JP2019163103A - Component alignment device, component alignment system, and component alignment method - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a component alignment device capable of aligning collectively components supplied in random directions into the vertical direction.SOLUTION: A component alignment device includes a posture adjustment jig with at least one posture conversion hole opening downward to convert a posture of a component, an attraction part that is arranged above the posture adjustment jig and has at least one magnet, a first movement mechanism capable of changing a height of the attraction part within a range including the height at which the magnetic force of the magnet reaches the position below the posture adjustment jig and the height at which the magnetic force of the magnet does not reach the position of a posture adjustment jig, and a guide jig through which at least one guide hole corresponding to the position of the posture conversion hole opened in the posture adjustment jig passes.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a component alignment apparatus, a component alignment system, and a component alignment method for aligning components. In particular, the present invention relates to a component alignment apparatus, a component alignment system, and a component alignment method for automatically aligning coil springs.

  Productivity is improved when the parts put into production equipment used in the manufacture and assembly of electronic parts are evenly aligned. However, parts that are put into production facilities may not be delivered in an aligned state. For example, parts such as coil springs are entangled with each other when they are placed in the same bag. For this reason, the coil springs are sometimes delivered in a state of being arranged one by one in each cell of the tray divided into a plurality of cells.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a tray jig that can easily change the orientation of a plurality of rectangular parallelepiped workpieces arranged on a tray. The jig of Patent Document 1 includes a component supply tray having one or more first openings on the main surface and a component storage tray having one or more second openings on the main surface. The second opening of the component storage tray is an opening of a recess formed in the component storage tray. A workpiece placement surface is formed in a portion of the bottom of the recess that faces the first opening when the component supply tray and the component storage tray are overlapped. The work placement surface is formed at a position lower than the bottom of the recess.

  Patent Document 2 discloses an apparatus for aligning rod-shaped parts. The device of Patent Document 2 includes a linear feeder, a nonmagnetic partition wall, and a magnet. The rectilinear feeder conveys the bar-shaped part accommodated in the concave groove in one direction. The nonmagnetic partition wall is disposed substantially parallel to the linear feeder above the bar-shaped component supply unit of the linear feeder. The magnet is disposed above the partition wall so that the magnetic pole direction is parallel to the conveying direction of the linear feeder and is movable up and down.

Japanese Patent No. 5294701 Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 63-161222

  If the jig | tool of patent document 1 is used, the workpiece | work can be transferred from a component supply tray to a component storage tray by making the main surface of a component supply tray and the main surface of a component storage tray face each other. However, the jig disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a problem in that a component is easily caught on a tapered slope portion when the posture is changed so as to change the component long direction from the horizontal direction to the vertical direction. Further, the jig of Patent Document 1 has a problem in that the alignment mechanism is complicated because parts are often placed in the alignment holes while applying vibration and impact.

  According to the apparatus of Patent Document 2, when a rod-shaped component in a randomly oriented state is supplied, the magnet is brought close to the upper surface of the partition wall, and the component is attracted to the partition wall vertically above by a magnetic force. Can be aligned in the direction. However, the apparatus of Patent Document 2 has a problem that when the bar-shaped part is attracted to the magnet, it can be aligned in the horizontal direction but cannot be aligned in the vertical direction.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a component aligning device that can align the orientations of components supplied in a random orientation collectively in the vertical direction.

  The component alignment device of one aspect of the present invention includes a posture adjustment jig in which at least one posture conversion hole for changing the posture of a component is opened downward, and is disposed above the posture adjustment jig. Change the height of the suction part in a range that includes the suction part with the magnet, the height where the magnetic force of the magnet reaches the position below the posture adjustment jig, and the height where the magnetic force of the magnet does not reach the position of the posture adjustment jig A possible first moving mechanism, and a guide jig through which at least one guide hole corresponding to the position of the attitude changing hole opened in the attitude adjusting jig passes.

  The component alignment system according to one aspect of the present invention includes a posture adjustment jig in which at least one posture conversion hole for changing the posture of a component is opened downward, and is disposed above the posture adjustment jig. Change the height of the suction part in a range that includes the suction part with the magnet, the height where the magnetic force of the magnet reaches the position below the posture adjustment jig, and the height where the magnetic force of the magnet does not reach the position of the posture adjustment jig A possible first moving mechanism, a guiding jig through which at least one guiding hole corresponding to the position of the posture changing hole opened in the posture adjusting jig, and a control device connected to the first moving mechanism The control device includes a first control unit configured to change the height of the suction unit within a range including a height at which the magnetic force of the magnet extends beyond the posture adjustment jig and a height at which the magnetic force of the magnet does not reach the posture adjustment jig. Control the moving mechanism.

  In the component aligning method of one aspect of the present invention, at least one posture adjusting hole in which at least one posture changing hole for changing the posture of the component is opened downward is disposed above the posture adjusting jig. The height of the suction part is within a range that includes a suction part having two magnets, a height at which the magnetic force of the magnet reaches the position below the posture adjustment jig, and a height at which the magnetic force of the magnet does not reach the position of the posture adjustment jig. Using the first movable mechanism that can be changed and the guide jig through which at least one guide hole corresponding to the position of the posture conversion hole opened in the posture adjustment jig is opened, the posture adjustment jig is opened. When the alignment target component is supplied below the posture conversion hole, the first moving mechanism is controlled so as to lower the suction portion below the height at which the magnet magnetic force is applied to the alignment target component. By the part in the posture conversion hole of the posture adjustment jig When the guide hole of the guide jig is positioned below the posture conversion hole of the posture adjustment jig, the magnetic force of the magnet is applied to the component stored in the posture conversion hole of the posture adjustment jig. The first moving mechanism is controlled so as to raise the suction portion above a height that does not reach.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, it becomes possible to provide the components alignment apparatus which can align the components supplied by the random direction collectively in the perpendicular direction.

