Conveying device

Abstract

The present invention provides a conveying device. The conveying device includes: an input section for supplying and inputting a conveyor; a sliding section having a sliding surface for sliding the conveyor input by the input section downwards at an angle; a conveying section having a falling region, which is a region located below the sliding section and from which the conveyor falls, for conveying the conveyor falling into the falling region; and a control section for controlling the driving of at least one of the input section and the conveying section. The control section controls at least one of the input section and the conveying section as follows: after the conveyor falls into the falling region of the conveying section, a first moment when the conveyor moves from the falling region to outside the falling region via the conveying section is delayed compared to a second moment when the next conveyor input to the sliding section falls from the sliding surface into the falling region.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a conveying device for conveying conveyed objects. Background Technology

[0002] Conveying devices for conveying items are known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an item storage device as a conveying device for conveying simple snacks. Specifically, the item storage device described in Patent Document 1 includes: an item storage section for storing items; an item supply section for supplying items to the item storage section; an item conveying section for conveying items from an item input section to the item supply section; and a moving mechanism that has the front end of the item conveying section and the rear end of the item supply section mounted on it and reciprocates along the length direction of the item storage section. Furthermore, the rear end of the item conveying section is located outside the upper region of the item storage section. In addition, the rear end of the item supply section is rotatably mounted on the moving mechanism in both the horizontal and vertical directions. During the item storage process, the moving mechanism reciprocates along the length direction of the item storage section, while the item supply section rotates in the horizontal direction. As a result, the items are evenly stored in the item storage section.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 6-227619 Summary of the Invention

[0005] In the process of transporting supplies to their destination, the conveying device sometimes causes the supplies to fall. For example, the conveying device may sometimes drop the supplies to a portion downstream in the conveying direction. However, due to the impact of the falling supply within the conveying device, the supplies may sometimes break or be damaged. Therefore, there is a need for a conveying device capable of suppressing damage to the supplied supplies.

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a conveying device that can suppress damage to the conveyed material.

[0007] An exemplary embodiment of the present invention relates to a conveying device for conveying a conveyed object. The conveying device includes: an input section for receiving and inputting the conveyed object; a sliding section having a sliding surface for sliding the conveyed object input by the input section downwards at an angle; a conveying section having a drop region, which is a region located below the sliding section from which the conveyed object drops, the conveying section conveying the conveyed object that drops from the sliding section into the drop region; and a control section for controlling the driving of at least one of the input section and the conveying section. The control section controls at least one of the input section and the conveying section such that, after the conveyed object drops into the drop region of the conveying section, a first moment when the conveyed object moves from the drop region to outside the drop region via the conveying section is delayed compared to a second moment when the next conveyed object input from the input section to the sliding section drops from the outlet of the sliding section into the drop region.

[0008] According to an example embodiment of the present invention, a conveying device is capable of suppressing damage to the conveyed material. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing an example of the conveying device according to Embodiment 1.

[0010] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Sectional view along line II-II.

[0011] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing an example of supplying a conveyor with a conveying material according to Embodiment 1.

[0012] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the processing of the conveying device according to Embodiment 1.

[0013] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing an example of the conveying device according to Embodiment 1.

[0014] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the processing of the conveying device according to Embodiment 2.

[0015] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the processing of the conveying device according to Embodiment 3.

[0016] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the conveying device involved in Embodiment 4.

[0017] In the diagram: 100—Conveying device, 101—House, 102—Wall panel, 103—Opening, 104—Cover, 104a—Feeding port, 1—Input section, 11—Plateholder mounting, 11a—Support section, 12—Angle changing section, 12a—Piston rod, 12b—Cylinder, 2—Sliding section, 20—Sliding surface, 21—First sliding surface, 22—Second sliding surface, 23—Elastic deformation section, 3—Conveying section, 31—Conveying tray, 32— Discharge tray, 33—vibrating part, 34—elastic deformation part, 4—control part, 5—falling area, 6—operation panel, 71—bowl detection sensor, 72—movement detection sensor, 73—conveyor detection sensor, 200—component supply device, 201—bowl feeder, 202—vibration unit, 203—linear feeder, 204—bowl body, 205—bottom, 206—conveyor track, 300—replenishment tray, M—conveyor. Detailed Implementation

[0018] Hereinafter, an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the same or equivalent parts in the drawings will be labeled with the same symbols, and their descriptions will not be repeated. Also, the dimensions of the constituent parts in the drawings do not faithfully represent the actual dimensions of the constituent parts or the dimensional ratios of each constituent part.

[0019] In the following explanation, the expressions "fixed," "connected," and "installed" (hereinafter referred to as "fixed, etc.") include not only cases where parts are directly fixed to each other, but also cases where they are fixed via other parts. That is, in the following explanation, the expression "fixed, etc." includes both direct and indirect fixing of parts to each other.

[0020] (Implementation Method 1)

[0021] use Figures 1 to 3 The conveying device 100 according to Embodiment 1 will be described. Additionally, in Figure 1 , Figure 2 In the diagram, a blank arrow indicates the direction of transport of the transported item M.

[0022] The conveying device 100 includes a housing 101, an input section 1, a sliding section 2, a conveying section 3, and a control section 4. The conveying device 100 conveys a transported object M. Hereinafter, an example will be given where the transported object M is a magnet. For example, the magnet is cuboid in shape and is used as a rotor magnet for a motor.

[0023] Furthermore, the following describes an example where the component supply device 200 is located downstream of the conveying device 100 in the conveying direction. That is, the conveying device 100 supplies the conveyed item M to the component supply device 200. For example, the component supply device 200 supplies a magnet to a magnet insertion device (not shown). The magnet insertion device inserts the magnet into a magnet insertion hole in the rotor of a motor.

