WO2007086134A1

WO2007086134A1 - Part feeder

Info

Publication number: WO2007086134A1
Application number: PCT/JP2006/301319
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yoshitaka Taniguchi
Original assignee: Hirata Corporation
Priority date: 2006-01-27
Filing date: 2006-01-27
Publication date: 2007-08-02
Also published as: JP4891265B2; JPWO2007086134A1

Abstract

A part feeder comprises a tray carrying unit (100) for supporting and almost horizontally carrying a tray (T) capable of receiving a part, a tray supporting unit (200) for supporting and positioning the tray (T) at a position for taking out the part, and a tray transferring unit (300) formed pivotably around a rotating shaft (311) extending along the vertical direction (Z) and elevatably along the vertical direction (Z) for supporting and transferring the tray (T) between the tray carrying unit (100) and the tray supporting unit (200). By employing the tray transferring unit (300) for transferring a tray by pivotal and elevating actions, trays can be exchanged easily and infallibly, and the simplification of structure, reduction of installation area, and reduction of apparatus size can be achieved. By forming the tray carrying unit (100) and the tray supporting unit (200) separately, the tray supporting unit (200) can be commonly used for various assembly lines.

Description

Specification

Parts supply device

Technical field

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to a component supply apparatus that supplies parts to a Lf standing by placing parts such as machines or electronic devices on a tray (or pallet) and performing a predetermined operation. ) Is related to a parts supply device that can handle various forms of loading and unloading.

Background art

[0002] Conventional parts supply apparatuses include a first storage box receiver, a second storage box receiver, and a first storage box receiver that are arranged vertically to place a storage box (tray) that stores the parts. And a drive mechanism for moving the second storage box receiver horizontally between the parts supply position and the parts extraction position, and when one storage box receiver is in the parts extraction position, the other storage box receiver By positioning these storage box receptacles at the parts supply position and alternately transferring them to the parts removal position and the parts supply position, the waiting time for replacing the storage box (tray) is eliminated, and the efficiency of assembly work is improved. Are known (for example, see Patent Document 1).

[0003] Further, as another component supply device, two tray transfer tables that horizontally transfer trays at different height positions, and when one tray transfer table is at the component take-out position, the other tray transfer table Tray receiving unit that accepts trays with parts; parts take-out unit with back and forth means to reciprocate each tray transfer table horizontally so that it is in the standing position (part supply position); The tray stock unit that moves the tray to the tray transfer table at the tray receiving position, and the tray lifting unit that lifts the tray that has been emptied by removing the parts is raised by the tray lifting unit. Each unit is equipped with a tray collection unit that collects empty trays. There is known a rewritable (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

[0004] By the way, in the conventional component supply apparatus described above, the component take-out position and the component supply position When the tray (or storage box) is transferred between the two trays, the tray (or storage box) is moved at two different upper and lower height positions. The position is different in height. Therefore, when the parts are taken out by the assembling robot or the like, the assembling robot must be moved to a different height position, so that the control becomes complicated and it is necessary to secure a space in the vertical direction at the part picking position. Also, even if each unit is modularized, the tray transfer unit (or drive mechanism) tray (or storage box) is transferred and the tray (or storage box) is carried to define the part extraction position itself. Because of this configuration, if the assembly line is different, it is necessary to set up a 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 part removal position and the part 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 downsizing while suppressing the height.

Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 8-215942

Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-263347

Disclosure of the invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the circumstances of the above-described conventional technology, and its purpose is to accommodate parts such as machines or electronic devices in a tray (or pallet), an assembly line, etc. In parts supply equipment that supplies parts, the parts that define the parts take-out position are made common so that they can be used in a wide variety of assembly lines, while the equipment is reduced in size and cost is reduced. It is an object of the present invention to provide a component supply apparatus that can efficiently perform the above process.

Means for solving the problem

[0007] The component supply device of the present invention that achieves the above object includes a tray transport unit that supports a tray that can accommodate a component and conveys it in a substantially horizontal direction, and a tray that supports and positions the tray at a component take-out position. A tray transfer unit which is formed so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis extending in the vertical direction and to be vertically movable, and carries a tray between the tray transport unit and the tray support unit. And including. According to this configuration, when the tray containing the components is carried in by the tray transport unit, the tray transfer unit moves up and down and rotates while supporting the tray, so that the tray transport unit can move the tray from the tray transport unit force. The tray transfer unit moves up and down and rotates while carrying the empty tray, and transfers the tray from the tray carrying unit to the tray transport unit. In this way, by adopting a tray transfer unit that transfers trays by rotating and raising / lowering operations, the trays can be easily replaced at the same height position, and therefore the tray transfer is possible. The mounting operation can be performed reliably, and the structure can be simplified, the installation space can be saved, and the apparatus can be downsized.