It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of a structure of the spring alignment apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of a structure of the suction unit with which the spring alignment apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention is provided. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the magnetic force which generate | occur | produces in the magnet unit which the attraction | suction unit with which the spring alignment apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention is provided. It is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure for demonstrating the positional relationship of the attraction | suction unit of the spring alignment apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention, a spring alignment jig, and a component supply tray. It is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure for demonstrating the positional relationship of the guidance jig | tool and the tray after conversion which concern on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows another state of an example of a structure of the spring alignment apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the spring alignment process which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the 1st process included in the spring alignment process which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the 2nd process included in the spring alignment process which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the 3rd process included in the spring alignment process which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the 4th process included in the spring alignment process which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of a structure of the spring alignment apparatus which concerns on the modification of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the state which the spring aligned with the spring alignment jig of the spring alignment apparatus which concerns on the modification of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a mimetic diagram showing an example of the state where the spring was arranged in the component storage tray by the spring alignment device concerning the modification of the 1st embodiment of the present invention. It is sectional drawing which shows an example of a structure of the modification of the components storage tray in which the spring aligned by the spring alignment apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention is accommodated. It is sectional drawing which shows an example of a structure of another modification of the components storage tray in which the spring aligned by the spring alignment apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention is accommodated. It is sectional drawing for demonstrating the attraction | suction unit and spring alignment jig | tool of the spring alignment apparatus which concern on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows an example of a structure of the spring alignment system which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the hardware constitutions which implement | achieve the control apparatus with which the spring alignment system which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention is provided.

  EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION Below, the form for implementing this invention is demonstrated using drawing. However, the preferred embodiments described below are technically preferable for carrying out the present invention, but the scope of the invention is not limited to the following. In addition, in all the drawings used for description of the following embodiments, the same reference numerals are given to the same parts unless there is a particular reason. In the following embodiments, repeated description of similar configurations and operations may be omitted. Moreover, the direction of the arrow in the drawing shows an example, and does not limit the direction of the signal between the blocks.

(First embodiment)
First, a spring alignment apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The spring alignment apparatus of this embodiment is an apparatus that aligns coil springs (hereinafter referred to as springs) arranged in a random orientation on a tray partitioned into a plurality of cells. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the spring is made of a material that is attracted by magnetic force.

(Constitution)
FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a spring alignment device 1 (also referred to as a component alignment device) of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the spring alignment apparatus 1 includes a suction unit 11, a height adjustment mechanism 12, a posture adjustment jig 13, a horizontal movement mechanism 14, and a guide jig 15. The suction part 11, the height adjustment mechanism 12, and the posture adjustment jig 13 constitute a spring alignment mechanism. The spring alignment device 1 aligns the direction of the spring supplied from the component supply tray 17 in the vertical direction and aligns it with the component storage tray 18.

  The suction unit 11 sucks the springs to be aligned by magnetic force. The suction unit 11 includes at least one magnet. In addition, the magnet used for the attraction | suction part 11 may be a permanent magnet, and may be an electromagnet.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the suction unit 11. The suction unit 11 includes a fixed plate 111 and a plurality of magnets 112. The suction unit 11 can be changed in position in the vertical direction by the height adjustment mechanism 12.

  The fixed plate 111 is a plate-like member for fixing the plurality of magnets 112. A plurality of magnets 112 are fixed side by side on one main surface (also referred to as a first surface) of the fixed plate 111. The height adjustment mechanism 12 is connected to the second surface, which is the opposite surface of the first surface.

  Usually, the fixed plate 111 is disposed with the first surface on which the plurality of magnets 112 are fixed facing downward. If the spring located on the second surface side can be attracted by the magnetic force generated by the plurality of magnets 112, the fixing plate 111 is arranged with the first surface to which the plurality of magnets 112 are fixed facing upward. May be.

  The magnet 112 is fixed to the first surface of the fixed plate 111. In the example of FIG. 2, the plurality of magnets 112 are fixed by being arranged with a gap 115 on the first surface of the fixing plate 111 so that different polarities are adjacent to each other.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a state of a magnetic field generated by the plurality of magnets 112. In FIG. 3, magnetic field lines such as above the magnet 112 are omitted, and only a part of the magnetic field lines are illustrated. As shown in FIG. 3, the magnetic flux density increases in the vicinity region 117 of the gap 115. If the arrangement of the magnet 112 is devised to provide a plurality of neighboring regions 117, the magnetic force can be uniformly distributed in the plane of the attracting portion 11.

  The height adjusting mechanism 12 (also referred to as a first moving mechanism) includes an expansion / contraction mechanism 121 and a protruding rod 123. In the present embodiment, an example in which an air cylinder with a detent function is used as the height adjustment mechanism 12 will be described. The height adjusting mechanism 12 may be a mechanism that is not an air cylinder. A general-purpose product can be used for the height adjustment mechanism 12.

