JP2774248B2 - Small bag supply device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a parts supply apparatus for continuously supplying parts while separating them individually.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, when producing a product such as a home appliance composed of many parts, parts are reduced by a predetermined procedure in order to reduce labor costs required for assembly and stabilize assembly accuracy. Automatic assembling machines such as robots that combine and produce products have come to be used.

In the automatic assembling machine described above, it is necessary that parts are continuously supplied from a parts storage section that stores a large number of parts while being separated individually so as to reliably repeat a preset procedure. Therefore, conventionally, attention is paid to the fact that the physical properties (shape, position of the center of gravity) of parts are constant, and a vibration type part supply device that moves and separates parts by vibration energy has been used, Alternatively, a belt-conveyor-type part supply device in which a projection for scratching a part is formed on the surface of the belt conveyor so as to scratch and separate the part is used.

[0004]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional vibration-feeding and belt-conveying-type parts supply devices, when applied to small bags packed with coffee or the like,
Since the pouch is easy to change the shape and the position of the center of gravity, it may not move by absorbing vibration energy, or it may fall off from the protrusion of the belt conveyor,
It becomes extremely difficult to supply continuously while separating individually. Further, in the case of a vibration type part supply device, when vibration is generated, low frequency and high energy noise is generated to lower the working environment.

Therefore, according to the present invention, even small pouches whose shape and position of the center of gravity are easily changed can be continuously supplied while being separated individually, and the working environment is not reduced by noise. It is intended to provide a parts supply device.

[0006]

Means for Solving the Problems In order to solve the above-mentioned object, the present invention is to continuously supply parts while separating them individually, and has the following features.

More specifically, the parts supply device according to the first aspect of the present invention includes a housing means for housing the parts, an unloading means for unloading the parts to a next step, and a suction means capable of sucking the parts. The transfer means for moving the suction means to the storage means and the discharge means, and the suction means are pressed against parts of the storage means to be sucked, and the suction is released after the parts are moved to the discharge means together with the suction means. Control means for transferring the parts to the unloading means.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided the parts supply device, wherein the suction means of the first aspect causes the suction pipe to be stretchable in the pressing direction of the parts and to maintain the suction pipe in a predetermined form. And elastic means for applying a predetermined urging force during expansion and contraction.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the parts supply device, wherein the storing means has a container main body for storing the parts.
The bottom surface of the container body is formed in a curved concave shape.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the parts supply device, wherein the housing means has a vibration means for vibrating the container body in a horizontal direction.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the parts supply device further includes a parts replenishing means for replenishing parts in the storage means.
The control means causes the parts replenishment means to replenish the parts to the storage means such that the number of parts stored in the storage means is within a predetermined range.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the parts supply device, wherein the suction means of the first aspect has a suction force for sucking the parts.
It is characterized in that the weight is set so as to lift the weight in the range of one to two.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the parts supply device, the carrying-out means of the first aspect has a plurality of the suction means at intervals equal to or larger than the part size.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the parts supply device, wherein the control means monitors whether or not the suction means is sucking a part when transferring to the unloading means. Until the means sucks the parts, the operation of pressing the sucking means against the parts of the storage means and sucking the parts is repeated.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the parts supply device, wherein the suction means of the first aspect sucks parts existing at the bottom of the storage means at predetermined or arbitrary time intervals.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the parts supply device according to the first aspect.
Is characterized in that the suction means is lowered toward a predetermined or arbitrary position of the storage means.

[0017]

According to the first to tenth aspects, the parts are sucked by the suction means and transferred from the storage means to the carry-out means, so that the working environment is reduced by noise as in the vibration method. Therefore, even if the parts are small bags whose shape and the position of the center of gravity are easy to change, it is possible to continuously supply them while separating them individually.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the suction means can be sufficiently pressed against the parts, and the parts are prevented from being damaged by the suction means pressing the parts more than necessary. It has become possible. According to the configuration of claim 3, the parts can be assembled at the center of the container body along the curved concave bottom surface, so that the suction means can be reliably pressed against the parts to be sucked. I can do it. According to the configuration of claim 4, since the parts can be vibrated and forcibly gathered along the bottom surface of the curved concave shape at the center of the container body, the suction means can be surely pressed against the parts. It can be applied and absorbed.

