SG179326A1 - Workpiece separation unit and vibratory conveying apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

WORKPIECE SEPARATION UNIT AND VIBRATORY CONVEYING APPARATUSA workpiece separation unit 15 comprising a workpiece transfer path 15a including a workpiece inlet 15b at one end portion, a separating vent 16 containing an opening portion 16a opened on the workpiece transfer path 15a in a first region 15X which is located on the workpiece inlet 15b side of the workpiece transfer path 15a, and containing a vent structure designed to generate an oblique air flow flowing out of the opening portion 16a toward a second region 15Y which is located on the opposite side of the first region 15X from the workpiece inlet 15b during air supply to the separating vent 16, a workpiece separating air discharge means which generates a suction force for a workpiece at the opening portion 16a due to air removal from the separating vent 16, a workpiece detection means which detects a workpiece in the second region 15Y, a vent air supply means which generates an air flow flowing out of the opening portion 16a owing to air supply to the separating vent 16, and a control means C which operates the workpiece separating air discharge means and stops the vent air supply means while the workpiece detection means detects a workpiece, and which stops workpiece separating air discharge means and operates the vent air supply means while the workpiece detection means does not detect a workpiece.Fig. 1

Description

WORKPIECE SEPARATION UNIT AND VIBRATORY CONVEYING

APPARATUS

[Technical Field]

[0001]

The present invention relates to a workpiece separation unit and a vibratory conveying apparatus, and particularly, to a structure suitable as a transfer part to send out a workpiece from a vibrating feeder. [Background Art]

[0002]

Generally, for feeding workpieces such as tiny electronic components into various processing devices such as a workpiece inspection device and a workpiece packaging device installed on the downstream side by a parts-feeder, a variety of configurations are used in order to accurately carry out the conveyed workpieces into the various processing devices on the downstream side. For example, in the following Patent Documents 1 to 3, a leading workpiece is positioned in a specific place separated from the following workpieces, and this positioned workpiece is carried out by a rotary indexer, a robot hand, or the like.

[0003]

Moreover, in the following Patent Documents 1, 2, and 4, various workpiece separation means are used, for separating a leading workpiece from the following workpieces, such as vacuum-sucking (sucking) the following workpieces to temporarily stop and retain those in that place, increasing the moving speed of the leading workpiece by suction means, and reducing the moving speed of the following workpieces by adjusting the rotating speed of a separating rotary roller. [Prior Art Documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No.

H02-269744 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2004-148278 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2000-302230 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No.

H06-246236 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0005]

However, when a vibratory conveying apparatus such as a vibrating parts-feeder is used, with the above-mentioned specific place provided as itisin a conveying terminal portion of a conveying path, since a workpiece which needs to be carried out is vibrating with the conveying path even when being positioned in the above-mentioned specific place, positional misalignment with the conveying means may occur due to this vibration to cause a carry-out error or misalignment in carry-out position. Moreover, a rebound of a workpiece against a stopper surface may occur when positioning the workpiece due to the vibrating conveying path, and the workpiece may therefore be positioned at a position misaligned from its original stop position. Further, since the above-mentioned specific place is vibrating, the bottom surface of a workpiece may possibly rub thereagainst to be damaged when the workpiece is carried out.

[0006]

On the other hand, in the configuration of the above-mentioned Patent

Document 1, when a plurality of workpieces is conveyed in a row from a feeder 4, a leading workpiece is separated by temporarily sucking and retaining the next workpiece by a chip suction port 14 on a chip transfer control section 5, but when the further following workpiece is not conveyed from behind the temporarily retained next workpiece, since the next workpiece has been once stopped, said workpiece can no longer be quickly transferred to a chip support portion 2 of a wheel 1 with only suction by air intakes 3, 7. Therefore, the timing to position a workpiece into the specific place greatly fluctuates depending on the status of conveying of the workpiece by the feeder 4, and the workpiece once retained is transferred by only a suction force and thus transfer stability is insufficient and speeding up of a carry-out operation is difficult, so that there is a problem that the feed rate of workpieces is reduced.

[0007]

Moreover, in the configuration of the above-mentioned Patent Document 2, when a plurality of workpieces are conveyed in a row from a linear feeder F2, it can be considered that a leading workpiece can no longer be separated since the moving speed of the next workpiece cannot be sufficiently reduced on a workpiece separating rotary roller SR as a result of being pushed by the following workpieces.

That is, separation of a workpiece can possibly be insufficient depending on the conveying mode of the following workpieces. Moreover, also in this configuration, the workpiece is transferred by only a suction force and thus transfer stability is insufficient and speeding up of a conveying operation is difficult, so that there is a problem that the feed rate of workpieces is reduced.

[0008]

Therefore, the present invention is made for solving the above-mentioned problems, and an object thereof is to provide a workpiece separation unit which can separate workpieces stably and at high speed regardless of what is the conveying mode of the workpieces and a vibratory conveying apparatus including the same. [Means for Solving the Problem]

[0009]

In view of such circumstances, a workpiece separation unit of the present invention includes a workpiece transfer path having a workpiece inlet at one end portion, a separating vent having an opening portion opened on the workpiece transfer path in a first region which is located on the workpiece inlet side of the workpiece transfer path, and having a vent structure designed to generate an oblique air flow flowing out of the opening portion toward a second region which is located on the opposite side of the first region from the workpiece inlet during air supply to :

]the separating vent, a workpiece separating air discharge means which generates a suction force for a workpiece at the opening portion due to air removal from the separating vent, a workpiece detection means which detects a workpiece in the second region, a vent air supply means which generates an air flow flowing out of the opening portion owing to air supply to the separating vent, and a control means which operates the workpiece separating air discharge means and stops the vent air supply means while the workpiece detection means detects a workpiece, and which stops workpiece separating air discharge means and operates the vent air supply means while the workpiece detection means does not detect a workpiece.

[0010]

According to the present invention, a leading workpiece is not sucked in the first region and is transferred to the second region by an air flow of the vent air supply means due to the fact that the control means stops the workpiece separating air discharge means and operates the vent air supply means when the leading workpiece is not present in the second region (during a period of non-detection of a workpiece in the second region). In comparison, a next workpiece is sucked in the first region by the opening portion of the separating vent and the leading workpiece and the next workpiece are separated owing to the fact that the control means operates the workpiece separating air discharge means and stops the vent air supply means when the leading workpiece is present in the second region (during a period of detection of a workpiece in the second region). Thereafter, the preceding workpiece is not detected again when the preceding workpiece is carried out of the second region of the workpiece transfer path, and the workpiece separating air discharge means is stopped and the vent air supply means is operated so that the suction pressure for the next workpiece is disappeared from the opening portion of the separating vent in the first region and an air flow obliquely flows out of the opening portion of the separating vent from the first region toward the second region.

Consequently, the next workpiece is pushed out of the opening portion of the separating vent in the transfer direction

[0011]

Thus, a workpiece is able to be sucked and retained, and separated from its following workpiece since the workpiece separating air discharge means removes air from the separating vent, and the suction pressure for the workpiece is able to be released and the workpiece is expelled toward the second region by an air flow as the vent air supply means supplies the separating vent with air. For this reason, it becomes possible to transfer workpieces without applying vibration or the like for conveying. Furthermore, the vent structure is able to be simplified and a workpiece located on the opening portion of the separating vent is able to be certainly pushed out in the transfer direction owing to the fact that the workpiece separating air discharge means and the vent air supply means apply air removal and air supply to the same separating vent. Particularly, the workpiece is able to be more stably and reliably transferred toward the second region since an air flow gushing out of the opening portion of the separating vent is able to be accurately : stroke on the workpiece sucked on the same opening portion of the separating vent by the workpiece separating air discharge means in the first region.

