Workpiece conveying device and workpiece inspection system

Abstract

The present application provides a workpiece conveying device and a workpiece inspection system. In the workpiece discharge part, the position state of the workpiece in the pocket of the indexing table is reliably detected. A workpiece detection part (60) is provided at a position corresponding to the workpiece discharge part (52A) on the outer periphery of the indexing table (20), and the workpiece detection part (60) has a pair of light receiving sensors (61, 62). One light receiving sensor (61) is located inside the outer edge (20B) of the indexing table (20), and the other light receiving sensor (62) is located outside the outer edge (20B) of the indexing table (20).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to workpiece conveying devices and workpiece inspection systems. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, a workpiece conveying device was known, which included a base and an indexing table disposed on the base, wherein workpieces were stored in multiple pockets disposed on the outer periphery of the indexing table, and the workpieces were conveyed by rotating the indexing table.

[0003] After being inspected by the electrical inspection unit, the workpiece stored in the pocket of the workpiece conveying device is discharged to the outside from the workpiece discharge unit.

[0004] Existing technical documents Patent documents Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 3363421 Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent No. 3916372 Summary of the Invention

[0005] Technical issues As described above, the workpiece stored in the pocket of the workpiece conveying device is inspected by the electrical inspection unit and then discharged outward from the workpiece discharge unit.

[0006] However, the workpiece stored in the pocket of the indexing table is discharged during the workpiece discharge section when the table is stopped. In this case, if the workpiece is not discharged normally from the workpiece discharge section, a part of the workpiece remains in, for example, the pocket. If the rotation of the indexing table is restarted in this state, the workpiece will come into contact with the indexing table, resulting in damage to the indexing table or the workpiece.

[0007] This disclosure was made in consideration of the following situation, and its purpose is to provide a workpiece conveying device and a workpiece inspection system that can reliably detect whether the position of the workpiece in the pocket of the indexing table is normal at the workpiece discharge section, and can prevent the rotation of the indexing table when the light sensor on the outer side in the radial direction is blocked.

[0008] Technical solution The first aspect of this disclosure is a workpiece conveying device comprising: a base having an opening; an indexing table rotatably disposed on the base and having a pocket for receiving workpieces on its outer periphery; an electrical inspection unit disposed on the outer periphery of the indexing table and performing electrical inspection on the workpieces in the pockets; a workpiece discharge unit disposed on the outer periphery of the indexing table and discharging the workpieces from the pockets; an indexing table drive unit extending through the opening of the base and driving the indexing table to rotate; a workpiece detection unit disposed at a position corresponding to the workpiece discharge unit and detecting the presence or absence of the workpiece; and a control unit, wherein the workpiece detection unit has a pair of light-receiving sensors, one of which is located radially inside the outer edge of the indexing table and the other is located radially outside the outer edge of the indexing table, and the control unit, based on a signal from the other light-receiving sensor, prevents the indexing table drive unit from rotating when the other light-receiving sensor is blocked from light.

[0009] The second aspect of this disclosure is a workpiece conveying device, which, based on the first aspect, has an indexing table drive unit having a drive unit body and a drive shaft, the drive shaft being disposed within the drive unit body and connected to the indexing table, the upper end of the drive unit body being retracted into the opening of the base when viewed from above, and the upper end of the drive unit body not contacting the base.

[0010] The third aspect of this disclosure is a workpiece conveying device, which, based on the first and second aspects, has the indexing table drive unit and the base independently supported by different support bodies.

[0011] The fourth aspect of this disclosure is a workpiece conveying device, which, based on the second aspect, has a drive shaft supported on the drive unit body via a lifting bearing, and the drive shaft and the lifting bearing are movable in the vertical direction relative to the drive unit body by rotating an eccentric pin that passes through the drive unit body and the lifting bearing.

[0012] The fifth aspect of this disclosure is a workpiece conveying device, which, based on the first aspect, includes an indexing table drive unit having a drive unit body and a drive shaft. The drive shaft is disposed within the drive unit body and connected to the indexing table. The drive shaft is supported on the drive unit body via a lifting bearing. A brake pin is provided on the lifting bearing, which contacts the indexing table drive unit to inhibit the rotation of the indexing table.

[0013] The sixth aspect of this disclosure is a workpiece inspection system, which includes a workpiece conveying device of the first aspect, an inspection chamber surrounding the workpiece conveying device, and a temperature adjustment device for adjusting the temperature of the inspection chamber.

[0014] Technical effect As described above, according to this disclosure, it is possible to reliably detect whether the position of the workpiece in the pocket of the indexing table is normal at the workpiece discharge section, and to prevent the indexing table from rotating even when the light sensor on the outer side in the radial direction is blocked. Therefore, damage to the indexing table or the workpiece can be prevented. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the outline and set position of the workpiece conveying device of this disclosure.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a schematic top view showing the workpiece conveying device.

[0017] Figure 3 This is an enlarged perspective view showing the workpiece conveying device.