  The height adjustment mechanism 12 is fixed to the movable support portion 161. The movable support portion 161 has a column surface standing parallel to the vertical direction and a support surface fixed to the upper portion of the column surface, and is connected to the upper surface of the support stand 162 so as to be movable in the horizontal direction. In the example of FIG. 1, an example is shown in which a rail 164 is laid on the upper surface of the support stand 162 and the lower end of the movable support portion 161 is movably connected to the rail 164. In addition, the moving mechanism of the movable support part 161 is not restricted to the example of FIG.

  The height adjustment mechanism 12 is fixed to the movable support 161 so that the expansion and contraction direction is perpendicular to the main surface of the support plate of the movable support 161. From the telescopic mechanism 121, a protruding rod 123 with a variable protruding amount protrudes. The protruding rod 123 protrudes from the through hole of the support plate of the movable support portion 161. For example, the protruding amount of the protruding rod 123 is controlled by a control device (not shown).

  The protruding rod 123 is a rod-shaped member whose amount of protrusion from the telescopic mechanism 121 is variable. A fixing plate 111 is fixed to the end of the protruding rod 123. In the present embodiment, it is preferable that the protruding rod 123 does not rotate with respect to the vertical axis by the rotation prevention function. By controlling the amount of protrusion of the protrusion rod 123 from the telescopic mechanism 121, the height of the suction part 11 can be adjusted.

  The posture adjustment jig 13 is a jig for adjusting the posture of the springs arranged on the component supply tray 17. The posture adjustment jig 13 is fixed to the column plate of the movable support 161 so that the main surface is perpendicular to the vertical axis. The posture adjusting jig 13 is formed with a plurality of holes (also referred to as posture changing holes) for changing the posture of the spring expansion / contraction axis in the vertical direction.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram including a cross-sectional structure taken along the line AA in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the posture adjustment jig 13 includes a support portion 131 and a posture conversion portion 132. FIG. 4 illustrates the suction unit 11 and the component supply tray 17 together with the posture adjustment jig 13. On the upper surface of the component supply tray 17, cells 171 for individually storing springs to be aligned are formed.

  The support part 131 is a plate-like member that fixes the posture conversion part 132 to the movable support part 161. An attitude conversion unit 132 is fixed to the first surface of the support unit 131.

  The posture converting unit 132 has a plurality of posture converting holes for changing the posture of the elastic shaft of the spring in the vertical direction. Inside the posture changing hole of the posture changing unit 132, springs arranged in the plurality of cells 171 formed in the component supply tray 17 are changed in posture in the vertical direction and accommodated.

  A first posture adjustment surface 133 and a second posture adjustment surface 134 are formed inside the posture conversion hole of the posture conversion unit 132. The first posture adjusting surface 133 is a tapered surface that is formed at the lower portion of the posture changing unit 132 and tapers upward. The second posture adjustment surface 134 is a surface continuous with the upper end of the first posture adjustment surface 133, and is formed on the upper portion of the posture conversion unit 132. The posture changing hole is formed so as to penetrate the posture changing portion 132, but the spring is prevented from being attracted to the magnet 112 of the suction portion 11 by closing the upper portion of the posture changing portion 132 with the support portion 131. The posture conversion unit 132 is disposed such that a gap 115 formed between the plurality of magnets 112 included in the suction unit 11 is positioned above the second posture adjustment surface 134.

  As shown in FIG. 4, when changing the posture of the spring by the posture changing unit 132, the component supply tray 17 is set to face the lower surface of the posture changing unit 132. At this time, the opening region 175 of the cell 171 is positioned below the opening region 135 of the first posture adjustment surface 133. A spring to be aligned is arranged in each cell 171 of the component supply tray 17. When the suction unit 11 is lowered to the suction position, the magnetic force is applied to the springs arranged on the component supply tray 17, and the springs are attracted toward the posture changing unit 132 and floated. The spring that has reached the tapered first posture adjusting surface 133 is changed in posture so that the telescopic axis follows the vertical direction along the tapered surface, and the spring alignment region surrounded by the second posture adjusting surface 134 136.

  The horizontal movement mechanism 14 (also referred to as a second movement mechanism) is a mechanism that moves a spring alignment mechanism constituted by the suction portion 11, the height adjustment mechanism 12, and the posture adjustment jig 13 in the horizontal direction. In the example of FIG. 1, the horizontal movement mechanism 14 moves the spring alignment mechanism in the horizontal direction by moving the movable support portion 161 movably fixed to the rail 164 on the upper surface of the support base 162 in the horizontal direction.

  The horizontal movement mechanism 14 horizontally moves the spring alignment mechanism to above the guide jig 15 when the spring is aligned with the posture adjustment jig 13. Further, the horizontal movement mechanism 14 moves the spring alignment mechanism to above the table 163 on which the component supply tray 17 is arranged after the spring falls from the attitude adjustment jig 13.

  The horizontal movement mechanism 14 includes an expansion / contraction mechanism 141 and a protruding bar 143. In the present embodiment, an example in which an air cylinder is used as the horizontal movement mechanism 14 will be described. The horizontal moving mechanism 14 may be a mechanism that is not an air cylinder. A general-purpose product can be used for the horizontal movement mechanism 14.