In addition, the tray carrier unit and tray carrier unit are formed separately, so that the tray carrier unit can be shared with various assembly lines, while the tray carrier unit is appropriately changed according to the application. Can do. As a result, the component supply apparatus can be applied to a wide variety of assembly lines, and an optimum 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.

[0008] In the above configuration, the tray transfer unit can employ a configuration including a rotation support member that defines two tray support 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 parts 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.

[0009] In the above configuration, the tray transfer unit can adopt a configuration in which the tray transfer unit is integrally assembled with the tray carrying unit.

According to this configuration, since the tray transfer unit and the tray carrying unit are integrated (into a module product), this module product can be shared by various assembly lines. Therefore, when setting the component supply device, only the tray transport unit 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. [0010] In the above configuration, the tray carrying unit may employ a configuration including a fixing mechanism for fixing the carried tray.

According to this configuration, the tray can be firmly fixed by operating the fixing mechanism in a state where the tray is supported on the tray supporting unit.

[0011] In the above configuration, the tray transport unit is disposed on the lower side of the tray carry-in mechanism for carrying out the tray carrying-in mechanism disposed on the upper side for carrying in the tray containing the components, and the tray carry-in mechanism for carrying out the empty tray. A configuration including a tray unloading mechanism can be employed.

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 unloading mechanism unloads the tray to a predetermined collection position. In addition, since the tray carry-in mechanism and tray carry-out mechanism are arranged vertically, the dead space in the structure can be eliminated 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. While suppressing

Thus, space saving of the installation area and size reduction of the apparatus can be achieved.

[0012] In the above configuration, the tray transport unit is disposed on the lower side of the tray carry-in mechanism for carrying out the tray carrying mechanism that is placed on the upper side for carrying in the tray containing the components, and the tray carry-in mechanism for carrying out the empty tray. A configuration including a tray carry-out mechanism and a tray lifting mechanism that raises and lowers a tray that accommodates parts to be transferred to the tray carry-in mechanism can be employed.

According to this configuration, since the tray lifting mechanism is included in addition to the tray carry-in mechanism and the tray carry-out mechanism, the supplied tray is temporarily supported and lifted by the tray lifting mechanism, and the tray carry-in mechanism is positioned below the tray carrying mechanism. By simply lowering the tray by the lifting mechanism, the tray can be transferred from the tray lifting mechanism to the tray loading mechanism, and the tray loading mechanism can be controlled by controlling the relative position of the tray loading mechanism with respect to the tray lifting mechanism. The tray can be carried at the desired carrying position.

[0013] In the above configuration, the tray transport unit is disposed on the lower side of the tray carry-in mechanism for carrying out the tray carrying-in mechanism arranged on the upper side for carrying in the tray containing the parts and on the empty tray. A tray lifting mechanism and a tray lifting mechanism for lifting and lowering a tray containing components to be transferred to the tray loading mechanism. The tray loading mechanism is arranged in the tray loading direction. The tray lifting mechanism includes two tray carriers arranged in the tray loading direction at the same interval as the two tray carriers of the tray loading mechanism. Can be adopted.

According to this configuration, by appropriately changing the relative positions of the tray lifting mechanism and the tray carry-in mechanism, the tray carried on the tray carrier can be carried on the two tray carriers of the tray carry-in mechanism. .

[0014] In the above configuration, the tray carry-in mechanism includes a pair of slide carrying members that extend in the horizontal direction in the tray carrying-in direction at a predetermined interval and define 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 two tray support portions at 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. Can be adopted.

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 into the lower portion of the lifting / lowering support member, Thereafter, the tray can be transferred to the slide support member simply by lowering the lifting support member, and the tray is transported to a position where it is transferred by the tray transfer unit simply by sliding the slide support member. be able to.

As described above, by adopting the pair of slide support members and the lifting support member that protrudes and retracts between them, it is possible to reduce the size of the apparatus by integrating the components.

[0015] In the above configuration, the tray carrier unit has two tray carriers arranged in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the tray loading direction of the tray transport unit, and the tray transfer unit includes It is possible to adopt a configuration that is movable to a position corresponding to the two tray support portions.

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 and size reduction of the apparatus.

[0016] In the above configuration, 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. The configuration can be adopted.

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, (Two trays containing different types of parts) can be transported at the same time. Therefore, the supply efficiency of the same type of parts can be doubled or different types of parts can be supplied at the same time. The production efficiency can be improved.

[0017] In the above configuration, 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 lower side of the tray carry-in mechanism to carry out an empty tray. It is possible to adopt a configuration including a tray carry-out mechanism arranged in the tray and a tray lift mechanism that raises and lowers a tray that accommodates parts to be transferred to the tray carry-in mechanism.

