JP6056239B2 - Parts feeder and manufacturing method thereof - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a parts feeder capable of transporting a workpiece, which is a transport object, along a transport path, and a manufacturing method thereof.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a parts feeder that can convey a workpiece, such as an electronic component, along a conveyance path to a predetermined conveyance destination by vibration is known. This type of parts feeder aligns the workpiece from the upstream end to the downstream end of the conveyance path by applying vibration to the entire conveyance body (for example, bowl feeder or linear feeder) having the conveyance path by means of an excitation source. It is configured so that the workpiece can be continuously fed to a predetermined conveyance destination.

  As such a parts feeder, it is determined whether or not the posture (orientation) of the workpiece at a certain point on the conveyance path is a desired appropriate posture, and a workpiece that is determined not to be in the correct direction is excluded from the conveyance path or conveyed. There is known a configuration in which only a workpiece in a predetermined direction can be supplied to a supply destination by returning it to the upstream side of the road (for example, Patent Document 1).

  Here, the workpiece posture suitable for workpiece posture discrimination, that is, the posture that is easy to discriminate, the next process processing device provided continuously at the downstream end of the conveyance path, and the workpiece suitable for supplying the workpiece to another conveyance path It is assumed that the postures are different from each other.

  Therefore, with respect to the workpiece being transported, for example, by applying a gas jetted from a member (such as a wiper-shaped interference member) protruding from a part of the transport path or a hole formed in the traveling surface to the workpiece, the posture is set. A technique for changing the image is also considered (Patent Document 2 as an example of the latter).

JP 2011-184160 A Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 5-201523

  However, when a configuration is adopted in which the posture of the workpiece is changed by applying an interference member or ejected gas that protrudes from a part of the conveyance path to the workpiece, the contact state of the interference member or the ejected gas against the workpiece (the pressure the workpiece receives) Pressure) is likely to be different, and it is difficult to change the posture of all workpieces with certainty. The workpiece is caught in the interference member provided on the transfer path or the gas ejection hole formed in the transfer path. There was a problem that clogging could occur.

  Further, as a structure for reversing the workpiece being conveyed, Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 64-024929 discloses a half-circular conveying groove formed in the outer peripheral surface and extending in the axial direction while turning 180 degrees along the circumferential direction. The posture of the workpiece by transporting the workpiece along a tunnel-shaped spiral groove formed by attaching a cover covering the semi-cylindrical member with a cylindrical member as a main body and covering the circumferential conveyance groove from the outside of the semi-cylindrical member An inversion device configured to be able to invert is disclosed.

  However, since such a reversing device is configured to allow the workpiece to pass through the tunnel-shaped spiral groove, the workpiece once entered from the entrance of the spiral groove is blocked from the outside of the spiral groove until it passes through the exit, and the spiral It is difficult to monitor and observe the posture of the workpiece passing through the groove by a device such as a camera or the user himself. For example, a workpiece that has been determined that the posture at the position with the spiral groove is not an appropriate posture is spiraled. A process (return process) that discharges to the outside of the spiral groove and returns to the upstream side of the spiral groove at the midway position of the groove is impossible.

  The reversing device described above rotates the work 180 degrees by transporting the work along a tunnel-shaped spiral groove formed by covering a circumferential groove formed on the outer peripheral surface of the semicylindrical member with a cover. Therefore, the distance of the spiral groove required for the reversing process, in other words, the work conveyance distance required for the posture change, is conveyed along a conveyance path that is completed or substantially completed in the horizontal plane along the axial direction of the semi-cylindrical member. As a matter of course, there is room for improvement in terms of shortening the time required to change the posture, as compared with a mode in which the posture of the workpiece can be changed by doing so. Furthermore, since the above-described reversing device employs a configuration in which a cover that can cover the upper part of the workpiece at the upstream end of the spiral groove functions as a workpiece transfer floor at the downstream end of the spiral groove. The cover becomes an essential member, and the number of parts increases accordingly.

  Furthermore, such a reversing device is set so that the inlet of the spiral groove is set at a position relatively higher than the outlet so that the workpiece can be easily understood from FIG. In addition to the vibration, the technical idea of reversing while accelerating by its own weight is adopted. In this way, if the work is transported on a down-gradient transport path in which the transport speed when reversing the work is faster than the transport speed at the time before reversing, the reversing process or reversing process is naturally performed. The interval between the subsequent workpieces becomes wider than the interval before the reversing process, resulting in a decrease in the work discharge amount per unit time, that is, a decrease in the workpiece transfer processing efficiency. In particular, a reversing device mainly composed of a semi-cylindrical member is installed between an inlet side guide groove, which is a transport path upstream of the reversing device, and an outlet side guide groove, which is a transport path on the downstream side. If the workpiece is passed through a spiral groove formed on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical member, the conveyance speed of the workpiece whose posture is changed while circling the outer peripheral surface of the semi-cylindrical member is set to the inlet side guide groove or the outlet side guide groove. It is considered extremely difficult in design to match the transport speed when passing.

  The present invention pays attention to such points, and the main purpose is to realize a simplified number of parts and to change the posture of the workpiece with a relatively short transport distance, and to change the posture. An object of the present invention is to provide a parts feeder capable of observing a workpiece from outside the posture changing unit and performing return processing if necessary, and a method for manufacturing the same.

That is, the present invention vibrates a conveyance path having a conveyance floor surface and a side surface, and moves a workpiece, which is an object to be conveyed , along a side surface of the bowl feeder along a conveyance path formed in an inclined spiral shape. The present invention relates to a parts feeder that can be transported forward. Examples of the work include minute parts such as electronic parts, but may be works other than electronic parts.

And the parts feeder which concerns on this invention is a starting edge which continues by planar view with respect to the conveyance floor surface upstream from an attitude | position change part as an attitude | position change part which can change the attitude | position of the workpiece | work which is provided in a conveyance path and passes. The area transfer floor, the start area change side surface formed by gradually rotating the start area transfer floor in a predetermined direction around the transfer axis along the transfer direction of the workpiece, and the transfer floor immediately upstream in the transfer direction in the posture change unit An intermediate region conveying floor surface that is continuous in plan view with respect to the surface, an intermediate region changing side surface formed by gradually rotating the intermediate region flooring surface around the conveying axis in the same direction as or in the opposite direction to the starting end region changing side surface, Or among the plurality of intermediate area conveyance floor surfaces, the intermediate area conveyance floor surface on the most downstream side in the conveyance direction and the termination area conveyance floor surface that is continuous in plan view with respect to the conveyance floor surface downstream of the posture changing unit Apply these each side Contact or proximity to the transport direction while capable of changing the orientation rotated by 90 degrees or more to the conveying axis of the orientation of the workpiece passing through the progressively being conveyed upward posture changing unit, the posture changing section, the distal end portion Is formed by a cutting process using a flat cutting tool, the start end region transport floor surface and the start end region change side surface, while moving the cutting tool along the workpiece transport direction with respect to the bowl feeder, The tip part is formed continuously by a cutting process in which the tip part gradually tilts toward the radially outer side of the bowl feeder. Consecutively formed by a cutting process in which the tip part gradually tilts toward the outside in the radial direction of the bowl feeder while moving along the workpiece conveyance direction. Oh is characterized in Rukoto.