[0018] Figure 4 It is a perspective view showing the base, indexing table, outer cover and workpiece discharge section.

[0019] Figure 5 This is a perspective view showing the indexing table and outer cover removed from the base for convenience.

[0020] Figure 6 This is a side view showing the indexing table drive unit.

[0021] Figure 7 This is an enlarged view showing the indexing table drive unit.

[0022] Figure 8A This is a diagram showing the position of the workpiece within the pocket of the indexing table.

[0023] Figure 8B This is a diagram showing the position of the workpiece within the pocket of the indexing table.

[0024] Figure 8C This is a diagram showing the position of the workpiece within the pocket of the indexing table.

[0025] Figure 8D This is a diagram showing the position of the workpiece within the pocket of the indexing table.

[0026] Figure 9 This diagram illustrates a mode where judgments are made based on signals from the workpiece inspection unit.

[0027] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating the function of the workpiece conveying device of this disclosure.

[0028] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures 1: Framework 2: Examination Room 5: Temperature control device 6: Storage box 8: Control Room 8A: Control Department 10: Workpiece conveying device 11: Hopper 12: Parts feeder 15: Linear feeder 16: Separate Supply Department 20: Indexing worktable 20A: Rotary shaft 20B: Outer edge 20a: Pocket 21: Base 21a: Opening 30: Indexing Table Drive Unit 31: Drive unit main body 31a: Upper end of the main body of the drive unit 32: Lifting bearing 33a: Eccentric pin 33b: Locking screw 35: Drive shaft 36: First Bearing 37: Second bearing 41: Encoder 42: Drive motor 45: Fixing plate 46: Pillar 47: Pillar 50: Outer perimeter cover 52: Discharge port 52A: Workpiece Discharge Section 53: Suction hole 60: Workpiece Inspection Department 60A: Optical receiver 61, 62: Light receiving sensor 70: Light projection section 72: Initial Inspection Department 73: Electrical Inspection Department Detailed Implementation

[0029] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0030] First, refer to Figures 1 to 3A general description of the workpiece conveying device 10 is provided. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the workpiece conveying device 10 is disposed within the inspection chamber 2, which is divided into a frame 1. Below the inspection chamber 2, there are multiple storage boxes 6 for storing the workpieces W discharged from the workpiece conveying device 10 according to their various properties. The storage boxes 6 are placed on the shelves 6a of the frame 1.

[0031] Additionally, a control room 8 is provided on the frame 1 adjacent to the inspection room 2, and a control unit 8A (see reference) is housed in the control room 8. Figure 7 ).

[0032] Next, the workpiece conveying device 10 installed in the inspection chamber 2 will be described.

[0033] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the workpiece conveying device 10 conveys a workpiece W (see reference) that includes temperature-sensitive electronic components such as thermistors. Figures 8A to 8D While performing an electrical inspection on the workpiece W, based on the results of the electrical inspection, it is discharged and stored in the storage box 6 according to its various electrical properties.

[0034] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, such a workpiece conveying device 10 includes: a base 21 (see reference 10). Figure 6 and Figure 7 The workpiece assembly includes an opening 21a and a frame 1 supported horizontally within the inspection chamber 2; an indexing table 20 rotatably mounted on the base 21, having multiple pockets 20a on its outer periphery for receiving workpieces W; an electrical inspection unit 73 disposed on the outer periphery of the indexing table 20 for performing electrical inspection on the workpieces W within the pockets 20a; and a workpiece discharge unit 52A disposed on the outer periphery of the indexing table 20 for discharging the workpieces W from the pockets 20a. The indexing table 20 is rotated by an indexing table drive unit 30 extending through the opening 21a of the base 21. A workpiece detection unit 60 for detecting the presence or absence of workpieces W is provided at a position corresponding to the workpiece discharge unit 52A.

[0035] The workpiece detection unit 60, which detects the presence or absence of workpiece W, is provided for each workpiece discharge unit 52A disposed on the outer periphery of the indexing table 20.

[0036] In this embodiment, the workpieces W inspected by the electrical inspection unit 73 are, for example, distinguished according to a performance of 8 differentiation degrees. The workpieces W distinguished according to the 8 differentiation degrees are collected from the workpiece discharge units 52A, which are set at 8 positions according to the 8 differentiation degrees, through the pipe 80 into the storage boxes 6 at 8 positions corresponding to each workpiece discharge unit 52A. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the workpieces W are distinguished according to a performance of 8 differentiation degrees, but it is not limited to this. The workpieces may also be distinguished according to a performance of 6 differentiation degrees, or even according to a performance of 12 differentiation degrees.

[0037] Furthermore, the workpiece detection unit 60 is provided for each of the eight workpiece discharge units 52A as described above. Each workpiece detection unit 60 has a light projection unit 70 and a pair of light-receiving sensors 61 and 62 that receive light from the light projection unit 70. Moreover, the light receiving unit 60A is composed of a pair of light-receiving sensors 61 and 62 (see...). Figure 8D ).

