JP7401753B2 - Vibratory conveyance device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a vibration conveyance device capable of conveying objects to be conveyed in a predetermined direction.

2. Description of the Related Art Vibration conveyance devices that can convey objects such as workpieces to a predetermined destination along a conveyance path by vibration have been known. The vibration conveyance device includes a movable part (first mass body) having a conveyance path, a second mass body that functions as a fixed part, and a plate-shaped first elastic body that connects the first mass body and the second mass body. (driving spring), and is configured to be able to transport the object to be transported downstream in the transport direction by horizontally vibrating the transport path of the movable part (first mass body) using an excitation source. Further, the vibration conveyance device is configured to support a structure having a first mass body, a second mass body, and a first elastic body from the ground using a second elastic body (vibration isolating spring).

BACKGROUND ART Due to an increase in the production volume of objects to be transported, an improvement in the amount of supply from a vibration transport device (transport speed by the vibration transport device) is required more than ever. In order to increase the conveyance speed, the first priority is to increase the drive frequency and amplitude.

Therefore, in order to realize high-frequency, large-amplitude vibrations, a method (stacked leaf spring method) has been devised in which a plurality of thin leaf springs that do not break even at a target amplitude are used in a stacked manner (patent document 1).

If such a stacked leaf spring method is adopted, the spring constant of the first elastic body increases as the leaf springs are piled up, making it possible to vibrate at high frequencies and vibrating the drive spring without damaging individual leaf springs even with large amplitudes. It can be mounted on a transport device.

JP-A-09-124126 (Patent No. 3509373)

By the way, regardless of whether a stacked leaf spring method is adopted, a conventional leaf spring is generally fixed with bolts at a position where both ends of the first mass body and the second mass body are connected to each other.

Here, an important point for improving the conveyance speed is to improve the peak of resonance characteristics (hereinafter sometimes abbreviated as resonance peak). That is, even with the same excitation force, the higher the resonance magnification, the larger the amplitude can be obtained, and it is possible to achieve a large amplitude with less excitation force, which contributes to improving the conveyance speed.

However, with the conventional configuration that requires bolting when connecting both ends of the first mass body and the second mass body with a leaf spring, viscous damping increases due to friction between the leaf spring and the bolt flat washer. , the problem arises that the resonance peak decreases. In addition, due to large elastic deformation (bending) of the leaf spring, the fixed shape with the flat washer changes and the effective length of the leaf spring changes.As a result, the leaf spring, which was originally a spring with linear characteristics, becomes a spring with nonlinear characteristics. is also considered to be a factor that lowers the resonance peak and a factor that leads to a decrease in the drive frequency (resonance frequency).

Furthermore, in the conventional configuration in which a leaf spring connecting both ends of the first mass body and the second mass body is fixed with bolts, when the leaf spring is bent, both ends of the first mass body and the second mass body A bending moment acts on the (spring fixed end), and as a result, the first mass body and the second mass body, which are preferably rigid bodies, become elastic bodies that bend in an S-shape. When the first mass body and the second mass body are bent in an S-shape, friction occurs between the parts and viscous damping increases, resulting in a reduction in the resonance peak and driving frequency.

The present invention has focused on these points, and the main purpose is to exhibit large amplitude vibration performance even with a limited excitation force due to design constraints, and to increase the conveyance speed of the conveyed object. The object of the present invention is to provide a vibration conveying device that can improve the performance.

That is, the present invention relates to a vibration conveyance device that conveys an object to be conveyed on a linear conveyance surface by vibration. Here, the objects to be transported include, for example, micro-sized electronic parts (works) and medical parts, but are not particularly limited as long as they can be transported by the vibration transport device of the present invention.

The vibration conveyance device according to the present invention includes a first mass body having a linear conveyance surface, and a first mass body disposed at a position facing the first mass body in the height direction and in an opposite phase with respect to the first mass body. A second mass body that vibrates; a first elastic body that connects the first mass body and the second mass body; It is characterized by an integrated structure with an elastic body.

