JP7722153B2 - feeding device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a supply device.

Patent Document 1 below discloses a component transfer device that vibrates a platform with narrow grooves, causing the legs of components with heads to fall into the grooves, and receives the heads at the upper edges of the grooves, aligning them sequentially and transferring them. The device also features a rotor with a protrusion at the top of the grooves, allowing components with overlapping heads to be removed when transferred.

Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 48-92674

For example, in a supply device that supplies parts that have a head and a leg with a smaller diameter than the head, if a groove is formed in the direction that the part moves, there is a concern that the leg of the part may have difficulty fitting into the groove.

The objective of this disclosure is to provide a supply device that can improve the part supply rate compared to when grooves are formed in a direction that aligns with the direction in which the parts move.

The supply device according to the first aspect comprises a moving unit that moves components having a head and legs with a smaller diameter than the head in one direction on a plate surface; a plurality of grooves formed on the plate surface that extend in a direction intersecting the one direction at an acute angle and that allow the legs of components moving in the one direction on the plate surface to be received and align the components; and a gate that straddles the plurality of grooves and allows the heads of components whose legs have entered the grooves to pass through but restricts the passage of other components.

The supply device according to the second aspect is the supply device according to the first aspect, wherein, in a plan view, when an imaginary line extending in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the grooves intersects with one groove as a first intersection point and an imaginary line extending in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the grooves intersects with another groove downstream of the first intersection point in the one direction as a second intersection point, the linear edge portion on the component inlet side of the gate is inclined so as to intersect with the one groove downstream of the first intersection point in the one direction and intersect with the other groove upstream of the second intersection point in the one direction.

The supply device according to the third aspect is the supply device according to the second aspect, further comprising a pair of guide portions on both sides of the moving portion in a direction intersecting the one direction, the guide portions protruding from the plate surface of the moving portion and guiding the component along the direction in which the grooves extend, and the distance between one of the guide portions on the first intersection side and one of the grooves in a plan view is greater than the distance between the other guide portion on the second intersection side and the other groove.

The supply device according to the fourth aspect is the supply device according to the second or third aspect, but supplies a part in which a washer is provided integrally with the head on the side of the leg portion of the head.

The supply device according to the fifth aspect is the supply device according to the first aspect, wherein the gate section is provided on the component inlet side with an injection section that injects gas toward the upper side of the plate surface of the moving section.

The supply device according to the sixth aspect is the supply device according to the fifth aspect, wherein the injection section is a first injection port that injects gas from the longitudinal center of the gate section toward the upstream side in the one direction, and further includes second injection ports that are located on both longitudinal sides of the gate section, protrude from the plate surface of the moving section, and are provided on each of a pair of guide sections that guide the component, and inject gas toward the first injection port.

The supply device according to the seventh aspect is the supply device according to the sixth aspect, wherein a wall portion is provided at a position facing the first jet nozzle on the upstream side of the moving section in the one direction, protruding from the plate surface of the moving section, and against which the component blown by the gas jetted from the first jet nozzle can collide.

The supply device according to the eighth aspect is the supply device according to the sixth or seventh aspect, wherein the second injection port is provided at the tip of a pair of flow path pipes that protrude from each of the pair of guide sections located on both longitudinal sides of the gate section toward the longitudinal center of the gate section.

The supply device according to the ninth aspect is the supply device according to the eighth aspect, wherein the height of the second jet nozzle from the plate surface of the moving part is greater than the height of the first jet nozzle from the plate surface of the moving part.

The supply device according to the tenth aspect is the supply device according to the eighth or ninth aspect, in which a guide wall that guides the component toward the second injection port is provided on the plate surface upstream of the flow path pipe in the one direction.

The supply device according to an eleventh aspect is the supply device according to any one of the fifth to tenth aspects, wherein the plate surface of the moving section has a plurality of downstream grooves connected to the plurality of grooves on the downstream side in the one direction relative to the gate section, and the downstream grooves are continuous with a first inclined surface that slopes upward from the gate section side and a second inclined surface that slopes downward from the first inclined surface via a ridge line toward the opposite side of the gate section, or a horizontal surface that slopes horizontally from the first inclined surface via the ridge line.

The supply device according to the twelfth aspect is the supply device according to any one of the fifth to eleventh aspects, and supplies a component including a washer disposed on the head side of the leg portion and movable relative to the head portion, and a spring washer disposed between the head portion and the washer.

The supply device according to the first aspect can improve the part supply rate compared to when grooves are formed in a direction parallel to the direction in which the parts move.

With the supply device of the second aspect, parts are less likely to gather on the side of other grooves in the longitudinal direction of the gate when viewed from above, compared to when the edge of the gate on the part inlet side extends perpendicular to the extension direction of the grooves.

With the supply device according to the third aspect, the supply rate of components in the other groove can be made closer to the supply rate of components in the first groove compared to when the distance between one guide portion on the first intersection side and one groove portion in a plan view is equal to or less than the distance between the other guide portion on the second intersection side and the other groove portion.

The supply device according to the fourth aspect can improve the supply rate of parts, even for parts with washers, which tend to clog more easily than parts without washers.

The supply device according to the fifth aspect can prevent components from accumulating near the gate, compared to when gas is not injected at the component inlet side of the gate.

The supply device according to the sixth aspect can prevent parts from accumulating near the gate section, compared to a device having only a first injection port that injects gas from the longitudinal center of the gate section toward the upstream side in one direction.

The supply device according to the seventh aspect is more effective at promoting the flow of parts on the plate surface than when the plate surface upstream of the gate in one direction is flat.

With the supply device according to the eighth aspect, parts that are correctly positioned with their legs in the grooves are less likely to be blown away compared to when a second injection port is provided on each of the pair of guide sections located on both longitudinal sides of the gate section.

With the supply device according to the ninth aspect, parts that do not fit into the grooves in the moving part are more likely to fit into the grooves than when the height of the first and second jet nozzles from the plate surface of the moving part are the same.

The supply device according to the tenth aspect reduces the accumulation of components on the upstream side of the flow path pipe compared to when the plate surface on the upstream side in one direction relative to the flow path pipe is flat.

The supply device according to the eleventh aspect reduces entanglement of parts aligned in the downstream groove compared to when the groove is provided on a flat surface in one direction downstream of the gate.

The supply device according to the twelfth aspect is less likely to cause parts to get stuck near the gate, even when supplying parts that have a spring washer between the head and a washer that is movable relative to the head.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a supply device according to a first embodiment; FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the supply device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a side view showing the supply device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a screw supplied by the supply device according to the first embodiment. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a moving portion and a gate portion of the supply device according to the first embodiment, taken along a direction intersecting one direction. FIG. FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a supply device according to a second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a supply device according to a third embodiment; FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a supply device according to a third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a side view showing a supply device according to a third embodiment. FIG. 11 is a front view showing a screw supplied by a supply device according to a third embodiment. FIG. 11 is an enlarged perspective view showing the upstream side of a moving unit and a gate unit in the supply direction of a supply device according to a third embodiment. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along a direction intersecting one direction, showing the upstream side of a moving section and a gate section in the supply direction of a supply device according to a third embodiment. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along a downstream groove portion, illustrating the downstream side in the supply direction of a moving portion and a gate portion of a supply device according to a third embodiment.

The following describes embodiments for implementing the technology of the present disclosure. In the following description, the direction indicated by arrow X (X direction) as appropriate in the drawings is the device width direction (horizontal direction), the direction indicated by arrow Y (Y direction) is the device height direction (vertical direction), and the direction indicated by arrow Z (Z direction) is the device depth direction (horizontal direction). Note that the term "device width direction" is primarily used to mean "both the X direction and the direction opposite the X direction (the direction opposite to the X direction)." The term "device height direction" is primarily used to mean "both the Y direction and the direction opposite the Y direction (the direction opposite to the Y direction)." The term "device depth direction" is primarily used to mean "both the Z direction and the direction opposite the Z direction (the direction opposite to the Z direction)." The device width direction, device height direction, and device depth direction intersect with each other (specifically, are perpendicular directions).

First Embodiment
Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a supply device 10 according to a first embodiment, Fig. 2 shows a plan view of the supply device 10, and Fig. 3 shows a side view of the supply device 10.

