Chute, vibratory conveyor

Abstract

The present invention provides a chute capable of reducing the friction between a workpiece and a conveying surface, preventing or inhibiting the occurrence of amplitude differences between each part of the conveying surface, and reducing the difference in level between the conveying surface and the workpiece transfer surface of the next process device, thereby preventing or inhibiting the posture transformation of the workpiece when handed over to the workpiece transfer surface of the next process device, and enabling the quantitative supply of the workpiece under such conditions. The chute comprises: a workpiece conveying path (2) having a chute conveying surface (21) on the upward surface and an open space below; a conveying portion (3) arranged adjacent to the workpiece conveying path (2) and transmitting the vibration generated by elastic deformation to the chute conveying surface (21); and a driving portion (4) for elastically deforming the conveying portion (3), wherein in the vibration mode of the elastically deformed conveying portion (3) by the driving portion (4), the entire chute conveying surface (21) is located at the part of the vibration mode with an antinode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a chute and a vibration conveying device that can be applied to a device (parts feeder) that uses vibration to transport workpieces. Background Technology

[0002] As a vibratory conveying device (parts feeder) that uses vibration to simultaneously transport and arrange small workpieces such as electronic chip components and supply them to the next process, there are known devices that include a linear feeder that transports workpieces along a conveying path that extends in a straight line, and a bowl-shaped feeder connected to the upstream side of the linear feeder. In such parts feeders, in order to cope with the miniaturization of workpieces, there are devices that use traveling waves to transport workpieces by means of elastic vibration (for example, see Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-100139).

[0003] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 (Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-133458) discloses a workpiece appearance inspection device, which includes a vibration-free section between a linear feeder and a freely rotatable circular transport table to transfer workpieces without vibration. This patent document discloses a structure where a vibration-free section with the same inclination as the linear feeder and which does not vibrate is connected to the downstream end of the linear feeder, which descends towards the transport table at a slight inclination. The reason for employing this structure in this patent document is that, due to the vibration of the linear feeder, there is a concern that if the linear feeder is brought close to the top of the transport table when transferring a workpiece from the linear feeder to the transport table, the linear feeder may come into contact with the transport table. This structure is adopted to prevent such a situation. If a non-vibrating section is provided between the downstream end of such a linear feeder and the transport table, the workpiece on the non-vibrating section is pushed forward by the subsequent workpiece and slowly descends toward the transport table. When it reaches the downstream end of the non-vibrating section, it is pushed and transferred onto the transport table by the subsequent workpiece located immediately after it.

[0004] The following structure is also disclosed in Patent Document 1: a chute (discharge feeder) including a workpiece transport path is arranged at a position continuous with the downstream end of the linear feeder, and the workpiece transport path is set in a shape that is inclined so that the downstream side of the workpiece transport direction is lower than the upstream side of the workpiece transport direction, so that the workpiece slides on the transport surface of the workpiece transport path and is supplied to the next process.

[0005] However, if the workpiece is designed to slide on a vibration-free transport surface, the workpiece may stop on the workpiece transport path due to friction with the transport surface, or the workpiece may stop at the downstream end of the workpiece transport path due to the pressure of subsequent workpieces, which may cause workpiece blockage or workpiece disorder.

[0006] Therefore, the applicant proposes the following structure: a structure designed to improve workpiece handling efficiency compared to a structure that allows the workpiece to slide without vibration on the conveying surface of the chute. A piezoelectric element is attached to the back of the chute, and by driving the piezoelectric element, waves (antinodes, nodes) are generated throughout the chute, including the conveying surface, causing elastic deformation of the chute and excitation in a bending vibration mode (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this structure, compared to a structure that allows the workpiece to slide without vibration on the conveying surface of the chute, excitation of the chute in a bending vibration mode reduces friction between the conveying surface of the chute and the workpiece, resulting in improved workpiece handling efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0008] However, if the slide is configured such that piezoelectric elements are attached to the back of the slide to generate waves (antinodes, nodes) and cause the entire slide, including the conveying surface, to vibrate, then the part of the slide with the fixed piezoelectric elements (excitation part) is equivalent to the vibrating antinodes, and the part away from the excitation part is equivalent to the vibrating nodes. This results in an amplitude difference between each part of the slide, and the whole slide produces a biased vibration. Sometimes it is impossible or difficult to quantitatively supply workpieces. Therefore, there is room for improvement in this respect.

[0009] Furthermore, if the piezoelectric element is attached to the back of the slide, the back of the slide needs to be separated from the workpiece transfer surface of the next process equipment by a certain amount corresponding to the thickness of the piezoelectric element itself and the wiring space that must be ensured with the installation of the piezoelectric element. Since this separation distance is large, there is a concern that the workpiece may be misaligned when it is transferred from the transport surface to the workpiece transfer surface of the next process equipment (during the falling process and when the workpiece falls).

[0010] This invention was made with the aim of providing a chute and a vibratory conveying device including the chute, which can reduce the friction between the workpiece and the conveying surface of the chute, while preventing and suppressing the generation of amplitude differences between each part of the conveying surface, and reducing the height difference between the conveying surface and the workpiece transfer surface of the next process equipment, so that when the workpiece is transferred to the workpiece transfer surface of the next process equipment, no or difficult changes in the posture of the workpiece will occur, and quantitative supply of workpiece can be achieved under such conditions.

[0011] Solution for solving the problem

[0012] That is, the present invention relates to a chute that enables a workpiece, as the object of transport, to be transported to the workpiece transfer surface of a predetermined next process device while moving along the transport surface toward the downstream end (terminal) in the transport direction.

