Method for transporting elements and conveying device

Abstract

A method for transporting a plurality of plate-like elements (500; 500B; 500C; 500D; 500E; 500F) each containing a magnetic material, comprising: a first step of placing one of the plate-like elements on an endless belt (100; 100B, 100C; 100D; 100E; 100F); and a second step of releasing the one of the plate-like elements placed in the first step from a portion of the endless belt (100; 100B, 100C; 100D; 100E; 100F) which is moved along a roller (200, 210) and folded back, wherein: the first step and the second step are repeated, the endless belt (100; 100B, 100C; 100D; 100E; 100F) comprises a first magnetic force generating section (101A; 101B; 101C; 101D; 101E; 101F) configured to generate a first magnetic force, characterized in that the endless belt (100; 100B, 100C; 100D; 100E; 100F) further comprises a second magnetic force generating section (102A; 102B; 102C; 102D; 102E; 102F) configured to generate a second magnetic force that is stronger than the first magnetic force, and wherein in the first step, one of the plate-like elements is placed on the endless belt such that a first portion (501; 501B; 501C; 501D; 501E; 501F) of the plate-like element containing the magnetic material is arranged in the first magnetic force generating portion, and a second portion (502; 502B; 502C; 502D; 502E; 502F) of the plate-like element containing the magnetic material and arranged behind the first portion as viewed in a transport direction of the plate-like element is arranged in the second magnetic force generating portion.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

[0001] The invention relates to a method for transporting elements and a conveying device. 2. Description of the state of the art

[0002] As a method for transporting elements made of a magnetic material, a method for transporting the elements is known in which a plurality of electromagnets connected to a conveyor belt attract the magnetic material. In one example of this method, the electric current supplied to the electromagnets is controlled so that the force with which the magnetic material is attracted to the electromagnets is controlled. The power supply to the electromagnets is stopped at a point above a certain collecting unit, so that the force with which the magnetic material is attracted to the electromagnets is canceled and the magnetic elements fall to the collecting unit.According to a method for transporting magnetic elements as presented in Japanese patent application JP 2005-179031 A, the adjustment for driving a conveyor system is automatically carried out based on data concerning the length of each magnetic element and the position at which the magnetic element is transferred from a device of the previous step, in order to adjust the timing for turning on and off the electromagnets, thereby making it possible to intermittently transport magnetic elements of various sizes.Methods for transporting one of plate-like elements, each containing a magnetic material, comprising a first step of placing one of the plate-like elements on an endless belt and a second step of releasing the one of the plate-like elements placed in the first step from a portion of the endless belt which is moved along a roller and folded back or deflected back, wherein the first step and the second step are repeated and the endless belt comprises a magnetic force generating portion configured to generate a magnetic force, are known from DE 100 08 832 A1, DE 196 36 086 A1 and US 7 281 710 B2. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The inventors investigated a method for transporting a plurality of magnetic bodies using a belt conveyor or belt conveyor having an endless belt circulating around two rotating rollers or rolls. When the belt, reaching one of the rollers, is folded back along the roller, the magnetic bodies attracted to the belt by electromagnets are released from the belt due to inertial force. The magnetic body released from the belt abuts against a member prepared in advance in the running direction to which the magnetic body can abut, and then falls downward. In this transport method, when the rollers or rolls are rotated at high speed, a front end of the magnetic body released from the belt, which is moving at high speed, can be brought into contact with a rear end of another magnetic body previously released from the belt.Depending on the shape of the magnetic bodies, the touching magnetic bodies can become entangled.