[0012]

In the present invention, it is preferable that the workpiece separation unit further includes a positioning vent having an opening portion opened on the workpiece transfer path in said second region, a workpiece positioning air discharge means which generates a suction force for a workpiece at the opening portion due to air removal from the positioning vent, and a workpiece positioning detection means which detects a workpiece positioned at the opening portion owing to the suction force generated by the workpiece positioning air discharge means, and the control means stops the workpiece positioning air discharge means while the workpiece positioning detection means detects a workpiece, and operates the workpiece positioning air discharge means while the workpiece positioning detection means does not detect a workpiece. Accordingly, it becomes possible to position a workpiece in the second region by sucking the workpiece at the opening portion of the positioning vent by the workpiece positioning air discharge means. Here, further movement of said positioned workpiece is enabled by a separately provided workpiece carry-out means or the like due to the fact that the control means stops the workpiece positioning air discharge means while the workpiece has been positioned (during a period of detection of a workpiece on the opening portion of the positioning vent). In contrast, the workpiece entering the second region is able to be positioned since the control means operates the workpiece positioning air discharge means while the workpiece has not been positioned (during a period of non-detection of a workpiece on the opening portion of the positioning vent).

[0013]

In the present invention, it is preferable that the workpiece separation unit further includes a positioning vent having an opening portion opened on the workpiece transfer path in the second region, and a workpiece positioning air discharge means which generates a suction force for a workpiece at the opening portion due to air removal from the positioning vent, and a period of time to simultaneously operate the vent air supply means and the workpiece positioning air discharge means is provided. For this reason, since an air flow generated obliquely toward the second region from the opening portion of the separating vent can be sucked by an air discharge action from the opening portion of the positioning vent present in the second region, the direction of the air flow approximates the transfer direction of a workpiece and the propulsion to be applied to the workpiece can be increased, and thus the workpiece can be stably and reliably transferred toward the second region.

[0014]

In these cases, it is preferable that the positioning vent has a vent structure which generates an oblique air flow flowing from the first region side into the opening portion during air removal from the positioning vent. Accordingly, as a result of the positioning vent having a vent structure for generating an oblique air flow flowing into the opening portion from a side of the first region at suction, an air flow obliquely flowing into the opening portion by an air discharge via the positioning vent by the workpiece positioning air discharge means merges with an air flow flowing out of the opening portion of the separating vent due to the vent air supply means, and thus the transferring state of the workpiece can be further stabilized as a result of the flow direction of air flow approximating the transfer direction, and it becomes possible to increase the transferring speed of the workpiece due to intensified air flow.

[0015]

In the present invention, it is preferable that the workpiece separation unit further includes an opposite air supply means which is placed opposite the opening portion of the separating vent with respect to the workpiece transfer path and which generates an air flow flowing toward the second region. Accordingly, by generating an air flow in the transfer direction from the side opposed to the opening portion of the separating vent, a workpiece and an air flow flowing out of the opening portion of the separating vent can be restrained from the opposed side, and the transfer direction and posture of the workpiece can stabilize by said air flow and the amount of air flow directed in the transfer direction as a whole can increase, and thus the workpiece can be transferred more reliably and at high speed.

[0016]

In the present invention, it is preferable that the workpiece transfer path is overlaid with a covering member placed opposite the opening portion of the separating vent. Accordingly, when a workpiece is pushed out to an obliquely opposed side by an air flow directed to an obliquely opposed side flowing out of the opening portion of the separating vent, the workpiece is suppressed from jumping by the covering member, and the air flow is also lead in the transfer direction by the covering member, so that it becomes possible to transfer the workpiece forward more smoothly. In this case, it is desirable that a tip portion of the covering member is disposed at an opposed side of the opening portion or an obliquely opposed side directed in the transfer direction. Accordingly, since the opposed side of the workpiece transfer path can be opened at a transfer destination of the workpiece, a problem no longer occurs in carrying out and the like of the workpiece.

Furthermore, when the workpiece separation unit is located adjacent with a space to the conveying terminal portion of the conveyor of a vibratory conveying apparatus, and the workpiece inlet is disposed opposed to the workpiece outlet of the conveying terminal portion, it can be considered to fix the covering member to the conveyor. Hence, the covering member vibrates in the conveying direction together with the conveyor, and thus an action of the covering member pushing out a workpiece in the transfer direction can also be expected by frictional force when the workpiece contacts the covering member from the side of the opening portion.

Further, the covering member may be fixed to the workpiece separation unit.

Moreover, it is preferable to equip the front end edge of the covering member with a jet port which jets out an air flow due to air supply of the opposed air supply means.

[0017]

Furthermore, the workpiece separation unit mentioned above can be used with the workpiece inlet being connected to a workpiece outlet of a variety of workpiece conveying means. Here, the connection mode between the workpiece outlet of the workpiece conveying means and the workpiece inlet of the workpiece separation unit is not limited to one where these are physically and mechanically connected (coupled), but also includes one being a mode where the workpiece outlet and the workpiece inlet are disposed opposed to each other without contact with a gap (distance narrower than the length of a workpiece). Particularly, the latter mode is preferable when the workpiece conveying means is a vibratory conveying means. However, the present invention also includes, for example, a case where a workpiece separation unit is integrally formed in a conveying terminal portion of a vibratory conveying apparatus. In this case, a workpiece transfer path is integrally connected to a terminal portion of a workpiece conveying path, and an upstream end (part to be connected to the workpiece conveying path) of this part formed as a workpiece transfer path corresponds to the workpiece inlet. As the above workpiece conveying means, a conveying mechanism to be used for various conveying apparatuses, such as a belt conveyor and a roller conveyor, can be used without limitation to a vibratory conveying apparatus to be described later.

Moreover, with regard to the workpiece separation unit mentioned above, a case where this is formed as a part of a conveying apparatus as a result of being attached to workpiece conveying means can be considered, but a case where this is supported independently of a conveying apparatus, a case where this is attached to various workpiece processing devices, such as a workpiece inspection device and a workpiece packaging device, installed on the downstream side of the workpiece conveying means, and a case where this is attached to a conveying mechanism which performs a carry-out operation onto these processing devices and the like can also be assumed.

[0018]

The vibratory conveying apparatus of the present invention includes a conveyor equipped with a workpiece conveying path having a workpiece outlet at a conveying terminal portion, a vibrating mechanism which vibrates this conveyor, and a workpiece separation unit spaced from the workpiece outlet of the conveyor, and the workpiece separation unit has a workpiece transfer path containing a workpiece inlet placed opposite the workpiece outlet of the conveyor, a separating vent containing an opening portion opened in a first region which is located on the workpiece inlet side of the workpiece transfer path, a workpiece separating air discharge means which generates a suction force for a workpiece at the opening portion due to air removal from the separating vent, a workpiece detection means which detects a workpiece in a second region located on the opposite side of the first region in the workpiece transfer path from the workpiece inlet, a workpiece transferring air supply means which generates an air flow flowing from the first region toward the second region, and a control means which operates the workpiece separating air discharge means and stops the workpiece transferring air supply means while the workpiece detection means detects a workpiece, and which stops the workpiece separating air discharge means and operates the workpiece transferring air supply means while the workpiece detection means does not detect a workpiece. Here, it is preferable that the workpiece separation unit is independent from the conveyor and is supported so as not to receive vibration from the vibrating mechanism.

[0019]

In the present invention, it is preferable that the vibratory conveying apparatus further includes a positioning vent having an opening portion opened on the workpiece transfer path in the second region, a workpiece positioning air discharge means which generates a suction force for a workpiece at the opening portion due to air removal from the positioning vent, and a workpiece positioning detection means which detects a workpiece positioned by the suction force of the workpiece positioning air discharge means, and the control means stops the workpiece positioning air discharge means while the workpiece detection means detects a workpiece, and operates the workpiece positioning air discharge means while the workpiece detection means does not detect a workpiece.

