JPWO2007086134A1 - Parts supply device - Google Patents

Abstract

The component supply apparatus according to the present invention includes a tray transport unit (100) that supports a tray (T) that can store components and transports the tray in a substantially horizontal direction, and a tray that supports and positions the tray (T) at a component takeout position. The carrying unit (200) is formed to be rotatable about a rotating shaft (311) extending in the vertical direction (Z) and to be movable up and down in the vertical direction (Z). 200) includes a tray transfer unit (300) that carries and transfers the tray (T). As described above, by adopting the tray transfer unit (300) for transferring the tray by the rotation and the raising / lowering operation, the tray can be easily and surely replaced, the structure is simplified, and the installation area is saved. Space and device size can be reduced. Further, since the tray carrying unit (100) and the tray carrying unit (200) are separately formed, the tray carrying unit (200) can be shared with various assembly lines.

Description

  The present invention relates to a component supply apparatus that supplies a component such as a machine or an electronic device onto a tray (or pallet) and supplies it to a component take-out position for performing a predetermined operation, and in particular, carries in and out the tray (or pallet). The present invention relates to a component supply apparatus that can cope with various forms.

  As a conventional component supply apparatus, a first storage box receiver, a second storage box receiver, a first storage box receiver, and a second storage box receiver that are arranged above and below to place a storage box (tray) that stores the components. Provided with a drive mechanism or the like that horizontally moves the storage box receiver between the component supply position and the component extraction position. When one storage box receiver is in the component extraction position, the other storage box receiver is moved to the component supply position. In order to improve the efficiency of assembly work, there is no waiting time when the storage box (tray) is replaced by transferring these storage box receptacles to the parts pick-up position and the parts supply position alternately. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).

  In addition, as another component supply device, two tray transfer tables for horizontally transferring trays at different height positions, when one tray transfer table is in the component take-out position, the other tray transfer table is a tray containing components. A component pick-up unit having reciprocating means for reciprocally moving each tray transfer table in a horizontal direction so that it is in a tray receiving position (component supply position) for receiving the tray, and trays with components arranged in the vertical direction and stocked. Tray stock unit that moves the tray to the tray transfer table, tray lifting unit that lifts and lowers the tray that has been emptied after the parts are taken out, and tray collection that collects the empty tray raised by the tray lifting unit Each unit is modularized. Ones are known (e.g., see Patent Document 2).

By the way, in the above-described conventional component supply apparatus, when the tray (or storage box) is transferred between the component take-out position and the component supply position, the tray (or storage box) is moved at two different upper and lower height positions. Therefore, the height of the part extraction position of one tray is different from that of the other tray. Therefore, when taking out a part by an assembly robot or the like, the assembly robot has to be moved to a different height position, so that control becomes complicated and a space needs to be secured in the vertical direction at the part removal position.
In addition, even if each unit is modularized, the tray transfer unit (or drive mechanism) transfers the tray (or storage box) and supports the tray (or storage box) to define the component extraction position itself. Therefore, if the assembly line is different, it is necessary to set the component supply device corresponding to the assembly line, and it is difficult to make it common.
Furthermore, the replacement of the tray (container box) between the component take-out position and the component supply position is based on a slide in the horizontal direction, so it is difficult to replace the tray (container box) at the same height. There is a limit to miniaturization while suppressing the height.

JP-A-8-215942 JP 2000-263347 A

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described prior art, and its object is to supply components such as machinery or electronic equipment in a tray (or pallet) and supply them to an assembly line or the like. In the equipment, the parts that define the parts extraction position can be shared so that it can be used for various assembly lines, and the equipment can be reduced in size and cost, and the parts can be supplied efficiently. An object of the present invention is to provide a component supply device that can be used.

The component supply apparatus of the present invention that achieves the above object includes a tray transport unit that supports a tray that can store components and transports the tray in a substantially horizontal direction, and a tray support unit that supports and positions the tray at a component take-out position. A tray transfer unit formed so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis extending in the vertical direction and vertically movable, and carrying and transferring a tray between the tray transport unit and the tray support unit; Including.
According to this configuration, when the tray containing the components is carried in by the tray transport unit, the tray transfer unit moves the tray from the tray transport unit to the tray support unit by moving up and down and rotating while supporting the tray. In addition, the tray transfer unit moves up and down and rotates while carrying the empty tray to transfer the tray from the tray support unit to the tray transport unit. As described above, by adopting the tray transfer unit for transferring the tray by the rotation and the raising / lowering operation, the tray can be easily replaced at the same height position, and therefore the tray transfer operation can be performed. This can be performed reliably, and the structure can be simplified, the installation area can be saved, and the apparatus can be downsized.
In addition, since the tray carrying unit and the tray carrying unit are formed separately, the tray carrying unit can be shared with various assembly lines, while the tray carrying unit can be appropriately changed according to the application. it can. Thereby, this component supply apparatus can be applied to a wide variety of assembly lines, and an optimal component supply form can be obtained according to the supply demand of the components to be supplied.
Here, the tray is a component that carries or accommodates components, and includes a pallet, a storage box, and other components that can carry or accommodate components.

In the above configuration, the tray transfer unit can employ a configuration including a rotation carrying member that defines two tray carrying portions on both sides of point symmetry about the rotation axis.
According to this configuration, the rotation carrying member of the tray transfer unit is half-rotated in a state where the tray containing the components is carried by one tray carrying unit and the empty tray is carried by the other tray carrying unit. By simply lowering the tray, the tray can be easily exchanged between the tray transport unit and the tray carrying unit.

