JPH10218334A - Method and device for supplying work - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To surely control the supply of works by providing a gate for discharging the works going over the gate and by detecting a relationship between the height of the works before the gate and the height of the gate and by adjusting the height of the gate based on the detected results. SOLUTION: Works 2 are carried at a predetermined rate on the carrying path 1a of a work housing place 1 where works 2 are stacked by carrying means 3 (linear feeder utilizing vibrations). The works 2 are stopped by a gate 4 and the works 2 going over the top end of the gate 4 are discharged and are received by a receiving pan 5. A relationship between the height of the works 2 before the gate 4 and the height of the gate 4 is detected by a high position sensor 7 and a low position sensor 8. The height of the gate 4 is adjusted by gate driving means (linear motor) 9 based on the detected results.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an object supply method and an object supply apparatus for stably supplying an object such as an electronic component element at a predetermined ratio.

2. Description of the Related Art

[0002] For example, in the production process of ceramic electronic parts, generally, a molding process of molding a ceramic raw material powder or a powder to which an additive is added into a predetermined shape, a molded workpiece (work). And a packing step of packing the pods into a firing box (pod), and a firing step of firing the pod-packed work in a firing furnace. However, it is not easy to make all the processing capacities in each process equal, and there may be a difference in the processing capacities.

[0003] In some cases, the objects to be processed are temporarily pooled in a bat or the like, and batch processing is performed. In such a case, a mechanism for stably supplying a small amount of the objects to be processed piled up in a bat or the like for stuffing or counting the objects to be processed is required.

A workpiece supply apparatus shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 is a conventional workpiece supply apparatus which is used to stably supply workpieces piled up in a bat or the like little by little. It is a figure showing an example of.

[0005] The workpiece supply device includes a work accommodating section 5.
Conveyance means (in this example, a linear feeder) that conveys the workpieces (work) 52 piled up in 1 using vibration.
A gate 53 disposed on the transport path 51a for damping the work 52 and passing the work 52 through a gap 56 between the lower end thereof and the transport path 51a;
4 and a tray 55 for receiving the work 52.

However, in this workpiece supply apparatus, as shown in FIG. 13, the work 52 is sandwiched in the gap 56 between the transfer path 51a and the lower end of the gate 54, so that the work 52 cannot be transferred. In some cases, it is necessary to stop the equipment and remove the work 52 sandwiched in the gap 56 each time, resulting in a problem that the production efficiency is low.

Further, there is a problem that the work sandwiched between the gaps 56 is cracked or chipped and the yield is reduced. This tendency is particularly strong when the work is brittle such as a powder molded product.

Although not shown, there is also a supply method in which individual works are conveyed one by one using a ball feeder. However, this method has a problem that although the conveyance reliability is high, the processing capacity is low. . In addition, this method has a problem that the equipment cost is high and the installation area of the equipment is large. Furthermore, since a ball feeder corresponding to the shape of the work is required, the versatility is low, and when the work is fragile, a defect such as cracking or chipping of the work occurs due to drop or vibration in the ball feeder. There is a problem.

The present invention solves the above-mentioned problems, and can stably supply a predetermined amount of an object to be processed without requiring a large equipment cost, and damages the object to be processed. It is an object of the present invention to provide an object supply method and an object supply apparatus that do not require any processing.

[0010]

In order to achieve the above object, a method for supplying an object to be processed according to the present invention is a method for supplying an object to be processed at a predetermined ratio. On the conveying path to be conveyed, while damming the object to be processed and providing a gate for discharging the overflowing object from the upper part thereof, detecting the relationship between the height of the object to be processed and the gate height on the front side of the gate, The method is characterized in that the supply amount of the processing object is controlled by adjusting the height of the gate based on the detection result.

[0011] A gate is provided on the transport path, the workpiece is dammed and the overflowing workpiece is discharged from the upper portion thereof, and the relationship between the height of the workpiece and the gate height at the front side of the gate is detected. By adjusting the height of the gate based on the detection result, it is possible to control the supply amount of the processing object and to stably supply the processing object at a predetermined ratio.

Further, in the method for supplying an object to be processed according to the present invention, the height of the object to be processed at the front side of the gate is set at two predetermined positions (two positions of a high position and a low position) higher than the upper end of the gate. A high-position sensor and a low-position sensor for detecting whether or not the object has been reached, and the high-position sensor and the low-position sensor are configured to move up and down in conjunction with the gate; Is detected,
When the high position sensor does not detect the object to be processed, the height of the gate is kept as it is, and the state where the object to be processed is supplied at a predetermined rate over the gate is maintained. In the state where the processing object is not detected, the gate and the above-mentioned 2 are kept until the low position sensor detects the processing object.
By lowering the two sensors in tandem, the object to be processed is supplied at a predetermined rate beyond the gate, and when the high position sensor is detecting the object to be processed, the high position sensor By moving the gate and the two sensors in conjunction with each other until the object is no longer detected, the object to be processed is supplied at a predetermined rate beyond the gate. As described above, the two sensors, the high position sensor and the low position sensor, are provided, and the high position sensor and the low position sensor are configured to move up and down in conjunction with the gate, so that the power is supplied over the gate. It is possible to more reliably control the amount of the object to be processed and supply the object to be processed more stably.