[0038] Furthermore, in the pair of light-receiving sensors 61 and 62 of the light-receiving unit 60A, one light-receiving sensor 61 is located inside the radial direction of the outer edge 20B of the indexing table 20, and the other light-receiving sensor 62 is located outside the radial direction of the outer edge 20B of the indexing table 20.

[0039] That is, the indexing table 20 is formed in a circular shape, and a plurality of pockets 20a for receiving the workpiece W are formed on its outer periphery. A disc-shaped outer peripheral cover 50 is disposed on the outer periphery of the indexing table 20 with a gap between it and the indexing table 20. The outer peripheral cover 50 is disposed on the base 21 (see reference). Figure 4 and Figure 5 Furthermore, the outer peripheral cover 50 is used to prevent the workpiece W inside the pocket 20a of the indexing table 20 from flying outward in the radial direction.

[0040] In addition, since the indexing table 20 is circular, its outer edge 20B is also circular, and the outer edge 20B of the indexing table 20 forms the boundary between the indexing table 20 and the outer peripheral cover 50.

[0041] Furthermore, as described above, in the pair of light-receiving sensors 61 and 62 of the light-receiving unit 60A, one light-receiving sensor 61 is located inside the outer edge of the indexing table 20, and the other light-receiving sensor 62 is located outside the outer edge 20B of the indexing table 20 (see reference). Figure 8D ).

[0042] Next, through Figure 4 and Figure 5 The workpiece discharge section 52A, which discharges workpieces W from the pockets 20a of the indexing table 20 according to their performance categories, will be described. For example... Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, a suction hole 53 for attracting workpiece W is provided on the base 21, and a discharge hole 52 for discharging workpiece W from the pocket 20a is provided on the outer peripheral cover 50 provided on the outer periphery of the indexing table 20 at a position corresponding to the suction hole 53. Moreover, the suction hole 53 provided on the base 21 and the discharge hole 52 provided on the outer peripheral cover 50 constitute a workpiece discharge section 52A for discharging workpiece W from the pocket 20a of the indexing table 20.

[0043] Upstream of the workpiece conveying device 10, which is constructed in this manner, are provided a hopper 11 for feeding multiple workpieces W, a parts feeder 12 for arranging the workpieces W fed from the hopper 11 in a neat and uniform orientation, and a linear feeder 15 (see reference) for receiving the neatly arranged workpieces W from the parts feeder 12 and conveying them in a single-row configuration. Figures 1 to 3 Additionally, a separation supply unit 16 is provided between the linear feeder 15 and the indexing table 20. This separation supply unit 16 has the function of transferring the workpiece W from the linear feeder 15 to the pocket 20a of the indexing table 20.

[0044] Next, the indexing table drive unit 30 that drives the indexing table 20 will be described. For example... Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the indexing table drive unit 30 extends upward through the opening 21a of the base 21. Furthermore, the indexing table drive unit 30 causes the indexing table 20 to rotate intermittently about the rotation axis 20A in the horizontal direction.

[0045] The indexing table drive unit 30 has a cylindrical drive unit body 31 extending in the vertical direction, and a drive shaft 35 disposed in the drive unit body 31 and connected to the indexing table 20. Moreover, the upper end 31a of the drive unit body 31 is housed in the opening 21a of the base 21 when viewed from above, so the upper end 31a of the drive unit body 31 does not contact the base 21.

[0046] The workpiece W inside the pocket 20a of the indexing table 20 slides on the base 21 as the indexing table 20 rotates. In this case, the drive shaft 35 of the indexing table drive unit 30 is connected to the drive motor 42 and driven as described later, and the indexing table drive unit 30 as a whole is heated and subjected to vibration. In addition, an encoder 41 is connected to the drive motor 42.

[0047] In this embodiment, since the upper end 31a of the drive unit body 31 does not contact the base 21, even if the drive unit body 31 is heated or vibrates, the heat or vibration will not be transmitted to the base 21. Thus, the heat or vibration is not transmitted to the workpiece W sliding on the base 21, and therefore, electrical inspection of the workpiece W can be performed with high precision.

[0048] It should be noted that in this embodiment, "above," "upper part," "lower part," and "lower part" refer to the indexing worktable 20 of the workpiece conveying device 10 according to... Figure 7 The "above", "upper", "lower", and "lower" positions are configured as shown.

[0049] In addition, such as Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the base 21 of the workpiece conveying device 10 is provided on the frame 1 inside the inspection chamber 2. That is, the base 21 is mounted on a fixed plate 45, which is fixed to the frame 1 and arranged in the horizontal direction, via a support column (first support body) 46. In addition, the indexing table drive unit 30 is mounted on the fixed plate 45 via a support column (second support body) 47. In this way, the base 21 and the indexing table drive unit 30 are independently fixed to each other in the frame 1 via separate supports 46 and 47. In addition, the indexing table 20 on the base 21 is arranged slightly upwardly separated from the base 21, and the upper end 31a of the drive unit body 31 of the indexing table drive unit 30 is also separated from the base 21 in the horizontal direction (see reference). Figure 7 ).