In the above configuration, a configuration in which the tray transfer unit is integrally assembled with the tray carrying unit can be adopted.
According to this configuration, by integrating the tray transfer unit and the tray carrying unit (into a module product), the module product can be shared by various assembly lines. Therefore, when setting the component supply device, it is only necessary to change only the tray transport unit, so that the assembly line can be easily changed, and the cost of the entire line can be reduced.

In the above configuration, the tray carrying unit may employ a configuration including a fixing mechanism that fixes the carried tray.
According to this configuration, the tray can be firmly fixed by operating the fixing mechanism while the tray is supported on the tray supporting unit.

In the above configuration, the tray transport unit includes a tray carry-in mechanism arranged on the upper side to carry in a tray containing components, and a tray carry-out mechanism arranged on the lower side of the tray carry-in mechanism to carry out an empty tray. The structure including these can be adopted.
According to this configuration, when the tray containing the components is supplied to the predetermined supply position, the tray carry-in mechanism carries the tray to the transfer position by the tray transfer unit. On the other hand, when an empty tray is transferred to the tray transport unit by the tray transfer unit, the tray carry-out mechanism carries the tray to a predetermined collection position. In addition, since the tray carry-in mechanism and the tray carry-out mechanism are arranged vertically, the structural dead space can be saved as much as possible, and the height of the apparatus is set so that the upper ends of the tray carrying unit and the tray transport unit are substantially flush with each other. It is possible to achieve a space saving of the installation area and a reduction in the size of the apparatus while suppressing the above.

In the above configuration, the tray transport unit includes a tray carry-in mechanism arranged on the upper side to carry in a tray containing components, and a tray carry-out mechanism arranged on the lower side of the tray carry-in mechanism to carry out an empty tray. And the structure containing the tray raising / lowering mechanism which raises / lowers so that the tray which accommodated components may be transferred to a tray carrying-in mechanism is employable.
According to this configuration, since the tray lifting mechanism is included in addition to the tray loading mechanism and the tray unloading mechanism, the supplied tray is temporarily supported and lifted by the tray lifting mechanism, and the tray lifting mechanism is positioned below the tray lifting mechanism. By simply lowering the tray by the mechanism, the tray can be transferred from the tray lifting mechanism to the tray loading mechanism, and by controlling the relative position of the tray loading mechanism with respect to the tray lifting mechanism, the desired tray loading mechanism can be selected. The tray can be carried at the carrying position.

In the above configuration, the tray transport unit includes a tray carry-in mechanism arranged on the upper side to carry in a tray containing components, and a tray carry-out mechanism arranged on the lower side of the tray carry-in mechanism to carry out an empty tray. And a tray lifting mechanism that lifts and lowers the tray containing the components to be transferred to the tray loading mechanism. The tray loading mechanism includes two tray supporting portions arranged in the tray loading direction. A configuration including two tray carrier portions arranged in the tray loading direction at the same interval as the two tray carrier portions of the tray carry-in mechanism can be employed.
According to this configuration, the tray carried on the tray carrying part can be carried on the two tray carrying parts of the tray carrying mechanism by appropriately changing the relative positions of the tray lifting mechanism and the tray carrying mechanism.

In the above configuration, the tray carry-in mechanism includes a pair of slide carrying members that extend in parallel to the tray carry-in direction at a predetermined interval and define two tray carrying portions on both end sides thereof. It is possible to adopt a configuration that includes an elevating support member that extends in the tray loading direction, defines two tray support portions on both ends thereof, and is formed so as to be able to protrude and retract in the vertical direction between the pair of slide support members. it can.
According to this configuration, when the lifting / lowering support member of the tray lifting / lowering mechanism is in a state of being lifted by supporting the tray, the pair of slide supporting members of the tray carry-in mechanism is slid to enter below the lifting / lowering support member, The tray can be transferred to the slide support member simply by lowering the elevating support member, and the tray can be transported to the position to be transferred by the tray transfer unit by simply sliding the slide support member. it can.
As described above, by adopting the pair of slide support members and the lifting support member that appears and disappears between them, it is possible to reduce the size of the apparatus by integrating the components.

In the above configuration, the tray carrying unit has two tray carrying units arranged in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the tray loading direction by the tray carrying unit, and the tray transfer unit corresponds to the two tray carrying units. It is possible to adopt a configuration that is movable to the position to be moved.
According to this configuration, the tray carrying unit can carry two trays at the same time, and each tray can be transferred by moving one tray transfer unit to the position of the corresponding tray. Accordingly, it is possible to improve the supply efficiency of components while achieving simplification of the structure, size reduction of the apparatus, and the like.

In the above configuration, the tray conveyance unit adopts a configuration in which two tray transport units are provided adjacent to each other in the horizontal direction perpendicular to the tray loading direction so as to correspond to the two tray support portions of the tray support unit. be able to.
According to this configuration, since two tray transport units are provided corresponding to the two tray support portions of the tray support unit, two trays (for example, two trays containing the same kind of parts, or Two trays containing different types of parts) can be transported at the same time, so the supply efficiency of the same type of parts can be doubled or different types of parts can be supplied at the same time. Can be improved.

