Bulk feeder

Abstract

A bulk feed device includes a feeder main body, a housing member provided to the feeder main body and formed with a housing area that houses components discharged from a component cassette that accommodates a plurality of components, a track member provided so as to be able to vibrate with respect to the feeder main body and formed with a transport path that transports the plurality of components and a supply area that communicates with the transport path and opens upward so as to be able to pick up the plurality of components, a vibration applying device that applies vibration to the track member to transport the plurality of components along the transport path, and a link member that has flexibility and links in a manner that enables the plurality of components to pass between the housing area and the transport path.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application is a bulk feeder. BACKGROUND

[0002] A bulk feeder is equipped to an element mounting machine that mounts elements to a substrate, and is used for supply of elements in a bulk state. The bulk feeder transports a plurality of elements discharged from an element cassette, and supplies the elements in a supply region that is open upward, so that a suction nozzle can pick up the elements. In Patent Literature 1, a structure is disclosed in which a plurality of elements are transported by applying vibration to a transport path.

[0003] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0004] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-114084 SUMMARY

[0005] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0006] In such a bulk feeder, a member that forms a transport path is a vibration member configured to be able to vibrate with respect to a fixed member such as an element cassette. The vibration member and the fixed member are joined in a manner that enables the elements in a bulk state to flow through. With respect to a joining member that joins the vibration member and the fixed member, it is required to prevent outflow of the flowing elements and not to affect the vibration characteristics of the vibration member.

[0007] An object of the present specification is to provide a bulk feeder that is able to prevent outflow during transport of elements in a bulk state and is able to appropriately perform a transport operation of elements using vibration.

[0008] TECHNICAL SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM

[0009] The present specification discloses a bulk feeder including a feeder main body, a housing member provided to the feeder main body and formed with a housing region that houses a plurality of elements discharged from an element cassette that houses the plurality of elements, a track member provided to be able to vibrate with respect to the feeder main body and formed with a transport path that transports the plurality of elements and a supply region that is open upward and communicates with the transport path and is open upward in a manner that enables the plurality of elements to be picked up, a vibration applying device that applies vibration to the track member to transport the plurality of elements along the transport path, and a joining member that has flexibility and joins the housing region and the transport path in a manner that enables the plurality of elements to flow through between the housing region and the transport path.

[0010] EFFECT OF THE INVENTION

[0011] According to such a structure, since the linking member having flexibility suppresses transmission of vibration between the track member and the housing member, it is possible to prevent the vibration characteristics of the track member from being affected by the housing member on the fixed side. Therefore, the bulk feeder can appropriately perform the conveying operation of the components using vibration by adopting a structure in which the components in a bulk state are guided to the track member via the linking member. In addition, since the linking member has flexibility, a gap for allowing vibration is not required between the track member and the linking member, and it is possible to prevent the components from flowing out. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the bulk feeder.

[0013] Figure 2 is a side view schematically showing the main part of the bulk feeder.

[0014] Figure 3 is a plan view observed from the III direction in Figure 1 .

[0015] Figure 4 is an enlarged view showing the flow operation of the components from the housing region Ar to the conveying path R. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] 1. Structure of bulk feeder 30

[0017] The bulk feeder 30 functions as a part of a component supply device equipped in an omitted component mounting machine. The bulk feeder 30 supplies components 92 housed in a bulk state without being arranged like a tape. Therefore, the bulk feeder 30 is different from a tape feeder, and does not use a tape, and thus has advantages in that the loading of the tape and the recycling of the used tape can be omitted, and the like.

[0018] The bulk feeder 30 has a type in which, for example, the components 92 are supplied to a planar supply region As in an irregular posture. However, when the components 92 are close to each other to the extent of contact, or are stacked (in a state of being overlapped in the up-down direction), or the width direction of the components 92 is the up-down direction like a horizontal posture, in the supply region As, the bulk feeder 30 cannot take them as pickup objects. Therefore, in order to increase the proportion of the components 92 that can be picked up, there is a type in which the bulk feeder 30 supplies the components 92 in a state in which the components 92 are arranged in the supply region As. In the present embodiment, the bulk feeder 30 of the type in which the components 92 are arranged is exemplified, and will be described.