[0024] (case)

[0025] The housing 101 is rectangular and covers the conveying device 100 from the outside (see reference). Figure 3 Additionally, housing 101 also covers a portion of the component supply device 200. To illustrate the interior of housing 101, [details omitted]. Figure 1 The housing 101 is shown in dashed lines. Figure 2 The illustration of the housing 101 is omitted in the text.

[0026] (Investment Department)

[0027] The transported material M is replenished to the input unit 1. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the input section 1 is located above the sliding section 2 and the conveying section 3. The input section 1 has a tray 11 and an angle changing section 12.

[0028] The conveyed material M is replenished onto the upper surface of the setting tray 11. The input section 1 has a support section 11a that rotatably supports the downstream end of the setting tray 11 in the conveying direction.

[0029] Angle-changing section 12 is located below the mounting tray 11. Angle-changing section 12 has a piston rod 12a and a cylinder 12b for housing the piston rod 12a. One end of the cylinder 12b is fixed to the wall plate 102 of the conveying device 100. The front end of the piston rod 12a is located at the other end of the cylinder 12b and is connected to the lower surface of the mounting tray 11.

[0030] The protrusion amount of the piston rod 12a of the angle changing unit 12 is variable. For example, the angle changing unit 12 can retract the piston rod 12a into the cylinder 12b until the upper surface of the setting tray 11 is horizontal. In this case, the conveyor M supplied to the setting tray 11 does not slide. That is, the angle changing unit 12 can maintain the setting tray 11 in a position where the supplied conveyor M is not put into the sliding unit 2.

[0031] Furthermore, by protruding the piston rod 12a, the angle changing unit 12 can lift the upstream end of the setting tray 11 in the conveying direction. That is, the angle changing unit 12 can also position the setting tray 11 at the position where the replenished conveyed item M is inserted into the sliding section 2. In this case, the conveyed item M inserted into the setting tray 11 slides on the setting tray 11 and falls into the sliding section 2. In this way, the insertion unit 1 can insert the replenished conveyed item M into the sliding section 2.

[0032] (Gliding section)

[0033] The sliding section 2 is located below the loading tray 11 of the input section 1 and above the conveying section 3. The sliding section 2 has a sliding surface 20 on its upper surface for sliding the conveyed item M. When viewed from above, the sliding surface 20 extends obliquely downwards from the downstream side of the conveying direction of the conveying section 3 toward the drop area 5 located upstream of the conveying direction of the conveying section 3. Specifically, the conveyed item M slides in the sliding section 2 from the downstream side of the conveying direction of the conveying section 3 to the upstream side of the conveying direction. On the other hand, after falling from the sliding section 2 to the conveying section 3, the conveyed item M is conveyed in the conveying section 3 from the upstream side of the conveying direction to the downstream side of the conveying direction. Thus, when falling from the sliding section 2 to the conveying section 3, the direction of movement of the conveyed item M is reversed. That is, when falling from the sliding section 2 to the conveying section 3, the direction of movement of the conveyed item M changes drastically.

[0034] The sliding section 2 has an elastic deformation section 23 at the point where the conveyed item M from the input section 1 falls, which is capable of elastic deformation in the vertical direction. Alternatively, the sliding section 2 may have an elastic deformation section covering the entire sliding surface 20. The elastic deformation section 23 is typically an elastomer such as polyurethane. The elastic deformation section 23 can be a coating or an adhered sheet. The elastic deformation section 23 helps to mitigate the impact transmitted to the conveyed item M during falling.

[0035] Furthermore, the sliding section 2 includes a first sliding surface 21 and a second sliding surface 22, which serve as sliding surfaces 20. The conveyed item M, which falls from the downstream end of the conveying direction of the tray 11, falls to the upstream end of the first sliding surface 21 in the conveying direction. That is, the first sliding surface 21 is the surface from which the conveyed item M falls from the input section 1.

[0036] Furthermore, the first sliding surface 21 and the second sliding surface 22 are surfaces that allow the conveyed object M, which is fed from the input section 1, to slide obliquely downwards. The upstream end of the second sliding surface 22 in the conveying direction is connected to the downstream end of the first sliding surface 21 in the conveying direction. The second sliding surface 22 extends downstream in the conveying direction and toward the falling area 5.

[0037] Here, the angle of inclination of the second sliding surface 22 relative to the horizontal plane is smaller than the angle of inclination of the first sliding surface 21 relative to the horizontal plane. Therefore, after the conveyed object M slides on the first sliding surface 21, it decelerates when it reaches the second sliding surface 22. As a result, the speed at which the conveyed object M falls from the second sliding surface 22 into the falling area 5 is suppressed.

[0038] (Conveying Department)

[0039] The conveying unit 3 includes a conveying tray 31, a discharge tray 32, and a vibrating unit 33. The conveying unit 3 has a drop area 5 located below the sliding unit 2, which is the area where the conveyed item M falls from the sliding unit 2. Specifically, the drop area 5 is located on the upper surface of the conveying tray 31 and upstream of the conveying direction of the conveying unit 3. The conveying unit 3 conveys the conveyed item M that falls from the sliding unit 2 into the drop area 5.

[0040] The conveyor pallet 31 has an elastic deformation section 34 capable of elastic deformation in the vertical direction. The elastic deformation section 34 is located on the upper surface of the conveyor pallet 31 and in the drop area 5. Alternatively, the conveyor pallet 31 may have an elastic deformation section covering the entire upper surface of the conveyor pallet 31. The elastic deformation section 34 is typically an elastomer such as polyurethane. The elastic deformation section 34 can be a coating or an adhered sheet. The elastic deformation section 34 helps to mitigate the impact transmitted to the conveyed item M during drop.

[0041] The downstream end of the conveying tray 31 in the conveying direction is connected to the upstream end of the discharge tray 32 in the conveying direction. Furthermore, the discharge tray 32 causes the conveyed item M entering from the conveying tray 31 to slide obliquely downward, supplying the conveyed item M to the component supply device 200.