In the above configuration, the two tray transport units are respectively disposed on the lower side of the tray carry-in mechanism for carrying out the empty tray and the tray carry-in mechanism arranged on the upper side for carrying in the tray containing the components. It is possible to adopt a configuration including a tray carrying-out mechanism and a tray lifting / lowering mechanism that raises and lowers a tray containing components to be transferred to the tray carrying-in mechanism.
According to this configuration, each of the two tray transport units includes the tray carry-in mechanism, the tray carry-out mechanism, and the tray lifting / lowering mechanism. After positioning the tray carry-in mechanism, the tray can be transferred from the tray lift mechanism to the tray carry-in mechanism simply by lowering the tray by the tray lift mechanism, and the relative position of the tray carry-in mechanism with respect to the tray lift mechanism is controlled. By doing so, the tray can be carried at a desired carrying position of the tray carry-in mechanism. In this way, when parts are supplied in two systems, it is possible to achieve downsizing of the apparatus and space saving of the installation area.

  According to the component supply apparatus having the above-described configuration, the tray carrier unit and the tray transport unit that demarcate the component take-out position are separately modularized, and rotate around the rotation axis extending in the vertical direction and vertically moved in the vertical direction. By adopting a tray transfer unit that moves trays by moving, component supply that meets the supply demands of various assembly lines and components while achieving downsizing and cost reduction of component supply devices An apparatus can be provided, and a tray on which components are placed can be supplied and an empty tray can be recovered simultaneously and efficiently.

It is a side view which shows one Embodiment of the components supply apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is a top view which shows one Embodiment of the components supply apparatus which concerns on this invention. 1 is an external perspective view showing an embodiment of a component supply apparatus according to the present invention. It is a perspective view which shows the tray conveyance unit which makes a part of component supply apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the tray holding | maintenance unit and tray transfer unit which make a part of component supply apparatus concerning this invention. It is an operation | movement figure explaining operation | movement of the components supply apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is an operation | movement figure explaining operation | movement of the components supply apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is an operation | movement figure explaining operation | movement of the components supply apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is an operation | movement figure explaining operation | movement of the components supply apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is the top view and side view which showed typically other embodiment of the components supply apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is the top view which showed typically other embodiment of the components supply apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is the top view and side view which showed typically other embodiment of the components supply apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is the top view and side view which showed typically other embodiment of the components supply apparatus which concerns on this invention.

Explanation of symbols

Z Vertical direction X Tray loading direction (tray unloading direction)
Y Horizontal direction perpendicular to tray loading direction 100 Tray transport unit 110 Base 120 Leg portion 130 First tray loading mechanism 131 Pair of slide bearing members 131a and 131b Tray bearing portion 132 Connecting member 133 Drive mechanism 130 'Second tray loading mechanism 131 ′ A pair of slide carrying members 131a ′ and 131b ′ Tray carrying portion 132 ′ connecting member 133 ′ drive mechanism 140 first tray carry-out mechanism 141 plural roller conveyors 142 holding member 140 ′ second tray carry-out mechanism 150 first tray lifting mechanism 151 Lifting and supporting members 151a and 151b Tray holder 152 Holding member 153 Drive mechanism 150 'Second tray lifting and lowering mechanism 151a' and 151b 'Tray holder 152' Holding member 153 'Drive mechanism 200 Tray carrier unit 210 Supporting tables 211a and 211b Ray carrier portions 212a and 212b Notch portion 220 Leg portion 230 Connecting member 231 Guide 240 Fixing mechanism 241 Contact piece 242 Telescopic actuator 300 Tray transfer unit 310 Rotation carrier member 311 Rotating shafts 311a and 311b Tray carrier portion 320 Rotation drive mechanism 330 Elevating drive mechanism 340 Movable base 350 Horizontal drive mechanism

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the component supply apparatus carries a tray T that can hold components T and conveys them in a substantially horizontal direction (X direction). A tray carrying unit 200 for carrying and positioning is formed so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis extending in the vertical direction Z and to be movable up and down in the vertical direction Z. The tray T between the tray transport unit 100 and the tray carrying unit 200 is formed. The tray transfer unit 300 and the like that carry and transfer the paper are provided.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the tray transport unit 100 includes a base 110 that extends in the X direction (that is, a carry-in direction and a carry-out direction), a leg portion 120 that supports the base 110, and a base 100 in the X direction. The first tray carry-in mechanism 130 movably supported, the first tray carry-out mechanism 140 supported by the base 100 so as to extend in the X direction below the first tray carry-in mechanism 130, and the first tray carry-out mechanism 140. A first tray lifting mechanism 150 disposed above, a second tray loading mechanism 130 ′ that is movable in the X direction with respect to the base 100 and is supported adjacent to the first tray loading mechanism 130, and a second tray loading mechanism Above the second tray unloading mechanism 140 ′ and the second tray unloading mechanism 140 ′ supported by the base 100 so as to extend in the X direction below 130 ′. And a second tray elevating mechanism 150 'or the like which is location.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the first tray carry-in mechanism 130 moves a tray T (that is, a tray T containing components) brought in by an external carry-in means (such as an operator or a conveyor) in a substantially horizontal direction (X A pair of slide carrying members 131 that extend in the carrying direction (X direction) at a predetermined interval and define two tray carrying portions 131a and 131b on both ends thereof. A connecting member 132 for connecting the slide supporting member 131, a driving mechanism 133 coupled to one of the slide supporting members 131 and exerting a driving force in the X direction.