According to the configuration of claim 5, since a predetermined number of parts are always present in the storage means, it is possible to reliably supply the parts continuously. According to the configuration of claim 6, it is possible to always transfer a single part to the unloading means and supply it to the next step. Further, according to the configuration of claim 7, since parts can be transferred and supplied in a predetermined quantity unit, productivity can be improved.

Further, according to the configuration of claim 8, since parts can be reliably transferred and supplied, productivity can be improved. Further, according to the configuration of the ninth aspect, the parts existing in the place where it is difficult to be sucked are also sucked, and the remaining of the old parts can be prevented. Further, according to the configuration of the tenth aspect, it is possible to lower the suction means to a part where the parts are easily gathered and to surely suck the parts.

[0021]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG. 1, the parts supply device according to the present embodiment has a small bag 1 whose shape and center of gravity are easily changed.
A small bag storage device 2 capable of storing a large amount of
It has a belt conveyor 3 for sending the small bag material 1 to an automatic assembling machine or the like in a next step, not shown, and a transfer device 4 for sucking the small bag material 1 and transferring the small bag material 1 from the small bag container 2 to the belt conveyor 3. I have.

The small-bag material storage device 2 includes a container body 5 for storing the small-bag material 1 and a vibrating device 6 for vibrating the container body 5. Is supplied to the container body 5. The bottom surface 5a of the container main body 5 is formed in a curved concave shape so that the small bag objects 1 gather at the center of the bottom surface 5a. The container main body 5 is supported by a vibration device 6, which vibrates the container main body 5 in the horizontal direction (the direction of the arrow) to forcibly store the small bag objects 1. It is designed to be assembled at the center of the container body 5.

The small bag 1 stored in the container body 5 described above.
Are taken out by the transfer device 4.
The transfer device 4 has a suction device 7 (cylinder picker) for sucking the small bag 1 and a moving device 8 such as a robot capable of moving the suction device 7 to the small bag storage device 2 and the belt conveyor 3. ing. As shown in FIG. 2, the suction tool 7 includes a first suction pipe 9 and a second suction pipe 9 that is movably inserted into the first suction pipe 9.
It has a suction pipe 10 and a pad member 12 connected to the distal end of the second suction pipe 10, and when the pad member 12 is pressed against the small bag object 1, the pad member 12 is pressed in the pressing direction against the small bag object 1. On the other hand, the second suction pipe 10 is fitted into the first suction pipe 9 so that the second suction pipe 10 can be expanded and contracted so that the pad member 12 does not press the small bag 1 or the container body 5 more than necessary.

The first suction pipe 9 and the second suction pipe 10
An elastic member 11 such as a spring is provided at the fitting portion of the small bag 1, and the urging force of the elastic member 11 is such that the pressing force when the pad member 12 is pressed against the small bag 1 does not damage the small bag 1. Set to about. The upper end of the elastic member 11 is connected to the first suction pipe 9, while the lower end is connected to the second suction pipe 10, and the positions of the first suction pipe 9 and the second suction pipe 10 are different. The relationship is maintained in a predetermined state.

An air suction device (not shown) is connected to the first suction pipe 9. The air suction device sucks the small bag 1 by bringing the pipes 9 and 10 into a negative pressure state. It has become. In addition, the suction force when the suction tool 7 suctions the small bag object 1 is 2 to 2 for one small bag object 1.
The opening area of the pad member 12 and the negative pressure of the air suction device are set such that the weight of the pad member can be lifted. Thereby, the suction tool 7
Even if a plurality of small bag objects 1 are sucked, only one small bag object 1 is sucked and moved in order to drop these small bag items 1 when ascending.

The supply operation of the above-mentioned small bag storage device 2, parts replenishing device, moving device 8 and belt conveyor 3 is monitored and controlled by a control device (not shown). That is, the control device monitors the number of small bags 1 stored in the small bag storage device 2 by the level sensor or the weight sensor, and controls the parts replenishment device to store the small bags 1 in a predetermined level range or weight range. One is to be replenished. Further, the control device monitors the pressure state of the suction device 7 with a pressure sensor. When the pressure becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value, the control device determines that the suction device 7 has suctioned the small bag 1 and the transfer device 4. Then, the suction tool 7 is moved to the belt conveyor 3. Note that the suction device 7 is a small bag 1
May be determined by detecting the small bag 1 with the proximity switch.

