, and the other part of the back surface W2 ( A portion in which the first traveling surface 4 is not contacted with the first traveling surface 4) is accommodated in the first groove 21, and the entire front surface W1, which is the surface far from the center of gravity WG, is exposed obliquely upward; Become.

  Here, when the third posture (t) and the second posture (s) are compared, the posture (the back surface W2 which is the surface closer to the center of gravity WG) is in contact with the second traveling surface 5 ( The front is a surface far from the center of gravity WG, although it differs in the third posture (t)) or the posture in contact with the first traveling surface 4 (second posture (s)). The points coincide with each other in a posture in which the surface W1 is directed obliquely upward. In other words, the posture of the workpiece W at the time when it has passed through the first groove 21 of the first posture changing unit 2 is a part of the back surface W2 that is the surface closer to the center of gravity WG. The front surface W1, which is the surface far from the center of gravity WG, faces the traveling surface 4 and comes into contact with the traveling surface 4 in an obliquely upward direction.

  As shown in FIG. 13 (the figure is a schematic diagram of the end surface taken along the line bb in FIG. 1), the second posture conversion unit 3 is formed over a region straddling the first traveling surface 4 and the second traveling surface 5. The second groove 31 has an opening width in a vertical longitudinal section extending over the first traveling surface 4 and the second traveling surface 5 that is set to be larger than the long side WL of the workpiece W. In the present embodiment, the second groove 31 is formed continuously with the first groove 21.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the second groove 31 has a partial arc shape opened upward, and the opening width in the vertical longitudinal section straddling the first traveling surface 4 and the second traveling surface 5 is set to the workpiece W. Is set larger than the long side WL. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 14, when the workpiece W reaches the second groove 31 in the third posture (t), the contact state between the back surface W2 that is the surface closer to the center of gravity WG and the second traveling surface 5 Is released. As a result, as shown in FIG. 15, the workpiece W moves all the four corners or the four corners of the back surface W2 which is the surface of the workpiece W closer to the center of gravity WG so that the center of gravity WG is moved to a lower position by its own weight. The front surface W1 which is the surface farther from the center of gravity WG is changed in posture in the second groove 31 while tilting in the direction in which the entire work W sinks downward in a state where a plurality of portions are in contact with the second groove 31. However, it becomes a normal posture (r) which faces directly above the posture (t) at the time when it has passed through the first groove 21.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 16, when the work W reaches the second groove 31 in the second posture (s), the contact state between the back surface W2 that is the surface closer to the center of gravity WG and the first traveling surface 4. Is released. As a result, as shown in FIG. 17, the workpiece W moves all the four corners or four corners of the back surface W2 which is the surface of the workpiece W closer to the center of gravity WG so as to move the center of gravity WG further by its own weight. The front surface W1 which is the surface farther from the center of gravity WG is changed in posture in the second groove 31 while tilting in the direction in which the entire work W sinks downward in a state where a plurality of portions are in contact with the second groove 31. However, it becomes the normal posture (r) that faces directly above the posture (s) at the time when it has passed through the first groove 21.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, the center 31C of the arc of the second groove 31 is set at an intersection T24 between the lower ends of the first traveling surface 4 and the second traveling surface 5 (this intersection T24 is actually It is an imaginary intersection that does not exist, and in FIG. 13, a non-existent surface of the first traveling surface 4 and the second traveling surface 5 is indicated by an imaginary line) at a position closer to the second traveling surface 5 side. The lowest position of the second groove 31 is set to be lower than the intersection T24 between the lower ends of the first traveling surface 4 and the second traveling surface 5.

  As described above, the workpiece W that has reached the second groove 31 in the third posture (t) or the second posture (s) is not affected by the entire first front surface W1, which is a surface far from the center of gravity WG. It is converted into a normal posture (r) expressed in a direction closer to the vertical direction than the end of passage, and passes through the second groove 31 while maintaining the normal posture (r).