The pair of slide support members 131 are formed so as to extend in the X direction (carrying direction), respectively, define two tray support portions 131a and 131b having positioning pins (or protrusions) at both ends thereof, and the base 110 It is supported by a guide 111 provided at the upper end of the lens so as to be movable in the X direction.
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the connecting member 132 is provided so as to connect a substantially intermediate region in the longitudinal direction (X direction) of the pair of slide support members 131, and the first tray lifting mechanism 150 will be described later. It is formed to be bent in a concave shape on the lower side so that it can enter the lower side of the elevating support member 151.
The drive mechanism 133 is an actuator that drives the pair of slide members 131 in the X direction. As the drive mechanism 133, for example, a telescopic actuator such as an air cylinder or a hydraulic cylinder, a drive motor, a lead screw directly connected to the drive motor, a nut screwed to the lead screw and held by a part of the slide support member 131 It is possible to employ a feed screw type actuator composed of the above and other actuators.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the first tray unloading mechanism 140 unloads the emptied tray T to a predetermined collection position, and the unloading direction (X A plurality of rollers 141 arranged in a direction), a holding member 142 that rotatably supports the rollers 141, and the like.
As long as the plurality of rollers 141 can carry out the tray T, a drive force is applied, or the rollers 141 are arranged so as to be inclined downward in the carrying-out direction (X direction), and the tray T moves toward the collection position by its own weight. Various forms such as those formed as described above can be applied.
Thus, since the first tray carry-out mechanism 140 is arranged to overlap the lower side of the first tray carry-in mechanism 130, the lower space of the first tray carry-in mechanism 130 can be used effectively, While suppressing the height of the apparatus, it is possible to reduce the size of the entire apparatus and save the installation area by consolidating parts.

  The first tray lifting / lowering mechanism 150 serves to deliver the tray T (that is, the tray T containing components) brought in by an external carrying-in means (such as an operator or a conveyor) to the first tray carrying-in mechanism 130. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, one elevating support member 151 and elevating support member 151 that extend in the loading direction (X direction) and demarcate two tray support portions 151a and 151b at both ends thereof are held. A holding mechanism 152 that moves (moves up and down) the holding member 152 in the vertical direction Z, and the like.

The lifting / lowering support member 151 is formed in a flat plate shape extending in the X direction (loading direction), and defines two tray support portions 151a and 151b having positioning pins (or protrusions) on both ends thereof.
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the holding member 152 is connected to one end side of the elevating / lowering member 151 (in the carrying-in direction) so that the elevating / lowering member 151 is movable in the vertical direction Z between the pair of slide holding members 131. The front side of the base 110 is firmly held from below and bent so as to protrude outward from the side surface of the base 110, and is supported so as to be movable up and down.
The drive mechanism 153 is an actuator that drives the holding member 152 (that is, the lifting and lowering support member 151) in the vertical direction Z. As the drive mechanism 153, for example, an expansion / contraction actuator such as an air cylinder or a hydraulic cylinder, a drive motor, a lead screw directly connected to the drive motor, a nut screwed to the lead screw and held by a part of the holding member 152, etc. It is possible to employ a feed screw type actuator composed of

That is, in the transfer operation of the tray T from the first tray lifting mechanism 150 to the first tray carry-in mechanism 130, first, when the tray T is supported on the tray supporting portion 151b from the outside, the lifting support member 151 is paired with the pair. It rises to a position higher than the slide support member 131. Then, when the pair of slide supporting members 131 slides so as to enter the lower part of the lifting support member 151 and then the lifting support member 151 is lowered, the tray T is transferred from the tray supporting part 151b to the tray supporting part 131b, The pair of slide support members 131 slide toward the back in the X direction (toward the tray transfer unit 300).
At this time, since the connecting member 132 is formed in a concave shape and the holding member 152 is formed so as to hold one end side of the lifting / lowering support member 151, the pair of slide support members 131 and the lift support member 151 interfere with each other. The sliding operation and the raising / lowering operation can be performed smoothly without doing so.

Then, when the tray T is again carried on the tray carrying portion 151b from the outside and the elevating carrying member 151 is raised to a position higher than the pair of slide carrying members 131, the tray T carried on the tray carrying portion 131b is the tray. It is carried on the carrying part 151a. Then, when the pair of slide support members 131 slides so as to enter the lower part of the lift support member 151 and the lift support member 151 descends, the tray T supported by the tray support part 151a is transferred to the tray support part 131a. The tray T carried on the tray carrier 151b is transferred to the tray carrier 131b.
In this way, by moving the pair of slide support members 131 and the lift support member 151 relative to each other, the two trays T are always supported and conveyed to a position where they are transferred by the tray transfer unit 300 in a forward feed. Can do. Further, by adopting the pair of slide support members 131 and the lifting support member 151 that appears and disappears between them, it is possible to reduce the size of the apparatus by consolidating the components.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the second tray carry-in mechanism 130 ′ is arranged adjacent to the first tray carry-in mechanism 130 in the Y direction (a horizontal direction perpendicular to the carry-in direction) and the first tray. The same structure as the carry-in mechanism 130 is used to carry in a substantially horizontal direction (X direction) a tray T (that is, a tray T containing components) brought in by an external carry-in means (such as an operator or a conveyor). A pair of slide support members 131 ′ that extend in the loading direction (X direction) at a predetermined interval and that define two tray support portions 131a ′ and 131b ′ on both ends thereof, and a pair of slide support members 131 ′, And a drive mechanism 133 ′ that is coupled to one slide support member 131 ′ and exerts a driving force in the X direction.

