JP7521265B2 - Spring Supply Device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a spring supply device.

Patent document 1 discloses a separation device that separates tangled coil springs by rotating a rotating disk placed at the bottom of a container and causing the coil springs contained in the container to collide with the side wall, and then releases the coil springs from a single release port.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 52-115073

A separation device that separates tangled coil springs by colliding the coil springs against a side wall and releasing the coil springs from a single release port may not be able to separate the coil springs.

The present invention aims to provide a spring supplying device that can separate and supply tangled coil springs.

The first aspect includes a container that houses multiple coil springs whose axial length is longer than their diameter, has a mesh-shaped bottom, and has a side length of the mesh that is longer than the diameter and shorter than the axial length, and a vibration unit that vibrates the container in the vertical direction.

In the second embodiment, the coil spring is a compression coil spring, and the thickness of the wire forming the mesh is greater than the gap between the wires in the coil spring's free state.

In the third embodiment, the thickness of the wire is greater than the pitch of the coil spring.

In the fourth embodiment, the length of the diagonal of the mesh is shorter than the axial length.

In the fifth embodiment, the length of the diagonal of the mesh is longer than half the axial length.

In the sixth embodiment, the length of one side of the mesh is more than five times the diameter of the coil spring.

The seventh aspect includes another container provided below the container, a detection unit that detects the amount of the coil spring in the other container, and a control unit that performs control to stop the vibration of the vibration unit when the detection unit detects a predetermined amount of the coil spring.

In an eighth aspect, the other container has a bottom plate that opens and closes, and the control unit further controls the bottom plate to close until the detection unit detects a predetermined amount of the coil spring, and to open the bottom plate when the detection unit detects a predetermined amount of the coil spring.

In the ninth aspect, the other container has a hole in a side wall that intersects with the vertical direction and is smaller than the diameter of the spring, and the detection unit detects the amount of the spring in the other container from outside the other container using the hole.

The configuration of the first aspect allows entangled coil springs to be separated and supplied.

The configuration of the second aspect makes it possible to prevent the wire from entering between the wires of the coil spring, compared to a configuration in which the thickness of the wire is equal to or smaller than the gap between the wires of the coil spring in its free state.

The configuration of the third aspect makes it possible to prevent the wire from entering between the wire strands of the coil spring, compared to a configuration in which the thickness of the wire is equal to or smaller than the pitch of the coil spring.

The fourth configuration makes it possible to prevent the amount of the coil spring falling from the mesh from becoming unstable, compared to a configuration in which the diagonal length of the mesh is longer than the axial length of the coil spring.

The configuration of the fifth aspect makes it possible to prevent the amount of the coil spring falling from the mesh from becoming unstable, compared to a configuration in which the length of the diagonal of the mesh is shorter than half the axial length of the coil spring.

The sixth aspect of the configuration makes it possible to prevent the amount of the coil spring falling from the mesh from becoming unstable, compared to a configuration in which the length of one side of the mesh is five times or less than the diameter of the coil spring.

The seventh aspect of the configuration makes it possible to prevent the supply of coil springs from one container to another container from becoming unstable, compared to a configuration in which the vibration unit vibrates regardless of the amount of coil springs in the other container.

The eighth aspect of the configuration makes it possible to prevent the supply of coil springs from other containers from becoming unstable, compared to a configuration in which the bottom plate is opened and closed regardless of the amount of the coil springs in the other containers.

The configuration of the ninth aspect makes it possible to prevent false detections by the detection unit, compared to a configuration in which the size of the hole is larger than the diameter of the spring.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a configuration of the spring supplying device according to the embodiment. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of a configuration of a spring supplying device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a compression spring which is supplied by the spring supplying device according to the embodiment; FIG. 4 is a plan view of the compression spring shown in FIG. 3 . FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a state in which the compression spring shown in FIG. 3 is entangled. 3 is a plan view showing the configuration of a mesh body provided in the spring supplying device according to the embodiment; FIG. FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the compression spring shown in FIG. 4 . 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a detection mechanism provided in the spring supplying device according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a state in which the shutter is closed in the spring supplying device according to the embodiment. FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a state in which the shutter is opened in the spring supplying device according to the embodiment. FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a tension spring as a modified example of the compression spring that is supplied. FIG. 12 is a plan view of the tension spring shown in FIG. 11 . FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a state in which the tension spring shown in FIG. 11 is tangled.

Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
(Spring supply device 10)
First, the configuration of a spring supplying device 10 according to this embodiment will be described. Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the spring supplying device 10 according to this embodiment. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the configuration of the spring supplying device 10 according to this embodiment.

Note that the +X direction, -X direction, +Y direction, -Y direction, +Z direction (upward), and -Z direction (downward) used in the following explanation are the directions indicated by the arrows in the figures. In addition, in the following explanation, the "X direction" without a + or - sign may be used to mean "both the +X direction and the -X direction." The "Y direction" without a + or - sign may be used to mean "both the +Y direction and the -Y direction." The "Z direction" without a + or - sign may be used to mean "both the +Z direction and the -Z direction." Furthermore, the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction are directions that intersect with each other (specifically, directions that are perpendicular to each other).

In addition, the symbol "x" inside a "circle" in the figures indicates an arrow pointing from the front to the back of the page. In addition, the symbol "・" inside a "circle" in the figures indicates an arrow pointing from the back to the front of the page. In addition, the dimensional ratios in the X, Y, and Z directions between each part shown in each figure may differ from the actual dimensional ratios.

The spring supplying device 10 shown in Figs. 1 and 2 is a device that supplies compression coil springs 90 (hereinafter referred to as "compression springs 90"). Specifically, as shown in Fig. 2, the spring supplying device 10 is a device that separates a plurality of compression springs 90 and supplies the compression springs 90 one by one. The compression springs 90 are an example of "coil springs."

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the spring supply device 10 includes a support 80, a first container 11, a limiting section 47, a vibration mechanism 40, a second container 12, a detection mechanism 60 (see FIGS. 8 and 9), a moving mechanism 70, a separating device 71, a detection mechanism 55 (see FIG. 9), and a control device 50 (see FIG. 2).

The following describes the compression springs 90 supplied by the spring supply device 10, and each part of the spring supply device 10 (support 80, first container 11, limiting section 47, vibration mechanism 40, second container 12, detection mechanism 60, movement mechanism 70, separation device 71, detection mechanism 55, and control device 50).

(Compression spring 90)
The compression spring 90 supplied by the spring supplying device 10 is a coil spring in which a wire 92 is wound in a spiral shape, as shown in Fig. 3. The compression spring 90 has an axial length 90L longer than a diameter 90R, as shown in Fig. 4. In this embodiment, the compression spring 90 has a constant diameter 90R in the axial direction. Note that the compression spring 90 may have a diameter that varies in the axial direction, and in this case, the diameter 90R refers to the maximum diameter.

Furthermore, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, in the compression spring 90, in a free state (i.e., in an unloaded state in which no load is applied), the wires 92 are spaced apart in the axial direction. That is, in the compression spring 90, in the free state, there are gaps 94 between the wires 92.

As such, since the compression springs 90 have gaps 94, when multiple compression springs 90 come into contact with each other, as shown in FIG. 5, the wires 92 of the compression springs 90 may enter the gaps 94 of the other compression springs 90, causing the compression springs 90 to become entangled.

The axial length 90L of the compression spring 90 in a free state is, for example, 50 mm or more and 55 mm or less. The diameter 90R of the compression spring 90 is, for example, 3 mm or more and 5 mm or less. In addition, the compression spring 90 is shown in a simplified form in Figures 2, 9, and 10.

(Support 80)
The support body 80 shown in Fig. 1 has a function of supporting each part of the spring supplying device 10. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 1, the support body 80 has a frame body 82, four support columns 84, and a support plate 86. Note that Fig. 1 illustrates three of the four support columns 84.

The frame body 82 is formed in a frame shape in a plan view. Specifically, the frame body 82 has a pair of rods 82X arranged along the Y direction with a gap in the X direction, and a pair of rods 82Y arranged along the X direction with a gap in the Y direction.

Of the pair of rods 82X, the +Y end and the -Y end of the rod 82X on the -X side are connected to the -X end of the pair of rods 82Y. The +Y end and the -Y end of the rod 82X on the +X side are connected to the +X end of the pair of rods 82Y.

The lower end of each of the four pillars 84 is grounded to the installation location (e.g., the floor) of the spring supply device 10. The upper end of each of the four pillars 84 is connected to the connection portion between each of the pair of rods 82X and each of the pair of rods 82Y.