  The workpiece W that has been adjusted to the normal posture (r) after passing through the second posture changing portion 3 having the second groove 31 is conveyed further downstream than the second posture changing portion 3.

  The parts feeder F according to this embodiment provided with such a posture converting unit 1 (posture changing track T3) changes the posture of the workpiece W by the first posture converting unit 2 to the front surface that is the surface farther from the center of gravity WG. By the second posture conversion unit 3 arranged in the third posture (t) or the second posture (s) in which W1 is exposed obliquely upward and provided downstream of the first posture conversion unit 2 The front surface W1, which is the surface farther from the center of gravity WG, can be adjusted to a normal posture (r) close to the third posture (t) or the second posture (s) that faces relatively directly above. Only the workpiece W in the normal posture (r) can be transported to the downstream side (next step).

  Moreover, in the parts feeder F according to the present embodiment, the center of gravity position of the workpiece W is on one surface (back surface in the present embodiment) side in both the first posture conversion unit 2 and the second posture conversion unit 3. The first groove 21 and the second groove 32 having a relatively simple shape are formed in a predetermined region of the track T by utilizing the points close to the workpiece, and the workpiece is passed through the first groove 21 and the second groove. Since W is naturally tilted so as to be in a normal posture (r), for example, a device that irradiates a predetermined area of a track from a predetermined position, a device that receives irradiation light or reflected light, or a light receiving amount. This eliminates the need for a device that can determine the posture of the workpiece on the track, reduces the number of parts and costs, and changes the posture without being affected by the detection accuracy and mounting accuracy of the mechanical device. Work W that has reached part 1 Without the normal posture (r) can be posture change, improvement of processing capacity to align the conveying posture, it is possible to turn improve the transport capacity.

  Furthermore, according to the parts feeder F according to the present embodiment including the posture conversion unit 1, for example, a configuration in which air is blown and reversed to a workpiece that is determined to be not in a predetermined posture to convert the workpiece into a predetermined posture. If this is the case, severe conditions (air blowing direction and air wind force) are imposed on the air blowing process according to the shape and weight of the work, and if these conditions are not cleared, the work The inversion efficiency is inferior, and the inconvenience that the attitude conversion efficiency is deteriorated cannot occur, and a stable attitude conversion process can be realized, which contributes to the improvement of the conveyance efficiency. In particular, according to the posture conversion unit 1 in the present embodiment, all the workpieces W that have reached the posture conversion unit 1 can be reliably converted into the normal posture (r) regardless of the conveyance speed of the workpiece W. As the speed increases, the conveyance processing capacity can also be improved.

  In addition, in the present embodiment, the parts feeder F is configured to convert all the workpieces W that have reached the posture conversion unit 1 into the normal posture (r) in the posture conversion unit 1, and thus, for example, is not a predetermined posture. The air is blown to the work determined to be removed from the track or the work determined to be not in the predetermined posture is returned to the upstream side from the air blowing point until the predetermined posture is reached. Compared to the repeated configuration, it is advantageous in that the air blowing device itself is unnecessary, and the work W that has reached the posture changing unit 1 is returned to the upstream side of the posture changing unit 1. This ensures that the number and probability of each work W transported along the track T being returned to the starting point TS of the track T or a position close to the starting point TS before reaching the end point TE of the track T is reduced. It can be, it is possible to improve the conveyance performance.

  In addition, when a blow hole for blowing air is formed on the running surface, the work passing through the part where the blow hole is formed is caught in the blow hole unexpectedly regardless of whether or not it is in a normal conveying posture. However, in the parts feeder F according to the present embodiment, it is not necessary to form the blowout hole, and the posture change having the first groove 21 and the second groove 31 is assumed. The part 1 is configured to convert the posture of the workpiece W into the normal posture (r), and both the first groove 21 and the second groove 31 straddle the first traveling surface 4 and the second traveling surface 5. Unlike the blowout hole, which is a relatively small hole, the workpiece W can be prevented from being unexpectedly caught in the first groove 21 or the second groove 31. Contributes to improved transport processing efficiency.