The operation of the parts supply device in the above configuration will be described. First, the container main body 5 is
The container body 5 vibrated in the direction of the arrow
Is supplied so that the small bag 1 is in a predetermined level range or weight range. Then, the container main body 5 causes the small bag object 1 to vibrate, thereby moving the small bag object 1 along the curved concave bottom surface 5a and assembling the small bag object 1 at the central portion which is the deepest portion of the bottom surface 5a.

Next, the suction tool 7 is horizontally moved in the direction of the container main body 5 by the moving device 8, and when the suction tool 7 reaches above the center of the container main body 5, the horizontal movement is stopped and lowered. Will be done. The suction tool 7 is lowered to a position lower than a position where the uppermost pouch 1 and the pad member 12 come into contact with each other so that the pad 12 reliably contacts the pouch 1. At this time, the suction tool 7
The second suction pipe 10 is configured to fit into the first suction pipe 9 with a predetermined urging force. Therefore, even if the suction member 7 is further lowered after the pad member 12 abuts on the uppermost pouch 1, the pad 12 is pressed against the uppermost pouch 1 with a constant urging force. Becomes
The pouch 1 is not damaged by excessive pressing force.

Next, the air suction device is operated, and the pressure in the space defined by the pad member 12, the second suction pipe 10, and the first suction pipe 9 whose opening is closed by the small bag 1 is negative. Pressure. Then, when the above-mentioned pressure becomes a negative pressure equal to or more than a predetermined value, the controller monitoring this pressure determines that the small bag 1 has been sucked, and raises the suction tool 7. At this time, the suction force of the suction device 7 is set to such an extent that the weight range of one to two pouches 1 is lifted. Therefore, when the pad member 12 has adsorbed two or more pouches 1, the pouches 1 are dropped into the container main body 5 when the suction tool 7 is lifted, and the control device operates as follows. By detecting the dropping of the bag 1 by the change in the pressure state, the suction tool 7 is lowered again, and the small bag 1 is sucked by the suction tool 7.

As a result, the suction tool 7 always lifts by sucking the single bag 1 and when it reaches a predetermined height position, the lifting is stopped and the suction tool 7 moves horizontally in the direction of the belt conveyor 3. Will be done. Thereafter, when the suction tool 7 reaches above the belt conveyor 3, the horizontal movement is stopped, and after the suction tool 7 is lowered near the belt conveyor 3, the pressure state of the suction tool 7 is returned to the atmospheric pressure. As a result, the small bag 1 is placed on the belt conveyor 3. Then, by repeating the above operation, the small bag objects 1 are continuously supplied to the next process via the belt conveyor 3 while being separated individually.

In this embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to the small bag 1 whose shape and the position of the center of gravity are easily changed is described. Obviously, it can be applied to the body and the like.

Further, in the parts supply apparatus of the present embodiment, the suction tool 7 may be lowered to a predetermined position such as the center of the container body 5 or may be lowered to an arbitrary position. It may be. Further, the small bag 1 existing at the bottom of the container body 5 may be sucked at predetermined or arbitrary time intervals.

Further, in the present embodiment, one pad member 12 is pressed against the small bag object 1 to be sucked. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and as shown in FIG. A configuration in which the pad member 12 side of the two suction pipes 10 is branched into a plurality of parts and the pad member 12 is attached to each branch part may be adopted. In the case of this configuration, the opening area of the pad member 12 abutting on the small bag object 1 increases, so that the suction force can be increased, and the small bag material 1 can be increased.
Can be reliably sucked and supplied even when the weight is heavy.

Further, in this embodiment, the transfer device 4 has one suction tool 7, but it is not limited to this, and as shown in FIG. Length dimension and width dimension)
It may be configured to have a plurality of multiples at twice or more intervals. In the case of this configuration, the small bag 1
Can be transferred and supplied, so that productivity can be improved.

Further, the parts supply device has a larger number of suction devices 7 than the number of small bag objects 1 supplied, and determines whether the number of small bag objects 1 sucked by the suction devices 7 is larger than the supply number. Monitoring may be performed by a pressure sensor or the like. If the number is small, the suction by the suction device 7 may be performed again. If the number is large, the excess small bag 1 may be dropped off. In this case, the small bag 1 can be reliably transferred and supplied in a predetermined quantity unit, so that the productivity can be further improved.

As described above, the parts supply apparatus according to the present embodiment continuously supplies parts (small bags 1) while separating them individually, and means for storing the parts (small bag storages 2). Transfer means (belt conveyor 3) for unloading the parts to the next step, and suction means (suction unit 7) capable of sucking the parts, and a transfer means (suction means for shifting the suction means to the housing means and the unloading means) The transfer device 4), the suction means is pressed against the parts of the storage means to be sucked, the parts are moved together with the suction means to the carry-out means, and then the suction is released to transfer the parts to the carry-out means. The first feature is that it has control means.

As a result, since the parts are sucked by the suction means and transferred from the storage means to the carry-out means, the working environment is not reduced by noise as in the vibration method, and the parts are shaped and shaped. Even small bags whose center of gravity position is easily changed can be continuously supplied while being separated individually. Therefore, packaging a small bag containing pepper, salt, milk powder, coffee, sugar, etc., as a set, which is not possible with a vibration or belt conveyor type part supply device, It can also be used in the step of charging, the step of packaging sugar, salt, toothpick sachets along with knives, forks and spoons.

In the parts supply apparatus, the suction means has a suction pipe (first suction pipe 9 and second suction pipe 10) which can be extended and contracted in the pressing direction of the parts, and the suction pipe is maintained in a predetermined form. A second feature is that the elastic member (elastic member 11) for applying a predetermined urging force at the time of expansion and contraction is provided. This allows the suction means to be sufficiently pressed against the parts,
It is possible to prevent the parts from being damaged by the suction means pressing the parts more than necessary.

The third feature of the parts supply device is that the housing means has a housing body 5 for housing the parts, and the bottom surface 5a of the housing body 5 is formed in a curved concave shape. . As a result, the parts are bent into a curved concave bottom surface 5.
Since it can be assembled at the center of the container main body 5 along the line a, the suction means can be surely pressed against the parts and sucked.

The fourth feature of the parts supply device is that the storage means has a vibration means (vibration device 6) for vibrating the container main body in the horizontal direction. Thereby, the parts are vibrated to forcibly bend the concave bottom surface 5.
Since it can be assembled at the center of the container main body 5 along the line a, the suction means can be surely pressed against the parts and sucked.

Further, the parts supply device further has a parts replenishing means (parts replenishing device) for replenishing parts in the storage means, and the control means controls the number of stored parts in the storage means to be within a predetermined range. As described above, the fifth feature is that the parts replenishing means is configured to replenish the parts to the storage means. As a result, a predetermined number of parts are always present in the storage means, so that continuous supply of parts can be reliably performed.

The sixth feature of the present invention is that the parts supplying apparatus is characterized in that the suction means for sucking the parts by the suction means is set so as to lift the weight in the range of one to two parts. It is possible to always transfer a single part to the carrying out means and supply it to the next step.

Further, the seventh aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the unloading means has a plurality of the suction means at intervals larger than the part size, so that the parts can be transferred in a predetermined quantity unit. Supply and improve productivity.

In the parts supply device, the control means monitors whether or not the suction means is sucking the parts at the time of transfer to the unloading means. The eighth feature is that the operation of pressing the means against the parts of the storage means and adsorbing the parts is repeated, so that the parts can be reliably transferred and supplied, and the productivity can be improved. I can do it.

The ninth feature of the parts supply device is that the suction means suctions parts existing at the bottom of the storage means at predetermined or arbitrary time intervals. Parts existing in difficult places are also adsorbed, so that it is possible to prevent old parts from remaining.

The tenth feature of the parts supply device is that the suction means is lowered toward a predetermined or arbitrary position of the storage means, so that the parts can be easily assembled. It is possible to lower the suction means at the portion to reliably suck the parts.

[0047]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, as described above, parts are continuously supplied while being separated individually.
A transfer unit that has a storage unit that stores the parts, an unloading unit that unloads the parts to the next process, and a suction unit that can suck the parts, and moves the suction unit to the storage unit and the unloading unit Control means for pressing the suction means against the parts of the storage means to suck the parts, moving the parts to the discharge means together with the suction means, and then releasing the suction to transfer the parts to the discharge means; It is the structure which has.

As a result, the parts are sucked by the suction means and are transferred from the storage means to the carry-out means, so that the working environment is not reduced by noise as in the vibration method, and the parts are shaped and shaped. Even if it is a small bag whose center of gravity position is easily changed, it is possible to continuously supply the small bags while separating them individually.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, as described above, the suction means of the first aspect causes the suction pipe to extend and contract in the pressing direction of the parts and maintain the suction pipe in a predetermined shape. As described above, the elastic means for applying a predetermined urging force during expansion and contraction allows the suction means to be sufficiently pressed against the parts, and the suction means presses the parts more than necessary. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the parts from being damaged due to this.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, as described above, the storage means of the first aspect has a container main body for storing parts, and the bottom surface of the container main body is formed in a curved concave shape. With this configuration, the parts can be assembled at the center of the container body along the curved concave bottom surface, so that the suction means can be reliably pressed against the parts and sucked.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, as described above, since the housing means of the second aspect has a vibration means for vibrating the container body in a horizontal direction, the parts are vibrated. As a result, it is possible to forcibly gather at the center of the container body along the bottom surface of the curved concave shape, so that the suction means can be surely pressed against the parts and sucked.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, as described above, there is provided a parts replenishing means for replenishing parts into the storing means, and the control means controls the number of stored parts in the storing means to be within a predetermined range. In addition, the configuration is such that the parts are replenished to the storage means by the parts replenishment means.Therefore, a predetermined number of parts always exist in the storage means. The effect is that it is possible to perform it.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, as described above, the suction means of the first aspect sets the suction force for sucking the parts to such an extent that the weight increases in the range of one to two parts. With this configuration, it is possible to always transfer a single part to the carrying-out means and supply it to the next process.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, as described above, the unloading means of the first aspect has a plurality of the suction means at intervals larger than the part size. Can be transferred and supplied, so that there is an effect that productivity can be improved.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, as described above, the control means of the first or seventh aspect monitors whether or not the suction means is sucking a part at the time of transfer to the unloading means. Until the suction means sucks the parts, the operation of pressing the suction means against the parts of the storage means and repeating the operation of sucking the parts is repeated, so it is possible to reliably transfer and supply the parts Therefore, there is an effect that productivity can be improved.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, as described above, the suction means of the first aspect suctions parts existing at the bottom of the storage means at predetermined or arbitrary time intervals. Therefore, there is an effect that a part existing in a place where it is difficult to be sucked is also sucked, and an old part can be prevented from remaining.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, as described above, the suction means of the first aspect is configured to be lowered toward a predetermined or arbitrary position of the storage means. Thus, there is an effect that the suction means can be lowered to a portion where the parts are easily gathered, and the parts can be surely sucked.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a parts supply device.

FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of a suction tool.

FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram of a suction tool having a plurality of pad members.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a main part of a transfer device having a plurality of suction tools.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Small bag thing 2 Small bag thing accommodation device 3 Belt conveyor 4 Transfer device 5 Container main body 5a Bottom surface 6 Vibration device 7 Suction tool 8 Moving device 9 1st suction pipe 10 2nd suction pipe 11 Elastic member 12 Pad member

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Ikuo Nakayama 1-2 Nakahara, Miya-machi, Toyohashi-city, Aichi Prefecture Kobe Steel Works Toyohashi FA / Robot Center (56) References , A) Japanese Utility Model Hei 5-51581 (JP, U) Japanese Patent Publication No. 2-7846 (JP, B2) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁶ , DB name) B25J 15/06 B65G 47/91

Claims (3)

(57) [Claims] 1. A small bag whose shape and the position of the center of gravity are easily changed.
Goods in continuously feeding pouch product supply unit with individually separated, and accommodating means for accommodating the sachet product, and unloading means for unloading the pouch material to the next step, adsorbable adsorption means the pouch was the a, a transfer means for moving the adsorption means and said housing means and said discharge means, is adsorbed by pressing the pouch of accommodating means the suction unit, the unloading unit with suction means the pouch was after moved, and control means for causing transfer to the unloading means the sachet was by releasing the suction, the housing means, the bottom surface is formed in a curved concave shape, the small
A container body for storing the bag, and the container body
And vibrating means for vibrating in a vertical direction.
Small bag supply device. 2. The suction means according to claim 1, wherein said suction means sucks a small bag.
The force lifts the weight in the range of one to two sachets
The container container
Vibration range of the deepest part of the curved concave bottom surface of the body
Characterized in that it is lowered to absorb the small bag
The small bag supply device according to claim 1 . 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the control means is configured to transfer the data to the unloading means.
Monitors whether or not the above-mentioned adsorption means is adsorbing small pouches
Until the suction means adsorbs the small bag.
Is pressed against the small bag of the storage means to adsorb it.
3. The method according to claim 2, wherein
Small bag supply device .