[0013] Furthermore, the chute of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a transport path having a transport surface on its upper surface and an open space below; a transport section disposed adjacent to the transport path and transmitting vibrations generated by elastic deformation to the transport surface; and a drive section that causes the transport section to elastically deform. The chute is configured such that, in the state where the transport section is elastically deformed by the drive section, i.e., in the vibration mode, the transport surface is entirely located at a position corresponding to or near the antinode of the vibration mode. Here, the antinode of the vibration is the point where the amplitude and displacement are maximized. Furthermore, the workpiece in the present invention can be, for example, a small component such as an electronic component, but it can also be an article other than an electronic component.

[0014] According to the present invention, the chute is configured such that, in a vibration mode in which the transport section is elastically deformed by the drive section, the entire transport surface is located at a position corresponding to the antinode of the vibration mode (the antinode portion of the vibration) or in its vicinity. Therefore, a vibration state in which there is no node (the point with the smallest amplitude) of the vibration mode on the transport surface can be obtained. Vibration occurs with the same amplitude throughout the entire area of ​​the transport surface, and the entire transport surface is uniformly subjected to a friction reduction effect. This avoids the adverse conditions that may occur in a vibration-free chute, such as the workpiece stopping on the workpiece transport path due to friction with the transport surface. It prevents and suppresses workpiece blockage and workpiece disorder, thereby enabling smooth workpiece transport processing.

[0015] In particular, according to the chute of the present invention, since the space below the transport path, which includes the transport surface on the upper surface, is open, the gap between the lower surface of the workpiece transport path and the workpiece transfer surface of the next process equipment only needs to be ensured to take into account the amount of vibration of the transport path. Compared with the method of providing a drive unit on the lower surface of the transport path, the lower surface of the transport path can be brought closer to the workpiece transfer surface of the next process equipment. The posture of the workpiece is stable when it is transferred from the transport path to the workpiece transfer surface of the next process equipment. Furthermore, the connection with the next process equipment and the position adjustment relative to the next process equipment do not need to take into account the wiring space generated by the installation of the drive unit, and can be carried out easily and smoothly.

[0016] In this invention, although a simple structure is used that does not complicate the construction, as a preferred example to ensure free space in the space below the transport path, the following structure can be cited: the transport section is composed of a plate that can elastically deform and is set in an upright position; the vibration mode is that the vibration is generated by the expansion and contraction of the transport section in the height direction by driving a drive section fixed to the center of the transport section in the height direction; and a transport surface is provided in a position that protrudes from the end of the transport section in the thickness direction of the transport section. With such a structure, the vibration transmitted from the transport section to the transport surface is a vibration that occurs only in the direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the workpiece on the transport surface (vibration that occurs only in the vertical direction), and the amplitude in the horizontal direction of the transport surface is approximately zero. Therefore, the vibration wave itself does not directly contribute to the propulsion force of the workpiece, the movement of the workpiece transported on the transport surface does not produce pulsation, the transport speed of the workpiece can be kept at a constant speed, and thus stable workpiece transport processing can be achieved.

[0017] As another preferred example of the chute of the present invention, a structure can be described as follows: the transport section is composed of a plate that can elastically deform and is arranged in a transversely placed position; the vibration mode is bending vibration in a plane perpendicular to the height direction relative to the transport direction of the transport section, generated by driving a drive unit fixed to the center of the width direction of the transport section; and a transport path is provided at or near one side end of the transport section. With such a structure, although bending vibration is transmitted from the transport section to the transport surface, similar to the longitudinal vibration described above, since the horizontal amplitude of the transport surface is approximately zero, the vibration wave itself does not directly contribute to the propulsion force of the workpiece. The movement of the workpiece transported on the transport surface does not produce pulsations, and the transport speed of the workpiece can be maintained at a constant speed, thereby achieving stable workpiece transport processing.

[0018] In addition, in the chute of the present invention, if a structure is adopted in which the conveying surface is set as an inclined surface that gradually slopes downward toward the downstream end of the conveying direction, the workpiece on the conveying surface is conveyed by sliding. Even the last workpiece that is not pushed (pressed) by the workpiece behind can be conveyed by sliding, thereby enabling the workpiece to be stably supplied to the workpiece transfer surface of the next process equipment.

[0019] Furthermore, the vibration conveying device of the present invention can use vibration to move a workpiece, which is the object of conveying, towards the end of the main conveying path while conveying it to the downstream side in the conveying direction. Its characteristic feature is that a chute including the above-described structure is arranged at a position adjacent to the end of the main conveying path. According to this vibration conveying device of the present invention, the effects of the chute described above can be obtained, the friction reduction effect between the workpiece and the conveying surface of the chute can be improved, the workpiece can be constantly supplied from the end of the conveying surface of the chute towards the workpiece transfer surface of the next process equipment, and compared to a method where the space below the conveying path is not open, the conveying path can be configured close to the workpiece transfer surface of the next process equipment to reduce the gap between the conveying path and the workpiece transfer surface, thereby preventing and suppressing changes in workpiece posture during transfer from the conveying surface of the chute to the workpiece transfer surface.

[0020] The effects of the invention

[0021] According to the present invention, based on a novel technical concept in which the entire transport surface is located at or near the antinode of vibration in a vibration mode in which the transport section is elastically deformed by the drive section, the following vibration transport device can be provided: It can achieve the same vibration state without nodes and with the same amplitude throughout the entire transport surface, without causing local workpiece stagnation or blockage, enabling smooth workpiece transport and quantitative workpiece supply; and because the space below the transport path is open, it reduces design constraints when configuring the transport path close to the workpiece placement surface of the next process equipment compared to a method where the space below the transport path is not open, and reduces the gap between the downstream end (terminal) of the transport surface and the workpiece transfer surface, thereby preventing and suppressing changes in workpiece posture when transferring from the transport surface to the workpiece transfer surface. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is an overall view of a vibratory conveying device with a chute that includes one embodiment (first embodiment) of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The main parts of the diagram.