  The horizontal movement mechanism 14 is fixed to the upper surface of the support stand 162 by a fixed plate 165. The fixed plate 165 has a support surface that is erected in parallel to the vertical direction.

  The horizontal movement mechanism 14 is fixed to the movable support 161 such that the expansion / contraction direction is horizontal with respect to the support surface of the fixed plate 165. From the telescopic mechanism 141, a protruding rod 143 with a variable protruding amount protrudes. The protruding rod 143 protrudes from the through hole of the support plate of the movable support portion 161. For example, the protruding amount of the protruding rod 143 is controlled by a control device (not shown).

  The protruding bar 143 is a bar-like member whose amount of protrusion from the telescopic mechanism 141 is variable. A side end of the movable support portion 161 is fixed to the end portion of the protruding rod 143. By controlling the amount of protrusion of the protrusion rod 143 from the expansion / contraction mechanism 141, the horizontal position of the spring adjustment mechanism can be adjusted.

  The guiding jig 15 is a jig for guiding the spring whose posture is adjusted by the posture adjusting jig 13 to the component storage tray 18. The guide jig 15 is fixed to the side surface of the support stand 162 so that the main surface is perpendicular to the vertical axis. The guide jig 15 is formed with a plurality of holes (also referred to as guide holes) for guiding to the component storage tray 18 in a posture in which the expansion and contraction axes of the springs are aligned in the vertical direction.

  FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram including a cross-sectional structure of the guide jig 15 cut along the BB cutting line of FIG. FIG. 5 shows the component storage tray 18 together with the guide jig 15. On the upper surface of the component storage tray 18, a plurality of pins 181 for maintaining the spring expansion and contraction axes aligned in the vertical direction protrudes.

  A plurality of guide holes are provided in the guide jig 15 for guiding the extension shafts of the springs in the vertical direction. A first guide surface 153 and a second guide surface 154 are formed inside the guide hole of the guide jig 15. The first guide surface 153 is a tapered surface that is formed on the top of the guide jig 15 and tapers downward. The second guide surface 154 is a surface that is continuous with the lower end of the first guide surface 153 and is formed below the guide jig 15.

  FIG. 6 shows a state in which the spring alignment mechanism including the suction unit 11, the height adjustment mechanism 12, and the posture adjustment jig 13 is moved above the guide jig 15. At this time, the lower surface of the posture adjusting jig 13 and the upper surface of the guiding jig are opposed to each other. In the state of FIG. 6, the opening region 135 of the first posture adjusting surface 133 of the posture adjusting jig 13 is positioned above the opening region 155 of the first guiding surface 153 of the guiding jig 15.

  When the spring is dropped through the guide hole of the guide jig 15, the lower surface of the guide jig 15 is made to face the component storage tray 18 as shown in FIG. 5. At this time, the pin 181 is positioned below the opening region 156 of the second guide surface 154. When the suction part 11 is raised to the disengagement position, the magnetic force attracting the spring housed in the spring alignment region 136 surrounded by the second posture adjustment surface 134 of the posture adjustment jig 13 is weakened, and the spring becomes a guide jig. Fall to 15. The spring dropped from the guide jig 15 passes through the first guide surface 153 and the second guide surface 154 and falls toward the pin 181 of the component storage tray 18. As a result, the springs to be aligned are accommodated in the component accommodating tray 18 so as to surround each pin 181 of the component accommodating tray 18. Even if the spring dropped from the guide jig 15 touches the first guide surface 153 and loses its posture, the first guide surface 153 is tapered. The posture is changed along the vertical axis, and the component is accommodated in the component accommodating tray 18. Further, when the spring dropped from the guide jig 15 passes through the second guide surface 154 without touching the first guide surface 153, the spring is moved to the component storage tray 18 with the telescopic shaft remaining along the vertical axis. Be contained.

  The above is the description of the configuration of the spring alignment apparatus 1.

[Spring alignment process]
Next, the spring alignment process by the spring alignment apparatus 1 will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the spring alignment step. 8 to 11 are schematic diagrams for explaining each process included in the spring alignment process. 8 to 11, the posture adjustment holes of the posture adjustment jig 13 and the guide holes of the guide jig are illustrated one by one for the sake of simplicity.

  In FIG. 7, first, the component supply tray 17 is set below the posture adjusting jig 13 with the spring 100 inserted in each cell 171 of the component supply tray 17 (step S11). At this time, as shown in FIG. 8, the opening area 175 of each cell 171 of the component supply tray 17 is positioned below the opening area 135 of the first attitude adjustment surface 133. For example, the processing in step S11 can be automated by installing a conveying device for the component supply tray 17 and controlling the conveying device by a control device (not shown).

  Next, the suction part 11 is lowered to the suction position where the spring 100 can be sucked (step S12). At this time, as shown in FIG. 9, the spring 100 is housed in the posture changing hole of the posture changing portion 132 of the posture adjusting jig 13. For example, the process of step S12 can be activated by controlling the height adjustment mechanism 12 by a control device (not shown).

  Next, the spring alignment mechanism is moved above the guide jig 15 (step S12). At this time, as shown in FIG. 10, the opening region 135 of the first posture adjusting surface 133 of the posture adjusting jig 13 is positioned above the opening region 155 of the first guiding surface 153 of the guiding jig 15. For example, the process of step S13 can be automated by controlling the horizontal movement mechanism 14 with a control device (not shown).