  In particular, the parts feeder F according to the present embodiment forms the first groove 21 of the first posture changing unit 2 and the second groove 31 of the second posture changing unit 3 continuously with each other. Compared to a configuration in which the first groove 21 of the posture conversion unit 2 and the second groove 31 of the second posture conversion unit 3 are not formed continuously with each other, the first posture (f) or the second posture (f ) After the workpiece W reaches the first groove 31, the workpiece W in the third posture (t) or the second posture (s) is converted into the normal posture (r) after passing through the first groove 21. It is possible to reduce the time required to complete the process and further improve the conveyance efficiency.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to embodiment mentioned above. For example, the posture changing unit described in the above-described embodiment is widely applicable to all parts feeders that adjust the posture during conveyance of a workpiece such as a workpiece and supply the workpiece to the next process. Therefore, even if the parts feeder provided with the posture conversion unit is a part feeder of another form or shape such as a linear vibration parts feeder (linear type parts feeder), the above-described various effects or effects equivalent thereto can be achieved. Can play.

  Moreover, the attitude | position conversion part may not form the 1st groove | channel of a 1st attitude | position conversion part, and the 2nd groove | channel of a 2nd attitude | position conversion part continuously in a conveyance direction. In this case, the traveling surface between the first groove and the second groove is required to be a traveling surface capable of maintaining the second posture and the third posture of the conveyance object.

  Further, the longitudinal cross-sectional shape of the first groove and the second groove is not limited to a partial arc shape, and a partial elliptical arc shape or a partial shape can be used as long as it does not hinder the tilting of the object to be conveyed using these grooves. The 1st groove | channel and 2nd groove | channel of the longitudinal cross-sectional shape which combined polygonal shape or round shape and partial polygonal shape are applicable.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the description has been given of the case where the center of gravity position of the substantially rectangular parallelepiped conveyance object is located at the position close to the back surface side of the front surface and the back surface facing each other. Of the front and back surfaces that face each other (facing directly), the “front surface” and the “back surface” in the above-described embodiment are used even if the object has a center of gravity at a position close to the front surface. By replacing “back side” and “front side” with each other, similar posture conversion processing is performed.

  Further, the direction in which the front surface and the back surface face each other may be the width direction instead of the thickness direction or the height direction of the conveyance target.

  Moreover, the conveyance target object whose shape of a front surface and a back surface is a rectangle or a substantially rectangular shape may be sufficient. In this case, the front surface and the back surface are surfaces having a pair of long sides and a pair of short sides, respectively. Corresponds to “long side”. That is, each of the pair of long sides and the pair of short sides of the rectangular front surface and the back surface is set longer than the “short side of the conveyance object” of the present invention which is a line segment connecting the front surface and the back surface. Need to be. By satisfying such a condition, on the upstream traveling surface, the front surface or the back surface faces and contacts the upstream first traveling surface, and a surface other than the front surface or the back surface contacts the upstream second traveling surface. When the conveying object in a face-to-face posture reaches the first groove, the entire face (a face other than the front face or the back face) that is in contact with the upstream second traveling face is the first face. While falling and being accommodated in one groove, either the front or back surface that was in contact with the upstream first traveling surface is dropped and accommodated in the first groove. Can be avoided, and posture conversion using the first groove or processing for maintaining the posture can be appropriately performed.

  In the above-described embodiment, the center of gravity of the conveyance object that has reached the first groove in the first posture is on the second running surface side with respect to the vertical line (vertical line) passing through the center of the first groove in the longitudinal section ( 7), the configuration in which the first posture is changed to the third posture is shown, but the center of gravity of the object to be transported that has reached the first groove in the first posture is on the vertical line passing through the center of the first groove in the longitudinal section. In this case, the first posture can be converted to the third posture.

  In addition, examples of the conveyance object include things other than a workpiece, for example, a minute part having a size that can be barely grasped by tweezers, etc., but the size of the conveyance object whose posture can be changed by the parts feeder of the present invention. The shape is not particularly limited.