[0024] Figure 3 This is an overall view of the groove in this embodiment.

[0025] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the groove of this embodiment.

[0026] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the groove of this embodiment.

[0027] Figure 6 The diagram illustrates the longitudinal vibration mode in this embodiment by analyzing and magnifying the displacement of the animation.

[0028] Figure 7 This is an overall view of a vibratory conveying device with a chute that includes other embodiments (second embodiments) of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 The main parts of the diagram.

[0030] Figure 9 This is an overall view of the groove in this embodiment.

[0031] Figure 10 This is a diagram showing the groove of this embodiment.

[0032] Figure 11 The diagram illustrates the bending vibration mode in this embodiment by analyzing the animation and magnifying the displacement.

[0033] Explanation of symbols

[0034] 1—Slide, 21—Transporting surface, 2—Transporting path (workpiece transporting path), 3—Transporting unit, 4, 41—Drive unit (piezoelectric element), L1—Main transporting path (linear main transporting path), W—Workpiece, X—Vibration transporting device, Y—Next process equipment (rotary table), Y1—Workpiece transfer surface. Detailed Implementation

[0035] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0036] <First Implementation>

[0037] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the chute 1 of this embodiment is applied to the vibration conveying device X, which can move the workpiece W, which is the object to be conveyed, toward the end L11 of the main conveying path (straight main conveying path L1) by vibration while conveying the workpiece to the downstream side of the conveying direction D1, and the chute 1 can be connected to the end L11 of the main conveying path. Figure 1 In the example of the main transport path, a linear feeder L is shown, and the slide 1 of this embodiment is arranged at a position adjacent to the terminal L11 of the linear main transport path L1.

[0038] like Figure 2As shown, the linear feeder L can transport a workpiece W downstream along the main linear transport path L1 in the transport direction by applying vibration to the linear transport section L2, which includes a linear main transport path L1 that is a straight transport path. In the linear feeder L of this embodiment, the specific structure for transporting the workpiece W on the main linear transport path L1 downstream by vibrating the linear transport section L2 is not particularly limited. For example, the following structure can be cited: a leaf spring (drive spring) is directly or indirectly vibrated by an excitation force applied from an excitation source. This leaf spring connects a movable part connected to the linear transport section L2 to a predetermined fixed part, so that the movable part and the fixed part vibrate in opposite directions. Thus, the linear transport section L2 connected to the movable part vibrates in the length direction, transporting the workpiece W downstream in the transport direction. Furthermore, as another example, the linear feeder L can also utilize the traveling wave generated by the linear transport section L2 to transport the workpiece W along the main linear transport path L1.

[0039] The starting point (not shown) and ending point L11 of the linear main transport path L1 reach the outer edge of the linear transport section L2, and are set with appropriate cross-sectional shapes. The linear main transport path L1 functions as the transport surface (linear transport surface) for transporting workpiece W. Furthermore, the cross-sectional shape of the linear main transport surface can be selected from appropriate shapes such as an upward-facing "U" shape, a U-shape, or a V-shape. The linear feeder L enables the workpiece W transported from the starting point of the linear main transport path L1 to be arranged in a row during transport and supplied from the ending point L11 of the linear main transport path L1 to the next process device.

[0040] Alternatively, a vibratory conveying device X may be configured to include a bowl-shaped feeder (not shown) on the upstream side of the linear conveying section L2. The bowl-shaped feeder, by vibrating a bowl-shaped conveying section (bowl-shaped conveying section) that includes a spiral conveying path (spiral conveying path) on its inner circumferential surface, can convey the workpiece W downstream in the conveying direction along the spiral conveying path. In the bowl-shaped feeder, the specific structure for vibrating the bowl-shaped conveying section to convey the workpiece W downstream in the conveying direction is not particularly limited; the structure of the linear feeder L described above (a structure using a leaf spring, a structure that generates traveling waves, etc.) can be appropriately adopted. When vibration is applied to the bowl-shaped conveying section, the workpiece W is placed onto the spiral conveying path and, in this state, is conveyed from the end (outlet portion) of the spiral conveying path to the beginning of the main linear conveying path L1 of the linear feeder L.

[0041] The workpiece W, which arrives at the beginning (upstream end) of the linear main transport path L1, is transported toward the end (downstream end) of the linear main transport path L1, and in this state, the workpiece W is transferred to the chute 1, and then supplied to the workpiece transfer surface Y1 of the next process equipment Y. Figure 1 and Figure 2The diagram illustrates that the next process device Y is a rotary table T. A predetermined surrounding area defined near the outer periphery of the upward-facing surface of the rotary table T is the workpiece transfer surface Y1. Furthermore, the rotary table T may, for example, constitute part of a visual inspection apparatus for inspecting the appearance of workpieces, in which workpieces W are arranged at equal intervals in a specific posture on the circular rotary table T, thereby improving inspection efficiency.

[0042] like Figures 3 to 5 As shown, the chute 1 includes: a transport path (workpiece transport path 2), which has a transport surface (transport surface 21) on its upper surface and an open space below; a transport section 3, which is disposed adjacent to the workpiece transport path 2 and transmits vibrations generated by elastic deformation to the transport surface 21; and a drive section 4, which excites the transport section 3 to cause it to elastically deform. Here, Figure 3 This is a 3D view of the overall appearance of slide 1. Figure 4 (a) is a top view of the slide 1. Figure 4 (b), (c) and Figure 5 (a) and (b) are respectively Figure 4 (a) Directions B, C, F, and G are directed towards the view. Figure 5 (c) is the Figure 5 Enlarged view of region P in (a).