  In the parts feeder of the present invention, the intermediate area conveyance floor surface and the intermediate area changing side surface constituting the posture changing unit may be one each or plural. If the posture change unit has one intermediate region transfer floor surface and one intermediate region change side surface, “the intermediate region transfer floor surface that is continuous in plan view with respect to the transfer floor surface immediately upstream in the transfer direction in the posture change unit. ”Is a transport floor surface that is continuous in plan view with respect to the start end region transport floor surface, and if it is a posture change unit having a plurality of intermediate region transport floor surfaces and intermediate region change side surfaces, the uppermost intermediate region transport floor The surface is a transport floor surface that is continuous in plan view with respect to the start end region transport floor surface, and the intermediate transport floor surface other than the uppermost intermediate region transport floor surface is relative to the intermediate transport floor surface closest to the upstream side in the transport direction. This is a continuous floor surface in plan view. The intermediate region changing side surface may be formed by gradually rotating the intermediate region flooring surface around the conveyance axis in the same direction as the starting end region changing side surface, or the intermediate region changing side surface around the conveyance axis. It may be formed by gradually rotating in the direction opposite to the start end region changing side surface. Further, if the posture changing unit includes a plurality of intermediate region change side surfaces, all the intermediate region change side surfaces gradually rotate the intermediate region floor surface around the transport axis in the same direction as or in the opposite direction to the start end region change side surface. It may be formed, or the intermediate area changing side surface formed by gradually rotating the intermediate area flooring surface around the conveyance axis in the same direction as the starting edge area changing side surface, and the intermediate area flooring surface around the conveyance axis It is also possible to adopt a posture changing unit that includes an intermediate region changing side surface formed by gradually rotating in the opposite direction to the starting end region changing side surface.

  The posture changing unit, which is a technical feature of the parts feeder according to the present invention, forms a part of the conveyance path. The parts feeder according to the present invention includes a start-end area conveyance floor surface, an intermediate-area conveyance floor surface, and a termination-area conveyance floor surface that function as a workpiece traveling surface continuously in plan view in the workpiece conveyance direction in the posture change unit. Of these, at least the start area conveyance floor and the intermediate area conveyance floor are set to surfaces that are gradually rotated around the conveyance axis of the workpiece along the conveyance direction. In the middle, the start area change side surface and the intermediate area change side surface are changed, and the start area transfer floor surface and the intermediate area transfer floor surface change to the start end area change side surface and the intermediate area change side surface respectively. Since the end area transport floor surface is formed so as to be continuous with the start end area transport floor surface and the intermediate area transport floor surface, respectively, a continuous running surface with rotation as a whole is formed. To be able to realize a posture changing unit, the posture of the workpiece passing through such posture changing unit can be smoothly and appropriately changed.

  In particular, in the case of the parts feeder of the present invention, the posture of the workpiece is changed by applying a member (such as a wiper-like interference member) or gas that protrudes to a part of the conveyance path to the workpiece being conveyed, for example. Compared with the mode to do this, there is a difference in the interference member and gas contact condition (pressing force received by the work) against the work, and it is not possible to change the posture of all work reliably, or interference provided on the transport path It is possible to avoid the problem that the work is caught in the member or the hole for gas ejection formed on the transfer floor or side surface of the transfer path and the work clogging phenomenon occurs, and smooth transfer and posture change of the work is realized. be able to.

Furthermore, in the parts feeder according to the present invention, the structure that can access the workpiece passing through the posture changing unit from above or on the side facing the side of the conveyance floor (unlike the tunnel-like spiral groove shown in the prior art). In addition, it is possible to adopt a structure in which the conveyance floor and side surfaces constituting the posture changing unit are open to the outside of the posture changing unit. Observe and grasp from the direction above the floor or in the direction facing the side, or discharge the work that has been determined that the posture at a certain position in the posture changing unit is not an appropriate posture from the released direction to the outside of the posture changing unit It is also possible to return to the upstream side of the posture changing part, which helps to improve practicality and functionality.
In addition, if it is a parts feeder according to the present invention, a start end area transfer floor surface, a start end area change side surface, an intermediate area transfer floor surface that are continuous on a virtual transfer axis connecting the start end and the end of the posture change unit in a horizontal plane, Since the workpiece is transported along the intermediate region change side surface and the end region transport floor surface, for example, a transport path that spirally circulates a virtual transport shaft that connects the start end and the end of the posture change unit Compared with the configuration that conveys the workpiece along the conveyance path), it is essential if the posture of the workpiece can be changed at a relatively short conveyance distance and the workpiece is conveyed along the circumferential conveyance path. A work drop prevention cover is also unnecessary, and the number of parts can be simplified.

  As a suitable example of the parts feeder of the present invention, there may be mentioned one provided with a transport body (bowl feeder) having a transport path formed in a spiral shape and set to an ascending slope. In this case, if the posture changing unit is set to an ascending gradient, the conveyance body that conveys the workpiece gradually upward along the spiral conveying path along the conveyance path set to the ascending gradient until just before the posture changing unit. The conveyed workpiece can be gradually conveyed upward even when the posture is changed, and the lowered workpiece is again raised to the height position before the posture change, as compared with the mode of changing the posture while lowering the workpiece. A conveyance path is unnecessary, and the path length of the entire conveyance path can be shortened, and as a result, the conveyance processing capacity can be improved. Note that “the posture changing unit is set to an ascending gradient” means that at least the starting region conveyance floor, the intermediate region conveying floor, and the end region conveying floor in the posture changing unit are set to an ascending gradient. Meaning.

  In particular, in the parts feeder according to the present invention, in the conveyance path, at least the conveyance floor on the upstream side of the attitude change unit, the start area conveyance floor, the intermediate area conveyance floor, the end area conveyance floor, and the attitude change unit If the transport floor surface on the downstream side is set to an ascending gradient at which the workpiece conveyance speed is substantially constant, the posture can be changed while conveying the workpiece along the traveling surface set to the descending gradient. Possible problems, that is, the gap between adjacent workpieces in the transfer direction is widened when the posture of the workpiece is changed, and the transfer efficiency (work discharge capacity) is reduced, and the upward gradient of each transfer floor is made different from each other. Can be prevented, that is, the interval between the workpieces along the transport direction is narrowed, and interference between workpieces and workpiece clogging can be prevented, Help improve the over-click transport efficiency.

  Moreover, the manufacturing method of the parts feeder which concerns on this invention forms the whole conveyance path containing the above-mentioned attitude | position change part by the cutting process using a cutting tool, and at least the starting edge area conveyance floor surface and starting edge area which change continuously A primary cutting process in which the changing side surface is formed by a cutting process using one cutting tool, and a continuously changing intermediate area conveyance floor surface and an intermediate area changing side surface are formed by a cutting process using one cutting tool. The second cutting process is performed.

  With such a part feeder manufacturing method, for example, a plate-shaped member is curved and deformed in a spiral shape, or compared with a method of manufacturing a three-dimensional conveyance path by cutting and welding, etc. Easy to manufacture. In particular, by passing through the first cutting process step and the second cutting process step, the set of the start area transport floor surface and the start end area change side surface, and the intermediate area transport floor surface and the intermediate area change side surface that change continuously. Each set can be formed and is preferred. In addition, the manufacturing method of the parts feeder which concerns on this invention should just pass at least a 1st cutting process process and a 2nd cutting process process, and the frequency | count of a 2nd cutting process process changes continuously. It becomes the same number as the number of sets of the intermediate area conveyance floor surface and the intermediate area changing side surface. Moreover, the same cutting tool may be used respectively in the first cutting process and the second cutting process, or a dedicated cutting tool prepared for each process may be used. Furthermore, the process of forming the terminal area conveyance floor surface by the cutting process is a processing process discontinuous with respect to the second cutting process (whether the cutting tool is the same as the cutting tool used in the second cutting process). Regardless of whether or not, it may be a processing step that is not a series of processing following the second cutting processing step, or processing performed continuously after the second cutting processing step (intermediate in the second cutting processing step). It may be a processing step in which the cutting tool in the posture in which the region change side surface has been formed is used as it is to form the terminal region conveyance floor surface.

