JP3785325B2

JP3785325B2 - Electronic component transfer method and transfer device

Info

Publication number: JP3785325B2
Application number: JP2001023706A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 浩二斉藤
Original assignee: Taiyo Yuden Co Ltd
Current assignee: Taiyo Yuden Co Ltd
Priority date: 2001-01-31
Filing date: 2001-01-31
Publication date: 2006-06-14
Anticipated expiration: 2021-01-31
Also published as: JP2002232187A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、整列状態で搬送されたチップ部品等の電子部品から先頭の電子部品を外部に取り出す際に有用な電子部品の搬送方法及び搬送装置に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
特公平６−８２９５２号公報には、エア吸引力を利用して部品搬送を行う装置が開示されている。同公報に開示された装置は、管状給送路と、給送路の端部に設けられた部品取出用の開口部と、先頭のチップ部品を開口部に位置決めするためのストッパーピンと、ストッパーピンに当接した先頭のチップ部品よりも前方に離れた位置に設けられたエア吸引孔と、開口部を開閉するシャッターとを有している。
【０００３】
この装置は、開口部をシャッターによって閉じた状態でエア吸引孔を通じて給送路内にエア吸引力を作用させることにより、給送路内のチップ部品をストッパーピンに向かって搬送して先頭のチップ部品をストッパーピンに当接させることができる。ストッパーピンに当接した先頭のチップ部品は、エア吸引力を停止し、且つ、シャッターを移動させて開口部を開いた後に外部に取り出される。
【０００４】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
負のエア圧力を利用して部品搬送を行う前述のような装置では、正のエア圧力を利用して部品搬送を行う場合も含め、搬送通路と電子部品との間のクリアランスに不規則的なエアの流れが生じるため、部品搬送時に電子部品の姿勢及び位置が前記クリアランスの範囲で乱れる傾向があり、これにより、先頭のチップ部品が姿勢及び位置に乱れた状態のままでストッパーピンに当接して停止してしまい、先頭のチップ部品を吸着ノズルによって取り出すときに吸着不良や姿勢不良等の問題を生じる恐れがある。
【０００５】
本発明は前記事情に鑑みて創作されたもので、その目的とするところは、エア圧力を利用して整列状態で搬送されたチップ部品等の電子部品から先頭の電子部品を吸着不良や姿勢不良等の問題を生じることなく取り出すことができる電子部品の搬送方法及び搬送装置を提供することにある。
【０００６】
【課題を解決するための手段】
前記目的を達成するため、請求項１に記載の電子部品の搬送方法は、所定形状の電子部品を整列状態で搬送するための搬送通路と、電子部品を搬送するために搬送通路内に負または正のエア圧力を作用させ得るエアアクチュエーターと、部品停止位置と同位置から離れた離隔位置との間を移動可能な可動ストッパーと、搬送通路の前端部に設けられた部品取出口と、部品取出口閉塞位置と部品取出口開放位置との間を移動可能な可動シャッターとを備え、可動シャッターが部品取出口閉塞位置にあり、且つ、可動ストッパーが部品停止位置にある状態で、エアアクチュエーターから搬送通路内に負または正のエア圧力を作用させて搬送通路内の電子部品を整列状態で搬送して先頭の電子部品を可動ストッパーに当接させた後に、可動シャッターを部品取出口閉塞位置から部品取出口開放位置に向かって移動させ、且つ、可動ストッパーを部品停止位置から離隔位置に向かって移動させて可動ストッパーを先頭の電子部品から引き離す動作の中で、可動シャッターが部品取出口閉塞位置から部品取出口開放位置に向かって移動を開始する前段階で少なくとも先頭の電子部品に保持力を付与し、また、可動シャッターが部品取出口閉塞位置から部品取出口開放位置に向かって移動を開始してから部品取出口開放位置に至る過程で前記保持力を解除する、ことをその特徴とする。
【０００７】
この電子部品の搬送方法によれば、可動シャッターが部品取出口閉塞位置から部品取出口開放位置に向かって移動を開始する前段階で少なくとも先頭の電子部品に保持力を付与することにより、この保持力によって先頭の電子部品を安定な状態とすることができ、部品搬送時に先頭の電子部品の姿勢及び位置に乱れを生じている場合にはこの保持力によって先頭の電子部品の姿勢及び位置を矯正することができる。また、可動シャッターが部品取出口閉塞位置から部品取出口開放位置に向かって移動を開始してから部品取出口開放位置に至る過程で前記保持力を解除することにより、可動シャッターが部品取出口開放位置に移動した後に先頭の電子部品を吸着ノズル等によって外部に取り出す際に前記保持力が部品取り出しの妨げになることを防止できる。
【０００８】
一方、請求項４に記載の電子部品の搬送装置は、所定形状の電子部品を整列状態で搬送するための搬送通路と、電子部品を搬送するために搬送通路内に負または正のエア圧力を作用させ得る第１のエアアクチュエーターと、部品停止位置と同位置から離れた離隔位置との間を移動可能な可動ストッパーと、搬送通路の前端部に設けられた部品取出口と、部品取出口閉塞位置と部品取出口開放位置との間を移動可能な可動シャッターと、可動シャッターを部品取出口閉塞位置から部品取出口開放位置に移動させ、且つ、可動ストッパーを部品停止位置から離隔位置に移動させると共に、可動シャッターを部品取出口開放位置から部品取出口閉塞位置に復帰させ、且つ、可動ストッパーを離隔位置から部品停止位置に復帰させる第１の駆動手段と、可動シャッターが部品取出口閉塞位置にあり、且つ、可動ストッパーが部品停止位置にある状態で、第１のエアアクチュエーターから搬送通路内に負または正のエア圧力が作用するように第１のエアアクチュエーターを動作させる第２の駆動手段と、可動シャッターが部品取出口閉塞位置から部品取出口開放位置に向かって移動を開始する前段階で少なくとも先頭の電子部品に保持力を付与し、可動シャッターが部品取出口閉塞位置から部品取出口開放位置に向かって移動を開始してから部品取出口開放位置に至る過程で前記保持力を解除する部品保持手段とを備える、ことをその特徴とする
この電子部品の搬送装置によれば、請求項１に記載の電子部品の搬送方法を的確、且つ、安定に実施することができる。
【０００９】
本発明の前記目的とそれ以外の目的と、構成特徴と、作用効果は、以下の説明と添付図面によって明らかとなる。
【００１０】
【発明の実施の形態】
図１〜図１０は本発明の一実施形態に係るもので、以下の説明では図１における左を前、右を後、手前側を左、奥側を右として表記する。
【００１１】
図１〜図１０に示した装置は長さ＞幅＝高さの寸法関係を有する四角柱形状の電子部品ＥＣを取り扱うのに適したものであり、図中の符号１は装置フレーム、２は通路構成部材、３はカバー部材、４は可動ストッパー、５は可動シャッター、６は操作レバー、７は第１駆動レバー、８は従動レバー、９は第２駆動レバー、１０はエアシリンダー、１１は第１制御バルブ、１２は第２制御バルブ、１３は第１エアチューブ、１４は第２エアチューブである。
【００１２】
通路構成部材２は、装置フレーム１に取り付けられている。この通路構成部材２は横断面矩形の溝を上面に有しており、この溝は、通路構成部材２の上面にカバー部材３を取り付けることによって、電子部品ＥＣの幅または高さよりも僅かに大きな深さ及び左右寸法を有する搬送通路２ａを構成する。また、搬送通路２ａの前端部にはカバー部材３で覆われない部分が存在し、同部分は単一の電子部品ＥＣを露出可能な部品取出口２ａ１を構成する。さらに、通路構成部材２の上面前部には、可動シャッター５を配置するための凹部２ｂが形成されており、この凹部２ｂの深さは搬送通路２ａの深さに一致している。つまり、搬送通路２ａの前端は凹部２ｂの後面で開口し、搬送通路２ａの底面は凹部２ｂの底面と段差なく連続している。さらに、部品取出口２ａ１の真下位置に当たる搬送通路２ａの底面中央には電子部品ＥＣの幅または高さよりも小さな内径を有する第１エア通路２ｃが上下方向に貫通形成され、その前側には、ほぼ同一の内径を有する第２エア通路２ｄが上下方向に貫通形成されている。
【００１３】
可動ストッパー４は、搬送通路２ａの深さにほぼ一致した上下寸法と、通路構成部材２の幅よりも小さな左右寸法を有する直方体形状を成している。この可動ストッパー４には、上下方向に貫通する孔とこの孔と連通するように上面に形成されたＵ字形凹部によってエア通路４ａが構成されており、エア通路４ａを構成するＵ字形凹部の左右寸法は搬送通路２ａの左右寸法とほぼ一致している。可動ストッパー４の後面が凹部２ｂの後面に接している状態では、図３及び図４に示すように、エア通路４ａの貫通孔部分の下端は第２エア通路２ｄの上端と一致している。また、可動ストッパー４の前部には、前端から後方に延びるガイド溝４ｂが形成されていて、このガイド溝４ｂ内には、凹部２ｂの底面に立設されたストッパーロッド１５の上方突出部分が挿入されている。つまり、可動ストッパー４の後退位置は凹部２ｂの後面によって規定され、前進位置はストッパーロッド１５によって規定されている。さらに、可動ストッパー４と凹部２ｂの後面との間には、可動ストッパー４を前方に付勢するコイルバネ４ｃ（図５及び図６参照）が介装されている。