[0020]

In the present invention, it is preferable that the vibratory conveying apparatus further includes a positioning vent having an opening portion opened on the workpiece transfer path in the second region, and workpiece positioning air discharge means which generates a suction force for a workpiece at the opening portion by discharging air from the positioning vent, and a period of time to simultaneously operate the workpiece transferring air supply means and the workpiece positioning air discharge means is provided.

[0021]

In the present invention, it is preferable that the separating vent has a vent structure designed to generate an oblique air flow flowing out of the opening portion toward the second region during air supply to the separating vent, and the workpiece transferring air supply means generates the oblique air flow flowing out of the opening portion of the separating vent owing to air supply to the separating vent.

In this case, it is desirable that the workpiece transferring air supply means further includes an opposite air supply means which is placed opposite the opening portion of the separating vent with respect to the workpiece transfer path and which generates an air flow flowing toward the second region.

[0022]

In the present invention, it is preferable that the positioning vent has a vent structure designed to generate an oblique air flow flowing from the first region into the opening portion during air removal from the positioning vent. [Brief Description of the Drawings]

[0023]

Fig. 1 is a left side view of the main part of a vibratory conveying apparatus of an embodiment.

Fig. 2 is a front view of the main part of a vibratory conveying apparatus of : an embodiment.

Fig. 3 is a right side view of the main part of a vibratory conveying apparatus of an embodiment.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a vibratory conveying apparatus of an embodiment.

Fig. 5 is an enlarged plan view showing in an enlarged manner a conveying terminal portion of a vibratory conveying apparatus of an embodiment.

Fig. 6 is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view showing in an enlarged manner a conveying terminal portion of a vibratory conveying apparatus of an embodiment.

Fig. 7(a) and Fig. 7(b) are explanatory views showing a workpiece separation unit and the positions of workpieces of an embodiment.

Fig. 8 is a timing chart showing an operation example of a control system of an embodiment.

Fig. 9(a) and Fig. 9(b) are explanatory views showing a workpiece separation unit and the positions of workpieces of an embodiment.

Fig. 10 is a timing chart showing another operation example of a control system of an embodiment. [Modes for Carrying Out the Invention]

[0024]

Next, an embodiment of a workpiece separation unit and a vibratory conveying apparatus of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Fig. 1 is a left side view showing the main part of a vibratory conveying apparatus of the present embodiment, Fig. 2 is a front view of the same, Fig. 3 is a right side view of the same, and Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the vibratory conveying apparatus.

[0025]

The vibratory conveying apparatus 10 includes a conveyor 11 with a workpiece conveying path 11a formed of a linear recessed groove, disposed upward, and a vibrating mechanism 12, disposed under this conveyor 11, for applying vibration to the conveyor 11. The vibrating mechanism 12 is fixed onto a supporting base 10a, and this supporting base 10a is fixed to an attaching base 10b shown in Fig. 4. Further, the attaching base 10b is fixed onto a support board 10c and an installation board 10d to form a vibration isolation structure on which another conveying apparatus than the conveying apparatus 10 etc., can also be loaded.

[0026]

The conveyor 11 includes an attaching block 111 directly attached to the above vibrating mechanism 12, a conveying block 112 fixed to the attaching block 111 and with the workpiece conveying path 11a formed, and various additional parts (such as various workpiece control parts including a cover plate to cover the workpiece conveying path 11a and a stopper to control flow of workpieces, various detectors such as an optical sensor, and ventilation path components for air supply and for vacuum suction) attached to the attaching block 111 or conveying block 112 so as to have a predetermined positional relationship with the conveying block 112.

[0027]

Furthermore, the vibrating mechanism 12 includes a piezoelectric driver 12a coupled at a lower end thereof to the supporting base 10a and a drive spring 12b coupled between an upper end of this piezoelectric driver 12a and (the attaching block 111 of) the above conveyor 11. Serial connection structures of the piezoelectric driver 12a and the drive spring 12b are respectively provided at front and rear positions separated from each other along a conveying direction F of the conveyor 11, and support the conveyor 11 at the respective front and rear positions.

.Moreover, in the case of the illustrated example, the piezoelectric driver 12a and the drive spring 12b are both formed of a plate-like elastic body having a plate surface facing obliquely upward in the conveying direction F. Additionally, the piezoelectric driver 12a is used as a vibration source of the vibrating mechanism 12 in the present embodiment whereas in the present invention, the vibration source is not particularly limited, such that an electromagnetic driver (solenoid) may be used.

In the case of the illustrated example, the vibrating mechanism 12 applies vibration reciprocating obliquely up and down along the conveying direction F to the conveyor 11, and workpieces (not shown) on the workpiece conveying path 11a move in the conveying direction F due to this vibration.

[0028]

Side plates 12¢ and 12d are attached at the left and right to the supporting base 10a, and these side plates 12c and 12d cover the piezoelectric driver 12a and the driver spring 12b of the vibrating mechanism 12. A supporting extension 12e extending toward the side of a conveying terminal portion in the above workpiece conveying path 11a along the conveying direction F is provided on the top of the side plate 12c. This supporting extension 12e supports a workpiece separation unit via an L-shaped connection member 13. Accordingly, the workpiece separation unit 15 is supported and fixed in a mode not to receive vibration by the vibrating mechanism 12, independently of the conveyor 11 to which vibration by the vibrating mechanism 12 is applied (in a separated state). Further, in the case of the illustrated example, the side plate 12¢ is formed thicker than the side plate 12d in order to secure the supporting rigidity of the workpiece separation unit 15.

[0029]

Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 are an enlarged plan view and an enlarged longitudinal sectional view showing in an enlarged manner a conveying terminal portion of the conveyor 11 and the workpiece separation unit 15 disposed adjacent to the conveying terminal portion. In this conveying terminal portion, a workpiece outlet 11b is formed at a terminal end of the workpiece conveying path 11a formed in the above conveyor 11. The workpiece outlet 11b is a part where the workpiece conveying path 11a is opened toward the workpiece separation unit 15.

[0030]

In the conveying terminal portion, cover plates 113, 114 which cover the workpiece conveying path 11a from upward are disposed, and a workpiece passage route along the workpiece conveying path 11a is formed so as to have a closed sectional shape by these cover plates 113, 114. The reason for this forming a workpiece passage route in the conveying terminal portion into a closed sectional shape is to prevent workpieces from overlapping with each other due to the fact that a workpiece momentarily stops in the workpiece separation unit 15, and the following plural workpieces are pushed forward at the conveying terminal portion of the conveyor 11.

[0031]

In the case of the illustrated example, a tip portion of the above cover plate 114 extends beyond a workpiece inlet 15b of the workpiece separation unit 15.

Accordingly, even at a boundary part between the conveyor 11 and the workpiece separation unit 15, the occurrence of overlapping of front and rear workpieces can be prevented. More specifically, in order to prevent a workpiece disposed in a first region (standby position of a next workpiece) to be described later of a workpiece transfer path 15a of the workpiece separation unit 15 and a workpiece disposed behind (in the vicinity of a gap between the workpiece outlet 11b and the workpiece inlet 15b) this workpiece from overlapping with each other, the cover plate 114 is formed so as to at least partially extend up to above the workpiece present in the above-mentioned first region. Moreover, the extending part of the cover plate 114 also has a function of suppressing a workpiece so as not to jumping upward when the workpiece retained in the above-mentioned first region is pushed out obliquely ay by an air supply (vacuum break) to a separating vent to be described later. l

On the other hand, in the workpiece separation unit 15, a recessed groove-shaped workpiece transfer path 15a with a workpiece inlet 15b opposed via a gap to the above-mentioned workpiece outlet 11b is formed. This workpiece transfer path 15a extends along an extended line of the workpiece conveying path 11a. That is, in the case of the illustrated example, the conveying direction F of workpieces through the workpiece conveying path 11a and the workpiece transfer direction T of workpieces through the workpiece transfer path 15a are coincident with each other. However, the present invention is not limited to a mode where both directions F and T are completely coincident with each other as illustrated.