[0019] 1-1. Feeder body 31

[0020] As Figure 1As shown, the bulk feeder 30 has a feeder main body 31 formed in a flat box shape. A connector 311 and two pins 312 are provided at the front of the feeder main body 31. The feeder main body 31 is supplied with power via the connector 311 when installed in a slot of a component supply device, and becomes a state in which communication with a control device of a component mounting machine is possible. The two pins 312 are inserted into guide holes provided on the slot, and are used for positioning of the feeder main body 31 when installed in the slot.

[0021] 1-2. Component cassette 32 and housing member 33

[0022] On the feeder main body 31, a component cassette 32 that houses a plurality of components 92 in a bulk state is detachably installed via a housing member 33. The component cassette 32 is an external device of the bulk feeder 30. On the feeder main body 31, one of various types of component cassettes 32 that is suitable for mounting processing is installed. A discharge port 321 that discharges the components 92 to the outside is formed at the front of the component cassette 32.

[0023] The housing member 33 is provided so as to be vibratable with respect to the feeder main body 31, and supports the installed component cassette 32. The housing member 33 is formed with a housing region Ar that houses the components 92 discharged from the component cassette 32. In the present embodiment, the housing member 33 has a sloped portion 331 that is sloped to the front side with respect to the horizontal plane at least in a part of the housing region Ar. The sloped portion 331 is located below the discharge port 321 of the component cassette 32, and is planar. The housing member 33 is formed with a flow path of the components 92 that extends toward the upper side of the housing region Ar, and the flow path is formed with a delivery portion 332 that opens upward.

[0024] 1-3. Carriage 34, rail member 35, and locking unit 36

[0025] The bulk feeder 30 has a carriage 34 and a rail member 35. The carriage 34 is provided so as to be vibratable with respect to the feeder main body 31. The carriage 34 is formed in a block shape that extends in the front-rear direction of the feeder main body 31, and the rail member 35 is installed on the upper surface. The carriage 34 is supported by a support member 41 of a vibration application device 40 described later. The rail member 35 is formed with a conveyance path R that conveys a plurality of components 92, and a supply region As that communicates with the conveyance path R and opens upward so as to be able to pick up a plurality of components 92.

[0026] The bulk feeder 30 has a locking unit 36. The locking unit 36 locks the rail member 35 in a state in which the rail member 35 is installed in the carriage 34. The rail member 35 becomes a state in which it vibrates integrally with the carriage 34 with respect to the feeder main body 31 if locked by the locking unit 36. The rail member 35 becomes a state in which it can be detached from the carriage 34 by unlocking by the locking unit 36.

[0027] 1-4. Detailed structure of track component 35, cover 37, connecting component 38

[0028] The track component 35 runs along the front-rear direction of the feeder body 31. Figure 3 It is formed by extending in the left-right direction. In the width direction of the track component 35 ( Figure 3 The two edges of the component 35 (in the vertical direction) have a pair of upwardly projecting sidewalls 351. The pair of sidewalls 351, together with the front end portion 352 of the track component 35, surround the periphery of the transport path R, thereby preventing leakage of the component 92 transported on the transport path R. On the upper surface of the front end portion 352, a pair of circular reference marks 356 are attached to the left and right sides to indicate the reference position of the supply area As.

[0029] In this embodiment, an arrangement member 353 is replaceably mounted on the track member 35. The arrangement member 353 has multiple cavities 354 that respectively accommodate multiple elements 92. Specifically, the multiple cavities 354 are arranged in a matrix in the supply region As. For example, the arrangement member 353 has a total of 80 cavities 354, of which 8 are regularly arranged in the conveying direction and 10 are regularly arranged in the width direction of the conveying path R. The multiple cavities 354 open upwards to accommodate the elements 92 in an orientation where the thickness direction of the elements 92 is vertical.