[0043] In the slide 1 of this embodiment, the transport section 3 is composed of a plate that is elastically deformable and is positioned in an upright position. The slide 1 of this embodiment includes a fixing part 5 that protrudes from the center of the transport section 3 in the height direction H towards the upstream and downstream sides of the transport direction D1 of the workpiece W in the slide 1. The fixing part 5 is integrally formed with the transport section 3. Furthermore, the transport direction D1 of the workpiece W in the slide 1 can be specified as "the front-rear direction Z of the slide 1". Therefore, it can be considered that the slide 1 of this embodiment includes a fixing part 5 that protrudes forward and backward from the front side 31 and the back side 32 of the transport section 3, respectively.

[0044] In the slide 1 of this embodiment, a drive unit 4 is provided on one of the two sides 33 and 34 of the transport section 3 (two sides orthogonal to the transport direction D1 of the workpiece W in the transport section 3 when viewed from above). In this embodiment, a piezoelectric element 41 is used as the drive unit 4, and a piezoelectric element 41 is fixed to the center of the height direction H of one side 33 of the transport section 3 by appropriate processing such as pasting or fixing unit.

[0045] The workpiece transport path 2 is provided at the end of the transport section 3 (the upper end in the illustrated example) in a posture that protrudes in the thickness direction of the transport section 3 (orthogonal to the transport direction D1 of the workpiece W in the transport section 3 when viewed from above). In this embodiment, the workpiece transport path 2 is provided at the upper end of the transport section 3 in a posture that protrudes away from the side 33 where the drive section 4 is fixed. A groove-shaped transport surface 21 is formed on the upper surface of the workpiece transport path 2. The groove shape of the transport surface 21 is not particularly limited. Figure 5 As an example, a conveying surface 21 with an upward-facing "U" shape is shown. The beginning 22 and the end 23 of the workpiece conveying path 2 reach the outer edge of the upstream side and the outer edge of the downstream side of the workpiece conveying direction D1 in the workpiece conveying path 2, respectively. The dimension of the workpiece conveying path 2 in the front-rear direction Z is the same as the dimension of the upper end of the conveying section 3 in the front-rear direction Z. That is, the chute 1 of this embodiment includes the workpiece conveying path 2 extending laterally from the upper end of the conveying section 3. In this embodiment, the conveying section 3 and the workpiece conveying path 2 are formed as one unit.

[0046] In this embodiment, no other components are provided on the lower surface of the chute 1 of the workpiece transport path 2, thus the space below the workpiece transport path 2 becomes a free space (see reference). Figure 3 , Figure 4 (b) Figure 5 (a) and (c)). In this embodiment, the downstream portion of the workpiece transport direction D1 on the lower surface of the workpiece transport path 2 is set as a conical surface 24 whose height dimension gradually decreases toward the end 23 of the workpiece transport path 2 (see reference). Figure 4 (b)

[0047] For a vibratory conveying device X that has the above-described chute 1 positioned adjacent to the terminal L11 of the linear feeder L, as follows: Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the device is configured such that the downstream end of the workpiece transport path 2 is brought close to the workpiece transfer surface Y1 of the rotary table T, which serves as the next process equipment Y, and the fixing part 5 is fixed to a support member (not shown) independent of the chute 1 using appropriate units. In this configuration, since the downstream end of the workpiece transport path 2, which is set as a conical surface 24, is brought close to the workpiece transfer surface Y1 of the rotary table T, the transport surface 21 becomes a descending slope that gradually slopes downward from upstream to downstream in the workpiece transport direction D1. The angle of the descending slope is important because it is the degree to which the workpiece W slides down due to gravity and the angle that prevents the workpiece W from distorting its posture. In this embodiment, the descending slope of the transport surface 21 is set to approximately 5° to 15°. Furthermore, the fixing part 5 functions as a support part of the chute 1.

[0048] Furthermore, the vibration conveying device X of this embodiment utilizes the chute 1 provided between the linear feeder L and the rotary table T, which serves as the next process equipment Y, to convey the workpiece W from the linear main conveying path L1 of the linear feeder L to the conveying surface 21 within a certain range (the conveying range in which the workpiece W is conveyed using the conveying surface 21), and then supplies the workpiece W to the rotary table T, which serves as the next process equipment Y.

[0049] Specifically, if an alternating voltage is applied to the drive unit 4 (piezoelectric element 41) located at the center of the transport unit 3 in the height direction H to cause the transport unit 3 to vibrate, the transport unit 3 as a whole will vibrate (longitudinal vibration) due to elastic deformation caused by its stretching and contracting motion in the height direction H (vertical direction). Here, from Figure 6 It can be understood that the chute 1 of this embodiment is configured such that, in the vibration state (longitudinal vibration mode) of the transport section 3 as a whole, a piezoelectric element 41 is provided at the position of the node of its vibration wave, and the transport surface 21, which transmits longitudinal vibration from the transport section 3, is set at or near the antinode of the vibration wave. In particular, in this embodiment, the transport surface 21 is set to a position corresponding to or near the antinode of the longitudinal vibration state (longitudinal vibration mode). The chute 1 of this embodiment can cause the transport surface 21 to vibrate in the ultrasonic region (standing wave) with a frequency of 20 kHz or higher in the longitudinal vibration mode. Furthermore, the frequency at which the piezoelectric element 41 is excited is set to the natural frequency of the longitudinal vibration mode of the transport section 3. And, from Figure 6 It can be understood that the groove 1 in this embodiment is a structure in which the fixing part 5 is also provided at or near the node of the vibration wave. Furthermore, Figure 6 It is a diagram that is magnified (exaggeratedly illustrated) by analyzing the animation to show the displacement of the longitudinal vibration mode.