【００１４】
可動シャッター５は、搬送通路２ａの深さとカバー部材３の厚みの和にほぼ一致した上下寸法と、通路構成部材２の幅にほぼ一致した左右寸法を有する直方体形状を成している。この可動シャッター５には、前後方向に延びたガイド孔５ａが前後２箇所に形成されている。各ガイド孔５ａには上方からガイドロッド１６が挿入され、各ガイドロッド１６の下部は凹部２ｂの底面に固着されている。また、可動シャッター５の後部下面には、搬送通路２ａの深さにほぼ一致した深さと、部品取出口２ａ１の前後寸法と可動シャッター４の前後寸法の和にほぼ一致した前後寸法を有する凹部５ｂが形成されている。この凹部５ｂの前側には幅狭部分が設けられていて、同部分の左右寸法は可動ストッパー４の左右寸法にほぼ一致している。可動シャッター５の後面がカバー部材３の前面に接し、部品取出口２ａ１が閉塞されている状態では、図３及び図４に示すように、凹部５ｂの内側段差が凹部２ｂの後面に接し、且つ、凹部５ｂの前側内面が可動ストッパー４の前面に接していて可動ストッパー４の後面が凹部２ｂの後面に接している。さらに、可動シャッター５の左側面には、従動レバー８の係合溝８ａに挿入され得る操作ロッド５ｃが横向きに設けられてる。
【００１５】
操作レバー６，第１駆動レバー７，従動レバー８及び第２駆動レバー９は、操作レバー６への動力付与及び解除に基づいて、可動ストッパー４及び可動シャッター５とエアシリンダー１０のそれぞれを動作させるレバー機構を構成している。
【００１６】
第１駆動レバー７はその中央を装置フレーム１に設けられた支持シャフト１７によって回転自在に支持され、Ｌ字形の従動レバー８はその屈曲部分を装置フレーム１に設けられた支持シャフト１８によって回転自在に支持され、Ｌ字形の第２駆動レバー９はその屈曲部分を装置フレーム１に設けられた支持シャフト１９によって回転自在に支持されている。操作レバー６の下端には第１駆動レバー７の後端が回転自在に連結され、操作レバー６の上部には第２駆動レバー９の前端が回転自在に連結され、第２駆動レバー９の下端には連結プレート２０を介してエアシリンダー１０のロッド１０ａの前端が回転自在に連結されている。操作レバー６と第２駆動レバー９は、装置フレーム１と通路構成部材２及びカバー部材３との間に形成された隙間（符号無し）に挿入されている。第１駆動レバー７の前端と従動レバー８の後端とは隙間を介して向き合っており、第１駆動レバー７の回転角度が所定角度を越えると第１駆動レバー７の前端によって従動レバー８の後端が押し上げられるようになっている。
【００１７】
従動レバー８の上端にはＵ字形の係合溝８ａが形成されており、この係合溝８ａには可動シャッター５の操作ロッド５ｃが挿入されている。また、従動レバー８は装置フレーム１との間に張設されたコイルバネ２１によって図１中で時計回り方向に付勢され、時計回り方向の回転を位置決めストッパー２２によって制限されている。第２駆動レバー９は装置フレーム１との間に張設されたコイルバネ２３によって図１中で時計回り方向に付勢され、時計回り方向の回転を位置決めストッパー２４によって制限されている。
【００１８】
エアシリンダー１０は、給排気ポートを２つ備えた複動型のもので、装置フレーム１に設けられた支持シャフト２５によってその後端部を回転自在に支持されている。このエアシリンダー１０の前側の給排気ポートには第１制御バルブ１１が取り付けられ、後側の給排気ポートには第２制御バルブ１２が取り付けられている。図１に示した弁記号から分かるように、ロッド１０ａが前進位置から後退するときには第１制御バルブ１１の前側口が吸気口となり、第２制御バルブ１２の後側口が排気口となる。また、ロッド１０ａが後退位置から前進するときには第２制御バルブ１２の前側口が吸気口となり、第１制御バルブ１１の後側口が排気口となる。
【００１９】
エアシリンダー１０のロッド１０ａが前進位置から後退するときに吸気口となる第１制御バルブ１１の前側口には、第１エアチューブ１３の後端が接続され、第１エアチューブ１３の前端は第１継手２６を介して第１エア通路２ｃに接続されている。また、エアシリンダー１０のロッド１０ａが後退位置から前進するときには吸気口となる第２制御バルブ１２の前側口には、第２エアチューブ１４の後端が接続され、第２エアチューブ１４の前端は第２継手２７を介して第２エア通路２ｄに接続されている。
【００２０】
図示を省略してあるが、搬送通路２ａの後端には、バルク状態で収納された多数の電子部品ＥＣを整列して搬送通路２ａに送り込むための整列・供給機構が設けられており、同機構の連続動作或いは間欠動作によって搬送通路２ａ内には電子部品ＥＣが整列状態で順次供給される。ちなみに、電子部品ＥＣは、例えばチップコンデンサやチップ抵抗器やチップインダクタ等のチップ部品や、ＬＣフィルター等の複合部品や、コンデンサアレイやインダクタアレイ等のアレイ部品や、他種の電子部品である。
【００２１】
前記装置による部品搬送は、図１及び図２に示すように適当な駆動機器を用いて操作レバー６の上端に力を加えて操作レバー６を下方移動させ、この後に操作レバー６への押し下げ力を解除して操作レバー６をコイルバネ２３の付勢力を利用して復帰させる動作を、所定のサイクルで繰り返すことにより実施される。
【００２２】
上昇位置にある操作レバー６を下方に移動させると、図２に示すように、第１駆動レバー７が時計回り方向に回転し、第１駆動レバー７の回転角度が所定角度を超えると第１駆動レバー７の前端が従動レバー８の後端を押し上げて従動レバー８が反時計回り方向に回転する。また、第２駆動レバー９が反時計回り方向に回転し、エアシリンダー１０のロッド１０ａが前進位置から後退する。ちなみに、図１０のｔ１は操作レバー６の押し下げを開始してから従動レバー８が回転を開始するまでに要する時間を示し、ｔ２は従動レバー８の回転が開始してから停止するまでの時間を示し、ｔ３はエアシリンダー１０のロッド１０ａの後退が開始してから停止するまでの時間を示す。
【００２３】
可動シャッター５が部品取出口閉塞位置にあり、且つ、可動ストッパー４が部品停止位置にあり、しかも、搬送通路２ａ内に電子部品ＥＣが長さ向きで並び、且つ、先頭の電子部品ＥＣが可動ストッパー４に当接している図３の状態でエアシリンダー１０のロッド１０ａが後退を開始すると、ロッド１０ａの後退が停止するまで、第１制御バルブ１１の前側口，第１エアチューブ１３及び第１継手２６を通じて第１エア通路２ｃに負のエア圧力が作用し、先頭の電子部品ＥＣが下方に引き寄せられ保持される。
【００２４】
可動シャッター５が部品取出口閉塞位置から部品取出口開放位置に向かって移動を開始する前段階で先頭の電子部品ＥＣに保持力を付与することにより、この保持力によって先頭の電子部品ＥＣを安定な状態とすることができ、部品搬送時に先頭の電子部品ＥＣの姿勢及び位置に乱れを生じている場合にはこの保持力によって先頭の電子部品ＥＣの姿勢及び位置を矯正することができる。
【００２５】
エアシリンダー１０のロッド１０ａの後退開始よりも若干遅れて従動レバー８が反時計回り方向の回転を開始すると、図５及び図６に示すように従動レバー８の係合溝８ａに操作ロッド５ｃを係合している可動シャッター５が前進を開始すると共に、コイルバネ４ｃの付勢力によって可動ストッパー４も前進を開始して先頭の電子部品ＥＣから前方に離れ、先頭の電子部品ＥＣが可動ストッパー４及び２番目の電子部品ＥＣによって何ら拘束されない自由な状態となる。可動ストッパー４はストッパーロッド１５によって前進を規定されているため、部品停止位置から僅かな距離前方に離れた離隔位置に達したところで先に停止するが、可動シャッター５は従動レバー８の回転が停止するまでさらに前進する。
【００２６】
図示装置では、エアシリンダー１０のロッド１０ａの後退が停止するまで、換言すれば、可動シャッター５が部品取出口開放位置に達するまでは第１エア通路２ｃに負のエア圧力（保持力）が作用しているため、可動ストッパー４及び２番目の電子部品ＥＣによって何ら拘束されない自由な状態となった先頭の電子部品ＥＣに未だ姿勢及び位置の乱れが残っている場合にはこのときの保持力によって姿勢及び位置の矯正を再度実施することができる。
【００２７】
先頭の電子部品ＥＣの外部への取り出しは、操作レバー６が下降位置にある状態で実施される。具体的には、図７に示すように部品取出口２ａ１の上方から吸着ノズルＳＮが下降して先頭の電子部品ＥＣを吸着し、吸着後の先頭の電子部品ＥＣを部品取出口２ａ１を通じて外部に取り出される。吸着ノズルＳＮによって取り出された先頭の電子部品ＥＣは例えば基板等に搭載される。操作レバー６が下降位置にある状態では、エアシリンダー１０のロッド１０ａの後退が停止し、第１エア通路２ｃに作用していた負のエア圧力（保持力）が解除されているので、先頭の電子部品ＥＣの取り出しはスムースに行える。ちなみに、図１０のｔ４は操作レバー６が下降位置にある状態で先頭の電子部品ＥＣが外部に取り出される時間を示す。
