Button-type delivery device and button-type delivery method

Abstract

The present invention provides a button type conveying device capable of accurately positioning a button type in a mounting portion without using an auxiliary member and capable of being applied to various sizes of button types. The present invention relates to a button type conveying device (100, 100A) for conveying a button type (20, 20a) having a central shaft portion (22, 22a) toward a mounting portion. The button type conveying device (100, 100A) is provided with: a conveying path (G) for conveying the button type (20, 20a) from an introduction position (I) toward a release position (R) corresponding to the mounting portion; a gripping member (110, 110A, 120, 120A) capable of gripping the central shaft portion (22, 22a) of the button type (20, 20a) and capable of releasing the grip of the central shaft portion (22, 22a) at the release position (R); and a moving member (130, 120A) for moving the gripping member (110, 110A, 120, 120A) along the conveying path (G).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a button-like conveying device, and particularly to a button-like conveying device and a button-like conveying method for conveying a button body having a central shaft portion, a fixing member, or the like, to a lower die or the like installation portion. BACKGROUND

[0002] In a case where a male button (a stud member), a female button (a socket), or the like button body is installed to a cloth such as a garment by using a fixing member, the button body is generally conveyed and supplied from a button body conveying device to an upper die, and the fixing member is conveyed and supplied from a fixing member conveying device to a lower die, and then the upper die is lowered toward the lower die. Thereby, the central shaft portion of the fixing member penetrates the cloth upward, and then, after passing through an opening for installation of the button body, riveting is performed by a punch of the upper die. Thereby, the button body is fixed to the cloth together with the fixing member.

[0003] Japanese Patent No. JP 59-8968 B2 (Patent Document 1) discloses an example of a button body conveying device. The button body conveying device advances a finger portion along a guide groove by using a push rod, thereby pushing a button body guided to the guide groove from a chute along the guide groove in a forward direction by using the finger portion while conveying to an installation portion (an upper die).

[0004] The conventional button body or fixing member conveying device is a device that presses a disc-shaped base portion of a button body or a fixing member by using a finger portion as in the conveying device of Patent Document 1. Therefore, the length of the push rod is adjusted or the push rod itself is replaced in accordance with the diameter of the base portion of the button body or the like to be conveyed. In addition, in the conventional conveying device, a pair of clamps on the left and right that are suitable for the diameter and thickness of the base portion of the button body or the like are required in order to hold the button body or the like at the installation portion such as an upper die. Furthermore, the lateral width and height dimensions of the guide groove are required to be matched to the dimensions of the button body or the like to be installed, and the guide groove is changed for each dimension of the button body or the like.

[0005] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0006] PATENT DOCUMENTS

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. JP 59-8968 B2 SUMMARY

[0008] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0009] Therefore, an object of the present application is to provide a button-like conveying device and a button-like conveying method that do not require a push rod, adjustment or replacement of the dimensions of a guide groove, clamps, and can be applied to a variety of sizes of button-like members.

[0010] SOLUTION TO PROBLEM

[0011] To solve the above problems, according to one aspect of the present application, there is provided a button-type conveying device, which is a button-type conveying device for conveying a button-type having a central shaft portion to a mounting portion, characterized by comprising: a conveying path for conveying the button-type from an introduction position toward a release position corresponding to the mounting portion; a gripping member capable of gripping the central shaft portion of the button-type and capable of releasing the grip of the central shaft portion at the release position; and a moving member for moving the gripping member along the conveying path.

[0012] In the present application, the central shaft portion of the button-type introduced into the conveying path is gripped by the gripping member, and the moving member moves the gripping member along the conveying path to the release position, and the grip of the central shaft portion of the button-type by the gripping member is released at the release position, whereby the button-type is released from the gripping member and disposed in the mounting portion. Since the gripping member gripping the central shaft portion of the button-type is moved along the conveying path, it is not necessary to match the lateral width, height dimension of the conveying path, the lateral width, height dimension of the moving device, and the diameter of the button-type of various sizes, and the lateral width, height dimension of the conveying path can be set to be larger than the diameter of the button-type. Therefore, it is not necessary to adjust or replace the moving member, the conveying path, and the like, and the same conveying path, gripping member, and moving member can be used to convey button-types of various sizes. In addition, the gripping member releases the button-type at the release position corresponding to the mounting portion by releasing the grip of the central shaft portion of the button-type. Thus, the button-type can be dropped while maintaining substantially the same posture and orientation. In addition, it is not necessary to provide an auxiliary member such as a pawl on the mounting portion side to accurately position the button-type at a predetermined position of the mounting portion.