According to this configuration, since each of the two tray transport units includes the tray carry-in mechanism, the tray carry-out mechanism, and the tray lifting / lowering mechanism, the trays supplied to the trays are temporarily carried by the tray lifting / lowering mechanism and lifted below them. After the tray loading mechanism is positioned on the tray, the tray can be transferred from the tray lifting mechanism to the tray loading mechanism simply by lowering the tray by the tray lifting mechanism, and the tray loading mechanism relative to the tray lifting mechanism can be transferred. By controlling the position, the tray can be carried at a desired carrying position of the tray carry-in mechanism. In this way, when parts are supplied by two systems, it is possible to achieve downsizing of the apparatus and space saving of the installation area.

The invention's effect

[0018] According to the component supply device having the above-described configuration, the tray carrying unit and the tray transport unit that demarcate the component take-out position are separately modularized, and are rotated about the rotation axis that extends in the vertical direction. In addition, by adopting a tray transfer unit that moves the tray up and down in the vertical direction, it is possible to supply various assembly lines and components while achieving a smaller component supply device and lower cost. It is possible to provide a parts supply device that meets the demand, and it is possible to efficiently supply a tray on which parts are placed and collect an empty tray at the same time.

Brief Description of Drawings FIG. 1 is a side view showing an embodiment of a component supply apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an embodiment of a component supply apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an external perspective view showing an embodiment of a component supply apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a tray transport unit that forms part of the component supply apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a tray carrying unit and a tray transfer unit forming part of the component supply apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an operation diagram for explaining the operation of the component supply apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an operation diagram for explaining the operation of the component supply apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an operation diagram for explaining the operation of the component supply apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an operation diagram for explaining the operation of the component supply apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a plan view and a side view schematically showing another embodiment of the component supply apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a plan view schematically showing still another embodiment of the component supply apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a plan view and a side view schematically showing still another embodiment of the component supply apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a plan view and a side view schematically showing still another embodiment of the component supply apparatus according to the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

[0020] Z vertical direction

X Tray loading direction (tray unloading direction)

Y Horizontal direction perpendicular to the tray loading direction

100 tray transport unit

110 base

120 legs

130 First tray carry-in mechanism

131 A pair of slide support members 131a, 131b tray carrying part

132 Connecting members

133 Drive mechanism

130 'Second tray loading mechanism

131 'A pair of slide support members

131a ', 131b'

132 'connecting member

133 'drive mechanism

140 First tray unloading mechanism

141 Multiple roller conveyors

142 Holding member

140 'Second tray unloading mechanism

150 First tray lifting mechanism

151 Lifting support member

151a, 151b Train carrying part

152 Holding member

153 Drive mechanism

150 'Second tray lifting mechanism

151a ', 151b' tray carrier

152 'Holding member

153 'drive mechanism

200 tray carrying unit

210 carrying table

211a and 211b

212a, 212b Notch

220 legs

230 Connecting member

231 Guide 240 Fixing mechanism

241 Contact piece

242 Telescopic actuator

300 tray transfer unit

310 Rotating support member

311 Axis of rotation

311a, 311b Saddle lay support

320 Rotation drive mechanism

330 Lifting drive mechanism

340 movable base

350 Horizontal drive mechanism

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

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

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the component supply apparatus has a tray transport unit 100 that carries a tray T that can accommodate components and conveys it in a substantially horizontal direction (X direction). A tray carrying unit 200 for carrying and positioning the sheet 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. A tray transfer unit 300 or the like for transferring the tray T is 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), leg portions 120 that support the base 110, and a base 100. On the other hand, the first tray carry-in mechanism 130 movably supported in the X direction and 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. A first tray lifting mechanism 150 disposed above the tray unloading mechanism 140, a second tray unloading mechanism 13 supported so as to be movable in the X direction relative to the base 100 and adjacent to the first tray unloading mechanism 130 ( Τ, second tray carry-in mechanism 13 (second tray carry-out mechanism 14 supported by base 100 so as to extend in the X direction on the lower side of Τ (Τ, second tray carry-out mechanism 14 (located above Τ) Second tray lifting / lowering mechanism 15 (equipped with eaves and the like. [0023] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the first tray carry-in mechanism 130 is configured so that a tray T (that is, a tray T containing components) brought in by an external carry-in means (an operator or a conveyor) is substantially horizontal. A pair of slide support members for carrying in the direction (X direction), extending in the carry direction (X direction) at a predetermined interval, and defining two tray support parts 131a and 131b at both ends thereof 131, a connecting member 132 that couples the pair of slide carrying members 131, a drive mechanism 133 that is coupled to one slide carrying member 131 and exerts a driving force in the X direction, and the like.