<Overall configuration of supply device>
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 , the supply device 10 includes a moving device 12 that moves multiple screws S1 on a plate surface 22 in one direction (direction A), and a conveying device 14 that conveys the screws S1 moved by the moving device 12 and aligns them in multiple rows (two rows in this embodiment). The screws S1 aligned by the conveying device 14 are accommodated in multiple (two in this embodiment) screw receiving bodies 16 in a single row. The screws S1 accommodated in the screw receiving bodies 16 are supplied to other manufacturing equipment, not shown. Here, the screws S1 are an example of a part. In this embodiment, the moving device 12 conveys the multiple screws S1 in one direction (direction A) that intersects with the X direction. The conveying device 14 is provided downstream of the moving device 12 in the one direction (direction A). In FIGS. 1 and 2 , the number of multiple screws S1 is shown as fewer than the actual number to make the configuration of the supply device 10 easier to understand.

<Configuration of the mobile device>
The moving device 12 is supported by a support unit 62 installed on a base 60 (see FIGS. 1 and 3). The moving device 12 includes a moving unit 20 that moves the screw S1 on the plate surface 22 in one direction (direction A) (see FIGS. 1 and 2). The plate surface 22 is rectangular in plan view, and the direction in which the screw S1 moves (direction A) intersects with a side 22A along the longitudinal direction of the plate surface 22. In other words, the side 22A along the longitudinal direction of the plate surface 22 is arranged along the device width direction (direction X), and the direction in which the screw S1 moves (direction A) intersects with the device width direction (direction X). Here, a plan view refers to a case in which the object is viewed from above in the vertical direction (direction Y).

The moving device 12 also has multiple (two in this embodiment) grooves 24 formed on the plate surface 22 along the device width direction (X direction), and a gate 26 extending across the multiple grooves 24 (see Figures 1 and 2). Here, the gate 26 is an example of a gate.

(Screw)
As shown in Figure 4, the screw S1 has a head 2A, a leg 2B with a smaller diameter than the head 2A, and a washer 2C located on the leg 2B side of the head 2A. The washer 2C is provided integrally with the head 2A and is configured so that the washer 2C does not move separately from the head 2A. A cross-shaped groove is provided in the head 2A, and a screw groove is formed in the leg 2B.

(Moving part)
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the moving unit 20 includes a diaphragm 18 that is rectangular when viewed in the opposite direction (opposite the Y direction) from a plan view. The diaphragm 18 is supported by a support portion 62 while being arranged horizontally (see FIGS. 1 and 3 ). Specifically, the diaphragm 18 has a rectangular shape with two longitudinal sides (one side 18A and the other side opposite to the other side 18A) extending in one direction (direction A) and two lateral sides extending in a direction perpendicular to the one direction (direction A), and is supported by the support portion 62. An actuator 36, such as a vibrator, that vibrates the diaphragm 18 is fixed to the lower surface of the diaphragm 18. That is, the moving unit 20 includes an actuator 36 (see FIG. 3 ) that vibrates the diaphragm 18. A plate 22B is fixed to the diaphragm 18 so that the upper surface of the diaphragm 18 and the lower surface of the plate 22B are in contact with each other. The moving unit 20 vibrates the vibration plate 18 using the actuator 36, thereby moving the screw S1 on the plate surface 22 provided on the top of the vibration plate 18 in one direction (direction A). In this embodiment, the one direction (direction A) in which the screw S1 on the plate surface 22 moves is a direction along one longitudinal side 18A of the vibration plate 18. Note that the plate surface 22 (i.e., the upper surface of the plate 22B) is arranged along the horizontal direction when the vibration plate 18 is not vibrating. Note that the plate 22B and the plate surface 22B, which is the upper surface of the plate 22B, are rectangular in shape with two longitudinal sides (one side 22A and the other side opposite the one side 22A) extending in the X direction and two lateral sides extending in the Z direction.

A pair of guide sections 30, 32 protruding from the plate surface 22 are provided on both sides of the moving section 20 in a direction (Z direction) intersecting one direction (A direction). The pair of guide sections 30, 32 function to guide the screw S1 moving in one direction (A direction) on the plate surface 22. The pair of guide sections 30, 32 are made of plate material, and the side walls of the pair of guide sections 30, 32 are arranged along one edge 22A of the plate surface 22 in the longitudinal direction (X direction). In other words, the side walls of the pair of guide sections 30, 32 are fixed to two edges (two side walls) of the plate 22B along the longitudinal direction (X direction). One guide section 30 is arranged on the far side in the device depth direction (Z direction), and the other guide section 32 is arranged on the near side in the device depth direction (Z direction) (see Figure 2).

(Multiple Grooves)
1 and 2, the plurality of grooves 24 (two in this embodiment) are recesses formed in the plate surface 22 and extend in a direction (X direction) that intersects with one direction (A direction) at an acute angle. The plurality of grooves 24 (two in this embodiment) are arranged at intervals in a direction (Z direction) that intersects with the longitudinal direction (X direction) of the plate surface 22. In this embodiment, the grooves 24 are arranged along one side 22A along the longitudinal direction of the plate surface 22. In other words, the grooves 24 are arranged along the device width direction (X direction).

The direction (A direction) in which the screw S1 moves is along the longitudinal direction of the rectangular vibration plate 18 that vibrates the plate surface 22. In FIG. 2, the direction (A direction) is along the longitudinal center line C1 of the vibration plate 18. In this embodiment, the groove 24 extends in a direction that intersects the direction (A direction) at an acute angle toward the rear side of the device depth direction (Z direction) with respect to the direction (A direction). The angle θ1 at which the direction (A direction) intersects with the groove 24 is preferably 3° to 60°, more preferably 7° to 40°, and even more preferably 10° to 30°.

The depth of the groove 24 in the vertical direction (Y direction) is greater than the length of the leg 2B of the screw S1. Furthermore, the width of the groove 24 in the direction (Z direction) intersecting the longitudinal direction (X direction) of the plate surface 22 is greater than the outer diameter of the leg 2B of the screw S1 and smaller than the outer diameter of the head 2A and washer 2C (see Figure 5). In this embodiment, only the leg 2B of the screw S1 fits into the groove 24. That is, when the entire length of the leg 2B of the screw S1 is fitted into the groove 24, the head 2A and washer 2C of the screw S1 do not fit into the groove 24, and the washer 2C comes into contact with the plate surface 22. As a result, the groove 24 accommodates the leg 2B of the screw S1 advancing in one direction (A direction) on the plate surface 22, aligning the screw S1. In other words, the multiple grooves 24 (two in this embodiment) function as alignment paths for aligning the screw S1 along the longitudinal direction.

The pair of guide portions 30, 32 are arranged along the direction in which the groove portion 24 extends (X direction). In other words, the pair of guide portions 30, 32 are arranged along a direction (X direction) that intersects with one direction (A direction).

(Gate section)
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the gate portion 26 is disposed in a direction intersecting one direction (direction A) and across a plurality of (two in this embodiment) groove portions 24. As shown in FIG. 5 , the gate portion 26 is disposed above the plate surface 22 so that its lower surface is in contact with the plate surface 22. A plurality of (two in this embodiment) groove portions 24 are provided below the gate portion 26. Through-holes 38 through which the head 2A of the screw S1 and the washer 2C can pass are provided at positions corresponding to the plurality of groove portions 24 in the gate portion 26. The number of through-holes 38 corresponds to the number of (two in this embodiment) groove portions 24. The through-holes 38 are rectangular when viewed from the device width direction (X direction) and penetrate the gate portion 26 in the X direction while connected to the groove portions 24. As a result, the gate portion 26 is configured to allow the head 2A and washer 2C of the screw S1 whose leg portion 2B is in the groove portion 24 to pass through, but to restrict the passage of other screws S1.

As shown in FIG. 2 , the gate portion 26 has a triangular shape in a plan view, with the corner of the triangle with the smallest angle cut out. The cut-out corner of the gate portion 26 contacts one guide portion 30 located at the back side in the device depth direction (Z direction). The side of the gate portion 26 opposite the corner with the smallest angle contacts the other guide portion 32 located at the front side in the device depth direction (Z direction). The gate portion 26 has a linear edge portion 26A on the screw inlet side and a linear edge portion 26B on the screw outlet side. That is, the edge portion 26A on the screw inlet side of the gate portion 26 is located upstream in one direction (direction A) of the gate portion 26. The edge portion 26B on the screw outlet side of the gate portion 26 is located downstream in one direction (direction A) of the gate portion 26. The screw inlet side is an example of a component inlet side.