[0050] Therefore, the heat and vibration generated in the indexing table drive unit 30 will not be transmitted to the base 21 side, enabling high-precision electrical inspection of the workpiece W sliding on the base 21.

[0051] In addition, such as Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the drive unit body 31 of the indexing table drive unit 30 is mounted on the fixed plate 45 via the support column 47, and the drive shaft 35 installed in the drive unit body 31 is connected to the drive motor 42 and rotates intermittently.

[0052] In this embodiment, the drive shaft 35 is rotatably supported on the drive unit body 31 via a lifting bearing 32. In this case, a first bearing 36 and a second bearing 37 are sandwiched between the drive shaft 35 and the lifting bearing 32, and the lifting bearing 32 can move freely up and down within the drive unit body 31. Furthermore, an eccentric pin 33a is provided that passes through the drive unit body 31 and the lifting bearing 32 in the horizontal direction. By rotating this eccentric pin 33a, the lifting bearing 32 moves up and down relative to the drive unit body 31. Moreover, along with the movement of the lifting bearing 32, the drive shaft 35, rotatably supported within the lifting bearing 32, and the indexing table 20 connected to the drive shaft 35 also move up and down in the vertical direction. This allows adjustment of the gap between the base 21 and the indexing table 20.

[0053] After adjusting the gap between the base 21 and the indexing table 20, the drive unit body 31 and the lifting bearing 32 can be fixed by tightening the locking screws 33b installed on the drive unit body 31 (see reference). Figure 7 ).

[0054] It should be explained that, for example Figure 7 As shown, the indexing table 20 is fixed to the upper part 35a of the drive shaft 35 by a stop bolt 48. Furthermore, a brake pin 39 is installed within the lifting bearing 32, abutting against the lower surface of the upper part 35a of the drive shaft 35. Specifically, the brake pin 39 is installed within the lifting bearing 32 via a spring 38 and extends vertically within the lifting bearing 32. The brake pin 39 is subjected to upward force by the spring 38 and contacts the lower surface of the upper part 35a of the drive shaft 35. Therefore, the brake pin 39 can continuously apply braking to the lower surface of the upper part 35a of the drive shaft 35. Thus, when the drive shaft 35 rotates to drive the indexing table 20, it is possible to prevent the drive shaft 35 from rotating due to inertia. Therefore, while applying braking to the drive shaft 35 using the brake pin 39, the indexing table 20 can be reliably and accurately rotated intermittently via the drive shaft 35.

[0055] It should be noted that, Figure 7 In the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of brake pins 39, for example eight, are arranged at predetermined intervals along the circumferential direction on the outer periphery of the drive shaft 35, and the brake pins 39 are arranged in a vertically extending manner. However, the number of brake pins 39 is not limited to eight, but can be set to any number from one to twelve, and even any number of more than twelve brake pins 39 can be provided. In addition, as long as it has the function of abutting against the drive shaft 35 and applying brakes to the drive shaft 35, a plurality of brake pins 39 extending in the horizontal direction and abutting against the side of the drive shaft 35 can be provided instead of brake pins 39 extending in the vertically extending direction. In this case, the plurality of brake pins 39 can also be arranged radially with the drive shaft 35 as the center when viewed from above.

[0056] In addition, such as Figures 1 to 3As shown, if the workpiece W conveyed from the linear feeder 15 is received into the pocket 20a of the indexing table 20 from the separation supply unit 16, the workpiece W is conveyed along the base 21 as the indexing table 20 rotates intermittently in the direction of arrow L in the clockwise direction. Initially, the presence or absence of the workpiece W in the pocket 20a is detected by the initial detection unit 72. Specifically, the initial detection unit 72 detects whether the workpiece W has entered a predetermined position in the pocket 20a. Then, the electrical inspection unit 73 checks the electrical characteristics of the workpiece W in the pocket 20a. Subsequently, based on the results of its electrical performance inspection, the workpiece W is received from the workpiece discharge unit 52A at eight positions via the pipe 80 into the storage box 6. In this embodiment, an example of rotating the indexing table 20 in the clockwise direction is shown, but it is not limited to this; the indexing table 20 can also be rotated in the counterclockwise direction.

[0057] It should be noted that the inspection chamber 2, located within frame 1, is a sealed space. The temperature within the inspection chamber 2 is maintained constant using a temperature control device 5 mounted on shelf 5a of frame 1 and temperature control piping (not shown) connecting the temperature control device 5 to the inspection chamber 2. Figure 1 and Figure 2 For convenience, inspection room 2 is presented in an open manner.

[0058] Next, the function of this embodiment, which is configured in this way, will be explained.

[0059] First, the temperature inside the examination chamber 2 is kept constant by the temperature control device 5.

[0060] Next, the workpieces W fed from the hopper 11 into the parts feeder 12 are neatly arranged in the parts feeder 12 with a uniform orientation. The neatly arranged workpieces W in the parts feeder 12 are conveyed in a single row by the linear feeder 15 and transferred from the separate supply section 16 into the pocket 20a of the indexing table 20.