[0024] Each of the pair of slide support members 131 is formed to extend in the X direction (loading direction), and includes two tray support portions 13la and 131b having positioning pins (or protrusions) at both ends thereof. It is defined and 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 first tray elevating 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 lifting support member 151 to be moved.

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, an expansion / contraction 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 slide support member 131 A feed screw type actuator with equal force, other actuators, etc. can be used.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the first tray unloading mechanism 140 unloads the empty tray T to a predetermined collection position, and unloads it below the first tray unloading mechanism 130. A plurality of rollers 141 arranged in an extending direction (X direction), a holding member 142 that rotatably supports the rollers 141, and the like are provided.

The plurality of rollers 141 may be applied with a driving force as long as the tray T is carried out, or is arranged to be inclined downward in the carry-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, the first tray unloading mechanism 140 overlaps with the lower side of the first tray unloading mechanism 130. Therefore, the lower space of the first tray carry-in mechanism 130 can be used effectively, and the overall height of the device can be reduced while reducing the height of the device, reducing the overall size of the device and the installation surface. Space saving of product can be achieved.

[0026] The first tray lifting mechanism 150 receives the tray T (that is, the tray T containing components) brought in by an external loading means (such as an operator or a conveyor) by the first tray loading mechanism 130. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, one elevating support member 151 that extends in the loading direction (X direction) and defines two tray support portions 151a and 151b at both ends thereof A holding member 152 that holds the lifting 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.

[0027] The lifting and lowering support member 151 is formed in a flat plate shape extending in the X direction (loading direction), and defines two tray support portions 15 la and 15 lb having positioning pins (or protrusions) on both end sides thereof. Yes.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the holding member 152 is connected to one end side of the lifting / lowering support member 151 so that the lifting support member 151 can move in the vertical direction Z between the pair of slide support members 131 ( The lower side force in the loading direction is firmly held, and the side force of the base 110 is bent so as to protrude outward, and is supported so as to be movable up and down with respect to the base 110.

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, or a lead screw screwed to the holding member 152 is held. It is also possible to use a feed screw type actuator that can be used as a nut, or other actuators.

That is, the transfer operation of the tray T from the first tray lifting mechanism 150 to the first tray carry-in mechanism 130 is as follows. First, when the tray T is supported on the tray supporting portion 151b from the outside, the lifting support member 151 rises to a position higher than the pair of slide support members 131. Then, when the pair of slide support members 131 slides so as to enter the lower part of the lift support member 151, and then the lift support member 151 descends, the tray T is moved from the tray support part 15 lb to the tray support part. After being transferred to 13 lb, the pair of slide support members 131 slide toward the back in the X direction (toward the tray transfer unit 300).

At this time, 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 and lowering supporting member 151. Therefore, the pair of slide supporting member 131 and the ascending / descending supporting member 151 are mutually connected. It is possible to perform the sliding operation and the elevating operation smoothly without interfering with.

[0029] Then, when the tray T is again carried on the tray carrying part 15 lb from the outside, and the elevating carrying member 151 rises to a position higher than the pair of slide carrying members 131, it is carried on the tray carrying part 131b. The tray T thus carried is carried on the tray carrying portion 151a. Then, the pair of slide support members 131 slide so as to enter the lower part of the lift support member 151, and when the lift support member 151 is lowered, the tray T held by the tray support part 15 la becomes the tray support part 131 a. The tray T is transferred to the tray carrying section 13 lb after being transferred to the tray carrying section 15 lb.

In this way, by relatively moving the pair of slide support members 131 and the lift support member 151, the two trays T are always supported and transported to the position where they are transferred by the tray transfer unit 300 in the forward feed. be able to. Further, by adopting the pair of slide support members 131 and the elevating 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 disposed adjacent to the first tray carry-in mechanism 130 in the Y direction (the horizontal direction perpendicular to the carry-in direction) and the first tray 1 The same structure as the tray loading mechanism 130, and the tray T (that is, the tray T containing the parts) brought in by an external loading means (operator or competitor) is loaded in a substantially horizontal direction (X direction). The pair of slide support members 13Γ and the pair of slide support members 13 extend in the loading direction (X direction) at a predetermined interval and define two tray support portions 131a 131 on both ends thereof. A connecting member 132 that connects Γ is provided with a driving mechanism 133 ′ that is coupled to one slide support member 13Γ and exerts a driving force in the X direction.

[0031] Each of the pair of slide support members 13Γ extends in the X direction (loading direction). Two tray carriers that are formed and have locating pins (or protrusions) at both ends

131a ′ and 131 are demarcated and supported by a guide 11 Γ 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 13 Γ and the second tray lifting mechanism 15 ( It is formed to be bent in a concave shape on the lower side so that it can enter the lower side of the lifting support member 15Γ described later.