Moreover, the workpiece transfer path 15a is formed of a recessed groove with basically the same sectional shape as that of the workpiece conveying path 11a. In the above workpiece inlet 15b of the workpiece transfer path 15a, a sloping side surface 15c (refer to Fig. 7 and Fig. 9) formed obliquely so as to open toward the workpiece outlet 11b opposed thereto is provided at both sides in the width direction.

Furthermore, an end portion of the workpiece transfer path 15a opposite to the above workpiece inlet 15b is closed by a terminal end surface 15d.

[0033]

The workpiece separation unit 15 includes a spacer 151 fixed onto the connection member 13, a holder 152 having a recessed shape in a front view fixed onto this spacer 151, a base block 153 attached to the holder 152, and a terminal block 154 and an additional block 155 attached onto this base block 153.

[0034]

The above workpiece transfer path 15a is formed by the base block 153 and the terminal block 154. The base block 153 forms a recessed groove structure of a part (hereinafter, simply referred to as an “inlet portion”) of the workpiece transfer path 15a closer to the workpiece inlet 15b and a bottom surface and one inner side surface in the width direction of a part (hereinafter, simply referred to as a “terminal portion”) opposite to the workpiece inlet 15b, and the terminal block 154 forms the other side surface in the width direction of the terminal portion of the workpiece transfer path 15a and the above terminal end surface 15d.

[0035]

In Fig. 5, an enlarged plan view and an enlarged side view showing a workpiece P1 corresponding to the present embodiment and a condition where this workpiece P1 is disposed on the workpiece transfer path 15a are shown. This workpiece P1 is formed with an electrode EL slightly protruded at the center in the width direction on the workpiece lower surface as shown by dotted lines in the figure. On the other hand, on the bottom surface (formed by the base block 153) of the workpiece transfer path 15a, a recessed groove 15¢ of a width smaller than that of the workpiece transfer path 15a (smaller than the width of the workpiece P1) is formed at both sides in the width direction at an interval from each other, respectively. This recessed groove 15¢ has a width and depth to allow housing the . electrode EL on the lower surface of the workpiece P1 shown in Fig. 5. Since this recessed groove 15e is formed over the whole workpiece transfer path 15a, no step is formed along the transfer direction T so that a workpiece is never caught in the middle of the path. Further, there is an opening portion 16a opened in the recessed groove 15e.

[0036]

When the workpiece P1 is disposed on the workpiece transfer path 15a, the above electrode EL is housed in the recessed groove 15e, and a lower surface part present at both sides in the width direction of the electrode EL in the workpiece is in close contact with a bottom surface part of the workpiece transfer path 15a present at both sides in the width direction of the recessed groove 15e. Therefore, when the workpiece is sucked and retained on the opening portion 16a of the separating vent 16, an air leak caused by the thickness of the electrode EL protruding from the workpiece lower surface can be reduced. That is, such a situation that the retention force of a workpiece becomes insufficient due to an air leak, and the sucked and retained workpiece is pushed out by the following workpiece can be prevented.

[0037]

In the present embodiment, when a workpiece is sucked and retained by the opening portion 16a in the workpiece transfer path 15a, the following workpiece approaching from on the workpiece conveying path 11a collides against the sucked and retained workpiece from behind, and this collision repeatedly occurs due to vibration. Accordingly, when the suction retention force of the workpiece becomes insufficient, the workpiece can possibly be pushed forward. However, as mentioned above, since the suction retention force for a workpiece in the first region to be described later can increase owing to providing the recessed grooves 15¢, a positional misalignment of the sucked and retained workpiece as a result of colliding with the following workpiece can be prevented.

[0038]

There is provided in the terminal block 154 a step portion 154a having an

L-shape in a plan view including a low surface around the terminal portion. This step portion 154a is designed to avoid interference from a for workpiece carry-out means to be described later. Further, at an end portion of the inner side surface of the terminal block 154 which forms a side surface of the above-mentioned inlet portion, a sloping side surface 154c¢ is formed with the same structure and object as those of the above-mentioned sloping side surface 15c.

[0039]

In an upper surface of the base block 153, detection grooves 153a, 153b extending from the terminal portion of the workpiece transfer path 15a to one side in the width direction are formed. Moreover, in a lower surface of the base block 154, detection grooves 154a, 154b extending from the terminal portion to the other side in the width direction are formed. The detection grooves 153a and 154a form a detection line L1 of a first detector S1 to be described later. In addition, the detection grooves 153b and 154b form a detection line L2 of a second detector S2 to be described later.

[0040]

In the workpiece separation unit 15, a separating vent 16 is formed at an inlet portion side, and a positioning vent 17 is formed at a side closer to the terminal portion than the separating vent 16. In the bottom surface of the workpiece transfer path 15a, an opening portion 16a (an opening having a rectangular shape in a plan view in the illustrated example) of the separating vent 16 is formed at an inlet portion side, and an opening portion 17a (an opening having a rectangular shape in a plan view in the illustrated example) of the positioning vent 17 is formed at a terminal portion side. The opening portion 16a and the opening portion 17a are formed separated from each other along the transfer direction T.

[0041]

A distal end part of the separating vent 16 is formed so as to obliquely incline toward the opening portion 16a and toward the terminal portion side.

Accordingly, a ventilation structure of the separating vent 16 is formed so that the direction of air flow to flow out of the opening portion 16a at air supply to this separating vent 16 becomes obliquely upward toward the terminal portion side. It suffices that the inclination angle of this distal end part with respect to the transfer direction T is an acute angle (less than 90 degrees), but is preferably 45 degrees or less to increase a component in the transfer direction T of the above-mentioned air flow in enhancing the propulsion of a workpiece by the air flow, and preferably 15 degrees or more in order to simplify the shape of a vent or to reduce ventilation resistance without the need to excessively decrease a ventilation sectional area of the distal end part for the size of the opening portion 16a.

[0042]

Further, a distal end part of the positioning vent 17 is formed so as to obliquely incline toward the opening portion 17a at the inlet portion side.

Accordingly, a ventilation structure of the positioning vent 17 is formed so that the direction of air flow to flow into the opening portion 17a at air discharge of the positioning vent 17 becomes obliquely downward from the inlet portion side. It suffices that the inclination angle of this distal end part with respect to the transfer direction T is also an acute angle (less than 90 degrees), but is preferably 45 degrees or less to increase a component in the transfer direction T of the above-mentioned air flow and to enhance the propulsion of a workpiece by the air flow, and preferably degrees or more in order to simplify the shape of a vent or to reduce ventilation resistance without the need to excessively decrease a ventilation sectional area of the distal end part for the size of the opening portion 16a.

[0043]

Furthermore, neither the ventilation structure of the separating vent 16 nor the ventilation structure of the positioning vent 17 is particularly limited to the mode mentioned above, and it suffices that this is formed so that, consequently, an oblique air flow having a velocity component in the transfer direction T is generated outside of the opening portion 16a, 17a when air supply or air discharge is performed via each vent. For example, each distal end part mentioned above may be formed in a stepped shape, not being inclined.

[0044]

The opening portion 17a of the positioning vent 17 is preferably formed up to the terminal end surface 15d in a plan view. Moreover, an opening range of the opening portion 17a along the transfer direction T is preferably 1/2 or less and 1/5 or more of the length of a workpiece in the transfer direction, and is desirably 1/3 or less and 1/4 or more. This is because the workpiece can possibly stop before reaching the terminal end surface 15d when the opening portion 17a has an opening range wider than this, and the workpiece can possibly be rebounded after making contact with the terminal end surface 15d due to a deficiency in positioning force of the workpiece when the opening portion 17a has an opening range narrower than this.