[0004] This invention may be embodied in the following forms. (1) According to one aspect of the invention, a method for transporting a plurality of plate-like members each containing a magnetic material is proposed. The method for transporting the plate-like members includes a first step of placing one of the plate-like members on an endless belt, and a second step of releasing the one of the plate-like members placed in the first step from a portion of the endless belt, which is moved along a roller, and folded back, and the first step and the second step are repeated. The endless belt includes a first magnetic force generating portion configured to generate a first magnetic force and a second magnetic force generating portion configured to generate a second magnetic force stronger than the first magnetic force.In the first step, one of the plate-like members is placed on the endless belt such that a first portion of the plate-like member containing the magnetic material is disposed in the first magnetic force generating portion, and a second portion of the plate-like member containing the magnetic material and disposed behind the first portion in a conveying direction of the plate-like member is disposed in the second magnetic force generating portion. In this aspect, the force with which the second portion attracts the endless belt is greater than that of the first portion. Therefore, the position of the second portion on the roller or roll at which the second portion is released from the endless belt when the endless belt is moved and folded back along the roll shifts in the moving direction of the endless belt from the position on the roll at which the first portion is released from the endless belt.As a result, the plate-like element released from the endless belt flies in a position that deviates from a position parallel to the direction of flight. This creates a gap in a direction perpendicular to the direction of flight between the second section of the plate-like element previously released from the belt and the first section of another plate-like element subsequently released from the belt. With the gap thus created, it is less likely or improbable that the plate-like element previously released from the belt will come into contact with the plate-like element subsequently released from the belt. (2) In the method according to the above aspect, each of the plate-like members may have a thickness equal to or less than 0.1 mm. In this case, the rigidity of the plate-like member is reduced compared to the case where the thickness is greater than 0.1 mm. As a result, the position of the plate-like member released from the endless belt may effectively deviate from the position parallel to the flight direction. (3) In the method according to the above aspect, the first magnetic force generating portion may extend in a traveling direction of the endless belt, and the second magnetic force generating portion may be arranged on opposite sides of the first magnetic force generating portion and may extend in the traveling direction of the endless belt. Each of the plate-like members may be positioned so that a front end of a portion of the plate-like member containing the magnetic material is included in the first portion as viewed in the conveying direction, and a rear end of a portion of the plate-like member containing the magnetic material is included in the second portion as viewed in the conveying direction. In this case, the position at which the rear end is released from the belt shifts in the traveling direction of the belt from the position at which the front end is released from the belt.As a result, the plate-like element released from the endless belt flies in a position that deviates from the position parallel to the direction of flight. This creates a gap perpendicular to the direction of flight between the rear end of the plate-like element previously released from the belt and the front end of the plate-like element subsequently released from the belt. With the gap thus created, it is less likely or improbable that the plate-like element previously released from the belt will come into contact with the plate-like element subsequently released from the belt. (4) According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a conveyor device that transports a plurality of plate-like members, each containing a magnetic material. The conveyor device includes an endless belt on which the plate-like members are arranged, and a roller around which the endless belt is wound and which is configured to move and fold back the endless belt. The plate-like members are sequentially released from the endless belt as the endless belt moves along the roller. In the conveyor device, the endless belt includes a first magnetic force generating section configured to generate a first magnetic force and a second magnetic force generating section configured to generate a second magnetic force stronger than the first magnetic force.A first portion of each of the plate-like elements containing the magnetic material is arranged in the first magnetic force generating portion, and a second portion of each of the plate-like elements containing the magnetic material and arranged behind the first portion as viewed in a conveying direction of the plate-like elements is arranged in the second magnetic force generating portion. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] The features and advantages as well as the technical and economic significance of exemplary embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals designate like elements, in which: Fig. 1 is a view schematically showing the structure of a conveying device according to a first embodiment; Fig. 2 is a view useful for describing the arrangement of magnets; Fig. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for transporting workpieces; Fig. 4 is a view used to describe the transport of workpieces using an endless belt; Fig. 5 a view used to describe in detail the release of workpieces; Fig. 6 is a view useful in describing a method of transporting workpieces in a comparative example; Fig. Fig. 7 is a view useful in describing a second embodiment; Fig. Fig. 8 is a view useful in describing a third embodiment; Fig. Fig. 9 is a view useful in describing a fourth embodiment; Fig. 10 is a view useful in describing a fifth embodiment; and Fig. 11 is a view useful in describing a sixth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTSConfiguration of the conveyor device 10

[0006] Fig. Figure 1 schematically shows the configuration of a conveyor device 10 of a first embodiment. The conveyor device 10 includes an endless belt 100, a first roller 200, a second roller 210, a roller drive source 220, a holder 300, and a controller 400. Fig. 1, the X-axis represents the movement direction of the endless belt 100 and the conveying direction of workpieces 500, which will be described later, and the Z-axis represents the vertical direction. The negative direction on the Z-axis is the downward direction of the gravitational force. In Fig. In Figure 1, the thickness of the individual workpieces 500 is shown enlarged for better understanding.

[0007] A plurality of workpieces 500 are placed on the endless belt 100. The endless belt 100 is moved in the direction of arrow A along the first roller 200 and the second roller 210 to transport the workpieces 500 to the holder 300. The endless belt 100 includes a plurality of magnets 150. With the magnets 150 thus provided, the endless belt 100 has a magnetic force and can hold the workpieces 500 to a surface of the endless belt 100. The magnetic force of the endless belt 100 will be described later.