[0042] A vibrating unit 33 is located below the conveyor tray 31. The vibrating unit 33 includes a vibrating motor. The vibrating motor causes the conveyor tray 31 to vibrate. In one cycle of vibration, the conveyed item M is slightly bounced up and down in the conveying direction. Through the repetition of this motion, the conveyed item M is conveyed to the component supply device 200.

[0043] (Control Department)

[0044] Control unit 4, for example, includes control circuitry and memory (not shown). Figure 2 As shown, the control unit 4 controls the drive of at least one of the input unit 1 and the conveying unit 3.

[0045] The control unit 4 controls the drive of the angle changing unit 12 of the input unit 1. Specifically, the control unit 4 controls the amount by which the piston rod 12a of the angle changing unit 12 protrudes from the cylinder 12b. As a result, the control unit 4 controls the tilt angle of the setting tray 11.

[0046] Therefore, by keeping the upper surface of the setting tray 11 horizontal, the control unit 4 can maintain the conveyed material M supplied to the input unit 1 on the setting tray 11. Furthermore, by protruding the piston rod 12a, the control unit 4 can also input the conveyed material M supplied to the setting tray 11 into the sliding unit 2 and the conveying unit 3. Additionally, after the conveyed material M from the input unit 1 falls into the sliding unit 2 and the conveying unit 3, the control unit 4 then restores the angle of the setting tray 11 to horizontal.

[0047] Furthermore, the control unit 4 controls the drive of the vibration unit 33. For example, the control unit 4 controls the vibration frequency of the aforementioned vibration motor per unit time. Therefore, the control unit 4 can control the conveying speed of the conveyed item M in the conveying unit 3. Thus, the control unit 4 can control the moment when the conveyed item M, which has fallen into the falling area 5, moves outside the falling area.

[0048] Additionally, the conveying device 100 has an operation panel 6. The operation panel 6 is, for example, a touch panel with a display. The control unit 4 controls the display of the operation panel 6 and recognizes inputs made to the operation panel 6. For example, the operation panel 6 receives a notification from the supply operator indicating that the supply of the conveyed material M to the input unit 1 is complete. The control unit 4 recognizes the supply completion input made on the operation panel 6.

[0049] (Component supply device)

[0050] Next, use Figure 1 and Figure 2 This section describes an example of the component supply device 200 according to the embodiment. The component supply device 200 includes a bowl feeder 201, an excitation unit 202, and a linear feeder 203.

[0051] The bowl feeder 201 has a bowl body 204 for receiving the conveyed item M. The conveyed item M falls from the discharge tray 32 of the conveying device 100 to the bottom 205 of the bowl body 204. When viewed from above, the bowl body 204 is circular with an opening at the top.

[0052] The bowl body 204 has a conveying track 206 inside that spirals from the bottom 205 of the bowl body 204 toward the upper edge. The excitation unit 202 applies vibration to the bowl body 204. Due to the vibration applied to the bowl body 204, the conveyed material M at the bottom 205 of the bowl body 204 advances along the conveying track 206 from the bottom 205 of the bowl body 204 toward the upper edge.

[0053] The front end of the conveyor track 206 is connected to the linear feeder 203. The linear feeder 203, for example, conveys the conveyed object M to the magnet insertion device.

[0054] (Replenishment of transported goods)

[0055] Next, use Figure 3 This explains how the input unit 1 involved in Embodiment 1 is supplied with the conveying material M.

[0056] The housing 101 has an opening 103 located above the input section 1. Furthermore, the conveying device 100 has a cover 104 located above the input section 1 and covering the opening 103 of the housing 101. The cover 104 prevents the conveyed material M from being replenished from a position higher than the input section 1. This helps to suppress damage to the conveyed material M during replenishment to the input section 1.

[0057] like Figure 3 As shown, the supply port 104a is located on the side of the cover 104. For example, the supply conveyor M is placed on the supply tray 300. The supply operator can supply new conveyor M to the setting tray 11 by inserting the supply tray 300 into the supply port 104a.

[0058] (Sensor detection)

[0059] Next, use Figure 1 and Figure 2 This describes an example of the sensor included in the conveying device 100 according to Embodiment 1 and sensor-based detection.

[0060] First, the conveying device 100 has a bowl detection sensor 71 that detects the number of conveyed items M inside the bowl body 204. The output signal of the bowl detection sensor 71 is input to the control unit 4. Based on the detection result of the bowl detection sensor 71, the control unit 4 identifies the number of conveyed items M inside the bowl body 204.

[0061] If the number of conveyed items M in the bowl body 204 is lower than the preset storage number, the control unit 4 causes the conveying unit 3 to convey the conveyed items M until the number of conveyed items M in the bowl exceeds the storage number. When the storage number is exceeded, the control unit 4 causes the conveying unit 3 to stop conveying the conveyed items M.

[0062] Additionally, the conveying device 100 includes a motion detection sensor 72. For example, the motion detection sensor 72 is mounted on the discharge tray 32. Alternatively, the motion detection sensor 72 may be mounted in a location other than the discharge tray 32, such as the linear feeder 203.

[0063] The motion detection sensor 72 is a sensor that detects the arrival and passage of the conveyed item M. The output signal of the motion detection sensor 72 is input to the control unit 4. Based on the detection result of the motion detection sensor 72, the control unit 4 identifies the number of conveyed items M moved outside the conveying device 100 by the conveying unit 3, i.e., the number of moves. In other words, the motion detection sensor 72 is a sensor that detects the number of conveyed items M moved outside the conveying device 100, i.e., the number of moves.

[0064] (Conveyor Control)

[0065] Next, use Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 This describes an example of the conveying control of the control unit 4 of the conveying device 100 according to Embodiment 1.

[0066] The control unit 4 involved in Embodiment 1 controls both the input unit 1 and the conveying unit 3 as follows: after the conveyed item M falls into the falling area 5 of the conveying unit 3, the first moment when the conveyed item M moves from the falling area 5 to outside the falling area via the conveying unit 3 is delayed compared to the second moment when the next conveyed item M in the input unit 1, which is input into the sliding unit 2, falls from the outlet of the sliding unit 2 into the falling area 5.