The support plate 86 has the function of supporting the separation device 71. This support plate 86 is plate-shaped with its thickness direction in the Z direction (up and down direction), and is formed in a quadrangular shape (specifically, a square shape) in a plan view. Furthermore, the support plate 86 has four corners connected to each of the four supports 84 at the middle part of the four supports 84 in the Z direction (specifically, at a position closer to the -Z direction).

(First container 11)
The first container 11 shown in Figures 1 and 2 is an example of a "container". As shown in Figure 2, the first container 11 is a container that houses a plurality of compression springs 90. Specifically, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the first container 11 has a container body 13 and a mesh body 30.

The container body 13 is formed in a generally hemispherical shape that curves toward the -Z direction (downward). The container body 13 is also open in the +Z direction (upward) and the -Z direction (downward). This container body 13 constitutes the peripheral wall portion (i.e., the side wall portion) of the first container 11. In the first container 11, a plurality of compression springs 90 are housed through the upper opening of the container body 13.

As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the mesh body 30 is formed in a plate shape (flat shape) with the thickness direction being the vertical direction. The mesh body 30 is disposed at the bottom (lower end) of the container body 13, and constitutes the bottom part of the first container 11. In other words, the first container 11 is a container with a mesh-shaped bottom.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the mesh body 30 has a frame body 32 and a plurality of wires 34. The frame body 32 is formed in a frame shape in a plan view. The frame body 32 constitutes the outer frame of the mesh body 30. The plurality of wires 34 are arranged inside the frame body 32 along the Y direction at intervals in the X direction, and are also arranged along the X direction at intervals in the Y direction. In other words, the plurality of wires 34 are arranged in a lattice pattern. By arranging the wires 34 in this manner, the mesh body 30 has a net-like shape.

In this embodiment, the wires 34 are spaced equally apart in the X direction and in the Y direction. This forms square meshes 36 in the mesh body 30. The meshes 36 are gaps (i.e. spaces) surrounded by the wires 34. The meshes 36 function as outlets through which the compression springs 90 pass. Therefore, the mesh body 30 can be said to be a structure (member) that has multiple openings through which the compression springs 90 can pass.

The length 30L of one side of the mesh 36 is longer than the diameter 90R of the compression spring 90 (see FIG. 4) and shorter than the axial length 90L of the compression spring 90 (see FIG. 4). Specifically, the length 30L of one side of the mesh 36 is, for example, longer than twice the diameter 90R of the compression spring 90. Desirably, the length 30L of one side of the mesh 36 is, for example, longer than five times the diameter 90R of the compression spring 90. More desirably, the length 30L of one side of the mesh 36 is, for example, longer than seven times the diameter 90R of the compression spring 90. Also, the length 30L of one side of the mesh 36 is longer than half the axial length 90L of the compression spring 90. Note that, for example, the length 30L of one side of the mesh 36 is set to be 30 mm or more and 45 mm or less.

The diagonal length 30E of the mesh 36 is shorter than the axial length 90L of the compression spring 90. The diagonal length 30E of the mesh 36 is longer than half the axial length 90L of the compression spring 90.

The thickness 30T of the wire 34 is larger than the gap 94 (see FIG. 7) between the wires 92 in the free state of the compression spring 90. Furthermore, the thickness 30T of the wire 34 is larger than the pitch 90P (see FIG. 7) of the compression spring 90. The pitch 90P (see FIG. 7) is the distance between the centers of the wires 92 (adjacent to each other in the axial direction) along the axial direction of the compression spring 90.

In this embodiment, the mesh 36 is formed in a square shape, but this is not limited thereto. The mesh 36 may be, for example, a rectangle or other polygon. In this case, it is sufficient that the length of the short side is longer than the diameter 90R of the compression spring 90 and shorter than the axial length 90L of the compression spring 90.

(Limiting unit 47)
1 has a function of restricting movement of the net body 30 in the X direction and the Y direction. As shown in FIG. 1, a pair of the limiting portions 47 is provided on each of the pair of rods 82X. That is, four limiting portions 47 are provided on the support body 80.

In FIG. 1, the pair of limiting sections 47 provided on the bar material 82X on the +X direction side are not shown, but are arranged on the bar material 82X in a state where the pair of limiting sections 47 provided on the bar material 82X on the -X direction side are inverted in the X direction.