[0008] With reference to Fig. 2 the arrangement of the magnets 150 is described. Fig. 2 shows a part of the conveyor device 10, when viewed in the direction of the sketched arrow B in Fig. 1. Each magnet 150 is arranged on the endless belt 100 to hold a corresponding one of the workpieces 500 on the endless belt 100. Each magnet 150 is supplied with an electric current from a power source (not shown) via a corresponding power supply line (not shown) to turn the magnet 150 on and off. The magnetic force thus generated by the magnets 150 upon energization causes the workpieces 500 to adhere to the endless belt 100.

[0009] As in Fig. 2, the magnets 150 are arranged on a surface of the endless belt 100 opposite the surface on which the workpieces 500 are placed. In this embodiment, the magnets 150 are arranged on the surface of the endless belt 100 opposite the surface on which the workpieces 500 are placed, so that the magnets 150 are in contact with the endless belt 100. The magnets 150 include a plurality of magnets of a first type, or first magnets 151, and a plurality of magnets of a second type, or second magnets 152.

[0010] The first magnets of type 151 are arranged in the direction of movement of the endless belt 100. In Fig. 2, the first magnets 151 are connected to each other by a chain (not shown) without a gap in the X-axis direction, so that the magnets 151 are movable in the moving direction of the endless belt 100. The second magnets 152 are located on opposite sides of the first magnets 151 and are arranged in the moving direction of the endless belt 100. The second magnets 152, which are attached to a chain, are connected to each other without a gap in the X-axis direction, so that the magnets 152 are movable in the moving direction of the endless belt 100. Each of the chains attached to the first magnet 151 and the second magnet 152 is looped around the first pulley 200 and the second pulley 210.

[0011] With the magnets 150 positioned in this way, the endless belt 100 can generate a magnetic force to hold the workpieces 500 to the surface of the endless belt 100. A section of the endless belt 100 on which the first magnets 151 are arranged can generate a first magnetic force by means of the first magnets 151 to which current is supplied. The section of the endless belt 100 that can generate the first magnetic force is referred to as the first magnetic force section 101a. The first magnets 151 and the first magnetic force section 101a are collectively referred to as the first magnetic force generating section 101A. Sections of the endless belt 100 on which the second magnets 152 are arranged have a second magnetic force. Each of the sections of the endless belt 100 that have the second magnetic force is referred to as the second magnetic force section 102a.The second magnets 152 and the second magnetic force portion 102a are collectively referred to as the second magnetic force generating portion 102A (see hatched portions in . Fig. 2). The magnetic force of the second magnet 152 is greater than that of the first magnet 151, and the second magnetic force is stronger than the first magnetic force. The magnetic force of the second magnetic force generating section 102A is stronger than the magnetic force that can be generated by the first magnetic force generating section 101A. The first magnetic force generating section 101A extends in the moving direction of the endless belt 100, and the second magnetic force generating sections 102A are located on opposite sides of the first magnetic force generating section 101A and extend in the moving direction of the endless belt 100.

[0012] The first roller 200 is connected to the roller drive source 220 and can therefore rotate (see Fig. 1). In this embodiment, the first roller 200 rotates clockwise and moves the endless belt 100 in the running direction while folding the endless belt 100 back along the first roller 200 to release the workpieces 500 from the endless belt 100 in a repetitive manner. The second roller 210 is not connected to the roller drive source 220 and rotates in accordance with the rotation of the first roller 200. The rotation of the first roller 200 and the second roller 210 moves the chains connecting the magnets 150 and the endless belt 100 in a coordinated manner.

[0013] The roller drive source 220 supplies the first roller 200 with electrical power to rotate the first roller 200. The roller drive source 220 supplies the first roller 200 with electrical energy in response to a command from the controller 400. In this context, a drive source similar to the roller drive source 220 may also be connected to the second roller 210, and the second roller 210 may be rotated by the drive source.

[0014] The holder 300 receives the workpieces 500 that fly off the endless belt 100 according to the method for transporting the workpieces 500 described later, and holds the workpieces 500. The workpieces 500 are stacked on the holder 300. The holder 300 has a receiving section 310 and a stacking section 320. The receiving section 310 is a section that comes into contact with the workpieces 500 when they are released from the endless belt 100. The stacking section 320 is a section onto which the workpieces 500 that have come into contact with the receiving section 310 fall.