Further, an object supply apparatus according to the present invention is an object supply apparatus used for carrying out the object supply method according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured to transport the object. Means, a gate disposed on a conveyance path on which the object is conveyed, damming the object to be processed, and discharging the object to be overflowed from above, and a height of the object to be processed in front of the gate. And a gate driving means for adjusting the height of the gate based on the result of detection by the sensor. By using the apparatus having the above configuration, it is possible to reliably carry out the method for supplying an object to be processed according to the present invention (claim 1) and to stably supply the object to be processed at a predetermined ratio.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for supplying an object to be processed, which is used to carry out the method for supplying an object to be processed. Means, a gate disposed on a conveying path on which the object is conveyed, damming the object to be processed, and discharging the object to be overflowed from the upper part thereof; The height of the object to be processed is higher than the upper end of the gate.
A high position sensor and a low position sensor for detecting whether or not two positions (two positions of a high position and a low position) have been reached;
A gate driving unit that moves the gate and the two sensors up and down in conjunction with each other based on the detection results of the two sensors. As described above, by using an apparatus configuration including two sensors, a high position sensor and a low position sensor, the amount of the workpiece supplied over the gate is more reliably controlled, and the workpiece is controlled. It becomes possible to supply more stably.

Further, in the object supply apparatus of the present invention, the gate includes an uphill section and a downhill section, and
It is configured to be able to change at least one of the gradient of the uphill section and the downhill section and the height of the top, and after the object to be processed goes up the uphill section, the downhill section is It is characterized in that it is configured to be supplied at a predetermined ratio by sliding down. By using a gate configured to have a chevron shape having an uphill section and a downhill section and configured to slide down the downhill section after the article goes up the uphill section, Can be prevented from being damaged when passing over the gate, and the object to be processed can be supplied more reliably. In addition, by changing at least one of the gradient and the height of the peak, the supply amount of the processing object can be reliably controlled.

Further, the object supply apparatus of the present invention is characterized in that the transfer means is a transfer apparatus using vibration. By using a transfer device using vibration as the transfer means, it becomes possible to cause the object to be processed to pass over the gate at a predetermined ratio without fail, and the present invention can be made more effective.

[0017]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be shown and the features thereof will be described in more detail.

[Embodiment 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of an object supply apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing the main part. The workpiece supply device of this embodiment includes a transport unit (in this example, transporting the workpiece 2 at a predetermined rate on the transport path 1a of the workpiece storage unit 1 in which the workpieces (work) 2 are piled up. A linear feeder 3 which is a transfer device using vibration, a gate 4 for damping the work 2 and discharging the work 2 exceeding its upper end, a tray 5 for receiving the work 2 supplied beyond the gate 4, and a gate A high position sensor 7 and a low position sensor 8 for detecting the relationship between the height of the work 2 (the height of the aggregate of the individual works 2) and the height of the gate 4 on the front side of the work 4
And gate driving means (linear motor) 9 for adjusting the height of the gate 4 based on the detection results of the high position sensor 7 and the low position sensor 8.

The linear feeder 3 is a vibratory feeder that utilizes the electromagnetic vibration and the resonance action of a leaf spring. However, the transfer device using vibration is not limited to a linear feeder, and various devices such as a device using a vibration motor or an air vibrator can be used.

The gate 4 can be slid up and down by gate driving means (linear motor) 9. Gate 4
As long as the workpiece 2 can be smoothly discharged from the upper part thereof, there is no particular limitation on its shape, and various shapes can be taken in consideration of the shape of the workpiece 2 and the like. There is no particular limitation on the gate driving means 9 for driving the gate 4, and various structures such as those using a ball screw can be used other than the linear motor.

In the object supply apparatus of this embodiment, the high position sensor 7 and the low position sensor 8
Although a transmission type photoelectric sensor is used, the type of the sensor is not limited to this, and various sensors capable of detecting the height (bulk) of the work 2 can be used. For example, a reflective photoelectric sensor or the like can be used.

In this embodiment, two sensors, a high position sensor 7 and a low position sensor 8, are used as sensors, and the sensor brackets 7a, 8a are
, The high position sensor 7 and the low position sensor 8 are configured to move up and down in conjunction with the gate 4.