[0050] As described above, the slide 1 of this embodiment is configured such that, in the state where the transport section 3 is elastically deformed by the drive section 4 (piezoelectric element 41), i.e., in the vibration mode (longitudinal vibration mode), the transport surface 21 is located at or near the antinode of the vibration mode (the antinode portion of the vibration), thereby achieving a vibration state without nodes on the transport surface 21. Vibration occurs with the same amplitude throughout the entire area of ​​the transport surface 21, resulting in a uniform friction reduction effect on the transport surface 21, thus enabling smooth workpiece transport processing. In particular, according to the slide 1 of this embodiment, by vibrating the transport section 3 at a high frequency (ultrasonic vibration), the jumping of the workpiece W on the transport surface 21 can be suppressed, and the friction between the transport surface 21 and the workpiece W can be reduced. Furthermore, by employing a structure that vibrates the transport section 3 ultrasonically, the advantages of inaudible vibration noise and no adverse impact on the working environment can be obtained.

[0051] Furthermore, according to the slide 1 of this embodiment, since the space below the workpiece transport path 2, which includes the transport surface 21 on the upper surface, is open, the gap between the lower surface of the workpiece transport path 2 and the workpiece transfer surface Y1 of the next process equipment Y only needs to be ensured to take into account the amount of vibration of the workpiece transport path 2. Compared with the method of providing a drive part such as a piezoelectric element on the lower surface of the workpiece transport path 2, the lower surface of the workpiece transport path 2 can be brought closer to the workpiece transfer surface Y1 of the next process equipment Y. The posture of the workpiece W is stable when it is transferred from the workpiece transport path 2 to the workpiece transfer surface Y1 of the next process equipment Y. Moreover, the connection with the next process equipment Y and the position adjustment relative to the next process equipment Y do not need to take into account the wiring space of the piezoelectric element, etc., and can be performed easily and smoothly. In particular, the workpiece W arriving at the terminal L11 of the main transport path (in this embodiment, a straight main transport path L1) located upstream of the chute 1 is only in a desired appropriate posture, and it is required to be supplied to the workpiece transfer surface Y1 of the next process equipment Y via the workpiece transport path 2 in this appropriate posture. In this case, by bringing the downward surface of the workpiece transport path 2 close to a position with almost no gap relative to the workpiece transfer surface Y1, the height difference (step difference) between the terminal L11 of the transport surface 21 and the workpiece transfer surface Y1 can be set to a state close to zero. In this state, the chute 1 of this embodiment is extremely practical. In particular, in this embodiment, since the vibration occurs at a high frequency in the ultrasonic region, the amplitude in the vertical and horizontal directions is reduced, thereby enabling the height difference (step difference) between the terminal L11 of the transport surface 21 and the workpiece transfer surface Y1 to be set to a state close to zero.

[0052] Furthermore, according to the chute 1 of this embodiment, the transport section 3 is composed of a plate that can elastically deform and is set in an upright position. The transport surface 21 is set in a position that protrudes from the upper end of the transport section 3 in the thickness direction (width direction E). Since the vibration mode is generated by the expansion and contraction of the transport section 3 in the height direction H by driving the drive section 4 fixed to the center of the transport section 3, the vibration transmitted from the transport section 3 to the transport surface 21 is a vibration that occurs only in the direction perpendicular to the transport direction D1 of the workpiece W on the transport surface 21 (vibration that occurs only in the vertical direction). Since the horizontal amplitude of the transport surface 21 is approximately zero, the vibration wave itself does not directly contribute to the propulsion force of the workpiece W. The movement of the workpiece W transported on the transport surface 21 does not produce pulsation, and the transport speed of the workpiece W can be kept at a constant speed, thereby achieving stable workpiece transport processing. Moreover, the chute 1 of this embodiment has such an extremely simple structure that free space can be ensured in the space below the workpiece transport path 2.

[0053] In addition, according to the chute 1 of this embodiment, since the conveying surface 21 is set as an inclined surface that gradually slopes downward toward the downstream end of the workpiece conveying direction D1, the workpiece W transferred from the linear feeder L to the conveying surface 21 of the workpiece conveying path 2 is conveyed by sliding. Even the last workpiece W that is not pushed (pressed) by the workpiece W from behind is conveyed by sliding. Furthermore, when the conveying speed of the workpiece W in the conveying surface 21 is set to be slower than the conveying speed of the workpiece W in the linear main conveying path L1 of the linear feeder L, the workpiece W can be conveyed on the conveying surface 21 in a state of no gap or approximately no gap in the conveying direction D1, thereby preventing the phenomenon of the distance between the workpieces W in the conveying direction D1 increasing (workpiece W separation). The amount of workpiece conveyed per unit time can be increased, thereby achieving a more stable constant supply of workpiece W.

[0054] Furthermore, according to the vibration conveying device X of this embodiment, which includes such a groove 1, the effects of the groove 1 are obtained, which can improve the friction reduction effect between the workpiece W and the conveying surface 21, can constantly supply the workpiece W from the end L11 of the conveying surface 21 toward the workpiece transfer surface Y1 of the next process equipment Y, and can make the step difference between the end L11 of the conveying surface 21 and the workpiece transfer surface Y1 of the next process equipment Y close to zero, thereby preventing and suppressing the adverse situation of the workpiece W changing its posture when it is transferred from the end L11 of the conveying surface 21 to the workpiece transfer surface Y1 of the next process equipment Y.