[0015] The controller 400 controls the process of transporting the workpieces 500, as described later. The controller 400 controls the rotational speed of the first roller 200 by controlling the electrical power supplied to the first roller 200 from the roller drive source 220. In this embodiment, the speed of movement of the endless belt 100 caused by the rotation of the first roller 200 is 200 m / min. The controller 400 controls the current supplied to each magnet 150 by controlling the power source. The controller 400 generates a command to the power source to make the current supplied to the second magnet 152 greater than the current supplied to the first magnet 151. In this embodiment, during the transport of the workpieces 500, all magnets 150 are supplied with power. Method for transporting workpieces 500

[0016] Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the method for transporting the workpieces 500. In step S100, the workpieces 500 are placed one after another on the endless belt 100, which is moved by the first roller 200 and the second roller 210. In this embodiment, each of the workpieces 500 is a magnetic body made of a ferrous alloy and is a plate-shaped member with a thickness of 0.1 mm.

[0017] With reference to Fig. 4 describes the transport of the workpieces 500 using the endless belt 100. In the lower part of Fig. 4, the workpieces 500 are shown as if they were floating above the endless belt 100, but in fact the workpieces 500 adhere to the endless belt 100 due to the magnetic force of the endless belt 100. The upper area of Fig. Figure 4 is a view of the transport device 10 in the negative direction of the Z-axis. The lower area of Fig. 4 is a view of the conveyor device 10 in the negative direction of the Y-axis. In Fig. 4 the magnets are not shown.

[0018] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, each of the workpieces 500 has a generally semicircular shape with a hollow central portion when viewed in the Z-axis direction in a state where the workpieces 500 are placed on the endless belt 100. In this embodiment, each workpiece 500, which has been cut out by another device (not shown), is placed on the endless belt 100 as indicated by a sketched arrow "C" in Fig. 1 indicated.

[0019] The placement of the workpieces 500 on the endless belt 100 will be described in detail. Each of the workpieces 500 has a first section 501 with a front end as seen in the conveying direction. The front end of the workpiece is referred to as the workpiece front end 510. The workpiece 500 is arranged on the endless belt 100 such that the first section 501 is not located in the second magnetic force generating sections 102A but in the first magnetic force generating section 101A (see Fig. 4). In Fig. 4, the first section 501 of one of the workpieces 500 is represented by a hatched area. The other workpieces 500 are not hatched.

[0020] Each of the workpieces 500 has second sections 502, which have rear ends as viewed in the conveying direction. The rear end of the workpiece is referred to as the workpiece set end 520. In the conveying direction of the workpiece 500, the workpiece 500 is arranged on the endless belt 100 such that the second sections 502 are not located in the first magnetic force generating section 101A, but in the second magnetic force generating sections 102A. Fig. 4, portions other than the hatched area in the above-mentioned one workpiece 500 constitute the second portions 502. When the front ends of the first portion 501 and the second portions 502 in the conveying direction of the workpiece 500 are compared with each other, the workpiece front end 510 as the front end of the first portion 501 is located in front of the front ends 502a of the second portions 502 in the conveying direction. Also, when the rear ends of the first portion 501 and the second portions 502 in the conveying direction of the workpiece 500 are compared with each other, the workpiece share ends 520 as the rear ends of the second portions 502 are located behind a rear end 501b of the first portion 501 in the conveying direction.

[0021] The workpieces 500 are each arranged such that the distance T1 between the workpiece array end 520 of a particular workpiece 500 and the workpiece front end 510 of the next transported workpiece 500 is greater than zero and equal to or less than a dimension L1 of the workpiece 500 measured in the conveying direction.

[0022] In step S200, the endless belt 100 is caused to move in the direction of the arrows A, so that the workpieces 500 are released one after another from the endless belt 100 (see a right section in the lower part of Fig. 4). The workpiece 500 conveyed in the direction of movement of the endless belt 100 is released from the endless belt 100 when the corresponding section of the endless belt 100 is folded back clockwise along the first roller 200.

[0023] In step S300, the controller 400 determines whether a command to end the process for transporting the workpieces 500 has been generated. If the command to end the process for transporting the workpieces 500 has been generated, the process is ended. If the command to end the process for transporting the workpieces 500 has not been generated, control returns to step S100. That is, steps S100 and S200 are repeated until the command to end the process for transporting the workpieces 500 is generated. During this process, a plurality of workpieces 500 are placed on the endless belt 100. Therefore, in the conveyor device 10, steps S100 and S200 are executed in parallel but overlapping with each other with respect to the respective workpieces 500.