Here, in the aspect of the present invention, "at least a part of the first mass body, at least a part of the second mass body, and the first elastic body are integrally structured" includes i) the first mass body ii) A mode in which all of the first mass body, all of the second mass body, and the first elastic body are integrally structured; ii) A part of the first mass body, all of the second mass body, and the first elastic body are integrally formed; iii) A mode in which all of the first mass body, a part of the second mass body, and the first elastic body are integrally structured; iv) A mode in which a part of the first mass body and the first elastic body are integrated. A mode in which a part of the two-mass body and the first elastic body are integrally structured, and all of these modes are included. In the following, a block having an integral structure will be referred to as an integral structure. The linear conveyance surface constitutes the first mass body, but when the aspect ii) and the aspect iv) are adopted, the first mass body is a part that constitutes an integral structure, and the integral structure is The linear conveyance surface is formed on a part of the first mass body that constitutes the integral structure, or the linear conveyance surface is formed on a part that is separate from the integral structure. can be selected as appropriate.

In the vibration conveyance device according to the present invention, since at least a portion of the first mass body, at least a portion of the second mass body, and the first elastic body are integrated, the first mass body and the first elastic body are integrated. No friction occurs at the connection points of the first elastic body and the connection points of the second mass body and the first elastic body, and the first elastic body is fixed to the first mass body or the second mass body with a fixing device such as a bolt. Compared to the configuration, the viscosity coefficient is reduced and the resonance peak is not lowered. Further, even when the amplitude is large, the fixed condition (connection condition at the connection point) does not change, and a decrease in the drive frequency (resonant frequency) due to the nonlinearity of the spring constant of the first elastic body can be reduced. Here, if the first elastic body is fixed to the first mass body or the second mass body with a fixing device such as a bolt, the larger the amplitude of the first elastic body, the more the plate spring that is the first elastic body A gap occurs between the end face of the bolt that contacts the leaf spring, or between the leaf spring and the contact surface of the first mass body or the second mass body that contacts the leaf spring, and the effective length of the leaf spring decreases. By increasing the length, the spring constant decreases. This change in the spring constant with respect to amplitude displacement is called spring constant nonlinearity of the first elastic body, and in conventional vibration conveyance devices, when the amplitude becomes large, the spring constant tends to decrease and the drive frequency tends to decrease. Become. Therefore, the vibration conveying device according to the present invention can eliminate the factors that reduce the resonance peak, which cannot be avoided with a configuration in which the first elastic body is fixed to the first mass body or the second mass body using conventional fixing devices such as bolts. It is possible to eliminate all problems and achieve a large amplitude with a small amount of excitation force.

In the vibration conveyance device according to the present invention, the position where the first mass body and the second mass body are connected by the first elastic body is not particularly limited. In other words, the first elastic body is arranged at a position where the ends of the first mass body and the second mass body on the upstream side in the conveyance direction of the object to be conveyed and the ends on the downstream side in the conveyance direction are connected to each other. configuration is preferred.

In the conventional configuration in which a leaf spring connecting both ends of the first mass body and the second mass body is fixed with bolts, when the leaf spring is bent, both ends of the first mass body and the second mass body (spring A bending moment acts on the fixed end), and as a result, the first mass body and the second mass body, which are preferably rigid bodies as a fixed part of the spring, are bent in an S-shape. At this time, the first mass body and the second mass body, which are the fixing parts of the spring, bend, making it impossible to fix the spring, resulting in a decrease in the spring constant and a decrease in frequency. Additionally, friction occurs between the parts, increasing viscous damping and reducing the resonance peak. Therefore, if there is a vibration conveyance device in which the first elastic body is also arranged at a position connecting the intermediate portions between the upstream end in the conveyance direction and the downstream end in the conveyance direction of the first mass body and the second mass body, , since the first elastic body supports the first mass body and the second mass body at both ends in the transport direction (back and forth direction) and at the midway part, the first elastic body disposed at the midway part plays a role as a rib, and the first mass body It is possible to improve the bending rigidity of the first mass body and the second mass body, thereby further reducing changes in deflection of the first mass body and the second mass body, and suppressing deformation of the linear conveyance path. , the spring constant is increased, the drive frequency is high, and the friction between parts is reduced, resulting in a configuration that satisfies favorable conditions for increasing the resonance peak.