[0045]

In the workpiece separation unit 15, workpiece detection means which detects the workpiece P1 existing in the terminal portion of the above workpiece transfer path 15a and workpiece positioning detection means are provided in detection sections 157 and 158 attached to the holder 152. The workpiece detection means detects that the workpiece P1 has got out of a region (first region to be described later) where the opening portion 16a of the separating vent 16 is formed and has entered another region (second region to be described later) further at a terminal portion side than this region (or the timing thereof). Specifically, this workpiece detection means is formed of a first detector S1 such as an optical sensor an output of which changes when a tip portion of the workpiece P1 crosses the detection line L1 passing through the detection grooves 153a, 154a. The detection line L1 is set so as to be coincident with the position of the tip portion of the workpiece P1, being a position separated to the side of the workpiece inlet 15b further than the terminal end surface 15d, when the workpiece P1 has reached a range where an effect of a suction force by the opening portion 16a is substantively no longer received.

[0046]

Moreover, the workpiece detection means detects that the tip portion of the workpiece P1 has reached the terminal end surface 15d, and the workpiece Pl isin a positioned state (or the timing thereof). Specifically, the workpiece positioning detection means is formed of a second detector S2 such as an optical sensor an output of which changes when a tip portion of the workpiece P1 crosses the detection line L2 passing through the detection grooves 153b, 154b. The detection line L2 is set to a position adjacent to the above terminal end surface 15d , that is, the position of the tip portion of the workpiece P1 when the workpiece P1 is positioned in contact with the terminal end surface 15d.

[0047]

In the cover plate 114, an opposed air supply portion 18 for generating an air flow directed in the transfer direction T (preferably, being in the horizontal direction) along the top of the workpiece transfer path 15a is provided. This opposed air supply portion 18 has a ventilation path 18a extending in the transfer direction T (horizontal direction) provided in the cover plate 114. This ventilation path 18a has a jet port 18b at a tip portion (end edge portion) of the cover plate 114 and includes an air supply port 18c on the cover plate 114, so that when the air supply port 18c is connected to an air supply device (not shown), an air flow can be jetted out of the jet port 18b. The jet port 18b is disposed on the top of the workpiece transfer path 15a. The jet port 18b (more preferably, as well as the ventilation path 18a) preferably has a shape which is flat in the width direction, and particularly, it is desirable that the jet port 18b is opened over the entire range on the top thereof in the width direction of the workpiece transfer path 15a.

[0048]

In the case of the illustrated example, the opposed edge portions of the cover plates 113 and 114 are disposed along the workpiece conveying path 11a and the workpiece transfer path 15a thereon. This facilitates maintenance of the workpiece conveying path 11a and the workpiece transfer path 15a.

[0049]

As shown in Fig. 6, in the present embodiment, there is provided workpiece separating air discharge means which generates a suction force for a workpiece in the opening portion 16a by discharging air from the above separating vent 16. The workpiece separating air discharge means has an air discharge structure El including piping connected to the separating vent 16, a controller such as an opening and closing valve, and an air discharge device. There is also provided workpiece positioning air discharge means which generates a suction force for a workpiece in the opening portion 17a by discharging air from the above positioning vent 17.

The workpiece positioning air discharge means has an air discharge structure E2 including piping connected to the positioning vent 17, a controller such as an opening and closing valve, and an air discharge device. Here, the air discharge structures E1 and E2 may be formed to have piping and an air discharge device located farther than each controller in common.

[0050]

Moreover, in the present embodiment, there is provided workpiece transferring air supply means for generating an air flow directed in the transfer direction T in the workpiece transfer path 15a. This workpiece transferring air supply means includes vent air supply means formed of an air supply structure Al including piping and a controller such as an opening and closing valve for generating an air flow flowing out of the opening portion 16a on the workpiece transfer path 15a due to supplying air to the separating vent 16. Furthermore, the workpiece transferring air supply means includes opposed air supply means formed of an air supply structure A2 including piping, a controller such as an opening and closing valve, and air supply device for generating an air flow in the horizontal direction along the top of the workpiece transfer path 15a by jetting an air flow from the jet port 18b of the ventilation path 18a by means of the opposed air supply portion 18.

[0051]

Here, the air supply structure Al is a vacuum breaking (decompression releasing) means which restores the inside of the separating vent 16 decompressed by the air discharge structure E1 to the atmospheric pressure to consequently generate an air flow due to the inertia of air flow. Moreover, the air supply structure A2 is pressurized gas supplying means which generates an air flow by pressurizing air to a pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure by means of an air supply device such as an air compressor.

[0052]

However, the workpiece transferring air supply means is not limited to a combination of the air supply structures Al and A2 mentioned above, but may be formed of either one of the air supply structures Al and A2 mentioned above, or may even be one for which the air supply structure Al is formed of the same pressurized gas supplying means as the air supply structure A2.

[0053]

The above air supply structure Al generates an obliquely upward air flow for a workpiece along the transfer direction T from the opening portion 16a on the bottom surface of the workpiece transfer path 15a. On the other hand, the above air supply structure A2 generates an air flow directed in the transfer direction T (horizontal direction) along the top of the workpiece transfer path 15a. In addition, since the opening portion 16a of the separating vent 16 from which an air flow generated by the air supply structure Al flows out and the jet port 18b from which : an air flow generated by the air supply structure A2 flows out are disposed opposed at both sides of the workpiece transfer path 15a, an air flow can be generated directed in the transfer direction T at both upper and lower sides (both opposing sides) of a workpiece, and thus the workpiece can be transferred along the workpiece transfer path 15a reliably in a stable posture. For example, it can be prevented that the workpiece is blown upward when only an air flow from the opening portion 16a is applied, and the workpiece sticks to the bottom surface of the workpiece transfer path 15a to be immovable when only an air flow from the jet port 18b is applied.

[0054]

Since the above air supply structure Al generates an air flow flowing out obliquely upward from the opening portion 16a of the separating vent 16 and thus can push out a workpiece disposed on the opening portion 16a opened in the bottom surface of the workpiece transfer path 15a reliably into the transfer direction T, there is an advantage that a workpiece transfer can be reliably performed. Particularly, a workpiece having been sucked and retained by an air discharge of the air discharge structure E1 being workpiece separating air discharge means can be pushed out more reliably in the transfer direction T.

[0055]

The above air supply structure A2 generates an air flow along the transfer direction T at the top of the workpiece transfer path 15a (side opposed to the opening portion 16a of the separating vent 16), and thus can lead an air flow directed obliquely upward generated by the above air supply structure Al into the transfer direction T (horizontal direction), and can lead the workpiece into the transfer direction T (horizontal direction) holding down the workpiece pushed obliquely upward by the air flow. Therefore, not only can a workpiece transfer be performed at higher speed, but a transferring posture of the workpiece can also be stabilized. :

[0056]

As shown in Fig. 6, in the present embodiment, workpiece carry-out means

D for carrying out a workpiece P1 positioned with its tip portion being in contact with the terminal end surface 15d through a sucking action by the above positioning vent 17 isused. Examples of this workpiece carry-out means D include a robot hand, a pick and place unit, and a rotary indexer being parts of various workpiece processing devices such as a workpiece inspection device and a workpiece packaging device on the downstream side. The illustrated example shows a part (manipulator) of a robot hand or a pick and place unit by an alternate long and two short dashed line.

[0057]

A first detection signal PHS1 output by the first detector S1 and a second detection signal PHS2 output by the second detector S2 shown in Fig. 5 are sent out to a control section C shown in Fig. 6, and the control section C, according to the detection signals PHS 1, PHS2, outputs a control signal SOL1 to the controller (for example, a solenoid valve, the same applies in the following) of the above air discharge structure E1, outputs a control signal SOL4 to the controller of the above air discharge structure E2, outputs a control signal SOL2 to the controller of the above air supply structure Al, and outputs a control signal SOL3 to the controller of the above air supply structure A2. Moreover, the control section C, according to the above detection signal PHS2, outputs a control signal PUP to instruct a discharge timing of a workpiece to control sections of the above various workpiece processing devices (not shown).