[0024] With reference to Fig. 5, the release of the workpieces 500 is described in detail. The manner in which the workpiece front end 510 is released from the endless belt 100 is described using a workpiece 500a as one of the workpieces 500. The manner in which the workpiece share end 520 is released from the endless belt 100 is described using a workpiece 500b as one of the workpieces 500. The workpiece 500b corresponds to a state in which it was carried by the first roller 200 and rotated by an angle θ1 from the position of the workpiece 500a. As shown in Fig. 4, the workpiece 500a is shown for better understanding as if it is floating above the endless belt 100.

[0025] At the moment the workpiece front end 510 is released from the endless belt 100, at a point R in Fig. 5, the workpiece front end 510 moves in a direction tangent to the first roller 200. When the force holding the workpiece front end 510 to the first roller 200 becomes zero, the workpiece front end 510 moves forward in the direction of arrow D as the direction of the tangent to the first roller 200. As described above, the magnetic force of the second magnetic force generating portions 102A is stronger than the magnetic force that can be generated by the first magnetic force generating portion 101A. Therefore, the workpiece blades 520 of the workpiece are supported at the point R in the moving direction of the endless belt 100 while being held against the endless belt 100.

[0026] While the above description focuses on the workpiece front end 510 and the workpiece blade ends 520, the portions of the first section 501 other than the workpiece front end 510 and the portions of the second sections 502 other than the workpiece blade ends 520 are released from the endless belt 100 in the same manner as the workpiece front end 510 and the workpiece blade ends 520. Namely, at point R, the first section 501 located on the first magnetic force generating section 101A is released from the endless belt 100, but the second sections 502 are not released from the endless belt 100. Thus, the workpiece 500 is conveyed from the point R to a point on the endless belt 100 at which the second portions 502 are released from the endless belt 100 in a state where the first portion 501 is detached from the endless belt 100 and the second portions 502 are adhered to the endless belt 100.

[0027] Then, at a point S in Fig. 5, the second sections 502 including the workpiece share ends 520 from the endless belt 100 in a direction of the arrow E in Fig. 5. The position on the first roller 200 at which the second portions 502 are released from the endless belt 100, which is moved along the first roller 200 when folded back, shifts by an angle θ1 in the direction of movement of the endless belt 100 from the position on the first roller 200 at which the first portion 501 is released from the endless belt 100. As a result, the workpiece 500, as typically indicated by the workpiece 500b when completely released from the endless belt 100, flies with a posture that deviates from a posture parallel to the arrow direction D in which the workpiece 500 would fly if the entire workpiece 500 were released from the endless belt 100 at the same location, i.e., at point R.

[0028] With reference to Fig. 6 describes the method of transporting workpieces 500G as a comparison example. Fig. 6 corresponds to Fig. 4. In Fig. 6, the magnets are not shown. The comparative example differs from this embodiment in that all magnets generate the same magnetic force. More specifically, the magnetic force generated by all magnets 150G is the same as the magnetic force of the first magnets 151. The remaining configuration is identical to that of this embodiment. In the comparative example, the endless belt 100G has the first magnetic force at every point.

[0029] Since the endless belt 100G in the comparison example has the same magnetic force at every point, it can be assumed that all sections of the workpiece 500G at point T in Fig. 6 are released from the endless belt 100G. As a result, the workpiece flies 500G, as shown in Fig. 6, with a position that is substantially parallel to a direction of arrow F as the direction of flight. The speed at which the flying workpiece 500G flies is slower than the speed at which the workpiece 500G is transported due to air resistance. Therefore, there is almost no clearance between the workpiece share ends 520G of the workpiece 500G previously released from the endless belt 100 and the workpiece front end 510G of the following workpiece 500G, which is subsequently released from the endless belt 100 (see 550G in Fig. 6) measured in a direction perpendicular to the direction of flight. In this way, the 500G workpieces can be brought into contact with each other in the air and interlock and overlap (see a right section in the upper part of Fig. 6).

[0030] On the other hand, in this embodiment, the workpiece 500 flies with a position that differs from the position parallel to the flight direction (see Fig. 5), as described above. This creates a gap 550 in a direction perpendicular to the direction of flight between the workpiece share ends 520 of the workpiece 500c, which is previously released from the endless belt 100, and the workpiece leading end 510 of another workpiece 500b, which is subsequently released from the endless belt 100. With the gap 550 thus created, it is less likely or improbable that the workpiece 500c, which was previously released from the endless belt 100, will come into contact with the workpiece 500b, which is subsequently released from the endless belt 100.