  Next, the suction part 11 is raised to the disengagement position where the spring 100 is disengaged (step S14). As a result, as shown in FIG. 11, the spring 100 that has passed through the guide hole of the guide jig 15 is stored in the pin 181 of the component storage tray 18.

  The above is the description of the spring alignment process by the spring alignment apparatus 1. Note that the above-described spring alignment process is an example of aligning springs using the spring alignment apparatus 1, and does not limit the spring alignment process using the spring alignment apparatus 1.

  As described above, the spring alignment device (part alignment device) of the present embodiment includes the posture adjustment jig, the suction portion, the height adjustment mechanism (first movement mechanism), and the guide jig. At least one posture changing hole for changing the posture of the component is opened downward in the posture adjusting jig. The attraction unit is disposed above the attitude adjustment jig and has at least one magnet. The height adjustment mechanism can change the height of the suction part within a range that includes the height where the magnetic force of the magnet reaches the position below the posture adjustment jig and the height where the magnetic force of the magnet does not reach the position of the posture adjustment jig. It is. At least one guide hole corresponding to the position of the posture changing hole opened in the posture adjusting jig passes through the guide jig.

  The spring alignment device of this embodiment is attracted below the height at which the magnetic force of the magnet reaches the alignment target component when the alignment target component is supplied below the attitude conversion hole opened in the attitude adjustment jig. The height adjustment mechanism is controlled to lower the part. As a result, the component is housed in the posture changing hole of the posture adjusting jig by the magnetic force of the magnet. In this state, the spring alignment device of the present embodiment is accommodated in the posture conversion hole of the posture adjustment jig when the guide hole of the guide jig is positioned below the posture conversion hole of the posture adjustment jig. The height adjustment mechanism is controlled so that the suction portion is raised above the height at which the magnetic force of the magnet does not reach the part.

  Further, the spring alignment apparatus of the present embodiment has a horizontal movement mechanism that moves the spring alignment mechanism (component alignment mechanism) within a range including at least a position where a component to be aligned is supplied and a position where a guide jig is disposed. (Second movement mechanism).

  The inner surface of the posture conversion hole opened in the posture adjustment jig includes a first posture adjustment surface and a second posture adjustment surface. The first posture adjustment surface has an opening at the lower end and tapers upward in a tapered shape. The second posture adjustment surface is continuous with the upper end of the first posture adjustment surface, and the upper surface is closed. The inner surface of the guide hole that penetrates the guide jig includes a first guide surface and a second guide surface. The first guide surface is open at the upper end and tapers downward in a tapered shape. The second guide surface is continuous with the lower end of the first guide surface, and the lower end opens.

  The suction part has a plurality of magnets fixed with gaps so that different polarities are adjacent to each other, and the suction part and the posture adjustment jig are located above the posture changing hole. To be arranged.

  That is, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide a component aligning device that can align the orientations of components supplied in a random orientation in a lump in the vertical direction without using a complicated mechanism. become.

  In addition, the spring alignment apparatus of this embodiment can be utilized not only for a coil spring but for performing posture conversion of an elongated part that can be attracted by a magnet. For example, the spring alignment apparatus of the present embodiment can be used to change the posture of parts such as screws, nails, needles, and bars.

(Modification)
Here, a modification of the spring alignment apparatus 1 of the first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. 12-14 is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the spring alignment apparatus 1-1 of a modification. In this modification, the component supply tray 17 is conveyed by the conveyance path 169 without moving the spring alignment mechanism constituted by the suction unit 11, the height adjustment mechanism 12, and the posture adjustment jig 13 in the horizontal direction. FIGS. 12 to 14 show an example in which the conveyance path 169 is configured by two belts arranged at intervals.

  The spring alignment mechanism constituted by the suction portion 11, the height adjustment mechanism 12, and the posture adjustment jig 13 is fixed by a support portion 167 fixed to the upper surface of the support base 168. The shape of the support portion 167 is the same as that of the movable support portion 161. Similar to the movable support portion 161, the spring alignment mechanism is fixed to the support portion 167.

  In this modification, the lower surface of the posture adjustment jig 13 and the upper surface of the guide jig 15 are arranged to face each other. A conveyance path 169 that conveys the component supply tray 17 is disposed between the attitude adjustment jig 13 and the guide jig 15. The conveyance path 169 is disposed so as not to be positioned between the opening region 135 of the first posture adjusting surface 133 of the posture adjusting jig 13 and the opening region 155 of the first guiding surface 153 of the guiding jig 15. The conveyance path 169 extends in the left-right direction on the paper surface, and conveys the component supply tray 17 in the left direction on the paper surface by a driving device (not shown). For example, the conveyance path 169 is controlled by a control device (not shown).

  FIG. 12 shows a state in which the component supply tray 17 in which the spring 100 is put in each cell 171 has been carried by the conveyance path 169. FIG. 13 shows a state in which the component supply tray 17 has reached the lower side of the posture adjusting jig 13 and the suction unit 11 is lowered to house the spring 100 in the posture changing hole of the posture changing unit 132 of the posture adjusting jig 13. It is. In FIG. 14, the component supply tray 17 that has been emptied is unloaded by the conveyance path 169, the suction unit 11 is raised and the spring 100 is dropped onto the guide jig 15, and then the spring 100 is applied to the pin 181 of the component storage tray 18. Is in a housed state.