Next, the operation of the apparatus for supplying an object to be processed, configured as described above, will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG. 3, the height of the (assembly) of the work 2 transported by the linear feeder 3 (FIG. 1) is such that the low position sensor 8 detects the work 2, but the high position sensor 7 detects the work 2. In a state in which the work 2 is not detected, the height of the gate 4 is kept as it is, and a state in which the work 2 is supplied at a predetermined ratio over the gate 4 is maintained. On the other hand, as shown in FIG.
Is not detected (the state in which the work 2 is not supplied over the gate 4), the gate 4, the high position sensor 7, and the low position sensor 8 are interlocked until the low position sensor 8 detects the work 2. As shown in FIG. 5, the workpiece 2 is supplied over the gate 4 at a predetermined rate. Further, as shown in FIG. 6, in a state where the high position sensor 7 is detecting the work 2 (a state where the supply amount of the work 2 becomes too large as it is), until the high position sensor 7 no longer detects the work 2. By raising the gate 4, the high position sensor 7 and the low position sensor 8 in conjunction with each other (FIG. 7), the work 2 is supplied at a predetermined rate beyond the gate 4. As shown in FIG. 8, when the gate 4 is at the lower limit position and the high position sensor 7 and the low position sensor 8 have not detected the work 2, it is determined that there is no work 2 to be supplied. Is raised to the upper limit, and the supply of the next work 2 is waited. By repeating the above steps (1) to (4), the amount of the workpiece to be supplied over the gate can be controlled and the workpiece can be stably supplied at a predetermined rate.

[Embodiment 2] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of an object supply apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a sectional view showing the main part. In the workpiece supply apparatus according to the present embodiment, the gate 4 is provided as shown in FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 0, the linear motor 9 has a mountain shape having an upward slope 11 and a downward slope 12, and the linear motor 9 can change the slope and the height of the top 4a of the mountain. I have. That is, the height and gradient of the mountain top 4a can be changed by pushing the gate 4 upward by the rod of the linear motor 9.

Specifically, the gate 4 is connected to the uphill section 11.
And the plate-shaped member 12a forming the downhill portion 12 are connected by a hinge 13,
It is formed by connecting the plate-shaped member 11a and the transport path 1a with a hinge 14. The plate-like members 11a,
Guide plates 15 (FIG. 9) for preventing the work 2 from dropping are attached to both sides of 12a. In addition, the gradient of the ascending part 11 and the descending slope part 12 and the top 4 of the mountain
The configuration for making the height of a variable is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment. For example, a mountain-shaped gate is formed by using an elastic material such as rubber, and the slope and the mountain are formed by deforming the gate. It is also possible to make the height of the apex portion variable, and to adopt other configurations.

The other parts are the same as in the first embodiment, and the description is omitted. 9 and FIG.
At 0, the same or corresponding parts as in FIGS. 1 and 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In the workpiece supply apparatus of this embodiment configured as described above, the gate 4 is connected to the uphill section 1.
1 and a downward slope 12, and the work 2 is supplied after moving up the up slope 11 and then sliding down the down slope 12. Can be prevented from being damaged when passing over the gate 4. Therefore, even when the work 2 is brittle, such as a powder molded product, it can be reliably supplied at a predetermined ratio without causing damage.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various applications and modifications can be made within the scope of the invention with respect to the type of work, the shape of the saucer, and the like.

[0029]

As described above, according to the method for supplying an object to be processed according to the present invention (claim 1), a gate is provided on the transport path, the object to be processed is damped, and the object to be overflowed is discharged from the upper part. Since the relationship between the height of the object to be processed and the height of the gate on the front side of the gate is detected and the height of the gate is adjusted based on the result of the detection, the power supplied over the gate is adjusted. It is possible to reliably control the supply amount of the processed material and to stably supply the processed material at a predetermined rate. In addition, since the upper part of the gate is opened, high reliability can be achieved without clogging and cracking or chipping of the processing object or interruption of supply of the processing object.

Further, in the method for supplying an object to be processed according to the present invention (claim 2), two sensors, a high position sensor and a low position sensor, are provided, and the high position sensor and the low position sensor are interlocked with the gate. The height of the gate can be accurately detected because of the configuration in which the gate is raised and lowered. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably control the amount of the processing object supplied over the gate, and to more stably supply the processing object.

The object supply apparatus according to the present invention (claim 3) includes a conveying means for conveying the object to be processed, and a gate for damming the object to be processed and discharging the overflowing object from above. A sensor for detecting the relationship between the height of the object to be processed and the height of the gate on the front side of the gate, and gate driving means for adjusting the height of the gate based on the result of detection by the sensor. Therefore, the method for supplying the object to be treated according to the present invention (claim 1) is reliably performed, and the object to be treated is stabilized at a predetermined ratio without causing clogging, cracking, or chipping of the object to be treated. Can be supplied.