[0058]

Fig. 7(a), Fig. 7(b), Fig. 9(a), and Fig. 9(b) are explanatory views showing . moving modes of workpieces within the workpiece separation unit 15 of the present embodiment sequentially in the forms of plan views, respectively. Further, Fig. 8 is a timing chart showing signals of respective sections of a first embodiment.

Furthermore, Figs. 7 and Figs. 9 are schematic views, and the configuration of the : respective blocks of the workpiece transfer path 15a is shown with omission.

[0059]

As shown in Figs. 7, on the workpiece transfer path 15a, a first region 15X is set at a workpiece inlet 15b side, and a second region 15Y is secured at a side © opposite to the workpiece inlet 15b of this first region 15X. At this time, the above separating vent 16a is formed in the first region 15X, and the positioning vent 17 is formed in the second region 15Y. Here, the second region 15Y is set larger than a range to allow housing at least one workpiece. Moreover, the first region 15X is preferably set to a range to allow housing at least one workpiece.

[0060]

Moreover, a boundary position between the first region 15X and the second region 15Y is set so that, when a rear end portion of the workpiece P1 moves in the transfer direction T further than the separating vent 16a and arrives at a position where the workpiece P1 does not receive an effect of a sucking action from the separating vent 16a, the rear end portion of the workpiece P1 evade the first region 15X, and the workpiece P1 as a whole enters the second region 15Y. In addition, it is set so that the tip portion of the workpiece P1 when being present in this position exactly reaches the detection line L1. That is, the initial position where the workpiece P1 is detected by the first detector S1 is a position when the rear end portion of the workpiece P1 has evaded the first region 15X and the workpiece P1 as a whole has entered the second region 15Y for the first time.

[0061]

As shown in Fig. 7(a), suppose that there is already a workpiece PO (shown by an alternate long and two short dashed line) which has contacted the terminal end surface 15d of the workpiece transfer path 15a to stop, and has been once positioned as a result of being sucked by the air discharge structure E2 via the opening portion 17a of the positioning vent 17, and the workpiece PO is carried out by the workpiece carry-out means D after a sucking state by the air discharge structure E2 for the workpiece PO is released. At this time, when the next workpiece P1 exists in the first region 15X on the workpiece transfer path 15a, the workpiece P1 has been sucked by the above air discharge structure El via the opening portion 16a of the separating vent 16, and stopped. Moreover, there are disposed the following workpieces P2, P3 on the workpiece conveying path 11a.

[0062]

After the workpiece PO is carried out, as shown in Fig. 8, the first detection signal PHS1 and the second detection signal PHS2 both change from ON to OFF (or are inverted, the same applies in the following), and accordingly the control signal

SOL1 changes from ON to OFF and the control signal SOL2 changes from OFF to

ON, and thus a sucking action in the opening portion 16a by an air discharge of the above air discharge structure E2 via the separating vent 16 is stopped, and the above air supply structure A1 operates to perform a vacuum break of the separating vent 16.

Accordingly, an air flow flows out of the opening portion 16a obliquely upward in the transfer direction T, so that as shown in Fig. 7(b), the workpiece P1 is pushed out obliquely upward in the transfer direction T.

[0063]

At this time, the air supply structure Al stops after performing an air supply operation (vacuum breaking operation) for a period of time t1 from an operation start. Further, the above period of time t1 is set shorter than the time at which the tip portion of the workpiece P1 reaches the detection line L1, but set not less than a time period long enough for the tip portion of the workpiece P1 to pass the detection line L1 and finally reach the terminal end surface 15d by inertia and a sucking action via the opening portion 17a of the positioning vent 17.

[0064]

By stopping an air supply of the air supply structure Al early as mentioned above, such a situation that an air flow by the above air supply structure Al via the separating vent 16 is generated until immediately before an air discharge by the above air discharge structure E1 is started not to quickly perform switching from an air supply to an air discharge, and the timing of sucking and retaining of the next workpiece P2 is delayed can be prevented, so that the next workpiece P2 can be securely captured.

[0065]

Moreover, when the first detection signal PHS1 and the second detection signal PHS2 both (may be either one) change from ON to OFF as mentioned above, a control signal SOL4 also changes from OFF to ON, and suction is performed in the opening portion 17a by an air discharge of the positioning vent 17 by the above air discharge structure E2. Accordingly, an obliquely downward air flow flows into the opening portion 17a from the inlet portion side. This air flow does not only assist transfer of the workpiece P1 by a sucking action, but also produces an action of drawing in an air flow by the above air supply structures Al and A2, so that not only is propulsion for a workpiece by all air flows enhanced, but an effect that the propulsion can be accurately directed in the transfer direction T is also brought about.

[0066]

Furthermore, since the control signal SOL3 is basically ON at all times, an air flow is at all times jetting out of the jet port 18b into the transfer direction T by an operation of the above air supply structure A2. For this reason, an air flow constantly flows straight in the transfer direction T (parallel with the workpiece transfer path 15a) at the top of the workpiece transfer path 15a so that a transferring posture of the workpiece can be quickly stabilized and propulsion for the workpiece in the transfer direction T by the air flow can be enhanced when a workpiece is propelled obliquely upward by the above air supply structure Al. However, the above air supply structure A2 is accordingly operating and an air flow is flowing out of the jet port 18b even when a workpiece is sucked and retained in the opening portion 16a of the separating vent 16. Nevertheless, since said workpiece is disposed on the bottom surface of the workpiece transfer path 15a, an effect of the air flow generated at the top of the workpiece transfer path 15a is small, and the jet port 18b is disposed above a workpiece on the opening portion 16a or at a terminal portion side further than said workpiece, and thus the air flow has scarcely effect on said workpiece.

[0067]

However, the control signal SOL3 may not be ON at all times, but as shown by a broken line in Fig. 8, the control signal SOL3 may be turned ON when, for example, the first detection signal PHS1 or the second detection signal PHS2 is turned ON (in the illustrated example, when PHS? is turned ON), and maybe turned

OFF after a predetermined period of time t2. Here, it is preferable that the period of time t2 is a period of time extending before and after the period of time t1 and longer than the period of time t1.

[0068]

Then, when the tip portion of the workpiece P1 reaches the detection line L1 (the workpiece P1 as a whole enters the second region 15Y) as shown in Fig. 9(a), as shown in Fig. 8, the first detection signal PHS1 to be output from the first detector

S1 changes from OFF to ON, and the control signal SOL1 to be output from the control section C accordingly changes from OFF to ON. Thus, the air discharge structure E1 operates and said workpiece P2 receives a sucking action by the above air discharge structure E1 via the opening portion 16a when a next workpiece P2 entered the first region 15X exists.

[0069]

Next, the workpiece P1 is sucked in the opening portion 17a by the above discharge structure E2 via the positioning vent 17, and as shown in Fig. 9(b), is finally positioned by a suction force with the tip portion of the workpiece P1 being in contact with the terminal end surface 15d. Moreover, the next workpiece P2 is retained in the first region 15X by a suction force generated in the opening portion 16a by an air discharge operation of the above air discharge structure E1 via the separating vent 16.

[0070]

At this time, a sucking action by an air discharge operation of the above air discharge structure E1 via the separating vent 16 occurs in the opening portion 16a at a point in time where the tip portion of the workpiece P1 has reached the detection line L1 and the movement of the next workpiece P2 is hindered. Therefore, between the leading workpiece P1 and the next workpiece P2, a predetermined space corresponding to a distance between the detection line L.1 and the terminal end surface 15d is secured.