Specifically, the pair of limiting portions 47 are fixed to the outer surface of the bar 82X with a gap in the Y direction so as to protrude from the bar 82X in the +Z direction (upward).

The thickness of each of the four limiting portions 47 in the X direction is thinner than the X direction length of the mesh 36 (i.e., the length of one side, 30L). Also, the width of each of the four limiting portions 47 in the Y direction is equal to or slightly narrower than the Y direction length of the mesh 36 (i.e., the length of one side, 30L).

Each of the four limiting sections 47 is inserted into the mesh 36 and contacts the wires 34 of the mesh body 30 on the -Y and +Y sides, thereby limiting the movement of the mesh body 30 in the Y direction.

In addition, a pair of limiting sections 47 provided on the bar 82X on the -X side and a pair of limiting sections 47 provided on the bar 82X on the +X side each come into contact with the inside of the frame 32 of the net body 30, thereby limiting the movement of the net body 30 in the X direction. However, movement of the net body 30 in the +Z direction (upward) is permitted.

(Vibration mechanism 40)
The vibration mechanism 40 shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 is an example of a "vibration unit". The vibration mechanism 40 has a function of vibrating the first container 11 (specifically, the mesh body 30). Specifically, as shown in Fig. 2, the vibration mechanism 40 has a pair of cylinders 42 as a pair of driving units. As shown in Fig. 1, the pair of cylinders 42 are provided on each of the pair of rods 82Y.

In FIG. 1, the cylinder 42 provided on the bar 82Y on the -Y side is not shown, but it is arranged on the bar 82Y in a state where the cylinder 42 provided on the bar 82Y on the +Y side is inverted in the Y direction.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the cylinder 42 has a body 42A fixed to a rod 82Y via a fixing portion 83, and a rod 42B fixed to the mesh body 30 via an attachment portion 85. In the vibration mechanism 40, the pair of cylinders 42 extend and shorten the rod 42B to vibrate the first container 11 including the mesh body 30 in the Z direction (up and down direction). By vibrating the first container 11, the compression spring 90 housed in the first container 11 repeatedly comes into contact with and separates from the mesh body 30.

In this embodiment, the rod 42B is extended and retracted in both of the pair of cylinders 42. Also, in this embodiment, the pair of cylinders 42 are driven intermittently rather than continuously.

The pair of cylinders 42 may be driven alternately so that one of the pair of cylinders 42 extends the rod 42B and the other shortens the rod 42B.

(Second container 12)
The second container 12 shown in Figures 1 and 2 is an example of the "other container". The second container 12 is provided below the first container 11. As shown in Figure 2, the second container 12 is a container that houses the compression spring 90 that has dropped from the first container 11. Specifically, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the second container 12 has a container body 14, a shutter 16, and a rail member 18.

The container body 14 is formed in a tubular (specifically, cylindrical) shape. Specifically, the container body 14 is formed in a tapered shape that gradually reduces in diameter in the -Z direction (downward). Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2, the container body 14 is inclined with respect to the Z direction (up-down direction). In other words, the container body 14 intersects with the Z direction (up-down direction).

Furthermore, the container body 14 is open in the +Z direction (upward) and the -Z direction (downward). This container body 14 constitutes the peripheral wall portion (i.e., the side wall portion) of the second container 12.

8, the container body 14 has holes 66, 68 used for detection by the detection mechanism 60. Specifically, the holes 66, 68 are holes for passing light from a light emitting unit 62 of the detection mechanism 60, which will be described later. The holes 66, 68 are arranged in positions facing each other. The sizes 66L, 68L of the holes 66, 68 are smaller than the diameter 90R of the compression spring 90 (see FIG. 4). The sizes 66L, 68L of the holes 66, 68 are the maximum lengths of the holes 66, 68, and correspond to the hole diameters (inner diameters) when the holes 66, 68 are circular holes. The holes 66, 68 are not shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10.

The shutter 16 is an example of a "bottom plate." As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the shutter 16 is formed in a plate shape with its thickness direction extending vertically. The shutter 16 is disposed at the bottom (lower end) of the container body 14, and constitutes the bottom portion of the second container 12.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the rail members 18 are disposed on the +Y and -Y sides of the shutter 16. The rail members 18 support the shutter 16 so that it can move between the closed position shown in Figure 9 and the open position shown in Figure 10.