The edge 26B on the screw outlet side is arranged in a direction that intersects with one direction (direction A). In this embodiment, the edge 26B on the screw outlet side is arranged along a direction (direction Z) that is perpendicular to the direction in which the two grooves 24 extend (direction X).

The edge 26A on the screw entry side is arranged in a direction that intersects with the direction in which the two grooves 24 extend (X direction) and also intersects with one direction (A direction).

More specifically, as shown in Figure 2, in a plan view, an imaginary line L1 extending in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction (X direction) of the two grooves 24 (Z direction) intersects with one groove 24A at a first intersection IP1, and an imaginary line L1 intersects with the other groove 24B downstream in one direction (A direction) from the first intersection IP1 at a second intersection IP2. In Figure 2, of the two grooves 24, one groove 24A is the groove located at the far end in the device depth direction (Z direction), and the other groove 24B is the groove located at the near end in the device depth direction (Z direction). The screw entry side edge 26A of the gate 26 is inclined so as to intersect with one groove 24A downstream in one direction (A direction) from the first intersection IP1 and intersect with the other groove 24B upstream in one direction (A direction) from the second intersection IP2. In this embodiment, when there is no need to distinguish between one groove portion 24A and another groove portion 24B, they will be referred to as groove portion 24.

In this embodiment, the angle between the edge 26A on the screw inlet side of the gate portion 26 and the groove portion 24 on the upstream side of the gate portion 26 is greater than 90°. For example, the angle between the edge 26A on the screw inlet side of the gate portion 26 and the groove portion 24 on the upstream side of the gate portion 26 is preferably 100° or greater, and more preferably 110° or greater.

(Positional relationship between groove and guide portion)
2, in a plan view, the distance D1 between one guide portion 30 on the first intersection IP1 side and one groove portion 24A is greater than the distance D2 between the other guide portion 32 on the second intersection IP2 side and the other groove portion 24B. In other words, in a plan view, the distance D1 between the one groove portion 24A arranged on the side of one guide portion 30 and the guide portion 30 is greater than the distance D2 between the other groove portion 24B arranged on the side of the other guide portion 32 and the guide portion 32.

<Configuration of the conveying device>
1 to 3, the conveying device 14 is provided with an inclined section 50 that is arranged on the downstream side of the plate surface 22 in one direction (direction A) so as to slope downward toward the opposite side of the plate surface 22. The inclined section 50 is attached in an inclined state by a mounting section 64 that is installed on a base 60. On the upper part of the inclined section 50, two inclined plates 52 are provided that are arranged downstream in the movement direction of the screw S1 that moves through the two grooves 24 of the plate surface 22, and two screw receiving bodies 16 are provided downstream of the inclined plates 52 in the movement direction of the screw S1.

The inclined plate 52 has grooves 54 formed therein that are arranged to connect to the grooves 24 on the plate surface 22. The grooves 54 extend in the X direction in a plan view. The width and depth of the grooves 54 in the device depth direction (Z direction) are the same as those of the grooves 24, and the legs 2B of the screws S1 fit into the grooves 54. The inclination of the inclined plate 52 allows the screws S1 to be transported in a single line in the grooves 54 due to gravity.

The screws S1 are transported aligned in a row in the grooves 54 of the inclined plate 52 and are then stored in the screw storage body 16 in a row.

<Action and effect>
Next, the operation and effects of this embodiment will be described.

In the supply device 10, the vibration plate 18 of the moving unit 20 vibrates, causing the screw S1 on the plate surface 22 to move in one direction (direction A) on the plate surface 22. The plate surface 22 is formed with multiple (two in this embodiment) grooves 24 extending in a direction (direction X) that intersects the one direction (direction A) at an acute angle (see Figure 2). Therefore, the screw S1 moving in one direction (direction A) on the plate surface 22 has a greater chance of crossing the grooves 24 than if the grooves were formed along the one direction (direction A). In other words, the leg 2B of the screw S1 moving in one direction (direction A) on the plate surface 22 is more likely to enter the multiple grooves 24 than if the grooves were formed along the one direction (direction A). This allows the supply device 10 to insert the leg 2B of the screw S1 into the multiple grooves 24, improving the probability (accuracy) of the screw S1 being aligned with the multiple grooves 24 (see Figures 1 and 2). Furthermore, the supply device 10 improves the supply rate of screws S1, as the vibration of the vibration plate 18 of the moving part 20 causes screws S1 with their legs 2B inserted into the grooves 24 to be transported along the grooves 24 toward the transport device 14 and supplied to the screw holder 16.

The supply device 10 has a gate section 26 that spans multiple groove sections 24. The gate section 26 has a through section 38 above the groove section 24. The through section 38 in the gate section 26 allows the head 2A of a screw S1 whose leg 2B is in the groove 24 to pass through, while restricting the passage of other screws S1 (see Figure 5). In other words, only screws S1 with a normal (correct) posture, in which all of their legs 2B are in the groove 24, can pass through the gate section 26.

After passing through the gate 26, the screws S1 move along the groove 24 and are transported to the transport device 14. In the transport device 14, a groove 54 is provided on the inclined plate 52, which is arranged to connect to the groove 24. The inclination of the inclined plate 52 transports the screws S1 along the groove 54. The screws S1 are then stored in the screw storage body 16 in a single row.

In the above-described supply device 10, multiple (two in this embodiment) grooves 24 extending in a direction (X direction) that intersects one direction (A direction) at an acute angle are formed on the plate surface 22. This makes it easier for the leg 2B of the screw S1 traveling in one direction (A direction) on the plate surface 22 to enter the multiple grooves 24. Therefore, the supply device 10 can improve the supply rate of the screw S1 compared to when the grooves 24 are formed in the direction along the one direction (A direction) in which the screw S1 moves. The supply rate refers to the number of parts (in this embodiment, the number of screws S1) that pass through the gate 26 per hour.

In addition, in the supply device 10, as shown in FIG. 2, in a plan view, an imaginary line L1 extending along a direction (Z direction) perpendicular to the extension direction (X direction) of the two grooves 24 intersects with one groove 24A at a first intersection point IP1, and an intersection point with the other groove 24B downstream in one direction (A direction) from the first intersection point IP1 is a second intersection point IP2. In this case, the screw inlet side edge 26A of the gate portion 26 is inclined so as to intersect with one groove 24A downstream in one direction (A direction) from the first intersection point IP1, and to intersect with the other groove 24B upstream in one direction (A direction) from the second intersection point IP2.

As a comparative example, we will now consider a case in which the screw entry edge 26A of the gate 26 is positioned on an imaginary line L1 perpendicular to the groove 24. In this case, as shown in FIG. 2 , in one direction (direction A), the length E1 from the upstream end of the vibration plate 18 on the one guide 30 side to the imaginary line L1 is longer than the length E2 from the upstream end of the vibration plate 18 on the other guide 32 side to the imaginary line L1. Therefore, the screws S1 tend to gather (concentrate) in the region F on the screw entry side of the gate 26 on the side with the longer length E2 from the upstream end of the vibration plate 18 to the imaginary line L1. As a result, the gathered screws S1 on the other guide 32 side tend to obstruct the passage of even properly positioned screws S1 through the gate 26. Furthermore, the screws S1 concentrated in region F are less likely to move toward the one guide 30 side even when the vibration plate 18 vibrates. As a result, the number of normal screws S1 passing through the gate portion 26 on one guide portion 30 side tends to decrease.