[0055] <Second Implementation>

[0056] In the second embodiment, the chute 1 constitutes a vibratory conveying device X. Figure 7 and Figure 8 In this embodiment, the linear feeder L can be positioned adjacent to the terminal L11 of the linear main transport path L1, just as in the first embodiment. The linear feeder L in this embodiment is the same as the linear feeder L in the first embodiment, therefore detailed description is omitted.

[0057] like Figures 9 to 10 As shown, the slide 1 of the second embodiment includes: a transport path (workpiece transport path 2), which includes a transport surface (transport surface 21) on its upper surface and has an open space below; a transport section 3, which is disposed adjacent to the workpiece transport path 2 and transmits vibrations generated by elastic deformation to the transport surface 21; and a drive section 4, which excites the transport section 3 to cause it to elastically deform. Furthermore, in the following description and... Figures 7 to 11 In this text, corresponding parts and components in the first and second embodiments are labeled with symbols common to all embodiments. Here, Figure 9 This is a 3D view of the overall appearance of slide 1. Figure 10 (a) is a top view of the slide 1. Figure 10 (b) and (c) are respectively the Figure 10 (a) Direction B is directed towards the view, and direction C is directed towards the view. Figure 10 (c) is the Figure 10 Enlarged view of the main part of (b).

[0058] In the slide 1 of this embodiment, the transport section 3 is composed of a plate that is elastically deformable and is arranged in a transversely placed position. The slide 1 of this embodiment includes a fixing part 5 that protrudes from the center of the width direction E of the transport section 3 towards the upstream and downstream sides of the transport direction D1 of the workpiece W in the slide 1. The fixing part 5 is integrally formed with the transport section 3. It can be considered that the slide 1 of this embodiment includes the fixing part 5 that protrudes forward and backward from the front 31 and back 32 of the transport section 3, respectively.

[0059] In the slide 1 of this embodiment, a drive unit 4 is provided on one of the upper surface 35 or the lower surface 36 of the transport unit 3 (the upper surface 35 is shown in the illustrated example). In this embodiment, a piezoelectric element 41 is used as the drive unit 4, and a piezoelectric element 41 is fixed to the center of the width direction E of the upper surface 35 of the transport unit 3 by appropriate processing such as pasting or fixing unit.

[0060] The workpiece transport path 2 is located at one side end of the transport section 3. That is, in the workpiece transport path 2 of this embodiment, the workpiece transport path 2 is provided at a position in the transport section 3 that is separated from the portion where the drive section 4 is fixed by a predetermined distance in the width direction E. A groove-shaped transport surface 21 is formed on the upper surface of the workpiece transport path 2. The groove shape of the transport surface 21 is not particularly limited. Figure 10 An example of a transport surface 21 with an upward-facing "U"-shaped cross-section is shown. The transport surface 21 reaches the outer edge of the upstream side and the outer edge of the downstream side of the workpiece transport path 2 in the workpiece transport direction D1. The dimension of the workpiece transport path 2 in the front-rear direction Z is the same as the dimension of the transport section 3 in the front-rear direction Z. It can be considered that the chute 1 of this embodiment includes the workpiece transport path 2 extending laterally from the side end of the transport section 3. In this embodiment, the transport section 3 and the workpiece transport path 2 are formed as one unit.

[0061] In the chute 1 of this embodiment, no other components are provided on the lower surface of the workpiece transport path 2, thereby making the space below the workpiece transport path 2 a free space (see reference). Figure 9 , Figure 10 (c) and (d)). In this embodiment, the downstream portion of the workpiece transport direction D1 on the lower surface of the workpiece transport path 2 is set as a conical surface 24 whose height dimension gradually decreases toward the end 23 of the workpiece transport path 2 (see reference). Figure 10 (b)

[0062] For a vibratory conveying device X that has the above-described chute 1 positioned adjacent to the terminal L11 of the linear feeder L, as follows: Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the device is configured such that the downstream end of the workpiece transport path 2 is brought close to the workpiece transfer surface Y1 of the rotary table T, which serves as the next process equipment Y, and the fixing part 5 is fixed to a support member (not shown) independent of the chute 1 using a suitable unit. In this configuration, since the downstream end of the workpiece transport path 2, which is a conical surface 24, is brought close to the workpiece transfer surface Y1 of the rotary table T, the transport surface 21 has a downward slope that gradually slopes downward from upstream to downstream in the workpiece transport direction D1. In this embodiment, the transport surface 21 is inclined at an angle of about 5° to 15° along the workpiece transport direction D1. Furthermore, the fixing part 5 functions as a support part of the chute 1.

[0063] Furthermore, the vibration conveying device X of this embodiment utilizes the chute 1 provided between the linear feeder L and the rotary table T, which serves as the next process equipment Y, to convey the workpiece W from the linear main conveying path L1 of the linear feeder L to the conveying surface 21 within a certain range (the conveying range in which the workpiece W is conveyed using the conveying surface 21), and then supplies the workpiece W to the rotary table T, which serves as the next process equipment Y.