As shown in FIG. 9, in the closed position, the shutter 16 closes the lower opening of the container body 14. This allows the compression spring 90 to be stored in the second container 12.

Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 10, the shutter 16 opens the lower opening of the container body 14 in the open position. This causes the compression spring 90 housed in the second container 12 to fall downward.

(Detection mechanism 60)
The detection mechanism 60 shown in Figures 8 and 9 is an example of a "detection unit." This detection mechanism 60 has a function of detecting the amount of compression springs 90 in the second container 12. Specifically, the detection mechanism 60 is composed of a transmission type detection sensor, and has a light emitting unit 62 and a light receiving unit 64, as shown in Figure 8.

The light receiving unit 64 is disposed on the outside of the container body 14 so as to face the hole 68. The light receiving unit 64 is attached to the container body 14 or to an attachment portion (not shown) provided on the container body 14.

The light-emitting unit 62 is disposed on the outside of the container body 14 so as to face the hole 66. The light-emitting unit 62 is attached to the container body 14 or to an attachment portion (not shown) provided on the container body 14.

In the detection mechanism 60, light emitted from the light-emitting unit 62 passes through the holes 66, 68 and enters the light-receiving unit 64. Then, in the detection mechanism 60, when the compression springs 90 are contained in the second container 12 up to a predetermined height, the light from the light-emitting unit 62 to the light-receiving unit 64 continues to be blocked. This allows the detection mechanism 60 to detect that a predetermined amount of compression springs 90 has been contained in the second container 12. In this way, the detection mechanism 60 detects the amount of compression springs 90 in the second container 12 from outside the second container 12 using the holes 66, 68.

In this embodiment, the detection mechanism 60 is configured as a transmission type detection sensor, but is not limited to this. The detection mechanism 60 may be, for example, a reflection type detection sensor, or may be configured to detect the amount of compression spring 90 in the second container 12 by other detection means.

(Moving mechanism 70)
The moving mechanism 70 shown in Figures 1, 9 and 10 is a mechanism that moves the shutter 16 between the closed position shown in Figure 9 and the open position shown in Figure 10. Specifically, the moving mechanism 70 has a cylinder 72, as shown in Figures 1, 9 and 10. The cylinder 72 is attached to a mounting portion 87 that is provided across two support columns 84 arranged on the -X direction side, as shown in Figure 1.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the cylinder 72 has a body 72A fixed to an attachment portion 87, and as shown in FIG. 9, the rod 72B is fixed to the shutter 16 via a fixing portion 89. The movement mechanism 70 extends and retracts the rod 72B of the cylinder 72 to move the shutter 16 between the closed position shown in FIG. 9 and the open position shown in FIG. 10.

(Separation device 71)
The separation device 71 shown in Figures 1 and 2 is a device that separates a plurality of compression springs 90. In other words, it has a function of separating a plurality of compression springs 90 that could not be separated one by one in the first container 11. As shown in Figure 1, this separation device 71 is provided on a platform 79 placed on a support plate 86. Specifically, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the separation device 71 has an inlet 73, an apparatus body 75, and a discharge port 77.

In the separation device 71, the inlet 73 opens in the +Z direction (upward), and multiple compression springs 90 that have fallen from the second container 12 are introduced into the inside of the device body 75 through the inlet 73.

In addition, in the separation device 71, a rotating plate (not shown) that rotates with the Z direction as its axial direction is disposed inside the device body 75, and the multiple compression springs 90 introduced into the device body 75 are separated one by one by the centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the rotating plate. Furthermore, in the separation device 71, the compression springs 90 separated one by one are discharged through the discharge port 77 by the centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the rotating plate.

(Detection mechanism 55)
The detection mechanism 55 shown in FIG. 9 has a function of detecting the compression spring 90 discharged from the separation device 71. Specifically, the detection mechanism 55 is configured as a transmission type detection sensor, and has a light emitting unit 57 and a light receiving unit 59. The light emitting unit 57 and the light receiving unit 59 are attached to the outer wall near the discharge port 77 of the separation device 71 or to a mounting unit (not shown) provided on the outer wall. Furthermore, the discharge port 77 has a pair of holes (not shown) used for detection by the detection mechanism 55. Specifically, the pair of holes are holes for passing light from the light emitting unit 57 of the detection mechanism 55. The pair of holes are arranged at positions facing each other. The size of each of the pair of holes is smaller than the diameter 90R (see FIG. 4) of the compression spring 90. Note that the size of each of the pair of holes is the maximum length of the hole, and corresponds to the hole diameter (inner diameter) when the hole is a circular hole.