  As described above, the component aligning device of this modification includes the conveyance path disposed between the attitude adjustment jig and the guide jig. The posture adjusting jig and the guide jig are arranged to face each other across the conveyance path so that the opening region of at least one posture conversion hole and the opening region of at least one guide hole overlap. According to this modification, since the horizontal movement mechanism (second movement mechanism) can be omitted, the apparatus can be simplified.

  Next, a modified example of the component storage tray 18 will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of the component storage tray 18-1. The component storage tray 18-1 has a storage cylinder 182 instead of the pins 181 of the component storage tray 18. The accommodating cylinder 182 has an inner diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the spring 100, and can be accommodated in a state where the spring 100 is erected. Similar to the pins 181 of the component storage tray 18, the storage cylinder 182 is formed so as to be positioned below the opening region 156 of the second guide surface 154 of the guide jig 15.

  FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the component storage tray 18-2. In the component storage tray 18-2, a storage hole 183 is opened instead of the pin 181 of the component storage tray 18. The accommodation hole 183 has an inner diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the spring 100, and can be accommodated with the spring 100 standing upright. Similar to the pin 181 of the component storage tray 18, the storage hole 183 is formed to be positioned below the opening region 156 of the second guide surface 154 of the guide jig 15.

  As described above, various modifications can be made to the component storage tray.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a spring alignment apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The spring alignment device of this embodiment differs from the spring alignment device of the first embodiment in the structure of the suction portion. In addition, since the spring alignment apparatus of this embodiment is the same as that of the spring alignment apparatus of 1st Embodiment except the structure of a suction part, description is abbreviate | omitted about structures other than a suction part in the following description.

  FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the suction unit 21 included in the spring alignment device of the present embodiment. In FIG. 17, the posture adjusting jig 23 is also illustrated in order to show the positional relationship with the suction unit 21.

  As shown in FIG. 17, the suction unit 21 includes a fixed plate 211, a magnet 212, and a yoke 213. The suction unit 11 can be changed in position in the vertical direction by the height adjustment mechanism 12 of the first embodiment.

  The fixing plate 211 is a plate-like member for fixing at least one magnet 212. One magnet 212 is fixed to one main surface (also referred to as a first surface) of the fixed plate 211. The height adjustment mechanism 12 of the first embodiment is connected to the second surface that is the opposite surface of the first surface.

  The magnet 212 is fixed to the first surface of the fixed plate 211. In the example of FIG. 17, one magnet 212 is fixed to the first surface of the fixing plate 111.

  The yoke 213 is disposed on both sides of the magnet 212 and is fixed to the first surface of the fixing plate 211. The yoke 213 amplifies the attractive force of the magnet 212. For example, the yoke 213 is realized by a soft iron plate.

  As shown in FIG. 17, the posture adjustment jig 23 includes a support portion 231 and a posture conversion portion 232. An attitude conversion unit 232 is fixed to the first surface of the support unit 231. In the posture conversion unit 232, a plurality of posture conversion holes for changing the posture of the expansion / contraction axis of the spring in the vertical direction are opened. A posture adjusting surface 233 and a spring alignment surface 234 are formed inside the posture changing hole of the posture changing portion 232. If the gap between the magnet 212 of the attraction unit 21 and the yoke 213 is positioned above the spring alignment surface 234, the magnetic force in the spring alignment region 236 surrounded by the spring alignment surface 234 is relatively greater than that in other locations. Since it becomes large, it becomes easy to attract the spring to the spring alignment region 236.

  Normally, magnetic lines of force are formed around the magnet 212 from the north pole to the south pole over the entire circumference around the magnetic axis of the magnet 212. When the yoke 213 is disposed on both sides of the magnet 212, the magnetic force can be concentrated between the yoke 213 and the magnet 212. As a result, even if the number of magnets is reduced as compared with the first embodiment, the spring can be attracted to the spring alignment region 236 of the posture changing unit 232 of the posture adjusting jig 23 as in the first embodiment. .

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the attraction unit is constituted by one magnet. The suction part has at least two yokes. The at least two yokes are arranged with a gap therebetween on the sides of the magnet. The suction part and the posture adjusting jig are arranged so that the gap between the magnet and the yoke is positioned above the posture changing hole. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the structure of the suction portion can be simplified as compared with the first embodiment.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a spring alignment system according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The spring alignment system of this embodiment is a system for automating the process of aligning the orientations of components supplied in a random orientation in a vertical direction.

  FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the spring alignment system 3 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 12, the spring alignment system 3 includes a spring alignment device 31 and a control device 33.

  The spring alignment device 31 is at least one of the spring alignment device 1 of the first embodiment, the spring alignment device 1-1 of the modified example of the first embodiment, and the spring alignment device of the second embodiment.

  The control device 33 is connected to the spring alignment device 31 and controls the spring alignment device 31. For example, the control device 33 can be realized by an information processing device such as a computer or a server.

  For example, the control device 33 controls the height adjustment mechanism 12 and the horizontal movement mechanism 14 according to the flowchart of FIG. Moreover, you may comprise the control apparatus 33 so that the conveyance path 169 shown to FIGS. 12-14 may be controlled.