[0064] Specifically, if an alternating voltage is applied to the drive unit 4 (piezoelectric element 41) located at the center of the width direction E of the transport unit 3 to cause the transport unit 3 to vibrate, the transport unit 3 as a whole will vibrate (bending vibration) due to elastic deformation of flexure in the height direction H (vertical direction). Here, from Figure 11 It can be understood that the chute 1 of this embodiment is configured such that, in the state of bending vibration of the transport section 3 as a whole (bending vibration mode), a piezoelectric element 41 is provided at the position of the node of its vibration wave, and the transport surface 21 that transmits bending vibration from the transport section 3 is set at or near the antinode of the vibration wave. In particular, in this embodiment, the transport surface 21 is set to a position corresponding to or near the antinode of the bending vibration state (bending vibration mode). The chute 1 of this embodiment can cause the transport surface 21 to vibrate in the ultrasonic region (standing wave) with a frequency of 20 kHz or higher in the bending vibration mode. Furthermore, the frequency at which the piezoelectric element 41 excites is set to the natural frequency of the bending vibration mode of the transport section 3. And, from Figure 11 It can be understood that the groove 1 in this embodiment is a structure in which the fixing part 5 is also located at the node of the vibration wave. Furthermore, Figure 11 The diagram is an exaggerated representation (illustrated in an exaggerated way) of the displacement of the bending vibration mode by analyzing the animation.

[0065] As described above, the slide 1 of this embodiment is configured such that, in the state where the transport section 3 is elastically deformed by the drive section 4 (piezoelectric element 41), i.e., in the vibration mode (longitudinal vibration mode), the transport surface 21 is located at or near the antinode of the vibration mode (the antinode portion of the vibration), thereby achieving a vibration state without nodes on the transport surface 21. Vibration occurs with the same amplitude throughout the entire area of ​​the transport surface 21, resulting in a uniform friction reduction effect on the transport surface 21, thus enabling smooth workpiece transport processing. In particular, according to the slide 1 of this embodiment, by vibrating the transport section 3 at a high frequency (ultrasonic vibration), the jumping of the workpiece W on the transport surface 21 can be suppressed, and the friction between the transport surface 21 and the workpiece W can be reduced. Furthermore, by employing a structure that vibrates the transport section 3 ultrasonically, the advantages of inaudible vibration noise and no adverse impact on the working environment can be obtained.

[0066] Furthermore, according to the slide 1 of this embodiment, since the space below the workpiece transport path 2, which includes the transport surface 21 on the upper surface, is open, the gap between the lower surface of the workpiece transport path 2 and the workpiece transfer surface Y1 of the next process equipment Y only needs to be ensured to take into account the amount of vibration of the workpiece transport path 2. Compared with the method of providing a drive part such as a piezoelectric element on the lower surface of the workpiece transport path 2, the lower surface of the workpiece transport path 2 can be brought closer to the workpiece transfer surface Y1 of the next process equipment Y. The posture of the workpiece W is stable when it is transferred from the workpiece transport path 2 to the workpiece transfer surface Y1 of the next process equipment Y. Moreover, the connection with the next process equipment Y and the position adjustment relative to the next process equipment Y do not need to take into account the wiring space of the piezoelectric element, etc., and can be performed easily and smoothly. In particular, the workpiece W that reaches the terminal L11 of the main transport path (in this embodiment, the straight main transport path L1) located upstream of the chute 1 is only in the desired appropriate posture, and is required to be supplied to the workpiece transfer surface Y1 of the next process equipment Y via the workpiece transport path 2 in this appropriate posture. In this case, by bringing the downward surface of the workpiece transport path 2 close to a position with almost no gap relative to the workpiece transfer surface Y1, the height difference (step difference) between the terminal L11 of the transport surface 21 and the workpiece transfer surface Y1 can be set to a state close to zero. In this state, the chute 1 of this embodiment is extremely practical.

[0067] Furthermore, according to the chute 1 of this embodiment, the transport section 3 is composed of a plate that can elastically deform and is arranged in a horizontally placed position. Since the vibration mode is generated by the flexural deformation of the transport section 3 through the drive section 4 fixed to the center of the width direction E of the transport section 3, and a transport surface 21 is provided at the side end of the transport section 3, the vibration transmitted from the transport section 3 to the transport surface 21 is a vibration that occurs only in the direction perpendicular to the transport direction D1 of the workpiece W on the transport surface 21 (vibration that occurs only in the vertical direction). Since the horizontal amplitude of the transport surface 21 is approximately zero, the vibration wave itself does not directly contribute to the propulsion force of the workpiece W. The movement of the workpiece W transported on the transport surface 21 does not produce pulsation, and the transport speed of the workpiece W can be kept at a constant speed, thereby achieving stable workpiece transport processing. Moreover, the chute 1 of this embodiment has such an extremely simple structure that free space can be ensured in the space below the workpiece transport path 2.

[0068] In addition, according to the chute 1 of this embodiment, since the conveying surface 21 is set as an inclined surface that gradually slopes downward toward the downstream end of the workpiece conveying direction D1, the workpiece W transferred from the linear feeder L to the conveying surface 21 of the workpiece conveying path 2 is conveyed by sliding. Even the last workpiece W that is not pushed (pressed) by the workpiece W from behind is conveyed by sliding. Furthermore, when the conveying speed of the workpiece W in the conveying surface 21 is set to be slower than the conveying speed of the workpiece W in the linear main conveying path L1 of the linear feeder L, the workpiece W can be conveyed on the conveying surface 21 in a state of no gap or approximately no gap in the conveying direction D1, thereby preventing the phenomenon of the distance between the workpieces W in the conveying direction D1 increasing (workpiece W separation). The amount of workpiece conveyed per unit time can be increased, thereby achieving a more stable constant supply of workpiece W.