  According to the present invention, the posture changing unit is configured by the above-described start end region transfer floor surface, start end region change side surface, intermediate region transfer floor surface, intermediate region change side surface, and end region transfer floor surface that are continuous along the workpiece transfer direction. By adopting the technical idea of forming, it is possible to reliably change the posture of each workpiece around the conveyance axis at a relatively short conveyance distance, and a cover for covering the conveyance path from a predetermined direction is unnecessary. Thus, it is possible to provide a parts feeder and a method for manufacturing the same that can also simplify the number of parts.

The top view which shows typically the whole parts feeder which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. The partial enlarged plan schematic diagram of the bowl feeder in the embodiment. The aa line end surface schematic diagram of FIG. The bb line end surface schematic diagram of FIG. The cc line end surface schematic diagram of FIG. The dd line | wire end surface schematic diagram of FIG. The ee line end surface schematic diagram of FIG. The ff line end surface schematic diagram of FIG. The figure which shows the cutting process of the part shown in FIG. 3 among the attitude | position change parts in this embodiment. The A area expansion schematic diagram of FIG. The figure which shows the cutting process of the part shown in FIG. 4 among the attitude | position change parts in this embodiment. The B area | region expansion schematic diagram of FIG. The figure which shows the cutting process of the part shown in FIG. 5 among the attitude | position change parts in this embodiment. The C area | region expansion schematic diagram of FIG. The figure which shows the cutting process of the part shown in FIG. 6 among the attitude | position change parts in this embodiment. The D area expansion schematic diagram of FIG. The figure which shows the cutting process of the part shown in FIG. 7 among the attitude | position change parts in this embodiment. The E area | region expansion schematic diagram of FIG. The figure which shows the cutting process of the part shown in FIG. 8 among the attitude | position change parts in this embodiment. The F area expansion schematic diagram of FIG. The figure which shows the state of the workpiece | work which passes the part shown in FIG. 3 among the attitude | position change parts in this embodiment. The figure which shows the state of the workpiece | work which passes through the part shown in FIG. 4 among the attitude | position change parts in this embodiment. The figure which shows the state of the workpiece | work which passes through the part shown in FIG. 5 among the attitude | position change parts in this embodiment. The figure which shows the state of the workpiece | work which passes the part shown in FIG. 6 among the attitude | position change parts in this embodiment. The figure which shows the state of the workpiece | work which passes through the part shown in FIG. 7 among the attitude | position change parts in this embodiment. The figure which shows the state of the workpiece | work which passes the part shown in FIG. 8 among the attitude | position change parts in this embodiment.

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

  As shown in FIG. 1, which is a schematic diagram of the overall configuration, a parts feeder X according to this embodiment is configured to vibrate, for example, a workpiece W such as an electronic component on a conveyance path (a bowl conveyance path 5 and a linear conveyance path 31 described later) by vibration. It is an apparatus that transports the sheet to a predetermined transport destination (supply destination) while being moved. The parts feeder X of the present embodiment is a bowl feeder 1 (conveying body of the present invention) that conveys the accommodated workpiece W while aligning it along a spiral conveying path (hereinafter referred to as “bowl conveying path 5”). Equivalent), a hopper 2 for supplying the workpiece W into the bowl feeder 1, and a linear conveyance path (hereinafter referred to as a “linear conveyance path 31”) continuous to the bowl conveyance path 5. And a linear feeder 3 to be conveyed.

  As the hopper 2 and the linear feeder 3, known ones can be applied.

  The hopper 2 stores the workpiece W to be supplied to the bowl feeder 1 in the internal space, and from the funnel-shaped workpiece discharge portion 21 with the tip S1 facing the storage portion 4 of the bowl feeder 1 to the bowl feeder 1. The work W is discharged (supplied). The hopper 2 is configured to discharge the workpiece W from the workpiece discharge unit 21 to the bowl feeder 1 when a predetermined amplitude is given by a vibration source (not shown).

  The linear feeder 3 can convey the workpiece W conveyed to the conveyance path (bowl conveyance path 5) formed in the bowl feeder 1 to the end of the linear conveyance path 31 by vibration and supply it to a predetermined conveyance destination. The linear feeder 3 is provided with a workpiece W (a workpiece W that has been determined to be an overflow or a workpiece W that has not been determined to be in a predetermined transport posture) when an overflow occurs or the workpiece W is not in a predetermined transport posture. A return portion 32 (return conveyance path) for returning to the conveyance path 5 is provided.

  The bowl feeder 1 is substantially circular in plan view as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 (FIG. 1 shows only the outer peripheral shape in plan view of the bowl feeder 1 and FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged plan view of the bowl feeder 1). And a bowl formed on the bottom and capable of storing a large number of workpieces W, and a bowl that is formed in a spiral shape that rises along the side surface 13 with a predetermined portion at the peripheral edge of the storage 4 as a start end 5a. And a conveyance path 5. The parts feeder X of this embodiment is configured to generate vibrations in the bowl feeder 1 by a vibration source (not shown). As the vibration source, for example, an electromagnetic drive unit that generates a high-frequency torsional vibration with respect to the bowl feeder 1 by applying an electromagnetic attractive force can be used. By generating vibration to the bowl feeder 1 by this vibration source, the workpiece W accommodated in the bowl feeder 1 can be moved along the bowl conveyance path 5. In addition, although it is preferable that the excitation source which generates a vibration in the linear feeder 3 and the excitation source which generates a vibration in the bowl feeder 1 are each separate, they can also be shared.

  For example, the storage unit 4 is set so that the center side is higher than the outside in the radial direction, and the workpiece W is moved by the vibration of the bowl feeder 1, the weight of the workpiece W accommodated in the storage unit 4, and the vibration of the bowl feeder 1. It is moved outward in the radial direction.

  The bowl conveyance path 5 has a start end 5 a continuous with the storage unit 4 and a terminal end continuous with the start end of the linear conveyance path 31 formed in the linear feeder 3. The bowl conveyance path 5 extends over the entire area continuously from the conveyance floor surface, which is the upward surface W2, and the edge of the conveyance floor surface on the radially outer side of the bowl feeder 1 and is being conveyed. A side surface (side wall surface) that can be partly contacted with each other, and the conveyance floor surface and the side surface are both flat flat surfaces without unevenness. The bowl conveyance path 5 of this embodiment is set to a predetermined ascending gradient over the entire area. Specifically, the ascending gradient of the bowl conveying path 5, more specifically, the ascending gradient of the conveying floor surface is appropriately set so that the workpiece W can always move on the bowl conveying path 5 at a substantially constant speed. Note that, in the bowl conveyance path 5, both the conveyance floor surface 51 formed on the upstream side from the posture changing unit 6 described below and the conveyance floor surface 52 formed on the downstream side from the posture changing unit 6 are, for example, bowls. It is set to a flat surface inclined downward toward the radially outer side of the feeder 1.

  And in the predetermined area | region of the bowl conveyance path 5 of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the attitude | position change part 6 which can change the conveyance attitude | position of the workpiece | work W is formed. The posture changing unit 6 is configured by using a start end region transfer floor 61, a start end region change side surface 62, an intermediate region transfer floor surface 63, an intermediate region change side surface 64, and an end region transfer floor surface 65.