〔hardware〕
Here, a hardware configuration for realizing the control device according to the present embodiment will be described using the computer 90 in FIG. 13 as an example. The computer 90 in FIG. 13 is a configuration example for realizing the control device of the present embodiment, and does not limit the scope of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the computer 90 includes a processor 91, a main storage device 92, an auxiliary storage device 93, an input / output interface 95, and a communication interface 96. In FIG. 13, the interface is abbreviated as I / F (Interface). The processor 91, the main storage device 92, the auxiliary storage device 93, the input / output interface 95, and the communication interface 96 are connected to each other via a bus 99 so that data communication is possible. The processor 91, the main storage device 92, the auxiliary storage device 93, and the input / output interface 95 are connected to a network such as the Internet or an intranet via a communication interface 96.

  The processor 91 expands the program stored in the auxiliary storage device 93 or the like in the main storage device 92, and executes the expanded program. For example, a configuration using a software program installed in the computer 90 may be used. The processor 91 executes processing by the control device of the present embodiment.

  The main storage device 92 has an area where the program is expanded. The main storage device 92 may be a volatile memory such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory). Further, a nonvolatile memory such as an MRAM (Magnetoresistive Random Access Memory) may be configured and added as the main storage device 92.

  The auxiliary storage device 93 stores various data. The auxiliary storage device 93 is configured by a local disk such as a hard disk or a flash memory. Note that various data may be stored in the main storage device 92, and the auxiliary storage device 93 may be omitted.

  The input / output interface 95 is an interface for connecting the computer 90 and peripheral devices. The communication interface 96 is an interface for connecting to an external system or device through a network such as the Internet or an intranet based on standards or specifications. The input / output interface 95 and the communication interface 96 may be shared as an interface connected to an external device.

  You may comprise the computer 90 so that input devices, such as a keyboard, a mouse | mouth, and a touchscreen, may be connected as needed. These input devices are used for inputting information and settings. Note that when a touch panel is used as an input device, the display screen of the display device may be configured to also serve as an interface of the input device. Data communication between the processor 91 and the input device may be mediated by the input / output interface 95.

  Further, the computer 90 may be provided with a display device for displaying information. When the display device is provided, the computer 90 is preferably provided with a display control device (not shown) for controlling the display of the display device. The display device may be connected to the computer 90 via the input / output interface 95.

  Further, the computer 90 may be provided with a disk drive as necessary. The disk drive is connected to the bus 99. The disk drive mediates reading of data programs from the recording medium, writing of processing results of the computer 90 to the recording medium, and the like between the processor 91 and a recording medium (program recording medium) (not shown). The recording medium can be realized by an optical recording medium such as a CD (Compact Disc) or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc). The recording medium may be realized by a semiconductor recording medium such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory and an SD (Secure Digital) card, a magnetic recording medium such as a flexible disk, and other recording media.

  The above is an example of a hardware configuration for enabling the control device of the present embodiment. Note that the hardware configuration of FIG. 13 is an example of a hardware configuration for executing processing by the control device of the present embodiment, and does not limit the scope of the present invention. A program that causes a computer to execute processing related to the control device of the present embodiment is also included in the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, a program recording medium recording the program according to the present embodiment is also included in the scope of the present invention. The components of the control device of the present embodiment can be arbitrarily combined. In addition, the components of the control device of the present embodiment may be realized by software or a circuit.

  As described above, the spring alignment system (part alignment system) of the present embodiment includes the posture adjustment jig, the suction unit, the height adjustment mechanism (first movement mechanism), the guide jig, and the control device. Prepare. In the posture adjusting jig, at least one posture changing hole for changing the posture of the component is opened downward. The attraction unit is disposed above the attitude adjustment jig and has at least one magnet. The height adjustment mechanism can change the height of the suction part within a range that includes the height where the magnetic force of the magnet reaches the position below the posture adjustment jig and the height where the magnetic force of the magnet does not reach the position of the posture adjustment jig. It is. In the guide jig, at least one guide hole corresponding to the position of the attitude changing hole opened in the attitude adjusting jig penetrates. The control device controls the height adjustment mechanism. The control device has a height adjustment mechanism that changes the height of the suction part in a range that includes the height where the magnetic force of the magnet exceeds the posture adjustment jig and the height where the magnetic force of the magnet does not reach the posture adjustment jig. To control.

  Further, the control device of the present embodiment may control the horizontal movement mechanism (second movement mechanism). The horizontal movement mechanism is a component alignment mechanism configured by an attitude adjustment jig, a suction unit, and a first movement mechanism within a range including at least a position where parts to be aligned are supplied and a position where a guide jig is disposed. It is a mechanism to move. The control device is connected to the second moving mechanism and moves the second moving mechanism so as to move the component aligning mechanism within a range including at least a position where the parts to be aligned are supplied and a position where the guide jig is disposed. Control.

  Further, the control device according to the present embodiment may control the driving device for the conveyance path according to the modified example of the first embodiment. The conveyance path is disposed between the posture adjustment jig and the guide jig. In addition, the posture adjusting jig and the guide jig are arranged to face each other across the transport path so that the opening region of at least one posture conversion hole and the opening region of at least one guide hole overlap. The control device is connected to the drive mechanism of the transport path, and the parts to be aligned are transported below the posture adjustment jig to control the drive mechanism.

  According to the spring alignment system of the present embodiment, it is possible to automate the process of aligning the orientations of components supplied in a random orientation together in the vertical direction.