[0067] Therefore, before all the conveyed items M have moved outside the drop area, the next conveyed item M fed in by the feeding unit 1 falls onto the conveyed item M located in the drop area 5. Thus, compared to the case where no conveyed item M remains in the drop area 5, the drop height of the conveyed item M falling from the sliding unit 2 to the conveying unit 3 can be suppressed. Therefore, a conveying device 100 that minimizes damage to the fed conveyed item M can be achieved.

[0068] use Figure 4 This describes an example of the processing of the conveyor 100.

[0069] When the power supply to the conveyor 100 is turned on, the control unit 4 executes... Figure 4 The step S41 shown is the process where the control unit 4 resets the input count and the movement count to 0. The input count is the number of conveyed items M input by the input unit 1 into the sliding unit 2 and the conveying unit 3, which is the value counted by the control unit 4. The movement count is the number of conveyed items M moved outside the conveying device 100 by the conveying unit 3, which is the value counted by the control unit 4 based on the detection result of the movement detection sensor 72.

[0070] Next, control unit 4 executes... Figure 4 The step S42 shown is the process by which the control unit 4 feeds the replenished transport material M into the input unit 1.

[0071] Furthermore, in the conveying device 100 of Embodiment 1, the number of conveyed items M to be supplied to the setting tray 11 each time is predetermined. For example, the number of supplies supplied is several hundred or more. Alternatively, the number of supplies supplied may be less than several hundred.

[0072] For example, the control unit 4 displays a message on the operation panel 6 requesting the replenishment of the aforementioned number of transport items M. When the operation panel 6 receives the aforementioned replenishment completion input, the control unit 4 executes the processing in step S42.

[0073] Next, control unit 4 executes... Figure 4The step S43 is shown. In step S43, the control unit 4 counts the number of items input. Specifically, the control unit 4 adds the number of supplies to the number of items input. Then, whenever a conveyed item M is input through the input unit 1, the control unit 4 adds the number of supplies to the number of items input.

[0074] Then, control unit 4 executes... Figure 4 The step S44 is shown. Through step S44, the control unit 4 begins counting the number of movements. Then, the control unit 4 adds the number of moving conveyors M detected by the movement detection sensor 72 to the total number of movements.

[0075] Meanwhile, Control Unit 4 executes Figure 4 The step S45 is shown. In step S45, the control unit 4, based on the detection result of the bowl detection sensor 71, performs a process to cause the conveying unit 3 to convey the conveyed item M at a normal conveying speed. The normal conveying speed is predetermined. As a result, the conveyed item M in the conveying device 100 is supplied to the component supply device 200.

[0076] Next, control unit 4 executes... Figure 4 The step S46 shown is a process by which the control unit 4 confirms whether the difference value obtained by subtracting the number of moves from the number of inputs becomes a threshold.

[0077] The aforementioned threshold is predetermined. Here, the difference value for the state where transported material M remains in the falling area 5 can be determined through experience and experimentation. Therefore, the aforementioned threshold is selected from the difference values ​​for the state where at least one or more transported materials M remain in the falling area 5.

[0078] Furthermore, Control Unit 4 executes Figure 4 The step S47 shown is the process by which the control unit 4 limits the conveying speed of the conveying unit 3.

[0079] Specifically, the control unit 4 causes the conveying unit 3 to convey the transported item M at a slower speed than the normal conveying speed. In this way, the control unit 4 controls the conveying unit 3 to delay the aforementioned first moment from the aforementioned second moment. Furthermore, in order to reliably retain the transported item M in the falling area 5, the control unit 4 may, for example, temporarily stop the conveying unit 3 from transporting.

[0080] Next, control unit 4 executes step S48. Step S48 is the process by which control unit 4 causes input unit 1 to input the next transport item M to slide unit 2. In step S48, control unit 4 may also cause the next transport item M to be supplied. For example, control unit 4 may also display a message requesting the supply of the next transport item M on operation panel 6. Furthermore, when operation panel 6 receives the aforementioned supply completion input, control unit 4 may also input the next transport item M to input unit 1. After step S48, control unit 4 executes step S45.

[0081] Thus, the control unit 4 controls the input unit 1 to delay the first moment from the second moment. The control unit 4 inputs the next conveyor M into the sliding unit 2 and causes it to fall from the outlet of the sliding unit 2 into the falling area 5 before the first moment. The control unit 4 then stops the conveying or conveys the conveyor M located in the falling area 5 at a speed slower than the preset normal conveying speed, and moves the conveyor M outside the falling area after the second moment.

[0082] By controlling the drive of the input unit 1 and the conveying unit 3, such as Figure 5 As shown, the next conveyor M supplied to the sliding section 2 after being conveyed by the input section 1 can fall onto the conveyor M located in the falling area 5. Thus, a conveying device 100 is realized that can suppress damage to the conveyor M.

[0083] Alternatively, the threshold value can be greater than 0. In this case, the control unit 4 controls the input unit 1 and the conveying unit 3 so that the number of conveyed items M input by the input unit 1 into the sliding unit 2 is greater than the number of conveyed items M moved by the conveying unit 3. As a result, the probability that the conveyed item M remains in the falling area 5 when the next conveyed item M is input becomes higher.

[0084] Alternatively, the threshold can be 0. In this case, the control unit 4 controls the input unit 1 and the conveying unit 3 so that the number of conveyed items M input by the input unit 1 into the sliding unit 2 is the same as the number of conveyed items M moved by the conveying unit 3. Even when the number of inputs and the number of moves are the same, in order to increase the possibility that there are conveyed items M remaining in the drop area 5 when inputting the next conveyed item M, multiple conveyed items M are pre-input into the drop area 5.

[0085] (Implementation Method 2)

[0086] Next, use Figure 6 This describes an example of the conveying control of the control unit 4 of the conveying device 100 according to exemplary embodiment 2.