This is an actuator that drives the drive mechanism 133 or the pair of slide members 13Γ in the X direction. As the drive mechanism 133 ′, for example, an expansion / contraction actuator such as an air cylinder or a hydraulic cylinder, or a drive motor, a lead screw directly connected to the drive motor, a lead screw and screwed to the slide holding member 13Γ is held. It is possible to use a feed screw type actuator that also has a force such as a nut and other actuators.

[0032] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the second tray unloading mechanism 140 has the same configuration as the first tray unloading mechanism 140, and unloads the empty tray to the predetermined collection position. Yes, the second tray carry-in mechanism 13 (having a plurality of rollers 14Γ arranged to extend in the carry-out direction (X direction) on the lower side of the basket, a holding member 142 ′ for rotatably supporting the rollers 141 ′, etc. The plurality of rollers 14Γ are provided with a driving force as long as they carry out the tray Τ, or are arranged to be inclined downward in the carrying-out direction (X direction), and the tray Γ is directed toward the collection position by its own weight. Various forms can be applied, such as the one formed so as to move in this manner, etc. Thus, the second tray unloading mechanism 140 、 and the second tray unloading mechanism 13 (arranged so as to overlap the lower side of the ridge). Because of this, the second tray carry-in mechanism 13 It can be used effectively, and while reducing the height of the device, it is possible to reduce the size of the entire device and save the installation space by consolidating parts.

[0033] The second tray lifting mechanism 150 has the same configuration as the first tray lifting mechanism 150, and the tray tray (that is, the tray storing the parts) brought in by an external loading means (such as an operator or a conveyor). As shown in Figs. 1 and 4, it extends in the loading direction (X direction) and carries two trays at both ends. One lifting support member 15Γ demarcating the portion 151a 151, the lifting support member 151 And a drive mechanism 153 'that moves (lifts) the holding member 152' in the vertical direction Z.

[0034] The lifting support member 15Γ is formed in a flat plate shape extending in the X direction (loading direction), and defines two tray support portions 15 la 151 having positioning pins (or protrusions) on both ends thereof. .

2 and 3, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, one end side of the lifting / lowering support member 15Γ (loading direction) so that the lifting support member 15Γ is movable in the vertical direction Z between the pair of slide support members 13Γ. The front side of the base 110 is firmly held from the lower side, and the side force of the base 110 is bent so as to protrude outward, and is supported by the base 110 so as to move up and down.

This is an actuator that drives the holding member 152 ′ (that is, the lifting and lowering support member 15Γ) in the vertical direction. As the drive mechanism 153 ′, for example, an expansion / contraction 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 and held by a part of the holding member 152 ′. It is possible to use a feed screw type actuator that also has the same force as the nut and other actuators.

It should be noted that the transfer operation of the tray T from the second tray lifting mechanism 15 (Τ to the second tray carry-in mechanism 13 (Τ to the tray is the same as that described above from the first tray lifting mechanism 150 to the first tray carry-in mechanism 130. It is performed in the same manner as the transfer operation of the kite.

In this way, by moving the pair of slide support members 13Γ and the lift support member 15Γ relative to each other, the two trays are always supported and moved to the position where they are transferred by the tray transfer unit 300 in the forward feed. By adopting the pair of slide support members 13 Γ and the lifting support member 15 Γ protruding and retracting between them, it is possible to reduce the size of the apparatus by consolidating the components.

[0036] Further, in addition to the first tray carry-in mechanism 130, the first tray carry-out mechanism 140, and the first tray lifting mechanism 150, the second tray carry-in mechanism 13 (Τ, second tray carry-out mechanism having the same configuration) 14 (the second tray lifting mechanism 150 ′ is provided, that is, the tray transport unit 100 is configured so that the tray support unit 200 corresponds to two tray support portions 21 la and 21 lb described later of the tray support unit 200. Because it includes two tray transport units installed adjacent to the horizontal direction (水平 direction) perpendicular to the loading direction (X direction) of T, two trays 1 \ One tray or two trays containing different types of parts can be transported simultaneously. Therefore, the supply efficiency of the same type of parts can be doubled or different types of parts can be supplied simultaneously, the production efficiency of the assembly line can be improved, and various assembly lines can be easily accommodated. Can be made.

[0037] As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 5, the tray carrier unit 200 has a substantially rectangular outer contour, and a pair of carrier tables 210 that support the carrier table 210 that is long in the vertical direction. The two legs 220, the connecting member 230 extending in the heel direction to connect the pair of legs 220, and the two trays fixedly attached to the lower surface of the carrier table 210 for firmly fixing the tray It has 240 mag.