  Although the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Various changes that can be understood by those skilled in the art can be made to the configuration and details of the present invention within the scope of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Spring alignment apparatus 11 Suction part 12 Height adjustment mechanism 13 Posture adjustment jig 14 Horizontal movement mechanism 15 Guide jig 17 Parts supply tray 18 Parts accommodation tray 111 Fixing plate 112 Magnet 121 Extending mechanism 123 Protruding rod 131 Support part 132 Posture change Part 141 telescopic mechanism 143 projecting bar 161 movable support part 162 support base 163 base 164 rail 165 fixed plate 167 support part 168 support base 169 transport path

Claims (10)

A posture adjusting jig in which at least one posture changing hole for changing the posture of the component is opened downward;
An attraction unit disposed above the attitude adjustment jig and having at least one magnet;
The height of the attracting portion can be changed within a range including a height at which the magnetic force of the magnet reaches a position below the posture adjusting jig and a height at which the magnetic force of the magnet does not reach the position of the posture adjusting jig. A first moving mechanism;
A component aligning apparatus comprising: a guide jig through which at least one guide hole corresponding to the position of the attitude conversion hole opened in the attitude adjustment jig passes. The inner surface of the posture conversion hole opened in the posture adjustment jig is
A first posture adjusting surface having a lower end opened and tapering upwardly;
A second posture adjustment surface that is continuous with an upper end of the first posture adjustment surface and whose upper surface is closed;
The inner surface of the guide hole penetrating the guide jig is
A first guide surface having an upper end opened and tapered downwardly;
The component alignment apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a second guide surface that is continuous with a lower end of the first guide surface and has an open lower end. The suction part is
A plurality of the magnets fixed with a gap so that different polarities are adjacent to each other;
3. The component aligning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the suction unit and the posture adjusting jig are arranged such that gaps between the plurality of magnets are positioned above the posture changing hole. The suction part is
Having at least two yokes,
At least two of the yokes are
With the magnet in between, it is arranged with a gap on the side of the magnet,
The said attraction | suction part and the said attitude | position adjustment jig are arrange | positioned so that the clearance gap between the said magnet and the said yoke may be located above the said attitude | position conversion hole. Parts alignment device.   A component alignment mechanism configured by the posture adjustment jig, the suction unit, and the first moving mechanism within a range including at least a position where a component to be aligned is supplied and a position where the guide jig is disposed. The component aligning device according to claim 1, further comprising a second moving mechanism that moves the component moving device. A conveyance path disposed between the posture adjustment jig and the guide jig;
The posture adjusting jig and the guide jig are arranged to face each other across the transport path so that an opening region of at least one posture changing hole and an opening region of at least one guide hole overlap. The component aligning device according to any one of claims 1 to 5. A posture adjusting jig in which at least one posture changing hole for changing the posture of the component is opened downward;
An attraction unit disposed above the attitude adjustment jig and having at least one magnet;
The height of the attracting portion can be changed within a range including a height at which the magnetic force of the magnet reaches a position below the posture adjusting jig and a height at which the magnetic force of the magnet does not reach the position of the posture adjusting jig. A first moving mechanism;
A guiding jig through which at least one guiding hole corresponding to the position of the posture changing hole opened in the posture adjusting jig passes;
A control device connected to the first moving mechanism,
The controller is
The first portion is configured to change the height of the attraction unit within a range including a height at which the magnetic force of the magnet extends beyond the posture adjustment jig and a height at which the magnetic force of the magnet does not reach the posture adjustment jig. Parts alignment system that controls the moving mechanism. A component alignment mechanism configured by the posture adjustment jig, the suction unit, and the first moving mechanism within a range including at least a position where a component to be aligned is supplied and a position where the guide jig is disposed. A second moving mechanism for moving,
The controller is
The second moving mechanism is connected to the second moving mechanism and moves the component aligning mechanism within a range including at least a position where a part to be aligned is supplied and a position where the guide jig is disposed. The component alignment system according to claim 7 for controlling. A conveyance path disposed between the posture adjustment jig and the guide jig;
The posture adjusting jig and the guide jig are arranged to face each other across the transport path so that an opening region of at least one posture changing hole and an opening region of at least one guide hole overlap. And
The controller is
The component alignment system according to claim 7, wherein the component alignment system is connected to a drive mechanism of the conveyance path and controls the drive mechanism so that components to be aligned are conveyed in a range including a lower part of the posture adjustment jig. Attitude adjustment jig in which at least one attitude conversion hole for changing the attitude of the part is opened downward, an attraction part disposed above the attitude adjustment jig and having at least one magnet, and the attitude adjustment A first movement capable of changing the height of the suction portion within a range including a height at which the magnetic force of the magnet reaches a position below the jig and a height at which the magnetic force of the magnet does not reach the position of the posture adjusting jig. Using a mechanism and a guide jig through which at least one guide hole corresponding to the position of the posture conversion hole opened in the posture adjustment jig passes,
When the component to be aligned is supplied below the posture changing hole opened in the posture adjusting jig, the suction portion is lowered below the height at which the magnetic force of the magnet reaches the component to be aligned. Controlling the first moving mechanism to
The guide hole of the guide jig is positioned below the posture conversion hole of the posture adjustment jig in a state where a part is accommodated in the posture conversion hole of the posture adjustment jig by the magnetic force of the magnet. In this case, the component that controls the first moving mechanism so as to raise the suction portion above a height at which the magnetic force of the magnet does not reach the component accommodated in the posture changing hole of the posture adjusting jig. Alignment method.

Images