[0031] As described above, the thickness of the workpiece 500 in this embodiment is 0.1 mm. When the thickness of the workpiece 500 is 0.1 mm, the rigidity of the workpiece 500 is lower than when the thickness is greater than 0.1 mm. Thus, the attitude of the workpiece 500 released from the endless belt 100 can be effectively changed from the attitude parallel to the direction of travel.

[0032] When adjacent workpieces 500 are sufficiently spaced apart, in other words, when the distance between adjacent workpieces 500 is sufficiently large, the workpiece 500 previously released from the endless belt 100 can be placed on the holder 300 before the next workpiece 500 leaves the endless belt 100. However, if the distance between adjacent workpieces 500 of a large number is so large that the adjacent workpieces 500 do not touch each other in midair, the transport of the workpieces 500 would take a very long time. Therefore, it is preferable that the distance between the workpieces 500 be small.In this embodiment using the configuration described above, the distance T1 between the workpiece share end 520 of one workpiece 500 and the workpiece leading end 510 of another workpiece 500 following the one workpiece 500 can be set to be equal to or smaller than the dimension L1 of the workpiece 500 as measured in the conveying direction. Second embodiment

[0033] With reference to Fig. 7 a second embodiment is described. Fig. 7 corresponds to Fig. 4. Fig. 8 to Fig. 11, which will be described later, also correspond Fig. 4. In the first embodiment, the first magnetic force generating portion 101A extends in the moving direction of the endless belt 100, and the second magnetic force generating portions 102A are arranged on opposite sides of the first magnetic force generating portion 101A and extend in the moving direction of the endless belt 100. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the first magnetic force generating portions 101B and the second magnetic force generating portions 102B are alternately arranged in the moving direction of an endless belt 100B, and each of the magnetic force generating portions 101B, 102B extends in a direction perpendicular to the moving direction. The second embodiment also differs from the first embodiment in the areas of the first portion 501B and the second portion 502B of each workpiece 500B and a holder 300B.

[0034] In Fig. 7, the second magnetic force generating sections 102B are represented by hatched portions of the endless belt 100B. The first magnetic force generating sections 101B are represented by the other portions of the endless belt 100B. The strength of the magnetic force of the first magnetic force generating section 101B and that of the second magnetic force generating section 102B are respectively equal to the magnetic force of the first magnetic force generating section 101A and that of the second magnetic force generating section 102A in the first embodiment.

[0035] The workpieces 500B are placed on the endless belt 100B such that the first sections 501B are located in the first magnetic force generating sections 101B. The workpieces 500B are placed on the endless belt 100B such that the second sections 502B are located in the second magnetic force generating sections 102B. Fig. 7, a hatched portion of one of the workpieces 500B represents the first portion 501B. The portions of the workpiece 500B other than the hatched portion are the second portions 502B. In Fig. 7, no hatching is provided on the remaining workpieces 500B. This applies similarly to Fig. 8 to Fig. 11, which will be described later.

[0036] In the second embodiment, when the second portions 502B are released from the endless belt 100B, which is moved along the first roller 200 while folding back, the positions of the second portions 502B on the first roller 200 shift in the moving direction of the endless belt 100B from the position of the first portion 501B on the first roller 200 when the first portion 501B is released from the endless belt 100B, as in the above embodiment. As a result, the workpiece 500B released from the endless belt 100B flies at a posture different from the posture parallel to the flying direction in which the workpiece 500B would fly if the entire workpiece 500B were released from the endless belt 100B at the same location.Thus, a distance 550B is created in a direction perpendicular to the direction of flight between the second portions 502B of the workpiece 500B previously released from the endless belt 100B and the first portion 501B of another workpiece 500B subsequently released from the endless belt 100B. With the distance thus created, it is less likely or improbable that the workpiece 500B previously released from the endless belt 100B will come into contact with the subsequent workpiece 500B subsequently released from the endless belt 100B.

[0037] The receiving section 310B of the second embodiment includes a positioning section 311B that receives a peripheral portion of the workpiece front end 510B. The positioning section 311B is recessed in the positive X-axis direction. The positioning section 311B is shaped so that a part of an arc of the workpiece 500B, including the workpiece front end 510B, can fit into the positioning section 311B. The workpiece 500B released from the endless belt 100B is brought into contact with the positioning section 311B and then drops down to the stacking section 320B without being displaced in the Y-axis direction. Thus, the holder 300B can hold the workpieces more efficiently than a holder without the positioning section 311B. To efficiently hold the workpieces released from the endless belt, the holder may be provided with one or more magnets attached to its inner side or surface.