[0038] As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 5, the carrying table 210 includes two tray carrying portions 21 la defined at predetermined intervals in the heel direction (horizontal direction perpendicular to the loading direction). , 211b, cutout portions 212a and 212b formed inside the tray support portions 211a and 211b, a plurality of pins (or projections) 213 formed so as to protrude from the upper surface and for positioning the tray T, and the like. The two notches 咅 212a and 212bi, as shown in Fig. 2 【, are formed to a size that allows the rotation support member 310 (to be described later) of the lay transfer unit 300 to move up and down (in / out) without interference. Have

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 the edge of the tray T carried by the tray carrying portion 21 la, 2 ib, and an extendable actuator 242 that reciprocates the abutment piece 241 in the X direction. ing.

That is, when the tray T is carried on the tray carrying portions 21 la and 21 lb and positioned by the pin 213, the fixing mechanism 240 causes the telescopic actuator 242 to contract so that the contact piece 241 contacts the edge of the tray T. The tray T is clamped in cooperation with the pin 213. As a result, the tray T is firmly fixed on the tray supporting portions 211a and 211b.

[0040] In the tray carrying unit 200, an assembly line robot (not shown) or the like takes out parts. Since it is formed separately from the tray transport unit 100 and is modularized, it is common to change only the tray transport unit 100 even in various assembly lines with different transport paths. Can be applied to.

[0041] As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 5, the tray transfer unit 300 rotates in a horizontal plane (XY plane) and can carry a tray T, a rotation carrying member 310, and a rotation carrying member. Rotation drive mechanism 320 that rotationally drives 310, elevating drive mechanism 330 that holds rotation drive mechanism 320 and moves (elevates) in the vertical direction Z, and elevates drive mechanism 330 and holds Y direction (perpendicular to the loading direction) A movable base 340 supported by the guide 231, and a horizontal drive mechanism 350 for driving the movable base 340.

[0042] 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 31 la and 31 lb each having positioning pins (or projections) are defined on both sides of the formed point symmetry about the rotation axis 311.

[0043] The rotation drive mechanism 320 drives the rotation support member 310 half a turn so that the positions of the tray support portions 31la and 311b are interchanged in the X direction. As the rotational drive mechanism 320, a DC motor, a stepping motor, or other actuator that exerts rotational force can be employed.

[0044] The elevating drive mechanism 330 is configured so that the height positions of the tray supporting portions 311a and 3 l ib are lower than the height positions of the tray supporting portions 13 la, 131b, 211a, 131a ', and 131b \ 21 lb. The rotary support member 310 (and the rotation drive mechanism 320) positioned at a high support position 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, or a lead screw and screwed into a part of the rotation drive mechanism 320. It is possible to adopt a feed screw type actuator that can hold the holding nut and other forces, and other actuators.

[0045] The movable base 340 integrally holds the elevating drive mechanism 330 (and the rotation drive mechanism 320 and the rotation support member 310), and moves the rotation support member 310 in the Y direction (horizontal direction perpendicular to the loading direction). It is movably supported. [0046] The horizontal drive mechanism 350 drives the rotary movable member 310 in the Y direction to position the rotary support member 310 at a position facing the notch 212a and the other notch 212b of the tray support unit 200 in the Y direction. Is. The horizontal drive mechanism 350 is, 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 screwed into the lead screw and held in a part of the movable base 340. It is also possible to use a feed screw type actuator that also has a force such as a nut, and other actuators.

[0047] In the tray transfer unit 300, the tray carrying portions 131a and 131b (or 131a 'and 131b') of the first tray carry-in mechanism 130 (or the second tray carry-in mechanism 130 ') are connected to the tray carrying unit 130. When the tray T is carried on the tray carrying part 21 la (or 21 lb) of the belt 200, if the non-carrying position force of the rotating carrying member 310 is lowered and moves to the carrying position, the tray carrying part 21 la (Or 21 lb) loaded tray T was transferred to the tray carrying section 31 la (or 31 lb), and was also carried on the lay-ray carrying rod 131a, 131b (X «131a ', 1311 /) It is transferred to the lay lay curry carrier 311b (or 311a). Then, when the rotation carrying member 310 is rotated halfway and lowered to the non-carrying position, the trays carried on the tray carrying part 311a (or 3 ib) are transferred to the tray carrying parts 131a, 131b (or 131a ', 131b'). Further, the tray T carried on the tray carrier 311b (or 31 la) is transferred to the tray carrier 21 la (or 21 lb). Thereby, the transfer (replacement) of the tray T between the tray transport unit 100 and the tray carrying unit 200 is easily performed.

Further, the tray transfer unit 300 is integrally assembled with the tray carrying 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 device will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 9.

First, as shown in FIG. 6, for example, a tray with an external force component is carried in by a conveyor or the like, and the tray carrier 151b (151b ') of the lift carrier 151 (15Γ) is moved to the tray T. Support (SI, S2).