【００２８】
下降位置にある操作レバー６を復帰させると、図１に示すように、第１駆動レバー７が反時計回り方向に回転して復帰し、従動レバー８がコイルバネ２１の付勢力によって時計回り方向に回転して復帰する。また、第２駆動レバー９が時計回り方向に回転して復帰し、エアシリンダー１０のロッド１０ａが後退位置から前進して復帰する。ちなみに、図１０のｔ５は操作レバー６の押し下げ力を解除してから第１駆動レバー７及び従動レバー８が復帰するまでの時間を示し、ｔ６はエアシリンダー１０のロッド１０ａの前進が開始してから停止するまでの時間を示す。
【００２９】
先頭の電子部品ＥＣが外部に取り出された後に第１駆動レバー７及び従動レバー８が反時計回り方向の回転を開始すると、図８に示すように従動レバー８の係合溝８ａに操作ロッド５ｃを係合している可動シャッター５が後退を開始し、後退する可動シャッター５が可動ストッパー４に接した後は可動ストッパー４が可動シャッター５と一緒に後退する。可動シャッター５はその後面がカバー部材３の前面に接したところで後退を停止し、可動ストッパー４はその後面が凹部２ｂの後面に接したところで後退を停止する。
【００３０】
また、エアシリンダー１０のロッド１０ａが前進を開始すると、ロッド１０ａの前進が停止するまで、第２制御バルブ１２の前側口，第２エアチューブ１４及び第２継手２７を通じて第２エア通路２ｄに負のエア圧力が作用し、図９に示すように第２エア通路２ｄから可動ストッパー４のエア通路４ａを通じて搬送通路２ａ内に負のエア圧力が作用し、搬送通路２ａ内の電子部品ＥＣが整列状態で前方に搬送されて先頭の電子部品ＥＣが可動ストッパー４に当接する。尚、部品搬送用の負のエア圧力はエアシリンダー１０のロッド１０ａが前進を開始すると同時に搬送通路２ａ内に作用するわけではなく、実際のところはロッド１０ａの前進開始よりも若干遅れて、具体的には可動シャッター５及び可動ストッパー４が復帰する直前またはその後に発生するため、可動シャッター５が部品取出口閉塞位置にあり、且つ、可動ストッパー４が部品停止位置にある状態で所期の部品搬送を的確に行うことができる。
【００３１】
このように図１〜図１０に示した実施形態によれば、搬送通路２ａ内に負のエア圧力を作用させて搬送通路２ａ内の電子部品ＥＣを整列状態で搬送して先頭の電子部品ＥＣを可動ストッパー４に当接させた後、可動シャッター５を部品取出口閉塞位置から部品取出口開放位置に向かって移動させ、且つ、可動ストッパー４を部品停止位置から離隔位置に向かって移動させて可動ストッパー４を先頭の電子部品ＥＣから引き離す動作の中で、可動シャッター５が部品取出口閉塞位置から部品取出口開放位置に向かって移動を開始する前段階で先頭の電子部品ＥＣに負のエア圧力（保持力）を付与し、また、可動シャッター５が部品取出口閉塞位置から部品取出口開放位置に移動したところで前記保持力を解除することができる。
【００３２】
つまり、可動シャッター５が部品取出口閉塞位置から部品取出口開放位置に向かって移動を開始する前段階で先頭の電子部品ＥＣに保持力を付与することにより、この保持力によって先頭の電子部品ＥＣを安定な状態とすることができ、部品搬送時に先頭の電子部品ＥＣの姿勢及び位置に乱れを生じている場合にはこの保持力によって先頭の電子部品ＥＣの姿勢及び位置を矯正することができる。
【００３３】
また、可動シャッター５が部品取出口閉塞位置から部品取出口開放位置に移動したところでは前記保持力が解除されているので、可動シャッター５が部品取出口開放位置に移動した後に先頭の電子部品ＥＣを吸着ノズルＣＮによって外部に取り出す際に前記保持力が部品取り出しの妨げになることを防止することができる。
【００３４】
これにより、エア圧力を利用して整列状態で搬送された電子部品ＥＣから先頭の電子部品ＥＣを、吸着不良や姿勢不良等の問題を生じることなく、安定した姿勢で且つスムースに取り出すことができる。
【００３５】
尚、図１〜図１０に示した実施形態では、上下方向に貫通する孔とこの孔と連通するように上面に形成されたＵ字形凹部によって構成されたエア通路４ａを有するものを可動ストッパー４として示したが、図１１に示すように下面に形成されたＵ字形凹部のみによって構成されたエア通路４ａ’を有する可動ストッパー４’を前記可動ストッパー４の代わりに用いてもよい。ちなみに、エア通路４ａ’を構成するＵ字形凹部の左右寸法は搬送通路２ａの左右寸法とほぼ一致している。図１１に示すような可動ストッパー４’を採用すれば、エア通路４ａ’を通じて搬送通路２ａ内に負のエア圧力を作用させて部品搬送を行うときに、先頭の電子部品ＥＣを搬送通路２ａの底面に引き寄せることができるので、部品搬送時に先頭の電子部品ＥＣの姿勢及び位置に乱れを生じることを抑制することができる。
【００３６】
また、図１〜図１０に示した実施形態では、第１エア通路２ｃとして電子部品ＥＣの幅または高さよりも小さな内径を有するものを示したが、図１２に示すように部品取出口２ａ１の真下位置に当たる搬送通路２ａの底面に、電子部品ＥＣの長さとほぼ一致した前後寸法と電子部品ＥＣの幅または高さよりも小さな左右寸法を有する凹溝２ｃ１を第１エア通路２ｃと連通するように、且つ、凹溝２ｃ１の前端が可動ストッパー４’に当接した先頭の電子部品ＥＣよりも前側に張り出すように形成しておけば、可動シャッター５（及び可動ストッパー４）が前進を開始した瞬間に凹溝２ｃ１の張出部分を通じて第１エア通路２ｃを外気と連通させることによって、第１エア通路２ｃに負のエア圧力が作用している状態でも先頭の電子部品ＥＣに作用している負のエア圧力（保持力）を解除できると共に、第１エア通路２ｃ内の残圧の影響で先頭の電子部品ＥＣが搬送通路２ａの底面に張り付いた状態のままとなることを未然に防止して、先頭の電子部品ＥＣの取り出しをよりスムースに行うことができる。また、前記凹溝２ｃ１を２番目の電子部品ＥＣの下側まで延長して形成すれば、２番目の電子部品ＥＣに対しても同様の作用効果を得ることができる。
【００３７】
また、図１３に示すように第１エア通路２ｃの上端開口部分２ｃ２の径を電子部品ＥＣの幅または高さよりも大きく形成して上端開口部分２ｃ２の一部が先頭の電子部品ＥＣから左右にはみ出るようにしておいても、可動シャッター５（及び可動ストッパー４）が前進を開始した瞬間に上端開口部分２ｃ２のはみ出し部分を通じて第１エア通路２ｃを外気と連通させることによって、第１エア通路２ｃに負のエア圧力が作用している状態でも先頭の電子部品ＥＣに作用している負のエア圧力（保持力）を解除できると共に、第１エア通路２ｃ内の残圧の影響で先頭の電子部品ＥＣが搬送通路２ａの底面に張り付いた状態のままとなることを未然に防止して、先頭の電子部品ＥＣの取り出しをよりスムースに行うことができる。また、前記上端開口部分２ｃ２を２番目の電子部品ＥＣの下側まで延長して形成すれば、２番目の電子部品ＥＣに対しても同様の作用効果を得ることができる。
【００３８】
さらに、図１４に示すように、負のエア圧力を第１エア通路２ｃに作用させるのに支障のない程度の微細孔１３ａを第１エアチューブ１３に形成しておけば、ロッド１０ａの後退が停止して第１エア通路２ｃに作用していた負のエア圧力（保持力）が解除された段階で微細孔１３ａを通じて第１エア通路２ｃ内の残圧を零にできるので、第１エア通路２ｃ内の残圧の影響で先頭の電子部品ＥＣが搬送通路２ａの底面に張り付いた状態のままとなることを未然に防止して、先頭の電子部品ＥＣの取り出しをよりスムースに行うことができる。
【００３９】
図１５〜図１７は本発明の他の実施形態に係るもので、以下の説明では図１５における左を前、右を後、手前側を左、奥側を右として表記する。
【００４０】
図１５〜図１７に示した装置が、図１〜図１０に示した装置と異なるところは、第１制御バルブ１１，第１エアチューブ１３，第１継手２６及び第１エア通路２ｃを排除した点と、従動レバー８’としてコ字形のものを用い、この従動レバー８’の後側端部にサマリウム−コバルト磁石等から成る永久磁石２８を設けた点で異なる。他の構成は図１〜図１０に示した装置と同じであるので同一符号を用いその説明を省略する。
【００４１】
従動レバー８’に設けられた永久磁石２８は、操作レバー６が上昇位置にある図１５の状態では通路構成部材２の部品取出口２ａ１の左側に位置し、図１７に示すように従動レバー８’が反時計回り方向に回転するときには部品取出口２ａ１の前側上方に移動する。永久磁石２８はＮ極またはＳ極の一方が部品取出口２ａ１の左側内面と向き合うように設けられているため、操作レバー６が上昇位置にある図１５の状態では、図１６に示すように先頭の電子部品ＥＣに磁力に作用させて先頭の電子部品ＥＣを左方向に引き寄せて保持することができる。
【００４２】
このように図１５〜図１７に示した実施形態によれば、搬送通路２ａ内に負のエア圧力を作用させて搬送通路２ａ内の電子部品ＥＣを整列状態で搬送して先頭の電子部品ＥＣを可動ストッパー４に当接させた後、可動シャッター５を部品取出口閉塞位置から部品取出口開放位置に向かって移動させ、且つ、可動ストッパー４を部品停止位置から離隔位置に向かって移動させて可動ストッパー４を先頭の電子部品ＥＣから引き離す動作の中で、可動シャッター５が部品取出口閉塞位置から部品取出口開放位置に向かって移動を開始する前段階で先頭の電子部品ＥＣに磁力（保持力）を付与し、また、可動シャッター５が部品取出口閉塞位置から部品取出口開放位置に移動するときに前記保持力を解除することができる。