  The start end region transport floor surface 61 is a transport floor surface that is continuous in a plan view with respect to the transport floor surface 51 upstream of the predetermined region in the bowl transport path 5 where the posture changing unit 6 is formed. 3 to 5 (FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an end surface along the line aa in FIG. 2, FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an end surface along the line bb in FIG. 2, and FIG. As shown in FIG. 2 (c-c end surface schematic diagram), the workpiece W is inclined downward inward in a radial direction with a gradual rotation around a conveyance axis along the conveyance direction WA of the workpiece W. It becomes a flat surface, and functions as the start end region changing side surface 62 when the inclination angle with respect to the horizontal plane becomes larger than a predetermined angle. That is, the starting end area conveyance floor 61 continuously extends in the conveyance direction WA with a twist such that the radially outer edge of the bowl feeder 1 gradually becomes higher than the radially inner edge. As a result, the start end region changing side surface 62 is changed. In addition, in each figure after FIG. 3, the parallel oblique line (hatching) which should be attached | subjected to the cut surface of the bowl feeder 1 is abbreviate | omitted for convenience of explanation.

  In this embodiment, FIG. 5 to FIG. 8 (FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of the end surface of the line dd in FIG. 2, FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of the end surface of the line ee in FIG. -F line end surface schematic diagram) As shown in the plan view, the intermediate region transport floor surface 63 that is continuous with the start end region transport floor surface 61 in plan view from the middle of the start end region transport floor surface 61 changing to the start end region change side surface 62. Is forming. This intermediate area transport floor 63 is continuous with the start end area transport floor 61 without a step, and gradually rotates in the same direction as the start end area change side surface 62 around the transport axis along the transport direction WA of the workpiece W. It becomes a flat surface inclined downward toward the radially inner side of the feeder 1 and functions as the intermediate region changing side surface 64 when the inclination angle with respect to the horizontal plane becomes larger than a predetermined angle. That is, the intermediate area conveyance floor surface 63 is continuously stretched with a twist such that the radially outer edge of the bowl feeder 1 is gradually higher than the radially inner edge in the conveyance direction WA. Thus, the intermediate region change side surface 64 is changed.

  Here, the intermediate region conveyance floor surface 63 of the present invention is a “conveyance floor surface continuous in a plan view with respect to the conveyance floor surface immediately upstream in the conveyance direction WA in the posture changing unit”. The “starting end area conveyance floor surface” corresponds to “the conveyance floor surface immediately upstream in the conveyance direction WA in the posture changing unit”. In addition, the posture changing unit 6 of the present embodiment has a pair of intermediate area conveyance floor surface 63 and intermediate area changing side surface 64.

  The end region transport floor surface 65 is formed so as to be continuous with the intermediate region transport floor surface 63 in a plan view from the middle of the transition of the intermediate region transport floor surface 63 to the intermediate region change side surface 64. This terminal area conveyance floor 65 is continuous with the conveyance floor 52 on the downstream side of the predetermined area where the posture changing unit 6 is formed in the bowl conveyance path 5 without a step. Here, the termination area conveyance floor surface 65 of the present invention is “a conveyance floor surface that is continuous in a plan view with respect to the intermediate area conveyance floor surface on the most downstream side in the conveyance direction WA among one or a plurality of intermediate area conveyance floor surfaces”. In this embodiment, since there is only one intermediate area conveyance floor surface 63, the termination area conveyance floor surface 65 is formed so as to be continuous with the intermediate area conveyance floor surface 63 in plan view. . In addition, the end region conveyance floor surface 65 of the present embodiment is a flat surface that is inclined downward toward the radially outer side of the bowl feeder 1 at the boundary with the intermediate region conveyance floor surface 63. 6 while continuously extending with twisting in a direction (direction approaching a horizontal plane) in which the inclination angle becomes smaller around the conveyance axis of the workpiece W while extending toward the conveyance floor 52 on the downstream side of 6. Stretched. However, this terminal area conveyance floor 65 does not continuously change to a side surface, unlike the above-described start area conveyance floor 61 and intermediate area conveyance floor 63. Moreover, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG.7 and FIG.8, the relative angle of the termination | terminus area | region conveyance floor surface 65 and the intermediate | middle area | region change side surface 64 is set to the fixed value (for example, 90 degree | times). Therefore, the direction in which the gradient of the terminal area conveyance floor surface 65 facing the radially outer side of the bowl feeder 1 at the boundary with the intermediate area conveyance floor surface 63 becomes loose about the conveyance axis of the workpiece W along the conveyance direction WA of the workpiece W. Along with the gradual change in the direction (approaching the horizontal plane), the gradient of the intermediate area conveyance floor 63 facing the inner side in the radial direction of the bowl feeder 1 at the boundary with the end area conveyance floor 65 is the conveyance direction WA of the workpiece W. Are gradually changed in a direction (a direction perpendicular to the horizontal plane) around the conveyance axis of the workpiece W.

  In the present embodiment, the entire bowl conveyance path 5 including the posture changing unit 6 is formed by a cutting process. Here, the cutting process which forms each part of the attitude | position change part 6 among the bowl conveyance paths 5 is demonstrated.

  As shown in FIG. 9 (FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a cutting process step of the bowl conveying path 5 shown in FIG. 3), the cutting tool S used in the cutting process of the present embodiment has the tip S1 as the cutting tool. It is a well-known one that is flat with respect to the axial direction Sa of S (the same direction as the longitudinal direction of the cutting tool S). In order to form the posture changing unit 6 using such a cutting tool S, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 (FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of the area A in FIG. 9), the start area transport floor 61 is set. The cutting tool S is pressed at a position to be formed in a posture in which the axial direction Sa is a predetermined angle with respect to a horizontal plane (horizontal line), and the cutting process is started. In the present embodiment, the cutting posture (first cutting initial posture (1)) is set so that at least the starting end (upstream end) of the starting end region transport floor surface 61 is a plane parallel to the horizontal plane.

  Then, while moving the cutting tool S along the conveyance direction WA of the workpiece W with respect to the bowl feeder 1, the tip S1 of the cutting tool S is gradually tilted by a predetermined angle so as to gradually face the radial outside of the bowl feeder 1 ( When the cutting posture of the cutting tool S is changed in the direction to lay down, FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 (FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a cutting process step of the bowl conveyance path 5 shown in FIG. 4, and FIG. 12 is a region B in FIG. As shown in the enlarged view), the inclination gradient of the starting end area conveyance floor 61, which is the cutting surface, gradually increases, and finally in the direction of tilting to a predetermined angle with respect to the primary cutting initial posture (1). FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 (FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a cutting process step of the bowl conveying path 5 shown in FIG. 5, and FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of a region C in FIG. 13 by changing the cutting posture of the cutting tool S. As shown in Figure 2) It is possible to form the initial region change sides 62 formed by continuously changes from the surface 61. In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 10, 12, and 14, the cutting tool S in the primary cutting initial posture (1) (imaginary line (relatively thin two-dot chain line in FIG. 12 and FIG. 14)). The cutting tool S is tilted in a predetermined direction with the radially inner end of the bowl feeder 1 as the center point SA among the tip S1 of the cutting tool S) shown in FIG. The side surface 62 is formed by a series of cutting processes. In particular, in this embodiment, the starting edge area conveyance floor 61 and the starting edge area change side surface 62 are formed by tilting the cutting tool S in the primary cutting initial posture (1), for example, by 65 degrees in a predetermined direction. (First cutting process).