As mentioned above, the first mass body may include parts that constitute an integral structure and parts that are separate from the integral structure, but in the latter case, the first mass body If it is equipped with a first mass body constituting an integrated main frame (integrated structure) and a conveyance path that is separate from the first mass body body and has a linear conveyance surface, The linear conveyance path, which requires advanced design specifications, can be prepared separately from the main frame as a dedicated product, reducing the processing burden when manufacturing the main frame, which is an integrated structure.

Furthermore, in the case of a vibration conveyance device in which a plurality of first elastic bodies are spaced apart from each other in the conveyance direction of the conveyed object between the first mass body and the second mass body, the first elastic bodies adjacent to each other in the conveyance direction If the space delimited by the body is formed in the internal space of the integral structure (main frame) and the space is relatively large, the space can be used as an access space for attaching a piezoelectric element to the first elastic body, for example. Also available.

According to the present invention, there is provided a novel configuration that has not been conceived before, in which at least a portion of the first mass body, at least a portion of the second mass body, and the first elastic body are integrally constructed. By adopting this method, it is possible to increase the driving frequency at which the integrated structure (main frame) vibrates, and it is also possible to provide a vibration conveying device that can achieve a high resonance magnification and obtain a large amplitude. .

1 is a plan view schematically showing the entire vibrating conveyance device (linear feeder) according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the vibration conveyance device according to the same embodiment. An enlarged view of the main part of FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a side view showing the vibration conveyance device as seen from the direction of arrow A in FIG. 1 with some parts omitted.

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

As shown in FIG. 1, the vibration conveying device This is a device that transports Note that the upstream end of the linear conveyance path 14 is connected to the downstream end of a conveyance path (bowl conveyance path) of a bowl feeder that conveys the materials while aligning them (not shown). Therefore, the linear feeder X is capable of conveying the workpiece K conveyed via the conveyance path (bowl conveyance path) formed in the bowl feeder to the end of the linear conveyance path 14 by vibration, and supplies it to a predetermined conveyance destination. It is. This linear feeder It is equipped with a return section (return conveyance path) for returning to the conveyance path.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the linear feeder It includes a first elastic body 3 that interconnects the body 1 and the second mass body 2, a base 4, and a second elastic body 5 that interconnects the base 4 and the first elastic body 3. be.

In this embodiment, the movable weight 11 (movable part), which is the main part of the first mass body 1, is arranged above the base 4 which has an elongated shape along the transport direction T, and A counterweight 21 (fixed part), which is the main part of the second mass body 2, is arranged through the first elastic body 3, and connected to the movable weight 11 through the side connecting plate 12 above the counterweight 21. A chute stand 13 is arranged. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the movable weight 11 and the chute stand 13 are connected to each other via a pair of side connecting plates 12. Note that, in FIG. 4, of the pair of side connecting plates 12, the side connecting plate 12 on the near side in the drawing is omitted.

A conveyance path 14 is removably provided on the upper surface of the chute table 13 via a fixing device such as a bolt, and by applying vibration to the conveyance path 14, the workpiece K is transferred to the linear conveyance surface provided on the conveyance path 14. (transport groove). The chute stand 13 moves in synchronization with the vibrations of the movable weight 11, and functions as a vibration transmission section that transmits the vibrations of the movable weight 11 to the conveyance path 14.

In the following description, the transport direction T of the workpiece K along the transport path 14 is referred to as the front-rear direction T, the upstream side of the transport direction T is referred to as the rear side, and the downstream side of the transport direction T is referred to as the front side. Further, a direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction T in a horizontal plane is defined as a width direction W (transverse direction) (see FIG. 1, etc.).

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the front end portion and the rear end portion of the chute table 13 are overhang portions that protrude forward and backward relative to the movable weight 11, respectively. For example, a sub movable weight (not shown) may be attached to the downward facing surface of the front overhang portion of the chute table 13. The side connecting plate 12, the chute stand 13, and the conveyance path 14 are parts that constitute the first mass body 1, like the movable weight 11.

In this embodiment, the dimensions along the transport direction T (front-back dimensions) of the movable weight 11, which is the main part of the first mass body 1, and the counterweight 21, which is the main part of the second mass body 2, are set to be approximately the same. However, these counterweights 21 and movable weights 11 are arranged so as to face each other in the height direction.