[0087] In Embodiment 2, the control unit 4 controls the input unit 1 to delay the first time from the second time, but does not control the conveying unit 3 to delay the first time from the second time, which differs from Embodiment 1. Otherwise, the structure is the same as in Embodiment 1. Hereinafter, the same symbols will be used to denote structures identical to those in Embodiment 1, and descriptions will be omitted.

[0088] In this embodiment, regardless of the value of the number of items input, the value of the number of items moved, or the difference value reaching the threshold, the control unit 4 causes the conveying unit 3 to convey the conveyed item M. Specifically, the control unit 4 causes the conveying unit 3 to convey the conveyed item M based on the detection result of the bowl detection sensor 71, without limiting the conveying speed. Even if the difference value reaches the threshold, if the number of conveyed items M in the bowl body 204 is lower than the preset storage number, the control unit 4 causes the conveying unit 3 to convey the conveyed item M at the normal conveying speed until the number of conveyed items M in the bowl exceeds the storage number.

[0089] and, Figure 6 Steps S61 to S65 in the above are the same as steps S41 to S46 in Embodiment 1, so the description is omitted.

[0090] In Embodiment 2, to delay the first time point from the second time point, when the difference value reaches the threshold, the control unit 4 controls the drive of the input unit 1 to input the next transport item M into the input unit 1. In this embodiment, the control unit 4 inputs the next transport item M into the sliding unit 2 and, before the first time point, causes it to fall from the outlet of the sliding unit 2 into the falling area 5.

[0091] Similar to Embodiment 1, when performing step S66, the control unit 4 can also cause the operation panel 6 to display a message indicating that the next transport item M needs to be replenished. Furthermore, when the operation panel 6 receives the aforementioned replenishment completion input, the control unit 4 can also cause the next transport item M to be replenished to be put into the input unit 1.

[0092] Alternatively, the conveying device 100 of Embodiment 2 may also include a replenishment device for supplying the conveyed item M to the input section 1. The replenishment device may, for example, be a robot that supplies magnets to the input section 1. This allows for rapid replenishment of the conveyed item M to the input section 1, and the immediate input of the next conveyed item M when the aforementioned difference value reaches the aforementioned threshold.

[0093] In this embodiment, the control unit 4 delays the first moment from the second moment without reducing the conveying speed of the conveying unit 3. As a result, the next conveying item M can be delivered onto the conveying item M in the drop area 5 without delaying the supply of the conveying item M to the component supply device 200.

[0094] (Implementation Method 3)

[0095] Next, use Figure 7 This describes an example of the conveying control of the control unit 4 of the conveying device 100 according to exemplary embodiment 3.

[0096] The control unit 4 in Embodiment 3 differs from those in Embodiments 1 and 2 in that it only controls the conveying unit 3 to delay the first moment from the second moment, but does not control the input unit 1 to delay the first moment from the second moment. Otherwise, the structure is the same as in Embodiments 1 and 2. Hereinafter, the same symbols will be used to denote structures identical to those in Embodiments 1 and 2, and descriptions will be omitted.

[0097] In this embodiment, regardless of the value of the number of inputs, the value of the number of movements, or the threshold value being reached, the control unit 4 causes the sliding unit 2 and the conveying unit 3 to input the replenished conveyed material M into the input unit 1. For example, the control unit 4 automatically tilts the setting tray 11 toward the input unit 1 at a predetermined period.

[0098] Furthermore, in Figure 7 In this embodiment, steps S71 to S76 are the same as steps S41 to S46 in Embodiment 1, so the description is omitted.

[0099] On the other hand, in the conveying device 100 of Embodiment 3, the control unit 4 controls the driving of the conveying unit 3 based on whether the difference value reaches the threshold. Specifically, when the difference value reaches the threshold, the control unit executes step S77. In step S77, the control unit 4 controls the conveying speed of the conveying unit 3, delaying the first moment from the second moment.

[0100] Specifically, the control unit 4 causes the conveying unit 3 to convey the transported item M at a slower speed than usual. Alternatively, in order to ensure that the transported item M reliably remains in the drop area 5, the control unit 4 may also temporarily stop the conveying unit 3.

[0101] After step S77, when the conveying material M is periodically fed in, the control unit 4 executes step S75 to release the limitation on the conveying speed of the conveying unit 3.

[0102] In this embodiment, the control unit 4 stops the conveying unit 3 from conveying or conveys the conveyed object M located in the drop area 5 at a speed slower than the preset normal conveying speed, and moves the conveyed object M out of the drop area after the second moment mentioned above.

[0103] (Implementation Method 4)

[0104] Next, refer to Figure 8Exemplary Embodiment 4 will be described. The conveying device 100 of this embodiment differs from the conveying devices 100 of Embodiments 1 to 3 in that it has a conveyed object detection sensor 73 instead of a motion detection sensor 72. Otherwise, its structure is the same as that of Embodiments 1, 2, or 3. Hereinafter, the same reference numerals will be used to denote structures identical to those in Embodiments 1 to 3, and descriptions will be omitted.

[0105] The conveyed object detection sensor 73 detects the conveyed object M located in the drop area 5. For example... Figure 8 As shown, the conveyed object detection sensor 73 is installed at the position where the detection area of ​​the conveyed object detection sensor 73 overlaps with the falling area 5.

[0106] In this embodiment, the transport object detection sensor 73 is an image sensor. The image sensor can be a one-dimensional image sensor with the light-receiving element arranged in a linear shape, or a two-dimensional image sensor with the light-receiving element arranged in a planar shape. The control unit 4 identifies the number of transport objects M located on the falling area 5 based on the detection result of the transport object detection sensor 73. For example, the control unit 4 analyzes the image captured by the image sensor to identify the number of transport objects M located on the falling area 5.