【００４３】
つまり、可動シャッター５が部品取出口閉塞位置から部品取出口開放位置に向かって移動を開始する前段階で先頭の電子部品ＥＣに保持力を付与することにより、この保持力によって先頭の電子部品ＥＣを安定な状態とすることができ、部品搬送時に先頭の電子部品ＥＣの姿勢及び位置に乱れを生じている場合にはこの保持力によって先頭の電子部品ＥＣの姿勢及び位置を矯正することができる。
【００４４】
また、可動シャッター５が部品取出口閉塞位置から部品取出口開放位置に移動したところでは前記保持力が解除されているので、可動シャッター５が部品取出口開放位置に移動した後に先頭の電子部品ＥＣを吸着ノズルＣＮによって外部に取り出す際に前記保持力が部品取り出しの妨げになることを防止することができる。
【００４５】
尚、図１５〜図１７に示した実施形態では、永久磁石２８を部品取出口２ａ１の左側面側で移動させるものを示したが、通路構成部材２の部品取出口２ａ１の下側に凹部を形成して、先頭の電子部品ＥＣを磁力によって下方向に引き寄せて保持することが可能な永久磁石をこの凹部内に配置し、従動レバーが図１５中で時計回り反時計回り方向に回転するときに永久磁石を下方に移動させて保持力を解除できるように構成してもよい。例えば、一端部に永久磁石を有する揺動レバーを回転自在に支持して、常時はバネ付勢力によって永久磁石が部品取出口２ａ１の下側に位置するようにし、従動レバーが図１５中で時計回り反時計回り方向に回転するときに従動レバーによって揺動レバーの他端部を押し上げることで永久磁石を下方に移動できるような構成を採用してもよい。
【００４６】
以上、図１〜図１０に示した実施形態と図１１〜図１４に示した変形例と図１５〜図１７に示した実施形態では、何れも先頭の電子部品ＥＣに負のエア圧力または磁力を作用させて先頭の電子部品のみに保持力を付与するものを示したが、先頭の電子部品ＥＣを含む幾つかの電子部品ＥＣに負のエア圧力または磁力を同時作用させてこれら電子部品ＥＣに保持力を付与するようにしても前記と同様の作用効果を得ることできる。
【００４７】
また、図１〜図１０に示した実施形態と図１１〜図１４に示した変形例では、第２制御バルブ１２の前側口を第２エアチューブ１４を介して第２エア通路２ｄに接続し、エアシリンダー１０のロッド１０ａが前進するときに搬送通路２ａの前側から搬送通路２ａ内に負のエア圧力を作用させて部品搬送を行うものを示したが、第２制御バルブ１２，第２エアチューブ１４，第２継手２７，第２エア通路２ｄ及び可動ストッパー４のエア通路４ａを排除して、第１制御バルブ１１の後側口をエアチューブを介して搬送通路２ａの後側に通じるエア通路に接続すれば、エアシリンダー１０のロッド１０ａが前進するときに搬送通路２ａの後側から搬送通路２ａ内に正のエア圧力を作用させて部品搬送を行うこともできる。また、図１５〜図１７に示した実施形態でも、第２制御バルブ１２，第２エアチューブ１４，第２継手２７，第２エア通路２ｄ及び可動ストッパー４のエア通路４ａを排除する代わりに図１〜図１０に示した実施形態と同様の第１制御バルブ１１を設けて、第１制御バルブ１１の後側口をエアチューブ及びエア通路を介して搬送通路２ａの後側に接続すれば、エアシリンダー１０のロッド１０ａが前進するときに搬送通路２ａの後側から搬送通路２ａ内に正のエア圧力を作用させて部品搬送を行うことができる。
【００４８】
さらに、図１〜図１０に示した実施形態と図１１〜図１４に示した変形例では、第１制御バルブ１１の前側口に第１エアチューブ１３を介して第１エア通路２ｃに接続し、エアシリンダー１０のロッド１０ａが後退するときに第１エア通路２ｃから先頭の電子部品ＥＣに負のエア圧力（保持力）を作用させるものを示したが、第１制御バルブ１１，第１エアチューブ１３，第１継手２６及び第１エア通路２ｃを排除して、第２制御バルブ１２の後側口をエアチューブを介して部品取出口２ａ１の内側面に通じるエア通路に接続すれば、エアシリンダー１０のロッド１０ａが後退するときにエア通路に正のエア圧力を作用させて少なくとも先頭の電子部品ＥＣを部品取出口２ａ１の内側面に押し付けて前記同様の保持を行うこともできる。
【００４９】
さらに、図１〜図１０に示した実施形態と図１１〜図１４に示した変形例と図１５〜図１７に示した実施形態では、長さ＞幅＝高さの寸法関係を有する四角柱形状の電子部品ＥＣを搬送するものを示したが、部品通過箇所の寸法を適宜調整することにより、長さ＞幅＞高さの寸法関係を有する四角柱形状の電子部品や、円柱形状の電子部品は勿論のこと、四角柱形状及び円柱形状とは異なる立体形状を有する電子部品をも搬送対象とすることができる。
【００５０】
さらに、図１〜図１０に示した実施形態と図１１〜図１４に示した変形例と図１５〜図１７に示した実施形態では、エアシリンダー１０として給排気ポートを２つ備えた複動型のものを用いたが、図１〜図１０に示した実施形態と図１１〜図１４に示した変形例にあっては単一の給排気ポートを有する単動型のエアシリンダーを２個用いてもよく、図１５〜図１７に示した実施形態にあっては単一の給排気ポートを有する単動型のエアシリンダーで代用してもよい。
【００５１】
さらに、図１〜図１０に示した実施形態と図１１〜図１４に示した変形例と図１５〜図１７に示した実施形態では、負または正のエア圧力の発生源としてレバー機構により動作されるエアシリンダー１０を示したが、動力や外力の付与によって負または正のエア圧力の発生できるものであればエアシリンダー以外のエアアクチュエーター、例えば弾性変形が可能なエアタンクまたはエアバッグや、ポンプ等を代わりに用いてもよい。
【００５２】
【発明の効果】
以上詳述したように、本発明によれば、エア圧力を利用して整列状態で搬送された電子部品から先頭の電子部品を、吸着不良や姿勢不良等の問題を生じることなく、安定した姿勢で且つスムースに取り出すことができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の一実施形態に係る、操作レバーが上昇位置にある状態を示す装置の左側面図
【図２】本発明の一実施形態に係る、操作レバーが下降位置にある状態を示す装置の左側面図
【図３】図１の要部拡大縦断面図
【図４】図３の上面図
【図５】図２の要部拡大縦断面図
【図６】図５の上面図
【図７】先頭の電子部品を吸着ノズルによって取り出す様子を示す図
【図８】可動シャッター及び可動ストッパーが復帰する様子を示す図
【図９】搬送通路内の電子部品が搬送される様子を示す図
【図１０】図１に示した装置の動作タイミングチャート
【図１１】図１〜図１０に示した実施形態の変形例を示す図
【図１２】図１〜図１０に示した実施形態の他の変形例を示す図
【図１３】図１〜図１０に示した実施形態のさらに他の変形例を示す図
【図１４】図１〜図１０に示した実施形態のさらに他の変形例を示す図
【図１５】本発明の他の実施形態に係る、操作レバーが上昇位置にある状態を示す装置の左側面図
【図１６】図１５の要部上面図
【図１７】本発明の他の実施形態に係る、操作レバーが下降位置にある状態を示す装置の左側面図
【符号の説明】
ＥＣ…電子部品、２ａ…搬送通路、２ａ１…部品取出口、２ｃ…第１エア通路、２ｄ…第２エア通路、４，４’…可動ストッパー、４ａ，４ａ’…エア通路、５…可動シャッター、６…操作レバー、７…第１駆動レバー、８，８’…従動レバー、９…第２駆動レバー、１０…エアシリンダー、１０ａ…ロッド、２８…永久磁石。[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an electronic component transport method and a transport apparatus that are useful when a leading electronic component is taken out from an electronic component such as a chip component transported in an aligned state.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Japanese Examined Patent Publication No. 6-82952 discloses an apparatus for conveying parts by using an air suction force. The apparatus disclosed in the publication includes a tubular feeding path, an opening for taking out parts provided at an end of the feeding path, a stopper pin for positioning a leading chip part in the opening, and a stopper pin The air suction hole is provided at a position farther forward than the first chip component that is in contact with the shutter, and a shutter that opens and closes the opening.