  Subsequent to the first cutting processing step, a second cutting processing step of forming the intermediate region conveying floor surface 63 and the intermediate region changing side surface 64 with the cutting tool S is performed. In the second cutting process step, first, the cutting tool S is placed at a predetermined position in the middle of changing the start end region transport floor surface 61 to the start end region change side surface 62 and at a position where the intermediate region transport floor surface 63 is to be formed. The axial direction Sa is pressed against the horizontal plane (horizontal line) at a predetermined angle to start the cutting process. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, at least the starting end (upstream end) of the intermediate region transport floor surface 63 is in the axial direction Sa of the cutting tool S at the end of the first cutting process at the position. The secondary cutting initial posture (2) of the cutting tool S is set so as to be parallel surfaces. 13 and 14, for convenience of explanation, the cutting tool S used in the secondary cutting process is relatively thicker than the two-dot chain line indicating the cutting tool S in the primary cutting initial posture (1). This is indicated by a two-dot chain line. Specifically, the secondary cutting initial posture (2) is a posture in which the radially inner end of the bowl feeder 1 is higher than the radially outer end of the bowl feeder 1 in the tip portion S1 of the cutting tool S. Yes, the cutting surface cut in the secondary cutting initial posture (2) is an inclined surface facing the radially outer side of the bowl feeder 1.

  Then, when the cutting posture of the cutting tool S is changed in a direction in which the tip end S1 of the cutting tool S is gradually inclined toward the outside in the radial direction of the bowl feeder 1 while being moved along the conveyance direction WA of the workpiece W, 15 and FIG. 16 (FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing the cutting process of the bowl conveyance path 5 shown in FIG. 6, and FIG. 16 is an enlarged view of the region D in FIG. 15). In the tip S1 of the cutting tool S, the radially outer end of the bowl feeder 1 is higher than the radially inner end of the bowl feeder 1, and the cutting surface formed by cutting in this posture is the bowl The inclined surface is directed radially inward of the feeder 1.

  Furthermore, when the cutting posture of the cutting tool S is changed in a direction in which the cutting tool S is moved along the conveying direction WA of the workpiece W while being tilted (laid down) by a predetermined angle, FIGS. 17 and 18 (FIG. 17 shows FIG. 7). FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram showing the cutting process of the bowl conveyance path 5, and FIG. 18 is an enlarged view of the E region in FIG. 17). As shown in FIG. When the inclination angle of the surface becomes larger than the predetermined angle, the cutting surface functions as the intermediate region changing side surface 64 instead of the intermediate region conveying floor surface 63. Then, by finally changing the cutting posture of the cutting tool S to a predetermined angle with respect to the secondary cutting initial posture (2), FIGS. 19 and 20 (FIG. 19 shows the state of the bowl conveyance path 5 shown in FIG. 8). FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram showing a cutting process, and FIG. 20 is an enlarged view of the F region in FIG. 19), and an intermediate region changing side surface 64 continuously changing from the intermediate region conveying floor surface 63 is formed. be able to. In the present embodiment, the cutting tool S is tilted in a predetermined direction with the radially inner end of the bowl feeder 1 as the center point SB in the tip S1 of the cutting tool S in the secondary cutting initial posture (2). The intermediate area conveyance floor surface 63 and the intermediate area changing side surface 64 are formed by a series of cutting processes. In particular, in the present embodiment, the intermediate region conveying floor surface 63 and the intermediate region changing side surface 64 are formed by tilting the cutting tool S in the secondary cutting initial posture (2), for example, by 90 degrees in a predetermined direction. (Secondary cutting process). 16, 18, and 20, the cutting tool S in the secondary cutting initial posture (2) is indicated by an imaginary line (a relatively thin two-dot chain line).

  Subsequent to the second cutting processing step, a third cutting processing step for forming the termination region conveyance floor surface 65 with the cutting tool S is performed. Although the third cutting treatment step is not shown, first, at a predetermined position in the middle of changing the intermediate region conveyance floor surface 63 to the intermediate region change side surface 64 and at a position where the end region conveyance floor surface 65 should be formed, A cutting tool similar to the cutting tool S used in the first and second cutting processes is pressed in a posture in which the axial direction is a predetermined angle with respect to the horizontal plane, and the cutting process is started. In the present embodiment, the third cutting initial cutting posture of the cutting tool is set so that the terminal area conveyance floor surface 65 is a surface parallel to the axial direction Sa of the cutting tool S at the end of the second cutting process. . Specifically, the third cutting initial posture is a posture in which the radially inner end of the bowl feeder 1 is higher than the radially outer end of the bowl feeder 1 in the tip portion of the cutting tool. The cut surface subjected to the cutting process becomes an inclined surface facing the radially outer side of the bowl feeder 1. Then, by moving the cutting tool along the conveyance direction WA of the workpiece W while gradually rotating around the conveyance axis, it is possible to form the terminal area conveyance floor surface 65 continuous with the intermediate area conveyance floor surface 63.

  The terminal area conveyance floor surface 65 formed by the third cutting process step is continuous with the conveyance floor surface 52 on the downstream side of the area where the posture changing unit 6 is formed in the bowl conveyance path 5 without a step. It is. In addition, by moving the cutting tool that has formed the terminal area conveyance floor surface 65 in the third cutting process step from the terminal area of the terminal area conveyance floor surface 65 as it is along the conveyance direction WA, The downstream conveyance floor 52 can also be formed continuously. In accordance with this, the first cutting processing step for forming the start end region transfer floor surface 61 and the start end region change side surface 62 described above was used to form the transfer floor surface 51 upstream of the posture changing unit 6. It may be a cutting process performed by moving the cutting tool from the end of the upstream conveying floor surface 51 along the conveying direction WA.

  The posture changing unit 6 can be formed by the first cutting process, the second cutting process, and the third cutting process described above. Thus, in this embodiment, the bowl conveyance path 5 including the posture changing unit 6 is formed by a cutting process using the cutting tool S. In particular, the posture changing unit 6 according to the present embodiment has an open structure in which the direction above the conveying floor surfaces 61, 63, 65 and the direction facing the side surfaces 62, 64 are open to the outside of the posture changing unit 6. The surfaces 61, 62, 63, 64, and 65 can be accessed from these open directions.

  Further, in the present embodiment, an appropriate workpiece posture selecting means is provided at a predetermined location in such a bowl transport path 5, and a predetermined posture (for example, a long workpiece W is conveyed in its longitudinal direction by the workpiece posture selecting means). Only the workpiece W that is in a posture matching the direction WA) is transported downstream in the transport direction WA, and the workpiece W that is not in a predetermined posture is returned (dropped) to the storage unit 4. As a suitable setting location of the work posture selection means, for example, a predetermined location on the upstream side of the posture changing unit 6 or the posture changing unit 6 in the bowl conveying path 5 can be cited. It is also possible to set a predetermined location downstream of the posture changing unit 6. The parts feeder X of the present embodiment connects the end of the bowl conveyance path 5 so as to be continuous with the start end of the linear conveyance path 31 provided in the linear feeder 3, and conveys the workpiece W having a uniform posture to the linear feeder 3 ( Supply).

  In addition, as a workpiece posture selection part, the aspect comprised by the narrow part which narrowed the width | variety compared with the other part in the conveyance path, or the attitude | position of the workpiece | work at a certain time on a conveyance path is detected with a detection apparatus (sensor element). In addition, a configuration in which the posture of the workpiece is determined based on the detection information and a workpiece that does not satisfy the predetermined condition is discharged out of the conveyance path can be given. As the detection device, a fiber sensor, a photoelectric sensor, a laser, a proximity switch, a touch sensor, or the like can be applied. In addition, as a workpiece posture selection unit, a workpiece posture at a certain point on the conveyance path is photographed by an imaging unit such as a camera, and the workpiece posture is determined based on the photographed image information to satisfy a predetermined condition. It is also possible to adopt an aspect configured to discharge to the outside of the conveyance path.