In the linear feeder X of this embodiment, the first elastic body 3 is disposed at a position connecting the front ends and the rear ends of the movable weight 11 and the counterweight 21.

The first elastic body 3 has the form of a flat spring (plate spring) whose thickness direction substantially coincides with the conveying direction T. A piezoelectric element 31 that functions as an excitation source is attached to the first elastic body 3, and by applying an electric charge to the piezoelectric element 31, the first elastic body 3 is elastically deformed to generate vibration, and the first mass body 3 And the second mass body 2 vibrates. Therefore, the first elastic body 3 functions as a drive spring. The first elastic body 3 of this embodiment is set so that its normal posture in which it is not elastically deformed is a posture in which it stands upright in the vertical direction. The spring constant of the first elastic body 3 and the piezoelectric element 31 is appropriately selected depending on the conditions of an arbitrary resonance frequency determined by the conveyance speed of the parts to be conveyed, the weight of the conveyance path 14 (trough), and the like. In this embodiment, the first mass body 1 and the second mass body 2 are connected by a plurality of first elastic bodies 3.

Further, in this embodiment, the first elastic body 3 is also arranged at a position connecting predetermined intermediate portions between the front end and the rear end of the movable weight 11 and the counterweight 21. The first elastic bodies 3 are arranged in sets of two with a slight gap in the front-rear direction T at each arrangement location (the location where the movable weight 11 and the counterweight 21 are connected). In this embodiment, the front ends of the movable weight 11 and the counterweight 21 are connected to each other, the rear ends of the movable weight 11 and the counterweight 21 are connected to each other, and the front and rear ends of the movable weight 11 and the counterweight 21 are connected to each other. A part that is a certain distance closer to the front end than the center of the T in the front-rear direction, and a rear end of the center of the T in the front-rear direction of the middle part between the front and rear ends of the movable weight 11 and the counter weight 21. An embodiment is adopted in which two first elastic bodies 3 are arranged in line in the front-rear direction T at four locations located a predetermined distance from the side, that is, a mode in which a total of eight first elastic bodies 3 are provided. are doing.

The linear feeder X according to the present embodiment includes a movable weight 11 which is the main part of the first mass body 1, a counterweight 21 which is the main part of the second mass body 2, and the first elastic body 3 into an integral structure. (Hereinafter, this integrated structure will be referred to as "main frame M."). The vibration conveyance device X of this embodiment includes a movable weight 11 which is the main part of the first mass body 1 which is a movable part, and a second mass body 2 which functions as a fixed part with respect to the movable weight 11. A structure (main frame M) that integrally includes a counterweight 21 and a first elastic body 3 is provided, and this integral structure (main frame M) is connected to the earth (in this embodiment, considered as the earth) by a second elastic body 5. The second elastic body 5 is configured to be supported from a base 4) that can be used as an anti-vibration spring.

As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the linear feeder X according to the present embodiment has second elastic bodies 5 disposed in front and rear of the main frame M, and each second elastic body 5 connects the base 4 with the base 4. It is connected to mainframe M.

In this embodiment, a flat L-shaped elastic member (L-shaped spring 5A) integrally having a vertical arm part 51 extending in the vertical direction and a horizontal arm part 52 extending in the horizontal direction is used to provide the second elastic force. It constitutes body 5. The second elastic body 5 shown in FIG. part) is fixed to the base 4.

In this embodiment, a protrusion 32 that protrudes forward or backward is provided at a node portion of the first elastic body 3 that does not displace in the horizontal or vertical direction, and the tip portion of the vertical arm portion 51 is attached to this protrusion 32. Fixed. Note that since the first elastic body 3 has both ends (upper end, lower end) fixed to the movable weight 11 and the counterweight 21 (both ends fixed), the node is at the center in the longitudinal direction. Here, the nodes of the first elastic body 3 can be regarded as points, but the area in which the protrusions 32 are provided in the first elastic body 3 is a predetermined area ( nodes and adjacent regions of nodes). The protrusion 32 is provided with female screw holes 33 at two locations spaced apart in the width direction W (see FIG. 3). The vertical arm portion 51 is formed with a bolt insertion hole that communicates with each female threaded hole 33, and by screwing the bolt B1 inserted through the bolt insertion hole into the female threaded hole 33, the second elastic body 3 is attached to the first elastic body 3. The vertical arm portion 51 of the elastic body 5 can be fixed. A pressing plate is interposed between the head of the bolt B1 and the vertical arm portion 51 of the second elastic body 5.