In the detection mechanism 55, the light from the light emitter 62 to the light receiver 64 is blocked by the compression spring 90 moving from the device body 75 of the separation device 71 toward the discharge port 77. This allows the detection mechanism 55 to detect the compression spring 90 being discharged from the separation device 71.

In this embodiment, the detection mechanism 55 is configured as a transmission type detection sensor, but is not limited to this. The detection mechanism 55 may be, for example, a reflection type detection sensor, or may be configured to detect the compression spring 90 discharged from the separation device 71 by other detection means.

(Control device 50)
The control device 50 is an example of a "control unit." The control device 50 is a device that controls the operation of each part of the spring supplying device 10. Specifically, the spring supplying device 10 has at least a function of controlling the drive of the vibration mechanism 40 and the opening and closing of the shutter 16. More specifically, the control device 50 has a recording unit composed of a ROM (read only memory) in which a program is recorded, a storage, etc., and a processor that operates according to the program.

The control device 50 performs the following control by reading and executing the program recorded in the recording unit. When the detection mechanism 60 detects a predetermined amount of the coil spring, the control device 50 performs control to stop the vibration of the vibration mechanism 40. Specifically, when the control device 50 obtains a detection result from the detection mechanism 60 that detects that a predetermined amount of compression springs 90 is contained in the second container 12, it performs control to stop the drive of the pair of cylinders 42 of the vibration mechanism 40.

In addition, the control device 50 controls the shutter 16 to move to the open position shown in FIG. 10 if the detection mechanism 55 does not detect the compression spring 90 for a predetermined time after the detection mechanism 60 detects a predetermined amount of the coil spring.

In other words, after the detection mechanism 60 detects a predetermined amount of the coil spring, the control device 50 keeps the shutter 16 closed while the compression spring 90 is being discharged (supplied) from the separation device 71, and opens the shutter 16 when the compression spring 90 is no longer discharged (supplied) from the separation device 71.

(Action according to this embodiment)
Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.

According to the spring supply device 10 of this embodiment, a plurality of entangled compression springs 90 are housed inside the first container 11 through the upper opening of the container body 13. When the pair of cylinders 42 of the vibration mechanism 40 are driven by drive control by the control device 50, the mesh body 30 vibrates.

As a result, the multiple entangled compression springs 90 are separated by contacting and separating from the mesh body 30. Here, the length 30L of one side of the mesh 36 of the mesh body 30 is longer than the diameter 90R (see FIG. 4) of the compression spring 90 and shorter than the axial length 90L (see FIG. 4) of the compression spring 90. Therefore, the separated compression springs 90 fall through the mesh 36 and are housed inside the second container 12.

When the detection mechanism 60 detects that a predetermined amount of compression springs 90 are contained in the second container 12, the vibration of the vibration mechanism 40 is stopped by drive control by the control device 50. If the detection mechanism 55 does not detect the compression springs 90 for a predetermined time after the detection mechanism 60 detects the predetermined amount of the coil springs, the shutter 16 is moved to the open position shown in FIG. 10 by drive control by the control device 50. As a result, the compression springs 90 contained in the second container 12 fall and are introduced into the inside of the device body 75 through the inlet 73 of the separation device 71.

The multiple compression springs 90 introduced into the device body 75 are separated one by one by centrifugal force caused by the rotation of a rotating plate (not shown) arranged inside the device body 75, and are discharged through the discharge port 77.

As described above, the spring supply device 10 makes it possible to separate and supply tangled compression springs 90 one by one.

In addition, in this embodiment, the thickness 30T (see FIG. 6) of the wire 34 of the mesh body 30 is larger than the gap 94 (see FIG. 7) between the wires 92 of the compression spring 90 in the free state. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the thickness 30T of the wire 34 is equal to or smaller than the gap 94 between the wires 92 of the compression spring 90 in the free state, the wire 34 is prevented from entering between the wires 92 of the compression spring 90. This prevents the compression spring 90 from getting caught on the mesh body 30.