[0107] The control unit 4 of the conveying device 100 according to this embodiment can perform... Figure 4 Implementation method 1 shown Figure 6 Implementation method 2 shown or Figure 7 The process of Embodiment 3 is shown. In this embodiment, for example, in Figure 4 Step S46 Figure 6 Step S66 Figure 7 In step S76, the control unit 4 confirms whether the number of transported items M located on the falling area 5, as identified by the transported item detection sensor 73, has reached the threshold.

[0108] Thus, in this embodiment, the control unit 4 controls at least one of the input unit 1 and the conveying unit 3 to delay the first moment from the second moment based on the detection result of the conveyed object detection sensor 73.

[0109] As described above, the conveying device 100 according to Embodiments 1 to 4 has the following features.

[0110] (1) The conveying device 100 conveys the conveyed item M. The conveying device 100 includes: an input section 1, which is supplied with the conveyed item M and inputs the conveyed item M; a sliding section 2, which has a sliding surface 20 for the conveyed item M input by the input section 1 to slide obliquely downward; a conveying section 3, which has a falling area 5, which is located below the sliding section 2 and the conveyed item M falls from the sliding section 2, the conveying section conveying the conveyed item M falling from the sliding section 2 to the falling area 5; and a control section 4, which controls the drive of at least one of the input section 1 and the conveying section 3. The control unit 4 controls at least one of the input unit 1 and the conveying unit 3 as follows: after the conveyed item M falls into the falling area 5 of the conveying unit 3, the first moment when the conveyed item M moves from the falling area 5 to outside the falling area via the conveying unit 3 is delayed compared to the second moment when the next conveyed item M input into the sliding unit 2 falls from the outlet of the sliding unit 2 into the falling area 5.

[0111] According to the structure of (1), before the conveyed item M moves from the drop area 5 of the conveying section 3 to outside the drop area, the next conveyed item M that is put into the sliding section 2 by the input section 1 falls onto the conveyed item M located in the drop area 5.

[0112] Therefore, compared to the case where no conveyed material M remains in the aforementioned drop area 5, the drop height of the conveyed material M falling from the aforementioned sliding section 2 to the aforementioned conveying section 3 can be suppressed. Thus, a conveying device 100 can be achieved that minimizes damage to the delivered conveyed material M.

[0113] Furthermore, conventionally, it is necessary to determine the drop height that will not cause damage to the conveyed item for each type of conveyed item, and to prepare conveying devices with different drop heights for each type of conveyed item. However, according to the structure of (1), even if the drop height from the sliding section 2 to the conveying section 3 exceeds the height at which the conveyed item M would be damaged if there were no conveyed item M in the drop area 5, the conveyed item M will not be damaged by the drop. That is, the conveying device 100 can handle a wide range of heights. Thus, because it can handle a wide range of heights, the design of the conveying device can be changed one by one according to the type of conveyed item M, without preparing different conveying devices.

[0114] (2) The conveying device 100 according to (1) further includes a motion detection sensor 72, which detects the number of times the conveying unit 3 moves the conveyed item M outside the conveying device 100. The control unit 4 controls at least one of the input unit 1 and the conveying unit 3 to delay the first moment from the second moment based on the difference between the number of times the conveyed item M has moved as detected by the motion detection sensor 72 and the number of times the conveyed item M has been input in the input unit 1.

[0115] According to the structure of (2), the control of (1) of the input section 1 and the conveying section 3 can be achieved based on the difference between the number of movements and the number of inputs. Since the relationship between the number of movements and the number of inputs affects the residue of the conveyed material M in the drop area 5, by controlling according to the relationship of technical solution 1, the conveyed material M can be more reliably retained in the drop area 5. Therefore, a conveying device 100 that can more reliably suppress damage to the conveyed material M can be realized.

[0116] (3) The conveying device 100 according to (1) further includes a conveyed object detection sensor 73, which detects the conveyed object M located on the falling area 5. Based on the detection result of the conveyed object detection sensor 73, the control unit 4 controls at least one of the input unit 1 and the conveying unit 3 to delay the first moment from the second moment.

[0117] According to the structure of (3), the control of (1) of the input section 1 and the conveying section 3 can be realized based on the detection of the conveyed item M located on the drop area 5. As a result, other conveyed items M can be more reliably dropped onto the conveyed item M located on the drop area 5. Therefore, a conveying device 100 that can more reliably suppress damage to the conveyed item M can be realized.

[0118] (4) In any one of (1) to (3) in the conveying device 100, the control unit 4 controls the input unit 1 and the conveying unit 3 as follows: the number of the conveyed items M input by the input unit 1 into the sliding unit 2 is the same as the number of the conveyed items M moved by the conveying unit 3, or the number of inputs is greater than the number of moves.

[0119] According to the structure of (4), the relationship between the number of conveyor items M input from input section 1 to sliding section 2 and the number of conveyor items M moved by conveying section 3 affects the residue of the conveyor items M in the drop area 5. That is, when the number of inputs is greater than the number of moves, the probability of the conveyor items M remaining in the drop area 5 is high. Alternatively, if the conveyor items M are pre-positioned in the drop area 5, the probability of the conveyor items M remaining in the drop area 5 is high even when the number of inputs and the number of moves are the same. Therefore, with the above structure, other conveyor items M can be more reliably dropped onto the conveyor items M located in the drop area 5. Therefore, a conveying device 100 that can more reliably suppress damage to the conveyor items M can be realized.

[0120] (5) In any one of (1) to (4) of the conveying device 100, the control unit 4 causes the input unit 1 to input the next conveyed item M into the sliding unit 2 and to drop it from the outlet of the sliding unit 2 to the dropping area 5 before the first moment, or causes the conveying unit 3 to stop conveying or to convey the conveyed item M located in the dropping area 5 at a speed slower than the preset normal conveying speed and to move it outside the dropping area after the second moment.