  Next, the conveyance process procedure of the workpiece | work W by the parts feeder X which concerns on this embodiment is demonstrated.

  First, in the parts feeder X of the present embodiment, a predetermined amount of work W is put into the storage part 4 of the bowl feeder 1 from the work discharge part 21 of the hopper 2. The timing when the workpiece W is input and the amount of the workpiece W to be input may be set so as to be determined by the user himself / herself based on the operation of the user, or an appropriate control unit (controller) may be a predetermined storage unit. It may be set according to a program stored in advance or automatically determined based on information input from the user.

  The parts feeder X of the present embodiment vibrates the bowl feeder 1 with a vibration source at an appropriate timing before and after the workpiece W is supplied from the hopper 2 to the storage unit 4 of the parts feeder X. The parts feeder X of the present embodiment can move the workpiece W accommodated in the storage unit 4 radially outward by this vibration to reach the start end 5a of the bowl conveyance path 5, and the bowl conveyance path 5 The workpieces W that have reached the starting end 5a are successively conveyed along the bowl conveying path 5 set to a predetermined ascending gradient. Of the conveying force received by the workpiece W due to vibration during conveyance, the surface of the workpiece W that faces downward due to its own weight due to the force toward the radially outer side and the inclination of the conveyance floor surface 51 is the conveyance floor surface 51 (conveyance floor surface). 51, the first end area conveyance floor 61, the intermediate area conveyance floor 63, the end area conveyance floor 65, and the conveyance floor 52) are supported in contact with each other, and the surface facing the radially outer side of the bowl feeder 1 is the side surface The end 5b side of the bowl conveying path 5 in contact with or close to the side surface upstream of the posture changing unit 6, the start region changing side surface 62, the intermediate region changing side surface 64, and the side surface downstream of the posture changing unit 6 It is conveyed toward.

  In the bowl feeder 1 according to the present embodiment, the posture of the workpiece W transported along the bowl transport path 5 upstream and downstream of the posture changing unit 6 is not changed around the transport axis along the transport direction WA, The workpiece W that reaches the posture changing unit 6 from the bowl conveyance path 5 upstream of the posture changing unit 6 and passes through the posture changing unit 6 is rotated by a predetermined angle around the conveying axis to change the posture. Yes.

  In the present embodiment, a workpiece posture selecting means is provided at a predetermined location in the bowl conveyance path 5 upstream of the posture changing unit 6 and conveyed along the bowl conveyance path 5 upstream of the posture changing unit 6. Of the workpieces W, the workpiece W that is not conveyed in a predetermined posture is returned to the storage unit 4 by the workpiece W posture selection means. Therefore, all or almost all of the workpieces W that have reached the posture changing unit 6 are in a predetermined posture.

Here, the process and the action of the workpiece W changing its posture in the posture changing unit 6 will be described. As shown in FIG. 21, the workpiece W that has reached the posture changing unit 6 from the bowl conveyance path 5 on the upstream side of the posture changing unit 6 is a downward surface W1 of the workpiece W at this time (hereinafter referred to as a downward surface of the changed initial posture). W1 ”) is supported in a state of being in contact with the start end portion set on the horizontal surface of the start end region transport floor surface 61. In the following description, the posture of the workpiece W that has reached the posture changing unit 6 from the bowl conveyance path 5 on the upstream side of the posture changing unit 6 is set as the changed initial posture, and as shown in FIG. The surface facing the surface W1 is the “upward surface W2 of the changed initial posture”, and the surface facing the radially inner side and the radially outward surface of the bowl feeder 1 are “the inward surface W3 of the changed initial posture” and “changed”, respectively. It is assumed that the outward face W4 in the initial posture. Further, the behavior of the workpiece W whose posture is changed while passing through the posture changing unit 6 is as follows: the downward surface W1 of the changed initial posture, the upward surface W2 of the changed initial posture, the inward surface W3 of the changed initial posture, It can be easily grasped by paying attention to the direction of the outwardly facing surface W4) of the posture and the position of a specific part or a specific part (hereinafter referred to as "specific part Wa") constituting a part of the workpiece W.

  In the bowl feeder 1 according to the present embodiment, the workpiece W that has reached the posture changing unit 6 from the bowl conveyance path 5 on the upstream side of the posture changing unit 6 has a posture in which the specific portion Wa faces the radially outer side of the bowl feeder 1. It becomes. And the workpiece | work W conveyed along the conveyance direction WA in the state supported by the start edge area | region conveyance floor surface 61 respond | corresponds to the inclination angle of the start edge area | region conveyance floor surface 61 which inclines in the radial direction of the bowl feeder 1 gradually. As shown in FIG. 22, the posture gradually rotates around the transport axis. Then, as shown in FIG. 23, the workpiece W that has reached the intermediate area conveyance floor surface 63 formed in the middle of changing from the start area conveyance floor 61 to the start area change side surface 62 has the downward surface W1 of the changed initial posture as the start edge. In addition to being supported in a state in contact with the region change side surface 62, the inward surface W3 in the changed initial posture is supported in a state of being in contact with the intermediate region conveyance floor surface 63. In the present embodiment, the posture of the workpiece W at this time is set to be a posture rotated by, for example, 65 degrees around the conveyance axis with respect to the changed initial posture.

Subsequently, as shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, the workpiece W transported along the transport direction WA in a state in which the inward surface W <b> 3 in the changed initial posture is supported by the intermediate region transport floor surface 63, The surface 63 gradually changes from the radially outward inclined surface of the bowl feeder 1 to the radially inward inclined surface of the bowl feeder 1, and gradually changes its inclination angle to change to the intermediate region changing side surface 64. Along with this, the posture further rotates around the transport axis. And the bowl feeder 1 of this embodiment shows the workpiece | work W which reached | attained the termination | terminus area | region conveyance floor surface 65 formed in the middle of changing to the intermediate | middle area change side surface 64 from the intermediate | middle area conveyance floor surface 63 in FIG.25 and FIG.26. As described above, the end region is supported while the inward surface W3 in the changed initial posture is in contact with the intermediate region changing side surface 64 and the upward surface W2 in the changed initial posture is in contact with the terminal region conveyance floor surface 65. It conveys toward the terminal end of the conveyance floor surface 65, ie, the terminal end of the attitude | position change part 6. FIG. At this time, the terminal area conveyance floor surface 65, which is a radially inwardly inclined surface of the bowl feeder 1 at the boundary portion with the intermediate area conveyance floor surface 63, is inclined toward the inclined surface that approaches the horizontal plane along the conveyance direction WA of the workpiece W. Therefore, the posture of the workpiece W also rotates around the conveyance axis. Further, the posture changing section 6 of the present embodiment, the intermediate region changes sides 64 terminating region transported relative angle constant terminating the transport floor 65 to the end of the floor 65 (in the illustrated example 90 degrees) to keep the or or stretch Therefore, the posture can be changed while transporting the workpiece W in a stable state.

  The posture of the workpiece W transferred to the end of the end region transfer floor surface 65 through the above process, that is, the end of the posture changing unit 6, is, for example, a posture rotated by 90 degrees or more around the transfer axis with respect to the changed initial posture (hereinafter referred to as the following). , Referred to as “change completion posture”). In the present embodiment, the change completion posture of the workpiece W is set to be a posture rotated by, for example, 155 degrees around the conveyance axis with respect to the change initial posture (hereinafter referred to as “change completion posture”).