[0071]

When the tip portion of the leading workpiece P1 reaches the terminal end surface 15d as described above, as shown in Fig. 8, the second detection signal

PHS2 changes from OFF to ON, and thus the control signal SOL4 to be output from the control section C changes from ON to OFF. Accordingly, the above discharge structure E2 stops, and a sucking action via the opening portion 17a of the positioning vent 17 stops.

[0072]

Moreover, when the second detection signal PHS2 changes from OFF to

ON as described above, the control signal PUP to be sent out for a control section of a workpiece processing device (not shown) changes from OFF to ON as shown in

Fig. 8, and workpiece carry-out means D of the above workpiece processing device accordingly operates to carry out the workpiece P1 from the workpiece separation : unit 15.

[0073]

In the present embodiment, in the workpiece separation unit 15, an air flow generated by the above air supply structures Al and A2 flows in the transfer direction T in the workpiece transfer path 15a, and thus even when the workpiece separation unit 15 is separated from the conveyor 11 and supported so that vibration by the vibrating mechanism 12 is not substantively transmitted (when a conveying force by vibration is not applied to the workpiece separation unit 15), propulsion into the transfer direction T can be applied to a workpiece.

[0074]

Particularly, in the present embodiment, since the above air flow is generated by releasing (vacuum braking) by the above air supply structure Al a sucking state by the opening portion 16a of the separating vent 16 to, when a workpiece PO disposed in the second region 15Y exists, retain the next workpiece P1 separated from the workpiece PO, the separating vent 16 can be shared by a retaining action for workpiece separation and a workpiece transferring action, so that a ventilation structure can be simplified. Moreover, the workpiece P1 once retained on the opening portion 16a through a sucking action by the above air discharge structure Al is transferred as it is by an air flow flowing out of the same opening portion 16a, and thus there is an advantage that the workpiece can be reliably transferred in a stable condition. Furthermore, in this case, the air supply structure

Al may be formed as pressurized gas supplying means the same as the air supply structure A2, not as mere vacuum breaking (decompression releasing) means, for increasing the amount and rate of an air flow to be flowed out of the opening portion 16a.

[0075]

Moreover, in the present embodiment, an air curtain is formed at the top of the workpiece transfer path 15a owing to the fact that an air flow jetting out of the jet port 18b at a side opposed to the opening portion 16a across the workpiece transfer path 15a along the top of the workpiece transfer path 15a is produced by the above air supply structure A2. Hence, an action of confining a workpiece and an air flow flowing out of the opening portion 16a so as not to deviate upward further than the workpiece transfer path 15a occurs, and particularly, a conveying posture of the workpiece can be stabilized. Further, an air flow thus confined within the workpiece transfer path 15a flows at high speed in the transfer direction T, and is efficiently discharged from the opening portion 17a, and thus the transfer speed of the workpiece can be considerably increased. Additionally, the air flow direction flowing out of the above jet port 18b may be slightly inclined toward the workpiece transfer path 15a in order to prevent the workpiece from jumping and accelerate a conveying force of the workpiece. For instance, the jet port 18b is downwardly inclined approximately from 5 degrees to 10 degrees so that the conveying force of the workpiece is determinately able to be intensified.

[0076]

When the vibratory conveying apparatus 10 of the present embodiment was actually manufactured by way of trial, and a workpiece shown in Fig. 5 having a length along the conveying direction F of 5.65mm, a thickness of 0.9mm, and a width of 3.0mm was conveyed, it was confirmed that carrying out workpieces at a high speed on the order of 500 pieces/minute is enabled. At this time, this high-speed operation was photographed by a high-speed camera. As a result of reproducing this at low speed, it was discovered that the workpiece in a state sucked and retained on the opening portion 16a instantly floats up obliquely forward on the workpiece transfer path 15a due to an air flow flowing out of the opening portion 16a when vacuum break occurred, moves to the terminal portion side at high speed separating from the following workpieces, and is pushed up obliquely upward slightly fluctuating up and down at first, but is shortly stabilized in posture by an air flow jetting out of the jet port 18b and is transferred in the transfer direction T while the workpiece further accelerate in the transfer direction T.

[0077]

Moreover, it has been confirmed that the workpiece is reliably transferred by an air flow flowing out of the opening portion 16a even when the above air supply structure A2 is completely stopped. However, the workpiece carry-out speed has been slightly reduced when air supply structure A2 is not used.

Nevertheless, in this case, a significantly higher carry-out speed than that of the conventional method was obtained, and carry-out errors and damage to workpieces were also extraordinarily reduced. In the present embodiment, it can be considered that the workpiece which has been sucked on the opening portion 16a floats up from the bottom surface of the workpiece transfer path 15a due to an air flow flowing out of the opening portion 16a, and further moves owing to an air flow in this floating-up state, and thus the workpiece can instantly accelerate and move at high speed without effect of friction or the like with the bottom surface of the workpiece transfer path 15a.

[0078]

In the present embodiment, the workpiece transfer path 15a is covered by the cover plate 114 disposed (extending) at an upward side of the opening portion 16a of the separating vent 16. Accordingly, when a workpiece is pushed out to an obliquely upward side by an obliquely upward air flow flowing out of the opening portion 16a of the separating vent 16, the workpiece is suppressed from jumping by the cover plate 114 and even a disordered posture is corrected, and the air flow is also lead in the transfer direction by the cover plate 114, so that it becomes possible to transfer the workpiece forward more stably and accurately.

[0079]

In this case, since the tip portion of the cover plate is disposed at an upward side of the above opening portion or an obliquely upward side directed in the transfer direction, the upward side of the workpiece transfer path 15a can be opened at a transfer destination of the workpiece, so that a problem no longer occurs in carrying out of the workpiece and maintenance. Moreover, in the present embodiment, since the cover plate 114 is fixed to the conveyor 11, and the tip portion of the cover plate 114 is extended from above the conveyor 11 to above the workpiece separation unit 15, the cover plate 114 vibrates in the conveying direction

F (corresponding to the transfer direction T in the present embodiment) together with the conveyor 11. Therefore, an action of the cover plate 114 propelling a workpiece in the transfer direction T by frictional force can also be expected when the workpiece contacts the cover plate 114 from the side of the opening portion 16a (downside).

[0080]

Furthermore, the cover plate 114 may be fixed to the workpiece separation unit 15. In this case, since the cover plate 114 does not vibrate to stand still, the above-mentioned pushing-out action cannot be expected, but a workpiece can be reliably suppressed from jumping, and the posture of a workpiece can also be corrected. Moreover, in the present embodiment, since the above jet port 18b is provided at the front end edge of the cover plate 114, a workpiece and the above air flow are smoothly led forward by an air flow jetting out of the jet port 18b after being restrained by the cover plate 114.

[0081]

Fig. 10 is a timing chart showing operation of the control section C of a second different embodiment. This second embodiment is the same as the first embodiment in that the signal SOL2 turns from OFF to ON when the first detection signal PHS1 and the second detection signal PHS2 both (may be either one) turn from ON to OFF. On the other hand, the second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the control signal SOL2 does not return to OFF after a period of time t1, but the control signal SOL2 returns to OFF when the first signal

PHS1 has turned from OFF to ON. Accordingly, in this second embodiment, since an air flow flowing out of the opening portion 16a is continuously blown onto the workpiece P1 until the first detection signal PHS1 turns from OFF to ON, the workpiece P1 can be more reliably transferred to a final positioning position.

[0082]

In the respective embodiments described above, since, in addition to the effects described above, it becomes no longer necessary to apply vibration to the workpiece separation unit, the workpiece separation unit can be widely applied to a variety of conveying apparatuses. Moreover, since the workpiece separation unit can be set to reach a non-vibrating state, a leak of workpiece suction and retention decrease and a workpiece can be reliably retained, and sensor chatterings are reduced. These bring about effects that can carry-out errors and damage to workpieces during carrying out cannot only be reduced, but rebounding and the like is also reduced to improve positioning accuracy. Further, the workpiece feed rate is not reduced so that workpiece separation suitable for recent high-speed conveying can be performed.