In addition, in this embodiment, the thickness 30T of the wire 34 of the mesh body 30 is greater than the pitch 90P of the compression spring 90 (see FIG. 7). Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the thickness 30T of the wire 34 is equal to or smaller than the pitch 90P of the compression spring 90, the wire 34 is prevented from entering between the wires 92 of the compression spring 90. This prevents the compression spring 90 from getting caught on the mesh body 30.

In addition, in this embodiment, the diagonal length 30E of the mesh 36 (see FIG. 6) is shorter than the axial length 90L of the compression spring 90 (see FIG. 4). Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the diagonal length 30E of the mesh 36 is longer than the axial length 90L of the compression spring 90, the amount of the compression spring 90 falling from the mesh 36 is prevented from becoming unstable. In other words, compared to a configuration in which the diagonal length 30E of the mesh 36 is longer than the axial length 90L of the compression spring 90, there is less variation in the amount of the compression spring 90 falling from the mesh 36 per unit time (per unit number of vibrations).

In addition, in this embodiment, the diagonal length 30E of the mesh 36 is longer than half the axial length 90L of the compression spring 90. Therefore, the amount of compression spring 90 falling from the mesh 36 is prevented from becoming unstable, compared to a configuration in which the diagonal length 30E of the mesh 36 is shorter than half the axial length 90L of the compression spring 90. In other words, the variation in the amount of compression spring 90 falling from the mesh 36 per unit time (per unit vibration) is smaller, compared to a configuration in which the diagonal length 30E of the mesh 36 is shorter than half the axial length 90L of the compression spring 90.

In addition, in this embodiment, the length 30L of one side of the mesh 36 is longer than five times the diameter 90R of the compression spring 90. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the length 30L of one side of the mesh 36 is five times or less the diameter 90R of the compression spring 90, the amount of compression spring 90 that falls from the mesh 36 is less unstable. In other words, compared to a configuration in which the length 30L of one side of the mesh 36 is five times or less the diameter 90R of the compression spring 90, there is less variation in the amount of compression spring 90 that falls from the mesh 36 per unit time (per unit number of vibrations).

In addition, in this embodiment, when the detection mechanism 60 detects a predetermined amount of the coil spring, the vibration of the vibration mechanism 40 stops. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the vibration mechanism 40 performs the vibration operation regardless of the amount of compression springs 90 in the second container 12, the supply amount of compression springs 90 supplied from the first container 11 to the second container 12 is prevented from becoming unstable. Compared to a configuration in which the vibration mechanism 40 performs the vibration operation regardless of the amount of compression springs 90 in the second container 12, there is less variation in the supply amount of compression springs 90 supplied from the first container 11 to the second container 12.

In addition, in this embodiment, after the detection mechanism 60 detects a predetermined amount of the coil spring, the shutter 16 is opened when the compression spring 90 is discharged from the separation device 71 and disappears. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the shutter 16 is opened and closed regardless of the amount of compression spring 90 in the second container 12, the supply amount of compression spring 90 supplied from the second container 12 is prevented from becoming unstable. Compared to a configuration in which the shutter 16 is opened and closed regardless of the amount of compression spring 90 in the second container 12, there is less variation in the supply amount of compression spring 90 supplied from the second container 12 per opening and closing operation of the shutter 16.

In addition, in this embodiment, the sizes 66L, 68L of the holes 66, 68 are smaller than the diameter 90R of the compression spring 90.

Here, in a configuration in which the sizes 66L, 68L of the holes 66, 68 are larger than the diameter 90R of the compression spring 90 (hereinafter referred to as a first configuration), dust generated when the compression spring 90 falls tends to accumulate in the holes 66, 68, or the compression spring 90 itself tends to get caught in the holes 66, 68. This may block the light from the light-emitting unit 62 to the light-receiving unit 64, causing the detection mechanism 60 to make a false detection.

In contrast, in this embodiment, the sizes 66L, 68L of the holes 66, 68 are smaller than the diameter 90R of the compression spring 90, so that the detection mechanism 60 is less likely to make erroneous detections compared to the first configuration.