Female screw holes 41 are provided at two locations spaced apart in the width direction W at the front end and rear end of the base 4 (see FIG. 3). The horizontal arm part 52 is formed with a female bolt insertion hole that communicates with each female screw hole 41, and by screwing the bolt B2 inserted into the female bolt insertion hole into the female screw hole 41, a second screw is attached to the base 4. The horizontal arm portion 52 of the elastic body 5 can be fixed.

In the linear feeder X according to the present embodiment, the second elastic body 5 is arranged at a position that does not overlap with the first elastic body 3 in the conveyance direction T, and the upper end of the second elastic body 5 is placed at a higher point than the first elastic body 3. Since it is attached to the node that is approximately in the center in the horizontal direction H, vibration isolation is improved and a reduction in reaction force can be achieved.

In addition, in the linear feeder X according to the present embodiment, the elastic coefficients of the second elastic body 5 in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction can be adjusted independently without changing the inclination angle of the first elastic body 3 in the front-rear direction T. By doing so, the vibration of the first elastic body 3 can be adjusted to a desired vibration that eliminates or substantially eliminates the pitching phenomenon. Here, the "horizontal elastic coefficient of the second elastic body" in this embodiment has the same meaning as "the elastic coefficient of the horizontal component of the second elastic body", and "the vertical elastic coefficient of the second elastic body" ” is synonymous with “the elastic modulus of the vertical component of the second elastic body”. In addition, the "horizontal direction" in this embodiment means a direction along the elastic principal axis defined by the attachment angle of the first elastic body 3 (a direction parallel or substantially parallel to the elastic principal axis), and in this embodiment The "vertical direction" herein means a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the principal axis of elasticity (direction normal to the principal axis of elasticity). The linear feeder X according to the present embodiment has a flat L-shaped plate having a horizontal arm part 52 whose elastic coefficient can be adjusted with respect to a vibration component in the vertical direction, and a vertical arm part 51 whose elastic coefficient can be adjusted with respect to a vibration component in the horizontal direction. By using the second elastic body 5 having a shape, a configuration is realized in which the horizontal and vertical elastic coefficients of the second elastic body 5 can be adjusted independently without mutually adversely affecting each other.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a flat plate is placed at a position sandwiching the tip portion of the horizontal arm portion 52 of the L-shaped leaf spring 5A, which is the horizontal portion of the second elastic body 5, in the height direction H. Elastic adjustment members 6 having the shape of the shape are arranged, and these elastic adjustment members 6 and the horizontal arm portion 52 are fixed with a common bolt B2. A long hole 61 extending in the conveyance direction T (front-back direction T) is formed in the elastic adjustment member 6, and the bolt B2 inserted into the long hole 61 is also inserted into the female bolt insertion hole of the horizontal arm portion 52. It is tightened by screwing into the female screw hole 41 of the base 4. Then, with the bolt B2 slightly loosened, the bolt B2 is guided into the elongated hole 61 to change the fixing position of the elastic adjustment member 6 to the horizontal arm portion 52, and the bolt B2 is tightened again at this position. The size of the free area (the area that is not tightened or pressed by the bolt B2 and the elastic adjustment member 6) of the horizontal arm portion 52 of the second elastic body 5 can be changed, and as a result, the size of the free area (the area that is not tightened or pressed by the bolt B2 and the elastic adjustment member 6) The effective length of the second elastic body 5 in the horizontal arm portion 52 is changed, and the elastic modulus (spring constant) of the second elastic body 5 in the vertical direction can be adjusted.

Whether such adjustment work is performed for each second elastic body 5 in turn or at the same time can be selected depending on the state of occurrence of the pitching phenomenon.