Then, the elevating / lowering support member 151 (15Γ) rises to a position higher than the slide support member 131 (13Γ) (S3), and the slide support member 131 (13Γ) enters the lower space (S4).

[0050] After that, when lowered to a position lower than the lift bearing member 151 (15Γ) force ^s sliding bearing member 131 (13Γ), the tray T is Torei bearing portion 131b which has been carried on Torei bearing portion 151b (151) (131 (S5).

Next, as shown in FIG. 7, the slide carrier 131 (13Γ) moves in the negative direction in the loading direction, and the tray T containing external force components is loaded again by the conveyor or the like (S6). .

[0051] Then, the tray carrying portion 151b (151) force of the lifting carrying member 151 (15Γ) carries the tray T (S7).

Thereafter, when the lifting support member 151 (15Γ) is raised to a position higher than the slide support member 131 (13Γ), the tray T supported on the tray support 131b (131) is transferred to the tray support 151a (151a). (S8), slide support member 131 (13Γ) enters the lower space (S9).

Thereafter, when the lifting support member 151 (15Γ) is lowered to a position lower than the slide support member 131 (13Γ), the tray T supported on the tray support part 151b (151) is transferred to the tray support part 131b (131). Then, the tray carrying portion 151a (the tray T-curley carrying portion 131a (131a carried on the 151a is transferred to the 131a (S10)).

Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 8, when the slide carrying member 131 (13Γ) moves in the negative direction in the loading direction (S11), the rotation carrying member 310 rises to the carrying position. When the lifting / lowering support member 151 (15Γ) is lifted in the same manner as described above, the tray T loaded on the tray support 131a (131a ') is transferred to the tray support 31lb, and the tray support 131b (131b' The tray T loaded on the tray is transferred to the tray carrying section 151a (151a (S12).

Subsequently, the rotation support member 310 rotates halfway and the slide support member 131 (13Γ) enters below the lift support member 151 (15Γ) (S13).

Then, the rotation carrying member 310 is lower than the tray carrying part 21 la (211b) to the non-carrying position. As it descends and descends to a position that is lower than the slide support member 131 (13Γ) by a lower V position than the slide support member 151 (15Γ), the tray T is supported by the tray support 31 lb and the tray support 211a ( 21 lb) and the tray carrying portion 151a (the tray T carried on the 151a is transferred to the tray carrying portion 131a (131a (S14)).

As a result, one tray T is transferred from the tray transfer unit 100 to the tray carrying unit 200 via the tray transfer unit 300. The tray T is firmly fixed to the tray carrying portion 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.

[0054] Then, the slide support member 131 (13Γ) moves to the back in the loading direction with a negative force, and is in that state until all the components in the tray T supported by the tray support 21 la (21 lb) are removed. Is maintained (S 15).

Then, when all the parts are removed, as shown in FIG. 9, the rotary carrying member 310 rises from the non-carrying position to the carrying position, and the empty tray T carried on the tray carrying part 21 la (21 lb) Is transferred to the tray carrying portion 31 lb, and the tray T carried on the tray carrying portion 131a (131b) is transferred to the tray carrying portion 31la (S16).

[0055] Then, the rotation carrying member 310 is rotated halfway and the slide carrying member 131 (13Γ) moves to the heel position (position above the lifting and lowering carrying member 151 (151 ')) where it does not overlap with the rotation carrying member 310. (S 17).

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 (14Γ) of the tray carry-out mechanism 140 (140 '), the tray carrying unit 311b The empty tray T carried is transferred to the roller 141 (14Γ) (S18).

[0056] Then, the tray carry-out mechanism 140 (14 (Τ) carries the empty tray T to the collection position (S19). Thereafter, the rotation carrying member 310 has the tray carrying portions 21 la (21 lb), 131a (131a It rises to a non-carrying position that is lower than ') and higher than the roller 141 (14Γ) of the tray discharge mechanism 140 (14CT) and waits for the next operation (S20).

Through the above-described series of operations, one tray T containing components is transferred from the tray transfer unit 100 to the tray carrier unit 200 via the tray transfer unit 300, and the assembly line. Parts are supplied to the tray, and the empty tray T is transferred from the tray carrying unit 200 to the tray transport unit 100 and collected.

[0057] Note that, here, the force described for the conveying operation of one tray T. When the tray T containing components from the outside is newly supplied in the state shown in step 11 (S11) of FIG. Two trays T 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 carrying unit 10 (Τ, a tray carrying unit 200 ′ having one tray carrying unit, and a tray transfer unit 300 having a single lane force. It is provided with one tray carry-in mechanism 130 "that also serves as a conveyor and the like, and one tray carry-out mechanism 140 disposed below it.