[0003]
This device conveys the chip parts in the feeding path toward the stopper pin by applying an air suction force to the feeding path through the air suction hole with the opening being closed by the shutter. The component can be brought into contact with the stopper pin. The leading chip component that is in contact with the stopper pin stops the air suction force and moves the shutter to open the opening, and then is taken out.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In devices such as those described above that transport parts using negative air pressure, the clearance between the transport path and electronic components is irregular, including when parts are transported using positive air pressure. Since the air flows, the posture and position of the electronic component tend to be disturbed within the clearance range when the component is transported, so that the leading chip component is in contact with the stopper pin while being disturbed in the posture and position. If the leading chip component is taken out by the suction nozzle, problems such as suction failure and orientation failure may occur.
[0005]
The present invention was created in view of the above circumstances, and its object is to remove the leading electronic component from an electronic component such as a chip component conveyed in an aligned state by using air pressure or a poor posture. It is an object of the present invention to provide an electronic component transport method and a transport apparatus that can be taken out without causing such problems.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, a method for transporting an electronic component according to claim 1 includes a transport path for transporting an electronic component having a predetermined shape in an aligned state, and a negative or negative in the transport path for transporting the electronic component. An air actuator capable of applying positive air pressure, a movable stopper movable between a part stop position and a remote position away from the same position, a part take-out port provided at the front end of the transfer path, It has a movable shutter that can move between the outlet closed position and the parts take-out opening position. The movable shutter is in the parts take-out closed position and the movable stopper is in the parts stop position. A movable shutter is used after negative or positive air pressure is applied in the passage to convey the electronic components in the conveyance passage in an aligned state and the leading electronic component is brought into contact with the movable stopper. Is moved in the operation of moving the movable stopper from the component outlet closing position to the component outlet opening position, and moving the movable stopper from the component stop position toward the separation position to separate the movable stopper from the leading electronic component. A holding force is applied to at least the first electronic component before the shutter starts moving from the component outlet closing position to the component outlet opening position, and the movable shutter opens the component outlet from the component outlet closing position. The holding force is released in the process from the start of movement toward the position to the part outlet opening position.
[0007]
According to this electronic component transport method, this holding is performed by applying a holding force to at least the leading electronic component at a stage before the movable shutter starts moving from the component outlet closing position to the component outlet opening position. The leading electronic component can be stabilized by force, and if the leading electronic component is disturbed in its posture and position during parts transportation, the leading electronic component's posture and position are corrected by this holding force. can do. In addition, the movable shutter can be opened by releasing the holding force in the process from when the movable shutter starts to move from the parts outlet closing position to the parts outlet opening position and then to the parts outlet opening position. It is possible to prevent the holding force from interfering with the removal of the component when the leading electronic component is taken out by the suction nozzle or the like after moving to the position.
[0008]
On the other hand, an electronic component transport apparatus according to claim 4 is configured to transport a predetermined shape of electronic components in an aligned state, and to apply a negative or positive air pressure in the transport passage to transport the electronic components. A first air actuator that can be actuated, a movable stopper that can move between a part stop position and a remote position away from the same position, a part outlet provided at the front end of the transport path, and a part outlet closing A movable shutter that is movable between the position and the component outlet opening position, the movable shutter is moved from the component outlet closing position to the component outlet opening position, and the movable stopper is moved from the component stopping position to the separation position. And a first driving means for returning the movable shutter from the component outlet opening position to the component outlet closing position and returning the movable stopper from the separation position to the component stop position. The first air actuator so that a negative or positive air pressure is applied from the first air actuator into the conveyance path in a state where the movable shutter is in the component outlet closing position and the movable stopper is in the component stop position. And a movable shutter that gives a holding force to at least the first electronic component before the movable shutter starts moving from the component outlet closing position to the component outlet opening position. And a component holding means for releasing the holding force in the process from the start of movement toward the component outlet opening position from the outlet closing position to the component outlet opening position.
According to this electronic component conveying apparatus, the electronic component conveying method according to claim 1 can be carried out accurately and stably.
[0009]
The above object and other objects, structural features, and operational effects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings.
[0010]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
1 to 10 relate to an embodiment of the present invention, and in the following description, the left in FIG. 1 is represented as front, the right is rear, the near side is left, and the far side is right.
[0011]
The apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 to 10 is suitable for handling a quadrangular prism-shaped electronic component EC having a dimensional relationship of length> width = height. In FIG. 3 is a cover member, 4 is a movable stopper, 5 is a movable shutter, 6 is an operation lever, 7 is a first drive lever, 8 is a driven lever, 9 is a second drive lever, 10 is an air cylinder, 11 is A first control valve, 12 is a second control valve, 13 is a first air tube, and 14 is a second air tube.
[0012]
The passage component member 2 is attached to the device frame 1. The passage component member 2 has a groove having a rectangular cross section on the upper surface, and this groove is slightly larger than the width or height of the electronic component EC by attaching the cover member 3 to the upper surface of the passage component member 2. A conveyance path 2a having a depth and a left-right dimension is configured. Further, there is a portion that is not covered with the cover member 3 at the front end portion of the transport passage 2a, and this portion constitutes a component outlet 2a1 that can expose a single electronic component EC. Further, a concave portion 2b for disposing the movable shutter 5 is formed in the upper front portion of the passage constituting member 2, and the depth of the concave portion 2b coincides with the depth of the transport passage 2a. That is, the front end of the transport path 2a is opened at the rear surface of the recess 2b, and the bottom surface of the transport path 2a is continuous with the bottom surface of the recess 2b. Further, a first air passage 2c having an inner diameter smaller than the width or height of the electronic component EC is formed in the center of the bottom surface of the transport passage 2a corresponding to a position directly below the component outlet 2a1, and substantially in front of the first air passage 2c. A second air passage 2d having the same inner diameter is formed penetrating in the vertical direction.
[0013]
The movable stopper 4 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape having a vertical dimension substantially matching the depth of the transport path 2 a and a horizontal dimension smaller than the width of the path component 2. In this movable stopper 4, an air passage 4a is constituted by a hole penetrating in the vertical direction and a U-shaped recess formed on the upper surface so as to communicate with the hole, and left and right of the U-shaped recess constituting the air passage 4a. The dimensions are almost the same as the left and right dimensions of the transport passage 2a. In a state where the rear surface of the movable stopper 4 is in contact with the rear surface of the recess 2b, the lower end of the through hole portion of the air passage 4a coincides with the upper end of the second air passage 2d, as shown in FIGS. Further, a guide groove 4b extending rearward from the front end is formed in the front portion of the movable stopper 4, and an upward projecting portion of the stopper rod 15 standing on the bottom surface of the recess 2b is formed in the guide groove 4b. Has been inserted. That is, the retracted position of the movable stopper 4 is defined by the rear surface of the recess 2 b, and the advanced position is defined by the stopper rod 15. Further, a coil spring 4c (see FIGS. 5 and 6) for biasing the movable stopper 4 forward is interposed between the movable stopper 4 and the rear surface of the recess 2b.
[0014]
The movable shutter 5 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape having a vertical dimension that substantially matches the sum of the depth of the transport path 2 a and the thickness of the cover member 3 and a horizontal dimension that substantially matches the width of the path component 2. In the movable shutter 5, guide holes 5a extending in the front-rear direction are formed at two positions in the front-rear direction. A guide rod 16 is inserted into each guide hole 5a from above, and the lower portion of each guide rod 16 is fixed to the bottom surface of the recess 2b. Further, a concave portion 5b having a depth substantially matching the depth of the conveyance passage 2a and a front-rear dimension substantially matching the sum of the front-rear dimension of the component outlet 2a1 and the front-rear dimension of the movable shutter 4 are formed on the rear lower surface of the movable shutter 5. Is formed. A narrow portion is provided on the front side of the recess 5 b, and the left and right dimensions of the same portion substantially coincide with the left and right dimensions of the movable stopper 4. In a state where the rear surface of the movable shutter 5 is in contact with the front surface of the cover member 3 and the component outlet 2a1 is closed, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the inner step of the concave portion 5b is in contact with the rear surface of the concave portion 2b, and The front inner surface of the recess 5b is in contact with the front surface of the movable stopper 4, and the rear surface of the movable stopper 4 is in contact with the rear surface of the recess 2b. Further, on the left side surface of the movable shutter 5, an operation rod 5 c that can be inserted into the engagement groove 8 a of the driven lever 8 is provided sideways.