The elastic adjustment members 6 are not limited to those arranged at positions sandwiching the horizontal arm part 52 in the thickness direction, that is, two elastic adjustment members 6 are arranged for one horizontal arm part 52. Only one may be arranged. In this case, the effective length of the horizontal arm section 52 can be changed by applying an elastic adjustment member that presses the horizontal arm section 52 in the thickness direction and adjusting the region that is pressed so as not to be elastically deformable by the elastic adjustment member. good. It is also possible for the elastic adjustment member 6 to function as a spacer or a washer.

In addition, in this embodiment, regarding the vertical arm part 51 of the L-shaped leaf spring 5A, which is the vertical arm part 51 of the second elastic body 5, a configuration is adopted in which the free area (effective length) cannot be adjusted. In such a configuration, the horizontal elastic coefficient (spring constant) of the second elastic body 5 can be adjusted by changing the size of the vertical arm portion 51 (vertical length, thickness and width of the spring, number of stacked springs). This can be done by replacing (replacing) the second elastic body (not shown). The vertical arm portion 51 of the second elastic body 5 also has a configuration similar to the horizontal arm portion 52, that is, a flat elastic plate is provided at a position sandwiching the tip portion of the vertical arm portion 51 in the conveying direction T (front-back direction T). The second elastic It is possible to apply a configuration in which the size of a free region (a region that is not tightened or pressed by the bolt B2 and the elastic adjustment member 6) of the vertical arm portion 51 of the body 5 is changed. Of course, similar to the modification of the elastic adjustment member regarding the horizontal arm portion 52, it is also possible to adopt a mode in which one elastic adjustment member is arranged for one vertical arm portion 51. In this case, the effective length of the vertical arm section 51 can be changed by applying an elastic adjustment member that presses the vertical arm section 51 in the thickness direction and adjusting the region that is pressed so as not to be elastically deformable by the elastic adjustment member. good.

As described above, the vibration conveying device The body 3 is made into an integral structure (main frame M). As a result, friction does not occur at the connection point between the first mass body 1 and the first elastic body 3, and at the connection point between the second mass body 2 and the first elastic body 3, and the viscosity coefficient decreases. However, the fixed conditions (connection conditions at the connection points) do not change, and the nonlinearity of the spring is reduced.

Further, according to the vibration conveyance device X according to the present embodiment, the movable weight 11 and the counterweight 21 are supported by the first elastic body 3 at both ends and a midway portion in the longitudinal direction T. 21 is reduced, and in particular, the friction between the movable weight 11 of the main frame M and the side connecting plate 12 is reduced, and the viscosity coefficient is reduced.

Furthermore, if the first elastic body 3 is to be fixed to the first mass body 1 (movable weight 11) or the second mass body 2 (counterweight 21) with a fixing device such as a bolt, a space for placing the fixing device is secured. However, according to the present embodiment, there is no need to secure a space for placing the fixture, and the degree of freedom in designing the shape of the first mass body 1 is increased. For example, the height of the first mass body 1 can be changed. By setting the dimensions large, the bending rigidity can be improved, and as a result, the first mass body 1 (movable weight 11) becomes difficult to bend in an S-shape, and the driving frequency becomes high. As described above, according to the linear feeder X according to the present embodiment, it is possible to increase the driving frequency and amplitude at which the structure (main frame M) vibrates, and it is possible to achieve a high resonance magnification and obtain a large amplitude. .

In the linear feeder X of this embodiment, the first elastic body 3 disposed midway between the front end and the rear end of the first mass body 1 (movable weight 11) and the second mass body 2 (counter weight 21) has a rib. This also makes it difficult for the first mass body 1 and the second mass body 2 to bend in an S-shape.

In this embodiment, the main frame M that integrally includes the movable weight 11, the counterweight 21, and the first elastic body 3 is formed by wire-cutting a piece of metal material. Note that it is also possible to mold the main frame M by processing other than wire cutting processing.