  In addition, the specific configuration of each part is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Posture conversion part 2 ... 1st attitude | position conversion part 21 ... 1st groove | channel 3 ... 2nd attitude | position conversion part 31 ... 2nd groove | channel 4 ... 1st running surface 5 ... 2nd running surface F ... Parts feeder (bowl feeder)
T ... Truck TA ... Upstream side running surface TA1 ... Upstream side first running surface TA2 ... Upstream side second running surface W ... Conveyed object (workpiece)
W1 ... Front side W2 ... Back side WG ... Center of gravity

Claims (3)

A track having a traveling surface that supports the object to be conveyed; and a vibration means that conveys the object to be conveyed in a predetermined conveying direction on the traveling surface by vibrating the track, and has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape; By means of a posture conversion unit in which the transport object having a center of gravity at a position close to one of the front and back surfaces facing each other is formed in a predetermined area on the traveling surface, the front surface or the back surface It is a parts feeder that can be converted to a normal posture in which the surface far from the center of gravity is exposed upward,
One of the front surface and the back surface of the transport object being transported is an upstream travel surface that is at least upstream of the posture changing unit in the transport direction in the travel direction and is inclined at a predetermined angle. An upstream first traveling surface that can come into contact with and contact the surface, and the front surface and the back surface of the object to be transported that are inclined 90 degrees or substantially 90 degrees with respect to the upstream first traveling surface and are being transported Having an upstream second traveling surface that can face and contact any one surface other than the surface;
The posture conversion unit includes a first posture conversion unit and a second posture conversion unit provided on the downstream side of the first posture conversion unit in the transport direction,
The first posture conversion unit is
Corresponds to a surface of the transport object that faces and contacts the upstream first traveling surface in a vertical longitudinal section straddling the upstream first traveling surface and the upstream second traveling surface. When the line segment corresponding to the surface that is in contact with the upstream second traveling surface is the short side,
It is formed across the first traveling surface and the second traveling surface that are respectively continuous with the upstream first traveling surface and the upstream second traveling surface, and straddles the first traveling surface and the second traveling surface. A first groove having an opening width in a vertical longitudinal section that is longer than the short side and shorter than the long side of the conveyance object;
The posture of the conveyance object immediately before reaching the first groove is a first posture in which the surface farther from the center of gravity of the front surface or the back surface is in contact with the upstream first traveling surface. In this case, the entire surface of the transport object that has reached the first groove and that is in contact with the upstream second traveling surface is accommodated in the first groove, and the center of gravity of the transport object is By being on the second running surface side or on the vertical line passing through the center of the first groove in the longitudinal section, the one closer to the center of gravity of the front surface or the back surface from the first posture. The surface is brought into contact with the second traveling surface, and the surface farther from the center of gravity of the front surface or the back surface is converted into a posture that is obliquely exposed upward, and
The posture of the conveyance object immediately before reaching the first groove is a second posture in which the surface closer to the center of gravity of the front surface or the back surface is brought into contact with the upstream first traveling surface. In this case, the entire surface of the transport object that has reached the first groove and that is in contact with the upstream second traveling surface is accommodated in the first groove, and the center of gravity of the transport object is By being closer to the first running surface than the normal, the surface of the front surface or the back surface that is closer to the center of gravity is brought into contact with the first running surface and the front surface or the back surface Holding the second posture in which the surface far from the center of gravity is exposed obliquely upward;
The second posture conversion unit is
A second groove formed across the first traveling surface and the second traveling surface, wherein the opening width in the longitudinal section is set longer than the long side of the object to be conveyed; A parts feeder characterized by releasing the contact state between the transport object that has reached 1 and the first travel surface and the second travel surface to bring the transport object into the normal posture. The parts feeder according to claim 1, wherein the first groove of the first posture changing unit and the second groove of the second posture changing unit are continuous in the transport direction. The parts feeder according to claim 1, wherein the parts feeder is a bowl feeder in which the track is formed on an inner wall surface.

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