[0121] According to the structure of (5), by controlling the drive of the input section 1 or the drive of the conveying section 3, the next conveyor M supplied to the sliding section 2 after the aforementioned conveyor M is supplied through the input section 1 can fall onto the conveyor M located in the falling area 5. Thus, a conveying device 100 that can suppress damage to the aforementioned conveyor M is realized.

[0122] (6) In any one of (1) to (5) in the conveying device 100, when the sliding surface 20 is viewed from above, the sliding surface 20 extends obliquely downward from the downstream side of the conveying direction of the conveying section 3 toward the falling area 5 located upstream of the conveying direction of the conveying section 3.

[0123] According to the structure of (6), when the conveyed item M falls from the sliding section 2 to the conveying section 3, the direction of movement of the conveyed item M changes drastically. Therefore, compared to the case where the direction of movement of the conveyed item M does not change, the conveyed item M remains in the falling area 5 for a longer period. Consequently, the next conveyed item M placed into the sliding section 2 is more likely to fall onto the conveyed item M in the falling area 5. Therefore, damage to the conveyed item M can be suppressed.

[0124] (7) In the conveying device 100 described in any one of (1) to (6), the sliding surface 20 includes a first sliding surface 21 and a second sliding surface 22. The first sliding surface 21 is a surface that causes the conveyed object M, which is inserted into the input section 1, to slide obliquely downward. The second sliding surface 22 is formed by connecting the upstream end of the second sliding surface 22 in the conveying direction to the downstream end of the first sliding surface 21 in the conveying direction, and the downstream end of the second sliding surface 22 in the conveying direction faces the falling area 5. The angle of inclination of the second sliding surface 22 relative to the horizontal plane is smaller than the angle of inclination of the first sliding surface 21 relative to the horizontal plane.

[0125] According to the structure of (7), after the conveyed object M slides on the first sliding surface 21, it decelerates when it reaches the second sliding surface 22. As a result, the speed at which the conveyed object M falls from the second sliding surface 22 to the falling area 5 is suppressed. Therefore, damage to the conveyed object M can be suppressed more reliably.

[0126] (8) In the conveying device 100 described in (7), when the sliding surface 20 is viewed from above, the width of the second sliding surface 22 is narrower than the width of the first sliding surface 21 in a direction orthogonal to the conveying direction of the conveying section 3.

[0127] According to the structure of (8), the range of the falling area 5 where the conveyed item M falls relative to the conveying section 3 can be reduced. As a result, the probability of other conveyed items M falling onto the conveyed item M located in the falling area 5 can be increased. Therefore, the falling height of the conveyed item M can be suppressed, and the occurrence of damage to the conveyed item M can be suppressed more reliably.

[0128] (9) In any one of (1) to (8) the conveying device 100 has a cover 104 located above the input section 1 and covering the input section 1.

[0129] According to the structure of (9), by covering the top of the input section 1 with the cover 104, it is possible to prevent the conveying material M from being supplied from a position higher than the input section 1. Therefore, the height at which the conveying material M is supplied and the speed at which the conveying material M is supplied can be kept constant. As a result, when the conveying material M is supplied to the input section 1, damage to the conveying material M can be suppressed.

[0130] (10) In any one of (1) to (9) the conveying device 100, at least one of the falling area 5 of the conveying section 3 and the sliding surface 20 has an elastic deformation section 23, 34 that is capable of elastic deformation in the vertical direction.

[0131] According to the structure of (10), the impact transmitted to the conveyed object M during the fall is mitigated by the elastic deformation parts 23 and 34. As a result, a conveying device 100 that can more reliably suppress damage to the conveyed object M is realized.

[0132] (Other implementation methods)

[0133] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but these embodiments are merely examples for implementing the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and appropriate modifications can be made to the above embodiments without departing from its spirit.

[0134] In the above embodiment, the control unit 4 controls the driving of the input unit 1 and the conveying unit 3. However, the control unit may also control only one of the input unit and the conveying unit.

[0135] In the above embodiments, an example was described where the conveying device 100 has a motion detection sensor 72 or a conveyed object detection sensor 73. However, the conveying device may also not have a motion detection sensor and a conveyed object detection sensor. For example, the conveying device may also have a sensor other than the motion detection sensor and the conveyed object detection sensor, and control is performed based on the detection results of the sensor to delay the first moment described above from the second moment described above.

[0136] In the above embodiment, an example was described where the conveying device 100 has either a motion detection sensor 72 or a conveyed object detection sensor 73. However, the conveying device may also have both a motion detection sensor and a conveyed object detection sensor. In this case, the conveying device performs control that delays the first moment compared to the second moment based on the detection result of either the motion detection sensor or the conveyed object detection sensor.

[0137] In the above embodiment, when viewed from above, the sliding surface 20 extends obliquely downward from the downstream side of the conveying direction of the conveying unit 3 toward the falling area 5 located upstream of the conveying direction of the conveying unit 3. However, when viewed from above, the direction in which the sliding surface extends may not be parallel to the conveying direction of the conveying unit.

[0138] In the above embodiments, the sliding surface 20 includes a first sliding surface 21 and a second sliding surface 22. However, the sliding portion may also have only one sliding surface. In addition, besides the first and second sliding surfaces, the sliding portion may also have sliding surfaces with different angles of inclination relative to the horizontal plane.

[0139] In the above embodiment, when viewed from above, the width of the second sliding surface 22 is narrower than the width of the first sliding surface 21 in a direction orthogonal to the conveying direction of the conveying unit 3. However, when viewed from above, the width of the second sliding surface can be the same as or wider than the width of the first sliding surface in a direction orthogonal to the conveying direction of the conveying unit.

[0140] In the above embodiment, the conveying device 100 has a cover 104 located above the input section 1 and covering the input section 1. However, the conveying device may also not have a cover.

[0141] In the above embodiment, the falling area 5 of the conveying unit 3 and the sliding surface 20 have elastically deformable portions 23 and 34 that can elastically deform in the vertical direction. However, one or both of the falling area and the sliding surface of the conveying unit may not have elastically deformable portions.