[0015]
The operation lever 6, the first drive lever 7, the driven lever 8 and the second drive lever 9 operate the movable stopper 4, the movable shutter 5, and the air cylinder 10 based on the application and release of power to the operation lever 6. A lever mechanism is configured.
[0016]
The center of the first drive lever 7 is rotatably supported by a support shaft 17 provided on the apparatus frame 1, and the bent portion of the L-shaped driven lever 8 is rotatable by a support shaft 18 provided on the apparatus frame 1. The bent portion of the L-shaped second drive lever 9 is rotatably supported by a support shaft 19 provided in the apparatus frame 1. The rear end of the first drive lever 7 is rotatably connected to the lower end of the operation lever 6, and the front end of the second drive lever 9 is rotatably connected to the upper part of the operation lever 6. The front end of the rod 10a of the air cylinder 10 is rotatably coupled to the air cylinder 10 via the coupling plate 20. The operation lever 6 and the second drive lever 9 are inserted into a gap (no symbol) formed between the apparatus frame 1, the passage constituting member 2 and the cover member 3. The front end of the first drive lever 7 and the rear end of the driven lever 8 face each other through a gap. When the rotation angle of the first drive lever 7 exceeds a predetermined angle, the front end of the first drive lever 7 causes the driven lever 8 to The rear end is pushed up.
[0017]
A U-shaped engagement groove 8a is formed at the upper end of the driven lever 8, and an operation rod 5c of the movable shutter 5 is inserted into the engagement groove 8a. The driven lever 8 is urged clockwise in FIG. 1 by a coil spring 21 stretched between the apparatus frame 1 and the clockwise rotation is restricted by a positioning stopper 22. The second drive lever 9 is urged clockwise in FIG. 1 by a coil spring 23 stretched between the device frame 1 and the clockwise rotation is restricted by a positioning stopper 24.
[0018]
The air cylinder 10 is a double-acting type having two supply / exhaust ports, and a rear end portion thereof is rotatably supported by a support shaft 25 provided in the apparatus frame 1. A first control valve 11 is attached to the front air supply / exhaust port of the air cylinder 10, and a second control valve 12 is attached to the rear air supply / exhaust port. As can be seen from the valve symbol shown in FIG. 1, when the rod 10a is retracted from the forward position, the front port of the first control valve 11 is an intake port, and the rear port of the second control valve 12 is an exhaust port. When the rod 10a moves forward from the retracted position, the front port of the second control valve 12 serves as an intake port, and the rear port of the first control valve 11 serves as an exhaust port.
[0019]
The rear end of the first air tube 13 is connected to the front side opening of the first control valve 11 which becomes an intake port when the rod 10a of the air cylinder 10 moves backward from the forward movement position. The front end of the first air tube 13 is the first end. It is connected to the first air passage 2c through one joint 26. Further, when the rod 10a of the air cylinder 10 advances from the retracted position, the rear end of the second air tube 14 is connected to the front side opening of the second control valve 12 that becomes the intake port, and the front end of the second air tube 14 is It is connected to the second air passage 2d through the second joint 27.
[0020]
Although not shown, the rear end of the transport path 2a is provided with an alignment / supply mechanism for aligning and feeding a large number of electronic components EC stored in a bulk state into the transport path 2a. The electronic parts EC are sequentially supplied in an aligned state in the transport path 2a by the continuous operation or intermittent operation of the mechanism. Incidentally, the electronic component EC is, for example, a chip component such as a chip capacitor, a chip resistor, or a chip inductor, a composite component such as an LC filter, an array component such as a capacitor array or an inductor array, or other types of electronic components.
[0021]
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the parts are conveyed by the apparatus by applying a force to the upper end of the operation lever 6 to move the operation lever 6 downward using an appropriate drive device, and then pushing down the operation lever 6. The operation of releasing the operation lever 6 and returning the operation lever 6 using the biasing force of the coil spring 23 is performed by repeating the operation in a predetermined cycle.
[0022]
When the operation lever 6 in the raised position is moved downward, as shown in FIG. 2, the first drive lever 7 rotates in the clockwise direction, and the first drive lever 7 rotates when the rotation angle exceeds a predetermined angle. The front end of the drive lever 7 pushes up the rear end of the driven lever 8, and the driven lever 8 rotates counterclockwise. Further, the second drive lever 9 rotates counterclockwise, and the rod 10a of the air cylinder 10 moves backward from the forward movement position. Incidentally, t1 in FIG. 10 indicates the time required for the driven lever 8 to start rotating after the operation lever 6 starts to be pushed down, and t2 indicates the time from the start of the rotation of the driven lever 8 to the stop. T3 indicates the time from when the rod 10a of the air cylinder 10 starts to retract until it stops.
[0023]
The movable shutter 5 is in the component outlet closing position, the movable stopper 4 is in the component stop position, and the electronic components EC are aligned in the length direction in the transport path 2a, and the leading electronic component EC is movable. When the rod 10a of the air cylinder 10 starts to retreat in the state of FIG. 3 that is in contact with the stopper 4, the front port of the first control valve 11, the first air tube 13 and the first air tube 10 until the retraction of the rod 10a stops. A negative air pressure acts on the first air passage 2c through the joint 26, and the leading electronic component EC is drawn downward and held.
[0024]
By applying a holding force to the leading electronic component EC before the movable shutter 5 starts moving from the component outlet closing position to the component outlet opening position, the leading electronic component EC is stabilized by this holding force. If the posture and position of the leading electronic component EC are disturbed during component transportation, this holding force can correct the posture and position of the leading electronic component EC.
[0025]
When the driven lever 8 starts to rotate counterclockwise with a slight delay from the start of the retraction of the rod 10a of the air cylinder 10, the operating rod 5c is inserted into the engaging groove 8a of the driven lever 8 as shown in FIGS. The engaged movable shutter 5 starts moving forward, and the movable stopper 4 starts moving forward by the urging force of the coil spring 4c and moves forward from the leading electronic component EC. The leading electronic component EC is moved to the movable stopper 4 and The second electronic component EC is in a free state where it is not restrained at all. Since the movable stopper 4 is defined to move forward by the stopper rod 15, the movable stopper 5 stops first when it reaches a separated position slightly away from the component stop position, but the movable shutter 5 stops the rotation of the driven lever 8. Go further until you do.
[0026]
In the illustrated apparatus, negative air pressure (holding force) is applied to the first air passage 2c until the rod 10a of the air cylinder 10 stops retreating, in other words, until the movable shutter 5 reaches the component outlet opening position. Therefore, when the leading electronic component EC that is in a free state that is not restrained by the movable stopper 4 and the second electronic component EC still has a posture and position disorder, the holding force at this time causes Posture and position correction can be performed again.
[0027]
The leading electronic component EC is taken out with the operation lever 6 in the lowered position. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, the suction nozzle SN descends from above the component outlet 2a1 to suck the leading electronic component EC, and the sucked leading electronic component EC is brought outside through the component outlet 2a1. It is taken out. The leading electronic component EC taken out by the suction nozzle SN is mounted on a substrate or the like, for example. In the state where the operation lever 6 is in the lowered position, the backward movement of the rod 10a of the air cylinder 10 is stopped, and the negative air pressure (holding force) acting on the first air passage 2c is released. The electronic component EC can be taken out smoothly. Incidentally, t4 in FIG. 10 indicates a time during which the leading electronic component EC is taken out to the outside in a state where the operation lever 6 is in the lowered position.
[0028]
When the operating lever 6 in the lowered position is returned, as shown in FIG. 1, the first drive lever 7 is rotated counterclockwise and returned, and the driven lever 8 is rotated clockwise by the biasing force of the coil spring 21. Rotates and returns. In addition, the second drive lever 9 rotates in the clockwise direction to return, and the rod 10a of the air cylinder 10 advances from the retracted position and returns. Incidentally, t5 in FIG. 10 indicates the time from the release of the depressing force of the operation lever 6 to the return of the first drive lever 7 and the driven lever 8, and t6 indicates the forward movement of the rod 10a of the air cylinder 10. Indicates the time from stop to stop.
[0029]
When the first drive lever 7 and the driven lever 8 start to rotate counterclockwise after the leading electronic component EC is taken out to the outside, the operating rod 5c is inserted into the engaging groove 8a of the driven lever 8 as shown in FIG. The movable shutter 5 that engages with the movable shutter 5 starts moving backward, and after the movable shutter 5 that moves backward comes into contact with the movable stopper 4, the movable stopper 4 moves backward together with the movable shutter 5. The movable shutter 5 stops moving when its rear surface comes into contact with the front surface of the cover member 3, and the movable stopper 4 stops moving when its rear surface comes into contact with the rear surface of the recess 2b.