[0061] During the transfer of workpiece W into the pocket 20a of the indexing table 20, the indexing table 20 stops. Then, if workpiece W is transferred into the pocket 20a of the indexing table 20, the indexing table 20 rotates in the direction of arrow L, and the workpiece W housed in the pocket 20a of the indexing table 20 is conveyed while sliding on the base 21. Next, the indexing table 20 stops, and initially, the initial detection unit 72 detects whether workpiece W is in the pocket 20a.

[0062] Next, the indexing table 20 rotates again in the direction of arrow L. If the workpiece W in the pocket 20a reaches the electrical inspection unit 73, the indexing table 20 stops, and the electrical inspection unit 73 performs an electrical inspection on the workpiece W in the pocket 20a.

[0063] The inspection results from the electrical inspection unit 73 are sent to the control unit 8A. Based on the inspection results of the workpiece W detected by the electrical inspection unit 73, the control unit 8A classifies the workpiece W according to multiple, for example, eight, performance levels, and discharges the workpiece W from the pockets 20a of the indexing table 20 outward from the workpiece discharge section 52A corresponding to the performance levels of the eight levels. Afterward, the workpiece W discharged outward from the workpiece discharge section 52A is transported via pipe 80 to the storage box 6 corresponding to each workpiece discharge section 52A.

[0064] Next, use Figure 10 The flowchart shown details the function of the workpiece conveying device 10 during this period.

[0065] First, the indexing table 20 rotates to transport the workpiece W, including temperature-sensitive electronic components such as thermistors, into the pocket 20a.

[0066] Next, the workpiece W inside the pocket 20a arrives at the electrical inspection unit 73 for electrical inspection.

[0067] As described above, the inspection results based on the electrical inspection of the electrical inspection unit 73 are sent to the control unit 8A, and the control unit 8A determines the workpiece discharge unit 52A according to the performance category based on the inspection results.

[0068] Next, if the indexing table 20 rotates and the workpiece W housed in the pocket 20a arrives at the workpiece discharge section 52A determined by the control unit 8A, the indexing table 20 stops rotating. Then, light is projected from the light projection section 70 of the workpiece detection unit 60 towards the pocket 20a side, and the light from the light projection section 70 is directed towards a pair of light-receiving sensors 61 and 62 of the light receiving section 60A. In this embodiment, the light projection section 70 is positioned above, and the light receiving section 60A is positioned below. However, this is not a limitation; the light projection section 70 may also be positioned below, and the light receiving section 60A above.

[0069] Next, the control unit 8A determines the position state of the workpiece W based on the detection results from a pair of light-receiving sensors 61 and 62.

[0070] Specifically, consider, for example, a third specific workpiece discharge section 52A1 from the upstream side. In this specific workpiece discharge section 52A1, such as... Figures 8A to 8D and Figure 9 As shown, the control unit 8A determines the position state of the workpiece W as described below.

[0071] First, based on the inspection results from the electrical inspection unit 73, the control unit 8A determines whether the workpiece discharge unit 52A1 is any of the following workpiece discharge units: that is, the control unit 8A determines whether the workpiece discharge unit 52A1 is one of "should be discharged before this workpiece discharge unit", "should be discharged by this workpiece discharge unit", or "should be discharged after this workpiece discharge unit".

[0072] Next, if the control unit 8A determines that the workpiece discharge section 52A1 is a "workpiece discharge section that should be discharged before the workpiece discharge section", the control unit 8A determines whether the position status of the workpiece W in the pocket 20a of the indexing table 20 is normal (OK) or abnormal (NG) based on the signals from the light sensor 61 on the inside and the light sensor 62 on the outside.

[0073] In this embodiment, the control unit 8A has four pre-built modes: a mode in which the inner light sensor 61 and the outer light sensor 62 are blocked by the workpiece W (see reference). Figure 8A The inner light sensor 61 is blocked by the workpiece W, but the outer light sensor 62 is illuminated (see reference). Figure 8B The pattern in which the inner light sensor 61 is illuminated while the outer light sensor 62 is blocked (see reference). Figure 8C The pattern of light emission for the inner light sensor 61 and the outer light sensor 62 (refer to...) Figure 8D ).

[0074] In this case, Figure 8A The pattern shown illustrates the position of the workpiece W within the pocket 20a across the outer edge 20B of the indexing table 20. Figure 8A In the illustrated configuration, rotating the indexing table 20 in this state will cause damage to either the indexing table 20 or the workpiece W. Additionally, Figure 8B The pattern shown illustrates the position where workpiece W is fully contained within pocket 20a. Figure 8B In the mode shown, the indexing table 20 can be rotated in this state. Furthermore, Figure 8C The pattern shown illustrates the position where the workpiece W within the pocket 20a, although having passed the outer edge 20B of the indexing table 20, has not been discharged from the workpiece discharge section 52A1 to the outside. Figure 8C In the mode shown, if the indexing table 20 is rotated in this state, it will cause damage to the indexing table 20 or the workpiece W.