Each of the pair of slide support members 131 ′ is formed so as to extend in the X direction (loading direction), and defines two tray support portions 131a ′ and 131b ′ having positioning pins (or protrusions) on both ends thereof. , And is supported by a guide 111 ′ provided at the upper end of the base 110 so as to be movable in the X direction.
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the connecting member 132 ′ is provided so as to connect a substantially intermediate region in the longitudinal direction (X direction) of the pair of slide support members 131 ′, and the second tray lifting mechanism 150 ′. Are formed in a bent shape on the lower side so as to be able to enter the lower side of the elevating support member 151 ′ described later.
The drive mechanism 133 ′ is an actuator that drives the pair of slide members 131 ′ in the X direction. As the drive mechanism 133 ′, for example, a telescopic actuator such as an air cylinder or a hydraulic cylinder, or a drive motor, a lead screw directly connected to the drive motor, and a screw that is screwed to the lead screw are held by a part of the slide support member 131 ′. It is possible to employ a feed screw type actuator made of a nut or the like, another actuator, or the like.

The second tray unloading mechanism 140 ′ has the same configuration as the first tray unloading mechanism 140 as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, and unloads the empty tray T to a predetermined collection position. A plurality of rollers 141 ′ and a holding member 142 ′ that rotatably support the rollers 141 ′ and the rollers 141 ′ arranged to extend in the carry-out direction (X direction) are provided below the second tray carry-in mechanism 130 ′.
The plurality of rollers 141 ′ are provided with a driving force as long as they can carry out the tray T, or are arranged to be inclined downward in the carrying-out direction (X direction), and the tray T is directed toward the collection position by its own weight. Various forms such as those formed to move can be applied.
As described above, since the second tray carry-out mechanism 140 ′ is arranged to overlap the lower side of the second tray carry-in mechanism 130 ′, the lower space of the second tray carry-in mechanism 130 ′ can be effectively used. Thus, while suppressing the height of the apparatus, it is possible to reduce the size of the entire apparatus and save the installation area by consolidating parts.

  The second tray elevating mechanism 150 ′ has the same configuration as the first tray elevating mechanism 150, and a tray T (that is, a tray T containing components) brought in by an external carrying-in means (such as an operator or a conveyor) As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, it extends in the loading direction (X direction) and has two tray support portions 151a ′ and 151b at both ends thereof, as shown in FIGS. 'Includes one elevating and lowering support member 151 ′, a holding member 152 ′ that holds the elevating and lowering support member 151 ′, a drive mechanism 153 ′ that moves (lifts and lowers) the holding member 152 ′ in the vertical direction Z, and the like.

The lifting / lowering support member 151 ′ is formed in a flat plate shape extending in the X direction (loading direction), and defines two tray support portions 151 a ′ and 151 b ′ having positioning pins (or protrusions) on both ends thereof.
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the holding member 152 ′ is connected to one end of the elevating / lowering member 151 ′ so that the elevating / lowering member 151 ′ can move in the vertical direction Z between the pair of slide supporting members 131 ′. The side (the front side in the carrying-in direction) is firmly held from below and is bent so as to protrude outward from the side surface of the base 110 and is supported so as to be movable up and down.
The drive mechanism 153 ′ is an actuator that drives the holding member 152 ′ (that is, the lifting / lowering support member 151 ′) in the vertical direction Z. As the drive mechanism 153 ′, for example, a telescopic actuator such as an air cylinder or a hydraulic cylinder, a drive motor, a lead screw directly connected to the drive motor, or a lead screw screwed to the holding member 152 ′ is held. A feed screw type actuator composed of a nut or the like, another actuator, or the like can be employed.

The transfer operation of the tray T from the second tray lifting mechanism 150 ′ to the second tray carry-in mechanism 130 ′ is the transfer operation of the tray T from the first tray lift mechanism 150 to the first tray carry-in mechanism 130 described above. Done in the same way.
In this way, by moving the pair of slide support members 131 ′ and the lift support member 151 ′ relatively, the two trays T are always supported and conveyed to a position where they are transferred by the tray transfer unit 300 in a forward feed. In addition, by adopting the pair of slide support members 131 ′ and the lifting support member 151 ′ that protrudes and retracts between them, it is possible to reduce the size of the apparatus by consolidating the components.

  Further, in addition to the first tray carry-in mechanism 130, the first tray carry-out mechanism 140, and the first tray lifting / lowering mechanism 150, the second tray carry-in mechanism 130 ′, the second tray carry-out mechanism 140 ′, and the second A two-tray lifting mechanism 150 ′ is provided, that is, the tray transport unit 100 corresponds to two tray carrier portions 211 a and 211 b (to be described later) of the tray carrier unit 200 with respect to the tray T loading direction (X direction). And two tray transport units provided adjacent to each other in the vertical horizontal direction (Y direction), for example, two trays T, for example, two trays containing the same kind of parts, or two containing different kinds of parts. Two trays T can be conveyed simultaneously. Therefore, the supply efficiency of the same kind of parts can be doubled or different kinds of parts can be supplied at the same time, the production efficiency of the assembly line can be improved, and it can be easily adapted to various assembly lines. Can do.

  As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 5, the tray carrying unit 200 has a substantially rectangular outer contour, a carrying table 210 that is long in the Y direction, and a pair of legs 220 that support the carrying table 210. , A connecting member 230 extending in the Y direction to connect the pair of leg portions 220, two fixing mechanisms 240 for firmly fixing the tray T attached and supported on the lower surface of the supporting table 210, and the like. .