[0038] In Fig. 4, Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 to Fig. 11, which will be described later, all workpieces are released from the endless belt with the same posture and in the same direction. However, the direction of release and the position after release are not precisely shown in these figures, but may vary depending on the magnitude of the magnetic force as well as the size and shape of the workpieces. Third embodiment

[0039] With reference to Fig. 8, a third embodiment is described. In the first embodiment, the workpiece 500 has a generally semicircular shape with a hollow central portion. The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that each workpiece 500C has a rectangular shape as viewed in the negative direction of the Z-axis. In this case, the workpiece 500C is arranged on the endless belt 100 such that a first portion 501C of the workpiece 500C is arranged in a first magnetic force generating portion 101C and a second portion 502C is arranged in a second magnetic force generating portion 102C.

[0040] Also in this embodiment, when the second portion 502C is released from the endless belt 100C, which is moved along the first roller 200 during folding back, the position of the second portion 502C on the first roller 200 shifts in the moving direction of the endless belt 100C from the position of the first portion 501C on the first roller 200 when the first portion 501C is released from the endless belt 100C, as in the above embodiment. As a result, the workpiece 500C released from the endless belt 100C flies with a posture deviating from the posture parallel to the flying direction. This creates a distance 550C in a direction perpendicular to the direction of flight between the second portion 502C of the workpiece 500C, which was previously released from the endless belt 100C, and the first portion 501C of another workpiece 500C, which is subsequently released from the endless belt 100C.With the distance thus created, it is less likely or improbable that the workpiece 500C previously released from the endless belt 100C will come into contact with the workpiece 500C later released from the endless belt 100C.

[0041] For example, the workpiece may have a triangular shape or a square shape when viewed in the Z-axis direction. Even if each workpiece is a magnetic body formed of a ferrous alloy, it is only necessary for each workpiece to contain a magnetic material. A first portion of the portion containing the magnetic material may be disposed in the first magnetic force generating portion, while a second portion of the portion containing the magnetic material, located downstream of the first portion in the conveying direction of the workpieces, may be disposed in the second magnetic force generating portion. Fourth embodiment

[0042] With reference to Fig. 9, a fourth embodiment is described. The fourth embodiment differs from the above embodiments with respect to the first magnetic force generating sections 101D, the second magnetic force generating sections 102D, the first sections 501D, and the second sections 502D. In Fig. 9, the first magnetic force generating sections 101D are represented by elliptical sections defined by dashed lines, and the second magnetic force generating sections 102D are represented by elliptical sections defined by solid lines. A portion of each of the second magnetic force generating sections 102D is indicated by hatching. In the first embodiment, the first magnetic force generating section 101A is arranged to extend in the moving direction of the endless belt 100, and the second magnetic force generating sections 102A are arranged on the opposite sides of the first magnetic force generating section 101A and extend in the moving direction of the endless belt 100.In the fourth embodiment, the first magnetic force generating sections 101D are located at a central portion of the endless belt 100D, viewed in the width direction, and are arranged at equal intervals in the moving direction of the endless belt 100D. Also, the second magnetic force generating sections 102D are located at opposite end portions of the endless belt 100D, viewed in the width direction, and are arranged at equal intervals in the moving direction of the endless belt 100D. The pitch at which the first magnetic force generating sections 101D are arranged is equal to the pitch at which the second magnetic force generating sections 102D are arranged.The first magnetic force generating sections 101D and the second magnetic force generating sections 102D are arranged in the conveying direction such that the areas of the first magnetic force generating sections 101D, measured in the conveying direction, do not overlap the areas of the second magnetic force generating sections 102D. The magnets are arranged in first magnetic force regions corresponding to the first magnetic force generating sections 101D and in second magnetic force regions corresponding to the second magnetic force generating sections 102D. In . Fig. 9, the first magnetic force generating sections 101D and the second magnetic force generating sections 102D are partially omitted.

[0043] A hatched area in Fig. 9 shows the first section 501D of a workpiece 500D. Sections of the workpiece 500D that are Fig. 9 are surrounded by solid lines are the second sections 502D. The workpiece 500D is placed on the endless belt 100D such that the first section 501D of the workpiece 500D is located in the first magnetic force generating section 101D and the second section 502D is located in the second magnetic force generating section 102D. In this embodiment, the sections of the workpiece 500D corresponding to the first section 501D and the second sections 502D contain the magnetic material, and a section of the workpiece 500D other than these sections does not contain any magnetic material. Fig. 9, the first sections 501D and the second sections 502D are partially omitted.