[0075] also, Figure 8D The pattern shown illustrates the position where the workpiece W within the pocket 20a is completely discharged to the outside from the workpiece discharge section 52A1. Figure 8D In the mode shown, the indexing table 20 can be rotated in this state.

[0076] When the control unit 8A determines, as described above, based on the inspection result from the electrical inspection unit 73, that the workpiece discharge unit 52A1 is a "workpiece discharge unit that should be discharged before this workpiece discharge unit", it illuminates both the inner light sensor 61 and the outer light sensor 62 based on signals from the light sensor 61 and the outer light sensor 62 (see [reference]). Figure 8D If the position is determined to be normal, then all other positions will be closed. Figures 8A to 8C The pattern shown indicates an abnormal location status.

[0077] Similarly, when the control unit 8A determines, based on the inspection results from the electrical inspection unit 73, that the workpiece discharge unit 52A1 is a "workpiece discharge unit that should be discharged by this workpiece discharge unit", it sets the mode in which the inner light sensor 61 is blocked and the outer light sensor 62 is illuminated (see reference). Figure 8B If the position is determined to be normal, then all other positions will be closed. Figure 8A , Figures 8C to 8D The pattern shown indicates an abnormal location status.

[0078] Similarly, when the control unit 8A determines, based on the inspection results from the electrical inspection unit 73, that the workpiece discharge unit 52A1 is a "workpiece discharge unit that should be discharged after this workpiece discharge unit", it sets the mode in which the inner light sensor 61 is blocked and the outer light sensor 62 is illuminated (see reference). Figure 8B If the position is determined to be normal, then all other positions will be closed. Figure 8A , Figures 8C to 8D The pattern shown indicates an abnormal location status.

[0079] As described above, before the discharge action, the light sensor 62 on the outside is shielded from light. Figure 8A In the case shown, if the workpiece W is determined to be located at a position spanning the outer edge 20B of the indexing table 20, the indexing table 20 will not be rotated in any of the following situations: "it should be discharged before the workpiece discharge section", "it should be discharged from the workpiece discharge section", or "it should be discharged after the workpiece discharge section".

[0080] Additionally, the light sensor 62 on the outside is shielded from light before the discharge action. Figure 8C In the illustrated configuration, if it is determined that workpiece W is located at a position where it has passed the outer edge 20B of the indexing table 20 but has not been discharged from the workpiece discharge section 52A1, the indexing table 20 will not rotate in any of the following situations: "it should be discharged before the workpiece discharge section," "it should be discharged from the workpiece discharge section," or "it should be discharged after the workpiece discharge section." That is, if the light sensor 62 on the outer side is blocked before the discharge operation, it is determined that... Figure 8AThe pattern shown or Figure 8C One of the modes shown will be used without rotating the indexing table 20. Therefore, for example, the indexing table 20 will not be mistakenly rotated when the workpiece W is crossing the outer edge 20B.

[0081] After determining whether the position status of the workpiece W is normal as described above, the control unit 8A determines that the entire device is abnormal and stops it if the position status is abnormal.

[0082] On the other hand, when the control unit 8A determines that the position of the workpiece W is normal and determines that the workpiece discharge unit 52A1 is "the workpiece discharge unit that should be discharged by the workpiece discharge unit", the workpiece discharge unit 52A1 is activated and the workpiece W in the pocket 20a is discharged outward from the workpiece discharge unit 52A1.

[0083] Next, based on the signals from the light sensor 61 on the inside and the light sensor 62 on the outside, the control unit 8A determines again whether the position status of the workpiece W in the pocket 20a of the indexing table 20 is normal (OK) or abnormal (NG).

[0084] In this case, if the control unit 8A determines, based on the inspection result from the electrical inspection unit 73, that the workpiece discharge unit 52A1 is a "workpiece discharge unit that should be discharged before this workpiece discharge unit", it illuminates both the inner light sensor 61 and the outer light sensor 62 based on the signals from the inner light sensor 61 and the outer light sensor 62 (see reference). Figure 8D If the position is determined to be normal, then all other positions will be closed. Figures 8A to 8C The pattern shown indicates an abnormal location status.

[0085] Similarly, when the control unit 8A determines, based on the inspection results from the electrical inspection unit 73, that the workpiece discharge unit 52A1 is a "workpiece discharge unit that should be discharged by this workpiece discharge unit", it illuminates both the inner light sensor 61 and the outer light sensor 62 based on the signals from the inner light sensor 61 and the outer light sensor 62 (see reference). Figure 8D The position is determined to be normal. Figures 8A to 8C The pattern shown indicates an abnormal location status.