[0013] In the present application, the button-type having a central shaft portion refers to a button main body, a fixing member, a hole, and the like having a column, a shaft portion, and the like such as a hollow cylindrical shape, a solid cylindrical shape, and the like in the center. The button-type having a central shaft portion is exemplified in Figures 1-4 but is not limited thereto.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present application, the button-type conveying device has a releasing mechanism for releasing the grip of the central shaft portion of the button-type by the gripping member at the release position. In one embodiment of the present application, the button-type conveying device has a gripping mechanism for gripping the central shaft portion of the button-type by the gripping member. The release of the grip of the gripping member by the releasing mechanism is performed when the button-type is positioned at the release position. The grip of the gripping member by the gripping mechanism can be performed when the button-type is positioned at the introduction position, or can be performed during the progress from the introduction position toward the release position.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present application, the holding member releases the holding of the central shaft portion at the release position, and allows the button to fall down to a predetermined position of the mounting portion. In this embodiment, the predetermined position of the mounting portion is set directly below the release position, and the button falls down from the release position to the predetermined position. At this time, as described above, the button can be held in the same posture and orientation, and can be positioned accurately at the predetermined position of the mounting portion.

[0016] In one embodiment of the present application, the holding member includes a finger portion having a first holding portion and a front push rod having a second holding portion, and the moving member includes a rear push rod. In this embodiment, the central shaft portion of the button is held between the first holding portion of the finger portion and the second holding portion of the front push rod, and the finger portion and the front push rod are moved along the conveying path by the rear push rod. The rear push rod can be linked to the driving device of the mounting portion, or can be moved back and forth along the conveying path by a power source (for example, a cylinder) different from the driving device of the mounting portion.

[0017] According to another aspect of the present application, a button conveying method is provided, which includes: a step of holding a central shaft portion of a button by a holding member on a conveying path; a step of moving the holding member along the conveying path until the button reaches a release position; and a step of releasing the holding of the central shaft portion by the holding member at the release position, and allowing the button to fall down.

[0018] Effects of the Invention

[0019] In the present application, since the holding member holding the central shaft portion of the button is moved along the conveying path, it is not necessary to match the lateral width, the height dimension of the conveying path, the lateral width, the height dimension of the moving member, and the diameter of the button, and the lateral width, the height dimension of the conveying path can be set to be larger than the diameter of the button. Therefore, the same conveying path, holding member, and moving member can be used to convey buttons of various sizes. In addition, the holding member releases the holding of the central shaft portion of the button at the release position corresponding to the mounting portion, and releases the button. Thus, the button can be allowed to fall down in the same posture and orientation at the release position. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide an auxiliary member such as a claw on the mounting portion side, and the button can be positioned accurately at the predetermined position of the mounting portion. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an arrangement structure before a column member (male button member) as an example of a button main body is mounted to a cloth such as a clothing by a fixing member.

[0021] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the column member and the fixing member are mounted to the cloth.

[0022] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the arrangement structure before the socket (female snap member) which is another example of the button main body to be attached to the cloth by using other kinds of fixing members is attached to the cloth.

[0023] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the state where the socket and the fixing member are attached to the cloth.

[0024] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the button-type conveying device of the first embodiment of the present application, in which the finger, the front push rod, and the rear push rod are in the initial state.

[0025] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view in which the finger and the front push rod are enlarged.

[0026] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view in which the finger and the like of Figure 5 are removed and the push rod guide groove is enlarged.

[0027] Figure 8 is an A-A line cross-sectional view of Figure 5 .

[0028] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the button-type conveying device showing the time point after the top end of the finger and the front push rod just passed the introduction position.

[0029] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the button-type conveying device showing the time point when the first holding portion of the finger and the second holding portion of the front push rod hold the fixing member.

[0030] Figure 11 is an enlarged view of the circle portion Cl of Figure 10 .

[0031] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view in which the state where the first holding portion of the finger and the second holding portion of the front push rod hold the central shaft portion of the fixing member are enlarged.

[0032] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of the button-type conveying device showing the time point when the fixing member reached the release position.

[0033] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of the button-type conveying device showing the state where the first holding portion of the finger and the second holding portion of the front push rod release the fixing member.

[0034] Figure 15 is an enlarged view of the circle portion C2 of Figure 14 , showing the time point before the connection shaft is displaced to the front direction.

[0035] Figure 16 isFigure 14 The enlarged view of the circled portion C2 shows the connection axis from... Figure 15 The moment shifts to the moment in front.

[0036] Figure 17 yes Figure 14 The enlarged view of the circled part C3 shows the state before the left side of the rear push rod connection is about to overlap the rear end of the torso of the finger.

[0037] Figure 18 yes Figure 14 The enlarged view of the circled part C3 shows the state in which the left side of the rear push rod connection overlaps the rear end of the torso of the finger.

[0038] Figure 19 The button-type conveying device of the second embodiment of the present invention is related to... Figure 6 Same sectional view.

[0039] Figure 20 It means Figure 19 A cross-sectional view of the moment when the first and second gripping parts of the button-type conveying device grip the fixing member.

[0040] Figure 21 This is a cross-sectional view of a button-type conveyor device, showing the moment when the fixed component reaches the release position.

[0041] Figure 22 This is a cross-sectional view of a button-type conveying device showing the state in which the first gripping part of the finger and the second gripping part of the push rod have released the fixing components.

[0042] Figure 23 yes Figure 21 The enlarged view of the circled part C4 shows... Figure 21 At that moment.

[0043] Figure 24 yes Figure 21 The enlarged view of the circled part C4 shows... Figure 22 At that moment. Detailed Implementation

[0044] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view showing the arrangement structure in which a column member (male snap fastener member) 10, which serves as the main body of a button, is installed onto a piece of fabric such as clothing using a fastening member 20. Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the column member 10 and the fixing member 20 are installed on the fabric f. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the upper and lower positions of the button body (10, 10a) and the fixing member (20, 20a) will be indicated by... Figures 1-4the paper surface as a reference. The stud member 10 has a substantially circular plate-shaped base 11 and a ring-shaped engaging portion 12 that protrudes upward from the base 11. The engaging portion 12 is detachable with respect to the engaged portion 12a of the female snap member, i.e., the receptacle 10a (see FIG. 10). An opening 13 is provided in the center of the base 11. The fixing member 20 has a circular plate-shaped base 21 and a cylindrical central shaft portion 22 that extends upward from the center of the base 21. In the case of installing the stud member 10 to the cloth f, the central shaft portion 22 of the fixing member 20 penetrates the cloth f upward, and then passes through the opening 13 of the stud member 10, and then is riveted by a mounting portion, i.e., an upper die. Thus, the stud member 10 is fixed to the cloth f together with the fixing member 20. Figure 3

[0045] Figure 3 is a sectional view showing an arrangement structure before the receptacle (female snap member) 10a, which is another example of a button main body, is installed to the cloth f by using another kind of fixing member 20a different from the fixing member 20. Figure 4 is a sectional view showing a state in which the receptacle 10a and the fixing member 20a are installed to the cloth f. The receptacle 10a has a circular plate-shaped base 11a and a substantially ring-shaped engaged portion 12a that protrudes upward from the base 11a. A spring 14 is housed in the engaged portion 12a. An opening 13a is provided in the center of the base 11a. The fixing member 20a has a base 21a and a cylindrical central shaft portion 22a that extends upward from the center of the base 21a. The receptacle 10a is fixed to the cloth f together with the fixing member 20a, as with the stud member 10 described above. The fixing members 20, 20a described above are examples of buttons having central shaft portions 22, 22a, and are the conveyance targets of the present application. In addition, the stud member 10 can be included in the buttons as the conveyance targets of the present application, with the engaging portion 12 serving as the central shaft portion. In addition, buttons having central shaft portions for riveting on the button main body side are also the conveyance targets of the present application, but are not exemplified here.

[0046] Figure 5 is a sectional view of a button-type conveyance device (hereinafter referred to as "conveyance device") 100 of the first embodiment of the present application. The conveyance device 100 is used to convey and supply the button-type (20, 20a) having the central shaft portion (22, 22a) to a lower die, which is not shown, as an example of a mounting portion. Hereinafter, the button-type, which is the conveyance target of the conveyance device 100, will be described with the fixing member 20 having the central shaft portion 22 described above, but is not limited thereto. The conveyance device 100 has a conveyance path, i.e., a guide groove G, of the fixing member 20, a finger portion 110 and a front push lever 120 as gripping members, a rear push lever 130 as a moving member, and a stop lever 140. In addition, the front push lever 120, as described later, can also be said to be a constituent element of the moving member from the viewpoint of moving the finger portion 110. In the conveyance device 100, the fixing member 20 is conveyed and supplied to the lower die by the finger portion 110 and the front push lever 120, and the fixing member 20 is conveyed and supplied to the lower die by the rear push lever 130 and the stop lever 140. Figure 5 ​In the figure, the finger 110, the front push rod 120, and the rear push rod 130 are in the initial state. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the finger and the front push rod enlarged.

[0047] The guide groove G extends linearly from the introduction position I (also shown in Figure 7 ) toward the release position R indicated by the broken line in Figure 5 . Hereinafter, the direction in which the guide groove G extends will be referred to as the front-rear direction, and the side from the introduction position I toward the release position R will be referred to as "front" and the side from the release position R toward the introduction position I will be referred to as "rear", unless otherwise specified. Also, the side of the bottom surface GBs (refer to Figure 8 ) of the guide groove G will be referred to as "lower", and the side away from the bottom surface GBs will be referred to as "upper". As shown in Figure 8 , the guide groove G is defined by the bottom surface GBs of the bottom portion GB, the left side surface GLs of the left side portion GL, and the right side surface GRs of the right side portion GR, and is open upward. The bottom portion GB and the like of the guide groove G ends at a position further rearward than the release position R. A stopper block 150 that restricts the front push rod 120 from moving further forward is provided near the front end of the guide groove G.

[0048] The guide groove G includes a push rod guide groove Ga (refer to Figure 7 ) that extends linearly from the introduction position I toward the rear. The push rod guide groove Ga is a waiting area for the finger 110 and the like in the initial state. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the finger and the front push rod enlarged. Figure 5 Hereinafter, the portion of the guide groove G other than the push rod guide groove Ga will also be referred to as the "main guide groove G". Also, in Figure 5 and the like, the right side portion GR of the push rod guide groove Ga is omitted. The push rod guide groove Ga includes a first region Ga1 in the rear where the left and right widths, that is, the interval between the left side surface GLs and the right side surface GRs, are small, and a second region Ga2 in the front where the left and right widths are slightly larger than in the first region Ga1. The left and right widths of the first region Ga1 are set so as to be able to guide the front push rod 120 and the rear push rod 130 to the maximum in the front-rear direction. A step portion s is provided at the boundary between the first region Ga1 and the second region Ga2 of the left side surface GLs. The left side surface GLs of the second region Ga2 is substantially flush with the left side surface GLs of the main guide groove G. The right side surface GRs of the push rod guide groove Ga is slightly offset to the left from the right side surface GRs of the main guide groove G. Therefore, the left and right widths of the main guide groove G are larger than the left and right widths of the push rod guide groove Ga. The left and right widths of the main guide groove G are set so as to be able to convey a plurality of sizes of the button type, the diameter of the base portion 21 of the fixing member 20 being an example.

[0049] Refer to Figure 5 , Figure 7The introduction position I corresponds to the chute exit 31 of the chute 30 which opens from the right side face GRs side of the guide groove G. The chute 30 receives the fixing members 20 in a certain posture continuously from a hopper (not shown) which houses a plurality of the fixing members 20, and transports them downward to the chute exit 31 by free fall. Thus, the fixing members 20 are discharged from the chute exit 31 to the introduction position I with the base portions 21 in the lower side. A stopper lever 140 is arranged in the portion of the left side face GLs side of the guide groove G which corresponds to the introduction position I. The stopper lever 140 presses one of the fixing members 20 which is discharged from the chute exit 31 to the introduction position I on the chute exit 31 side, thereby serving to prevent the fixing member 20 from moving accidentally to the front of the guide groove G.

[0050] A space, i.e., a lever housing portion 140s, which can accommodate the stopper lever 140 is provided in the left side portion GL of the guide groove G. The stopper lever 140 has a lever main body 141 in the front and a base end portion 142 which extends to the rear from the lever main body 141 and has a smaller lateral width than the lever main body 141. The lever main body 141 includes a pressing portion 141a (refer to Figure 7 ) which is recessed in a circular arc shape to the left from the right side face thereof. The rear end of the base end portion 142 of the stopper lever 140 is linked to the bottom portion GB of the guide groove G in a rotatable manner via a link shaft 143. Further, a spring 144 is arranged between the front end of the base end portion 142 and the portion of the left side portion GL which corresponds to the left side of the lever housing portion 140s. The spring 144 exerts a force on the stopper lever 140 in the clockwise direction with the link shaft 143 as the center, whereby the lever main body 141 is forced to the projected position which projects to the guide groove G from the lever housing portion 140s to the right. In Figure 7 , the stopper lever 140 is in the retracted position which is retracted into the lever housing portion 140s by the omitted finger portion 110 or the front push lever 120.

[0051] Refer to Figure 5 , the base portion 21 or the central shaft portion 22 of the fixing member 20 which is introduced to the introduction position I of the guide groove G from the chute exit 31 is pressed toward the chute exit 31 side by the pressing portion 141a (refer to Figure 7 ) of the lever main body 141 of the stopper lever 140 which is in the projected position. Thus, when the finger portion 110 and the like is in the initial state, the fixing member 20 of the introduction position I is prevented from moving accidentally to the front in the guide groove G. Further, by pressing the fixing member 20 of the introduction position I by the stopper lever 140, it is possible to hold the fixing member 20 which desires to enter from the chute exit 31 to the guide groove G after the fixing member 20 in a standby position before leaving the chute exit 31.

[0052] Figure 6is a cross-sectional view of the finger portion 110 and the front push lever 120 after being enlarged. The finger portion 110 is a member elongated in the front-rear direction, and has a first grip portion 111 as a front end portion and a body portion 112 extending rearward from the first grip portion 111. The body portion 112 has a larger left-right width than the first grip portion 111. The first grip portion 111 includes a recessed portion 111a recessed to the left, which partially houses the central shaft portion 22 of the fixing member 20 and presses it to the right, and a protruded portion 111b protruding to the right near the rear of the recessed portion 111a. The recessed portion 111a is subjected to rough surface treatment (see Figure 12 ), and the friction between the recessed portion 111a and the central shaft portion 22 of the fixing member 20 is increased. The protruded portion 111b functions to hook the central shaft portion 22 of the fixing member 20 located at the introduction position I to displace the fixing member 20 forward. The front push lever 120 has a rear front push lever (FP) main body 121 for pushing the finger portion 110 forward, and a FP front body 122 extending forward from the FP main body 121. The FP front body 122 includes a right side portion 122a and an upper and lower portion 122b (the upper portion 122b is shown in Figure 13 ), and is a frame-shaped portion with the left side open. The right side portion 122a moves in the front-rear direction along the right side surface GRs of the guide groove G. A second grip portion 122c protruding to the left is provided at the front end portion of the right side portion 122a. The second grip portion 122c includes a receiving portion 122d protruding forward from the front end of the upper and lower portion 122b, and a protruded portion 122e protruding higher to the left rearward from the front end of the upper and lower portion 122b than the receiving portion 122d. The receiving portion 122d receives the central shaft portion 22 of the fixing member 20 pressed to the right by the recessed portion 111a of the first grip portion 111, and the central shaft portion 22 is sandwiched between the recessed portion 111a and the receiving portion 122d.

[0053] The finger portion 110 is rotatably coupled to the upper and lower portions 122b of the FP front body 122 of the front push lever 120 at approximately the middle of the front and rear direction of the body portion 112 via a coupling shaft 113. The body portion 112 of the finger portion 110 includes a rear end portion 112b and a bulged portion 112a adjacent to the front of the rear end portion 112b and bulging to the left. The rear end portion 112b has a slanted left side surface 112ba slanted to the rear end and to the right. A spring 114 is disposed between the boundary between the rear end portion 112b and the bulged portion 112a of the body portion 112 of the finger portion 110 and the right side portion 122a of the FP front body 122 of the front push lever 120. The spring 114 exerts a force on the finger portion 110 in the clockwise direction around the coupling shaft 113. Thus, the body portion 112 of the finger portion 110 tends to displace to the right of the guide groove G, but in the initial state, the bulged portion 112a is in contact with the left side surface GLs of the first region Ga1 of the push lever guide groove Ga, and the displacement to the right is restricted. At this time, the first grip portion 111 of the finger portion 110 is in an open state away from the second grip portion 122c of the front push lever 120. As will be described later, when the finger portion 110 and the front push lever 120 advance in the guide groove G and the bulged portion 112a enters the second region Ga2 of the push lever guide groove Ga, the bulged portion 112a displaces to the left from the step portion s. Thus, the first grip portion 111 of the finger portion 110 becomes in a closed state close to the second grip portion 122c of the front push lever 120.

[0054] The rear push lever 130 is reciprocally movable in the front and rear direction in the guide groove G by means of a drive device not shown. The rear push lever 130 has a rear push lever (RP) body 131 for pushing the front push lever 120 forward and a frame-shaped coupling portion 132 extending forward from the RP body 131. The coupling portion 132 includes a left side portion 132a superimposed on the left side surface of the FP body 121 and an upper and lower portion 132b superimposed on the upper and lower surfaces of the FP body 121. The FP body 121 of the front push lever 120 has two long holes 123 through which a coupling shaft 124 is inserted, the two ends of the coupling shaft 124 being coupled to the upper and lower portions 132b of the coupling portion 132 of the rear push lever 130. Further, a spring 125 is disposed between the FP body 121 and the RP body 131. The spring 125 pushes the RP body 131 away from the FP body 121 in the rear direction. Thus, normally, the coupling shaft 124 is located at a position in contact with the rear end of the long hole 123. Hereinafter, the state of the front push lever 120 and the rear push lever 130 in which the coupling shaft 124 is in contact with the rear end of the long hole 123 will be referred to as the "separated state". In the separated state, the front end of the left side portion 132a of the coupling portion 132 of the rear push lever 130 is located slightly rearward of the front end of the FP body 121 of the front push lever 120.

[0055] In Figure 5In the initial state, the finger 110, the front push rod 120, and the rear push rod 130 are located at the rearmost position. Furthermore, in this state, the first gripping portion 111 of the finger 110 and the second gripping portion 122c of the front push rod 120 are in the open state, while the front push rod 120 and the rear push rod 130 are in the disengaged state. Moreover, a fixing member 20 is inserted from the slide outlet 31 into the guide groove G at the guide position I, and a stop rod 140 in a protruding position presses against this fixing member 20. As the rear push rod 130 advances in the guide groove G from the initial state, it pushes the front push rod 120 and the finger 110 forward, thereby advancing the front push rod 120 and the finger 110 in the guide groove G.

[0056] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of the conveying device 100 showing the moment just after the tips of the finger 110 and the front push rod 120 have passed the guide position I. As the finger 110 passes the guide position I, the central shaft 22 of the fixing member 20 located at the guide position I is hooked by the protrusion 111b of the first gripping portion 111 of the finger 110, thereby moving the fixing member 20 forward in the guide groove G. Additionally, the finger 110 or the front push rod 120 advances in a manner that pushes the stop rod 140 in the protruding position to the left. As a result, the stop rod 140 overcomes the force of the spring 144 and rotates towards the retracted position within the rod storage portion 140s. The stop rod 140 is held in the retracted position by the finger 110 or the front push rod 120 until the finger 110, the front push rod 120, and the rear push rod 130 have completed conveying the fixing member 20 to the lower mold and have substantially returned to their initial positions. Furthermore, the top end of the front push rod 120, i.e., the receiving part 122d, enters between the fixed member 20 located in the inlet position I and the fixed member 20 located in the standby position just before exiting from the chute outlet 31, separating the two fixed members 20. The chute outlet 31 is kept closed by the finger 110 or the front push rod 120 until the finger 110 and the others have completed the conveying of the fixed member 20 and have returned to approximately the initial position.

[0057] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of the conveying device 100 showing the moment when the first gripping part 111 of the finger 110 and the second gripping part 122c of the front push rod 120 grip the fixing member 20. When the rear push rod 130... Figure 9 When the finger 110 and the front push rod 120 move forward from the moment the finger 110 moves forward, the bulge 112a of the finger 110 moves from the first region Ga1 of the push rod guide groove Ga to the second region Ga2. Figure 11 yes Figure 10 An enlarged view of the circular portion C1. When the bulge 112a moves towards the second region Ga2, which is larger than the first region Ga1, the bulge 112a moves slightly to the left due to the force applied by the spring 114. Figure 11The finger 110 is displaced (above the paper surface), and rotates slightly clockwise around the connecting shaft 113. As a result, the first gripping portion 111 of the finger 110 is displaced from the open position to the closed position, gripping the central shaft portion 22 of the fixing member 20 between the first gripping portion 111 of the finger 110 and the second gripping portion 122c of the front push rod 120. (Refer to...) Figure 11 When the bulge 112a of the torso 112 of the finger portion 110 has moved to the second region Ga2, the rear end 112b of the torso 112 of the finger portion 110 protrudes slightly to the left from the inner side of the left side portion 132a of the connecting portion 132 of the rear push rod 130 (the side opposite to the FP body 121). In the button-type conveying device 100 of the first embodiment, the first gripping portion 111 of the finger portion 110, the bulge 112a, the connecting shaft 113, the spring 114, the second gripping portion 122c of the front push rod 120, and the push rod guide groove Ga including the first region Ga1 and the second region Ga2 constitute the gripping mechanism.

[0058] Figure 12 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the central shaft portion 22 of the fixing member 20 being held by the first gripping portion 111 of the finger portion 110 and the second gripping portion 122c of the front push rod 120. When the first gripping portion 111 and the second gripping portion 122c are in the closed state, the central shaft portion 22 of the fixing member 20 is clamped between the recess 111a of the first gripping portion 111 and the receiving portion 122d of the second gripping portion 122c. This allows for a larger diameter range of the central shaft portion that can be held between the first gripping portion 111 and the second gripping portion 122c, thus enabling the delivery device 100 to be applied to various types of buttons having a central shaft portion. The left side GLs of the guide groove G is substantially flush with the front from the second region Ga2. Therefore, before the front push rod 120 is restricted from moving forward by the stop block 150 and the fixing member 20 reaches the release position R, the first gripping part 111 and the second gripping part 122c can remain in the closed state, that is, the state of gripping the central shaft part 22 of the fixing member 20.

[0059] Figure 13 This is a cross-sectional view of the conveying device 100 showing the moment when the fixed member 20 reaches the release position R. The current push rod 120 passes through the rear push rod 130 from... Figure 10 When the device advances further in the boot slot G from the moment it starts moving, Figure 13 At that moment, the stop block 150 restricts further advancement. At this moment, the fixing member 20, held by the first gripping part 111 of the finger 110 and the second gripping part 122c of the front push rod 120, reaches the release position R. The release position R is located forward of the front end of the guide groove G. Figure 13 At that moment, the front push rod 120 and the rear push rod 130 are in the disengaged state.

[0060] Figure 14 is a sectional view of the conveying device 100 showing a state in which the first gripping portion 111 of the finger portion 110 and the second gripping portion 122c of the front push rod 120 release the fixing member 20. In Figure 13 the front push rod 120 is restricted from advancing by the stopper 150, the rear push rod 130 also compresses the spring 125 between the front push rod 120 and the rear push rod 130 and continues to advance. As a result, the two link shafts 124 are displaced forward from the rear ends of the respective long holes 123. Figure 15 and Figure 16 is Figure 14 is an enlarged view of the encircled portion C2 of Figure 15 shows a time before the link shaft 124 is displaced forward, Figure 16 shows a time when the link shaft 124 is displaced forward from Figure 15 .

[0061] Figure 17 and Figure 18 is Figure 14 is an enlarged view of the encircled portion C3 of Figure 17 is a state before the left side portion 132a of the link portion 132 of the rear push rod 130 is laminated on the rear end portion 112b of the body portion 112 of the finger portion 110, Figure 18 shows a state in which the left side portion 132a is laminated on the rear end portion 112b. When the rear push rod 130 continues to advance and the respective link shafts 124 are displaced forward, the left side portion 132a of the link portion 132 of the rear push rod 130 is in contact with the inclined left side surface 112ba of the rear end portion 112b of the finger portion 110 (see Figure 17 ) while slightly displacing the rear end portion 112b to the right against the urging force of the spring 114 (see Figure 18 ). As a result, the finger portion 110 is slightly rotated counterclockwise about the link shaft 113, and the first gripping portion 111 becomes an open position away from the second gripping portion 122c. Therefore, the gripping of the central shaft portion 22 of the fixing member 20 by the first gripping portion 111 and the second gripping portion 122c is released at the release position R. In the button-type conveying device 100 of the first embodiment, the first gripping portion 111 of the finger portion 110, the rear end portion 112b of the finger portion 110 including the inclined left side surface 112ba, the link shafts 113, 124, the springs 114, 125, the long holes 123, the second gripping portion 122c of the front push rod 120, and the left side portion 132a of the rear push rod 130, etc. constitute a release mechanism. The released fixing member 20 falls and is arranged at a predetermined position of the lower mold. The fixing member 20 is released from the time when the first gripping portion 111 and the second gripping portion 122c reach the release position R (see Figure 13 ) until the first gripping portion 111 and the second gripping portion 122c become an open state (see Figure 14Because of the time lag, the fixing member 20 is temporarily stopped at the release position R. From this stopped state, the first gripping part 111 and the second gripping part 122c release the central shaft part 22 of the fixing member 20. Therefore, the fixing member 20 is not thrown forward under the momentum of conveying, and the fixing member 20 can be accurately positioned at the predetermined position of the lower mold.

[0062] Figure 19 The button-type conveying device 100A of the second embodiment of the present invention is related to... Figure 6 The same cross-sectional view. The conveying path (guide groove G), stop bar 140, and stop block 150 in the conveying device 100A are substantially common to those in the conveying device 100 of the first embodiment; therefore, the same reference numerals are used and descriptions are omitted. The button-type conveying device 100A includes a finger portion 110A that serves as a gripping member and a push rod 120A that functions as both a gripping member and a moving member. Hereinafter, for the parts of the finger portion 110A and the push rod 120A that are substantially common to the finger portion 110 and the front push rod 120 in the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are used and descriptions are omitted. The finger portion 110A includes a finger body 111A that includes the front of the first gripping portion 111 and a separating portion 118 that separates towards the rear of the finger body 111A.

[0063] The push rod 120A includes a rear push rod body 121A for pushing the finger 110 forward and a front body 122 extending forward from the push rod body 121A. The separation portion 118 of the finger 110A is fixed to the rear end of the front body 122 of the push rod 120A by a fixing shaft 119. The finger body 111A includes a bulge 112A that bulges to the left near its rear end. A spring 114A is disposed between the finger body 111A and the separation portion 118. The rear end face of the finger body 111A and the front surface of the separation portion 118 are inclined to the right and forward, and the spring 114A is disposed with its axis perpendicular to the rear end face of the finger body 111A and the front surface of the separation portion 118. The spring 114A presses the finger body 111A forward and applies force to the bulge 112A forward and to the left. Figure 19 In the middle, the finger part 110A and the push rod 120A are in the initial state. In this initial state, the connecting shaft 124A is in contact with the rear end of the elongated hole 123A, and the first gripping part 111 and the second gripping part 122c are in the open state.

[0064] Figure 20is a sectional view showing the timing when the first gripping portion 111 and the second gripping portion 122c of the conveying device 100A grip the central shaft portion 22 of the fixing member 20. The push rod 120A advances from the initial position in the guide groove G, and the finger portion 110A moves forward. Further, when the bulging portion 112A of the finger portion 110A moves from the first region Gal to the second region Ga2 of the push rod guide groove Ga, the bulging portion 112A is slightly displaced to the left by the urging force of the spring 114A, and the finger portion 110A is slightly rotated clockwise around the coupling shaft 113A. Thus, the first gripping portion 111 of the finger portion 110 is displaced from the open position to the closed position, and the central shaft portion 22 of the fixing member 20 is gripped between the first gripping portion 111 of the finger portion 110 and the second gripping portion 122c of the push rod 120A. In the button-type conveying device 100A of the first embodiment, the first gripping portion 111, the bulging portion 112A, the separation portion 118, the coupling shaft 113A, the spring 114A, the second gripping portion 122c of the push rod 120A, and the push rod guide groove Ga including the first region Gal and the second region Ga2 of the finger portion 110A constitute a gripping mechanism.

[0065] Figure 21 is a sectional view of the conveying device 100A showing the timing when the fixing member 20 reaches the release position R. The finger portion 110A is further advanced in the guide groove G, and the bulging portion 112A of the finger portion 110A is positioned in the second region Ga2 of the push rod guide groove Ga. Figure 21 At this timing, the fixing member 20 gripped by the first gripping portion 111 of the finger portion 110A and the second gripping portion 122c of the push rod 120A reaches the release position R. Figure 22 is a sectional view of the conveying device 100A showing the state in which the first gripping portion 111 of the finger portion 110A and the second gripping portion 122c of the push rod 120A release the fixing member 20. Figure 23 and Figure 24 is an enlarged view of the circular portion C4 of Figure 21 Figure 23 shows the timing when the finger portion 110A is further advanced after being restricted by the stopper 150, Figure 21 shows the timing when the finger portion 110A is further advanced after being restricted by the stopper 150. At this timing, the fixing member 20 gripped by the first gripping portion 111 of the finger portion 110A and the second gripping portion 122c of the push rod 120A reaches the release position R. Figure 24 shows the timing when the finger portion 110A is further advanced after being restricted by the stopper 150. At this timing, the fixing member 20 gripped by the first gripping portion 111 of the finger portion 110A and the second gripping portion 122c of the push rod 120A reaches the release position R. Figure 22 shows the timing when the finger portion 110A is further advanced after being restricted by the stopper 150. At this timing, the fixing member 20 gripped by the first gripping portion 111 of the finger portion 110A and the second gripping portion 122c of the push rod 120A reaches the release position R. Figure 21 and Figure 23 After the finger portion 110A is restricted from advancing by the stopper 150, the push rod 120A is further advanced, and thus the spring 114A is compressed via the separation portion 118. At this time, the coupling shaft 124A is displaced forward from the rear end of the long hole 123A. At this time, the finger portion main body 111A is slightly rotated counterclockwise around the coupling shaft 113A by the coupling shaft 124A displaced inside the long hole 123A, and thus the bulging portion 112A is slightly displaced to the right (in the direction of the arrow A2 in FIG. 12) by the spring 114A. Figure 23 and Figure 24 ​the central shaft portion 22 of the fixing member 20 in the release position R. In the button-type conveying device 100A of the second embodiment, the first gripping portion 111, the separation portion 118, the link shafts 113A, 124A, the spring 114A, the long hole 123A, the second gripping portion 122c of the push rod 120A, and the like of the finger portion 110A constitute a release mechanism.

[0066] Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0067] 10, 10a, fixing member (button type); 21, 21a, base portion; 22, 22a, central shaft portion; 30, slide groove; 31, slide groove exit; 100, 100A, button-type conveying device; 110, 110A, finger portion (gripping member); 111, first gripping portion; 112a, 112A, bulging portion; 113, 124, 143, 113A, 124A, link shaft; 114, 125, 144, 114A, spring; 120, front push rod (gripping member); 120A, push rod (gripping member); 122c, second gripping portion; 130, rear push rod (moving member); 140, stopper rod; 150, stopper block; I, introduction position; R, release position; G, guide groove (conveying path); Ga, push rod guide groove; Ga1, first region; Ga2, second region; GLs, left side surface; GRs, right side surface.

Claims

1. A button conveying device (100, 100A) for conveying buttons (20, 20a) having a central shaft portion (22, 22a) to an mounting portion, characterized in that, have: A conveyor path (G) is used to convey buttons (20, 20a) from the inlet position (I) toward the release position (R) corresponding to the mounting part; The holding members (110, 110A, 120, 120A) are capable of holding the central shaft portion (22, 22a) of the button type (20, 20a) and are capable of releasing the holding of the central shaft portion (22, 22a) in the release position (R); as well as Movable components (130, 120A) are used to move the holding components (110, 110A, 120, 120A) along the conveying path (G). The holding members (110, 110A, 120, 120A) are configured to change from an open state to a closed state holding the central shaft portion (22, 22a) of the button type (20, 20a), and maintain this closed state until the release position (R) is reached.

2. The button-type conveying device according to claim 1, wherein, The button conveying device includes a release mechanism for releasing the gripping of the central shaft portion (22, 22a) of the button (20, 20a) by the gripping members (110, 110A, 120, 120A) in the release position (R).

3. The button-type conveying device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The button conveying device also includes a mechanism for holding the central shaft portion (22, 22a) of the button (20, 20a) using the holding members (110, 110A, 120, 120A).

4. The button-type conveying device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The holding members (110, 110A, 120, 120A) release the grip of the central shaft (22, 22a) in the release position (R) to cause the button type (20, 20a) to fall to the predetermined position of the mounting part.

5. The button-type conveying device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The gripping components (110, 110A, 120, 120A) include a finger (110) having a first gripping part (111) and a push rod (120) having a second gripping part (122c). The movable components (130, 120A) include a rear push rod (130).

6. A method for conveying buttons, characterized in that, The button delivery method includes: The process of holding the central shaft (22, 22a) of button-type (20, 20a) using holding members (110, 110A, 120, 120A) in the conveyor path (G); The process of moving the holding members (110, 110A, 120, 120A) along the conveyor path (G) until the button type (20, 20a) reaches the release position (R); The process of releasing the gripping members (110, 110A, 120, 120A) on the central shaft (22, 22a) in the release position (R), allowing the buttons (20, 20a) to fall; and The process of setting the holding members (110, 110A, 120, 120A) from the open state to the closed state of holding the central shaft portion (22, 22a) of the button type (20, 20a), and maintaining this closed state until the release position (R) is reached.

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