[0142] In the above embodiment, the elastic deformation portion 23 is polyurethane. However, the elastic deformation portion may also be a resin other than polyurethane, or it may not be a resin at all.

[0143] In the above embodiment, the conveying object is a magnet for inserting the motor rotor. However, the magnet may not be for inserting the rotor. Furthermore, the conveying object is not limited to a magnet. The conveying object may also be a solid object made of other types of materials such as glass, ceramics, resin, or metal.

[0144] In the above embodiment, the angle changing unit 12 includes a piston rod 12a and a cylinder 12b. However, the angle changing unit may have a mechanism for changing the angle of the setting tray, without using a piston rod and a cylinder.

[0145] In the above embodiment, the conveying device 100 has a discharge tray 32. However, the conveying device may also not have a discharge tray. The conveyed material may also fall from the downstream end of the conveying tray toward the bowl body.

[0146] In the above embodiment, the conveying unit 3 conveys the conveyed item M by vibrating the conveying tray 31 through the vibration unit 33. However, the conveying unit may also not have a vibration unit and convey the conveyed item by means other than vibration. For example, the conveying unit may also have a belt wrapped around multiple rollers, and convey the conveyed item by rotating the belt.

[0147] In the above embodiment, the conveying device 100 has an operation panel 6. The operation panel 6 is a touch panel with a display. However, the conveying device may also not have an operation panel. Alternatively, the conveying device may have an operation panel that is not a touch panel with a display. For example, the conveying device may include a light source that is illuminated to display messages, or it may include hardware keys for operation.

[0148] In the above embodiment, the operation panel 6 receives a notification from the supply operator indicating that the supply of the conveyed item M to the input unit 1 is complete. However, the operation panel may not be used, and the control unit may detect the completion of the supply of the conveyed item to the input unit. For example, the conveying device may also have a detection unit that detects the completion of the supply of the conveyed item to the input unit. The control unit may also detect the completion of the supply of the conveyed item to the input unit based on the detection result of the detection unit.

[0149] In the above embodiment, the component supply device 200 is located downstream of the conveying device in the conveying direction. However, the device located downstream of the conveying device in the conveying direction is not limited to the component supply device. For example, a storage device for storing the conveyed items may be provided instead of the component supply device.

[0150] In the above embodiment, the supply operator supplies the conveyed material M to the input unit 1. However, the supply device for supplying the conveyed material to the input unit can also automatically supply the conveyed material. For example, a robot can also supply the conveyed material to the input unit.

[0151] In the above embodiment, the control unit 4 identifies the predetermined number of items M to be supplied to the input unit 1 as the input number. However, the control unit may also identify the number input to the operation panel as the input number.

[0152] In the above embodiment, the transport object detection sensor 73 is an image sensor. However, the transport object detection sensor is not limited to an image sensor, as long as it can detect the transport object located on the falling area.

[0153] The industrial availability is as follows.

[0154] This invention can be used in a conveying device for conveying transported objects.

Claims

1. A conveying device for conveying a conveyed object, characterized in that, have: An input unit, which is supplied with the conveyed material and inputs the conveyed material; A sliding section having a sliding surface that allows the conveyed material fed in by the feeding section to slide obliquely downward; A conveying unit having a dropping area, which is located below the sliding section and from which the conveyed item drops, the conveying unit conveying the conveyed item from the sliding section to the dropping area; and A control unit that controls the driving of at least one of the input unit and the conveying unit. The control unit controls at least one of the input unit and the conveying unit as follows: after the conveyed item falls into the falling area of ​​the conveying unit, the first moment when the conveyed item moves from the falling area to outside the falling area via the conveying unit is delayed compared to the second moment when the next conveyed item in the input unit is input into the sliding unit and falls from the exit of the sliding unit into the falling area. The control unit controls the input unit and the conveying unit to make the number of conveyed items input by the input unit into the sliding unit the same as the number of conveyed items moved by the conveying unit, or to make the number of inputs greater than the number of moves.

2. The conveying device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a motion detection sensor that detects the amount of the conveyed item moved outside the conveying device by the conveying unit. The control unit controls at least one of the input unit and the delivery unit to delay the first moment from the second moment based on the difference between the number of movement of the conveyed object detected by the movement detection sensor and the number of delivery objects input in the input unit.

3. The conveying device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also features a transport object detection sensor that detects transport objects located in the drop area. Based on the detection results of the transport object detection sensor, the control unit controls at least one of the input unit and the transport unit to delay the first moment from the second moment.

4. The conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The control unit causes the input unit to input the next conveyed item into the sliding unit, and to drop it from the outlet of the sliding unit into the dropping area before the first moment, or The conveying unit is stopped from conveying or conveys the object located in the drop area at a speed slower than the predetermined normal conveying speed, and after the second moment, it is moved out of the drop area.

5. The conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, When viewed from above, the sliding surface extends obliquely downward from the downstream side of the conveying section toward the falling area located upstream of the conveying section in the conveying direction.

6. The conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The sliding surface includes a first sliding surface and a second sliding surface. The first sliding surface is a surface that causes the conveyed material inserted into the input section to slide obliquely downward. The second sliding surface is a surface in which the upstream side of the second sliding surface in the conveying direction is connected to the downstream side of the first sliding surface in the conveying direction, and the downstream side of the second sliding surface in the conveying direction faces the falling area. The angle at which the second sliding surface is tilted relative to the horizontal plane is smaller than the angle at which the first sliding surface is tilted relative to the horizontal plane.

7. The conveying device according to claim 6, characterized in that, When viewed from above, the width of the second sliding surface is narrower than the width of the first sliding surface in a direction orthogonal to the conveying direction of the conveying unit.

8. The conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, It has a cover located above the input part and covering the input part.

9. The conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, At least one of the falling area of ​​the conveying section and the sliding surface has an elastically deformable portion capable of elastic deformation in the vertical direction.

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