[0086] Similarly, when the control unit 8A determines, based on the inspection results from the electrical inspection unit 73, that the workpiece discharge unit 52A1 is "the workpiece discharge unit that should be discharged after this workpiece discharge unit", it sets the mode where the inner light sensor 61 is blocked and the outer light sensor 62 is illuminated based on the signals from the inner light sensor 61 and the outer light sensor 62 (see reference). Figure 8B The position is determined to be normal. Figure 8A , Figures 8C to 8D The pattern shown indicates an abnormal location status.

[0087] As described above, after the discharge action, the light sensor 62 on the outside is blocked from light. Figure 8A In the case shown, if the workpiece W is determined to be located at a position spanning the outer edge 20B of the indexing table 20, the indexing table 20 will not be rotated in any of the following situations: "it should be discharged before the workpiece discharge section", "it should be discharged from the workpiece discharge section", or "it should be discharged after the workpiece discharge section".

[0088] Additionally, after the discharge action, the outer light sensor 62 is shielded from light. Figure 8C In the illustrated configuration, if it is determined that workpiece W is located at a position where it has passed the outer edge 20B of the indexing table 20 but has not been discharged from the workpiece discharge section 52A1, the indexing table 20 will not rotate in any of the following situations: "it should be discharged before the workpiece discharge section," "it should be discharged from the workpiece discharge section," or "it should be discharged after the workpiece discharge section." That is, if the light sensor 62 on the outer side is blocked after the discharge action, it is determined that... Figure 8A The pattern shown or Figure 8C One of the modes shown will be used without rotating the indexing table 20. Therefore, for example, the indexing table 20 will not be mistakenly rotated when the workpiece W is crossing the outer edge 20B.

[0089] After determining whether the position status of the workpiece W is normal as described above, the control unit 8A determines that the entire device is abnormal and stops it if the position status is abnormal.

[0090] On the other hand, if the control unit 8A determines that the position of the workpiece W is normal, it determines that the workpiece W in the pocket 20a has been correctly discharged. At this time, the control unit 8A restarts the rotation of the indexing table 20, and the workpiece W in the pocket 20a moves to the next workpiece discharge unit 52A, repeating the same operation as described above.

[0091] As described above, according to this embodiment, the workpiece detection unit 60, located at a position corresponding to the workpiece discharge section 52A, has a pair of light-receiving sensors 61 and 62. One light-receiving sensor 61 is located inside the outer edge 20B of the indexing table 20 in the radial direction, and the other light-receiving sensor 62 is located outside the outer edge 20B of the indexing table 20 in the radial direction. Therefore, based on the signals from the pair of light-receiving sensors 61 and 62, the control unit 8A can easily and reliably and accurately determine the position state of the workpiece W in the pocket 20a of the indexing table 20. Therefore, there is no situation where, for example, even if the workpiece W flies out of the pocket 20a and crosses the outer edge 20B of the indexing table 20, it is still judged as if the workpiece W in the pocket 20a has been discharged from the workpiece discharge section 52A, and the indexing table 20 is mistakenly rotated, thereby causing damage to the indexing table 20 or the workpiece W. Therefore, for example, compared to the case where the workpiece detection unit 60 only has a light-receiving device located on the radial side inside the outer edge 20B of the indexing table 20, and the position state of the workpiece W is detected only based on the light blocking and light projection of the light-receiving sensor on the inner side, the position of the workpiece W in the pocket 20a of the indexing table 20 can be detected accurately and reliably.

[0092] Additionally, the light sensor 62 on the outer side is shielded from light before and after the discharge action. Figure 8A In the case shown, if the workpiece W is determined to be located at a position spanning the outer edge 20B of the indexing table 20, the indexing table 20 will not be rotated in any of the following situations: "it should be discharged before the workpiece discharge section", "it should be discharged from the workpiece discharge section", or "it should be discharged after the workpiece discharge section".

[0093] In addition, the light sensor 62 on the outside is blocked from light before and after the discharge action. Figure 8C In the illustrated configuration, if the workpiece W is determined to be located at a position where it has passed the outer edge 20B of the indexing table 20 but has not been discharged from the workpiece discharge section 52A1, the indexing table 20 will not rotate in any of the following situations: "it should be discharged before the workpiece discharge section," "it should be discharged from the workpiece discharge section," or "it should be discharged after the workpiece discharge section." That is, in both the case before and after the discharge operation, if the outer light sensor 62 is blocked, it is determined that... Figure 8A The pattern shown or Figure 8C One of the modes shown will be used without rotating the indexing table 20. In this way, the situation where the outer light sensor 62 is blocked is immediately determined to be an abnormal position of the workpiece. Therefore, the indexing table 20 will not be mistakenly rotated when, for example, the workpiece W crosses the outer edge 20B.

[0094] Furthermore, regarding a specific workpiece discharge section 52A1, the control unit 8A determines whether the workpiece discharge section 52A1 is a "workpiece discharge section that should be discharged before this workpiece discharge section", "workpiece discharge section that should be discharged by this workpiece discharge section", or "workpiece discharge section that should be discharged after this workpiece discharge section". Using four modes predetermined for each condition, the position state of the workpiece W in the pocket 20a can be easily and reliably determined in a non-error-prone manner simply by judging which mode the signal from a pair of light-receiving sensors 61, 62 matches.