  In the bowl feeder 1 according to the present embodiment, since the terminal area conveyance floor surface 65 of the posture changing unit 6 is connected to the conveyance floor surface 52 on the downstream side of the posture changing unit 6, the bowl feeder 1 conveys to the terminal of the posture changing unit 6. However, the workpiece W aligned in a predetermined posture can be transported while being aligned to the end of the bowl transport path 5 along the transport floor surface 52 on the downstream side of the posture changing unit 6. And the parts feeder X of this embodiment conveys the workpiece | work W which reached | attained the termination | terminus of the bowl conveyance path 5 toward the termination | terminus from the starting end of the linear conveyance path 31 of the linear feeder 3, and is set to the predetermined attitude | position. W can be supplied to a predetermined transport destination (supply destination).

  As described above, the parts feeder X according to the present embodiment forms the posture changing unit 6 in a predetermined region of the bowl conveying path 5, and the posture changing unit 6 includes a start end region conveying floor surface 61 that is continuous in the conveying direction WA, an intermediate portion. The workpiece W is configured to be conveyed along the area conveyance floor surface 63 and the terminal area conveyance floor surface 65. Then, the start end region transfer floor surface 61, the intermediate region transfer floor surface 63, and the end region transfer floor surface 65 are set to surfaces gradually twisted around the transfer axis of the workpiece W along the transfer direction WA, respectively. 61, the intermediate area transport floor 63 is changed to a start area change side 62 and an intermediate area change side 64, respectively, and the start area transfer floor 61 and the intermediate area transport floor 63 are respectively changed to a start area change side 62, Since the intermediate region transfer floor surface 64 and the end region transfer floor surface 65 are formed so as to be continuous with the start region transfer floor surface 61 and the intermediate region transfer floor surface 63 in the middle of changing to the intermediate region change side surface 64, As a result, a smoothly continuous transfer floor (traveling surface) can be formed, and the posture of the workpiece W transferred on such a transfer floor can be changed smoothly and appropriately.

  Moreover, if it is the aspect which changes the attitude | position of a workpiece | work by projecting, for example, the member (wiper-like interference member etc.) which protruded in a part of conveyance path, or gas with respect to the workpiece | work W being conveyed, Interference members and gas contact conditions (pressing force received by workpieces) are likely to vary, and there is a risk that the posture of all workpieces may not be changed reliably, or interference members provided on the conveyance path and conveyance of the conveyance path There is a possibility that the workpiece is caught by the hole for gas ejection formed on the floor surface or the side surface and clogged. On the other hand, the parts feeder X according to the present embodiment includes a start end region transfer floor 61, a start end region change side surface 62, an intermediate region transfer floor surface 63, an intermediate region change side surface 64, and an end region transfer floor that are continuous in the transfer direction WA. By conveying the workpiece W along the surface 65, the posture of the workpiece W can be surely changed, and the elements that can be caught by the workpiece in the process of changing the posture are each conveying floor surfaces 61, 63, 65 and side surfaces 62, 64. It is not necessary to provide or form the workpiece, and smooth conveyance of the workpiece can be realized.

  In particular, the parts feeder X according to the present embodiment includes a start end region transfer floor surface 61, a start end region change side surface 62, an intermediate region transfer floor surface that are continuous on a virtual transfer axis that connects the start end and the end of the posture change unit in a horizontal plane. 63, since the workpiece W is transported along the intermediate region changing side surface 64 and the terminal region transporting floor surface 65, for example, a virtual transport shaft that connects the starting end and the terminal end of the posture changing unit is spirally circulated. Compared to a configuration in which a workpiece is conveyed along a conveyance path (referred to as a circumferential conveyance path), the workpiece posture can be changed at a relatively short conveyance distance, and the workpiece is conveyed along the circumferential conveyance path. If it is a structure, the work drop prevention cover which is essential is unnecessary, and the number of parts can be simplified.

  Furthermore, the parts feeder X according to the present embodiment has a configuration in which the entire bowl conveyance path 5 including the posture changing unit 6 is opened upward and on one side (in the embodiment described above, the inner side in the radial direction of the bowl feeder). Therefore, for example, the posture change of the workpiece passing through the posture change unit from these directions can be monitored and observed by equipment such as a camera or the user himself, or the posture at a certain position is appropriate. It is possible to discharge the work determined not to be out of the posture changing unit from the opened direction and return it to the upstream side of the posture changing unit.

  In addition, the parts feeder X according to the present embodiment is configured so that the running surfaces 61, 63, 65 of the posture changing unit 6 that constitutes a part of the bowl conveying path 5, the conveying floor surface 51 upstream of the posture changing unit 6, The ascending gradient is set to be the same as or substantially the same as the conveyance floor 52 on the downstream side of the posture change unit 6, and the conveyance speed of the workpiece W passing through the posture change unit 6 is the conveyance floor on the upstream side of the posture change unit 6. Since it is configured to have the same speed as the conveyance speed of the workpiece W passing through the conveyance floor 52 on the downstream side of the surface 51 and the posture changing unit 6, the traveling surfaces 61, 63, 65 of the posture changing unit 6 are A problem that may occur if the slope is set to a downward slope, that is, a problem that the conveyance efficiency (work discharge capacity) decreases as the interval between the workpieces W adjacent in the conveyance direction WA increases, or the posture changing unit 6. Conveying floor 51 on the upstream side If the transport floor surface 52 on the downstream side of the posture changing unit 6 of the posture changing unit 6 of the posture changing unit 6 is different from each other in the ascending gradient, that is, a problem that may occur, that is, in the conveying direction WA. It is possible to prevent or suppress the problem that the distance between the workpieces W along the line becomes narrow, causing interference between the workpieces W and clogging of the workpieces. It is possible to transport toward the end of the bowl transport path 5 at a speed.

  In this way, the bowl transport path 5 having the posture changing unit 6 in a predetermined area that can reliably change the posture of each work W around the transport axis while maintaining a good interval between the works W along the transport direction WA. In this embodiment, since it is formed by a plurality of cutting processes using the cutting tool S, for example, a plate-like member is curved and deformed in a spiral shape to form a bowl conveyance path, or an iron material is cut and welded. Compared with a mode (can making process) in which a three-dimensional bowl conveyance path is formed by processing, it can be easily manufactured.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to embodiment mentioned above. For example, as the intermediate region changing side surface, one formed by gradually rotating the intermediate region flooring surface around the conveyance axis in the direction opposite to the starting end region changing side surface can be adopted. When the posture changing unit having such an intermediate region changing side surface is provided in the bowl conveyance path according to the above-described embodiment, the intermediate region conveying floor surface in the posture changing unit is continuous with the start region conveying floor surface without a step. And a flat surface inclined downward toward the radially outer side of the bowl feeder with a gradual rotation in the direction opposite to the side of the starting end region changing around the conveying axis along the conveying direction of the workpiece, and the inclination angle with respect to the horizontal plane is When it becomes larger than the predetermined angle, it functions as an intermediate region changing side surface. That is, the intermediate area conveyance floor surface is formed by continuously stretching the radially inner edge of the bowl feeder in the conveying direction with a twist that gradually becomes higher than the radially outer edge. It changes to the area change side.