In contrast, in the feed device 10 of this embodiment, the screw entry side edge 26A of the gate portion 26 is inclined so that it intersects with one groove portion 24A downstream in one direction (direction A) from the first intersection point IP1 and intersects with the other groove portion 24B upstream in one direction (direction A) from the second intersection point IP2. That is, in a plan view, the gate portion 26 is positioned so as to overlap with region F on the other guide portion 32 side, and the screw entry side edge 26A of the gate portion 26 is positioned upstream of region F. As a result, screws S1 moving in one direction (direction A) are prevented from concentrating in region F upstream of the screw entry side edge 26A of the gate portion 26, and are more likely to move toward one guide portion 30 relative to one groove portion 24A on the plate surface 22 and toward the opposite side of the other guide portion 32 relative to the other groove portion 24B on the plate surface 22. This prevents the screws S1 from concentrating in specific areas on the plate surface 22, such as area F, and allows them to move more easily on the plate surface 22. In other words, the leg 2B of the screw S1 that is on one guide section 30 side of one groove 24A on the plate surface 22 can easily enter the one groove 24A, and the leg 2B of the screw S1 that is on the opposite side of the other guide section 32 of the other groove 24B on the plate surface 22 can easily enter the one groove 24A or the other groove 24B. Furthermore, the leg 2B of the screw S1 that is on the other guide section 32 side of the other groove 24B on the plate surface 22 can easily enter the other groove 24B.

As a result, in the supply device 10, the screws S1 are prevented from concentrating on the side of other grooves 24B in the longitudinal direction of the gate portion 26 in a plan view, compared to when the edge 26A on the screw entry side of the gate portion 26 extends in a direction (Z direction) perpendicular to the extension direction of the grooves 24 (X direction). In other words, in the supply device 10, the screws S1 are prevented from concentrating on a specific area on the plate surface 22, making it easier for the screws S1 to move on the plate surface 22, and ultimately improving the supply rate of the screws S1, compared to when the edge 26A on the screw entry side of the gate portion 26 extends in a direction (Z direction) perpendicular to the extension direction of the grooves 24 (X direction).

As shown in FIG. 2, in the supply device 10, in a plan view, the distance D1 between one guide portion 30 on the first intersection IP1 side and one groove portion 24A is greater than the distance D2 between the other guide portion 32 on the second intersection IP2 side and the other groove portion 24B. This makes it more likely that the screw S1 will be present in the area opposite the other guide portion 32 relative to the other groove portion 24B (i.e., the area toward the center of the other groove portion 24B on the plate surface 22 in the device depth direction (Z direction)), increasing the probability that the screw S1 will enter the one groove portion 24A or the other groove portion 24B.

For this reason, with the supply device 10, the supply rate of the screw S1 in the other groove portion 24B can be made closer to the supply rate of the screw S1 in the one groove portion 24A compared to when the distance D1 between one guide portion 30 on the first intersection point IP1 side and one groove portion 24A in a plan view is equal to or less than the distance D2 between the other guide portion 32 on the second intersection point IP2 side and the other groove portion 24B.

In addition, the screw S1 has a washer 2C attached to the head 2A on the side of the leg 2B, which is integral with the head 2A. Therefore, the feeder 10 can improve the feed rate of screws S1 even when the screws S1 have washers 2C, which are more prone to clogging than screws S1 without washers 2C.

Second Embodiment
Next, a supply device according to a second embodiment will be described. Note that the same components as those in the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

Figure 6 shows a supply device 70 of the second embodiment. As shown in Figure 6, the supply device 70 includes a moving device 12 and a conveying device 14. The moving device 12 includes a moving section 20 that moves the screw S1 on the plate surface 72 in one direction (direction A). The moving device 12 also includes multiple (two in this embodiment) grooves 74 formed on the plate surface 72 and extending in a direction (direction X) that intersects the one direction (direction A) at an acute angle, and a gate section 76 provided across the multiple grooves 74. Here, the gate section 76 is an example of a gate section.

A pair of guide sections 80, 82 protruding from the plate surface 72 are provided on both sides of the moving section 20 in a direction intersecting one direction (direction A) (specifically, a direction perpendicular to direction A). One guide section 80 is located on the front side in the device depth direction (direction Z), and the other guide section 82 is located on the back side in the device depth direction (direction Z).

In this embodiment, the groove 74 is arranged along one side 72A along the longitudinal direction of the plate surface 72, i.e., along the device width direction (X direction). The one direction (A direction) in which the screw S1 moves is a direction along the longitudinal direction of the rectangular vibration plate 18 that vibrates the plate surface 72. In this embodiment, the groove 74 extends in a direction that intersects the one direction (A direction) at an acute angle toward the device depth direction (Z direction). The angle θ2 at which the one direction (A direction) and the groove 74 intersect is preferably 3° to 60°, more preferably 7° to 40°, and even more preferably 10° to 30°.

The gate portion 76 has a linear edge portion 76A on the screw inlet side and a linear edge portion 76B on the screw outlet side. The edge portion 76B on the screw outlet side is arranged along a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the two groove portions 74.

In a plan view, the intersection of an imaginary line L2 extending in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction (X direction) of the two grooves 74 (Z direction) with one groove 74A is designated as a first intersection point IP3, and the intersection of the imaginary line L2 with the other groove 74B downstream in one direction (A direction) from the first intersection point IP3 is designated as a second intersection point IP4. In Figure 6, of the two grooves 24, one groove 74A is the groove on the near side in the device depth direction (Z direction), and the other groove 74B is the groove on the far side in the device depth direction (Z direction). In this case, the screw entry side edge 76A of the gate portion 76 is inclined so as to intersect with one groove 74A downstream in one direction (A direction) from the first intersection point IP3 and intersect with the other groove 74B upstream in one direction (A direction) from the second intersection point IP4. In this embodiment, when there is no need to distinguish between one groove portion 74A and the other groove portion 74B, they will be referred to as groove portion 74.

Furthermore, in a plan view, the distance D3 between one guide portion 80 on the first intersection point IP3 side and one groove portion 74A is greater than the distance D4 between the other guide portion 82 on the second intersection point IP4 side and another groove portion 74B. In other words, in a plan view, the distance D3 between one groove portion 74A arranged on the side of one guide portion 80 and the guide portion 80 is greater than the distance D4 between the other groove portion 74B arranged on the side of the other guide portion 82 and the guide portion 82.

Note that the other configurations of the supply device 70 of this embodiment are the same as those of the supply device 10 of the first embodiment.

The supply device 70 has the same configuration as the supply device 10 of the first embodiment, and can achieve the same functions and effects.

In other words, with the supply device 70, compared to when the edge 76A on the screw inlet side of the gate portion 76 extends in a direction (Z direction) perpendicular to the extension direction of the groove portion 74 (X direction), the screws S1 are prevented from congregating on the side of the other groove portion 74B in the longitudinal direction of the gate portion 76 in a plan view.

Furthermore, with the supply device 70, the supply rate of the screw S1 in the other groove portion 74B can be made closer to the supply rate of the screw S1 in the one groove portion 74A compared to when the distance D3 between one guide portion 80 on the first intersection point IP3 side and one groove portion 74A in a plan view is equal to or less than the distance D4 between the other guide portion 82 on the second intersection point IP4 side and the other groove portion 74B.

Third Embodiment
Next, a supply device according to a third embodiment will be described. Note that the same components as those in the first and second embodiments are given the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the supply device 100 according to the third embodiment. Figure 8 shows a plan view of the supply device 100, and Figure 9 shows a side view of the supply device 100.

<Configuration of supply device>
As shown in FIGS. 7 to 9 , the supply device 100 includes a moving device 102 that moves a plurality of screws S2 on a plate surface 112 in one direction (direction B). Here, the screws S2 are an example of a part. In this embodiment, the moving device 102 transports the plurality of screws S2 in one direction (direction B). Although not shown, the moving device 102 includes a conveying device on the downstream side in the one direction (direction B) that transports the screws S2 moved by the moving device 102 and aligns them in multiple rows (two rows in this embodiment). In FIG. 8 , to make the configuration of the supply device 100 easier to understand, the number of screws S2 is shown as fewer than the actual number.

<Configuration of the mobile device>
The moving device 102 includes a moving unit 110 that moves the screw S2 in one direction (direction B) on the plate surface 112 (see FIGS. 7 and 8). The plate surface 112 is rectangular in plan view, and the direction in which the screw S2 moves (direction B) is along one longitudinal side 112A of the plate surface 112. In other words, the longitudinal side 112A of the plate surface 112 is disposed along the device width direction (direction X), and the direction in which the screw S2 moves (direction B) is along the device width direction (direction X).

The moving device 102 also has multiple (two in this embodiment) grooves 114 formed on the plate surface 112 along the device width direction (X direction), and a gate portion 116 provided across the multiple grooves 114 (see Figures 7 and 8). The gate portion 116 is disposed above the plate surface 112 along the device depth direction (Z direction). Here, the gate portion 116 is an example of a gate portion.

The moving device 102 also has an upstream gate section 118 that is arranged upstream of the gate section 116 in one direction (direction B) and above the plate surface 112 along the depth direction of the device (direction Z).

(Screw)
As shown in FIG. 10 , the screw S2 includes a head 4A, a leg 4B having a smaller diameter than the head 4A, a connecting portion having a smaller diameter than the head 4A and the leg 4B and connecting the head 4A and the leg 4B, and a washer 4C disposed at the connecting portion (on the leg 4B side of the head 4A). The washer 4C is movable relative to the head 4A. The screw S2 also includes a spring washer 4D disposed at the connecting portion between the head 4A and the washer 4C. A thread groove is formed in the leg 4B. The head 4A, the connecting portion, and the leg 4B are integrated. In other words, the head 4A, the connecting portion, and the leg 4B are connected and formed from a single material. The washer 4C and the spring washer 4D are disposed at the connecting portion. The inner diameter of a through hole formed in the center of the washer 4C is larger than the outer diameter of the connecting portion and smaller than the outer diameter of the leg 4B. The inner diameter of the through hole formed in the center of spring washer 4D is larger than the outer diameter of the connecting portion but smaller than the outer diameter of washer 4C. Therefore, washer 4C and spring washer 4D can move at the connecting portion but will not come off the connecting portion. The axial length of the connecting portion is slightly larger than the sum of the thickness (axial length) of washer 4C and the thickness (axial length) of spring washer 4D.

(Moving part)
As shown in FIG. 9 , the moving unit 110 includes a diaphragm 18, which is supported by a support unit 62. The moving unit 110 also includes an actuator 36 that vibrates the diaphragm 18. A plate 112B is fixed to the diaphragm 18 so that the upper surface of the diaphragm 18 and the lower surface of the plate 112B are in contact with each other. The moving unit 20 is configured to vibrate the diaphragm 18 using the actuator 36, thereby moving a screw S2 on a plate surface 112 provided on the upper part of the diaphragm 18 in one direction (direction B). Note that the plate surface 112 (i.e., the upper surface of the plate 112B) is positioned horizontally when the diaphragm 18 is not vibrating.

As shown in Figures 7 and 8, a pair of guide sections 120, 122 protruding upward (Y direction) from the plate surface 112 are provided on both sides of the moving section 110 in a direction (Z direction) intersecting one direction (B direction). The pair of guide sections 120, 122 have the function of guiding the screw S2 moving in one direction (B direction) on the plate surface 112. The pair of guide sections 120, 122 are made of plate material, and the side walls of the pair of guide sections 120, 122 are arranged along one side 112A of the plate surface 112 in the longitudinal direction (X direction).

As shown in Figure 8, one direction (direction B) in which the screw S2 moves is the direction (X direction) along one longitudinal side 112A of the plate surface 112, and also the direction (X direction) along the longitudinal center line C1 of the rectangular vibration plate 18 that vibrates the plate surface 112.

(Multiple Grooves)
8 , the plurality of (two in this embodiment) grooves 114 are recesses formed in a concave shape on the plate surface 112. As an example, the plurality of (two in this embodiment) grooves 114 are provided in a range from the lower part of the upstream gate portion 118 on the plate surface 112 to the downstream end of the plate surface 112. The plurality of (two in this embodiment) grooves 114 are arranged at intervals in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction (X direction) of the plate surface 112.

In this embodiment, the two grooves 114 are symmetrical in the device depth direction (Z direction) in a plan view. The two grooves 114 extend in a direction that intersects with one direction (direction B) at an acute angle, from the bottom of the upstream gate 118 on the plate surface 112 to near the upstream side of the gate 116. Furthermore, the two grooves 114 extend in one direction (direction B) from near the upstream side of the gate 116 on the plate surface 112 to the downstream end of the plate surface 112.

The angle at which one direction (direction B) intersects with the groove portions 114 on both sides is preferably between 3° and 60°, more preferably between 7° and 40°, and even more preferably between 10° and 30°.

The depth of the groove 114 in the vertical direction (Y direction) is greater than the length of the leg 4B of the screw S2. Furthermore, the width of the groove 114 in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the groove 114 is greater than the outer diameter of the leg 4B of the screw S2 and smaller than the outer diameters of the head 4A and washer 4C. Specifically, at the downstream end of the plate surface 112, the width of the groove 114 in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction (X direction) (Z direction) is greater than the outer diameter of the leg 4B of the screw S2 and smaller than the outer diameters of the head 4A and washer 4C. In this embodiment, only the leg 4B of the screw S2 fits into the groove 114. In this state, the head 4A, spring washer 4D, and washer 4C of the screw S2 do not fit into the groove 114, and the washer 4C comes into contact with the plate surface 112. This allows the groove 114 to receive the leg 4B of the screw S2 that advances in one direction (direction B) on the plate surface 112, aligning the screw S2.

(Gate section)
7 and 8 , the gate portion 116 is disposed such that its longitudinal direction is in a direction (Z direction) intersecting one direction (B direction) and crosses a plurality of (two in this embodiment) groove portions 114. In other words, the gate portion 116 is provided on the plate surface 112, spanning the plurality of groove portions 114, so that its lower surface is in contact with the plate surface 112. The gate portion 116 has through-holes 38 at positions corresponding to the plurality of groove portions 114, through which the head 4A, spring washer 4D, and washer 4C of the screw S2 can pass. Thus, the gate portion 116 is configured to allow the head 4A, spring washer 4D, and washer 4C of the screw S2, whose leg portion 4B has entered the groove 114, to pass, but to restrict the passage of other screws S2.

The gate portion 116 is rectangular in plan view. A metal plate 117 is joined to the wall surface of the gate portion 116 on the screw inlet side. In plan view, the gate portion 116 has a linear edge 116A on the screw inlet side and a linear edge 116B on the screw outlet side. The edge 116A on the screw inlet side of the gate portion 116 is formed from the metal plate 117. The edge 116A on the screw inlet side and the edge 116B on the screw outlet side of the gate portion 116 are arranged in a direction that intersects one direction (direction B). In this embodiment, the edge 116A on the screw inlet side and the edge 116B on the screw outlet side of the gate portion 116 are arranged along the depth direction of the device (direction Z).

The edge 116A on the screw entry side of the gate portion 116 is made of a metal plate 117, which reduces wear on the gate portion 116 caused by the screw S2 colliding with the edge 116A on the screw entry side of the gate portion 116 compared to when the screw entry side of the gate portion 116 is made of resin.

(Injection part)
7, 8, and 11, an injection unit 130 that injects gas toward the upper side of the plate surface 112 of the moving unit 110 is provided on the screw inlet side of the gate unit 116. The injection unit 130 has a first injection port 130A that injects gas from the longitudinal center of the gate unit 116 toward the upstream side in one direction (direction B). The first injection port 130A is provided in the longitudinal center of an edge portion 116A on the screw inlet side of the gate unit 116, i.e., in the center in the device depth direction (direction Z).

A flow path 132 that supplies gas to the first injection port 130A is provided inside the gate portion 116. The flow path 132 is provided along the width direction of the device (X direction), i.e., one direction (B direction). A supply path 134 that supplies gas to the flow path 132 is connected to the upstream side of the flow path 132 in the gate portion 116. As a result, the gas supplied from the supply path 134 to the flow path 132 is injected from the first injection port 130A toward the upstream side in one direction (B direction).

A block 150 protruding from the plate surface 112 is provided at a position facing the first jet nozzle 130A on the upstream side of the moving section 110 in one direction (direction B). The block 150 is provided between two grooves 114 on the plate surface 112. The block 150 has a wall portion 150A, which is a wall surface that protrudes upward from the plate surface 112, at a position facing the first jet nozzle 130A. The height from the plate surface 112 to the upper end of the wall portion 150A is greater than the height from the plate surface 112 to the upper end of the first jet nozzle 130A. The wall portion 150A is arranged in a direction that intersects with the one direction (direction B). This allows the screw S2 blown off by the gas jetted from the first jet nozzle 130A to collide with the wall portion 150A. In this embodiment, wall portion 150A is planar and arranged along the vertical direction (Y direction), and wall portion 150A is arranged along the device depth direction (Z direction). In other words, the wall surface of wall portion 150A faces downstream in direction B (X direction).

As an example, the first nozzle 130A is positioned at a position lower than the height of a screw S2 whose lower end is positioned on the plate surface 112. In other words, the Y-direction height from the plate surface 112 to the lower end of the first nozzle 130A is lower than the Y-direction height of a screw S2 whose leg 4B is not inserted in the groove 114. In other words, the Y-direction height from the plate surface 112 to the lower end of the first nozzle 130A is lower than the Y-direction height from the plate surface 112 to the upper end (the upper end of the head 4A or the washer 4C) of a screw S2 whose leg 4B and washer 4C are in contact with the plate surface 112 (see Figure 12). Furthermore, the first nozzle 130A is positioned centrally between the two grooves 114 when viewed from the X-direction. This makes it difficult for a screw S2 whose leg 4B is inserted in the groove 114 and is in a normal position to be blown away by the gas ejected from the first nozzle 130A. At the same time, the screw S2 placed on the plate surface 112 between the two grooves 114 becomes more likely to be blown away by the gas ejected from the first ejection port 130A.

On the opposite side of the wall portion 150A of the block 150, a curved portion 150B is provided that protrudes upstream in one direction (direction B) in a plan view. As an example, the curved portion 150B is semicircular. This allows the screw S2, which is moving in one direction (direction B) on the plate surface 112, to hit the curved portion 150B of the block 150, to be guided along the curved portion 150B and move toward the two groove portions 114.

In the gate section 116, for example, a gas supply unit (not shown) intermittently injects gas from the first injection port 130A via the supply passage 134. Examples of the gas injected from the first injection port 130A include air and nitrogen.

(Second injection port)
Each of the pair of guide portions 120, 122 located on both longitudinal sides of the gate portion 116 is provided with a second injection port 136 that injects gas toward the first injection port 130A. The second injection port 136 is provided at the tip of a pair of flow path pipes 138 that protrude from each of the pair of guide portions 120, 122 toward the longitudinal center of the gate portion 116. The flow path pipes 138 extend inside the respective guide portions 120, 122, and a supply passage 140 that supplies gas to the flow path pipes 138 is connected to the outer walls of the guide portions 120, 122. Specifically, the flow path pipes 138 are, for example, cylindrical metal pipes. The flow path pipes 138 are inserted into through holes formed in each of the pair of guide portions 120, 122 so that their tip ends are positioned on the plate surface 112 (i.e., protrude from the surfaces of the pair of guide portions 120, 122 facing the plate surface 112). Specifically, the supply passages 134 and 140 are long resin tubes having a ring-shaped (doughnut-shaped) cross section in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction.

A pair of flow passage pipes 138 are spaced apart upstream in one direction (direction B) from the edge 116A on the screw inlet side of the gate portion 116, and are provided along the edge 116A. In this embodiment, the tip of one flow passage pipe 138 protruding in the Z direction from the guide portion 120 extends to a position halfway between the guide portion 120 and one groove portion 114 on the guide portion 120 side, and one second injection port 136 is provided at this position. Similarly, the tip of the other flow passage pipe 138 protruding in the Z direction from the guide portion 122 extends to a position halfway between the guide portion 122 and the other groove portion 114 on the guide portion 122 side, and the other second injection port 136 is provided at this position.

As shown in FIG. 12 , the Y-direction height from the plate surface 112 of the moving part 110 to the lower end of the second jet nozzle 136 is greater than the Y-direction height from the plate surface 112 of the moving part 110 to the upper end of the first jet nozzle 130A. This makes it easier for the gas jetted from the second jet nozzle 136 to hit the upper portion of the head 2A of the screw S2 placed on the plate surface 112 (the screw S2 with its leg 4B and washer 4C in contact with the plate surface 112). Therefore, the gas jetted from the second jet nozzle 136 prevents the screw S2 from remaining near the edge 116A on the screw inlet side of the gate part 116. Furthermore, the Y-direction height from the plate surface 112 to the lower end of the second jet nozzle 136 is equal to or greater than the Y-direction height from the plate surface 112 to the upper end of the head 4A of a screw S2 in a normal position with its leg 4B in the groove 114. Furthermore, the second injection port 136 is located midway between the guide portion 120 and the groove portion 114. As a result, the gas injected from the second injection port 136 is less likely to hit a screw S2 that is in a correct position, thereby preventing the screw S2 from being blown away.

In the gate section 116, for example, a gas supply unit (not shown) intermittently injects gas from the second injection port 136 via the supply passage 140. Examples of the gas injected from the second injection port 136 include air and nitrogen.

Protrusions 154 protruding from the plate surface 112 are provided on the upstream side of the flow path pipes 138 in one direction (direction B). One protrusion 154 is in contact with the surface of one guide portion 120 facing the plate surface 112. In other words, one protrusion 154 is provided on the plate surface 112 so as to protrude in the Z direction from one guide portion 120. The protrusion length in the Z direction of one protrusion 154 from one guide portion 120 is the same as, equivalent to, or similar to the protrusion length in the Z direction of one flow path pipe 138 from one guide portion 120. Similarly, the other protrusion 154 is in contact with the surface of the other guide portion 122 facing the plate surface 112. In other words, the other protrusion 154 is provided on the plate surface 112 so as to protrude in the Z direction from the other guide portion 122. The Z-direction protrusion length of the other protrusion 154 from the other guide portion 122 is the same as, equivalent to, or similar to the Z-direction protrusion length of the other flow path pipe 138 from the other guide portion 122. Each of the pair of protrusions 154 is provided with a guide wall 154A that guides the screw S2 toward the second injection port 136. As an example, the guide wall 154A is an inclined surface that slopes from the guide portions 120, 122 toward the second injection port 136 as it approaches the downstream side in one direction (direction B) in a plan view. By providing the guide wall 154A on the plate surface 112 upstream of the flow path pipe 138 in one direction (direction B), the screw S2 is less likely to come into contact with the flow path pipe 138. In other words, the pair of protrusions 154 can prevent the pair of flow path pipes 138 from being deformed (bent) by repeated collisions of the screw S2, which moves in direction B due to vibration of the vibration plate 18, with the pair of flow path pipes 138.

(Upstream gate)
As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 , the upstream gate 118 is disposed along a direction (e.g., the Z direction) intersecting one direction (the B direction) and arranged to cross multiple (two in this embodiment) grooves 114. The upstream gate 118 is rectangular in plan view. The upstream gate 118 includes an opening 160 that surrounds the upper side of the area where the multiple (two in this embodiment) grooves 114 are disposed. The opening 160 penetrates the upstream gate 118 along one direction (the B direction). The width of the opening 160 in the device depth direction (the Z direction) is greater than the distance between the two grooves 114. Furthermore, the height from the plate surface 112 to the upper wall of the opening 160 is greater than the outer diameter of the washer 4C of the screw S2. This allows multiple screws S2 moving in one direction (the B direction) on the plate surface 112 to pass through the opening 160 regardless of the position of the screws S2.

On both sides of the upstream gate section 118 in the longitudinal direction (Z direction), protrusions 164 are provided that protrude from the plate surface 112 on the upstream side in one direction (direction B). The pair of protrusions 164 are positioned so as to contact the upstream gate section 118. Each of the pair of protrusions 164 is provided with a guide wall 164A that guides the screw S2 toward the opening 160 side of the upstream gate section 118. As an example, the guide wall 164A is an inclined surface that slopes from the guide sections 120, 122 toward the opening 160 as it moves downstream in one direction (direction B) in a plan view.

(Downstream ditch section)
11 and 13 , the plate surface 112 of the moving part 110 is formed with a plurality of (two in this embodiment) downstream grooves 115 connected to a plurality of (two in this embodiment) grooves 114 on the downstream side in one direction (direction B) relative to the gate part 116. The plate surface 112 downstream in one direction (direction B) relative to the gate part 116 is provided with a first inclined surface 170 that slopes upward from the gate part 116 side and a second inclined surface 174 that slopes downward from the first inclined surface 170 toward the opposite side of the gate part 116 via a ridge line 172. The downstream grooves 115 are provided continuously with the first inclined surface 170 and the second inclined surface 174. Due to the vibration of the plate surface 112, the screw S2 with its leg 4B inserted in the downstream groove 115 moves along the first inclined surface 170 that slopes upward. Furthermore, the screw S2, whose leg portion 4B has entered the downstream groove portion 115, moves from the first inclined surface 170 via the ridge portion 172 on the second inclined surface 174, which has a downward slope.

<Action and effect>
Next, the operation and effects of this embodiment will be described.

In the supply device 100, the vibration plate 18 of the moving section 110 vibrates, causing the screws S2 on the plate surface 112 to move in one direction (direction B) on the plate surface 112. The screws S2 supplied to the plate surface 112 at the upstream end of the plate surface 112 (upstream of the upstream gate section 118 in one direction (direction B)) move in one direction (direction B) and pass through the opening 160 of the upstream gate section 118. The plate surface 112 is formed with multiple (two in this embodiment) grooves 114 extending in a direction that intersects the one direction (direction B) at an acute angle. Therefore, in the supply device 100, the screws S2 moving in one direction have more opportunities to cross the grooves 114 compared to when multiple grooves extend in one direction. In other words, compared to when multiple grooves extend in one direction, the supply device 100 makes it easier for the leg 4B of the screw S2 traveling in one direction (direction B) on the plate surface 112 to enter into the multiple grooves 114. As a result, the supply device 100 allows the leg 4B of the screw S2 to enter into the multiple grooves 114, aligning the screw S2 with the multiple grooves 114.

Furthermore, on the downstream side of the opening 160 in one direction (direction B), a curved portion 150B of the block 150 is provided at a position facing but spaced from the opening 160, between the two grooves 114. As a result, when the screw S2 on the plate surface 112 moves in one direction (direction B) from the opening 160, it comes into contact with the curved portion 150B of the block 150, and is guided in the direction of the two grooves 114 on either side of the curved portion 150B in the device depth direction (direction Z) (towards one of the two grooves 114). This makes it easier for the leg 4B of the screw S2 moving downstream in one direction (direction B) from the opening 160 to enter the multiple grooves 114.

The supply device 100 has a gate 116 that spans multiple grooves 114. The gate 116 has a through-hole 38 above each of the multiple grooves 114. The through-hole 38 in the gate 116 allows the head 4A, spring washer 4D, and washer 4C of a screw S2 whose leg 4B is inserted into the groove 114 to pass through, while restricting the passage of other screws S2 (see Figure 13). In other words, in the supply device 100, only screws S2 with their leg 4B inserted into the groove 114 and in the correct position can pass through the gate 116.

As a result, the supply device 100 can improve the supply rate of the screw S2 compared to when the groove 114 is formed in a direction parallel to the direction in which the screw S2 moves (direction B).

In addition, in the supply device 100, an injection unit 130 is provided on the screw inlet side of the gate unit 116, which injects gas toward the upper side of the plate surface 112 of the moving unit 110. The injection unit 130 has a first injection port 130A that injects gas from the longitudinal center of the gate unit 116 toward the upstream side in one direction (direction B). By injecting gas from the first injection port 130A toward the upper side of the plate surface 112 and toward the upstream side in one direction (direction B), screws S2 (screws S2 whose passage is restricted by the gate unit 116) arranged on the plate surface 112 are blown away toward the upstream side in one direction (direction B).

As a result, the supply device 100 can prevent the screw S2 from remaining near the gate portion 116 compared to when gas is not injected at the screw inlet side of the gate portion 116.

Furthermore, in the supply device 100, a pair of guide sections 120, 122 located on both longitudinal sides of the gate section 116 are each provided with a second injection port 136 that injects gas toward the first injection port 130A. As a result, gas is injected from the second injection port 136 toward the first injection port 130A, causing screws S2 (screws S2 whose passage is restricted by the gate section 116) placed on the plate surface 112 to be blown toward the first injection port 130A.

For this reason, the supply device 100 can prevent screws S2 (screws S2 whose passage is restricted by the gate section 116) from remaining near the gate section 116, compared to a system having only the first injection port 130A that injects gas from the longitudinal center of the gate section 116 toward the upstream side in one direction (direction B). Note that gas is injected from the first injection port 130A and the pair of second injection ports 136 simultaneously, for example, intermittently. As a result, screws S2 whose passage is restricted by the gate section 116 are blown toward the first injection port 130A by the injection of gas from the pair of second injection ports 136. Furthermore, screws S2 whose passage is restricted by the gate section 116 near the first injection port 130A are blown toward the upstream side in one direction (direction B) by the injection of gas from the first injection port 130A.

Furthermore, in the supply device 100, a wall portion 150A protruding from the plate surface 112 of the moving portion 110 is provided at a position facing the first jet nozzle 130A on the upstream side of the moving portion 110 in one direction (direction B). This allows the screw S2 blown away by the gas jetted from the first jet nozzle 130A to collide with the wall portion 150A. The screw S2 that collides with the wall portion 150A falls onto the plate surface 112. Then, due to the vibration of the plate surface 112, it moves in one direction (direction B) on the plate surface 112.

As a result, the supply device 100 is more effective at promoting the flow of screws S2 on the plate surface 112 than when the plate surface 112 upstream of the gate portion 116 in one direction (direction B) is flat.

In addition, in the supply device 100, the second injection nozzles 136 are provided at the tips of a pair of flow path pipes 138 that protrude from each of a pair of guide sections 120, 122 located on both longitudinal sides of the gate section 116 toward the longitudinal center of the gate section 116. As a result, in the supply device 100, the second injection nozzles 136 at the tips of the flow path pipes 138 inject gas onto the screws S2 placed on the plate surface 112 from a position close to the screws S2. In other words, in the supply device 100, the gas injected from the second injection nozzles 136 prevents screws S2 that are correctly oriented (normally oriented) with their legs 4B in the grooves 114 from being blown away, and blows away other screws S2 placed on the plate surface 112. The screw S2 blown off by the gas jet from the second jet nozzle 136 is blown toward the wall 150A by the gas jet from the first jet nozzle 130A and collides with the wall 150A, moving toward the groove 114, making it easier for the leg 4B of the screw S2 to enter the groove 114. Furthermore, the screw S2 whose leg 4B does not enter the groove 114 accumulates on the plate surface 112 on the upstream side near the longitudinal center of the gate 116, making it easier for the gas jetted from the first jet nozzle 130A to hit the screw S2. Furthermore, because the second jet nozzle 136 jets gas from a position close to the screw S2 arranged on the plate surface 112, the gas jetted from the second jet nozzle 136 and diffusing radially is unlikely to hit the screw S2 in a normal position. Furthermore, the supply device 100 can adjust the strength of the gas sprayed from the second spray nozzle 136 to a strength that will not blow away a screw S2 that is correctly oriented with its leg 4B inserted into the groove 114.

For this reason, with the supply device 100, screws S2 that are correctly oriented and have their legs 4B inserted into the grooves 114 are less likely to be blown away than when the second injection nozzles 136 are provided on each of the pair of guide sections 120, 122 located on both longitudinal sides of the gate section 116 (when the second injection nozzles 136 do not protrude from the side walls of the pair of guide sections 120, 122).

Furthermore, in the supply device 100, the height in the Y direction from the plate surface 112 of the moving part 110 to the lower end of the second jet nozzle 136 is higher than the height in the Y direction from the plate surface 112 of the moving part 110 to the upper end of the first jet nozzle 130A. As a result, in the supply device 100, the gas sprayed from the second jet nozzle 136 is prevented from blowing away screws S2 that are in a normal position, and is more likely to hit the head 4A of the screw S2, making it easier for the screw S2 to move in the direction of the groove 114.

For this reason, in the supply device 100, the leg 4B of the screw S2 that did not enter the groove 114 in the moving part 110 can more easily enter the groove 114 compared to when the height of the first injection nozzle 130A and the height of the second injection nozzle 136 from the plate surface 112 of the moving part 110 are the same.

In addition, in the supply device 100, a guide wall 154A that guides the screw S2 toward the second injection port 136 is provided on the plate surface 112 upstream in one direction (direction B) relative to the flow path pipe 138. As a result, when the screw S2 comes into contact with the guide wall 154A on the plate surface 112, it is guided toward the second injection port 136 at the tip of the flow path pipe 138. Furthermore, the provision of the guide wall 154A makes it less likely that the screw S2 will get caught on the flow path pipe 138.

As a result, in the supply device 100, the screws S2 are less likely to remain on the upstream side of the flow path pipe 138 compared to when the plate surface 112 on the upstream side in one direction (direction B) relative to the flow path pipe 138 is flat.

In the supply device 100, the plate surface 112 of the moving section 110 is formed with a plurality of downstream grooves 115 connected to a plurality of grooves 114 on the downstream side in one direction (direction B) relative to the gate section 116. The downstream grooves 115 are provided continuously with a first inclined surface 170 that slopes upward from the gate section 116 side and a second inclined surface 174 that slopes downward from the first inclined surface 170 toward the opposite side of the gate section 116 via a ridge line 172. A screw S2 with its leg 4B inserted into the downstream groove 115 of the first inclined surface 170 is decelerated by the first inclined surface 170, and then a screw S2 with its leg 4B inserted into the downstream groove 115 of the second inclined surface 174 is accelerated by the second inclined surface 174. At the same time, the axial inclination of the screw S2 whose leg 4B is inserted into the downstream groove 115 of the first inclined surface 170 changes from the axial inclination of the screw S2 whose leg 4B is inserted into the downstream groove 115 of the second inclined surface 174, making it less likely for the screws S2 to tangle with each other.

As a result, in the supply device 100, entanglement of the screws S2 aligned in the downstream groove 115 is suppressed compared to when the downstream groove 115 in one direction (direction B) relative to the gate portion 116 is provided on a flat surface.

The screw S2 includes a washer 4C that is positioned on the leg 4B side of the head 4A and is movable relative to the head 4A, and a spring washer 4D that is positioned between the head 4A and the washer 4C. In general, the screws S2 tend to entangle with each other more easily than the screws S1 of the first embodiment (see Figure 4).

For this reason, even when the supply device 100 supplies a screw S2 with a spring washer 4D between the head 4A and a washer 4C that is movable relative to the head 4A, the screw S2 is less likely to become clogged near the gate portion 116.

〔supplementary explanation〕
In the first to third embodiments, the supplied part is a screw S1 or a screw S2, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the part may be any part that has a head and a leg with a smaller diameter than the head, such as a pin.

In the first and second embodiments, the angle of the grooves 24 relative to one direction (direction A) can be changed without departing from the scope of the present invention. The number of grooves 24 can also be changed.

In the third embodiment, the angle of the grooves 114 relative to one direction (direction B) can be changed without departing from the scope of the present invention. The number of grooves 114 can also be changed.

In the third embodiment, the height of the first injection nozzle 130A and the second injection nozzle 136 from the plate surface 112 and the size of the first injection nozzle 130A and the second injection nozzle 136 can be changed without departing from the scope of the present invention.

In the third embodiment, protrusions 154 having guide walls 154A were provided at separate positions upstream of a pair of flow path pipes 138 in one direction (direction B), but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the flow path pipes 138 may be configured to pass through the interior of the block.

Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to specific embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to such embodiments, and that various other embodiments are possible within the scope of the present invention.
For example, in the third embodiment, the downstream groove portion is described as including a first inclined surface and a second inclined surface. However, the second inclined surface 174 may be a horizontal surface that is horizontal from the ridge portion 172. In other words, the properly positioned screws S2 that pass through the gate portion 116 are decelerated by the first inclined surface 170, and entanglement between the properly positioned screws S2 (such as overlapping washers 4C) is resolved, and one properly positioned screw S2 is separated from another properly positioned screw S2. In other words, the properly positioned screws S2 that reach the ridge portion 172 are no longer entangled. Therefore, the surface located downstream in one direction (direction B) from the ridge portion 172 may be a horizontal surface. In this case, the downstream groove portion 115 is provided continuously with the first inclined surface 170 and the horizontal surface.

S1 Screw (example of part)
2A Head 2B Leg 2C Washer S2 Screw (an example of a part)
4A Head 4B Leg 4C Washer 4D Spring washer 10 Supply device 20 Moving portion 22 Plate surface 24 Groove portion 24A One groove portion 24B Other groove portion 26 Gate portion (an example of a gate portion)
26A Edge portion (an example of an edge portion on the part inlet side)
30, 32 Guide portion 38 Penetration portion 70 Supply device 72 Plate surface 74 Groove portion 74A One groove portion 74B Another groove portion 76 Gate portion (an example of a gate portion)
76A Edge portion (an example of an edge portion on the part inlet side)
80, 82 Guide section 100 Supply device 110 Moving section 112 Plate surface 114 Groove section 115 Downstream groove section 116 Gate section (an example of a gate section)
120, 122 Guide portion 130 Injection portion 130A First injection port 136 Second injection port 138 Flow path pipe 150A Wall portion 154A Guide wall 170 First inclined surface 172 Ridge line portion 174 Second inclined surface IP1 First intersection point IP2 Second intersection point IP3 First intersection point IP4 Second intersection point L1 Virtual line L2 Virtual line

Claims (12)

a moving unit that moves a part having a head and a leg with a smaller diameter than the head in one direction on a plate surface;
a plurality of grooves formed on the plate surface, extending in a direction intersecting the one direction at an acute angle, for receiving legs of components moving on the plate surface in the one direction and aligning the components;
a gate portion provided across the plurality of groove portions, the gate portion allowing the head of a part having a leg portion inserted into the groove portion to pass through and restricting the passage of other parts;
A feeding device having: The supply device described in claim 1, wherein, in a plan view, when an imaginary line perpendicular to the extension direction of the grooves intersects with one groove as a first intersection and an imaginary line intersects with another groove downstream of the first intersection in the one direction as a second intersection, the linear edge of the gate on the component inlet side is inclined so as to intersect with the one groove downstream of the first intersection in the one direction and intersect with the other groove upstream of the second intersection in the one direction. a pair of guide portions protruding from a plate surface of the moving portion and guiding the component along an extending direction of the groove portion are provided on both sides of the moving portion in a direction intersecting the one direction,
The supply device according to claim 2 , wherein a distance between one of the guide portions on the first intersection side and the one groove portion in a plan view is greater than a distance between the other of the guide portions on the second intersection side and the other groove portion. The supply device according to claim 2 or 3 supplies a part in which a washer is provided integrally with the head on the side of the leg portion of the head. The supply device described in claim 1, wherein an injection section is provided on the component inlet side of the gate section to inject gas toward the upper side of the plate surface of the moving section. the injection portion is a first injection port that injects gas from a longitudinal center portion of the gate portion toward the upstream side in the one direction,
The supply device according to claim 5, further comprising second injection ports provided on each of a pair of guide sections that are located on both longitudinal sides of the gate section and that protrude from the plate surface of the moving section to guide the component, the second injection ports injecting gas toward the first injection ports. The supply device described in claim 6, wherein a wall portion protruding from the plate surface of the moving section is provided at a position facing the first jet nozzle on the upstream side of the moving section in the one direction, and against which the component blown by the gas jetted from the first jet nozzle can collide. The supply device described in claim 6 or 7, wherein the second injection port is provided at the tip of a pair of flow path pipes that protrude from each of the pair of guide sections located on both longitudinal sides of the gate section toward the longitudinal center of the gate section. The supply device described in claim 8, wherein the height of the second jet nozzle from the plate surface of the moving part is greater than the height of the first jet nozzle from the plate surface of the moving part. A supply device as described in claim 8 or claim 9, wherein a guide wall that guides the component toward the second injection port is provided on a plate surface upstream of the flow path pipe in the one direction. a plate surface of the moving portion is formed with a plurality of downstream groove portions connected to the plurality of groove portions on the downstream side in the one direction with respect to the gate portion;
The downstream groove portion is
a first inclined surface that slopes upward from the gate portion side;
a second inclined surface that slopes downward from the first inclined surface toward the opposite side of the gate portion via a ridge line portion, or a horizontal surface that is horizontal from the first inclined surface via a ridge line portion;
11. The supply device according to claim 5, wherein the supply device is provided in series with the first and second supply devices. The supply device according to any one of claims 5 to 11, wherein the supply device supplies a part including, as the part, a washer that is arranged on the side of the leg portion of the head and that is movable relative to the head, and a spring washer that is arranged between the head and the washer.