(Modifications of the compression spring 90)
In the present embodiment, the compression spring 90 is used as an example of a coil spring, but is not limited thereto. For example, as shown in Fig. 11, an example of a coil spring may be a tension coil spring 190 (hereinafter, referred to as "tension spring 190").

As shown in FIG. 11, the tension spring 190 is a coil spring in which wire 192 is wound in a spiral shape, and has hook portions 195 at both axial ends. As shown in FIG. 12, the tension spring 190 has an axial length 190L that is longer than its diameter 190R. In this embodiment, the tension spring 190 has a constant diameter 90R in the axial direction. The tension spring 190 may have a diameter that varies in the axial direction, in which case the diameter 90R refers to the maximum diameter. As shown in FIG. 12, the axial length 190L of the tension spring 190 includes the hook portions 195.

Furthermore, unlike the compression spring 90, the tension spring 190 has wires 92 in contact with each other in the axial direction in a free state (i.e., an unloaded state in which no load is applied), but as shown in FIG. 13, the hook portions 195 may catch on each other, causing the tension springs 190 to become entangled.

(Other Modifications)
In this embodiment, the control device 50 controls the shutter 16 to move to the open position shown in Figure 10 when the detection mechanism 55 does not detect the compression spring 90 for a predetermined time after the detection mechanism 60 detects a predetermined amount of the coil spring, but this is not limited to this.

The control device 50 may be configured to control the shutter 16 to move to the open position shown in FIG. 10 when the detection mechanism 60 detects a predetermined amount of the coil spring, regardless of the detection of the detection mechanism 55 (regardless of whether the compression spring 90 is being supplied from the separation device 71). In other words, the control device 50 may control the shutter 16 to close until the detection mechanism 60 detects the predetermined amount of the compression spring 90, and to open the shutter 16 when the detection mechanism 60 detects the predetermined amount of the compression spring 90.

This configuration prevents the supply of compression spring 90 from the second container 12 from becoming unstable, compared to a configuration in which the shutter 16 is opened and closed regardless of the amount of compression spring 90 in the second container 12.

In this embodiment, the spring supplying device 10 is equipped with a separation device 71, but this is not limited to the above. The spring supplying device 10 may be configured not to have a separation device 71. In this configuration, the second container 12, the detection mechanism 60, the movement mechanism 70, and the detection mechanism 55 may not be included. In other words, the compression spring 90 may be supplied directly from the first container 11 without passing through the second container 12 and the separation device 71.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications, changes, and improvements are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the above-described modified examples may be combined as appropriate.

10 Spring supply device 11 First container (an example of a container)
12 Second container (an example of another container)
13 Container body 14 Container body (an example of a side wall)
16 Shutter (an example of a bottom plate)
30 Mesh body 30E Diagonal length 30L Side length 30T Thickness 34 Wire material 36 Mesh 40 Vibration mechanism (an example of a vibration part)
50 Control device (an example of a control unit)
60 Detection mechanism (an example of a detection unit)
66 Hole 68 Hole 90 Compression coil spring (an example of a coil spring)
90L Axial length 90P Pitch 90R Diameter 92 Wire 94 Gap 190 Tension coil spring (an example of a coil spring)
190L Axial length 190R Diameter

Claims (3)

a container that houses a plurality of compression coil springs whose axial length is longer than their diameters, the container having a mesh-shaped bottom, the length of one side of the mesh being longer than five times the diameter and shorter than the axial length, the length of a diagonal of the mesh being longer than half the axial length and shorter than the axial length, and the thickness of wires forming the mesh being larger than gaps between wires of the compression coil springs in a free state ;
A vibration unit that vibrates the container in a vertical direction;
Another container is provided below the container and has a bottom plate that is opened and closed by sliding in a direction intersecting the up-down direction;
A detection unit that detects the amount of the compression coil spring in the other container;
a control unit that closes the bottom plate until the detection unit detects a predetermined amount of the compression coil spring, and when the detection unit detects the predetermined amount of the compression coil spring, stops vibration of the vibration unit and controls to open the bottom plate;
A spring supplying device comprising: 2. The spring supplying device according to claim 1 , wherein the wire has a thickness greater than a pitch of the compression coil spring. The other container has a hole in a side wall intersecting with the vertical direction, the hole having a size smaller than a diameter of the compression coil spring,
The spring supplying device according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the detection unit detects the amount of the compression coil springs in the other container from outside the other container by using the hole.