[0030]
Further, when the rod 10a of the air cylinder 10 starts moving forward, the second air passage 2d is negatively passed through the front port of the second control valve 12, the second air tube 14 and the second joint 27 until the rod 10a stops moving forward. As shown in FIG. 9, negative air pressure is applied from the second air passage 2d to the transport passage 2a through the air passage 4a of the movable stopper 4, and the electronic components EC in the transport passage 2a are aligned. In this state, the first electronic component EC is conveyed forward and comes into contact with the movable stopper 4. It should be noted that the negative air pressure for conveying parts does not act on the conveying passage 2a at the same time as the rod 10a of the air cylinder 10 starts moving forward. Specifically, it occurs immediately before or after the movable shutter 5 and the movable stopper 4 return, so that the desired component is in a state where the movable shutter 5 is in the component outlet closing position and the movable stopper 4 is in the component stop position. Transport can be performed accurately.
[0031]
As described above, according to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 10, the negative electronic pressure is applied to the transport passage 2 a to transport the electronic components EC in the transport passage 2 a in an aligned state, thereby leading the first electronic component EC. , The movable shutter 5 is moved from the component outlet closing position to the component outlet opening position, and the movable stopper 4 is moved from the component stop position toward the separation position. In the operation of moving the movable stopper 4 away from the leading electronic component EC, negative air is applied to the leading electronic component EC before the movable shutter 5 starts moving from the component outlet closing position to the component outlet opening position. Pressure (holding force) is applied, and the holding force can be released when the movable shutter 5 moves from the component outlet closing position to the component outlet opening position.
[0032]
That is, by applying a holding force to the leading electronic component EC before the movable shutter 5 starts moving from the component outlet closing position to the component outlet opening position, the leading electronic component EC can be obtained by this holding force. If the posture and position of the leading electronic component EC are disturbed during component transportation, the posture and position of the leading electronic component EC can be corrected by this holding force. .
[0033]
Further, since the holding force is released when the movable shutter 5 is moved from the component outlet closing position to the component outlet opening position, the leading electronic component EC is moved after the movable shutter 5 is moved to the component outlet opening position. It is possible to prevent the holding force from interfering with the removal of the component when the component is taken out by the suction nozzle CN.
[0034]
As a result, the leading electronic component EC can be smoothly and smoothly taken out from the electronic component EC conveyed in an aligned state using air pressure without causing problems such as poor suction and poor posture. .
[0035]
In addition, in embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-10, what has the air passage 4a comprised by the hole penetrated to an up-down direction and the U-shaped recessed part formed in the upper surface so that this hole may be communicated is movable stopper 4 However, as shown in FIG. 11, a movable stopper 4 ′ having an air passage 4 a ′ formed only by a U-shaped recess formed on the lower surface may be used instead of the movable stopper 4. Incidentally, the left-right dimension of the U-shaped concave portion constituting the air passage 4a ′ is substantially the same as the left-right dimension of the transport passage 2a. When the movable stopper 4 ′ as shown in FIG. 11 is employed, when the parts are conveyed by applying a negative air pressure to the conveyance path 2a through the air path 4a ′, the leading electronic component EC is placed in the conveyance path 2a. Since it can be attracted to the bottom surface, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of disturbance in the posture and position of the leading electronic component EC during component transportation.
[0036]
In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 10, the first air passage 2c has an inner diameter smaller than the width or height of the electronic component EC. However, as shown in FIG. A concave groove 2c1 having a front-rear dimension substantially coincident with the length of the electronic component EC and a left-right dimension smaller than the width or height of the electronic component EC is communicated with the first air passage 2c on the bottom surface of the transport passage 2a corresponding to the position immediately below. In addition, if the front end of the concave groove 2c1 is formed so as to protrude to the front side from the leading electronic component EC in contact with the movable stopper 4 ′, the movable shutter 5 (and the movable stopper 4) has started to advance. By instantaneously connecting the first air passage 2c to the outside air through the projecting portion of the concave groove 2c1, the first electronic component EC is made even when negative air pressure is acting on the first air passage 2c. The negative air pressure (holding force) used can be released, and the leading electronic component EC remains attached to the bottom surface of the transport passage 2a due to the residual pressure in the first air passage 2c. Can be prevented, and the leading electronic component EC can be taken out more smoothly. Further, if the concave groove 2c1 is formed so as to extend to the lower side of the second electronic component EC, the same effect can be obtained for the second electronic component EC.
[0037]
Further, as shown in FIG. 13, the diameter of the upper end opening 2c2 of the first air passage 2c is made larger than the width or height of the electronic component EC so that a part of the upper end opening 2c2 extends to the left and right from the leading electronic component EC. Even if it protrudes, the first air passage 2c is communicated with the outside air through the protruding portion of the upper end opening portion 2c2 at the moment when the movable shutter 5 (and the movable stopper 4) starts to move forward. The negative air pressure (holding force) acting on the leading electronic component EC can be released even when negative air pressure is acting on the leading electronic component EC, and the leading electronic is affected by the residual pressure in the first air passage 2c. It is possible to prevent the component EC from sticking to the bottom surface of the transport path 2a, and to remove the leading electronic component EC more smoothly. Further, if the upper end opening 2c2 is formed so as to extend to the lower side of the second electronic component EC, the same effect can be obtained for the second electronic component EC.
[0038]
Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 14, if the fine hole 13a is formed in the first air tube 13 so as not to hinder the negative air pressure from acting on the first air passage 2c, the rod 10a is retracted. When the negative air pressure (holding force) acting on the first air passage 2c is released and the residual pressure in the first air passage 2c can be reduced to zero through the fine holes 13a, the first air passage It is possible to prevent the leading electronic component EC from sticking to the bottom surface of the transport path 2a due to the residual pressure in 2c, and to remove the leading electronic component EC more smoothly. it can.
[0039]
15 to 17 relate to another embodiment of the present invention, and in the following description, the left in FIG. 15 is represented as the front, the right is the rear, the near side is the left, and the far side is the right.
[0040]
The device shown in FIGS. 15 to 17 is different from the device shown in FIGS. 1 to 10 in that the first control valve 11, the first air tube 13, the first joint 26, and the first air passage 2c are excluded. The difference is that a U-shaped lever is used as the driven lever 8 ′, and a permanent magnet 28 made of a samarium-cobalt magnet or the like is provided at the rear end of the driven lever 8 ′. Since the other configuration is the same as that of the apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 to 10, the same reference numerals are used and description thereof is omitted.
[0041]
The permanent magnet 28 provided on the driven lever 8 ′ is located on the left side of the component outlet 2a1 of the passage component 2 in the state of FIG. 15 where the operating lever 6 is in the raised position, and the driven lever 8 as shown in FIG. When 'rotates in the counterclockwise direction, it moves to the upper front side of the component outlet 2a1. Since the permanent magnet 28 is provided so that one of the N pole and the S pole faces the inner surface on the left side of the component outlet 2a1, in the state of FIG. 15 where the operation lever 6 is in the raised position, as shown in FIG. The leading electronic component EC can be attracted and held in the left direction by causing the electronic component EC to act on the magnetic force.
[0042]
As described above, according to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 15 to 17, the negative air pressure is applied to the transport passage 2 a to transport the electronic components EC in the transport passage 2 a in an aligned state, thereby leading the first electronic component EC. , The movable shutter 5 is moved from the component outlet closing position to the component outlet opening position, and the movable stopper 4 is moved from the component stop position toward the separation position. During the operation of moving the movable stopper 4 away from the leading electronic component EC, the magnetic force (holding) is applied to the leading electronic component EC before the movable shutter 5 starts moving from the component outlet closing position to the component outlet opening position. Force) and the holding force can be released when the movable shutter 5 moves from the component outlet closing position to the component outlet opening position.
[0043]
That is, by applying a holding force to the leading electronic component EC before the movable shutter 5 starts moving from the component outlet closing position to the component outlet opening position, the leading electronic component EC can be obtained by this holding force. If the posture and position of the leading electronic component EC are disturbed during component transportation, the posture and position of the leading electronic component EC can be corrected by this holding force. .
[0044]
Further, since the holding force is released when the movable shutter 5 is moved from the component outlet closing position to the component outlet opening position, the leading electronic component EC is moved after the movable shutter 5 is moved to the component outlet opening position. It is possible to prevent the holding force from interfering with the removal of the component when the component is taken out by the suction nozzle CN.
[0045]
In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 15 to 17, the permanent magnet 28 is moved on the left side of the component outlet 2 a 1, but a concave portion is formed below the component outlet 2 a 1 of the passage component 2. When a permanent magnet capable of forming and holding the leading electronic component EC by pulling it downward by magnetic force is disposed in this recess, and the driven lever rotates in the counterclockwise direction clockwise in FIG. Alternatively, the permanent magnet may be moved downward to release the holding force. For example, a swing lever having a permanent magnet at one end is rotatably supported so that the permanent magnet is always positioned below the component outlet 2a1 by a spring biasing force. You may employ | adopt the structure which can move a permanent magnet below by pushing up the other end part of a rocking | fluctuation lever with a driven lever when rotating in the counterclockwise direction.