[0030] The opening of cavity 354 is set to be slightly larger than the external shape of element 92 when viewed from above. The depth of cavity 354 is set according to the type (shape, mass, etc.) of element 92. The track component 35 is equipped with one of various types of track components 35 selected according to the type of element 92, the necessary number of cavities 354, and functionality.

[0031] Here, the "supply area As" of the track component 35 refers to the area where the component 92 is supplied in a bulk state, and is the area where the component 92 can be picked up by a holding member supported by the mounting head of the component mounting machine (e.g., by a suction nozzle that adsorbs the component with negative pressure air). Furthermore, the "transport path R" of the track component 35 refers to the channel through which the component 92 flows from the receiving area Ar to the track component 35 and is transported to the supply area As.

[0032] The bulk feeder 30 includes a cover 37. The cover 37 is fixed to the track component 35 and covers the top of the conveying path R. Multiple vents 371 are formed on the upper surface of the cover 37. Mesh openings smaller than the external dimensions of the element 92 are provided on the vents 371. With this structure, the cover 37 is configured to prevent the element 92 from flying out of the conveying path R and to allow air to be discharged to the outside from the vents 371.

[0033] The track component 35 forms a flow path for the downwardly extending element 92 at its rear, and has an inlet portion 355 that opens downwardly into the flow path. The inlet portion 355 faces the outlet portion 332 of the receiving component 33 disposed below the track component 35 in the vertical direction. The bulk feeder 30 includes a connecting component 38 that connects multiple elements 92 in a manner that allows flow between the receiving area Ar and the conveying path R. Specifically, the connecting component 38 is tubular in shape, allowing multiple elements 92 to flow internally, and connects the outlet portion 332 of the receiving component 33 and the inlet portion 355 of the track component 35.

[0034] The aforementioned connecting member 38 is flexible. Furthermore, the connecting member 38 absorbs vibration by deforming according to the vibration of the receiving member 33 relative to the feeder body 31 and the vibration of the track member 35. The connecting member 38 reduces or interrupts the vibration transmitted between the independently vibrating receiving member 33 and track member 35. In this embodiment, the connecting member 38 is a closely spaced helical spring, thus possessing flexibility as a whole.

[0035] In its initial state, when no external force is applied in the tensile direction, the adjacent annular coils of the close-fitting helical spring are in close contact with each other. Therefore, in its undeformed initial state, the close-fitting helical spring can be used as a component forming an airflow path. Furthermore, the lower end of the connecting member 38 is embedded in the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion where the delivery portion 332 is formed. Similarly, the upper end of the connecting member 38 is embedded in the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion where the inlet portion 355 is formed. Thus, the inner peripheral surfaces of both ends of the connecting member 38 are in close contact with the outer peripheral surfaces of each cylindrical portion.

[0036] This structure prevents air and component 92 from leaking out between the inner circumferential surface of the connecting member 38 and the outer circumferential surface of each cylindrical portion. Additionally, the inner circumferential surfaces at both ends of the connecting member 38 can form a small gap (set smaller than the minimum dimension of component 92 (e.g., the thickness of component 92)) with the outer circumferential surface of each cylindrical portion. This structure achieves the same effect.

[0037] 1-5. Air supply device 39

[0038] The bulk feeder 30 includes an air supply device 39. The air supply device 39 supplies positive pressure air from below the receiving area Ar, allowing multiple components 92 to flow from the receiving member 33 to the track member 35 via the connecting member 38. In this embodiment, the air supply device 39 supplies or cuts off the externally supplied positive pressure air from below the receiving area Ar according to instructions from the feeder control device 70, described later. Details of the supply operation of the components 92, including the operation of this air supply device 39, will be described later.

[0039] 1-6. Vibration device 40

[0040] The bulk feeder 30 includes a vibration device 40 disposed on the feeder body 31. The vibration device 40 applies vibration to the track component 35 to convey multiple components 92 along the conveying path R. Specifically, the vibration device 40 includes multiple support components 41, multiple piezoelectric elements 42, a vibration sensor 43, and a power supply device 44. The multiple support components 41 directly or indirectly connect the feeder body 31 to the bracket 34 and support the bracket 34.

[0041] In this embodiment, the plurality of support members 41 have a forward support member 41A for front-side conveying of the element 92 and a backward support member 41B for rear-side conveying. The forward support member 41A and the backward support member 41B each have different inclination directions relative to the vertical direction. The plurality of piezoelectric elements 42 are oscillators that vibrate at a frequency corresponding to the power supplied from the power supply device 44. The plurality of piezoelectric elements 42 are attached to each of the plurality of support members 41.

[0042] When at least a portion of the piezoelectric elements 42 vibrates, vibration is applied to the track component 35 via the bracket 34. Furthermore, the amplitude of the track component 35 varies depending on the voltage applied to the piezoelectric elements 42. The vibration sensor 43 detects the actual frequency or amplitude of the vibration of the track component 35 when the piezoelectric elements 42 are powered and vibrate. In this embodiment, the vibration sensor 43 is disposed on a plurality of support members 41 that support the bracket 34, which vibrates integrally with the track component 35.

[0043] Here, when the vibration device 40 applies vibration to the track component 35, the track component 35 undergoes an elliptical motion in a side view. As a result, multiple elements 92 located on the transport path R are subjected to an external force in front and above, or an external force in rear and above, depending on the rotational direction of the elliptical motion of the track component 35. As a result, the multiple elements 92 are transported to the front of the track component 35 or to the rear.

[0044] Based on the instructions of the feeder control device 70 (described later), the power supply device 44 adjusts the frequency and applied voltage of the power supplied to the piezoelectric element 42. This adjusts the frequency and amplitude of the vibration applied to the track component 35, determining the rotational direction of the elliptical motion of the track component 35. When the frequency, amplitude, and rotational direction of the elliptical motion caused by the vibration of the track component 35 change, the conveying speed, dispersion of the conveyed element 92, and conveying direction also change.

[0045] Therefore, in order to improve conveying efficiency, the vibration device 40 is pre-set with a power supply (frequency, applied voltage) corresponding to the vibration characteristics (including the inherent vibration frequency) with individual differences. For example, the bulk feeder 30 performs a correction process when the track component 35 for the predetermined feeding action is installed, that is, when the track component 35 is locked relative to the bracket 34 by the locking unit 36.

[0046] The calibration process first determines at least one of the actual vibration frequency and amplitude of the track component 35 based on the detection value of the vibration sensor 43. Then, the calibration process adjusts the power supply to the piezoelectric element 42 based on the vibration-related measurement results. By repeatedly performing this process, the calibration process obtains the power supplied to the piezoelectric element 42 when the bracket 34 and the track component 35 vibrate together at their natural vibration frequency.

[0047] 1-7. Opening and closing device 51

[0048] The bulk feeder 30 has an opener / closer 51, which is disposed on the upper part of the track component 35 and can block the opening of the supply area As. By opening and closing the opener / closer 51, the bulk feeder 30 can prevent the component 92 from flying out and foreign matter from entering the supply area As. In this embodiment, the opener / closer 51 switches between an open state, a closed state, and an intermediate state through an opening and closing action. The closed state of the opener / closer 51 refers to the state in which the opener / closer 51 is in contact with the track component 35, and the opening of the supply area As is completely blocked. At this time, if... Figure 3 As shown by the dotted line, the opening / closing device 51 is located on the rear side of the feeder body 31, relative to the pair of reference marks 356 of the track component 35. When viewed from above, the pair of reference marks 356 can be visually confirmed and photographed.

[0049] Furthermore, the "open state" of the open / close device 51 refers to the state where the opening of the supply area As is not blocked, and the main area of ​​the supply area As (the area where multiple cavities 354 are provided in this embodiment) is exposed. At this time, the suction nozzle can perform the pickup action of the element 92 on any cavity 354. The "intermediate state" of the open / close device 51 refers to the state between the closed state and the open state, which is the state where the open / close device 51 is at least a distance from the track member 35 from a position where the amplitude of the track member 35 vibrating due to the applied vibration by the vibration device 40 is greater than that of the track member 35, and the limiting element 92 flies out from the opening of the supply area As. The open / close device 51 performs the opening and closing action by a drive device (not shown in the figure), and becomes the closed state, open state, and intermediate state depending on the driving state of the drive device.

[0050] 1-8. Feeder control device 70

[0051] The bulk feeder 30 includes a feeder control device 70. The feeder control device 70 mainly consists of a CPU, various memories, and control circuits. When the bulk feeder 30 is installed in the slot, the feeder control device 70 is powered via connector 311 and is also in a state where it can communicate with the control device of the component mounting machine.

[0052] like Figure 1 As shown, the feeder control device 70 has a storage unit 71. The storage unit 71 is composed of flash memory or the like. Various data, such as programs and transport parameters used in the control of the component supply process, are stored in the storage unit 71. The aforementioned "transport parameters" are parameters used to control the operation of the vibration device 40 to ensure that the vibration applied to the track component 35 is appropriate when the component 92 is transported in the component supply process. For example, they are preset in association with each type of component 92.

[0053] The feeder control device 70 includes a conveying control unit 72. The conveying control unit 72 controls the operation of the vibration device 40 and executes the conveying action of the element 92. Specifically, when executing the conveying action, the conveying control unit 72 sends a command to the power supply device 44 of the vibration device 40. As a result, a predetermined amount of power is supplied to the piezoelectric element 42 via the power supply device 44, and vibration is applied to the track component 35 via the bracket 34. Then, the element 92 on the conveying path R is conveyed by an external force to move along the conveying direction.

[0054] 2. Supply operation of component 92

[0055] Reference Figure 4 The feeding operation of the component 92 of the bulk feeder 30, which is constructed as described above, will be explained. First, the feeder control device 70 discharges the component 92 from the component box 32, for example, according to a supply command from an external source. Specifically, the feeder control device 70 applies vibration to the receiving member 33 on which the component box 32 is mounted. This vibration is applied by a vibration device for discharging components (not shown), which is different from the vibration device 40 that applies vibration to the bracket 34 and the track member 35.

[0056] When the component box 32 vibrates, component 92 is discharged from the open outlet 321. For example... Figure 4 As indicated by the dashed arrow, the discharged element 92 falls onto the inclined portion 331 of the receiving member 33 located below the discharge port 321, and slides forward along the inclined surface of the inclined portion 331. Thus, the element 92 remains in the receiving area Ar at its lower end in front of the inclined portion 331. In this state, the feeder control device 70 instructs the air supply device 39 to supply positive pressure air.

[0057] Positive pressure air supplied by the air supply device 39 blows up multiple elements 92 that are retained in the receiving area Ar, and together with the elements 92, flows in the flow path formed in the receiving component 33. Figure 4 The thick arrows indicate the flow of positive pressure air. Thus, the positive pressure air and the multiple components 92 flow in the order of the discharge section 332 of the housing 33, the connecting member 38, and the track member 35, and reach the transport path R of the track member 35. Here, the positive pressure air is exhausted to the outside from the exhaust port 371 of the cover 37. Additionally, the multiple components 92 fall into the transport path R of the track member 35 due to their own weight.

[0058] Furthermore, as described above, during the operation of blowing the element 92 through the air supply device 39 to allow the element 92 to flow from the receiving area Ar to the conveying path R, the vibration device 40 for conveying the element and the vibration device for discharging the element (not shown) remain stationary. That is, the receiving member 33 and the track member 35 are in a fixed positional relationship with each other. As a result, the connecting member 38 connecting the receiving member 33 and the track member 35 maintains its initial shape.

[0059] As a result, even when a close-fitting helical spring is applied to the connecting member 38 as in this embodiment, the adjacent coils can be kept in close contact with each other. Therefore, positive pressure air and the element 92 are prevented from flowing out between adjacent coils. Then, when the vibration device 40 for conveying the element applies vibration to the track member 35, multiple elements 92 are conveyed to the supply area As side. Furthermore, depending on the amount of element 92 supplied in the supply area As, vibrations that cause the element 92 to move forward or backward are applied to the track member 35.

[0060] As described above, when the track component 35 is subjected to vibration, the connecting component 38, supported at its lower end by the receiving component 33, flexes and deforms as a whole with the vibration of the track component 35. Thus, the connecting component 38 absorbs the vibration of the track component 35, preventing the vibration from being transmitted to the receiving component 33. Consequently, it is possible to prevent the connecting component 38 and the receiving component 33 from affecting the vibration characteristics of the track component 35. Therefore, the bulk feeder 30 can appropriately perform the conveying operation of the vibrating element 92.

[0061] Furthermore, when the connecting member 38, which is a close-fitting helical spring, deforms with the vibration of the track member 35, adjacent coils may separate and gaps may occur. However, during the conveying operation in which the vibration device 40 applies vibration to the track member 35, the element 92 using the air supply device 39 is not blown up (the flow operation from the receiving area Ar to the conveying path R), so even if the aforementioned gap occurs, the supply operation of the element 92 will not cause any problems.

[0062] 3. Effects of the structure of the implementation method

[0063] With this structure, since the flexible connecting member 38 suppresses the transmission of vibration between the track member 35 and the receiving member 33, it is possible to prevent the fixed-side receiving member 33 from affecting the vibration characteristics of the track member 35. Thus, by configuring the bulk feeder 30 to guide the bulk element 92 into the track member 35 via the connecting member 38, it is possible to appropriately perform the conveying operation of the vibrating element 92.

[0064] Furthermore, because the connecting member 38 is flexible, no gap is needed between the track member 35 and the connecting member 38 to allow vibration, thus preventing the leakage of the element 92. In contrast, in types requiring such a gap, the gap needs to be set to be larger than the amplitude of the vibration of the track member 35 and smaller than the minimum size of the element 92, and the required assembly precision is also high. In contrast, the structure according to this embodiment allows for a lower cost of the connecting member 38, improves assemblability, and thus reduces the manufacturing cost of the bulk feeder 30.

[0065] 4. Variations of the implementation method

[0066] 4-1. Regarding connecting component 38

[0067] In one embodiment, the connecting member 38 is a close-fitting helical spring made of metal. In contrast, the connecting member 38 may be made of resin or rubber, provided that at least a portion of it is flexible. Furthermore, besides being a close-fitting helical spring, the connecting member 38 may also be a thin-walled tube made of resin or rubber. Moreover, the connecting member 38 may also be configured to have a corrugated portion between its two ends.

[0068] Even with the structure described above, it achieves the same effect as the embodiment. However, from the viewpoint of reducing the impact on the vibration characteristics of the track component 35 during the conveying operation and improving resistance to deterioration over time, as exemplified in the embodiment, it is preferable to make the connecting component 38 metal. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of improving the flowability of the element 92 using positive pressure air during the flow operation, the inner surface of the cylinder is preferred, and it is preferable to make the connecting component 38 a tightly fitted helical spring or a thin-walled tube.

[0069] 4-2. Regarding the housing component 33

[0070] In one embodiment, the receiving member 33 has an inclined portion 331 formed on the rear side of the receiving area Ar. In contrast, the inclined portion 331 may also be formed over the entire area of ​​the receiving area Ar. In addition, the inclined portion 331 has the function of facilitating the forward movement of the plurality of components 92 discharged from the component box 32, thereby preventing the plurality of components 92 from lingering near the discharge port 321.

[0071] Therefore, the inclined portion 331 can be arranged in various ways to correspond to the position and shape of the outlet 321 of the component box 32 installed in the receiving component 33. For example, when viewed from the side of the feeder body 31, the inclined portion 331 can be formed as a curved surface in addition to being planar. In addition, the length of the inclined portion 331 in the front-back direction and the inclination angle relative to the horizontal plane are appropriately set. Specifically, the length and angle of the inclined portion 331 are set according to the positional relationship between the outlet 321 and the air outlet of the air supply device 39, the size and shape of the component 92, and the operating characteristics of the vibration device for component discharge.

[0072] As a result, the plurality of components 92 are appropriately moved from the lower part of the outlet 321 to the air outlet. Therefore, the discharge operation of the plurality of components 92, their movement to the air outlet, and the flow operation performed by blowing with positive pressure air can be performed appropriately. In addition, from the viewpoint of the required functions of the housing component 33 and manufacturing costs, the embodiment illustrated is preferred.

[0073] 4-3. Regarding track component 35

[0074] In one embodiment, the track member 35 configured as a bulk feeder 30 includes an arrangement member 353 having a plurality of cavities 354. Alternatively, the arrangement member 353 may be omitted. That is, a concave portion where the elements 92 are distributed at a position lower than the upper surface of the conveying path R, or a planar portion uniform with the upper surface of the conveying path R, may be formed in the supply region As of the track member 35 to supply the elements 92 in a bulk state. However, from the viewpoint of improving the efficiency of element supply processing and reducing the image processing load in the supply state recognition processing in the supply region As, the structure illustrated in this embodiment is preferred.

[0075] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0076] 30: Bulk feeder, 31: Feeder body, 32: Component box, 321: Discharge port, 33: Receiving component, 331: Inclined part, 332: Delivery part, 34: Bracket, 35: Track component, 355: Inlet part, 37: Cover, 371: Exhaust port, 38: Connecting component, 39: Air supply device, 40: Vibration device, 70: Feeder control device, 92: Component, Ar: Receiving area, As: Supply area, R: Conveying path.

Claims

1. A bulk feeder, comprising: Feeder body; A receiving component is provided on the feeder body, forming a receiving area for receiving the components discharged from a component box containing multiple components; The track component is arranged in a manner that allows it to vibrate relative to the feeder body, forming a conveying path for conveying multiple of the components and a supply area that communicates with the conveying path and opens upwards in a manner that allows it to pick up multiple of the components. A vibration-applying device applies vibration to the track component to transport the plurality of the components along the transport path; and The connecting member is flexible, tubular, and connects the delivery portion of the receiving member and the inlet portion of the track member in such a way that multiple of the elements can flow between the receiving area and the transport path.

2. The bulk feeder according to claim 1, wherein, When the track component is vibrated by the vibration-applying device, the connecting component deforms according to the vibration of the track component, thereby absorbing the vibration and reducing or blocking the vibration transmitted to the receiving component.

3. The bulk feeder according to claim 1, wherein, The connecting component is a tubular, closely spaced helical spring in the form of multiple elements that allow for internal flow.

4. The bulk feeder according to claim 2, wherein, The connecting component is a tubular, closely spaced helical spring in the form of multiple elements that allow for internal flow.

5. The bulk feeder according to claim 3, wherein, The connecting component is made of metal.

6. The bulk feeder according to claim 4, wherein, The connecting component is made of metal.

7. The bulk feeder according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The connecting component is made of resin or rubber.

8. The bulk feeder according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The receiving component is disposed below the track component. The connecting component is in the form of a tube in which multiple of the aforementioned elements can flow internally. The bulk feeder also includes an air supply device that supplies positive pressure air from below the receiving area, thereby allowing the plurality of the components to flow from the receiving component through the connecting component to the track component.

9. The bulk feeder according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The receiving component has an inclined portion that is tilted relative to the horizontal plane in at least a portion of the receiving area.

10. The bulk feeder according to claim 9, wherein, The inclined portion is located below the outlet of the component box and is planar.

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