2, 3, and 5, the carrying table 210 includes two tray carrying portions 211 a and 211 b that are defined at predetermined intervals in the Y direction (horizontal direction perpendicular to the carry-in direction). Cutout portions 212a and 212b formed inside the portions 211a and 211b, a plurality of pins (or projections) 213 for protruding the upper surface and positioning the tray T are provided.
As shown in FIG. 2, the two notches 212 a and 212 b are formed in a size that can be moved up and down (in and out) without interfering with a rotation carrying member 310 (to be described later) of the tray transfer unit 300.

As shown in FIG. 5, the connecting member 230 includes a guide 231 that firmly connects the pair of legs 220 and supports the tray transfer unit 300 movably in the Y direction.
The two fixing mechanisms 240 include an abutment piece 241 that abuts on the edge of the tray T carried on the tray carrying portions 211a and 211b, an expansion / contraction actuator 242 that reciprocates the abutment piece 241 in the X direction, and the like.
That is, when the tray T is carried by the tray carrying portions 211a and 211b and positioned by the pins 213, the fixing mechanism 240 contracts the telescopic actuator 242 to bring the contact piece 241 into contact with the edge of the tray T. T is clamped in cooperation with the pin 213. As a result, the tray T is firmly fixed on the tray holders 211a and 211b.

  The tray carrying unit 200 demarcates a position at which an assembly line robot (not shown) or the like takes out components, and is formed separately from the tray carrying unit 100 and modularized. The present invention can be applied in common to various assembly lines by changing only the tray transport unit 100.

  1, 2, 3, and 5, the tray transfer unit 300 rotates in a horizontal plane (XY plane) and rotates the rotation support member 310 that can support the tray T and the rotation support member 310. The rotary drive mechanism 320 to be driven, the lift drive mechanism 330 that holds the rotary drive mechanism 320 and moves (lifts) in the vertical direction Z, and holds the lift drive mechanism 330 and moves in the Y direction (horizontal direction perpendicular to the loading direction). A movable base 340 that is freely supported by the guide 231 and a horizontal drive mechanism 350 that drives the movable base 340 are provided.

  As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 5, the rotation support member 310 is rotatably supported around a rotation shaft 311 extending in the vertical direction Z and is formed in a flat plate shape that is long in one direction. Two tray support portions 311a and 311b each having positioning pins (or projections) are defined on both sides of the point symmetry about the rotation axis 311.

  The rotation drive mechanism 320 drives the rotation support member 310 half a turn so that the positions of the tray support portions 311a and 311b are changed in the X direction. As the rotation drive mechanism 320, a DC motor, a stepping motor, or other actuators that exert a rotational force can be employed.

  The elevating drive mechanism 330 positions the height positions of the tray supporting portions 311a and 311b at a non-supporting position and a high supporting position that are lower than the height positions of the tray supporting portions 131a, 131b, 211a, 131a ′, 131b ′, and 211b. Therefore, the rotation carrying member 310 (and the rotation drive mechanism 320) is driven to move up and down. As the elevating drive mechanism 330, for example, an expansion / contraction actuator such as an air cylinder or a hydraulic cylinder, a drive motor, a lead screw directly connected to the drive motor, a screw screwed to the lead screw, and held by a part of the rotation drive mechanism 320 A feed screw type actuator composed of a nut or the like, another actuator, or the like can be employed.

  The movable base 340 integrally holds the lifting drive mechanism 330 (and the rotation drive mechanism 320 and the rotation support member 310), and supports the rotation support member 310 so as to be movable in the Y direction (horizontal direction perpendicular to the loading direction). To do.

  The horizontal drive mechanism 350 drives the movable base 340 in the Y direction in order to position the rotation carrying member 310 at a position facing the one notch 212a and the other notch 212b of the tray carrying unit 200. As the horizontal drive mechanism 350, for example, a telescopic actuator such as an air cylinder or a hydraulic cylinder, or a drive motor, a lead screw directly connected to the drive motor, a nut screwed to the lead screw and held by a part of the movable base 340 It is possible to employ a feed screw type actuator composed of the above and other actuators.

  In the tray transfer unit 300, the tray carrying portions 131a and 131b (or 131a 'and 131b') of the first tray carrying mechanism 130 (or the second tray carrying mechanism 130 ') and the tray carrying portion 211a of the tray carrying unit 200 are used. In a state where the tray T is carried on (or 211b), when the rotary carrying member 310 moves up from the lowered non-carrying position and moves to the carrying position, the tray T carried on the tray carrying part 211a (or 211b) is moved. The tray T carried on the tray carrying part 311a (or 311b) and carried on the tray carrying part 131a, 131b (or 131a ′, 131b ′) is transferred to the tray carrying part 311b (or 311a). When the rotation carrying member 310 is rotated halfway and lowered to the non-carrying position, the tray T carried on the tray carrying unit 311a (or 311b) is transferred to the tray carrying units 131a and 131b (or 131a ′ and 131b ′). In addition, the tray T carried on the tray carrier 311b (or 311a) is transferred to the tray carrier 211a (or 211b). Thereby, the transfer (replacement) of the tray T between the tray transport unit 100 and the tray carrier unit 200 is easily performed.