In the linear feeder X according to the present embodiment, for example, a counterweight (sub-counterweight) separate from the main frame M can be integrally attached to the counterweight 21. The sub-counterweight is installed in the internal space MS of the main frame M, that is, in the relatively large space MS formed between adjacent first elastic bodies 3 along the conveyance direction T (a set of two (excluding the space between the first elastic bodies 3 arranged close to each other). In this case, with the sub-counterweight provided in the internal space MS of the main frame M, the sub-counterweight includes parts other than the counterweight 21 (first elastic body 3, piezoelectric element 31, movable weight 11, side connecting plate 12). ) is essential. The sub-counterweight is a part that constitutes the second mass body 2 similarly to the counterweight 21. The size of the internal space MS of the main frame M (a relatively large space MS partitioned by the first elastic bodies 3 adjacent to each other in the transport direction T) is of equal size (equally divided) as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. It may be unequal size (unequal division). Note that FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the main part of FIG. 2. Further, the internal space MS of the main frame M can also be used as an access space for attaching the piezoelectric element 31 to the first elastic body 3.

In this way, according to the linear feeder X according to the present embodiment, the first elastic body 3 connecting the first mass body 1 and the second mass body 2 is driven by the vibration source (piezoelectric element 31) to vibrate. Then, the second mass body 2 functions as a fixed part (counterweight) and the second elastic body 5 functions as a vibration isolator, so that the first mass body 1 vibrates, and the conveyance target on the linear conveyance path 14 The object K can be transported in a predetermined transport direction T. Furthermore, according to the linear feeder X according to the present embodiment, the movable weight 11 that is a part of the first mass body 1, the counterweight 21 that is a part of the second mass body 2, and the first elastic body 3. Because they have an integral structure, no friction occurs at the connection points between the first mass body 1 and the first elastic body 3, and the connection points between the second mass body 2 and the first elastic body 3, and fasteners such as bolts Compared to a configuration in which the first elastic body is fixed to the first mass body or the second mass body, the viscosity coefficient decreases and the resonance peak does not decrease. Further, even when the amplitude is large, the fixed condition (the connection condition at the connection point) does not change, and a decrease in the drive frequency (resonant frequency) due to the nonlinearity of the first elastic body 3 can be reduced. Therefore, the vibration conveying apparatus according to the present embodiment According to the method, it is possible to eliminate all problems and achieve a large amplitude with a small excitation force.

In addition, in the vibration conveying device Since the mass body 1 and the second mass body 2 are set at a position where the upstream ends (rear ends) of the transport direction T are connected to each other and the downstream ends (front ends) of the transport direction T are connected to each other, the first elastic body 3 A stable support state can be ensured.

In particular, in the vibration conveyance device X according to the present embodiment, the upstream end (rear Since the first elastic body 3 is also arranged at a position connecting the midway portion between the downstream end (front end) in the transport direction T, the first elastic body 3 placed at the midway portion The bending rigidity of the movable weight 11 and the counterweight 21 can be further improved by playing the role of a rib, thereby further reducing the bending changes of the movable weight 11 and the counterweight 21, and reducing the deformation of the linear conveyance path 14. The configuration satisfies favorable conditions for increasing the resonance peak by increasing the spring constant, increasing the driving frequency, and reducing friction between parts.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, at least a portion of the first mass body 1 (movable weight 11), at least a portion of the second mass body 2 (counterweight 21), and the first elastic body 3 By adopting a novel configuration that has never been conceived before, such as making the main frame into an integrated structure, it is possible to increase the driving frequency and amplitude of the vibration of the integrated structure (main frame M), achieving a high resonance magnification. Thus, it is possible to realize a vibration conveying device X that can obtain a large amplitude and improve the conveyance speed of the object K to be conveyed.

In the vibration conveyance device X according to the present embodiment, the first mass body 1 is a movable weight 11 that constitutes the main frame M (integral structure) (also referred to as the "first mass body main body" of the present invention). (equivalent) and a conveyance path 14 that is separate from the movable weight 11 and has a linear conveyance surface, so the linear conveyance path 14, which requires advanced design specifications, is not connected to the main frame. It can be prepared as a dedicated item separately from M, and the processing burden during manufacturing the main frame M, which is an integral structure, can be reduced.

Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. For example, the number and shape of the first elastic bodies, and the connection position of the first elastic bodies with respect to the first mass body and the second mass body can also be changed as appropriate. It is also possible to arrange the first elastic body in a posture inclined at a predetermined angle in the conveyance direction.