[0083]

In addition, as a matter of course, the workpiece separation unit and vibratory conveying apparatus of the present invention is not limited only to the foregoing illustrated examples, and various changes can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the opening portions 16a, 17a are opened in the bottom surface of the workpiece transfer path 15a, and the extension part of the cover plate 114 covers the workpiece transfer path 15a from upward, but this is a mere example. For example, the opening portions 16a, 17a may be opened in one sloping inner side surface in the width direction of the workpiece transfer path 15a, and a covering member corresponding to a cover plate may be disposed opposed thereto with an opposite slope at the other side.

That is, the upper and lower directions of the present embodiment are an example of opposing directions, and the configuration of the present invention is not limited to the upper and lower directions as long as the mutual positional relationship is kept.

[0084]

For example, in the present embodiment, description has been given of a case where the workpiece separation unit 15 is formed as a part of a vibratory conveying apparatus, but without limitation to the vibratory conveying apparatus, the workpiece separation unit 15 can be applied to various conveying apparatuses.

Moreover, the above workpiece separation unit 15 may be used in an independently supported and fixed state, not being supported on a conveying apparatus. Further, the workpiece separation unit 15 may be formed not as a part of a conveying apparatus, but as a part of a workpiece processing device on the downstream side or a carry-out mechanism.

[0085]

Moreover, in the present embodiment, the above workpiece separation unit has a function of positioning a conveyed and arrived workpiece at a position within the second region 15Y to finally make contact with the terminal end surface 15d, but may be formed in a mode without this positioning function. That is, it suffices for the workpiece separation unit 15 to have only a function to separate a workpiece on the workpiece transfer path 15a. For example, the workpiece separation unit 15 may be formed without the positioning vent 17 and the terminal end surface 15d formed on the workpiece transfer path 15a so that a workpiece is transferred downstream as it is from the first region 15X and then led out of a workpiece outlet, or transferred onto a rotary indexer. In this case, such a configuration can be adopted that the second detection line L2 is set downstream by a predetermined distance from the first detection line L1, a next workpiece is sucked and retained in the first region 15X by the separating vent 16 at a point in time where a leading workpiece has reached the first detection line L1, and the next workpiece is transferred downstream by an air flow as a result of the sucked and retained state thereof being released at a point in time where the leading workpiece has reached the second detection line L2. [Description of Symbols]

[0086] 10: Vibratory conveying apparatus 11: Conveyor 11a: Workpiece conveying path 11b: Workpiece outlet 12: Vibrating mechanism 15: Workpiece separation unit 15a: Workpiece transfer path 15b: Workpiece inlet 15X: First region 15Y: Second region 16: Separating vent 16a: Opening portion 17: Positioning vent 17a: Opening portion 18: Opposed air supply portion 18a Ventilation path 18b: Jet port

El, E2: Air discharge structure

Al, A2: Air supply structure

C: Control section

D: Workpiece carry-out means

S1: First detector

S2: Second detector

Claims (11)

Claims

1. A workpiece separation unit comprising: a workpiece transfer path including a workpiece inlet at one end portion, a separating vent containing an opening portion opened on said workpiece transfer path in a first region which is located on said workpiece inlet side of the workpiece transfer path, and containing a vent structure designed to generate an oblique air flow flowing out of said opening portion toward a second region which is located on the opposite side of said first region from said workpiece inlet during air supply to said separating vent, a workpiece separating air discharge means which generates a suction force for a workpiece at said opening portion due to air removal from said separating vent, a workpiece detection means which detects a workpiece in said second region, a vent air supply means which generates an air flow flowing out of said opening portion owing to air supply to said separating vent, and a control means which operates said workpiece separating air discharge means and stops said vent air supply means while said workpiece detection means detects a workpiece, and which stops workpiece separating air discharge means and operates said vent air supply means while said workpiece detection means does not detect a workpiece.

]

2. The workpiece separation unit according to claim 1, further comprising: a positioning vent including an opening portion opened on said workpiece transfer path in said second region, a workpiece positioning air discharge means which generates a suction force for a workpiece at said opening portion due to air removal from said positioning vent, and a workpiece positioning detection means which detects a workpiece positioned at said opening portion owing to said suction force generated by said workpiece positioning air discharge means, wherein said control means stops said workpiece positioning air discharge means while said workpiece positioning detection means detects a workpiece, and operates said workpiece positioning air discharge means while said workpiece positioning detection means does not detect a workpiece.

3. The workpiece separation unit according to claim 1, further comprising: a positioning vent including an opening portion opened on said workpiece transfer path in said second region, and a workpiece positioning air discharge means which generates a suction force for a workpiece at said opening portion due to air removal from said positioning vent, wherein a period of time to simultaneously operate said vent air supply means and t said workpiece positioning air discharge means is provided.

]

4. The workpiece separation unit according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said positioning vent contains a vent structure which generates an oblique air flow flowing from said first region side into said opening portion during air removal from said positioning vent.

5. The workpiece separation unit according to any one of four claims from claim 1 to claim 4 further comprising: an opposite air supply means which is placed opposite said opening portion of said separating vent with respect to said workpiece transfer path and which generates an air flow flowing toward said second region.

6. The workpiece separation unit according to any one of four claims from claim 1 to claim 4, wherein said workpiece transfer path is overlaid with a covering member placed opposite said opening portion of said separating vent.

7. A vibratory conveying apparatus comprising: a conveyor equipped with a workpiece conveying path containing a workpiece outlet at a conveying terminal portion, a vibrating mechanism which vibrates said conveyor, and a workpiece separation unit spaced from said workpiece outlet of said conveyor, wherein said workpiece separation unit includes a workpiece transfer path containing a workpiece inlet placed opposite said workpiece outlet of said conveyor, a separating vent containing an opening portion opened in a first region which is located on said workpiece inlet side of said workpiece transfer path, a workpiece separating air discharge means which generates a suction force for a workpiece at said opening portion due to air removal from said separating vent, a workpiece detection means which detects a workpiece in a second region located on the opposite side of said first region in said workpiece transfer path from said workpiece inlet, a workpiece transferring air supply means which generates an air flow flowing from said first region toward said second region, and a control means which operates said workpiece separating air discharge means and stops said workpiece transferring air supply means while said workpiece detection means detects a workpiece, and which stops said workpiece separating air discharge means and operates said workpiece transferring air supply means while said workpiece detection means does not detect a workpiece.

8. The vibratory conveying apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said separating vent contains a vent structure designed to generate an oblique air flow flowing out of said opening portion toward said second region during air supply to said separating vent, and said workpiece transferring air supply means generates said oblique air flow flowing out of said opening portion of said separating vent owing to air supply to said separating vent.

9. The vibratory conveying apparatus according to claim 7 or claim 8 further comprising: a positioning vent including an opening portion opened on said workpiece transfer path in said second region, a workpiece positioning air discharge means which generates a suction force for a workpiece at said opening portion due to air removal from said positioning vent, and a workpiece positioning detection means which detects a workpiece positioned by said suction force of said workpiece positioning air discharge means, wherein said control means stops said workpiece positioning air discharge means while said workpiece detection means detects a workpiece, and operates said workpiece positioning air discharge means while said workpiece detection means does not detect a workpiece.

10. The vibratory conveying apparatus according to claim 9 wherein said positioning vent includes a vent structure designed to generate an oblique air flow flowing from said first region into said opening portion during air removal from said positioning vent.

11. The vibratory conveying apparatus according to any one of four claims from claim 7 to claim 10 further comprising: an opposite air supply means which is placed opposite said opening portion of said separating vent with respect to said workpiece transfer path and which generates an air flow flowing toward said second region.