Rubber stopper feeding device

Abstract

The rubber plug supply device (10) of the present application is provided with a supply device (20), a sensor (32), a direction correction device (40), and a storage assisting device (107). The supply device (20) has a storage portion (21) that stores rubber plugs (5) and a discharge port (22b) that discharges the rubber plugs (5). The sensor (32) detects the orientation of the rubber plugs (5) supplied by the supply device (20). The direction correction device (40) is provided with a storage hole (51) that stores the rubber plugs (5), and changes the orientation of the rubber plugs (5) to a prescribed orientation when the orientation of the rubber plugs (5) detected by the sensor (32) is different from the prescribed orientation. The storage assisting device (107) moves one or both of the storage hole (51) and the discharge port (22b), thereby moving the position of the storage hole (51) relative to the discharge port (22b) between at least a first position (P1) that is directly opposite the discharge port (22b) and a second position (P2) that is offset from the first position (P1) and faces a portion of the discharge port (22b).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a rubber stopper supply device. Background Technology

[0002] A waterproof rubber plug is known to be installed on an electrical wire. Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional diagram representing an example of a rubber stopper. Figure 3 This diagram illustrates one example of how a rubber stopper is used. (For example...) Figure 3 As shown, a rubber stopper 5 is, for example, installed on a sheathed wire 6, which has a crimp terminal 7 crimped to its front end. Figure 2 As shown, the rubber stopper comprises a structure with an asymmetrical cylindrical shape.

[0003] For example, in the supply of wire insertion devices that insert wires into rubber plugs, etc. Figure 2 In the case of the rubber stoppers shown, it is necessary to supply rubber stoppers with a uniform orientation. Rubber stopper supply devices that uniformly orient rubber stoppers and supply them to other devices are also known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a rubber stopper supply device comprising: a cylinder that holds a plurality of rubber stoppers; a take-up tube connected to the cylinder; a receiving section that receives rubber stoppers taken from the take-up tube; an attitude correction section that corrects the orientation of the rubber stoppers; a conveying section that conveys rubber stoppers from the receiving section to the attitude correction section; and a transfer section that transfers the rubber stoppers, whose orientation has been corrected in the attitude correction section, to the outside of the machine.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2009-173448 Summary of the Invention

[0007] (a) Technical problems to be solved

[0008] Regarding the rubber plug supply device disclosed in Patent Document 1, the rubber plug passing through the extraction tube falls toward a direction correction device (i.e., a mechanism that corrects the orientation of the rubber plug supplied from the extraction tube; in Patent Document 1, this refers to a mechanism including a receiving section, a conveying section, and an attitude correction section) and is taken into a receiving hole (receiving port) formed on the direction correction device. However, in reality, the rubber plug may not be smoothly received into the receiving hole; sometimes, the rubber plug gets stuck near the entrance of the receiving hole. When this happens, it delays the conveying of the rubber plug out of the machine.

[0009] The present invention addresses the above-mentioned problems and aims to provide a rubber stopper supply device that can more reliably house the rubber stopper within a direction correction device that corrects the orientation of the rubber stopper.

[0010] (II) Technical Solution

[0011] The rubber stopper supply device of the present invention includes: a supply device, a sensor, a direction correction device, a delivery device, and a receiving auxiliary device. The supply device has: a receiving portion for receiving a rubber stopper, a supply path communicating with the receiving portion and through which the rubber stopper passes, and a discharge port for discharging the rubber stopper that has passed through the supply path. The sensor detects the orientation of the rubber stopper supplied by the supply device. The direction correction device has a receiving hole for receiving the rubber stopper, and when the orientation of the rubber stopper detected by the sensor differs from a predetermined orientation, it corrects the orientation of the rubber stopper to the predetermined orientation. The delivery device delivers the rubber stopper with the corrected orientation. The receiving auxiliary device moves one or both of the receiving hole and the discharge port, thereby moving the position of the receiving hole relative to the discharge port between at least a first position directly opposite the discharge port and a second position offset from the first position and facing a portion of the discharge port.

[0012] According to the aforementioned rubber stopper supply device, the receiving auxiliary device moves the position of the receiving hole relative to the discharge port between a first position directly opposite the discharge port and a second position offset from the first position and facing a portion of the discharge port. That is, the aforementioned rubber stopper supply device performs an action that slightly moves the position of the receiving hole relative to the discharge port. This creates an effect that causes one or both of the receiving hole and the discharge port to oscillate, making it easier to receive the rubber stopper in the receiving hole. As a result, the rubber stopper can be received more reliably by the orientation correction device.

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, namely the second embodiment, the storage auxiliary device is configured such that the position of the storage hole relative to the outlet is movable between a first position, a second position, and a third position, wherein the third position is set symmetrically with respect to the first position and the second position.

[0014] According to this method, the receiving hole also moves to a third position relative to the outlet, which is symmetrically set with the first position as a reference and the second position as a reference. Therefore, the effect of making the receiving hole or outlet swing is further enhanced, and the rubber stopper is more easily stored in the receiving hole.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, namely the third embodiment, the storage auxiliary device is configured to repeatedly move the storage hole relative to the discharge port.

[0016] According to this method, the repeated movement of the storage hole relative to the outlet further enhances the effect of swinging the storage hole or outlet, making it easier for the rubber stopper to be stored in the storage hole.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, namely a fourth embodiment, the direction correction device includes: a movable body having the receiving hole; a direction changing device for changing the orientation of the rubber stopper; and a conveying device configured to move the movable body. The conveying device is configured to move the movable body between a position where the receiving hole is connected to the discharge outlet and a position where the receiving hole is connected to the direction changing device. The receiving auxiliary device is configured to move the position of the receiving hole relative to the discharge outlet between a first position and a second position by driving the conveying device.

[0018] According to this method, the position of the receiving hole relative to the discharge port is moved by moving a movable body equipped with the receiving hole, which then feeds a rubber plug from the supply device to the direction-changing device. Therefore, no special structure is required to move either the discharge port or the receiving hole.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment of the fourth method, namely the fifth method, the direction-changing device includes a hole that can receive the rubber plug and is connected to the receiving hole. The receiving auxiliary device is configured to move the position of the receiving hole relative to the hole by driving the conveying device between at least a position directly opposite the hole and a position offset from the directly opposite position and facing a portion of the hole.

[0020] According to this method, the rubber stopper moving device moves the position of the receiving hole relative to the orifice of the direction changing device between a directly opposite position and a position slightly offset from the directly opposite position by moving the moving body. Therefore, for the same reason as when moving the rubber stopper from the discharge port to the receiving hole, the rubber stopper can be moved from the receiving hole to the orifice more reliably.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment of the fourth embodiment, namely the sixth embodiment, the direction-changing device comprises: a rotating body having a hole for receiving and connecting the rubber plug to the receiving hole; a rotating shaft extending in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the hole; and a rotation drive unit that rotates the rotating body about the rotation shaft. The receiving auxiliary device is configured such that, by driving the rotation drive unit, the position of the hole relative to the receiving hole is moved at least between a position directly opposite the receiving hole and a position offset from the directly opposite position and facing a portion of the receiving hole.

[0022] According to this method, the rubber stopper moving device moves the position of the receiving hole relative to the hole of the rotating body between a directly opposite position and a position slightly offset from the directly opposite position by rotating the rotating body of the direction changing device. Therefore, for the same reason as when moving the rubber stopper from the discharge port to the receiving hole, the rubber stopper can be moved from the receiving hole to the hole more reliably.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment of the fourth method, namely the seventh method, the direction-changing device includes a port portion capable of receiving and connecting the rubber plug to the receiving port. The rubber plug supply device further includes an insertion device that presses the rubber plug into the receiving port portion by injecting air into the receiving port while the receiving port is connected to the port portion.

[0024] According to this method, by using the insertion device to eject air, the movement of the rubber plug from the receiving hole to the opening can be made more reliable.

[0025] According to a preferred embodiment of the fourth embodiment, namely the eighth embodiment, the direction-changing device includes a hole for receiving and connecting the rubber plug. The rubber plug supply device further includes an insertion device for pressing the rubber plug into the hole. The insertion device includes a pressing body that abuts against the rubber plug when the receiving hole is connected to the hole, and a first actuator that moves the pressing body. The device is configured such that the rubber plug is pressed into the hole by driving the first actuator and pressing the rubber plug with the pressing body.

[0026] According to this method, by pressing the rubber stopper with a pressing body, the movement of the rubber stopper from the receiving hole to the hole can be made more reliable.

[0027] According to a preferred embodiment of the fourth method, namely the ninth method, the direction-changing device comprises: a rotating body having a hole for receiving and connecting the rubber plug; a rotating shaft extending in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the hole; and a rotation drive unit for rotating the rotating body about the rotation shaft. The direction-changing device is configured to change the orientation of the rubber plug by driving the rotating body to rotate about the rotation shaft using the rotation drive unit. The hole has a narrow portion having a cross-section smaller than the maximum external shape of the rubber plug when viewed from the axial direction of the hole. The delivery device is configured to deliver the rubber plug from the hole, at least when the orientation of the rubber plug has been changed using the direction-correcting device. The narrow portion is configured to stop the rubber plug inserted into the hole at the center of the hole in the axial direction, and the rubber plug can deform while passing through the hole when delivered using the delivery device.

[0028] According to this method, since the narrow section stops the rubber plug at the center of the hole along its axial direction, it is less likely for the rubber plug to protrude from the hole due to the rotation of the rotating body. Therefore, the rotating body can rotate at high speed, reducing the time required for correcting the direction of the rubber plug. Furthermore, when the rubber plug is fed out of the hole using the feeding device, the rubber plug can deform while passing through the narrow section. Therefore, the narrow section does not obstruct the feeding of the rubber plug.

[0029] According to a preferred embodiment of the fourth method, namely the tenth method, the direction-changing device includes: a rotating body having a hole for receiving and connecting the rubber plug to the receiving hole; a rotating shaft extending in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the hole; and a rotation drive unit that rotates the rotating body about the rotation shaft. The direction-changing device is configured to change the orientation of the rubber plug by driving the rotating body to rotate about the rotation shaft using the rotation drive unit. The rubber plug supply device further includes a stop device comprising: a stop member inserted into the hole when the hole is connected to the receiving hole; and a second actuator for inserting the stop member into the hole and disengaging it from the hole. The stop member is configured to stop the rubber plug inserted into the hole at the center of the hole in the axial direction of the hole when inserted.

[0030] According to this method, since the rubber plug is stopped at the center of the hole along the axial direction by using a stopper, it is less likely that the rubber plug will protrude from the hole due to the rotation of the rotating body. Therefore, the rotating body can rotate at high speed, and the time required for correcting the direction of the rubber plug can be reduced.

[0031] According to a preferred embodiment of the fourth method, namely the eleventh method, the direction-changing device includes a hole for receiving and connecting the rubber plug. The delivery device includes: a delivery path connected to the hole for the rubber plug to pass through; a first ejector connected to the hole for ejecting air in the delivery direction of the rubber plug; and a second ejector disposed on the delivery path for ejecting air in the delivery direction of the rubber plug.

[0032] According to this method, the rubber stopper can be delivered more effectively using the first and second ejection portions. The first ejection portion is located upstream of the rubber stopper in the delivery direction of the orifice, and presses the rubber stopper with the ejected air. The second ejection portion is located downstream of the rubber stopper in the delivery direction of the orifice, and pulls out the rubber stopper using the decompression effect generated by the ejected air. Furthermore, by using the air ejected from the second ejection portion to press and deliver the rubber stopper 5, which is closer to the downstream end of the delivery direction than the second ejection portion, the rubber stopper can be delivered at a higher speed.

[0033] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, namely the twelfth embodiment, the orientation correction device comprises: a rotating body having the receiving hole; a rotating shaft extending along a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the receiving hole; and a rotation drive unit that rotates the rotating body about the rotating shaft. The receiving auxiliary device is configured such that the position of the receiving hole relative to the discharge port is moved between a first position and a second position by driving the rotation drive unit.

[0034] According to this method, the position of the receiving hole relative to the discharge port is moved by rotating the rotating body on which the receiving hole is provided. Therefore, no special structure is required to move the discharge port or the receiving hole.

[0035] According to a preferred embodiment of the twelfth embodiment, namely the thirteenth embodiment, the receiving hole has a narrow portion having a cross-section smaller than the maximum outer shape of the rubber plug when viewed from the axial direction of the receiving hole. The delivery device is configured to deliver the rubber plug out of the receiving hole. The narrow portion is configured such that the rubber plug inserted into the receiving hole stops at the center of the receiving hole in the axial direction, and the rubber plug can deform while passing through the receiving hole when delivered by the delivery device.

[0036] This method can achieve the same effect as the ninth method.

[0037] According to a preferred embodiment of the twelfth embodiment, namely the fourteenth embodiment, the rubber plug supply device further includes a stop device, which comprises at least: a stop member capable of being inserted into the receiving hole when the receiving hole is in the first position relative to the discharge port, and a second actuator for inserting the stop member into the receiving hole and disengaging it from the receiving hole. The stop member is configured to stop the rubber plug inserted into the receiving hole at its central portion in the axial direction of the receiving hole when it is inserted into the receiving hole.

[0038] This method can achieve the same effect as the tenth method.

[0039] According to a preferred embodiment of the twelfth embodiment, namely the fifteenth embodiment, the dispensing device comprises: a dispensing path connected to the receiving hole for the rubber stopper to pass through; a first ejection portion connected to the receiving hole for ejecting air toward the dispensing direction of the rubber stopper; and a second ejection portion connected to the dispensing path for ejecting air toward the dispensing direction of the rubber stopper.