Then, the tray transfer unit 300 moves up and down and rotates to transfer the tray した containing the components from the tray carry-in mechanism 130 to the tray carrying unit 200 、, and removes the empty tray トレ to the tray. The loading unit 200 ′ is transferred to the tray unloading mechanism 140. This component supply mechanism is suitable for an assembly line where a relatively simple assembly operation is performed with a small number of components.

FIG. 11 shows a modification of the component supply apparatus shown in FIG.

0 is arranged so as to form a predetermined angle (approximately 90 degrees in this case) with the tray carry-in mechanism 13 (Τ ′).

This parts supply device can take up a relatively large installation space, and is suitable for an assembly line in which the tray 搬 unloading direction and the collection position are set at positions different from the tray 搬 carry-in position.

FIG. 12 shows a further modified example of the component supply apparatus shown in FIG. 10, and employs a tray stocking force 400 for 100 tray transport units.

This parts supply device is suitable for assembly lines (assembly lines with a large amount of parts supplied) where installation space such as a conveyor for carrying trays containing parts can be removed.

FIG. 13 shows still another embodiment of the component supply apparatus according to the present invention.

This component supply unit consists of a tray transport unit iocr ', a tray carrier unit 2ocr, It is equipped with a loading unit 300 etc.

Tray transport unit ιοο 'is used to carry in the tray τ containing the components and to carry out the empty tray τ.

In other words, the tray transfer unit 300 transfers one tray トレイ to the tray transfer unit 10 (with 200 力 of force) and the tray transfer unit 300 is moved up and down once the parts are removed. The tray た that has been driven and emptied is transferred from the tray carrier unit 20CT to the tray transport unit ιοο'Ί toward the collection position, and a new tray τ containing the components is carried in.

This parts supply device is suitable for assembly lines (assembly lines with a small amount of parts supply) for mounting relatively simple parts.

Industrial applicability

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, so that the assembly is performed by supplying parts such as machinery or electronic equipment. Of course, it can be applied to the production line in other fields as long as it is necessary to transport the tray containing the parts and supply the parts.

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] A tray transport unit that carries a tray that can accommodate components and conveys it in a substantially horizontal direction, a tray carrying unit that carries and positions the tray at the part removal position, and a rotating shaft that extends in the vertical direction A tray transfer unit formed so as to be rotatable and vertically movable, and carrying and transferring a tray between the tray transport unit and the tray carrier unit;

A component supply apparatus comprising:

[2] 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 device according to claim 1, wherein:

[3] The tray transfer unit is integrally assembled with the tray carrying unit.

The component supply device according to claim 1, wherein:

[4] The tray carrying unit includes a fixing mechanism for fixing the carried tray.

The component supply device according to claim 1, wherein:

[5] The tray transport unit is disposed on the lower side of the tray carry-in mechanism for carrying out the tray carry-in mechanism arranged on the upper side for carrying in the tray containing the parts, and on the tray carrying out the empty tray. A tray unloading mechanism,

The component supply device according to claim 1, wherein:

[6] The tray transport unit is disposed on the lower side of the tray carry-in mechanism in order to carry out the tray carrying-in mechanism disposed on the upper side to carry in the tray containing the parts and on the empty tray. A tray carry-out mechanism, and a tray lifting mechanism for raising and lowering the tray containing the components to be transferred to the tray carry-in mechanism.

The component supply device according to claim 1, wherein:

[7] The tray transport unit is disposed on the upper side of the tray loading mechanism for loading the tray containing the components, and on the lower side of the tray loading mechanism for unloading the empty tray. A tray carry-out mechanism, and a tray lifting mechanism for raising and lowering the tray containing the parts to be transferred to the tray carry-in mechanism, The tray loading mechanism includes two tray carriers arranged in the tray loading direction, and the tray lifting mechanism has the same interval as the two tray carriers of the above and the example loading mechanism. Including two tray carriers arranged in the loading direction,

The component supply device according to claim 1, wherein:

[8] The tray carry-in mechanism includes a pair of slide carrying members that extend in a tray carrying-in direction at a predetermined interval and demarcate the two tray carrying portions at both ends thereof. An elevating and lowering support member that extends in the tray loading direction, defines the two tray support portions on both ends thereof, and is formed to be able to protrude and retract in the vertical direction between the pair of slide support members.

The component supply device according to claim 7, wherein:

[9] The tray carrying unit has two tray carrying portions arranged in a horizontal direction perpendicular to a tray loading direction by the tray carrying unit,

The tray transfer unit is movable to a position corresponding to the two tray carriers.

The component supply device according to claim 1, wherein:

[10] The tray transport unit is provided adjacent to two 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 device according to claim 9, wherein the device is a component supply device.

[11] The two tray transport units are respectively disposed on the upper side of the tray carry-in mechanism for carrying in the tray containing the components, and on the lower side of the tray carry-in mechanism for carrying out the 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 component supply device according to claim 10, wherein: