Rubber stopper feeding device

Abstract

The rubber plug supply device (10) configures the rotating body (40) to the first rotational position (R1) when the orientation of the supplied rubber plug (5) is detected by the sensor (25) to be the first orientation, configures the rotating body (40) to the second rotational position (R2) when the orientation is detected to be the second orientation, and then supplies the rubber plug (5) to the first housing portion (41) or the second housing portion (42). The rubber plug supply device (10) moves the rotating body (40) to the second rotational position (R2) or the first rotational position (R1) after the rubber plug (5) is supplied to the first housing portion (41) or the second housing portion (42), and ejects the rubber plug (5) housed in the first housing portion (41) from the rubber plug ejection port (41b) that communicates with the rubber plug supply port (41a), or ejects the rubber plug (5) housed in the second housing portion (42) from the rubber plug supply and discharge port (42a).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a rubber plug supply device. BACKGROUND

[0002] Conventionally, a rubber plug supply device that supplies a rubber plug for waterproofing of an electric wire to a rubber plug insertion device or the like is known. Figure 2 is a perspective view showing one example of a rubber plug. Figure 3 is a view showing one example of a usage mode of a rubber plug. As shown in Figure 3 , a rubber plug 5 is attached to, for example, a covered electric wire 6 that has a crimp terminal 7 crimped at a front end. As shown in Figure 2 , the rubber plug includes a structure in a cylindrical shape that is asymmetric in the up-down direction.

[0003] In a case where, for example, the rubber plug shown in Figure 2 is supplied to a rubber plug insertion device, it is necessary to supply the rubber plug with the orientation unified. A rubber plug supply device that unifies the orientation of a rubber plug and supplies it to another device is known. For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses a rubber plug supply device that includes a rotating body provided with a housing hole for a rubber plug, a sensor that detects the orientation of a rubber plug housed in the housing hole, and a delivery device that delivers a rubber plug housed in the housing hole. In the above-described rubber plug supply device, when the rotating body is located at a third rotation position at which a rubber plug can be inserted into the housing hole, a rubber plug is inserted into the housing hole. Thereafter, the orientation of the rubber plug in the housing hole is detected, and the rotating body is rotated on the basis of the detection result of the orientation of the rubber plug. The rotating body moves to a first rotation position or a second rotation position that are separated by 180 degrees from each other in correspondence with the orientation of the rubber plug. Thus, the orientation of the rubber plug housed in the housing hole is unified. The rubber plug whose orientation is unified is delivered from the housing hole by the delivery device. Thus, it is possible to supply a rubber plug in a state in which the orientation is unified to another device.

[0004] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0005] PATENT LITERATURE

[0006] Patent Literature 1: International Publication No. 2021 / 029176 SUMMARY

[0007] (1) PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0008] In the rubber stopper supply device disclosed in Patent Literature 1, the rotating body moves between three rotational positions. The three-position control of the rotating body is difficult to achieve if an actuator capable of measuring a rotational angle is not used, or a plurality of actuators are not combined to perform a complex operation. In Patent Literature 1, a turning actuator is exemplified as an actuator that rotates the rotating body. However, an actuator capable of measuring a rotational angle, such as a turning actuator or a servo motor, is expensive. The control and structure of the combination of a plurality of actuators are complex.

[0009] The present application is made in view of the above-described problems, and aims to provide a rubber stopper supply device capable of unifying the orientation of a rubber stopper with a simple and inexpensive structure.

[0010] (II) Technical Solution

[0011] The rubber plug supply device of the present application includes a supply device that supplies rubber plugs; a sensor that is provided to the supply device and detects whether the supplied rubber plug is oriented in a first orientation or a second orientation that is opposite to the first orientation; a rotating body that includes a first receiving portion and a second receiving portion that can each receive the rubber plug supplied from the supply device, and a rotating shaft; a drive device that rotates the rotating body about the rotating shaft; an ejection device that ejects the rubber plug received in the first receiving portion or the second receiving portion; and a control device that is connected to the supply device, the sensor, the drive device, and the ejection device. The first receiving portion includes a plug supply port, a rubber plug ejection port, and a rubber plug passage. The plug supply port is connected to the supply device when the rotating body is positioned at a first rotational position about the rotating shaft. The rubber plug ejection port is connected to the ejection device when the rotating body is positioned at a second rotational position about the rotating shaft. The rubber plug passage is configured to allow the rubber plug to pass therethrough and connects the plug supply port and the rubber plug ejection port. The second receiving portion includes a rubber plug supply / discharge port that is connected to the ejection device when the rotating body is positioned at the first rotational position and is connected to the supply device when the rotating body is positioned at the second rotational position. The control device includes a first rotational control portion, a supply control portion, a second rotational control portion, and an ejection control portion. The first rotational control portion positions the rotating body at the first rotational position when the orientation of the supplied rubber plug is detected by the sensor to be the first orientation, and positions the rotating body at the second rotational position when the orientation is detected to be the second orientation. The supply control portion supplies the rubber plug to the first receiving portion or the second receiving portion after the rotating body is positioned at the first rotational position or the second rotational position by the first rotational control portion. The second rotational control portion moves the rotating body to the second rotational position or the first rotational position after the rubber plug is supplied to the first receiving portion or the second receiving portion. The ejection control portion ejects the rubber plug received in the first receiving portion from the rubber plug ejection port, or ejects the rubber plug received in the second receiving portion from the rubber plug supply / discharge port after the rotating body is moved by the second rotational control portion.

[0012] According to the above-described rubber plug supply device, the orientation of the rubber plug is detected by the sensor before the rubber plug is stored in the rotating body. The rubber plug is stored in the first storage portion or the second storage portion of the rotating body in correspondence with the detected orientation. The rubber plug of the first orientation is stored in the first storage portion when the rotating body is in the first rotational position, and is supplied out via the rubber plug passage and the rubber plug supply outlet after the rotating body is moved to the second rotational position. The rubber plug supply outlet of the first storage portion is connected to the supply device at the second position of the rotating body. The rubber plug of the first orientation is thus supplied out in the same orientation as the orientation supplied to the rotating body. On the other hand, the rubber plug of the second orientation is stored in the second storage portion when the rotating body is in the second rotational position, and is supplied out while returning to the direction of the rubber plug supply / discharge port after the rotating body is moved to the first rotational position. The rubber plug supply / discharge port of the second storage portion is connected to the supply device at the first position of the rotating body. The rubber plug of the second orientation is thus supplied out in the opposite orientation to the orientation supplied to the rotating body.

[0013] Thus, the rotating body of the above-described rubber plug supply device has two storage portions that differ in the direction in which the rubber plug is supplied out. In addition, the orientation of the rubber plug is detected before the rubber plug is stored in the rotating body, and the rubber plug is supplied to one of the two storage portions in correspondence with the detected orientation. Furthermore, according to the above-described rubber plug supply device, the first rotational position is the supply position of the rubber plug with respect to the first storage portion, and is the supply-out position of the rubber plug with respect to the second storage portion. The second rotational position is the supply-out position of the rubber plug with respect to the first storage portion, and is the supply position of the rubber plug with respect to the second storage portion. Thus, according to this configuration, the orientation of the rubber plug can be unified by moving the rotating body between the first rotational position and the second rotational position. The two-position control of the rotating body can be achieved simply and inexpensively by, for example, two stroke ends, stoppers, or the like of one single-acting actuator. Thus, according to the above-described rubber plug supply device, the orientation of the rubber plug can be unified with a simple and inexpensive configuration.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment of the present application, the driving device includes an actuator including a rod that is capable of extending and contracting, a link member that links the rod and the rotating body in such a manner that the rod is capable of rotating with respect to the rotating body, and a support member that supports the actuator in such a manner that the actuator is capable of swinging or moving in correspondence with the extension and contraction of the rod.

[0015] According to this embodiment, the rotating body can be rotated by a relatively simple actuator including a rod that is capable of extending and contracting.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment of the present application, the rotating body is in the first rotational position when the rod is in one stroke end, and is in the second rotational position when the rod is in the other stroke end.

[0017] According to this aspect, the first and second rotational positions of the rotating body can be determined using the end of the stroke of the rod of the actuator, and thus the structure of the driving device can be simplified.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment of the present application, the angle of deviation of the first and second rotational positions about the rotation axis is 90 degrees or less.

[0019] According to this aspect, the orientation of the rubber stopper can be unified by rotating the rotating body by an angle of 90 degrees or less, and thus the cycle time required for unifying the orientation of the rubber stopper can be reduced. According to a preferred embodiment of the present application, the angle of deviation of the first and second rotational positions about the rotation axis is 90 degrees or less, as will be described later. Thus, the cycle time required for unifying the orientation of the rubber stopper can be reduced.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment of the present application, the angle of deviation of the first and second rotational positions about the rotation axis is 90 degrees. The angle of deviation of the rubber stopper supply port and the rubber stopper discharge port about the rotation axis is 90 degrees. The angle of deviation of the rubber stopper supply port and the rubber stopper discharge port about the rotation axis is 180 degrees.

[0021] According to this aspect, the position of the rubber stopper discharge port when the rotating body is in the second rotational position coincides with the position of the rubber stopper discharge port when the rotating body is in the first rotational position. Thus, the rubber stopper path of the discharge device is one. According to a preferred embodiment of this aspect, the discharge device includes a discharge pipe that is connected to the rubber stopper discharge port of the second housing when the rotating body is in the first rotational position, and is connected to the rubber stopper discharge port of the first housing when the rotating body is in the second rotational position. According to this aspect, the discharge device includes the discharge pipe as the rubber stopper path, and the rubber stopper is discharged without passing through the rubber stopper path other than the discharge pipe.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment of the present application, the discharge device further includes an air injection port that injects compressed air. The rubber stopper supply port of the first housing is connected to the air injection port when the rotating body is in the second rotational position. The rotating body has an air flow path that includes a first end portion connected to the air injection port when the rotating body is in the first rotational position, and a second end portion connected to the second housing, and is arranged so as to avoid the rubber stopper path of the first housing.

[0023] According to this aspect, the first housing portion is not connected to the air flow path, so in the case where compressed air is supplied to one of the first housing portion and the air flow path, compressed air does not flow in the other. Therefore, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the delivery capacity of compressed air, and to reduce the amount of useless compressed air.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment of the present application, the delivery device includes first and second air injection ports configured to inject compressed air. The first air injection port is connected to the rubber plug supply port of the first housing portion when the rotary body is disposed in the second rotational position. The rotary body includes an air flow path having a first end connected to the second air injection port when the rotary body is disposed in the first rotational position, and a second end connected to the second housing portion.

[0025] According to this aspect, compressed air is supplied from the first air injection port to the first housing portion, and compressed air is supplied from the second air injection port to the second housing portion via the air flow path. Since compressed air is supplied to the first and second housing portions from different systems, according to this aspect, it is possible to simplify the structure of the air flow path. For example, when the system for supplying compressed air is to be one, and the air flow path is to be provided so as to avoid the rubber plug passage of the first housing portion, the structure of the air flow path tends to become complicated, but if the system for supplying compressed air to the second housing portion is separated from the system for supplying compressed air to the first housing portion, it is not necessary to provide a special structure in the air flow path for avoiding the rubber plug passage of the first housing portion. Therefore, it is possible to avoid complicating the structure of the rotary body.

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment of the present application, the delivery device includes an air injection port configured to inject compressed air. The rotary body includes first and second air flow paths. The first air flow path has one end connected to the first housing portion, and the other end connected to the air injection port when the rotary body is disposed in the second rotational position. The second air flow path has one end connected to the second housing portion, and the other end connected to the air injection port when the rotary body is disposed in the first rotational position.

[0027] According to this aspect, the other end of the first air flow path, which is the inlet of compressed air, can be disposed more freely than in the case where compressed air is supplied from the rubber plug supply port to the first housing portion. Therefore, the other end of the first air flow path can be disposed in such a manner that the structure of the second air flow path is relatively simple. Therefore, it is possible to avoid complicating the structure of the rotary body, and to make the system for supplying compressed air one system.

[0028] According to a preferred embodiment of the present application, the delivery device includes a delivery tube that is connected to the rubber plug delivery port of the first housing when the rotating body is positioned at the second rotational position, and through which the rubber plug delivered from the first housing passes, and a pressure reducing device that reduces the pressure inside the delivery tube. The delivery control portion drives the pressure reducing device when the rubber plug housed in the first housing is delivered from the first housing.

[0029] According to this embodiment, the time required for delivery of the rubber plug from the first housing can be shortened. The first housing tends to be long due to the penetration of the rotating body. Therefore, the time required for delivery of the rubber plug from the first housing tends to be long due to friction between the first housing and the rubber plug. According to this embodiment, the pressure reducing device is driven to create a negative pressure in the delivery tube that moves the rubber plug in the direction of the delivery tube. Thus, delivery of the rubber plug from the first housing is assisted, and the delivery time can be shortened.

[0030] According to a preferred embodiment of the present application, the rubber plug supply port and the rubber plug delivery port are disposed symmetrically with respect to the rubber plug supply / delivery port when the rotating body is positioned at the rotational position around the rotational axis.

[0031] According to this embodiment, the position of the rubber plug delivery port when the rotating body is positioned at the second rotational position coincides with the position of the rubber plug supply / delivery port when the rotating body is positioned at the first rotational position. Therefore, the rubber plug path of the delivery device can be formed by only one delivery tube.

[0032] (III) Advantages

[0033] According to the rubber plug supply device of the present application, the orientation of the rubber plug can be unified with a simple and inexpensive structure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0034] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a rubber plug supply device according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0035] Figure 2 FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a rubber plug.

[0036] Figure 3 FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a use mode of the rubber plug.

[0037] Figure 4 FIG. 4 is a partially cross-sectional front view of a direction adjustment device in a first rotational position.

[0038] Figure 5 FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the rotating body taken along the horizontal direction.

[0039] Figure 6 FIG. 6 is a partially cross-sectional front view of a direction adjustment device in a second rotational position.

[0040] Figure 7 is a block diagram of a rubber plug supply device.

[0041] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a supply process of a rubber plug.

[0042] Figure 9 is a partial cross-sectional front view of a direction adjusting device and a feeding device, and is a diagram showing a state at a time when a rubber plug is supplied to a second housing portion.

[0043] Figure 10 is a partial cross-sectional front view of a direction adjusting device and a feeding device, and is a diagram showing a state after a rotating body moves to a first rotating position.

[0044] Figure 11A is a cross-sectional view of a rotating body and a feeding device of a first modification example, and is a diagram showing a state where the rotating body is positioned at a first rotating position.

[0045] Figure 11B is a cross-sectional view of a rotating body and a feeding device of the first modification example, and is a diagram showing a state where the rotating body is positioned at a second rotating position.

[0046] Figure 12A is a cross-sectional view of a rotating body and a feeding device of a second modification example, and is a diagram showing a state where the rotating body is positioned at a first rotating position.

[0047] Figure 12B is a cross-sectional view of a rotating body and a feeding device of the second modification example, and is a diagram showing a state where the rotating body is positioned at a second rotating position.

[0048] Figure 13A is a front view of a rotating body and a feeding device of a third modification example, and is a diagram showing a state where the rotating body is positioned at a first rotating position.

[0049] Figure 13B is a front view of a rotating body and a feeding device of the third modification example, and is a diagram showing a state where the rotating body is positioned at a second rotating position.

[0050] Figure 14A is a front view of a rotating body and a feeding device of a fourth modification example, and is a diagram showing a state where the rotating body is positioned at a first rotating position.

[0051] Figure 14B is a front view of a rotating body and a feeding device of the fourth modification example, and is a diagram showing a state where the rotating body is positioned at a second rotating position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] (Structure of Rubber Plug Supply Device)

[0053] Embodiments of the present application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.Figure 1 This is a schematic 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 rubber stopper insertion devices (not shown). 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, up, and down refer to the left, right, up, and down positions when viewing the rubber stopper supply device 10 from the front side, respectively. In the accompanying drawings, reference numerals F, Rr, L, R, U, and D represent front, back, left, right, up, and down, 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 merely 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.

[0054] 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 between the large-diameter portion 5d and the small-diameter portion 5c, two ring portions 5f with a diameter 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 is 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 is 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 rearward 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.

[0055] 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. Then, the sheathing at 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 the crimping of the crimp terminal 7. Then, 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 to prevent moisture from entering the housing 8. The rubber stopper 5 is a waterproof rubber stopper. However, the method of using the rubber stopper 5 shown here is only one example and is not limited to any particular method of use.

[0056] The rubber stopper supply device 10 unifies the orientations of the rubber stoppers 5 in a manner in which the front ends 5a face the front in the feeding direction and feeds them to other devices. The rubber stopper supply device 10 has a function of unifying the orientations of the rubber stoppers 5 that are provided in random orientations. As shown in Figure 1 , the rubber stopper supply device 10 is provided with a supply device 20, an orientation adjustment device 30, a feeding device 60, and a control device 100 that controls the operations of them (see Figure 7 ). The supply device 20 supplies the rubber stoppers 5 to the orientation adjustment device 30. A sensor 25 that detects the orientations of the rubber stoppers 5 is also provided on the supply device 20. The orientation adjustment device 30 unifies the orientations of the rubber stoppers 5 on the basis of the orientations of the rubber stoppers 5 detected by the sensor 25. The feeding device 60 feeds the rubber stoppers 5 whose orientations have been unified by the orientation adjustment device 30 to other devices.

[0057] As shown in Figure 1 , the supply device 20 is provided with a supply tank 21, a supply pipe 22, a moving plate 23 that transports the rubber stoppers 5 to the upper side of the orientation adjustment device 30, the sensor 25, and an insertion pin 26 that presses the rubber stopper 5 to the rotating body 40 of the orientation adjustment device 30. The supply tank 21 is a box-shaped member in which a plurality of rubber stoppers 5 can be accommodated. The plurality of rubber stoppers 5 are accommodated in a container such as a plastic bag, for example. The plurality of rubber stoppers 5 are transferred from the container to the supply tank 21. At this time, the orientations of the plurality of rubber stoppers 5 in the supply tank 21 are not fixed. The bottom surface of the supply tank 21 is inclined in a manner in which the rubber stoppers 5 are concentrated toward the central side. The supply pipe 22 is connected to the central portion of the bottom surface of the supply tank 21. The rubber stoppers 5 that are concentrated in the central portion of the bottom surface of the supply tank 21 due to the inclination of the bottom surface fall into the supply pipe 22. The supply pipe 22 is configured in a cylindrical shape and extends in the vertical direction. The inner diameter of the supply pipe 22 is set to be slightly larger than the outer diameter of the rubber stopper 5. The dimensions of the supply pipe 22 are formed so as to allow either one of the front end 5a and the rear end 5b of the rubber stopper 5 to pass in a manner in which it faces the front in the advancing direction. The rubber stoppers 5 are supplied one by one to the downstream side by passing through the supply pipe 22. In addition, the orientations of the rubber stoppers 5 are corrected to an orientation in which the front end 5a or the rear end 5b faces the front in the advancing direction by passing through the supply pipe 22.

[0058] The moving plate 23 is provided below the supply pipe 22. The moving plate 23 is moved in the left-right direction by a plate actuator 24 (see Figure 7 ). The plate actuator 24 is a pneumatic cylinder, for example. However, the type of the plate actuator 24 is not particularly limited. Figure 1The moving plate 23 is shown in a state where it is positioned at the left end position. The moving plate 23 has a holding hole 23a positioned below the supply pipe 22 at the left end position. The holding hole 23a penetrates the moving plate 23 in the vertical direction. In a state where the moving plate 23 is positioned at the left end position, the rubber plug 5 is housed in the holding hole 23a. The rubber plug 5 is pressed into the holding hole 23a, for example, by pressurizing the inside of the supply pipe 22 with compressed air.

[0059] A sensor 25 that detects the orientation of the rubber plug 5 is provided in front of and behind the holding hole 23a. Here, the sensor 25 detects the orientation of the rubber plug 5 in a state where it is housed in the holding hole 23a. However, the sensor 25 only needs to detect the orientation of the rubber plug 5 before it is housed by the orientation adjusting device 30, and there are no other restrictions on the timing of detection. Here, the sensor 25 is composed of a reach confirmation sensor 25A and an orientation detection sensor 25B. Here, both the reach confirmation sensor 25A and the orientation detection sensor 25B are optical sensors. The reach confirmation sensor 25A and the orientation detection sensor 25B each have a light projector and a light receiver. The light projector of the reach confirmation sensor 25A projects light having an optical axis La in the horizontal direction. The light receiver of the reach confirmation sensor 25A is configured to receive the light projected by the light projector. When the rubber plug 5 is housed in the holding hole 23a, the light projected by the light projector of the reach confirmation sensor 25A is blocked by the rubber plug 5 and does not reach the light receiver. As a result, it is possible to detect that the rubber plug 5 is housed in the holding hole 23a.

[0060] The light projector of the orientation detection sensor 25B projects light having an optical axis Lb in the horizontal direction. The light receiver of the orientation detection sensor 25B is configured to receive the light projected by the light projector. When the rubber plug 5 is housed in the holding hole 23a with the front end 5a facing downward (hereafter, this orientation of the rubber plug 5 will also be referred to as the normal direction), the light projected by the light projector of the orientation detection sensor 25B passes alongside the small-diameter portion 5c and reaches the light receiver. On the other hand, when the rubber plug 5 is housed in the holding hole 23a with the front end 5a facing upward (hereafter, this orientation of the rubber plug 5 will also be referred to as the reverse direction), the light projected by the light projector of the orientation detection sensor 25B is blocked by the large-diameter portion 5d and does not reach the light receiver, and the illustration is omitted. The sensor 25 is configured to detect whether the orientation of the rubber plug 5 is the normal direction or the reverse direction, which is opposite to the normal direction, based on whether the reach confirmation sensor 25A and the orientation detection sensor 25B receive light. Specifically, the sensor 25 detects that the orientation of the rubber plug 5 is the normal direction when the reach confirmation sensor 25A does not receive light and the orientation detection sensor 25B receives light. The sensor 25 detects that the orientation of the rubber plug 5 is the reverse direction when neither the reach confirmation sensor 25A nor the orientation detection sensor 25B receives light. However, there are no particular restrictions on the manner in which the sensor 25 detects the orientation of the rubber plug 5.

[0061] Figure 4 The moving plate 23 and the insertion pin 26 are shown in a state in which the moving plate 23 is positioned at a right end position. The moving plate 23 transports the rubber plug 5 held in the holding hole 23a to below the insertion pin 26. The insertion pin 26 is configured to be movable in the up-and-down direction. The insertion pin 26 is provided at a position overlapping the holding hole 23a when the moving plate 23 is positioned at the right end position, as viewed in plan view. The supply device 20 is provided with an insertion actuator 27 (refer to FIG. 2) that moves the insertion pin 26 in the up-and-down direction. The insertion actuator 27 is, for example, a pneumatic cylinder. However, the type of the insertion actuator 27 is not particularly limited. By driving the insertion actuator 27, the insertion pin 26 is moved downward, and thus the rubber plug 5 in the holding hole 23a is pressed into the rotating body 40 of the direction adjusting device 30. Details of this operation will be described later. Figure 7 ). The insertion actuator 27 is, for example, a pneumatic cylinder. However, the type of the insertion actuator 27 is not particularly limited. By driving the insertion actuator 27, the insertion pin 26 is moved downward, and thus the rubber plug 5 in the holding hole 23a is pressed into the rotating body 40 of the direction adjusting device 30. Details of this operation will be described later.

[0062] Figure 4 is a partial cross-sectional front view of the direction adjusting device 30. Figure 4 is a view of the direction adjusting device 30 when the rotating body 40 is positioned at a first rotation position Rl (details will be described later). As shown in Figure 4 , the direction adjusting device 30 is provided with a rotating body 40 and a driving device 50 that rotates the rotating body 40.

[0063] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the rotating body 40 cut along a horizontal direction. As shown in Figure 5 , the rotating body 40 is provided with a holder 40A, a turning shaft 40B, and a rotation shaft 40C. The holder 40A is a main body portion of the rotating body 40, and is provided with a first receiving portion 41 and a second receiving portion 42 that can respectively receive the rubber plug 5 supplied from the supply device 20. The turning shaft 40B that supports the holder 40A is provided at a rear portion of the holder 40A. The rotation shaft 40C rotatably supports the turning shaft 40B. As shown in Figure 5 , the rotation shaft 40C extends in the front-and-rear direction. The holder 40A rotates around the rotation shaft 40C together with the turning shaft 40B.

[0064] As shown in Figure 4As shown, the retainer 40A is configured as a circular plate, which is circular when viewed from the axial direction of the rotation axis 40C (in this case, the front-to-back direction). The center of the retainer 40A coincides with the rotation axis 40C. A first receiving portion 41 and a second receiving portion 42 for receiving the rubber plug 5 are formed on the retainer 40A. The first receiving portion 41 is a through hole that radially penetrates the retainer 40A. Here, the first receiving portion 41 is a straight hole extending along an axis Ax1. When viewed from the front-to-back direction, the first receiving portion 41 passes through the center of the retainer 40A (also on the rotation axis 40C, and therefore also the rotation center of the retainer 40A). When viewed from the rotation axis direction, the two ends 41a and 41b of the first receiving portion 41 open into the outer periphery of the retainer 40A. Figure 5 As shown, the first storage portion 41 has a circular cross-section. The diameter of the first storage portion 41 corresponds to the diameter of the largest diameter portion of the rubber stopper 5 (here, the ring portion 5f).

[0065] like Figure 4 As shown, when the rotating body 40 is positioned in the first rotational position R1, the axis Ax1 of the first storage portion 41 points in the vertical direction. At this time, one end 41a of the first storage portion 41 faces upward and is located below the moving plate 23. The end 41a of the first storage portion 41 is an opening through which the rubber plug 5 enters when it is stored in the first storage portion 41. Hereinafter, the end 41a of the first storage portion 41 will also be referred to as the rubber plug supply port 41a. When the rotating body 40 is located in the first rotational position R1 about the rotation axis 40C and the moving plate 23 is located at the right end position, the rubber plug supply port 41a is connected to the holding hole 23a of the supply device 20. The other end 41b of the first storage portion 41 is an opening through which the rubber plug 5 passes when it is fed out from the first storage portion 41. Hereinafter, the other end 41b of the first storage portion 41 will also be referred to as the rubber plug delivery port 41b. When the rotating body 40 is positioned in the first rotational position R1, the rubber plug outlet 41b faces downwards. The angular deviation between the rubber plug supply port 41a and the rubber plug outlet 41b about the rotation axis 40C is 180 degrees. The portion between the rubber plug supply port 41a and the rubber plug outlet 41b of the first receiving part 41 forms a rubber plug passage 41c through which the rubber plug 5 passes when it is fed out. The rubber plug passage 41c is a passage connecting the rubber plug supply port 41a and the rubber plug outlet 41b, configured to allow the rubber plug 5 to pass through.

[0066] The second housing portion 42 is a non-through recess from the viewpoint of the rotational axis direction, and has an opening portion 42a that is open at the outer peripheral portion of the retainer 40A. The second housing portion 42 is formed so as to be recessed from the opening portion 42a in the radial direction of the retainer 40A. The depth of the second housing portion 42 from the outer peripheral portion of the retainer 40A is slightly longer than the length in the axis direction of the rubber plug 5. The second housing portion 42 is formed to a depth that does not cross the first housing portion 41. The second housing portion 42 also has a circular cross section. The diameter of the second housing portion 42 also corresponds to the diameter of the largest diameter portion of the rubber plug 5. As shown in Figure 4 When the rotary body 40 is disposed at the first rotational position R1, the axis Ax2 of the second housing portion 42 faces in the left-right direction. The axis Ax2 of the second housing portion 42 is orthogonal to the axis Ax1 of the first housing portion 41. When the rotary body 40 is disposed at the first rotational position R1, the opening portion 42a of the second housing portion 42 that is open at the outer peripheral portion faces to the right. The angle of the end portion 42a around the rotational axis 40C from the rubber plug supply port 41a and the angle of the end portion 42a around the rotational axis 40C from the rubber plug discharge port 41b are each 90 degrees. This opening portion 42a is an opening portion through which the rubber plug 5 passes when being housed in the second housing portion 42 and when being discharged from the second housing portion 42. Hereinafter, the end portion 42a of the second housing portion 42 is also referred to as the rubber plug supply / discharge port 42a.

[0067] A portion of the air flow path AP that communicates with the second housing portion 42 and through which compressed air passes is formed in the retainer 40A. As shown in Figure 5 As a portion of the air flow path AP, an upstream side flow path 43 and a downstream side flow path 44 are provided in the retainer 40A. The upstream side flow path 43 is formed so as to face in the radial direction of the retainer 40A from the outer peripheral portion of the retainer 40A, and then bend toward the rear (the rotational axis 40B side). Compressed air is supplied from the discharge device 60 to an end portion 43a (hereinafter, also referred to as an air flow inlet 43a) of the upstream side flow path 43 that is open at the outer peripheral portion of the retainer 40A. When the rotary body 40 is disposed at the first rotational position R1, the air flow inlet 43a faces to the left. The other end portion 43b of the upstream side flow path 43 is open at the back of the retainer 40A. The downstream side flow path 44 communicates the second housing portion 42 and the back side of the retainer 40A. The downstream side flow path 44 extends toward the front from an end portion 44a that is open at the back of the retainer 40A, and reaches the second housing portion 42. Hereinafter, the end portion of the downstream side flow path 44 that is connected to the second housing portion 42 is also referred to as an air flow outlet 44b.

[0068] The rotation shaft 40B is in contact with the back surface of the holder 40A. A portion of the air flow path AP is also provided on the rotation shaft 40B. As a portion of the air flow path AP, a detour flow path 45 is formed on the rotation shaft 40B. The detour flow path 45 is a groove provided on the front surface of the rotation shaft 40B, and the end portion 43b of the upstream side flow path 43 on the back surface side overlaps the end portion 44a of the downstream side flow path 44 as viewed in the front-rear direction. The detour flow path 45 connects and communicates the end portion 43b of the upstream side flow path 43 on the back surface side and the end portion 44a of the downstream side flow path 44. The air flow inlet 43a of the air flow path AP is communicated with the second housing portion 42 by the detour flow path 45. As shown in Figure 5 , the air flow path AP is formed so as to avoid the rubber plug passage 41c of the first housing portion 41.

[0069] The drive device 50 is a mechanism that rotates the rotation body 40 around the rotation axis 40C. As shown in Figure 4 , the drive device 50 includes an actuator 51, a link member 52 that links the actuator 51 and the rotation body 40, and a support member 53 that supports the actuator 51. Here, the actuator 51 is a cylinder that includes a rod 51a that is elongated and contracted. However, the actuator 51 is not limited to a cylinder. The actuator 51 can also be an electromagnetic type of actuator that includes a rod that is elongated and contracted.

[0070] The link member 52 links the rod 51a and the rotation body 40 in such a manner that the rod 51a of the actuator 51 is rotatable with respect to the rotation body 40. The link member 52 is fixed to the rotation body 40 so as not to be rotatable and is linked to the rod 51a so as to be rotatable. The link member 52 has a rotation axis 52a at the front end portion, that is, at the outer peripheral portion when rotating together with the rotation body 40. The front end portion of the rod 51a is rotatably linked to the rotation axis 52a. The support member 53 supports the actuator 51 in such a manner that the actuator 51 is swingable in correspondence with the elongation and contraction of the rod 51a. The support member 53 supports the end portion of the actuator 51 on the side opposite to the side on which the rod 51a is provided in a swingable manner. The support member 53 includes a swing axis 53a around which the actuator 51 is swung. The actuator 51 is swingable around the swing axis 53a, that is, so-called head swinging. Thus, the rod 51a of the actuator 51 is elongated and contracted, thereby rotating the rotation body 40. Furthermore, the support member 53 can not support the actuator 51 in a swingable manner but can support the actuator 51 in a movable manner (for example, in a slidable manner).

[0071] The rotation body 40 is moved between Figure 4 indicated by a first rotation position R1 and Figure 6 indicated by a second rotation position R2 by the driving of the drive device 50. Figure 6 is a partially cutaway front view of the direction adjusting device 30 in the second rotation position R2. As shown inFigure 4 and Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 1, when the rod 51a of the actuator 51 is located at the stroke end on the contraction side, the rotating body 40 is located at the first rotation position Rl, and when the rod 51a is located at the stroke end on the elongation side, the rotating body 40 is located at the second rotation position R2. However, the first rotation position Rl and the second rotation position R2 of the rotating body 40 can not correspond to the two stroke ends of the rod 51a of the actuator 51. The first rotation position Rl and the second rotation position R2 of the rotating body 40 can be determined, for example, by the rotating body 40 abutting against a stopper.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 1, the first rotation position Rl of the rotating body 40 is a rotation position at which the rubber plug supply port 41a of the first housing portion 41 faces the left side and the rubber plug delivery port 41b faces the right side. As shown in FIG. 1, the second rotation position R2 of the rotating body 40 is a rotation position at which the rubber plug supply port 41a of the first housing portion 41 faces the right side and the rubber plug delivery port 41b faces the left side. Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 1, in the present embodiment, the angle of deviation of the first rotation position Rl and the second rotation position R2 around the rotation axis 40C is 90 degrees. As shown in FIG. 1, the second rotation position R2 is a rotation position at which the rubber plug supply port 41a of the first housing portion 41 faces the left side and the rubber plug delivery port 41b faces the right side. When the rotating body 40 is located at the second rotation position R2, the rubber plug supply and delivery port 42a of the second housing portion 42 faces the upper side, and the holding hole 23a of the moving plate 23 connected to the end position on the right side. From the front, the second rotation position R2 is a rotation position at which the rotating body 40 is rotated counterclockwise by 90 degrees. Here, the air injection port 61a of the delivery device 60 is disposed on the left side of the rotating body 40, and the delivery pipe 62 of the delivery device 60 is disposed on the right side of the rotating body 40, which will be described later. Therefore, the direction of rotation of the rotating body 40 when moving from the first rotation position Rl to the second rotation position R2 is a direction of rotation in which the rubber plug supply port 41a of the first housing portion 41 approaches the air injection port 61a and the rubber plug delivery port 41b approaches the delivery pipe 62. The direction of rotation of the rotating body 40 when moving from the first rotation position Rl to the second rotation position R2 is also a direction of rotation in which the rubber plug supply and delivery port 42a of the second housing portion 42 is away from the delivery pipe 62 and approaches the holding hole 23a of the supply device 20. Figure 6 The delivery device 60 delivers the rubber plug 5 housed in the first housing portion 41 or the second housing portion 42 from the first housing portion 41 or the second housing portion 42 to the next device. As shown in FIG. 1, the delivery device 60 is provided with an air supply portion 61 disposed on the left side of the rotating body 40, a delivery pipe 62 disposed on the right side of the rotating body 40, and an injector 63 connected to the delivery pipe 62. The air supply portion 61 delivers compressed air for delivering the rubber plug 5 to the first housing portion 41 or the second housing portion 42 of the rotating body 40. The air supply portion 61 is provided with an air injection port 61a that injects compressed air, and a valve 61b that controls the supply and stop of compressed air (see FIG. 2).

[0073] Figure 4 The delivery device 60 delivers the rubber plug 5 housed in the first housing portion 41 or the second housing portion 42 from the first housing portion 41 or the second housing portion 42 to the next device. As shown in FIG. 1, the delivery device 60 is provided with an air supply portion 61 disposed on the left side of the rotating body 40, a delivery pipe 62 disposed on the right side of the rotating body 40, and an injector 63 connected to the delivery pipe 62. The air supply portion 61 delivers compressed air for delivering the rubber plug 5 to the first housing portion 41 or the second housing portion 42 of the rotating body 40. The air supply portion 61 is provided with an air injection port 61a that injects compressed air, and a valve 61b that controls the supply and stop of compressed air (see FIG. 2). Figure 7 ​). The air injection port 61a is provided adjacent to the rotary body 40 on the left side thereof and injects compressed air toward the right side. As shown in Fig. 2, when the rotary body 40 is disposed at the first rotary position Rl, the air flow inlet 43a of the air flow path AP is connected to the air injection port 61a. When compressed air is injected from the air injection port 61a in this state, the compressed air is injected from the air flow outlet 44b of the air flow path AP into the second housing portion 42 via the air flow path AP. As shown in Fig. 3, when the rotary body 40 is disposed at the second rotary position R2, the rubber plug supply port 41a of the first housing portion 41 is connected to the air injection port 61a. When compressed air is injected from the air injection port 61a in this state, the compressed air flows in the first housing portion 41 in the direction of the rubber plug delivery port 41b (in this case, the right side). The valve 61b is, for example, a solenoid valve and is controlled by the control device 100. However, the type of the valve 61b is not limited. Figure 4 Figure 6 As shown in Fig. 2, when the rotary body 40 is disposed at the first rotary position Rl, the air flow inlet 43a of the air flow path AP is connected to the air injection port 61a. When compressed air is injected from the air injection port 61a in this state, the compressed air is injected from the air flow outlet 44b of the air flow path AP into the second housing portion 42 via the air flow path AP. As shown in Fig. 3, when the rotary body 40 is disposed at the second rotary position R2, the rubber plug supply port 41a of the first housing portion 41 is connected to the air injection port 61a. When compressed air is injected from the air injection port 61a in this state, the compressed air flows in the first housing portion 41 in the direction of the rubber plug delivery port 41b (in this case, the right side). The valve 61b is, for example, a solenoid valve and is controlled by the control device 100. However, the type of the valve 61b is not limited.

[0074] The delivery pipe 62 is provided adjacent to the rotary body 40 on the right side thereof. The delivery pipe 62 is a pipe through which the rubber plug 5 delivered from the first housing portion 41 and the second housing portion 42 passes. The left end of the delivery pipe 62 is open and is adjacent to the rotary body 40. As shown in Fig. 2, when the rotary body 40 is disposed at the first rotary position Rl, the delivery pipe 62 is connected to the rubber plug delivery port 41b of the first housing portion 41. When compressed air is injected from the air injection port 61a in this state, the rubber plug 5 is delivered from the first housing portion 41 into the delivery pipe 62 by the pressure of the compressed air. Figure 4 Figure 10 As shown in Fig. 3, when the rotary body 40 is disposed at the second rotary position R2, the delivery pipe 62 is connected to the rubber plug delivery port 41b of the first housing portion 41. When compressed air is injected from the air injection port 61a in this state, the rubber plug 5 is delivered from the first housing portion 41 into the delivery pipe 62 by the pressure of the compressed air. Figure 6

[0075] ​​​The above is summarized as follows: when the rotating body 40 is disposed at the first rotational position Rl, the rubber plug supply port 41a of the first housing portion 41 is connected to the supply device 20, the rubber plug supply / discharge port 42a of the second housing portion 42 is connected to the delivery tube 62 of the delivery device 60, and the air flow path AP connected to the second housing portion 42 is connected to the air injection port 61a of the delivery device 60. When the rotating body 40 is disposed at the second rotational position R2, the rubber plug supply / discharge port 42a of the second housing portion 42 is connected to the supply device 20, the rubber plug delivery port 41b of the first housing portion 41 is connected to the delivery tube 62 of the delivery device 60, and the rubber plug supply port 41a of the first housing portion 41 is connected to the air injection port 61a of the delivery device 60. In the present embodiment and the modified example, the two components "connected" indicates, for example, a functional connection capable of transferring the rubber plug 5 and capable of supplying compressed air, and does not necessarily indicate that the two components are in contact.

[0076] The ejector 63 is a decompression device that decompresses the inside of the delivery tube 62. Here, the ejector 63 is a decompression pump connected to the delivery tube 62. When the rotating body 40 is at the first rotational position Rl and the ejector 63 is driven with the rubber plug 5 housed in the second housing portion 42, the rubber plug 5 is pulled in the direction of the delivery tube 62 by the negative pressure in the delivery tube 62. When the rotating body 40 is at the second rotational position R2 and the ejector 63 is driven with the rubber plug 5 housed in the first housing portion 41, the rubber plug 5 is pulled in the direction of the delivery tube 62 by the negative pressure in the delivery tube 62.

[0077] Figure 7 is a block diagram of the rubber plug supply device 10 of the present embodiment. As shown in Figure 7 The control device 100 is connected to the plate actuator 24 of the supply device 20, the arrival confirmation sensor 25A, the direction detection sensor 25B, and the insertion actuator 27, the actuator 51 of the drive device 50, the valve 61b and the ejector 63 of the delivery device 60. The structure of the control device 100 is not particularly limited. The control device 100 can include, for example, a central arithmetic processing device (hereinafter referred to as a CPU), a ROM, a RAM, or the like in which a program or the like executed by the CPU is stored. Each part of the control device 100 can be configured by software or by hardware. In addition, each part can be a processor or a circuit. The control device 100 can be, for example, a programmable controller, a computer, or the like.

[0078] As shown in Figure 7As shown, the control device 100 is provided with a direction determination section 101, a rotation control section 102, a supply control section 103, and a delivery control section 104. The direction determination section 101 determines, based on the detection by the sensor 25, whether the orientation of the rubber plug 5 supplied to the direction adjustment device 30 is the forward direction or the reverse direction. The determination by the direction determination section 101 is performed before the rubber plug 5 is supplied to the direction adjustment device 30.

[0079] The rotation control section 102 is provided with a first rotation control section 102A and a second rotation control section 102B. When the orientation of the supplied rubber plug 5 is detected by the sensor 25 to be the forward direction, the first rotation control section 102A controls the drive device 50 to dispose the rotating body 40 at the first rotation position Rl, and when the orientation of the rubber plug 5 is detected by the sensor 25 to be the reverse direction, the rotating body 40 is disposed at the second rotation position R2. The control of the rotation of the rotating body 40 by the rotation control section 102 or the control of non-rotation of the rotating body 40 (when the rotating body 40 is already at the target rotation position) is performed before the rubber plug 5 is housed in the first housing section 41 or the second housing section 42. After the rubber plug 5 is supplied to the first housing section 41 or the second housing section 42 by the supply control section 103, the second rotation control section 102B drives the drive device 50 to move the rotating body 40 from the first rotation position Rl to the second rotation position R2 or from the second rotation position R2 to the first rotation position Rl.

[0080] The supply control section 103 is provided with a movement control section 103A and an insertion control section 103B. The movement control section 103A controls the plate actuator 24 to move the movement plate 23 in the left-right direction. The insertion control section 103B controls the insertion actuator 27 to move the insertion pin 26 in the up-down direction. After the rotating body 40 is disposed at the first rotation position Rl or the second rotation position R2 by the first rotation control section 102A, the supply control section 103 controls the insertion actuator 27 of the supply device 20 to supply the rubber plug 5 to the first housing section 41 or the second housing section 42. The control to move the movement plate 23 to the end position on the right side can be performed before the rotating body 40 is disposed at the first rotation position Rl or the second rotation position R2 by the first rotation control section 102A or can be performed thereafter.

[0081] The delivery control section 104 includes an air control section 104A and a pressure reduction control section 104B. The air control section 104A controls the valve 61b to cause compressed air to be ejected from the air ejection port 61a or to stop the ejection. The pressure reduction control section 104B controls the ejector 63 to cause the inside of the delivery pipe 62 to be depressurized or to stop the depressurization. After the rotation body 40 is moved by the second rotation control section 102B, the delivery control section 104 controls the delivery device 60 to deliver the rubber plug 5 housed in the first housing section 41 from the rubber plug delivery port 41b or to deliver the rubber plug 5 housed in the second housing section 42 from the rubber plug supply / discharge port 42a. Specifically, after the rotation body 40 is moved by the second rotation control section 102B, the delivery control section 104 controls the valve 61b of the delivery device 60 to supply compressed air into the first housing section 41 or the second housing section 42. Further, when the rubber plug 5 housed in the first housing section 41 or the second housing section 42 is delivered from the first housing section 41 or the second housing section 42, the delivery control section 104 drives the ejector 63 to depressurize the inside of the delivery pipe 62.

[0082] (Supply process)

[0083] A process of supplying the rubber plug 5 by the rubber plug supply device 10 will be described below. Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the supply process of the rubber plug 5. As shown in Figure 8 , when the rubber plug 5 is supplied, first, the orientation of the rubber plug 5 that has fallen from the supply groove 21 and is housed in the holding hole 23a is determined in step S01. When the orientation of the rubber plug 5 is the normal direction (the front end 5a is the direction toward the front in the proceeding direction, and here, the direction toward the lower side), (when the result of step S01 is "Yes"), the rotation body 40 is positioned at the first rotation position Rl in step S02A. When the orientation of the rubber plug 5 is the reverse direction (the rear end 5b is the direction toward the front in the proceeding direction), (when the result of step S01 is "No"), the rotation body 40 is positioned at the second rotation position R2 in step S02B. In step S03, the moving plate 23 is moved to the end position in the right direction. Step S03 can be performed before step S02A or S02B or can be performed at the same time as step S02A or S02B.

[0084] In step S04, the insertion pin 26 is lowered to press the rubber plug 5 into the first housing section 41 or the second housing section 42. When the orientation of the rubber plug 5 is the normal direction, (when the result of step S01 is "Yes"), the rubber plug 5 is housed in the first housing section 41. This state is shown in Figure 4 . When the orientation of the rubber plug 5 is the reverse direction, (when the result of step S01 is "No"), the rubber plug 5 is housed in the second housing section 42. This state is shown in Figure 9 . Figure 9is a partial cross-sectional front view of the direction adjusting device 30 and the delivery device 60, and is a view showing a state at the time when the rubber plug 5 is supplied to the second housing portion 42. In step S05, the insertion pin 26 is raised to be withdrawn from the inside of the first housing portion 41 or the second housing portion 42. Thereby, the state in which the rotating body 40 can rotate is restored.

[0085] In the next step S06, the rotating body 40 is rotated from the first rotation position Rl to the second rotation position R2, or from the second rotation position R2 to the first rotation position Rl. When rotated from the first rotation position Rl to the second rotation position R2, the rotating body 40 is rotated counterclockwise by 90 degrees as viewed from the front. This state is shown in Figure 6 . When rotated from the second rotation position R2 to the first rotation position Rl, the rotating body 40 is rotated clockwise by 90 degrees as viewed from the front. This state is shown in Figure 10 . Figure 10 is a partial cross-sectional front view of the direction adjusting device 30 and the delivery device 60, and is a view showing a state after the rotating body 40 is moved to the first rotation position Rl.

[0086] In the next step S07, the valve 61b is opened to jet compressed air from the air jet port 61a of the delivery device 60, and the ejector 63 is driven. Thereby, in the case of Figure 6 , the rubber plug 5 is delivered from the rubber plug delivery port 41b to the outside of the first housing portion 41, and moved into the delivery pipe 62. Thereby, the rubber plug 5 is detached from the rotating body 40. At this time, as shown in Figure 6 , the front end 5a of the rubber plug 5 is directed toward the front of the delivery direction. In the case of Figure 10 , the rubber plug 5 is delivered from the rubber plug delivery port 41b to the outside of the first housing portion 41, and moved into the delivery pipe 62. Thereby, the rubber plug 5 is detached from the rotating body 40. At this time, as shown in Figure 10 , the front end 5a of the rubber plug 5 is directed toward the front of the delivery direction. In the case of

[0087] In step S08, the ejector 63 is stopped, and the negative pressure in the delivery pipe 62 is released. In step S09, the moving plate 23 is returned to the end position on the left. Step S09 can be performed at any time between steps S06 and S08. After the rubber plug 5 is delivered to the outside of the rotary body 40, the rotary body 40 can be rotated, and thus steps S01 to S05 are performed on the next rubber plug 5 (not shown). Even if the rotational position of the rotary body 40 is changed by step S02A or S02B performed on the next rubber plug 5, the compressed air ejected from the air ejection port 61a flows in the delivery pipe 62, and thus the rubber plug 5 is continuously delivered in the delivery pipe 62. In step S10, the ejection of the compressed air is stopped. However, even if the compressed air is ejected, it does not affect the supply of the rubber plug 5 to the rotary body 40 by the supply device 20, and thus the compressed air can be ejected at all times during the process.

[0088] (EFFECTS OF THE FIRST EMBODIMENT)

[0089] The above is a description of the rubber plug supply device 10 and the method of supplying the rubber plug 5 according to the present embodiment. Next, the effects of the rubber plug supply device 10 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0090] According to the rubber plug supply device 10 of the present embodiment, the orientation of the rubber plug 5 is detected before the rubber plug 5 is housed in the rotary body 40. The rubber plug 5 is housed in the first housing portion 41 or the second housing portion 42 of the rotary body 40 corresponding to the detected orientation, and the delivery direction of the rubber plug 5 is different between the first housing portion 41 and the second housing portion 42. The first housing portion 41 penetrates the rotary body 40 and can deliver the rubber plug 5 without changing the orientation at the time of supply. In the present embodiment, the first rotational position R1 is the supply position of the rubber plug 5 with respect to the first housing portion 41 and is the delivery position of the rubber plug 5 with respect to the second housing portion 42. The second rotational position R2 is the delivery position of the rubber plug 5 with respect to the first housing portion 41 and is the supply position of the rubber plug 5 with respect to the second housing portion 42. Thus, according to this structure, the orientation of the rubber plug 5 can be unified by moving the rotary body 40 between the first rotational position R1 and the second rotational position R2.

[0091] As described above, the conventional rubber plug supply device is not configured to change the orientation of the rubber plug depending on the orientation of the rubber plug at the time of supply to the rotating body. Therefore, the conventional rubber plug supply device must be configured so that the rotating body can reach the first delivery position and the second delivery position, which are deviated by 180 degrees, and the supply position. For three-position control of the rotating body, it is difficult to achieve if an actuator capable of measuring the rotation angle is not used or a plurality of actuators are not combined to perform a complex operation. The actuator capable of measuring the rotation angle is, for example, a rotary actuator or a servo motor, which is expensive. For the combination of a plurality of actuators, the control and structure are complex. In contrast, two-position control of the rotating body can be achieved simply and inexpensively by, for example, two stroke ends of one single-acting actuator, a stopper, or the like. Therefore, according to this configuration, the orientation of the rubber plug 5 can be unified with a simple and inexpensive structure.

[0092] In the present embodiment, the driving device 50 includes an actuator 51 including a rod 51a that is capable of extending and contracting, a link member 52 that links the rod 51a and the rotating body 40 in such a manner that the rod 51a is rotatable relative to the rotating body 40, and a support member 53 that supports the actuator 51 in such a manner that the actuator 51 is swingable in correspondence with the extension and contraction of the rod 51a. According to this configuration, the rotating body 40 can be rotated by a simple actuator 51 including a rod 51a that is capable of extending and contracting. If a simple actuator 51 including a rod 51a that is capable of extending and contracting is used, the cost of the driving device 50 can be significantly reduced compared to, for example, the use of a rotary actuator or a servo motor.

[0093] In the present embodiment, when the rod 51a of the actuator 51 is at one stroke end, the rotating body 40 is at the first rotation position R1, and when the rod 51a is at the other stroke end, the rotating body 40 is at the second rotation position R2. According to this configuration, the first rotation position R1 and the second rotation position R2 of the rotating body 40 can be determined by the stroke ends of the rod 51a of the actuator 51, and thus the structure of the driving device 50 can be made simpler.

[0094] In the present embodiment, the rotating body 40 is at the first rotation position R1 when the rod 51a of the actuator 51 is at one stroke end, and the rotating body 40 is at the second rotation position R2 when the rod 51a is at the other stroke end. According to this configuration, the position of the rubber plug supply port 41a of the first housing portion 41 when the rotating body 40 is at the first rotation position R1 coincides with the position of the rubber plug supply and discharge port 42a of the second housing portion 42 when the rotating body 40 is at the second rotation position R2. Therefore, the supply device 20 can always hand over the rubber plug 5 to the rotating body 40 at the same position. Thus, the structure of the supply device 20 is simple. In addition, in the present embodiment, the angle between the rubber plug supply port 41a and the rubber plug delivery port 41b of the first housing portion 41 is 180 degrees. Therefore, as described above, the rubber plug 5 can be supplied to the first housing portion 41 and the second housing portion 42 alternately. Figure 6and Figure 10 As shown in FIG. 6, the position of the rubber plug delivery outlet 41b when the rotating body 40 is in the second rotational position R2 coincides with the position of the rubber plug delivery outlet 42a when the rotating body 40 is in the first rotational position Rl. Therefore, the rubber plug path of the delivery device 60 can be formed by only one delivery pipe 62. Further, a configuration with two delivery pipes will be described in a modified example of the present embodiment.

[0095] In the present embodiment, the rotating body 40 has an air flow path AP that has an air flow inlet 43a connected to the air injection port 61a when the rotating body 40 is disposed in the first rotational position Rl, and an air flow outlet 44b connected to the second housing portion 42, and is disposed so as to avoid the rubber plug passage 41c of the first housing portion 41. With this air flow path AP, compressed air for delivering the rubber plug 5 can be supplied to the second housing portion 42. Further, since the first housing portion 41 is not connected to the air flow path AP, when compressed air is supplied to one of the first housing portion 41 and the air flow path AP, compressed air does not flow in the other. Therefore, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the delivery capacity of the compressed air, and to reduce the amount of useless compressed air. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the air flow path AP is bent three times, so as to avoid the rubber plug passage 41c of the first housing portion 41. Figure 5

[0096] In the present embodiment, the delivery device 60 has an ejector 63 that depressurizes the inside of the delivery pipe 62. When the rubber plug 5 is delivered from the first housing portion 41 or the second housing portion 42, the rubber plug supply device 10 drives the ejector 63. According to this configuration, it is possible to shorten the time for delivering the rubber plug 5 from the first housing portion 41 or the second housing portion 42. In particular, the first housing portion 41 is long since it penetrates the rotating body 40. Therefore, the time required for delivering the rubber plug 5 from the first housing portion 41 is long due to the friction between the first housing portion 41 and the rubber plug 5. In the present embodiment, by driving the ejector 63, a negative pressure is generated in the delivery pipe 62. It is possible to assist the delivery of the rubber plug 5 with this negative pressure, and to shorten the time for delivering the rubber plug 5 from the first housing portion 41. Further, the time for delivering the rubber plug 5 from the second housing portion 42 can also be shortened in the same manner.

[0097] (Other Embodiments)

[0098] The above describes one preferred embodiment. However, the above-described embodiment is merely an example, and various embodiments can be adopted. Several modified examples will be described below. Further, in the description of the following modified examples, the same reference numerals are used for components that achieve the same function as the above-described embodiment. In addition, repeated descriptions are appropriately omitted or simplified.

[0099] ​(First Modification)

[0100] In the first modification, the delivery device 60 is provided with two air injection ports. Figure 11A and Figure 11B are schematic cross-sectional views of the rotating body 40 and the delivery device 60 of the first modification. In these views, Figure 11A indicates a state in which the rotating body 40 is positioned at the first rotational position Rl. Figure 11B indicates a state in which the rotating body 40 is positioned at the second rotational position R2. As Figure 11A and Figure 11B indicate, in the present modification, the delivery device 60 is provided with a first injection port 64 and a second injection port 65 each configured to inject compressed air. As Figure 11B indicates, when the rotating body 40 is disposed at the second rotational position R2, the first injection port 64 is connected to the rubber plug supply port 41a of the first housing portion 41. As Figure 11A indicates, when the rotating body 40 is disposed at the first rotational position Rl, the second injection port 65 is connected to the air flow inlet 46a of the air flow path AP. The air flow path AP is provided with the air flow inlet 46a connected to the second injection port 65 when the rotating body 40 is disposed at the first rotational position Rl, and the air flow outlet 46b connected to the second housing portion 42.

[0101] According to this configuration, since compressed air is supplied from different systems to the first housing portion 41 and the second housing portion 42, it is possible to simplify the structure of the air flow path AP. For example, when the system of compressed air is one as in the first embodiment, and the air flow path AP is provided in such a manner as to avoid the rubber plug passage 41c of the first housing portion 41, the structure of the air flow path AP tends to become complicated. As Figure 5 indicates, in the first embodiment, the air flow path AP is formed on the retainer 40A and the rotation shaft 40B, and is bent three times. However, when the system of supplying compressed air to the second housing portion 42 is separated from the system of supplying compressed air to the first housing portion 41 as in the present modification, it is not necessary to provide a special structure for avoiding the rubber plug passage 41c of the first housing portion 41 on the air flow path AP. Thus, it is possible to avoid complication of the structure of the rotating body 40. In the present modification, the air flow path AP is a substantially straight flow path bent only once before the air flow outlet 46b. Further, it is also possible to configure the air flow path AP straight.

[0102] (Second Modification)

[0103] Figure 12A and Figure 12B are schematic cross-sectional views of the rotating body 40 and the delivery device 60 of the second modification. In these views, Figure 12A indicates a state in which the rotating body 40 is positioned at the first rotational position Rl. Figure 12Bindicates a state in which the rotary body 40 is located at the second rotational position R2. As Figure 12A and Figure 12B In this modification, the rotary body 40 has a first air flow path AP1 for supplying compressed air to the first housing portion 41 and a second air flow path AP2 for supplying compressed air to the second housing portion 42. One end 47a of the first air flow path AP1 is connected to the first housing portion 41. The other end 47b of the first air flow path AP1 is opened at the outer peripheral portion of the rotary body 40. As Figure 12B indicated, when the rotary body 40 is disposed at the second rotational position R2, the other end 47b of the first air flow path AP1 is connected to the air injection port 61a. The first air flow path AP1 is a straight flow path disposed orthogonal to the axis Ax1 of the first housing portion 41. One end 48a of the second air flow path AP2 is connected to the second housing portion 42. The other end 48b of the second air flow path AP2 is opened at the outer peripheral portion of the rotary body 40. As Figure 12A indicated, when the rotary body 40 is disposed at the first rotational position R1, the other end 48b of the second air flow path AP2 is connected to the air injection port 61a. The second air flow path AP2 is a substantially straight flow path disposed substantially parallel to the axis Ax1 of the first housing portion 41 (only a portion closest to the second housing portion 42 is orthogonal to the axis Ax1 of the first housing portion 41). The first air flow path AP1 is disposed such that the position of the end portion 47b of the first air flow path AP1 when the rotary body 40 is located at the second rotational position R2 coincides with the position of the end portion 48b of the second air flow path AP2 when the rotary body 40 is located at the first rotational position R1.

[0104] According to this structure, unlike the structure in which compressed air is supplied from the rubber plug supply port 41a to the first housing portion 41 as in the first embodiment, the end portion 47b of the compressed air inlet, that is, the first air flow path AP1, can be disposed relatively freely. Therefore, the end portion 47b of the first air flow path AP1 can be disposed in such a manner that the structure of the second air flow path AP2 is simple. Therefore, it is possible to avoid complication of the structure of the rotary body 40 and to make the compressed air supply system one system. In this modification, the position of the end portion 47b of the first air flow path AP1 is determined in such a manner that the second air flow path AP2 is a substantially straight flow path.

[0105] (Third Modification)

[0106] Figure 13A and Figure 13B is a front view of the rotary body 40 and the delivery device 60 of the third modification. In this drawing, Figure 13A indicates a state in which the rotary body 40 is located at the first rotational position R1. Figure 13B indicates a state in which the rotary body 40 is located at the second rotational position R2. As Figure 13Aand Figure 13B In the present modification, the angle of the first rotational position Rl and the second rotational position R2 is smaller than 90 degrees, as shown in FIG. 17. The angle of the first rotational position Rl and the second rotational position R2 is, for example, 45 degrees. However, the angle of the first rotational position Rl and the second rotational position R2 is not limited to 45 degrees. In the present modification, the position of the rubber plug delivery port 41b when the rotating body 40 is in the second rotational position R2 is not aligned with the position of the rubber plug supply and discharge port 42a when the rotating body 40 is in the first rotational position Rl. In order to cope with this situation, the delivery device 60 is provided with two delivery tubes, i.e., the delivery tubes 62A and 62B. As shown in FIG. 17, when the rotating body 40 is in the second rotational position R2, the first delivery tube 62A is connected to the rubber plug delivery port 41b of the first housing portion 41. As shown in FIG. 18, when the rotating body 40 is in the first rotational position Rl, the second delivery tube 62B is connected to the rubber plug supply and discharge port 42a of the second housing portion 42. In this way, the delivery device 60 can connect the two delivery tubes 62A and 62B to the rubber plug delivery port 41b of the first housing portion 41 and the rubber plug supply and discharge port 42a of the second housing portion 42, respectively. According to this structure, since the angle of the first rotational position Rl and the second rotational position R2 is smaller than 90 degrees, the angle of rotation of the rotating body 40 is small. Therefore, the cycle time required to align the orientations of the rubber plugs 5 can be shortened. Figure 13B As shown in FIG. 17, when the rotating body 40 is in the second rotational position R2, the first delivery tube 62A is connected to the rubber plug delivery port 41b of the first housing portion 41. As shown in FIG. 18, when the rotating body 40 is in the first rotational position Rl, the second delivery tube 62B is connected to the rubber plug supply and discharge port 42a of the second housing portion 42. In this way, the delivery device 60 can connect the two delivery tubes 62A and 62B to the rubber plug delivery port 41b of the first housing portion 41 and the rubber plug supply and discharge port 42a of the second housing portion 42, respectively. According to this structure, since the angle of the first rotational position Rl and the second rotational position R2 is smaller than 90 degrees, the angle of rotation of the rotating body 40 is small. Therefore, the cycle time required to align the orientations of the rubber plugs 5 can be shortened. Figure 13A As shown in FIG. 17, when the rotating body 40 is in the second rotational position R2, the first delivery tube 62A is connected to the rubber plug delivery port 41b of the first housing portion 41. As shown in FIG. 18, when the rotating body 40 is in the first rotational position Rl, the second delivery tube 62B is connected to the rubber plug supply and discharge port 42a of the second housing portion 42. In this way, the delivery device 60 can connect the two delivery tubes 62A and 62B to the rubber plug delivery port 41b of the first housing portion 41 and the rubber plug supply and discharge port 42a of the second housing portion 42, respectively. According to this structure, since the angle of the first rotational position Rl and the second rotational position R2 is smaller than 90 degrees, the angle of rotation of the rotating body 40 is small. Therefore, the cycle time required to align the orientations of the rubber plugs 5 can be shortened.

[0107] In the above-described modification, the position of the rubber plug delivery port 41b when the rotating body 40 is in the second rotational position R2 is not aligned with the position of the rubber plug supply and discharge port 42a when the rotating body 40 is in the first rotational position Rl, but can be aligned. In this case, the delivery tube 62 can be one. However, in such a modification, the position of the rubber plug supply port 41a when the rotating body 40 is in the first rotational position Rl is not aligned with the position of the rubber plug supply and discharge port 42a when the rotating body 40 is in the second rotational position R2. For example, in such a case, the moving plate 23 (see FIG. 2) can be moved to a position that supplies the rubber plugs 5 to the first housing portion 41 or a position that supplies the rubber plugs 5 to the second housing portion 42 in correspondence with the orientation of the rubber plugs 5. Figure 1

[0108] (Fourth Modification)

[0109] In the fourth modification, the angle of the first rotational position Rl and the second rotational position R2 is smaller than 90 degrees, and the position of the rubber plug 5 supplied by the supply device 20 and the delivery tube 62 are each one. Figure 14A and Figure 14B is a front view of the rotating body 40 and the delivery device 60 of the fourth modification. In this figure, Figure 14A indicates a state in which the rotating body 40 is in the first rotational position Rl.​Figure 14B indicates a state in which the rotating body 40 is located at the second rotational position R2. In the description of this modification example, a case in which the angle of deviation of the first rotational position Rl from the second rotational position R2 is 60 degrees is described. However, the angle of deviation of the first rotational position Rl from the second rotational position R2 is not limited to 60 degrees.

[0110] As shown in Figure 14A and Figure 14B in this modification example, the first housing portion 41 is configured not to pass through the center of the rotating body 40 (coinciding with the rotating shaft 40C). As shown in Figure 14A , when the rotating body 40 is located at the first rotational position Rl, the rubber plug supply port 41a of the first housing portion 41 faces upward (0 o'clock direction). At this time, the rubber plug delivery port 41b of the first housing portion 41 faces the 4 o'clock direction. Here, the angle of deviation between the rubber plug supply port 41a and the rubber plug delivery port 41b around the rotating shaft 40C is not 180 degrees, but 120 degrees. In addition, when the rotating body 40 is located at the first rotational position Rl, the rubber plug supply and delivery port 42a of the second housing portion 42 faces the 2 o'clock direction. Here, the angle of deviation between the rubber plug supply port 41a and the rubber plug supply and delivery port 42a around the rotating shaft 40C is not 90 degrees, but 60 degrees. The rotational angle of the rubber plug supply and delivery port 42a of the second housing portion 42 around the rotating shaft 40C is located at the center of the rubber plug supply port 41a and the rubber plug delivery port 41b of the first housing portion 41. The rotational positions of the rubber plug supply port 41a and the rubber plug delivery port 41b of the first housing portion 41 around the rotating shaft 40C are symmetrically arranged with the rubber plug supply and delivery port 42a of the second housing portion 42 as a reference.

[0111] As shown in Figure 14A , when the rotating body 40 is located at the first rotational position Rl, the delivery pipe 62 is connected to the rubber plug supply and delivery port 42a of the second housing portion 42. The delivery pipe 62 is provided in the 2 o'clock direction of the rotating body 40. In this modification example, the air injection port 61a is provided in the 10 o'clock direction of the rotating body 40. The air injection port 61a is provided with a deviation of 60 degrees counterclockwise from the 0 o'clock direction of the rotating body 40, and the delivery pipe 62 is provided with a deviation of 60 degrees clockwise from the 0 o'clock direction of the rotating body 40. The air flow path AP that communicates with the second housing portion 42 is provided in such a manner that it is connected to the air injection port 61a when the rotating body 40 is located at the first rotational position Rl. Therefore, in the state shown in Figure 14A , it is possible to deliver the rubber plug 5 inside the second housing portion 42 to the delivery pipe 62 (not shown). In addition, it is possible to insert the rubber plug 5 from the rubber plug supply port 41a into the first housing portion 41.

[0112] As shown in Figure 14BAs shown, when the rotating body 40 is rotated counterclockwise by 60 degrees to move to the second rotational position R2, the rubber plug feed / discharge port 42a of the second housing portion 42 is moved counterclockwise by 60 degrees around the rotation axis 40C and to the 0 o'clock position of the rotating body 40. Thus, the rubber plug 5 can be inserted from the rubber plug feed / discharge port 42a into the second housing portion 42. At the same time, the rubber plug delivery port 41b of the first housing portion 41 is also moved counterclockwise by 60 degrees around the rotation axis 40C and, when the rotating body 40 is positioned at the first rotational position Rl, to the position of the rubber plug feed / discharge port 42a of the second housing portion 42 (the 2 o'clock position of the rotating body 40). Thus, the delivery tube 62 is connected to the rubber plug delivery port 41b. Further, the rubber plug supply port 41a of the first housing portion 41 is also moved counterclockwise by 60 degrees around the rotation axis 40C and, when the rotating body 40 is positioned at the first rotational position Rl, to the position of the end of the air flow path AP (the 10 o'clock position of the rotating body 40). Thus, the air injection port 61a is connected to the rubber plug supply port 41a. Therefore, when the rotating body 40 is moved to the second rotational position R2, the rubber plug 5 (not shown) in the first housing portion 41 can be delivered to the delivery tube 62.

[0113] Thus, by symmetrically arranging the rubber plug supply port 41a and the rubber plug delivery port 41b of the first housing portion 41 with the rubber plug feed / discharge port 42a as a reference, the position of the rubber plug delivery port 41b when the rotating body 40 is positioned at the second rotational position R2 can be made to coincide with the position of the rubber plug feed / discharge port 42a when the rotating body 40 is positioned at the first rotational position Rl, regardless of the angle of deviation between the first rotational position Rl and the second rotational position R2. Therefore, the rubber plug path of the delivery device 60 can be provided with only one delivery tube 62. Further, in the present modification example, as shown, the air injection port 61a and the delivery tube 62 are arranged so as to be connected straight to the first housing portion 41 when the rotating body 40 is positioned at the second rotational position R2, but this need not be the case. The air injection port 61a and the delivery tube 62 can be arranged so that the rubber plug 5 in the first housing portion 41 and the rubber plug 5 in the second housing portion 42 are easily delivered at the same angle. In this case, the first housing portion 41 can not be a straight hole and can be curved so as to be smoothly connected to the air injection port 61a and the delivery tube 62. Figure 14B

[0114] The above describes one preferred embodiment and some modification examples. However, other various embodiments other than the above-described embodiments can be adopted. For example, in the above-described embodiments, the angle of deviation between the first rotational position Rl and the second rotational position R2 is 90 degrees or less than 90 degrees, but can be greater than 90 degrees. The angle of deviation between the first rotational position Rl and the second rotational position R2 can be, for example, greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees.

[0115] ​In the above-described embodiment, the delivery device 60 delivers the rubber plug 5 using compressed air, pressure reduction in the delivery pipe 62, but the method of delivering the rubber plug 5 is not particularly limited. For example, the rubber plug 5 can be delivered using pressing by a pin or the like, or gravity. The method of supplying the rubber plug 5 to the rotary body 40 is similarly not limited.

[0116] In the above-described embodiment, the rubber plug 5 is supplied, but the supply target object can not be a rubber plug. The supply target object can be a columnar or cylindrical component. Preferably, the supply target object can be a component whose shape on one end side in the axis direction is asymmetric to the shape on the other end side.

[0117] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0118] 5 - rubber plug; 10 - rubber plug supply device; 20 - supply device; 25 - sensor; 40 - rotary body; 40C - rotation axis; 41 - first housing portion; 41a - rubber plug supply port; 41b - rubber plug delivery port; 41c - rubber plug passage; 42 - second housing portion; 42a - rubber plug supply / delivery port; 43a - air flow inlet (first end portion); 44b - air flow outlet (second end portion); 50 - drive device; 51 - actuator; 51a - rod; 52 - link member; 53 - support member; 60 - delivery device; 61a - air injection port; 62 - delivery pipe; 63 - injector (pressure reduction device); 100 - control device; 102A - first rotation control portion; 102B - second rotation control portion; 103 - supply control portion; 104 - delivery control portion; AP - air flow path; R1 - first rotation position; R2 - second rotation position.

Claims

1. A rubber stopper feeding device comprising: a feeding device that feeds a rubber stopper; a sensor that is provided to the feeding device and detects whether the rubber stopper fed is in a first orientation or a second orientation opposite to the first orientation; a rotating body that has a first housing portion and a second housing portion each capable of housing the rubber stopper fed from the feeding device, and a rotating shaft; a driving device that rotates the rotating body around the rotating shaft; a delivery device that delivers the rubber stopper housed in the first housing portion or the second housing portion; and a control device that is connected to the feeding device, the sensor, the driving device, and the delivery device, the sensor detects the orientation of the rubber stopper before the rubber stopper is housed in the rotating body, the first housing portion has a rubber stopper feeding port connected to the feeding device when the rotating body is in a first rotational position around the rotating shaft, a rubber stopper delivery port connected to the delivery device when the rotating body is in a second rotational position around the rotating shaft, and a rubber stopper passage configured to allow the rubber stopper to pass therethrough and connecting the rubber stopper feeding port and the rubber stopper delivery port, the second housing portion has a rubber stopper feeding / delivery port connected to the delivery device when the rotating body is in the first rotational position and connected to the feeding device when the rotating body is in the second rotational position, the control device has a first rotational control portion that configures the rotating body in the first rotational position when the orientation of the rubber stopper fed is detected by the sensor to be the first orientation and configures the rotating body in the second rotational position when the orientation of the rubber stopper fed is detected by the sensor to be the second orientation, a feeding control portion that feeds the rubber stopper to the first housing portion or the second housing portion after the rotating body is configured in the first rotational position or the second rotational position by the first rotational control portion, a second rotational control portion that moves the rotating body to the second rotational position or the first rotational position after the rubber stopper is fed to the first housing portion or the second housing portion, and a delivery control portion that delivers the rubber stopper housed in the first housing portion from the rubber stopper delivery port or delivers the rubber stopper housed in the second housing portion from the rubber stopper feeding / delivery port after the rotating body is moved by the second rotational control portion.

2. The rubber stopper feeding device according to claim 1, wherein the driving device has an actuator that has a rod that is capable of extending and contracting, a link member that links the rod and the rotating body in such a manner that the rod is rotatable relative to the rotating body, and a support member that supports the actuator in such a manner that the actuator is capable of swinging or moving in correspondence with the extension and contraction of the rod.

3. The rubber stopper feeding device according to claim 2, wherein ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ The rotating body is in the first rotational position when the rod is at one end of a stroke, and is in the second rotational position when the rod is at the other end of a stroke.

4. The rubber stopper feeding device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The angle of deviation of the rotating body between the first rotational position and the second rotational position is 90 degrees or less.

5. The rubber stopper feeding device according to claim 4, wherein The angle of deviation of the rotating body between the first rotational position and the second rotational position is 90 degrees, The angle of deviation of the rotating body between the rubber stopper feeding port and the rubber stopper feeding and discharging port is 90 degrees, The angle of deviation of the rotating body between the rubber stopper feeding port and the rubber stopper delivery port is 180 degrees.

6. The rubber stopper feeding device according to claim 5, wherein The delivery device has a delivery tube that is connected to the rubber stopper feeding and discharging port of the second housing when the rotating body is in the first rotational position, and is connected to the rubber stopper delivery port of the first housing when the rotating body is in the second rotational position.

7. The rubber stopper feeding device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The delivery device further has an air injection port that injects compressed air, The rubber stopper feeding port of the first housing is connected to the air injection port when the rotating body is in the second rotational position, The rotating body has an air flow path that has a first end connected to the air injection port when the rotating body is in the first rotational position, and a second end connected to the second housing, and is disposed so as to avoid the rubber stopper passage of the first housing.

8. The rubber stopper feeding device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The delivery device has a first injection port and a second injection port that are each configured to inject compressed air, The first injection port is connected to the rubber stopper feeding port of the first housing when the rotating body is in the second rotational position, The rotating body has an air flow path that has a first end connected to the second injection port when the rotating body is in the first rotational position, and a second end connected to the second housing.

9. The rubber stopper feeding device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The delivery device has an air injection port that is configured to inject compressed air, The rotating body has: a first air flow path that has one end connected to the first housing, and the other end connected to the air injection port when the rotating body is in the second rotational position; and a second air flow path that has one end connected to the second housing, and the other end connected to the air injection port when the rotating body is in the first rotational position.

10. The rubber stopper feeding device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The delivery device has: ​ a delivery pipe which, when the rotating body is disposed at the second rotational position, is connected to the rubber stopper delivery outlet of the first housing portion, through which the rubber stopper delivered from the first housing portion passes; and and a pressure reducing device which reduces the pressure inside the delivery pipe, when the rubber stopper housed in the first housing portion is delivered from the first housing portion, the delivery control portion drives the pressure reducing device.

11. The rubber stopper feeding device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the rotational positions of the rubber stopper feeding port and the rubber stopper delivery outlet around the rotational axis are disposed symmetrically with respect to the rubber stopper feeding port.

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