[0040] This method can achieve the same effect as the eleventh method.

[0041] According to a preferred embodiment of the twelfth embodiment, namely the sixteenth embodiment, the rotating body is configured to rotate and move between a first rotational position where the receiving hole is directly opposite the discharge port, a second rotational position where the receiving hole is connected to the dispensing device, and a third rotational position where the first rotational position has passed through the second rotational position. The rotating body includes another receiving hole that is directly opposite the discharge port when positioned in the second rotational position. The receiving auxiliary device is configured to drive the rotating body to rotate and move from the first rotational position to the third rotational position, and then from the third rotational position to the second rotational position, by driving the rotation drive unit.

[0042] According to this method, the rotating body has another receiving hole facing the discharge port when the rotating body is positioned in a second rotational position connected to the dispensing device. This allows for the simultaneous dispensing of one rubber plug and the receiving of the next rubber plug into the receiving hole. Furthermore, in this method, the rubber plug supply device moves the rotating body to a third position, having passed the second position, before positioning it in the second rotational position. By positioning the rotating body in the third position, the next rubber plug is bent by the other receiving hole. Moreover, by positioning the rotating body in the second position, the bending of the next rubber plug is eliminated. By oscillating the next rubber plug by eliminating this bending, the next rubber plug is easily received into the other receiving hole.

[0043] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, namely the seventeenth embodiment, the supply device includes an air supply section connected to the receiving section and supplying air to the receiving section. The supply path is configured as a tube with one or more openings formed on its side.

[0044] According to this method, the movement of the rubber plug from the storage section to the supply path is assisted by pressurizing the storage section using an air supply unit. Here, according to this method, since one or more openings are formed on the side of the supply path, a portion of the air supplied to the storage section by the air supply unit is discharged through the openings via the supply path. Therefore, regardless of the state of the rubber plug on the supply path, the air pressure difference between the storage section and the supply path can be stably maintained. As a result, the movement of the rubber plug from the storage section to the supply path can be stabilized.

[0045] According to a preferred embodiment of the seventeenth embodiment, namely the eighteenth embodiment, the one or more openings include: an opening formed in the supply path at a portion closer to the outlet than the middle portion.

[0046] According to this method, at least a portion of the opening is formed in the supply path closer to the outlet than the middle portion. Therefore, regardless of the state of the rubber plug in the supply path, a stable flow of air can be generated along the supply path towards the outlet using the opening. This air flow can stably assist the movement of the rubber plug within the supply path.

[0047] According to a preferred embodiment of the seventeenth embodiment, namely the nineteenth embodiment, the outlet is formed at one end of the supply path. The one or more openings include an opening formed to reach said one end.

[0048] According to this method, at least a portion of the opening reaches the outlet. Therefore, regardless of the state of the rubber plug in the supply path, a stable airflow towards the outlet can be generated throughout the supply path. This airflow can stably assist the movement of the rubber plug within the supply path.

[0049] (III) Beneficial Effects

[0050] According to the present invention, the rubber stopper can be more reliably housed in a direction correction device that corrects the orientation of the rubber stopper. Attached Figure Description

[0051] Figure 1 This is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of the rubber stopper supply device according to the first embodiment.

[0052] Figure 2 It is a 3D diagram of a rubber stopper.

[0053] Figure 3 This is an example of how a rubber stopper is used.

[0054] Figure 4 It is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of the supply device.

[0055] Figure 5 This is a partial cross-sectional view of a rubber plug supply device schematically showing the state of the moving body in the delivery position.

[0056] Figure 6 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of the direction conversion device.

[0057] Figure 7 This is a block diagram of a rubber stopper supply device.

[0058] Figure 8 This is a flowchart regarding the supply of rubber stoppers.

[0059] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating a swaying motion.

[0060] Figure 10 This is a partial cross-sectional view schematically showing the rubber stopper supply device with the changed orientation of the rubber stopper.

[0061] Figure 11A This is a schematic diagram illustrating the connection and separation actions.

[0062] Figure 11B This is a schematic diagram illustrating the connection and separation actions.

[0063] Figure 11C This is a schematic diagram illustrating the connection and separation actions.

[0064] Figure 12 This is a partial cross-sectional view schematically showing a variation of the rubber stopper supply device near the direction-changing device of the first embodiment.

[0065] Figure 13 This is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of the rubber stopper supply device according to the second embodiment.

[0066] Figure 14 This is a partial cross-sectional view of a rubber plug supply device schematically showing the state of the moving body in the delivery position.

[0067] Figure 15 This is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of a rubber plug supply device after the rubber plug has been oriented.

[0068] Figure 16 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of the direction switching device of the rubber plug supply device in the third embodiment.

[0069] Figure 17A It is a diagram illustrating the swinging motion and the passing motion.

[0070] Figure 17B It is a diagram illustrating the swinging motion and the passing motion.

[0071] Figure 17C It is a diagram illustrating the swinging motion and the passing motion.

[0072] Figure 17D It is a diagram illustrating the swinging motion and the passing motion. Detailed Implementation

[0073] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the embodiments described herein are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, the same reference numerals are used to denote components / parts that perform the same function, and repeated descriptions are appropriately omitted or simplified.

[0074] (First Implementation)

[0075] Figure 1This is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of a rubber stopper supply device 10 according to one embodiment. The rubber stopper supply device 10 supplies rubber stoppers 5 one by one to other devices, such as wire insertion devices (not shown) for inserting wires into rubber stoppers 5. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, Figure 1 The side of the paper surface is referred to as the front side of the rubber stopper supply device 10. Left, right, top, and bottom are the left, right, top, and bottom views of the rubber stopper supply device 10 when viewed from the front side, respectively. The reference numerals L, R, U, and D in the accompanying drawings represent left, right, top, and bottom, respectively. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the direction of rotation in the description refers to the direction of rotation when viewed from the front of the rubber stopper supply device 10. However, the above directions are determined only for ease of explanation and do not limit the arrangement of the rubber stopper supply device 10, nor do they limit the present invention in any way.

[0076] like Figure 2 As shown, the rubber stopper 5 of this embodiment has an asymmetrical cylindrical shape in the axial direction. The rubber stopper 5 has a small-diameter portion 5c and a large-diameter portion 5d. The diameter of the large-diameter portion 5d is larger than the diameter of the small-diameter portion 5c. A ring portion 5e with a diameter slightly larger than that of the small-diameter portion 5c is formed at the front end of the small-diameter portion 5c. Near the connection portion with the small-diameter portion 5c in the large-diameter portion 5d, two ring portions 5f with diameters slightly larger than that of the large-diameter portion 5d are formed. Hereinafter, the end of the rubber stopper 5 on the small-diameter portion 5c side will be appropriately referred to as the front end 5a of the rubber stopper 5. In addition, the end of the rubber stopper 5 on the large-diameter portion 5d side will be appropriately referred to as the rear end 5b of the rubber stopper 5. The front end 5a is the end facing forward in the delivery direction when it is delivered to another device by the rubber stopper supply device 10. The rear end 5b is the end facing backward in the delivery direction when it is delivered to another device by the rubber stopper supply device 10. The rubber stopper 5 has a through hole 5g extending from the front end 5a to the rear end 5b. However, the shape of the rubber stopper 5 shown here is only one example and the shape of the rubber stopper 5 is not limited.

[0077] like Figure 3 As shown, a rubber plug 5 is, for example, installed on a covered wire 6 (hereinafter referred to as wire 6). The front end of the wire 6 is inserted through a through hole 5g in the rubber plug 5. The wire 6 is inserted into the through hole 5g through an opening at the rear end 5b and removed through an opening at the front end 5a. Afterwards, the covering on the front end of the wire 6 is peeled off, and a crimp terminal 7 is crimped onto the front end. At this time, the rubber plug 5 is also fixed to the wire 6 by crimping with the crimp terminal 7. Furthermore, the assembly of the wire 6, the rubber plug 5, and the crimp terminal 7 is inserted into a dedicated housing 8. Figure 3 As shown, the annular portion 5f of the rubber stopper 5 contacts the inner circumference of the housing 8, preventing moisture from penetrating into the housing 8. The rubber stopper 5 is a waterproof rubber stopper. However, the method of using the rubber stopper 5 shown here is an example, and the method of using the rubber stopper 5 is not limited.

[0078] The rubber stopper supply device 10 uniformly feeds rubber stoppers 5 to other devices with its front end 5a facing forward in the feeding direction. The rubber stopper supply device 10 has the function of uniformly orienting the rubber stoppers 5 supplied in a random orientation. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the rubber stopper supply device 10 includes: a supply device 20, a direction detection device 30, a direction correction device 40, an insertion device 80, a delivery device 90, and a control device 100 for controlling their operation (see reference). Figure 7 ).

[0079] Figure 4 This is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of the supply device 20. The supply device 20 supplies the rubber plug 5 to the direction correction device 40. Figure 4 As shown, the supply device 20 includes: a storage tank 21, a supply pipe 22, a supply tank moving part 23, and an air supply part 24. The storage tank 21 is a box-shaped component that houses a plurality of rubber plugs 5. The plurality of rubber plugs 5 are placed in a container such as a plastic bag for storage. The plurality of rubber plugs 5 are transferred from the container to the storage tank 21. At this time, the orientation of the plurality of rubber plugs 5 in the storage tank 21 is not constant.

[0080] The receiving trough 21 includes a cylindrical portion 21a at the top and a hopper portion 21b at the bottom. The hopper portion 21b forms the inclined bottom surface of the receiving trough 21. The hopper portion 21b has an inclined surface 21b1 that is inclined downwards and concentrated at the center of the receiving trough 21. The hopper portion 21b is inserted into the lower end of the cylindrical portion 21a and is configured to be movable vertically relative to the cylindrical portion 21a. A supply pipe insertion hole 21b2 is provided on the hopper portion 21b, which is connected to the lower end of the inclined surface 21b1 and extends vertically.

[0081] The supply pipe 22 is the supply path for the rubber stopper 5 to pass through. The supply pipe 22 extends vertically. The supply pipe 22 is tubular and communicates with the receiving groove 21. Specifically, the supply pipe 22 is inserted into the supply pipe insertion hole 21b2. The upper end of the supply pipe 22 is located inside the receiving groove 21. A supply port 22a is formed at the upper end of the supply pipe 22 for the rubber stopper 5 to fall into the receiving groove 21. An outlet 22b is formed at the lower end of the supply pipe 22 for the rubber stopper 5 to be discharged after passing through the supply pipe 22.

[0082] The supply pipe 22 is cylindrical. The inner diameter of the supply pipe 22 is set slightly larger than the outer diameter of the rubber plug 5. The supply pipe 22 is configured to allow either the front end 5a or the rear end 5b of the rubber plug 5 to pass forward in the direction of travel. The rubber plug 5 cannot pass through the supply pipe 22 in other orientations. Furthermore, multiple rubber plugs 5 arranged radially in the supply pipe 22 cannot pass through it. The rubber plugs 5 are supplied downstream one by one through the supply pipe 22. Additionally, the orientation of the rubber plug 5 is modified by passing through the supply pipe 22 so that either the front end 5a or the rear end 5b faces forward in the direction of travel.

[0083] like Figure 4 As shown, a slit 22c is formed on the side of the supply pipe 22. Here, the slit 22c is formed in the portion of the supply pipe 22 closer to the outlet 22b than the middle portion. The slit 22c extends in the extending direction of the supply pipe 22 (here, the vertical direction). Figure 4 As shown, the slit 22c is configured to reach the lower end of the supply pipe 22 where the discharge port 22b is formed. That is, the lower end of the slit 22c is cut off. Furthermore, in Figure 4 In the illustration, only one slit 22c is shown, but there can be multiple slits 22c or just one. Here, the slit 22c does not extend into the portion of the supply pipe 22 that is closer to the supply port 22a than the middle portion, but it may extend into the portion that is closer to the supply port 22a than the middle portion. The function of the slit 22c will be explained later.

[0084] The feed trough moving part 23 is configured to reciprocate along the hopper part 21b in the vertical direction. This reciprocating motion oscillates the rubber plug 5 placed on the inclined surface 21b1 of the hopper part 21b. Therefore, the rubber plug 5 in the receiving trough 21 easily falls into the feed port 22a of the feed tube 22. The hopper part 21b is slidably engaged with the guide rail 23a of the feed trough moving part 23. The hopper part 21b utilizes the drive part 23b of the feed trough moving part 23 (see reference 23b). Figure 7 It reciprocates along guide rail 23a. The drive unit 23b is not particularly limited, for example, it is an air cylinder.

[0085] The air supply unit 24 is configured to connect to the storage tank 21 and supply air to it. The air supply unit 24 pressurizes the storage tank 21 by introducing air into it. The air supplied by the air supply unit 24 assists the rubber stopper 5 inside the storage tank 21 in falling towards the supply port 22a. Additionally, the air supplied by the air supply unit 24 assists the rubber stopper 5 in moving into the supply pipe 22. Here, the air supply unit 24 is connected to the cover 21c of the storage tank 21.

[0086] like Figure 4As shown, the orientation detection device 30 includes an orientation detection sensor 32, which detects the orientation of the rubber plug 5 supplied by the supply device 20. The orientation correction device 40 is configured to correct the orientation of the rubber plug 5 to the predetermined orientation when the orientation detected by the orientation detection sensor 32 is different from the predetermined orientation. The delivery device 90 (see reference...) Figure 1 The rubber plug 5, which is uniformly oriented according to a specified orientation, is delivered. Here, the orientation correction device 40 has a first through hole 51 as a receiving hole for receiving the rubber plug 5 supplied from the supply device 20, and the orientation detection device 30 detects the orientation of the rubber plug 5 received in the first through hole 51.

[0087] like Figure 4 As shown, the direction detection device 30 includes: an arrival confirmation sensor 31, a direction detection sensor 32, and a rubber plug receiving part 33. The rubber plug receiving part 33 is disposed below the first through hole 51. The first through hole 51 extends vertically. A chamfer 51a is formed at the upper end of the first through hole 51 to facilitate the insertion of the rubber plug 5 into the first through hole 51. The shape of the chamfer 51a can be any known chamfer, such as a line chamfer, a C-chamfer, or an R-chamfer, without particular limitation. Figure 4 As shown, the chamfer 51a can be an easily formed C-shaped chamfer. However, the chamfer 51a can also be an R-shaped chamfer with less edge at the upper end of the first through hole 51. The rubber plug receiving part 33 receives the rubber plug 5 in a manner that prevents it from being discharged from the lower end of the first through hole 51, which is accommodated in the first through hole 51 with the assistance of the air supply part 24. Furthermore, the vertical distance between the rubber plug receiving part 33 and the upper end of the first through hole 51 is set to be approximately equal to the length in the axial direction of the rubber plug 5. This prevents a portion of the next rubber plug 5 from entering the first through hole 51. The arrival confirmation sensor 31 detects that the rubber plug 5 has been accommodated in the first through hole 51. The orientation detection sensor 32 detects the orientation of the rubber plug 5 that has abutted against the rubber plug receiving part 33 and stopped.

[0088] Both the arrival confirmation sensor 31 and the orientation detection sensor 32 are optical sensors. Each sensor has a projector and a receiver. Figure 4 As shown, the projector reaching the confirmation sensor 31 illuminates the light along the horizontal direction with an optical axis Ax1 (also refer to...). Figure 9 The light source of the confirmation sensor 31 is configured to receive light emitted from the projector. (The light source is described in the original text.) Figure 4 As shown, when the rubber plug 5 is housed in the first through hole 51, the light irradiated by the projector reaching the confirmation sensor 31 is blocked by the rubber plug 5 and does not reach the receiver. Thus, it is detected that the rubber plug 5 is housed in the first through hole 51.

[0089] like Figure 4As shown, the projector of the direction detection sensor 32 illuminates a light source with an optical axis Ax2 (also referencing...) in the horizontal direction. Figure 9 The light source of the direction detection sensor 32 is configured to receive light emitted from the projector. (The image shows the light source.) Figure 4 As shown, when the rubber plug 5 is housed in the first through hole 51 with its front end 5a facing upwards (hereinafter, the orientation of the rubber plug 5 will also be referred to as the positive direction), the light emitted by the projector of the direction detection sensor 32 is blocked by the large-diameter portion 5d and does not reach the light receiver. Although not shown in the figure, when the rubber plug 5 is housed in the first through hole 51 with its rear end 5b facing upwards (hereinafter, the orientation of the rubber plug 5 will also be referred to as the reverse direction), the light emitted by the projector of the direction detection sensor 32 passes through the side of the small-diameter portion 5c and reaches the light receiver. The direction detection sensor 32 is configured to detect the orientation of the rubber plug 5 based on whether or not the light receiver receives light.

[0090] However, the detection methods of the arrival confirmation sensor 31 and the orientation detection sensor 32 are not particularly limited. For example, the arrival of the rubber stopper 5 in the first through hole 51 and its orientation within the first through hole 51 can be detected by a width detection sensor that illuminates a strip of light. Alternatively, the arrival of the rubber stopper 5 in the first through hole 51 and its orientation within the first through hole 51 can be detected by, for example, an image recognition device.

[0091] like Figure 1 As shown, the direction correction device 40 includes: a movable body 50, a conveying device 60, and a direction conversion device 70. A first through hole 51 is provided on the movable body 50. The conveying device 60 moves the movable body 50 and conveys a rubber plug 5 from the supply device 20 to the direction conversion device 70 or the delivery device 90. The direction conversion device 70 is a device that changes the orientation of the rubber plug 5. Here, the direction conversion device 70 and the delivery device 90 are positioned closer to the right than the supply device 20, and the conveying device 60 causes the movable body 50 to slide in the left-right direction. However, the movement of the movable body 50 is not limited to sliding. The movable body 50 can be, for example, a rotary table that rotates along a horizontal plane.

[0092] Figure 5 It schematically shows the moving body 50 from Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional view of the rubber stopper supply device 10 in the state of moving and positioning to the delivery position Pt. (See attached image.) Figure 5 As shown, the delivery position Pt is the position where the first through hole 51 connects to the moving body 50, such as the direction changing device 70 and the delivery device 90. At this time, the direction changing device 70 is connected to the first through hole 51 from below. The delivery device 90 is connected to the first through hole 51 from above. Furthermore, [the following text is incomplete and requires further context: "to..."] Figure 1The position of the moving body 50, as shown, where the first through hole 51 is connected to the outlet 22b of the supply pipe 22, is hereinafter referred to as the receiving position Pr. The conveying device 60 is configured to allow the moving body 50 to move between the receiving position Pr and the delivery position Pt.

[0093] like Figure 5 As shown, when the moving body 50 is at the delivery position Pt, the first through hole 51 connects the direction conversion device 70 and the delivery device 90. When the orientation of the rubber plug 5 detected by the direction detection sensor 32 is positive, the rubber plug 5 is directly delivered by the delivery device 90 after the moving body 50 moves to the delivery position Pt, as detailed later. When the orientation of the rubber plug 5 detected by the direction detection sensor 32 is negative, the rubber plug 5 moves towards the direction conversion device 70 after the moving body 50 moves to the delivery position Pt. The direction conversion device 70 flips the orientation of the rubber plug 5 by 180 degrees. Then, the delivery device 90 delivers the rubber plug 5.

[0094] like Figure 1 As shown, the movable body 50 also has a second through hole 52 extending in the vertical direction. Figure 1 As shown, the second through hole 52 is configured to connect to the direction conversion device 70 and the delivery device 90 when the moving body 50 is in the receiving position Pr.

[0095] The conveying device 60 includes: a guide rail (not shown) into which the movable body 50 can be slidably engaged, an air cylinder 61, and a conveying valve 62 (see reference). Figure 7 ), first position sensor 63, second position sensor 64. For example... Figure 1 and Figure 5 As shown, the air cylinder 61 includes a rod 61a that extends and retracts in the left-right direction. The front end of the rod 61a is fixed to the movable body 50. The delivery valve 62 is, for example, a solenoid valve. The delivery valve 62, controlled by the control device 100, supplies or stops compressed air that causes the rod 61a to extend and retract to the air cylinder 61. By driving the delivery valve 62 to extend and retract the rod 61a, the movable body 50 moves in the left-right direction.

[0096] The first position sensor 63 detects whether the rod 61a is located at the receiving position Pr of the moving body 50. The first position sensor 63 is, for example, a proximity sensor that reacts to a magnetic body built into the rod 61a. The moving body 50 is detected to be at the receiving position Pr by the detection of the first position sensor 63. The second position sensor 64 detects whether the rod 61a is located at the delivery position Pt of the moving body 50. The second position sensor 64 is also, for example, a proximity sensor. The moving body 50 is detected to be at the delivery position Pt by the detection of the second position sensor 64. However, the structure of the conveying device 60 is not limited to the above-described manner. The conveying device 60 may, for example, include an electric motor and a ball screw. The manner in which the first position sensor 63 and the second position sensor 64 are not particularly limited.

[0097] In addition to moving the moving body 50 between the receiving position Pr and the delivering position Pt, the conveying device 60 also enables the moving body 50 to swing left and right. This swinging action is achieved, for example, by using the conveying valve 62 as a solenoid valve and changing the air direction in a short time period. However, the method of controlling the swinging of the moving body 50 by the conveying device 60 is not particularly limited. The swinging action will be described in detail later.

[0098] Figure 6 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the direction conversion device 70. (Example) Figure 6 As shown, the direction conversion device 70 includes: a rotating body 71, a rotating shaft 72, and a rotating drive unit 73 (see reference). Figure 7 The direction-changing device 70 is configured to change the orientation of the rubber plug 5 by driving the rotation drive 73 to rotate the rotating body 71 around the rotation axis 72. Viewed from the front-rear direction, the rotating body 71 is a circular component, configured to rotate around the rotation axis 72. A rotational through-hole 71a is provided on the rotating body 71 to accommodate the rubber plug 5. The rotational through-hole 71a is formed through the center of the rotating body 71 (aligned with the rotation axis 72) viewed from the front-rear direction. The rotational through-hole 71a has a first end 71a1 and a second end 71a2, each opening on the surface of the rotating body 71. The first end 71a1 and the second end 71a2 are offset by 180 degrees. Figure 6 As shown, except when changing the orientation of the rubber stopper 5, the first end 71a1 faces upward and the second end 71a2 faces downward. When the rotating body 71 is in a rotating position such that the first end 71a1 faces upward and the moving body 50 is in the delivery position Pt, the first end 71a1 of the rotating through hole 71a is connected to the lower end of the first through hole 51.

[0099] like Figure 1As shown, the rubber plug supply device 10 includes an insertion device 80 for pressing the rubber plug 5 into the rotating through hole 71a. In this embodiment, the insertion device 80 is configured to press the rubber plug 5 into the rotating through hole 71a by ejecting air into the first through hole 51 while the first through hole 51 is connected to the rotating through hole 71a. Thus, the rubber plug 5 held in the first through hole 51 is housed in the rotating through hole 71a of the rotating body 71.

[0100] like Figure 5 As shown, the insertion device 80 includes an air flow path 81 and an insertion valve 82. The air flow path 81 is connected to the delivery pipe 91 of the delivery device 90. When the moving body 50 is in the delivery position Pt, the delivery pipe 91 is connected to the upper end of the first through hole 51. The air flow path 81 extends obliquely downward from the circumferential outward of the delivery pipe 91, and its front end is connected to the delivery pipe 91. The insertion valve 82 is, for example, a solenoid valve. When the insertion valve 82 is released, compressed air is injected into the first through hole 51 through the air flow path 81 and the delivery pipe 91. Using this downward airflow, the rubber plug 5 is pressed into the rotating through hole 71a.

[0101] The arrival confirmation sensor 74 is used to detect whether the rubber plug 5 is housed in the rotating through hole 71a. The arrival confirmation sensor 74 is an optical sensor. The method by which the arrival confirmation sensor 74 detects whether the rubber plug 5 is housed in the rotating through hole 71a is the same as the method by which the arrival confirmation sensor 31 of the direction detection device 30 detects whether the rubber plug 5 is housed in the first through hole 51. However, the method of using the arrival confirmation sensor 74 is not particularly limited.

[0102] like Figure 6 As shown, the rotating through-hole 71a has a narrow portion 71a3 with a smaller diameter than other portions. Approximately half of the first end portion 71a1 side of the rotating through-hole 71a is a main hole portion 71a4 with a larger diameter than the narrow portion 71a3. The diameter of the main hole portion 71a4 is larger than the diameter of the largest portion of the rubber plug 5 (here, the ring portion 5f). In contrast, the narrow portion 71a3 has a cross-section smaller than the largest portion of the rubber plug 5 (here, the ring portion 5f) when viewed from the axial direction of the rotating through-hole 71a. Therefore, even if the rubber plug 5 is inserted into the rotating through-hole 71a, the rubber plug 5 will cross the step difference between the main hole portion 71a4 and the narrow portion 71a3 and will not fall out of the rotating through-hole 71a. The narrow portion 71a3 here is the portion other than that occupied by the main hole portion 71a4, in other words, it occupies approximately half of the second end portion 71a2 side of the rotating through-hole 71a. Figure 6As shown, the rubber plug 5 inserted into the rotating through hole 71a stops at the center of the rotating through hole 71a in the axial direction using the narrow portion 71a3. Furthermore, the narrow portion 71a3 can be configured such that the rubber plug 5 inserted into the rotating through hole 71a stops at the center of the rotating through hole 71a in the axial direction. The boundary between the narrow portion 71a3 and the main hole portion 71a4 may not be located at the center of the rotating through hole 71a in the axial direction, depending on the shape of the rubber plug 5.

[0103] The narrow portion 71a3 is configured such that when the rubber plug 5 is fed out from the rotating through hole 71a using the feeding device 90, the rubber plug 5 can deform while passing through, as detailed later. When a certain amount of feeding force is applied using the feeding device 90, the rubber plug 5 can elastically deform while passing through the narrow portion 71a3.

[0104] The rotation axis 72 of the direction conversion device 70 extends in the front-rear direction in a direction orthogonal to the axis of the rotation through hole 71a. The rotation drive unit 73 rotates the rotating body 71 about the rotation axis 72. Here, the rotating body 71 rotates clockwise or counterclockwise when viewed from the front by the drive of the rotation drive unit 73. The rotation drive unit 73 is electrically connected to the control device 100 and is controlled by the control device 100. The rotation drive unit 73 is configured to move the rotating body 71 to a predetermined rotation position according to the command of the control device 100. The rotation drive unit 73 may include, for example, a servo motor. However, the structure of the rotation drive unit 73 is not particularly limited.

[0105] The delivery device 90 delivers the rubber plug 5, which is uniformly oriented in a positive direction, to other devices. When the orientation of the rubber plug 5 detected by the orientation detection sensor 32 is positive, the delivery device 90 delivers the rubber plug 5 through the first through hole 51. When the orientation of the rubber plug 5 detected by the orientation detection sensor 32 is negative and the orientation of the rubber plug 5 is changed by the orientation correction device 40, the delivery device 90 delivers the rubber plug 5 through the rotation through hole 71a of the rotating body 71.

[0106] like Figure 5 As shown, the delivery device 90 includes: a delivery pipe 91, a first ejection section 92, a second ejection section 93, and a pass-through sensor 94. The delivery pipe 91 is the delivery path for the rubber plug 5, which is connected to the rotation through hole 71a of the rotating body 71 and through which the rubber plug 5 passes. As described above, the delivery pipe 91 is disposed above the rotating body 71 and the moving body 50, and passes through the first through hole 51 (when the moving body 50 is in the delivery position Pt) or the second through hole 52 (when the moving body 50 is in the receiving position Pr, see reference 1). Figure 1 It is connected to the rotating through-hole 71a. The first ejector 92 is configured to eject air in the direction of delivery of the rubber stopper 5, connected to the rotating through-hole 71a. Figure 5As shown, a first ejector 92 is disposed below the rotating body 71 and connected from below to the rotating through-hole 71a. The first ejector 92 ejects air upwards. The first ejector 92 includes a first ejection valve 92a. The first ejection valve 92a is, for example, a solenoid valve. When the first ejection valve 92a is released, compressed air is ejected into the rotating through-hole 71a.

[0107] The second ejector 93 is connected to the delivery pipe 91 and ejects air upwards in the delivery direction of the rubber stopper 5. Figure 5 As shown, the second ejection section 93 is located downstream of the insertion device 80 in the delivery direction. The second ejection section 93 includes an ejection flow path 93a and a second ejection valve 93b. The ejection flow path 93a extends obliquely upward from the circumferentially outward of the delivery pipe 91, and its front end is connected to the delivery pipe 91. The second ejection valve 93b is, for example, a solenoid valve. When the second ejection valve 93b is released, compressed air is injected into the delivery pipe 91. This compressed air is injected downstream in the delivery direction. Air is ejected through the second ejection section 93, thereby reducing pressure in the upstream portion of the second ejection section 93 of the delivery pipe 91. As a result, the rubber plug 5 is pulled towards the second ejection section 93. Furthermore, air is ejected through the second ejection section 93, thereby creating a downstream airflow in the downstream portion of the second ejection section 93 of the delivery pipe 91 in the delivery direction. Utilizing this airflow, the rubber plug 5 is delivered to the outside of the rubber plug supply device 10.

[0108] The confirmation sensor 94 detects that the rubber stopper 5 has passed the connection point 91a between the delivery tube 91 and the second ejection section 93. The confirmation sensor 94 is an optical sensor. It is positioned downstream of the connection point 91a between the delivery tube 91 and the second ejection section 93 in the delivery direction. When the confirmation sensor 94 illuminates light with an optical axis passing through the delivery tube 91, the position of the rubber stopper 5 passing the optical axis is detected because the light is blocked. However, the method of using the confirmation sensor 94 is not particularly limited.

[0109] Figure 7 This is a block diagram of the rubber stopper supply device 10 according to this embodiment. Figure 7As shown, the control device 100 is connected to the drive unit 23b and air supply unit 24 of the supply device 20, the arrival confirmation sensor 31 and direction detection sensor 32 of the direction detection device 30, the delivery valve 62 of the delivery device 60, the first position sensor 63 and the second position sensor 64, the rotation drive unit 73 and arrival confirmation sensor 74 of the direction conversion device 70, the insertion valve 82 of the insertion device 80, and the first ejection valve 92a, the second ejection valve 93b and the passage confirmation sensor 94 of the delivery device 90. The control device 100 controls the operation of the drive unit 23b, the air supply unit 24, the delivery valve 62, the rotation drive unit 73, the insertion valve 82, the first ejection valve 92a and the second ejection valve 93b. The control device 100 receives signals from the arrival confirmation sensor 31, the direction detection sensor 32, the first position sensor 63, the second position sensor 64, the arrival confirmation sensor 74 and the passage confirmation sensor 94. Additionally, although the illustration is omitted, the control device 100 receives the arrival signal of the rubber stopper 5 from the device that delivers the rubber stopper 5 to its destination.

[0110] The structure of the control device 100 is not particularly limited. The control device 100 may also include, for example, a central processing unit (hereinafter referred to as a CPU), ROM, RAM, etc., storing programs executed by the CPU. Each part of the control device 100 may be constructed by software or by hardware. In addition, each part may be a processor or a circuit.

[0111] like Figure 7 As shown, the control device 100 includes: a signal receiving unit 101, a supply control unit 102, a transport control unit 103, an insertion control unit 104, a rotation control unit 105, a delivery control unit 106, and a storage auxiliary unit 107.

[0112] The signal receiving unit 101 receives signals from sensors. The signal receiving unit 101 includes a first receiving unit 101a, a second receiving unit 101b, a third receiving unit 101c, a fourth receiving unit 101d, a fifth receiving unit 101e, a sixth receiving unit 101f, and a seventh receiving unit 101g. The first receiving unit 101a receives a signal from the arrival confirmation sensor 31. The signal from the arrival confirmation sensor 31 is used to confirm that the rubber plug 5 supplied from the supply device 20 has been received in the first through hole 51. The second receiving unit 101b receives a signal from the orientation detection sensor 32. The signal from the orientation detection sensor 32 is used to confirm the orientation of the rubber plug 5 supplied from the supply device 20. The third receiving unit 101c receives a signal from the first position sensor 63. The signal from the first position sensor 63 is used to confirm that the moving body 50 is positioned at the receiving position Pr. The fourth receiving unit 101d receives a signal from the second position sensor 64. The signal from the second position sensor 64 is used to confirm that the moving body 50 is positioned at the delivery position Pt. The fifth receiving unit 101e receives a signal from the arrival confirmation sensor 74. The signal from the arrival confirmation sensor 74 is used to confirm that the rubber plug 5 has been housed in the rotation through hole 71a of the rotating body 71. The sixth receiving unit 101f receives a signal from the passage confirmation sensor 94. The signal from the passage confirmation sensor 94 is used to confirm that the rubber plug 5 has passed the connection point 91a between the delivery tube 91 and the second ejection part 93. The seventh receiving unit 101g receives the arrival signal of the rubber plug 5 from the device at the delivery destination of the rubber plug 5.

[0113] The supply control unit 102 controls the operation of the supply tank moving part 23 and the air supply part 24. The supply control unit 102 controls the drive part 23b of the supply tank moving part 23, causing the hopper part 21b of the receiving tank 21 to reciprocate in the vertical direction. In addition, the supply control unit 102 controls the air supply part 24 and supplies air into the receiving tank 21.

[0114] The conveying control unit 103 controls the conveying device 60 to move the moving body 50. This conveys the rubber plug 5 from the supply device 20 to the direction-changing device 70 or the delivery device 90. The insertion control unit 104 is configured to control the insertion device 80 to press the rubber plug 5 into the rotational through-hole 71a of the rotating body 71 when it is necessary to reverse the orientation of the rubber plug 5. The rotation control unit 105 controls the rotation drive unit 73 to rotate the rotating body 71 when it is necessary to reverse the orientation of the rubber plug 5. The delivery control unit 106 controls the delivery device 90 to deliver the rubber plug 5 to the delivery destination device. Details regarding their control will be described later.

[0115] The receiving auxiliary unit 107 controls the conveying device 60 to assist in the transfer of the rubber plug 5 from the outlet 22b of the supply pipe 22 to the first through hole 51 of the moving body 50. The receiving auxiliary unit 107 moves the first through hole 51 by driving the conveying device 60 during the process of receiving the rubber plug 5 into the first through hole 51. This causes the position of the first through hole 51 relative to the outlet 22b to move between a position directly opposite the outlet 22b, a position slightly offset to the left from that position, and a position slightly offset to the right from that position, as detailed later. The receiving auxiliary unit 107 is configured to repeatedly move the first through hole 51 between these three positions. In other words, the receiving auxiliary unit 107 is configured to reciprocate the moving body 50 in the left-right direction around the position of the moving body 50 where the first through hole 51 is directly opposite the outlet 22b (i.e., the receiving position Pr). The storage assist 107 repeatedly moves the first through hole 51 between the three positions mentioned above until the signal from the arrival confirmation sensor 31 confirms that the rubber plug 5 is stored in the first through hole 51. Hereinafter, the reciprocating motion of the moving body 50 in the left and right direction is also referred to as the "swinging motion". The swinging motion will be explained in detail later.

[0116] (Supply processing)

[0117] The following describes the process of supplying rubber plug 5 using rubber plug supply device 10. Figure 8 This is a flowchart of the supply process for rubber stopper 5. However, Figure 8 The flowchart shown is just one example and does not limit the supply process of rubber stopper 5. The same applies to another process described below. Figure 8 As shown, in step S01 of the rubber stopper 5 supply process, the hopper section 21b of the receiving trough 21 begins to move up and down. In step S02, air supply begins using the air supply section 24. Steps S01 and S02 can be performed continuously during the supply of rubber stoppers 5. Furthermore, at the beginning of the rubber stopper 5 supply process, as... Figure 1 As shown, the moving body 50 is positioned at the receiving position Pr, and the rotating body 71 is positioned at the first end 71a1 facing upwards in a rotating position.

[0118] By utilizing the up-and-down movement of the hopper section 21b in step S01, the rubber plug 5 in the receiving groove 21 is assisted to enter the supply pipe 22. By utilizing the air supply to the receiving groove 21 in step S02, the rubber plug 5 in the receiving groove 21 is assisted to enter the supply pipe 22, the rubber plug 5 moves along the supply pipe 22 toward the discharge port 22b, and the rubber plug 5 is stored in the first through hole 51 of the moving body 50.

[0119] In step S03, the swaying motion of the moving body 50 begins. Figure 9This is a diagram illustrating a swaying motion. (For example...) Figure 9 As shown, during the swinging motion of the moving body 50, the position of the first through hole 51 relative to the outlet 22b moves between the facing position P1, the left position P2, and the right position P3. The facing position P1 is the position of the first through hole 51 facing the outlet 22b. The facing position P1 and the receiving position Pr of the moving body 50 (refer to...) Figure 1 Corresponding to the left position P2, the left position P2 is the position of the first through hole 51 facing a portion of the outlet 22b. Here, the left position P2 is the position of the first through hole 51 slightly offset to the left of the facing position P1 when facing a portion of the outlet 22b. The right position P3 is set symmetrically with respect to the facing position P1 and the left position P2. Here, "symmetrical" means not only a perfectly symmetrical position, but also a position that can be substantially symmetrical. For example, the right position P3 can be the position of the first through hole 51 facing a portion of the outlet 22b, which is the position opposite to the side of the left position P2 with respect to the facing position P1. Here, the right position P3 is the position of the first through hole 51 slightly offset to the right of the facing position P1 when facing a portion of the outlet 22b. In step S03, the movement of the first through hole 51 between the facing position P1, the left position P2, and the right position P3 is repeatedly achieved by using the conveying device 60 to reciprocate the moving body 50 in the left-right direction. Furthermore, steps S01 to S03 can be performed in any order or simultaneously.

[0120] The swaying motion of the moving body 50 assists in the placement of the rubber plug 5 into the first through hole 51. The rubber plug 5 moves from the supply tube 22 into the first through hole 51 under the influence of gravity and pressurized by the air supply unit 24, but the rubber plug 5 may not move smoothly into the first through hole 51. When the rubber plug 5 is supplied into the first through hole 51, it may become stuck at the upper end of the first through hole 51. This tendency is significant, for example, when the chamfer 51a of the first through hole 51 is small, when the corner of the upper end of the first through hole 51 is sharp, or even when the upper end of the first through hole 51 is not chamfered. The rubber plug supply device 10 of this embodiment is configured such that even if such sticking of the rubber plug 5 occurs, the swaying motion of the moving body 50 can eliminate the sticking. Without a rocking motion, the rubber plug 5 with chamfer 51a may tilt from the axial direction of the supply pipe 22 and the first through hole 51, making it easier for the rubber plug 5 to cross the chamfer 51a. However, by rocking, the chamfer 51a functions more reliably in a direction where the rubber plug 5 is less likely to get stuck at the upper end of the first through hole 51. Furthermore, after the end of the rubber plug 5 on the forward side of the travel direction enters the first through hole 51, it is pressurized by the air supply unit 24 and stored in the first through hole 51.

[0121] In step S04, the signal from the arrival confirmation sensor 31 confirms that the rubber plug 5 has been housed in the first through hole 51 of the moving body 50. When it is confirmed in step S04 that the rubber plug 5 has been housed in the first through hole 51, the rocking motion of the moving body 50 is stopped in step S05. In the next step S06, the orientation of the rubber plug 5 in the first through hole 51 is confirmed. In the following description, the case where the orientation of the rubber plug 5 in the first through hole 51 is positive (the result of step S06 is yes) will be explained first, and the case where the orientation of the rubber plug 5 in the first through hole 51 is negative (the result of step S06 is no) will be explained later.

[0122] (When the rubber stopper is facing the positive direction)

[0123] When the rubber plug 5 inside the first through hole 51 is facing the positive direction (if the result of step S06 is yes), in step S07A immediately following step S06, the moving body 50 moves towards the delivery position Pt. Using this movement of the moving body 50, such as... Figure 5 As shown, the first through hole 51 is connected to the delivery pipe 91. In step S08A, the moving body 50 is confirmed to have reached the delivery position Pt based on the signal from the second position sensor 64.

[0124] In the next step S09A, air is ejected from the first ejector 92. And in step S10A, air is ejected from the second ejector 93. Using the delivery force generated by these air ejections, the rubber plug 5, held in the first through hole 51, disengages from the first through hole 51 and is conveyed to the delivery pipe 91. The rubber plug 5 passing through the delivery pipe 91 is accelerated near the connection point 91a between the second ejector 93 and the delivery pipe 91 by the air ejected from the second ejector 93. Furthermore, steps S09A and S10A can be performed in reverse order or simultaneously.

[0125] In step S11A, the signal from the confirmation sensor 94 confirms that the rubber plug 5 has passed the connection point 91a between the second ejector 93 and the delivery tube 91. In step S12A, the first ejector 92, which had been activated since the rubber plug 5 passed the connection point 91a, stops. Then, using the second ejector 93, the rubber plug 5 is transported to the delivery destination device. In step S13A, the moving body 50 moves towards the receiving position Pr. In step S14A, the signal from the first position sensor 63 confirms that the moving body 50 has reached the receiving position Pr. Furthermore, steps S12A and S13A can be performed simultaneously.

[0126] In step S15A, the arrival of the rubber plug 5 is confirmed to have reached the destination device based on the arrival signal sent from the device at the destination. When the arrival of the rubber plug 5 to the destination device is confirmed in step S15A, the second ejection section 93 is stopped in step S16A. Thus, the supply of one rubber plug 5 is terminated.

[0127] (The rubber stopper is facing the opposite direction)

[0128] If the rubber plug 5 inside the first through hole 51 is facing the opposite direction (if the result of step S06 is negative), in step S07B immediately following step S06, the moving body 50 moves towards the delivery position Pt. In step S08B, the moving body 50 is confirmed to have reached the delivery position Pt based on the signal from the second position sensor 64. Steps S07B and S08B are the same as steps S07A and S08A. Using the movement of this moving body 50, such as... Figure 5 As shown, a rotating through-hole 71a connects the first through-hole 51 and the rotating body 71. Furthermore, the first through-hole 51 and the insertion device 80 are connected by the movement of the moving body 50.

[0129] like Figure 8 As shown, in the next step S09B, the rubber plug 5 is pressed into the rotating through-hole 71a of the rotating body 71 by the insertion device 80. The rubber plug 5, detached from the first through-hole 51 by the force of the air supplied by the insertion device 80, falls into the rotating through-hole 71a. In this embodiment, since the diameter of the main hole portion 71a4 constituting the upper part of the rotating through-hole 71a is larger than the diameter of the rubber plug 5, the rubber plug 5 falls without being resisted by the inner surface of the main hole portion 71a4. Figure 6 As shown, the rubber plug 5, falling into the rotating through-hole 71a, crosses the step difference between the main hole portion 71a4 and the narrow portion 71a3 and stops at the center of the rotating through-hole 71a. In step S10B, the arrival confirmation sensor 74 confirms that the rubber plug 5 has been housed in the rotating through-hole 71a of the rotating body 71. When it is confirmed in step S10B that the rubber plug 5 has been housed in the rotating through-hole 71a, the insertion device 80 stops in step S11B.

[0130] In the next step S12B, the moving body 50 moves towards the receiving position Pr. Since the rubber stopper 5 was confirmed to be housed in the rotating through hole 71a in step S10B, it is confirmed that there is no problem even with the movement of the moving body 50. In step S13B, the signal from the first position sensor 63 confirms that the moving body 50 has reached the receiving position Pr. Figure 1 As shown, when the moving body 50 reaches the receiving position Pr, it connects the rotating through hole 71a, the second through hole 52, and the delivery pipe 91.

[0131] In step S14B, the rotating body 71 rotates 180 degrees around the rotation axis 72. As a result, the orientation of the rubber stopper 5 is corrected to the positive direction. Figure 10 This is a partial cross-sectional view schematically showing the rubber stopper supply device 10 after the orientation of the rubber stopper 5 has been changed. (See attached image.) Figure 10 As shown, after step S14B, the orientation of the rubber stopper 5 is corrected so that the front end 5a faces forward (in this case, upward) in the delivery direction.

[0132] When the rotating body 71 rotates in step S14B, the rubber plug 5 is located at the center of the rotation through hole 71a of the rotating body 71. Therefore, almost no centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the rotating body 71 is applied to the rubber plug 5 (the centrifugal force moving towards the first end 71a1 side and the centrifugal force moving towards the second end 71a2 side are essentially canceled out). Therefore, the possibility of the rubber plug 5 protruding from the rotation through hole 71a is reduced, and the rotating body 71 can rotate at a high speed. In this embodiment, in step S14B, the rotating body 71 is rotated at a relatively high speed to a degree that prevents the rubber plug 5 from protruding from the rotation through hole 71a.

[0133] Furthermore, during step S14B, the process of receiving the next rubber plug 5 into the first through hole 51 begins (equivalent to steps S01 and S02, without the rocking motion of the moving body 50). This allows for a reduction in the time required to supply the next rubber plug 5. However, steps S14B and S12B can be performed in reverse order or simultaneously.

[0134] In step S15B, air is ejected from the first ejection section 92. Furthermore, in step S16B, air is ejected from the second ejection section 93. Utilizing the delivery force generated by these air ejections, the rubber stopper 5 deforms as it passes through the narrow section 71a3. Figure 10 As indicated by the arrow, the rubber plug 5 disengages from the rotating through-hole 71a and is conveyed to the delivery tube 91 via the second through-hole 52. Furthermore, steps S15B and S16B can be performed in reverse order or simultaneously.

[0135] In step S17B, it is confirmed, based on the signal from the confirmation sensor 94, that the rubber stopper 5 has passed the connection point 91a between the second ejection section 93 and the delivery tube 91. In step S18B, the confirmation from step S17B is received, and the first ejection section 92 stops. In step S19B, the same confirmation from step S17B is received, the rotating body 71 rotates 180 degrees, and returns to the rotation position before the start of processing. In step S20B, it is confirmed, based on the arrival signal sent from the delivery destination device, that the rubber stopper 5 has arrived at the delivery destination device. Furthermore, steps S18B and S19B can be performed in reverse order or simultaneously.

[0136] Furthermore, when it is confirmed in step S20B that the rubber plug 5 has reached the delivery destination device, the second ejection section 93 is stopped in step S21B. This concludes the supply of one rubber plug 5. The rubber plug supply device 10 continuously supplies rubber plugs 5 to the delivery destination device by repeating the above process.

[0137] (The function of cutting seams)

[0138] Here, the function of the slit 22c provided in the supply pipe 22 will be explained. In this embodiment, the rubber plug 5 moves into the supply pipe 22 with the assistance of air supply from the air supply unit 24, and is pressed into the first through hole 51 within the supply pipe 22. Here, if one rubber plug 5 is transported along the supply pipe 22 and reaches the outlet 22b, the rubber plug 5 blocks most of the outlet 22b.

[0139] If the slit 22c is not provided at this time, the outlet 22b will be blocked, and air from the air supply section 24 will leak out from the gap in the supply device 20 without an outlet. Before the rubber plug 5 blocks most of the outlet 22b, the air from the air supply section 24 flows toward the outlet 22b of the supply pipe 22, and this air flow assists the movement of the rubber plug 5. However, if the rubber plug 5 blocks most of the outlet 22b, the air flow is greatly reduced. As a result, the ability to assist in supplying the rubber plug 5 to the moving body 50 is reduced. Even if no air leaks out from the gap in the supply device 20, the air flow along the supply device 20 toward the outlet 22b is reduced, and the ability to assist in supplying the rubber plug 5 to the moving body 50 is reduced.

[0140] In other words, since the rubber stopper 5 is transported to the supply pipe 22 by utilizing the air pressure difference between the receiving groove 21 and the supply pipe 22, the air supply section 24, which transports the rubber stopper 5 to the supply pipe 22, cannot function effectively unless air is at least discharged from the supply pipe 22. Furthermore, it is preferable that air is discharged near the outlet 22b of the supply pipe 22, which is advantageous in assisting the movement of the rubber stopper 5 along the supply pipe 22.

[0141] In view of this situation, in this embodiment, a slit 22c is formed in the supply pipe 22. Since the air supplied by the air supply section 24 is discharged from the slit 22c, the air pressure in the supply pipe 22 is lower than the air pressure in the receiving groove 21. As a result, the ability of the air supply section 24 to transport the rubber plug 5 to the supply pipe 22 can be suppressed. In addition, since the slit 22c is provided closer to the outlet 22b than the middle part of the supply pipe 22, the ability of the air supply section 24 to move the rubber plug 5 in the supply pipe 22 can also be suppressed. In particular, by forming the slit 22c at the end (in this case, the lower end) of the supply pipe 22 that reaches the side formed by the outlet 22b, the ability of the air supply section 24 to move the rubber plug 5 in the supply pipe 22 can be suppressed more effectively.

[0142] Furthermore, by providing the slit 22c, the air pressure within the supply pipe 22 can be adjusted to an appropriate level. If air is not intentionally released without providing an opening such as the slit 22c in the supply pipe 22, the pressure within the supply pipe 22 will be too high, and the rubber stopper 5 may deform. According to the slit 22c, regardless of the condition of the rubber stopper 5 within the supply pipe 22, the pressure within the supply pipe 22 can be maintained at an appropriate level.

[0143] (Connection / Disconnection Action)

[0144] Regarding the rubber plug supply device 10 of this embodiment, when a plurality of rubber plugs 5 are arranged in a row within the supply pipe 22, the supply is made from the preceding rubber plug (set as rubber plug 5).

[0145] -1. Reference Figures 11A to 11C ) and the rubber stopper behind it (set as rubber stopper 5-2, refer to Figures 11A to 11C In the case where one of the rubber plugs 5 is inserted into the other, potentially connecting the two, a swinging motion of the moving body 50, referred to as a "connection-separation action," is added below. The connection-separation action, for example... Figure 8 This is added after step S06 (confirming the orientation of rubber stopper 5).

[0146] Figures 11A to 11C This is a schematic diagram illustrating the connection and disconnection process. For example... Figures 11A to 11C As shown, during the connection and separation action of the moving body 50, the position of the first through hole 51 relative to the outlet 22b is at position P1 (refer to...). Figure 11A ) and left position P4 (refer to) Figure 11B Move between () . For example Figure 11BAs shown, the left position P4 is a position offset from the facing position P1, and is the position of the first through hole 51 facing a portion of the outlet 22b. Here, the left position P4 is the position of the first through hole 51 offset slightly to the left from the facing position P1 in a manner facing a portion of the outlet 22b. The direction of the left position P4 relative to the facing position P1 is the opposite direction to the direction of the sending position Pt relative to the facing position P1 (receiving position Pr).

[0147] The left position P4 can be the same as or a different from the previously described left position P2. During the connection / separation operation, the movement of the first through hole 51 from the facing position P1 to the left position P4 is performed only once by the conveying device 60. For example... Figure 11A and Figure 11B As shown, the moving body 50 moves to the left by moving from the facing position P1 to the left position P4 via the first through hole 51. Then, as... Figure 11C As shown, the moving body 50 moves to the right toward the delivery position Pt.

[0148] like Figure 11A As shown, before the connection / disconnection operation, there are two rubber plugs 5-1 and 5-2 connected. In this case, the front rubber plug 5-1 is properly housed in the first through hole 51 of the moving body 50. However, a portion of the rear rubber plug 5-2 is also housed in the first through hole 51. Furthermore, due to the connection with the rear rubber plug 5-2, it is possible that the front rubber plug 5-1 is not properly housed in the first through hole 51. If the connection / disconnection operation is not performed from this state, with the lower end of the rear rubber plug 5-2 clamped in the gap between the lower end of the supply pipe 22 and the moving body 50, the moving body 50 may move to the delivery position Pt. As a result, the possibility of damage to the rear rubber plug 5-2 increases.

[0149] If from Figure 11A If the state is used to perform connection and separation actions, then as follows: Figure 11B As shown, the rear rubber plug 5-2 is clamped in the gap between the lower end of the supply tube 22 and the moving body 50 by moving from the position P1 directly opposite the first through hole 51 to the left position P4, and separates from the front rubber plug 5-1. Normally, the swinging motion continues until the rubber plug 5 falls into the first through hole 51, but the connection and separation motion continues until the front rubber plug 5-1 separates from the rear rubber plug 5-2. Afterwards, even as... Figure 11C As shown, the movable body 50 is moved to the right. Due to the movement of the front rubber stopper 5-1, the front rubber stopper 5-1...

[0150] The possibility that the rubber plug 5-1 is connected to the rear rubber plug 5-2 is almost non-existent. Therefore, according to this connection separation operation, the rubber plug 5, which may be connected to the front rubber plug 5-1 and the rear rubber plug 5-2, can be well transported to the direction conversion device 70.

[0151] (Effects of the first embodiment)

[0152] The above is a description of the rubber stopper supply device 10 and the supply process of the rubber stopper 5 according to the first embodiment. Next, the effects of the rubber stopper supply device 10 of this embodiment will be explained.

[0153] The rubber stopper supply device 10 of this embodiment is configured such that the position of the first through hole 51 of the direction correction device 40 relative to the outlet 22b of the supply pipe 22 is moved between an opposing position P1 directly opposite the outlet 22b, a left position P2 offset from the opposing position P1 and facing a portion of the outlet 22b, and a right position P3 symmetrically set with the opposing position P1 and the left position P2. According to this rubber stopper supply device 10, since the position of the first through hole 51 relative to the outlet 22b is slightly moved, an effect is generated that causes the first through hole 51 to oscillate relative to the outlet 22b. As a result, the rubber stopper 5 is easily accommodated in the first through hole 51.

[0154] The rubber plug supply device 10 of this embodiment is further configured such that the movement of the first through hole 51 relative to the outlet 22b is repeated. According to this configuration, since the movement of the first through hole 51 relative to the outlet 22b is repeated, the effect of swinging the first through hole 51 relative to the outlet 22b is further enhanced, and the rubber plug 5 is more easily accommodated in the first through hole 51.

[0155] The direction correction device 40 of the rubber stopper supply device 10 in this embodiment includes: a movable body 50 having a first through hole 51; a direction conversion device 70 that changes the orientation of the rubber stopper 5; and a conveying device 60 that moves the movable body 50. The rubber stopper supply device 10 is configured such that the first through hole 51 is oscillated relative to the outlet 22b by driving the conveying device 60. According to this structure, no special mechanism is needed for oscillating the first through hole 51 relative to the outlet 22b.

[0156] The rubber plug supply device 10 of this embodiment also includes an insertion device 80, which presses the rubber plug 5 into the rotating through-hole 71a by ejecting air into the first through-hole 51 while the first through-hole 51 is connected to the rotating through-hole 71a of the direction conversion device 70. According to this structure, by ejecting air using the insertion device 80, the movement of the rubber plug 5 from the first through-hole 51 to the direction conversion device 70 can be performed more reliably.

[0157] The rubber plug supply device 10 of this embodiment has a narrow portion 71a3 in its rotating through-hole 71a, which has a cross-section smaller than the maximum outer shape of the rubber plug 5 in the axial direction of the rotating through-hole 71a. The narrow portion 71a3 is configured such that the rubber plug 5 inserted into the rotating through-hole 71a stops at the center of the rotating through-hole 71a in the axial direction, and when the rubber plug 5 is fed out of the rotating through-hole 71a by the feeding device 90, the rubber plug 5 can deform while passing through. According to this structure, since the rubber plug 5 stops at the center of the rotating through-hole 71a in the axial direction by using the narrow portion 71a3, it is less likely that the rubber plug 5 will protrude from the rotating through-hole 71a due to the rotation of the rotating body 71. Therefore, the rotating body 71 can rotate at high speed, reducing the time required for directional correction of the rubber plug 5. Furthermore, when the rubber plug 5 is fed out from the rotating through hole 71a using the feeding device 90, the rubber plug 5 can pass through the narrow portion 71a3 while deforming. Therefore, the narrow portion 71a3 will not obstruct the feeding out of the rubber plug.

[0158] The rubber stopper supply device 10 of this embodiment includes a delivery device 90 comprising: a first ejection portion 92 connected to a rotating through-hole 71a, which ejects air in the delivery direction of the rubber stopper 5; and a second ejection portion 93 disposed in a delivery pipe 91, which also ejects air in the delivery direction of the rubber stopper 5. According to this structure, the rubber stopper 5 can be delivered more efficiently using the first ejection portion 92 and the second ejection portion 93. The first ejection portion 92 is disposed upstream of the rubber stopper 5 in the delivery direction of the rotating through-hole 71a and presses the rubber stopper 5 with the ejected air. The second ejection portion 93 is disposed downstream of the rubber stopper 5 in the delivery direction of the rotating through-hole 71a and pulls out the rubber stopper 5 using the pressure reduction effect generated by the ejected air. Furthermore, the rubber stopper 5 delivered downstream of the second ejection portion 93 in the delivery direction is pressed by the air ejected by the second ejection portion 93. Therefore, the rubber stopper 5 can be delivered at a higher speed.

[0159] The rubber stopper supply device 10 of this embodiment includes an air supply unit 20 connected to a receiving groove 21, which supplies air to the receiving groove 21. The supply pipe 22 is configured as a tube with a slit 22c formed on its side. According to this structure, for the reasons explained above, regardless of the state of the rubber stopper 5 inside the supply pipe 22, it can stably assist the movement of the rubber stopper 5 from the receiving groove 21 to the supply pipe 22.

[0160] In this embodiment, the slit 22c is formed in the portion of the supply pipe 22 closer to the outlet 22b than the middle portion. Due to the reasons explained above, this slit 22c allows for a stable flow of air along the supply pipe 22 towards the outlet 22b, regardless of the state of the rubber plug 5 within the supply pipe 22. This airflow provides stable assistance in the movement of the rubber plug 5 within the supply pipe 22.

[0161] In this embodiment, the slit 22c is formed to reach the end of the supply tube 22 where the outlet 22b is formed. According to this slit 22c, regardless of the state of the rubber plug 5 in the supply tube 22, a stable flow of air towards the outlet 22b can be generated throughout the supply tube 22. This air flow further facilitates the movement of the rubber plug 5 within the supply tube 22.

[0162] (A variation of the first embodiment)

[0163] The rubber stopper supply device 10 of the first embodiment can be implemented by several modifications. Hereinafter, some suitable modifications of the first embodiment will be described. In the following description of the modifications, reference numerals shared with the first embodiment will be used on components that perform the same function as in the first embodiment. Furthermore, repeated descriptions will be omitted or simplified as appropriate. The same applies to the descriptions of the second, third, and other embodiments.

[0164] (Variation Example 1)

[0165] In a first preferred variation, even when the rubber stopper 5 moves from the first through hole 51 of the movable body 50 to the rotational through hole 71a of the rotating body 71, the movable body 50 can still rock. (See example...) Figure 8 To explain, in this modified example, the swinging motion of the moving body 50 can be initiated after step S08B (confirming that the moving body 50 has reached the delivery position Pt), and the swinging motion can be stopped after step S10B (confirming that the rubber plug 5 is housed in the rotating through hole 71a). However, the initiation and cessation of the swinging motion of the moving body 50 can also be implemented at other possible timings.

[0166] In this case, the storage auxiliary unit 107 can be configured to move the position of the first through hole 51 relative to the rotating through hole 71a between a directly opposite position, a left position that is offset from the directly opposite position and faces a part of the rotating through hole 71a, and a right position that is set symmetrically with respect to the left position based on the directly opposite position, by driving the conveying device 60.

[0167] According to the aforementioned rubber stopper supply device 10, since the rubber stopper 5 is discharged from the outlet 22b

[0168] For the same reason, when moving towards the first through hole 51, the rubber plug 5 can be moved more reliably from the first through hole 51 to the rotating through hole 71a.

[0169] (Variation Example 2)

[0170] In a second preferred modification, when the rubber plug 5 moves from the first through hole 51 of the movable body 50 to the rotational through hole 71a of the rotating body 71, a swaying motion can be performed to make the rotating body 71 oscillate around the rotation axis 72. The timing of this swaying motion of the rotating body 71 can be the same as in the first modification.

[0171] In this configuration, the storage assist 107 can be configured such that, by driving the rotation drive 73, the position of the rotating through hole 71a relative to the first through hole 51 can move between a directly opposite position, a left position that is offset from the directly opposite position and faces a portion of the first through hole 51, and a right position that is symmetrically set with the directly opposite position as a reference to the left position. The angle at which the rotating body 71 swings during its swinging motion can be, for example, 10 degrees or less in both clockwise and counterclockwise rotations.

[0172] According to the rubber plug supply device 10 described above, similar to the case of the first modified example, the rubber plug 5 can be moved more reliably from the first through hole 51 to the rotating through hole 71a.

[0173] (Variation Example 3)

[0174] In a third preferred variation, the rubber plug supply device 10 replaces the narrow portion 71a3 in the rotational through hole 71a of the rotating body 71 with a stop member that is inserted into the rotational through hole 71a and stopped by the rubber plug 5 against it. Figure 12 This is a partial cross-sectional view schematically showing the direction-changing device 70 of the rubber plug supply device 10 in the third modified example. (See attached image.) Figure 12As shown, the rubber plug supply device 10 of this modified example includes a stop device 110, which includes a stop 111 and an actuator 112. The stop 111 is inserted into the rotating through hole 71a when the rotating body 71's rotating through hole 71a is connected to the first through hole 51 of the moving body 50. Here, the stop 111 is inserted from the opening on the lower side of the rotating through hole 71a (the opening on the opposite side of the opening connected to the first through hole 51) in the state where the rotating through hole 71a is connected to the first through hole 51. The stop 111 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The stop 111 has a diameter slightly smaller than the diameter of the rotating through hole 71a. The front end portion 111a of the stop 111 has a smaller diameter than the other parts to facilitate insertion into the rotating through hole 71a. However, the stop 111 is only required to be configured in a way that allows insertion into the rotating through hole 71a, and its shape and size are not limited. The actuator 112 causes the stop 111 to insert into and disengage from the rotating through hole 71a. The actuator 112 is, for example, an air cylinder. However, the type of actuator 112 is not limited. The actuator 112 can be, for example, an electric motor.

[0175] For example Figure 8 To illustrate, in this modified example, the stop 111 can be inserted into the rotating through hole 71a after step S08B (confirming that the moving body 50 has reached the delivery position Pt), and the stop 111 can be pulled out of the rotating through hole 71a after step S11B (the insertion device 80 stops). However, the insertion and disengagement of the stop 111 into the rotating through hole 71a can also be performed at other possible timings.

[0176] The stop 111 is configured to stop the rubber plug 5 inserted into the rotating through hole 71a at the center of the axial direction of the rotating through hole 71a when it is inserted into the rotating through hole 71a. Here, the stop 111 is inserted into the rotating through hole 71a until the rubber plug 5 abuts against the stop 111 and stops at the center of the axial direction of the rotating through hole 71a. Preferably, the rotating through hole 71a can be formed such that the rubber plug 5 is slightly deformed while being inserted. By configuring the rotating through hole 71a in this way, even if the stop 111 is pulled out of the rotating through hole 71a, the rubber plug 5 remains in its original position due to its own elastic force. Furthermore, in this modified example, by inserting the stop 111 into the rotating through hole 71a to correct the rotational position of the rotating body 71, it is also expected that the rotating through hole 71a and the first through hole 51 can be more accurately aligned.

[0177] According to the rubber plug supply device 10, similarly to the narrow portion 71a3 in the first embodiment, the rubber plug 5 can be stopped at the center of the axial direction of the rotating through hole 71a by means of the stop member 111. As a result, the rubber plug 5 is less likely to protrude from the rotating through hole 71a due to the rotation of the rotating body 71, and thus the rotating body 71 can be rotated at high speed.

[0178] Furthermore, in this modified example, the stop 111 is inserted into the rotary through-hole 71a from the opening opposite to the opening connected to the first through-hole 51, or it can be inserted from a hole provided on the inner side of the rotary through-hole 71a in a direction intersecting the axis of the rotary through-hole 71a (e.g., horizontal direction). Additionally, in this modified example, the stop 111 is not configured to rotate with the rotating body 71, but is pulled out of the rotary through-hole 71a before the rotating body 71 rotates; however, it can also be configured to rotate with the rotating body 71. This structure allows the stop 111 to move towards the rotation axis 72 of the rotating body 71 (see reference). Figure 6 It can be easily achieved when moving in a certain direction.

[0179] (Second Implementation)

[0180] The rubber plug supply device 10 of the second embodiment includes an insertion device 80, which presses the rubber plug 5 into the rotational through hole 71a of the rotating body 71 by means of pin-based pressing rather than air jetting. Figure 13 This is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of the rubber stopper supply device 10 according to the second embodiment. Figure 13 As shown, in this embodiment, the insertion device 80 includes an insertion pin 83 and an actuator 84. The insertion pin 83 is in a state where the first through hole 51 of the movable body 50 is connected to the rotational through hole 71a of the rotating body 71 (see reference). Figure 14 The pin abuts against the rubber stopper 5. (For example...) Figure 13 As shown, the insertion pin 83 is positioned above the rotating body 71. The insertion pin 83 is cylindrical. The diameter of the insertion pin 83 is set to be slightly smaller than the diameter of the first through hole 51 and the rotating through hole 71a. The front end 83a of the insertion pin 83 has a smaller diameter than the other parts to facilitate insertion into the rotating through hole 71a. However, the insertion pin 83 only needs to be able to be inserted into the first through hole 51 and the rotating through hole 71a at least in necessary portions, and its shape and size are not limited to the above.

[0181] The actuator 84 moves the insertion pin 83 vertically in the axial direction of the first through hole 51 and the rotational through hole 71a. The actuator 84 is, for example, an air cylinder. However, the type of actuator 84 is not limited. The actuator 84 can be, for example, an electric motor. The insertion device 80 is configured such that by driving the actuator 84 and pressing the rubber plug 5 with the insertion pin 83, the rubber plug 5 is pressed into the rotational through hole 71a of the rotating body 71.

[0182] In this embodiment, an insertion device 80 is disposed above the rotating body 71, and a delivery tube 91 extends in the left-right direction. The direction conversion device 70 is configured such that by rotating the rotating body 71 90 degrees clockwise or counterclockwise from the axis of the rotating through hole 71a in the up-down direction, the orientation of the rubber stopper 5 is uniformly aligned to the positive direction. When the rotating body 71 is rotated 90 degrees clockwise or counterclockwise from the axis of the rotating through hole 71a in the up-down direction, the delivery device 90 is connected to the rotating through hole 71a.

[0183] (Supply processing)

[0184] The following is a brief description of the supply process of the rubber plug 5 using the rubber plug supply device 10 of this embodiment. According to one example of the supply process of the rubber plug 5 described here, the rubber plug 5, similarly to the first embodiment, is housed in the first through hole 51 of the moving body 50 by the up-and-down movement of the hopper 21b, the pressurization within the receiving groove 21 of the air supply unit 24, and the swinging motion of the moving body 50. Furthermore, similarly to the first embodiment, the position of the moving body 50 connecting the discharge port 22b and the first through hole 51 is referred to as the receiving position Pr. The confirmation of the arrival of the rubber plug 5 into the first through hole 51 and the orientation detection of the rubber plug 5 are also performed similarly to the first embodiment. At this time, the rotating body 71 is positioned at a rotational position such that the axis of the rotating through hole 71a is oriented in the up-and-down direction. In this embodiment, the moving body 50 does not have a second through hole 52.

[0185] When the orientation of the rubber plug 5 is detected by the direction detection device 30, the moving body 50 moves from the receiving position Pr to the sending position Pt (similar to the first embodiment, here referring to the position of the moving body 50 where the first through hole 51 is connected to the direction conversion device 70) by the conveying device 60. Figure 14 This is a partial cross-sectional view schematically showing the state of the moving body 50 in the delivery position Pt of the rubber plug supply device 10. (See attached image.) Figure 14 As shown, when the moving body 50 is in the delivery position Pt, the rotating body 71 has a rotating through hole 71a connected to the lower end of the first through hole 51. When the moving body 50 is in the delivery position Pt, the insertion pin 83 is located above the first through hole 51.

[0186] When it is confirmed that the moving body 50 has reached the delivery position Pt, such as Figure 14 As shown, the insertion pin 83 moves downward using the actuator 84. This causes the insertion pin 83 to insert into the first through hole 51 and abut against the rubber plug 5 within the first through hole 51. The insertion pin 83 directly presses the rubber plug 5 and pushes it into the rotational through hole 71a of the rotating body 71. Thus, the rubber plug 5 is housed within the rotational through hole 71a. The cross-section of the rotational through hole 71a can be designed such that the rubber plug 5 is slightly deformed while being housed. This maintains the rubber plug 5 in its position within the rotational through hole 71a pressed in by the insertion pin 83. Furthermore, by inserting the insertion pin 83 into the rotational through hole 71a, the rotational position of the rotating body 71 is corrected, and it is expected that the rotational through hole 71a and the first through hole 51 will be more accurately aligned.

[0187] When it is confirmed that the rubber stopper 5 has been housed in the rotating through hole 71a, the insertion pin 83 moves upward. This movement returns the insertion pin 83 to its initial processing position and removes it from both the rotating through hole 71a and the first through hole 51. When a sensor (not shown) installed in the insertion device 80 confirms that the insertion pin 83 has returned to its initial processing position, the moving body 50 moves towards the receiving position Pr.

[0188] In the following steps, the rotating body 71 rotates 90 degrees clockwise or counterclockwise. Specifically, if the orientation of the rubber stopper 5 is determined to be supplied in the positive direction (with the front end 5a facing upwards), the rotating body 71 rotates 90 degrees clockwise. If the orientation of the rubber stopper 5 is determined to be supplied in the opposite direction (with the rear end 5b facing upwards), the rotating body 71 rotates 90 degrees counterclockwise. Figure 15 This is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of the rubber stopper supply device 10 after the orientation of the rubber stopper 5 has been corrected. (See attached image.) Figure 15 As shown, by rotating the rotating body 71 clockwise or counterclockwise, the front end 5a of the rubber stopper 5 is aligned to the right. Furthermore, the rotating body 71 can rotate 90 degrees or 270 degrees in the same direction.

[0189] In this embodiment, the delivery pipe 91 and the second ejection part 93 are located to the right of the rotating body 71. The first ejection part 92 is located to the left of the rotating body 71. Therefore, when the first ejection part 92 and the second ejection part 93 are driven, the rubber plug 5 is delivered to the right. At this time, the front end 5a of the rubber plug 5 is delivered forward in the delivery direction. Alternatively, the delivery device 90 may be configured to deliver the rubber plug 5 to the left or in another direction. The rotation angle of the rotating body 71 in the direction correction of the rubber plug 5 can be set in conjunction with the delivery direction of the rubber plug 5.

[0190] According to the rubber plug supply device 10 of this embodiment, by pressing the rubber plug 5 with the insertion pin 83, the movement of the rubber plug 5 from the first through hole 51 to the rotating through hole 71a of the direction correction device 40 can be reliably achieved. In particular, by using the insertion pin 83, it is possible to reliably position the rubber plug 5 at a desired position in the rotating through hole 71a, such as the center of the rotating through hole 71a in the axial direction. Moreover, by using the insertion pin 83, by controlling the position of the insertion pin 83, rubber plugs 5 of various lengths can be positioned at the desired position in the rotating through hole 71a without changing other structures.

[0191] (Third Implementation)

[0192] The rubber plug supply device 10 of the third embodiment is configured to directly supply the rubber plug 5 from the supply pipe 22 to the rotating body 71. Figure 16 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of the direction-changing device 70 of the rubber plug supply device 10 according to the third embodiment. (See attached image.) Figure 16 As shown, in the rubber stopper supply device 10 of this embodiment, a rotating body 71 is disposed below the outlet 22b of the supply pipe 22. In this embodiment, the swinging motion for smoothly moving the rubber stopper 5 from the outlet 22b of the supply pipe 22 to the receiving hole of the direction correction device 40 (here, the four rotating through holes 71a to 71d of the rotating body 71) is performed by the swinging motion of the rotating body 71 around the rotation axis 72.

[0193] First, the structure of the rubber stopper supply device 10 of this embodiment, the orientation correction of the rubber stopper 5, and the feeding process will be briefly explained. For example... Figure 16 As shown, the rotating body 71 of this embodiment is annular when viewed from the front-to-back direction. The rotating body 71 includes a first rotating through hole 71a, a second rotating through hole 71b, a third rotating through hole 71c, and a fourth rotating through hole 71d. The first rotating through holes 71a to the fourth rotating through holes 71d each penetrate the annular rotating body 71 from its outer periphery toward its center. The first rotating through holes 71a to the fourth rotating through holes 71d are spaced 90 degrees apart from each other.

[0194] The rubber stopper supply device 10 of this embodiment includes a connecting pipe 75a, which is disposed inside the annular rotating body 71 and extends in the left-right direction. The connecting pipe 75a is disposed inside the rotating body 71 and passes through a through hole in the non-rotating support body 75 in the left-right direction. The control device 100 controls the rotation drive unit 73 (see reference...). Figure 7 The rotation of the rotating body 71 is controlled so that the first rotation through hole 71a is in a rotational position above the support body 75 (referred to as the 0-degree position R0), and the first rotation through hole 71a is in a rotational position to the right of the support body 75 (referred to as the 90-degree position R).90 The first rotating through hole 71a reaches the rotating position below the support body 75 (referred to as the 180-degree position R). 180 The first rotating through hole 71a arrives at the rotational position (referred to as the 270-degree position R) to the left of the support 75. 270 Move between ).

[0195] like Figure 16 As shown, in this embodiment, the first ejector 92 is connected to a rotating through-hole located on the left side of the support 75. The delivery pipe 91 is connected to a rotating through-hole located on the right side of the support 75. The rubber plug 5 is delivered to the right by the delivery device 90.

[0196] The orientation correction of the rubber plug 5 is achieved by rotating the rotating body 71 90 degrees clockwise or counterclockwise. In this embodiment, the rubber plug 5 is supplied from the supply pipe 22 to a rotating through hole (any one of the rotating through holes 71a to 71d) positioned above the support body 75. The orientation of the rubber plug 5 is detected when the rubber plug 5 is housed within the rotating through hole positioned above the support body 75. The rubber plug supply device 10 rotates the rotating body 71 90 degrees clockwise or counterclockwise according to the orientation of the rubber plug 5 within the rotating through hole positioned above the support body 75. When the rotating body 71 is rotated 90 degrees clockwise, the first ejection part 92 and the second ejection part 93 (see reference) are used. Figure 1 The air ejected from the housing rotating through hole delivers the rubber plug 5 to the delivery pipe 91. When the rotating body 71 rotates 90 degrees counterclockwise, the air ejected from the first ejector 92 and the second ejector 93 delivers the rubber plug 5 from the housing rotating through hole through the connecting pipe 75a and the opposing rotating through holes to the delivery pipe 91.

[0197] According to this structure, for example, when the rotating body 71 is positioned at a 90-degree position R connected to the first rotating through hole 71a and the delivery device 90, 90 Or at a 270-degree position R 270 At this time, each of the fourth rotary through holes 71d or the second rotary through holes 71b is directly opposite the outlet 22b of the supply pipe 22. Therefore, it is possible to simultaneously deliver the rubber plug 5 and receive the rubber plug 5 into the rotary through holes. The same applies to the other rotary through holes 71b to 71d.

[0198] In this embodiment, the storage auxiliary unit 107 drives the rotation drive unit 73, and also causes the rotating body 71 to move from the 0-degree position R0 and the 90-degree position R 90 180-degree position R 180 and the 270-degree position R 270It moves to four slightly offset rotational positions. These four positions will be referred to as "passing positions" below. The action of moving the rotating body 71 to these passing positions will also be called the "passing action." Details regarding the passing positions and passing actions will be explained later.

[0199] (Storage)

[0200] The following description, taking the case where the rotating body 71 is in the 0-degree position R0 as an example, explains the process of housing the rubber plug 5 in the rotating through holes 71a to 71d of the rotating body 71. The rubber plug supply device 10 performs a passing operation after the oscillating motion of the rotating body 71. Figures 17A to 17D It is a diagram illustrating the swinging motion and the passing motion. Figure 17A This indicates the swaying motion of the rotating body 71. Figures 17B-17D This indicates the passing motion of the rotating body 71. Furthermore, as... Figures 17B-17D As shown in this example, it is assumed that the rotation direction of the rotating body 71 in the orientation correction of the rubber stopper 5 is counterclockwise.

[0201] like Figure 17A As shown, during the swinging motion, the storage auxiliary unit 107 is driven by the rotation drive unit 73, causing the position of the first rotating through hole 71a relative to the outlet 22b of the supply pipe 22 to reciprocate between a facing position (0-degree position R0), a left position, and a right position. The facing position (0-degree position R0) is the position of the first rotating through hole 71a facing the outlet 22b. The left position is the position of the first rotating through hole 71a offset from the facing position in a counter-clockwise rotation direction, facing a portion of the outlet 22b. The right position is the position of the first rotating through hole 71a offset from the facing position in a clockwise rotation direction, facing a portion of the outlet 22b. The right position is symmetrical to the left position based on the facing position. During the swinging motion of the rotating body 71, the swinging angle of the rotating body 71 is preferably, for example, 10 degrees or less for both clockwise and counter-clockwise rotation. Regarding the swaying motion, since it is similar to the first embodiment, illustrations of the facing position, left position, and right position are omitted. The effect of the swaying motion is the same as in the first and second embodiments.

[0202] like Figure 17B As shown, in this example, the rubber stopper supply device 10 drives the rotary drive unit 73 to correct the orientation of the rubber stopper 5, causing the rotating body 71 to rotate counterclockwise. At this time, as... Figure 17BAs shown, a second rubber plug (referred to as rubber plug 5-3) may protrude slightly from the supply tube 22. Through the operation, this second rubber plug 5-3, protruding from the supply tube 22, can be appropriately housed in the next rotating through-hole (in...). Figures 17A to 17D In the example, it is the second rotating through hole 71b).

[0203] like Figure 17C As shown, in this embodiment, the storage auxiliary unit 107 causes the rotating body 71 to move from the 0-degree position R0 to a position R270 degrees away from the 0-degree position R0. 270 Passing through position R A Rotate and move. 270-degree position R 270 The first rotating through hole 71a is connected to the delivery device 90 and the second rotating through hole 71b is connected to the outlet 22b of the supply pipe 22 at the rotational position. The rotating body 71 is used to move the material to this position R. A The movement, such as Figure 17C As shown, the second rotating through hole 71b abuts against the next rubber plug 5-3, and the next rubber plug 5-3 flexes.

[0204] Moreover, such as Figure 17D As shown, the storage auxiliary part 107 is configured to allow the rotating body 71 to move from position R. A Towards position R at 270 degrees 270 Rotational movement. This rotation returns the rotating body 71 to a clockwise rotation. This eliminates the deflection of the next rubber plug 5-3. The next rubber plug 5-3 exhibits a spring-like motion due to the elimination of deflection, thereby allowing the next rubber plug 5-3 to fall more smoothly into the second rotating through-hole 71b. According to this passing action, even if the next rubber plug 5-3 protrudes from the supply tube 22, it can be properly housed in the next rotating through-hole. This passing action is particularly effective when the rubber plug 5 is made of a soft material. During the passing action, the rotating body 71 is moved beyond a 270-degree position R. 270 The angle through which it passes is preferably, for example, less than 10 degrees.

[0205] Thus, according to the rubber plug supply device 10 of this embodiment, by rotating the rotating body 71, the rotating through holes 71a to 71d, which serve as receiving holes for receiving rubber plugs 5 supplied from the outlet 22b, swing relative to the outlet 22b, so no special structure is needed for swinging.

[0206] Furthermore, according to the rubber plug supply device 10 of this embodiment, the above-described passing action enables more reliable reception of the next rubber plug 5-3 into the corresponding rotating through hole.

[0207] Furthermore, in the rubber plug supply device 10 configured as described in this embodiment to directly supply the rubber plug 5 from the supply pipe 22 to the rotating body 71, when supplying a rubber plug 5 that has the possibility of connection, the connection and separation operation can be performed by rotating the rotating body 71.

[0208] (A variation of the third embodiment)

[0209] In the third embodiment described above, four rotating through holes 71a to 71d for receiving the rubber plug 5 are provided on the rotating body 71. Similar to the first and second embodiments, only one rotating through hole 71a for receiving the rubber plug 5 can be provided on the rotating body 71. In this case, only a swinging motion can be performed without a passing motion.

[0210] Alternatively, when there is only one rotating through hole, a narrow portion 71a3 can be provided on the rotating through hole 71a. Or, the rubber plug supply device 10 can include a stop device 110. With this narrow portion 71a3 or the stop device 110, since the rubber plug 5 can be housed near the rotation center of the rotating body 71, similar to the first embodiment, it is possible to prevent the rubber plug 5 from protruding from the rotating through hole 71a due to the rotation of the rotating body 71. Therefore, the rotating body 71 can rotate at high speed, and the time required for directional correction of the rubber plug 5 can be shortened.

[0211] (Another implementation method)

[0212] The above describes some preferred embodiments. However, the above embodiments are merely examples, and various other embodiments are possible.

[0213] For example, in the above embodiment, the rocking motion of the moving body 50 or the rotating body 71 is achieved by moving the first through hole 51 or the rotating through holes 71a-71d, which serve as the receiving hole for the rubber plug 5, between three positions: facing, left, and right. However, the rocking motion of the first through hole 51 or the rotating through hole 71a can be performed between the facing position and a position offset from the facing position, i.e., a position where the first through hole 51 or the rotating through hole 71a faces a portion of the discharge port 22b. Referring to the above embodiment, the rocking motion can be performed between the facing position P1 and the left position P2 or the right position P3. Using this rocking motion, the rubber plug 5 can be more reliably housed in the orientation correction device 40 compared to the case where no rocking motion is performed. Furthermore, the rocking motion does not necessarily have to be repeated; it can be performed only once.

[0214] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the swaying motion of the first through hole 51 or the rotating through holes 71a-71d relative to the outlet 22b is achieved by moving the moving body 50 or the rotating body 71. However, the swaying motion of the first through hole 51 or the rotating through holes 71a-71d relative to the outlet 22b can also be achieved by moving the outlet 22b. Alternatively, the swaying motion of the first through hole 51 or the rotating through holes 71a-71d relative to the outlet 22b can be achieved by moving both the outlet 22b and the first through hole 51 or the rotating through holes 71a-71d.

[0215] In the above embodiments, the rocking motion is performed using a moving body 50 or a rotating body 71. However, the rubber stopper supply device may also include a receiving auxiliary device, which is separate from the moving body or the rotating body, and the rocking motion is performed by moving one or both of the receiving hole and the discharge port. The rubber stopper supply device is not limited to the above-described case, as long as it is configured to move the position of the receiving hole relative to the discharge port between at least a first position directly opposite the discharge port and a second position that is offset from the first position and faces a portion of the discharge port.

[0216] The conditions for ending the repetition of the rocking motion are not limited to confirming that a rubber stopper is stored in the storage hole. The rocking motion can be repeated for a predetermined number of times or for a predetermined time. Even after confirming that a rubber stopper is stored in the storage hole, the rocking motion can be repeated until the predetermined number of times or the predetermined time has been reached. In addition, if it is confirmed that a rubber stopper is stored in the storage hole before instructing the start of the rocking motion, the rocking motion can be omitted.

[0217] In the above embodiment, the orientation of the rubber stopper 5 is corrected by rotating the rotating body 71 that houses the rubber stopper 5, but the method of correcting the orientation of the rubber stopper is not limited. For example, the rubber stopper supply device may also have delivery tubes respectively connected to both ends of the receiving hole of the rubber stopper. In this case, the rubber stopper supply device can correct the orientation of the rubber stopper by delivering the rubber stopper from either delivery tube according to the orientation of the rubber stopper housed in the receiving hole.

[0218] In the above embodiment, a slit 22c is provided as an opening on the supply pipe 22, but the opening formed on the supply pipe is not limited to a slit. The opening can be, for example, a through hole. The opening can also be a cut portion formed by cutting the supply pipe in the middle, thus dividing it into multiple sections. The supply pipe does not necessarily need to be constructed as a single pipe. Multiple shapes of openings, such as holes and slits, can be mixed on the supply pipe. Part or all of the opening can be formed in the portion of the supply pipe closer to the supply port than the middle portion.

[0219] In the above embodiment, the delivery device 90 is configured to deliver the rubber plug 5 by injecting compressed air, but the structure of the delivery device is not limited. For example, the delivery device may also be configured to deliver the rubber plug 5 to the delivery destination device by pushing it out with a pin or the like.

[0220] Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments are not limited to the present invention.

[0221] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0222] 5-Rubber stopper; 10-Rubber stopper supply device; 20-Supply device; 21-Receiving groove (receiving part); 22-Supply pipe (supply path); 22b-Outlet; 22c-Slit (opening part); 24-Air supply part; 30-Direction detection device; 32-Direction detection sensor (sensor); 40-Direction correction device; 50-Moving body; 51-First through hole (receiving hole); 60-Conveying device; 70-Direction conversion device; 71-Rotating body; 71a-Rotating through hole (hole part: first and second embodiments; receiving hole: third embodiment); 71a3-Narrow part; 71b-Second rotating through hole Hole (another receiving hole); 72-rotating shaft; 73-rotation drive unit; 80-insertion device; 83-insertion pin (pressing body); 84-actuator (first actuator); 90-ejection device; 91-ejection tube (ejection path); 92-first ejection part; 93-second ejection part; 100-control device; 107-receiving auxiliary part (receiving auxiliary device); 110-stop device; 111-stop; 112-actuator (second actuator); P1-facing position (first position); P2-left position (second position); P3-right position (third position); R0-0 degree position (first rotation position); R 270 -270-degree position (second rotation position); R A - Passing position (third rotation position).

Claims

1. A rubber stopper feeding device, comprising: a feeding device having a housing portion that houses a rubber stopper, a feeding path that communicates with the housing portion and through which the rubber stopper passes, and a discharge port through which the rubber stopper that has passed through the feeding path is discharged; a sensor that detects an orientation of the rubber stopper fed by the feeding device; an orientation correction device that has a housing hole that houses the rubber stopper, and that changes the orientation of the rubber stopper to a predetermined orientation when the orientation of the rubber stopper detected by the sensor is different from the predetermined orientation; a feeding-out device that feeds out the rubber stopper that has been unified to the predetermined orientation; and a housing assisting device that moves one or both of the housing hole and the discharge port, and thereby moves the position of the housing hole with respect to the discharge port at least between a first position that is directly opposite the discharge port and a second position that is offset from the first position and faces a portion of the discharge port, until the rubber stopper is housed in the housing hole.

2. The rubber stopper feeding device according to claim 1, wherein the housing assisting device is configured to move the position of the housing hole with respect to the discharge port between the first position, the second position, and a third position that is set symmetrically to the second position with the first position as a reference.

3. The rubber stopper feeding device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the housing assisting device is configured to repeatedly move the housing hole with respect to the discharge port.

4. The rubber stopper feeding device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the orientation correction device includes: a moving body that is provided with the housing hole; an orientation conversion device that changes the orientation of the rubber stopper, and that is provided with a hole portion that can house the rubber stopper and is connected to the housing hole; and a conveyance device that is configured to be able to move the moving body between a position at which the housing hole is connected to the discharge port and a position at which the housing hole is connected to the orientation conversion device, and the housing assisting device is configured to move the position of the housing hole with respect to the discharge port between the first position and the second position by driving the conveyance device.

5. The rubber stopper feeding device according to claim 4, wherein the housing assisting device is configured to move the position of the housing hole with respect to the hole portion at least between a position that is directly opposite the hole portion and a position that is offset from the directly opposite position and faces a portion of the hole portion, by driving the conveyance device.

6. The rubber stopper feeding device according to claim 4, wherein the orientation conversion device includes: a rotating body that is provided with the hole portion; a rotating shaft that extends in a direction that is orthogonal to the axial direction of the hole portion; and a rotating drive portion that rotates the rotating body around the rotating shaft. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ The storage assisting device is configured to move the hole portion relative to the storage hole between at least a position directly opposite the storage hole and a position offset from the directly opposite position and facing a portion of the storage hole by driving the rotation drive portion.

7. The rubber stopper feeding device according to claim 4, wherein The rubber stopper feeding device further includes an insertion device that presses the rubber stopper into the hole portion by ejecting air into the storage hole in a state in which the storage hole and the hole portion are connected.

8. The rubber stopper feeding device according to claim 4, wherein The rubber stopper feeding device further includes an insertion device that includes a pressing body that abuts against the rubber stopper in a state in which the storage hole and the hole portion are connected and a first actuator that moves the pressing body, and that presses the rubber stopper into the hole portion by driving the first actuator and pressing the rubber stopper with the pressing body.

9. The rubber stopper feeding device according to claim 4, wherein The direction conversion device includes: a rotating body that is provided with the hole portion; a rotation shaft that extends in a direction orthogonal to an axial direction of the hole portion; and a rotation drive portion that rotates the rotating body around the rotation shaft, and is configured to change the orientation of the rubber stopper by rotating the rotating body around the rotation shaft by driving the rotation drive portion, the hole portion has a narrow portion that has a cross section smaller than a maximum outer shape of the rubber stopper as viewed from the axial direction of the hole portion, the delivery device is configured to deliver the rubber stopper from the hole portion at least in a case in which the orientation of the rubber stopper is changed with the direction correction device, the narrow portion is configured to stop the rubber stopper inserted into the hole portion at a central portion in the axial direction of the hole portion, and the rubber stopper is able to pass through while deforming when the rubber stopper is delivered from the hole portion with the delivery device.

10. The rubber stopper feeding device according to claim 4, wherein The direction conversion device includes: a rotating body that is provided with the hole portion; a rotation shaft that extends in a direction orthogonal to an axial direction of the hole portion; and a rotation drive portion that rotates the rotating body around the rotation shaft, and is configured to change the orientation of the rubber stopper by rotating the rotating body around the rotation shaft by driving the rotation drive portion, The rubber stopper feeding device further includes a stopper device that includes a stopper that is inserted into the hole portion in a state in which the hole portion is connected to the storage hole and a second actuator that inserts and withdraws the stopper into and from the hole portion, the stopper is configured to stop the rubber stopper inserted into the hole portion at a central portion in the axial direction of the hole portion in a state in which the stopper is inserted into the hole portion.

11. The rubber stopper feeding device according to claim 4, wherein The delivery device includes: a delivery path that is connected to the hole portion and through which the rubber stopper passes; a first air jetting portion connected to the hole portion and jetting air toward a direction in which the rubber stopper is fed; and a second air jetting portion provided to the feeding path and jetting air toward a direction in which the rubber stopper is fed.

12. The rubber stopper feeding device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the direction correcting device includes: a rotating body provided with the receiving hole; a rotating shaft extending in a direction orthogonal to an axial direction of the receiving hole; and a rotating drive portion that rotates the rotating body around the rotating shaft, and the receiving assisting device is configured to move the position of the receiving hole with respect to the discharge port between the first position and the second position by driving the rotating drive portion.

13. The rubber stopper feeding device according to claim 12, wherein the receiving hole has a narrow portion having a cross section smaller than the maximum outer shape of the rubber stopper as viewed from the axial direction of the receiving hole, the feeding device is configured to feed the rubber stopper from the receiving hole, the narrow portion is configured to stop the rubber stopper inserted into the receiving hole at a central portion in the axial direction of the receiving hole, and the rubber stopper is able to pass through while deforming when the rubber stopper is fed from the receiving hole by the feeding device.

14. The rubber stopper feeding device according to claim 12, further comprising a stopper device including at least a stopper that is able to be inserted into the receiving hole when the receiving hole is positioned at the first position with respect to the discharge port, and a second actuator that inserts and withdraws the stopper into and from the receiving hole, and the stopper is positioned to stop the rubber stopper inserted into the receiving hole at a central portion in the axial direction of the receiving hole in a state of being inserted into the receiving hole.

15. The rubber stopper feeding device according to claim 12, wherein the feeding device includes: a feeding path connected to the receiving hole and through which the rubber stopper passes; a first air jetting portion connected to the receiving hole and jetting air toward a direction in which the rubber stopper is fed; and a second air jetting portion connected to the feeding path and jetting air toward a direction in which the rubber stopper is fed.

16. The rubber stopper feeding device according to claim 12, wherein the rotating body is configured to be able to rotate and move between a first rotating position in which the receiving hole faces the discharge port, a second rotating position in which the receiving hole is connected to the feeding device, and a third rotating position that passes the second rotating position from the first rotating position, the rotating body includes another receiving hole that faces the discharge port when positioned at the second rotating position, and the receiving assisting device is configured to rotate and move the rotating body from the first rotating position to the third rotating position and further from the third rotating position to the second rotating position by driving the rotating drive portion.

17. The rubber stopper feeding device according to claim 1 or 2, ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ The supply device is provided with an air supply section connected to the housing section and supplying air to the housing section, The supply path is formed in a tube shape with one or more opening sections formed on the side surface.

18. The rubber stopper supply device according to claim 17, wherein The one or more opening sections include an opening section formed in a portion of the supply path closer to the discharge port than the intermediate section.

19. The rubber stopper supply device according to claim 17, wherein The discharge port is formed at one end of the supply path, The one or more opening sections include an opening section formed in a manner reaching the one end.

Images