In the above-described embodiment, the movable weight 11 (a part of the first mass body 1), the counterweight 21 (a part of the second mass body 2), and the first elastic body 3 are constructed as an integral structure. A mode in which all of the first mass body, a part of the second mass body, and the first elastic body are made into an integral structure, or a part of the first mass body, all of the second mass body, and the first elastic body are made into an integral structure. Alternatively, the entire first mass body, the entire second mass body, and the first elastic body may be formed into an integral structure.

That is, the first mass body in the present invention may consist only of parts (movable weights) that constitute an integral structure (main frame), or may consist of only the main parts that constitute an integral structure (main frame). and parts separate from the integral structure.

Similarly, the second mass body in the present invention may consist only of the main parts (counterweight) that constitute an integral structure (main frame), or may consist of only the main parts (counterweight) that constitute an integral structure (main frame). It may include a main part and a part separate from the integral structure.

The first mass body may be anything that has a linear conveyance surface, does not include the above-mentioned conveyance path (trough), has a linear conveyance surface formed on the upward surface of the chute table, does not have a chute table, and is movable. A linear conveyance surface may be formed on the upward facing surface of the weight, or a linear conveyance surface may be formed on a part (not limited to a chute stand) that vibrates in synchronization with the movable weight. In particular, when the first mass body is composed only of parts corresponding to the above-mentioned movable weight, the first mass body is arranged above the second mass body, and the upward surface of the first mass body is provided with a linear conveyance surface. It is preferable to form

The vibration conveyance device of the present invention has a mode in which the second elastic bodies exhibiting a vibration-proofing effect are each directly connected to an integral structure (main frame), or a mode in which they are indirectly connected by interposing another member. This includes: The number of second elastic bodies and the positions at which they are fixed to the base or the integral structure (main frame) can be changed as appropriate. Further, the second elastic body may connect the base and the second mass body.

Springs other than L-shaped springs (for example, springs with the base ends of I-shaped springs connected to each other, T-shaped springs, etc.)
Alternatively, it is also possible to configure the second elastic body with an elastic body other than a spring (such as rubber), or to configure the second elastic body with a plate spring arranged in an attitude inclined at a predetermined angle in the conveyance direction. Further, the present invention also includes a vibration conveyance device that does not include the second elastic body.

The excitation source may be something other than a piezoelectric element.

Further, the object to be transported may be various types of LEDs such as LEDs, electronic components other than LEDs, or items other than electronic components such as food.

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

1...First mass body 1L...Linear conveyance surface 2...Second mass body 3...First elastic body K...Transfer target object X...Vibration conveyance device (linear feeder)

Claims (4)

It is a vibration conveyance device that conveys objects on a linear conveyance surface by vibration.
a first mass body having the linear conveyance surface;
a second mass body disposed at a position facing the first mass body in the height direction and vibrating in an opposite phase to the first mass body;
a first elastic body connecting the first mass body and the second mass body and having a flat plate shape ;
At least a portion of the first mass body, at least a portion of the second mass body, and the first elastic body are integrally structured;
When the width direction is a direction perpendicular to the transport direction in a horizontal plane, the width of the first elastic body is approximately equal to the width of the first mass body or the second mass body, and A vibration conveying device characterized in that the width of the first elastic body is constant along the vertical direction . The first elastic body is arranged at a position connecting the upstream ends of the first mass body and the second mass body in the transport direction and the downstream ends of the transport target in the transport direction. The vibration conveyance device according to item 1. It is a vibration conveyance device that conveys objects on a linear conveyance surface by vibration.
a first mass body having the linear conveyance surface;
a second mass body disposed at a position facing the first mass body in the height direction and vibrating in an opposite phase to the first mass body;
a first elastic body connecting the first mass body and the second mass body,
At least a portion of the first mass body, at least a portion of the second mass body, and the first elastic body are integrally structured;
a position where the ends of the first mass body and the second mass body on the upstream side in the conveyance direction of the object to be conveyed and the ends on the downstream side in the conveyance direction are connected; and the first mass body and the second mass A vibration conveyance device, wherein the first elastic body is disposed at a position connecting a midway portion between the upstream end in the conveyance direction and the downstream end in the conveyance direction of the body. The first mass body includes a first mass body that constitutes the integrated main frame, and a conveyance path that is separate from the first mass body and has the linear conveyance surface. The vibration conveyance device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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