[0046]
As described above, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 10, the modification shown in FIGS. 11 to 14, and the embodiment shown in FIGS. 15 to 17, negative air pressure or magnetic force is applied to the leading electronic component EC. In the above, the holding force is applied only to the leading electronic component EC. However, negative electronic pressure or magnetic force is simultaneously applied to several electronic components EC including the leading electronic component EC. Even if the holding force is applied to the same, the same effect as described above can be obtained.
[0047]
Further, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 10 and the modification shown in FIGS. 11 to 14, the front port of the second control valve 12 is connected to the second air passage 2 d via the second air tube 14. In this embodiment, when the rod 10a of the air cylinder 10 moves forward, negative air pressure is applied from the front side of the conveyance passage 2a to the conveyance passage 2a to convey the parts. However, the second control valve 12, the second air Air that eliminates the tube 14, the second joint 27, the second air passage 2d, and the air passage 4a of the movable stopper 4 and leads the rear port of the first control valve 11 to the rear side of the transport passage 2a through the air tube. If connected to the passage, when the rod 10a of the air cylinder 10 moves forward, parts can be transported by applying positive air pressure to the transport passage 2a from the rear side of the transport passage 2a. Also, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 15 to 17, instead of removing the second control valve 12, the second air tube 14, the second joint 27, the second air passage 2 d and the air passage 4 a of the movable stopper 4, FIG. If the first control valve 11 similar to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 10 is provided, and the rear port of the first control valve 11 is connected to the rear side of the transport passage 2a through the air tube and the air passage, When the rod 10a of the air cylinder 10 moves forward, a positive air pressure can be applied to the conveyance path 2a from the rear side of the conveyance path 2a to perform component conveyance.
[0048]
Furthermore, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 10 and the modification shown in FIGS. 11 to 14, the front port of the first control valve 11 is connected to the first air passage 2 c via the first air tube 13. Although the negative air pressure (holding force) is applied to the leading electronic component EC from the first air passage 2c when the rod 10a of the air cylinder 10 is retracted, the first control valve 11 and the first air are shown. If the tube 13, the first joint 26, and the first air passage 2c are eliminated and the rear side port of the second control valve 12 is connected to the air passage that leads to the inner surface of the component outlet 2a1 via the air tube, the air When the rod 10a of the cylinder 10 is retracted, positive air pressure is applied to the air passage so that at least the leading electronic component EC is pressed against the inner surface of the component outlet 2a1, and the same holding as described above can be performed.
[0049]
Furthermore, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 10, the modification shown in FIGS. 11 to 14, and the embodiment shown in FIGS. 15 to 17, a rectangular column having a dimensional relationship of length> width = height. Although the one that conveys the shape of the electronic component EC has been shown, by appropriately adjusting the size of the component passage location, the rectangular column-shaped electronic component having a dimensional relationship of length>width> height and the columnar-shaped electronic Not only components but also electronic components having a three-dimensional shape different from a quadrangular prism shape and a cylindrical shape can be transported.
[0050]
Furthermore, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 10, the modification shown in FIGS. 11 to 14, and the embodiment shown in FIGS. 15 to 17, the double acting provided with two supply / exhaust ports as the air cylinder 10. Although the type is used, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 10 and the modification shown in FIGS. 11 to 14, two single-acting air cylinders having a single air supply / exhaust port are used. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 15 to 17, a single-acting air cylinder having a single air supply / exhaust port may be substituted.
[0051]
Furthermore, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 10, the modification shown in FIGS. 11 to 14 and the embodiment shown in FIGS. 15 to 17, the lever mechanism operates as a source of negative or positive air pressure. Although an air cylinder 10 is shown, an air actuator other than an air cylinder, such as an air tank or airbag that can be elastically deformed, a pump, etc., as long as it can generate negative or positive air pressure by applying power or external force May be used instead.
[0052]
【The invention's effect】
As described above in detail, according to the present invention, the leading electronic component from the electronic component conveyed in an aligned state using air pressure can be stably positioned without causing problems such as poor suction and poor posture. And can be taken out smoothly.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a left side view of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention showing a state where an operation lever is in a raised position.
FIG. 2 is a left side view of the apparatus showing a state in which an operation lever is in a lowered position according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is an enlarged vertical sectional view of the main part of FIG.
4 is a top view of FIG. 3. FIG.
5 is an enlarged vertical sectional view of the main part of FIG.
6 is a top view of FIG.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a leading electronic component is taken out by a suction nozzle.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the movable shutter and the movable stopper are restored.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a state in which an electronic component in the transport path is transported.
10 is an operation timing chart of the apparatus shown in FIG.
FIG. 11 is a view showing a modification of the embodiment shown in FIGS.
12 is a view showing another modification of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 10; FIG.
FIG. 13 is a view showing still another modification of the embodiment shown in FIGS.
FIG. 14 is a view showing still another modification of the embodiment shown in FIGS.
FIG. 15 is a left side view of the apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention showing a state where the operation lever is in the raised position.
16 is a top view of the main part of FIG.
FIG. 17 is a left side view of the device showing a state where the operation lever is in the lowered position according to another embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
EC: electronic component, 2a: conveying path, 2a1: component outlet, 2c: first air path, 2d: second air path, 4, 4 ': movable stopper, 4a, 4a': air path, 5: movable shutter , 6 ... an operation lever, 7 ... a first drive lever, 8, 8 '... a driven lever, 9 ... a second drive lever, 10 ... an air cylinder, 10a ... a rod, 28 ... a permanent magnet.

Claims

A transport path for transporting electronic components of a predetermined shape in an aligned state, an air actuator that can apply negative or positive air pressure in the transport path to transport electronic components, and a position that is away from the same position as the component stop position A movable stopper that is movable between the separated positions, a component outlet provided at the front end of the conveyance path, and a movable shutter that is movable between the component outlet closed position and the component outlet open position. Prepared,
With the movable shutter in the parts outlet closing position and the movable stopper in the parts stop position, negative or positive air pressure is applied to the conveyance path from the air actuator to align the electronic parts in the conveyance path. After moving the first electronic component to the movable stopper, the movable shutter is moved from the component outlet closing position to the component outlet opening position, and the movable stopper is moved away from the component stop position. In the operation to move the movable stopper away from the top electronic component,
Before the movable shutter starts to move from the component outlet closing position to the component outlet opening position, a holding force is applied to at least the first electronic component, and the movable shutter is moved from the component outlet closing position to the component outlet. The holding force is released in the process of starting the movement toward the open position and then reaching the component outlet open position.
A method for conveying an electronic component, comprising:

Holding force is a negative or positive air pressure acting on at least the leading electronic component,
The method for transporting an electronic component according to claim 1.

Holding force is a magnetic force acting on at least the leading electronic component,
The method for transporting an electronic component according to claim 1.

A transport passage for transporting electronic components of a predetermined shape in an aligned state;
A first air actuator capable of applying a negative or positive air pressure in the transport passage to transport the electronic component;
A movable stopper capable of moving between a parts stop position and a remote position away from the same position;
A parts outlet provided at the front end of the conveying path;
A movable shutter that can move between a component outlet closing position and a component outlet opening position;
Move the movable shutter from the parts outlet closed position to the parts outlet open position, move the movable stopper from the parts stop position to the separation position, and return the movable shutter from the parts outlet open position to the parts outlet closed position. And a first driving means for returning the movable stopper from the separation position to the component stop position;
The first air actuator so that a negative or positive air pressure is applied from the first air actuator into the conveyance path in a state where the movable shutter is in the component outlet closing position and the movable stopper is in the component stop position. Second driving means for operating
Before the movable shutter starts to move from the component outlet closing position to the component outlet opening position, a holding force is applied to at least the first electronic component, and the movable shutter moves from the component outlet closing position to the component outlet opening position. A component holding means for releasing the holding force in the process from the start of movement toward the component outlet opening position.
An electronic component conveying apparatus.

The first drive means and the second drive means are composed of a single lever mechanism having two drive systems.
The apparatus for transporting an electronic component according to claim 4, wherein:

The component holding means includes an air passage provided in the transport passage corresponding to at least the leading electronic component, a second air actuator capable of applying a negative or positive air pressure to the air passage, and a second air actuator. And third driving means for operating the second air actuator so that negative or positive air pressure acts in the air passage.
The electronic component transport apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the electronic component transport apparatus is an electronic component transport apparatus.

The first air actuator and the second air actuator are composed of a single air cylinder having two air supply / exhaust ports, and the third driving means is composed of a lever mechanism common to the second driving means.
The electronic component carrying device according to claim 6.

The component holding means includes a permanent magnet provided so as to face at least the leading electronic component, and a fourth drive for moving the permanent magnet to a position where the magnetic force is applied to at least the leading electronic component and a position where the magnetic force is not applied. Including means,
The electronic component transport apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the electronic component transport apparatus is an electronic component transport apparatus.

The fourth driving means comprises a lever mechanism common to the first driving means.
The electronic component conveying apparatus according to claim 8.