  In addition, the tray transfer unit 300 is integrally assembled with the tray carrier unit 200. That is, by integrating the tray transfer unit 300 and the tray carrying unit 200 (into a module product), the module product can be shared by various assembly lines. Therefore, when setting the component supply apparatus, only the tray transport unit 100 needs to be changed as appropriate, so that the assembly line can be easily changed and the cost of the entire line can be reduced.

Next, the operation of this component supply apparatus will be described with reference to FIGS.
First, as shown in FIG. 6, for example, a tray T containing components is carried in from outside by a conveyor or the like, and a tray carrying portion 151 b (151 b ′) of an elevating carrying member 151 (151 ′) carries the tray T ( S1, S2).
Then, the lifting / lowering support member 151 (151 ′) rises to a position higher than the slide support member 131 (131 ′) (S3), and the slide support member 131 (131 ′) enters into the lower space (S4). .

Thereafter, when the lifting / lowering support member 151 (151 ′) is lowered to a position lower than the slide support member 131 (131 ′), the tray T supported on the tray support 151b (151b ′) is moved to the tray support 131b (131b ′). (S5).
Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 7, the slide carrying member 131 (131 ′) moves toward the back in the carrying-in direction, and the tray T containing the components is again carried from the outside by a conveyor or the like (S6). .

Then, the tray carrying portion 151b (151b ') of the lifting and lowering carrying member 151 (151') carries the tray T (S7).
Thereafter, when the lifting / lowering support member 151 (151 ′) rises to a position higher than the slide support member 131 (131 ′), the tray T supported by the tray support 131b (131b ′) becomes the tray support 151a (151a ′). ) (S8), and the slide carrier 131 (131 ′) enters the lower space (S9).
Thereafter, when the lifting / lowering support member 151 (151 ′) is lowered to a position lower than the slide support member 131 (131 ′), the tray T supported on the tray support 151b (151b ′) is moved to the tray support 131b (131b ′). ) And the tray T carried on the tray carrier 151a (151a ′) is transferred to the tray carrier 131a (131a ′) (S10).

  Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 8, the slide carrying member 131 (131 ′) moves toward the back in the carrying-in direction (S11), and the rotary carrying member 310 rises from the non-carrying position to the carrying position and is lifted and carried. When the member 151 (151 ′) is raised in the same manner as described above, the tray T carried on the tray carrier 131a (131a ′) is transferred to the tray carrier 311b and carried on the tray carrier 131b (131b ′). The tray T is transferred to the tray carrier 151a (151a ′) (S12).

Subsequently, the rotation carrying member 310 is rotated halfway and the slide carrying member 131 (131 ′) enters below the lifting and lowering carrying member 151 (151 ′) (S13).
Then, when the rotation carrying member 310 is lowered to the non-carrying position lower than the tray carrying part 211a (211b) and the elevating carrying member 151 (151 ′) is lowered to a position lower than the slide carrying member 131 (131 ′), The tray T carried on the tray carrier 311b is transferred to the tray carrier 211a (211b), and the tray T carried on the tray carrier 151a (151a ') is transferred to the tray carrier 131a (131a'). (S14).
As a result, one tray T is transferred from the tray transfer unit 100 to the tray carrier unit 200 via the tray transfer unit 300. The tray T is firmly fixed to the tray carrier 211a (211b), that is, the component take-out position by the fixing mechanism 240.
Thereafter, a robot (not shown) or the like provided in the assembly line operates to take out components from the tray T and perform assembly work.

Then, the slide holding member 131 (131 ′) moves toward the back in the carrying-in direction, and the state is maintained until all the components in the tray T carried on the tray carrying portion 211a (211b) are taken out ( S15).
When all the parts are taken out, as shown in FIG. 9, the rotation carrying member 310 rises from the non-carrying position to the carrying position, and the empty tray T carried by the tray carrying part 211a (211b) The tray T transferred to the portion 311b and supported on the tray supporting portion 131a (131b) is transferred to the tray supporting portion 311a (S16).

Then, the rotation support member 310 rotates halfway and moves to a position where the slide support member 131 (131 ′) does not overlap with the rotation support member 310 (position above the elevating support member 151 (151 ′)) (S17).
Subsequently, when the rotation carrying member 310 passes through the non-carrying position and descends to a position (tray carry-out position) lower than the roller 141 (141 ') of the tray carry-out mechanism 140 (140'), it is carried by the tray carrying unit 311b. The empty tray T that has been transferred is transferred to the roller 141 (141 ′) (S18).

Then, the tray carry-out mechanism 140 (140 ′) carries the empty tray T to the collection position (S19). Thereafter, the rotation carrying member 310 reaches a non-carrying position that is lower than the tray carrying portions 211a (211b) and 131a (131a ′) and higher than the roller 141 (141 ′) of the tray discharge mechanism 140 (140 ′). Ascend and wait for the next operation (S20).
Through the above-described series of operations, one tray T containing components is transferred from the tray transport unit 100 to the tray carrier unit 200 via the tray transfer unit 300, and the components are supplied to the assembly line. The tray T that has become is transferred from the tray carrying unit 200 to the tray transport unit 100 and collected.

  Here, the transport operation of one tray T has been described. However, when a tray T containing components from the outside is newly supplied in the state shown in step 11 (S11) of FIG. Can be carried and handled at the same time, and the supply efficiency of parts can be further increased.

FIG. 10 shows another embodiment of the component supply apparatus according to the present invention.
This component supply apparatus includes a tray transport unit 100 ′ having one lane, a tray carrier unit 200 ′ having one tray carrier, and a tray transfer unit 300. The tray transport unit 100 ′ includes one tray carry-in mechanism 130 ″ made of a conveyor and the like, and one tray carry-out mechanism 140 disposed below the tray carry-in mechanism 130 ″.
Then, the tray transfer unit 300 moves up and down and rotates to transfer the tray T containing the components from the tray carry-in mechanism 130 ″ to the tray carrier unit 200 ′, and to remove the empty tray T from the tray. Transfer from the carrying unit 200 ′ to the tray carry-out mechanism 140 is performed.
This component supply mechanism is suitable for an assembly line with a small number of components and a relatively simple assembly operation.

FIG. 11 shows a modified example of the component supply apparatus shown in FIG. 10, in which the tray carry-out mechanism 140 is arranged so as to form a predetermined angle (here, approximately 90 degrees) with the tray carry-in mechanism 130 ″. is there.
This component supply apparatus can take a relatively large installation space, and is suitable for an assembly line in which the tray T carry-out direction and the collection position are installed at positions different from the tray T carry-in position.

FIG. 12 shows a further modification of the component supply apparatus shown in FIG. 10, and employs a tray stocker 400 for the tray transport unit 100 ′.
This component supply apparatus is suitable for an assembly line (an assembly line with a large amount of component supply) in which an installation space such as a conveyor for carrying a tray T containing components cannot be taken.

FIG. 13 shows still another embodiment of the component supply apparatus according to the present invention.
This component supply apparatus includes a tray transport unit 100 ″, a tray carrier unit 200 ′, a tray transfer unit 300, and the like.
The tray transport unit 100 ″ carries in the tray T containing the components and carries out the empty tray T.
That is, when the tray transfer unit 300 transfers one tray T from the tray transport unit 100 ″ to the tray carrier unit 200 ′ and the removal of the components is completed, the tray transfer unit 300 is driven up and down and rotated. The emptied tray T is transferred from the tray carrying unit 200 ′ to the tray transport unit 100 ″ and is transported toward the collection position, and the tray T containing the components is newly transported.
This component supply apparatus is suitable for an assembly line (an assembly line with a small supply amount of components) for mounting relatively simple components.

As described above, the parts supply device of the present invention can be applied to a wide variety of assembly lines by standardizing and standardizing the tray carrying unit, and therefore, the assembly line for supplying and assembling parts such as machines or electronic devices. Of course, the present invention is also useful in production lines in other fields as long as it is necessary to transport the tray containing the parts and supply the parts.

Claims (11)

A tray transport unit that carries a tray that can accommodate components and transports it in a substantially horizontal direction;
A tray carrying unit for carrying and positioning the tray at the part removal position;
A tray transfer unit formed so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis extending in the vertical direction and freely movable up and down in the vertical direction, and carrying and transferring a tray between the tray carrying unit and the tray carrying unit;
A component supply apparatus comprising: The tray transfer unit includes a rotation support member that defines two tray support portions on both sides of point symmetry about the rotation axis.
The component supply apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The tray transfer unit is integrally assembled with the tray carrying unit.
The component supply apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The tray carrying unit includes a fixing mechanism for fixing the carried tray.
The component supply apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The tray transport unit includes a tray carry-in mechanism arranged on the upper side to carry in a tray containing components, a tray carry-out mechanism arranged on the lower side of the tray carry-in mechanism to carry out an empty tray, including,
The component supply apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The tray transport unit includes a tray carry-in mechanism arranged on the upper side to carry in a tray containing components, a tray carry-out mechanism arranged on the lower side of the tray carry-in mechanism to carry out an empty tray, Including a tray elevating mechanism that elevates and lowers a tray containing components to be transferred to the tray carry-in mechanism;
The component supply apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The tray transport unit includes a tray carry-in mechanism arranged on the upper side to carry in a tray containing components, a tray carry-out mechanism arranged on the lower side of the tray carry-in mechanism to carry out an empty tray, Including a tray elevating mechanism for elevating and lowering a tray containing components to be transferred to the tray carry-in mechanism;
The tray carry-in mechanism includes two tray holders arranged in the tray carry-in direction,
The tray lifting mechanism includes two tray holders arranged in the tray loading direction at the same interval as the two tray holders of the example and the carry-in mechanism.
The component supply apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The tray carry-in mechanism includes a pair of slide carrying members that extend in the tray carry-in direction at a predetermined interval and demarcate the two tray carrying portions on both ends thereof,
The tray elevating mechanism includes an elevating support member that extends in the tray loading direction, defines the two tray support portions on both ends thereof, and is formed so as to be able to protrude and retract in the vertical direction between the pair of slide support members. Including,
The component supply device according to claim 7, wherein: The tray carrying unit has two tray carrying units arranged in a horizontal direction perpendicular to a tray carrying direction of the tray carrying unit,
The tray transfer unit is movable to a position corresponding to the two tray holders.
The component supply apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The tray transport units are provided adjacent to each other in the horizontal direction perpendicular to the tray loading direction so as to correspond to the two tray support portions of the tray support unit.
The component supply apparatus according to claim 9, wherein: Each of the two tray transport units includes a tray carry-in mechanism arranged on the upper side to carry in a tray containing components, and a tray arranged on the lower side of the tray carry-in mechanism to carry out an empty tray. An unloading mechanism, and a tray lifting mechanism that lifts and lowers a tray containing components to be transferred to the tray loading mechanism,
The component supply apparatus according to claim 10, wherein:

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