In the above-described embodiment, the posture changing unit having one intermediate region conveyance floor and one intermediate region change side surface is illustrated, but the posture changing unit having a plurality of intermediate region conveyance floor surfaces and a plurality of intermediate region change side surfaces respectively. It can also be configured.
Here, the intermediate region transport floor surface of the present invention is “an intermediate region transport floor surface that is continuous in plan view with respect to the transport floor surface closest to the upstream side in the transport direction in the posture changing portion in the transport path”. Therefore, for example, if the posture changing unit has two sets of the intermediate region conveying floor surface and the intermediate region changing side surface, the upstream intermediate region conveying floor surface is the closest to the upstream side in the conveying direction in the posture changing unit in the conveying path. Conveying floor surface, i.e., continuous in plan view with respect to the starting end region conveying floor surface, the downstream intermediate region conveying floor surface is the conveying floor surface closest to the upstream side in the conveying direction in the posture changing portion of the conveying path, That is, it is continuous in plan view with respect to the upstream intermediate area conveyance floor surface. Further, the upstream intermediate region changing side surface is formed by gradually rotating the upstream intermediate region flooring surface around the conveying axis in the same direction as or in the opposite direction to the starting end region changing side surface. The change side surface is formed by gradually rotating the intermediate region floor surface on the downstream side around the transport axis in the same direction as or in the opposite direction to the start region change side surface.

  In addition, the terminal area conveyance floor surface of the present invention is “one or a plurality of intermediate area conveyance floor surfaces that are continuous at least in plan view with respect to the intermediate area conveyance floor surface on the most downstream side in the conveyance direction” If the posture changing unit has two area conveyance floors, the terminal area conveyance floor is continuous with the downstream intermediate area conveyance floor at least in plan view.

  Further, for example, if the posture changing unit has three or more pairs of the intermediate area conveyance floor surface and the intermediate area change side surface, the first intermediate area conveyance floor surface, the second intermediate area conveyance floor surface in order from the upstream side. Final intermediate zone transfer floor, primary intermediate zone change side surface, secondary intermediate zone change side surface ... As the final intermediate zone change side surface, each intermediate zone transfer floor surface and each intermediate region to meet the above conditions What is necessary is just to form a change side surface and a termination area conveyance floor surface.

  Also, by appropriately setting the twisting degree of each surface forming the posture changing unit, the posture of the workpiece that has reached the end of the posture changing unit with respect to the posture of the workpiece at the starting end of the posture changing unit (changed initial posture) (change completed) The rotation angle around the conveyance axis in the (position) can be an appropriate angle of 90 degrees or more and 360 degrees or less, or 360 degrees or more if necessary.

  In the above-described embodiment, the mode in which the start end portion of the start end region transport floor surface defining the workpiece change initial posture is set as a horizontal plane, but the start end portion of the start end region transport floor surface is set to an inclined surface that is not horizontal. May be.

  The whole or a part of the conveyance path including the posture changing unit may be open upward (only in the direction facing the conveyance floor surface). Furthermore, the traveling surface (conveying floor surface) of the posture changing unit is set to a rising gradient different from the conveying floor surface upstream of the posture changing unit and the conveying floor surface downstream of the posture changing unit, Alternatively, a descending slope may be set. In addition, the parts feeder of this invention does not exclude the aspect which set the running surface of the attitude | position change part to the horizontal or substantially horizontal surface.

  Moreover, a linear feeder can also be applied as the carrier of the present invention. In this case, the posture changing unit may be formed in a predetermined region of the linear conveyance path (linear conveyance path).

  Moreover, the workpiece | work which is a conveyance target object is good also as various conveyance objects, such as various LED, such as LED, electronic components other than LED, or things other than electronic components, such as foodstuff.

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

1 ... Conveyance body (bowl feeder)
5 ... Conveying path (Bowl conveying path)
51 ... Conveying floor surface upstream of the posture changing unit 52 ... Conveying floor surface downstream of the posture changing unit 6 ... Posture changing unit 61 ... Starting end region conveying floor surface 62 ... Starting end region changing side surface 63 ... Intermediate region conveying floor Surface 64 ... Intermediate region changing side surface 65 ... Terminal region conveying floor surface S ... Cutting tool X ... Parts feeder W ... Workpiece

Claims (4)

The workpiece, which is the object to be conveyed, can be conveyed along the side surface of the bowl feeder to the predetermined conveyance destination along the conveyance path formed in an inclined spiral shape by vibrating the conveyance path having the conveyance floor surface and the side surface. Is a simple parts feeder,
A posture changing unit provided on the transport path and capable of changing the posture of the workpiece passing therethrough;
The posture changing unit
A starting end region conveying floor surface that is continuous in a plan view with respect to the conveying floor surface upstream of the posture changing unit;
A start end region changing side surface formed by gradually rotating the start end region transport floor surface in a predetermined direction around a transport axis along the transport direction of the workpiece;
An intermediate region transport floor surface that is continuous in plan view with respect to the transport floor surface immediately upstream in the transport direction in the posture change unit,
An intermediate region changing side surface formed by gradually rotating the intermediate region flooring surface around the conveying axis in the same direction as the starting end region changing side surface or in the opposite direction;
End region conveyance that is continuous in plan view with respect to the intermediate region conveyance floor surface on the most downstream side in the conveyance direction and the conveyance floor surface downstream of the posture changing unit among the one or a plurality of intermediate region conveyance floor surfaces. And a floor surface,
The posture of the workpiece, which is gradually conveyed upward along the conveyance direction while contacting or approaching each of these surfaces and passes through the posture changing unit, can be changed to a posture rotated by 90 degrees or more around the conveyance axis. ,
The posture changing part is formed by a cutting process using a cutting tool having a flat tip part,
The start end region transport floor surface and the start end region change side surface are configured such that the tip portion gradually moves radially outward of the bowl feeder while the cutting tool is moved along the workpiece transport direction with respect to the bowl feeder. It is formed continuously by a cutting process that tilts to face
The intermediate area conveyance floor surface and the intermediate area change side surface are configured such that the tip portion gradually moves radially outward of the bowl feeder while moving the cutting tool along the conveyance direction of the workpiece with respect to the bowl feeder. parts feeder according to claim der Rukoto those formed continuously by a cutting process of tilting to face. 2. The parts feeder according to claim 1, further comprising a conveyance body provided with the posture changing unit in the conveyance path formed in a spiral shape and set to an ascending gradient, wherein the posture changing unit is set to an ascending gradient. Of the transport path, at least downstream of the transport floor surface upstream of the posture change unit, the start area transport floor surface, the intermediate region transport floor surface, the end region transport floor surface, and the posture change unit. The parts feeder according to claim 2, wherein the transport floor surface on the side is set to an ascending gradient at which a work transport speed is substantially constant. It is a manufacturing method used when manufacturing the parts feeder in any one of Claims 1 thru | or 3,
The entire conveyance path including the posture changing unit is formed into a spiral shape that is inclined along the side surface of the bowl feeder by a cutting process using a cutting tool having a flat tip .
at least,
The initial region transport floor and the starting end region changing side changes continuously, one of the cutting tool, while moving along the conveying direction of the workpiece relative to the bowl feeder, the tip portion gradually A first cutting process step formed by a cutting process performed by tilting the bowl feeder so as to face the radially outer side ;
Said intermediate region transport floor and the intermediate areas varies side changes continuously, one of the cutting tool, while moving along the conveying direction of the workpiece relative to the bowl feeder, the tip portion gradually A method of manufacturing a parts feeder, comprising: a second cutting treatment step formed by a cutting treatment performed by tilting the bowl feeder so as to face the radially outer side .

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