[0069] Furthermore, according to the vibration conveying device X of this embodiment, which includes such a groove 1, the effects of the groove 1 are obtained, which can improve the friction reduction effect between the workpiece W and the conveying surface 21, can constantly supply the workpiece W from the end L11 of the conveying surface 21 toward the workpiece transfer surface Y1 of the next process equipment Y, and can make the step difference between the end L11 of the conveying surface 21 and the workpiece transfer surface Y1 of the next process equipment Y close to zero, thereby preventing and suppressing the adverse situation of the workpiece W changing its posture when it is transferred from the end L11 of the conveying surface 21 to the workpiece transfer surface Y1 of the next process equipment Y.

[0070] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. For example, in the embodiments described above, an example is shown in which the conveying surface is set to a slope that descends along the workpiece conveying direction, but a flat conveying surface that is not inclined can also be used.

[0071] If the transport section, positioned adjacent to the workpiece transport path, satisfies the condition of transmitting vibrations generated by elastic deformation to the transport surface, it can also be a component independent of the workpiece transport path. In other words, the chute of the present invention includes both structures that independently include the transport path and the transport section, and structures that integrally include the transport path and the transport section. Furthermore, structures where the transport path and the transport section are integral (structures in which a portion of the transport section is formed and processed as a transport path) are also included in the present invention.

[0072] Furthermore, in this invention, the cross-sectional groove shape of the transport surface and the length of the workpiece transport path along the workpiece transport direction can be appropriately selected and changed.

[0073] In this invention, the driving unit can replace the piezoelectric element or, based on the piezoelectric element, apply a magnetostrictive element or other elements. Furthermore, a structure can be adopted in which driving units are respectively arranged at positions along the thickness direction where the conveying unit is sandwiched. Each driving unit is not limited to being located at or near a vibrating node; it can also be located at or near an antinode depending on the vibration mode. That is, in order to make the device vibrate more efficiently in the vibration mode, it is preferable to arrange the driving unit (with the piezoelectric element attached) at a position where the deformation caused by elastic deformation is large.

[0074] Furthermore, as a variation of the structure described in the first embodiment, an example can be given of a structure in which a transport path is provided at the lower end of the plate in a posture that protrudes in the thickness direction of the plate.

[0075] Furthermore, the vibratory conveying device of the present invention is not limited to including all bowl feeders, linear feeders, and chutes. It can also be a structure in which a chute is arranged adjacent to the end of the main conveying path (spiral conveying path) of the bowl feeder, or a structure that does not include a bowl feeder but has a chute arranged adjacent to the end of the main conveying path (linear main conveying path) of the linear feeder. In addition, the linear feeder may also have a linear main conveying path and a return track formed on the upper surface of the linear conveying section, which allows the workpiece discharged from the linear main conveying path to return to the upstream side (e.g., the storage section of the bowl feeder).

[0076] Furthermore, the following structure can also be achieved: A chute of the present invention is provided between the bowl feeder and the linear feeder, so that a workpiece arriving from the end of the spiral conveying path to the beginning of the workpiece conveying path is transported to the end of the workpiece conveying path and transferred to the beginning of the linear main conveying path of the linear feeder. In this case, the vibratory conveying device can be considered to include the bowl feeder and the chute, and the "workpiece transfer surface of the next process equipment" in the present invention is the beginning of the linear main conveying path.

[0077] Furthermore, the next process equipment in this invention is not limited to the rotary table of the appearance inspection device, but can be any equipment that constitutes part of a suitable inspection device or processing device and includes a workpiece transfer surface.

[0078] As an example of the object to be transported, i.e., the workpiece W, small components such as electronic components can be cited, but the workpiece W can also be an item other than electronic components.

[0079] In addition, the specific structure of each part is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. A chute capable of transporting a workpiece, which is the object to be transported, to a workpiece transfer surface of a predetermined next-process equipment while moving along a transport surface towards the downstream end in the transport direction. The aforementioned groove is characterized by comprising: A transport path, which includes the aforementioned transport surface on its upward-facing surface and has an open space below it; A transport unit, positioned adjacent to the transport path, transmits vibrations generated by elastic deformation to the transport surface; and The drive unit causes the aforementioned transport unit to elastically deform. The aforementioned chute is configured such that, in a state where the conveying part is elastically deformed by the aforementioned driving part, i.e., in a vibration mode, the entire conveying surface along the aforementioned conveying direction is located at or near the antinode of the aforementioned vibration mode in which the amplitude of the vibration in the direction perpendicular to the aforementioned conveying direction on the conveying surface is the largest.

2. The groove according to claim 1, characterized in that, The aforementioned conveying unit is a plate that is elastically deformable and positioned in an upright posture. The aforementioned vibration mode is generated by the extension and retraction of the plate in the height direction by driving the drive unit fixed to the center of the plate. The aforementioned transport path is provided at the end of the aforementioned plate in a posture that protrudes in the thickness direction of the plate.

3. The groove according to claim 1, characterized in that, The aforementioned transport section is a plate that is elastically deformable and positioned in a horizontal orientation. The aforementioned vibration mode is a bending vibration of the plate in a plane perpendicular to the transport direction, generated by driving the drive unit fixed to the center of the width direction of the plate. The aforementioned transport path is located at one side end of the aforementioned plate or at a position adjacent to or near that side end.

4. The groove according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The aforementioned transport surface is set as an inclined surface that gradually slopes downward toward the downstream end of the transport direction.

5. A vibration conveying device capable of using vibration to move a workpiece, which is the object to be conveyed, towards the end of the main conveying path while conveying it downstream in the conveying direction. The aforementioned vibratory conveying device is characterized in that, A chute as described in any one of claims 1 to 4 is disposed at a position adjacent to the end of the aforementioned main transport path.

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