[0095] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the indexing table 20 is mounted on the fixed plate 45 via the support column 46, and the indexing table drive unit 30 is mounted on the fixed plate 45 entirely via the support column 47. Therefore, the base 21 and the indexing table drive unit 30 are independently fixed within the frame 1. In addition, the indexing table 20 on the base 21 is arranged upwards and separated from the base 21, and the upper end 31a of the drive unit body 31 of the indexing table drive unit 30 is also separated from the base 21.

[0096] Therefore, the heat and vibration generated by the indexing table drive unit 30 are not transmitted to the base 21. Thus, the electrical inspection unit 73 can perform high-precision electrical inspections on workpieces W, especially temperature-sensitive thermistors. Furthermore, an eccentric pin 33a is provided through the drive unit body 31 and the lifting bearing 32; by rotating this eccentric pin 33a, the lifting bearing 32 can be raised and lowered in the vertical direction. This allows the drive shaft 35, rotatably supported within the lifting bearing 32, and the indexing table 20 to be raised and lowered in the vertical direction, with a gap provided between the base 21 and the indexing table 20, and this gap can be adjusted.

[0097] Therefore, the heat and vibration transmitted from the indexing table drive unit 30 to the indexing table 20 will not be transmitted to the base 21 and will not hinder the electrical inspection of the workpiece W on the base 21.

[0098] In addition, the workpiece conveying device 10 is housed in the inspection chamber 2, which is kept at a constant temperature by the temperature control device 5, so that the temperature-sensitive workpiece W can be inspected with high precision by the electrical inspection unit 73.

[0099] It should be noted that the workpiece detection unit 60, located at a position corresponding to the workpiece discharge section 52A, detects the position of the workpiece W both before and after workpiece discharge. Therefore, before workpiece discharge, it is possible to know in advance, for example, the state in which the workpiece W falls out of the pocket 20a of the indexing table 20 during its rotation.

[0100] Furthermore, the brake pin 39 is mounted within the lifting bearing 32 via the spring 38 and extends vertically within the lifting bearing 32. The brake pin 39 is also subjected to upward force by the spring 38, contacting the lower surface of the upper portion 35a of the drive shaft 35. Therefore, the brake pin 39 can continuously apply braking to the lower surface of the upper portion 35a of the drive shaft 35. Thus, when the drive shaft 35 rotates to drive the indexing table 20, the drive shaft 35 will not rotate due to inertia. Therefore, while applying braking to the drive shaft 35 using the brake pin 39, the indexing table 20 can be reliably and accurately rotated intermittently via the drive shaft 35.

Claims

1. A workpiece conveying device, characterized in that, have: The base has an opening; The indexing worktable is rotatably mounted on the base and has pockets on its outer periphery for receiving workpieces. An electrical inspection unit is disposed on the outer periphery of the indexing worktable and performs electrical inspection on the workpiece in the pocket. A workpiece discharge section is disposed on the outer periphery of the indexing table to discharge the workpiece from the pocket. The indexing table drive unit extends through the opening in the base and drives the indexing table to rotate. A workpiece detection unit, positioned corresponding to the workpiece discharge unit, detects the presence or absence of the workpiece; and Control Department The workpiece detection unit has a pair of light sensors, one of which is located inside the outer edge of the indexing table in the radial direction, and the other is located outside the outer edge of the indexing table in the radial direction. Based on the signal from the other light sensor, if the other light sensor is blocked, the control unit determines that the workpiece in the pocket crosses the outer edge of the indexing table, or that the workpiece in the pocket crosses the outer edge of the indexing table but is not discharged from the workpiece discharge part, and therefore does not cause the indexing table drive unit to rotate.

2. The workpiece conveying device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The indexing table drive unit has a drive unit body and a drive shaft, the drive shaft being disposed within the drive unit body and connected to the indexing table. When viewed from above, the upper end of the drive unit body is retracted into the opening of the base, and the upper end of the drive unit body does not contact the base.

3. The workpiece conveying device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The indexing table drive and the base are independently supported by different support bodies.

4. The workpiece conveying device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The drive shaft is supported on the drive unit body via a lifting bearing. The drive shaft and the lifting bearing can move vertically relative to the drive unit body by rotating an eccentric pin that passes through the drive unit body and the lifting bearing.

5. The workpiece conveying device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The indexing table drive unit has a drive unit body and a drive shaft. The drive shaft is disposed within the drive unit body and connected to the indexing table. The drive shaft is supported on the drive unit body via a lifting bearing. A brake pin is provided on the lifting bearing, and the brake pin contacts the indexing table drive unit to inhibit the rotation of the indexing table.

6. A workpiece inspection system, characterized in that, have: The workpiece conveying device according to claim 1; and The inspection chamber surrounding the workpiece conveying device, The workpiece inspection system is equipped with a temperature adjustment device to adjust the temperature of the inspection chamber.

Images