The object supply apparatus according to the present invention (claim 4) includes a conveying means for conveying the object to be processed, and dams the object to be processed and discharges the object to be overflowed from the upper part thereof. A gate, a high position sensor and a low position sensor for detecting whether the height of the object to be processed has reached predetermined two positions (two positions of a high position and a low position) higher than the upper end of the gate; It is configured to include a gate and a gate driving unit that moves the two sensors up and down in conjunction with each other based on the detection result of the sensor. The detection can be performed with high accuracy, and the object to be processed can be supplied more stably.

[0033] Further, it has a chevron shape provided with an ascending slope portion and a descending slope portion, and after the object to be processed has climbed the ascending slope portion,
By using a gate configured to slide down the downhill, the workpiece can be prevented from being damaged when falling over the upper end of the gate, and the workpiece can be supplied more reliably. Will be possible. Further, by changing at least one of the gradient and the height of the peak, the supply amount of the processing object can be easily and reliably controlled.

Further, when a transfer device using vibration is used as the transfer means, it is possible to reliably cause the object to be processed to pass over the gate at a predetermined ratio. Therefore, it becomes possible to more reliably control the supply amount of the processing object supplied beyond the gate, and the present invention can be made more effective.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of an object supply apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a main part of the workpiece supply apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a main part for describing an operation of the workpiece supply device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a main part for describing an operation of the workpiece supply device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a main part for describing an operation of the workpiece supply device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a main part for explaining the operation of the workpiece supply apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a main part for describing an operation of the workpiece supply device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a main part for explaining an operation of a workpiece supply device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of a workpiece supply apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a main part of an object supply apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of a conventional object supply apparatus.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a main part of a conventional object supply apparatus.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a workpiece is clogged in a conventional workpiece supply apparatus.

[Description of Signs] 1 Work storage section 1a Transport path 2 Workpiece (work) 3 Transport means (linear feeder) 4 Gate 4a Gate top 5 Receiving tray 7 High position sensor 7a Sensor bracket for high position sensor 8 Low position sensor 8a Sensor bracket of low position sensor 9 Gate drive means (linear motor) 11 Uphill section 11a Plate member 12 Downhill section 12a Plate member 13 Hinge 14 Hinge 15 Guide plate

Claims (6)

[Claims] An object supply method for supplying an object to be processed at a predetermined rate, wherein the object to be processed is dammed on a conveyance path on which the object is conveyed, and the object to be overflowed is removed from above. In addition to providing a discharge gate, the relationship between the height of the object to be processed and the height of the gate on the front side of the gate is detected, and the height of the gate is adjusted based on the detection result to reduce the supply amount of the object to be processed. A method for supplying an object to be processed, characterized by controlling. 2. A high position for detecting whether or not the height of an object to be processed in front of the gate has reached two predetermined positions higher than the upper end of the gate (two positions, a high position and a low position). A sensor and a low position sensor are provided, and the high position sensor and the low position sensor are configured to move up and down in conjunction with the gate, and the low position sensor detects an object to be processed. In the state where no object is detected, the height of the gate is kept as it is, and the state where the object is supplied at a predetermined rate over the gate is maintained. In a state where no object is detected, the object is supplied at a predetermined rate over the gate by lowering the gate and the two sensors in conjunction until the low position sensor detects the object. So that high When the position sensor is detecting the object to be processed, the gate and the two sensors are raised in conjunction with each other until the high position sensor no longer detects the object to be processed. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the material is supplied at a ratio of: 3. An object supply apparatus used for carrying out the object supply method according to claim 1, wherein a conveying means for conveying the object and an object to be conveyed. A gate disposed on the transport path for damping the workpiece and discharging the overflowing workpiece from above, and detecting a relationship between the height of the workpiece and the gate height on the front side of the gate; An object supply apparatus, comprising: a sensor; and gate driving means for adjusting a height of a gate based on a detection result of the sensor. 4. A workpiece supply apparatus used for carrying out the workpiece supply method according to claim 2, wherein a transport means for transporting the workpiece, and the transported article are transported. A gate disposed on the conveyance path, for damping the object to be processed, and discharging the object to be overflowed from the upper portion thereof; and A high position sensor and a low position sensor for detecting whether or not has reached a predetermined two positions (two positions of a high position and a low position) higher than the upper end of the gate; and based on the detection results by the two sensors. And a gate driving means for moving the gate and the two sensors up and down in conjunction with each other. 5. The gate has an uphill portion and a downhill portion, and is configured to change at least one of the slope of the uphill portion and the downhill portion and the height of the top. 5. The method according to claim 3, wherein the workpiece is supplied at a predetermined rate by sliding down the down slope after the workpiece goes up the up slope. 5. Workpiece supply device. 6. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said conveying means is a conveying apparatus utilizing vibration.