[0044] The fourth embodiment achieves the same effect as the above embodiments. Furthermore, in the fourth embodiment, the number of magnets can be reduced to be smaller than in the above embodiments. As a result, the manufacturing cost of the conveyor device can be reduced. Fifth embodiment

[0045] With reference to Fig. 10, a fifth embodiment is described. In the first embodiment, the workpiece front end 510 is contained in the first section 501, and the workpiece blade ends 520 are contained in the second sections 502. The fifth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the workpiece front end 510E is not contained in the first section 501E, and the area of ​​the first magnetic force generating section 101E is smaller than that of the second embodiment. Fig. 10, a hatched portion of the workpiece 500E represents the first portion 501E, and portions of the workpiece 500E located on one side of the hatched portion and facing the negative direction of the X-axis are the second portions 502E.

[0046] The first portion 501E is located in a first magnetic force generating portion 101E of an endless belt 100E. The second portions 502E are located in a second magnetic force generating portion 102E of the endless belt 100E. While the workpiece 500 is a magnetic body in the above embodiments, in the fifth embodiment, parts of the workpiece 500E corresponding to the first portion 501E and the second portions 502E contain a magnetic material, and the other part does not contain a magnetic material.

[0047] Also in this embodiment, when the second portions 502E are released from the endless belt 100E, which is moved along the first roller 200 during folding back, the position of the second portions 502E on the first roller 200 shifts in the direction of travel of the endless belt 100E from the position of the first portion 501E on the first roller 200 when the first portion 501E is released from the endless belt 100E. In this way, substantially the same effect as in the above embodiments is achieved. Sixth embodiment

[0048] With reference to Fig. 11, a sixth embodiment is described. The sixth embodiment differs from the above embodiments with respect to a first portion 501F. This embodiment is identical to the second embodiment with respect to the arrangement of the second magnetic force generating portions 102F, the magnitudes of the magnetic forces of the first magnetic force generating portions 101F and the second magnetic force generating portions 102F, and the second portions 502F. A portion of each workpiece 500F that is in Fig. 11, surrounded by a dashed line, corresponds to the first portion 501F. Portions of the workpiece 500F other than the first portion 501F located in the first magnetic force generating portion 101F do not contain any magnetic material. Portions of the workpiece 500F located in the second magnetic force generating portion 102F are the second portions 502F. Also in this embodiment, when the second portions 502F are released from the endless belt 100F, which is moved along the first roller 200 when folding back, the position of the second portions 502F on the first roller 200 shifts in the moving direction of the endless belt 100F from the position of the first portion 501F on the first roller 200 when the first portion 501F is released from the endless belt 100F. This achieves the same effect as in the above embodiments.As in the fourth to sixth embodiments, the workpiece may have a portion or portions that do not contain magnetic material. In . Fig. 11, the first section 501F is not shown for some workpieces 500F. Variations

[0049] In the first embodiment, the speed at which the endless belt 100 moves is 200 m / min. However, it should be understood that the speed at which the endless belt moves is not limited to the 200 m / min of the above embodiment, but can be set to any suitable value depending on the type, shape, etc. of the workpieces. For the workpieces used in the embodiments, it is advantageous for the running speed of the endless belt to be in the range of 100 to 500 m / min from the viewpoint of stacking the workpieces released from the endless belt.

[0050] In the first embodiment, the workpieces 500 are arranged such that the distance T1 between the workpiece array end of one workpiece 500 and the workpiece leading end of another workpiece 500 that is transported next is greater than zero and equal to or less than the dimension L1 of each workpiece 500 measured in the conveying direction. However, it should be understood that the workpieces may be arranged such that they are spaced apart from one another by a distance greater than the dimension of each workpiece measured in the conveying direction.

[0051] In the first embodiment, the workpiece 500 is a magnetic body made of an iron-containing alloy and has a thickness of 0.1 mm. The thickness of the workpiece is preferably equal to or less than 0.1 mm, but it may also be greater than 0.1 mm. The workpiece may contain a metal other than iron, for example, nickel or cobalt.

[0052] In the first embodiment, the magnets 150 are arranged on the surface of the endless belt 100 opposite the surface on which the workpieces 500 are placed, and are attached to the chain (not shown). However, the magnets can also be glued to the surface of the endless belt opposite the surface on which the workpieces are placed, and can be transported as a unit with the endless belt. The endless belt can also be composed of magnets. The endless belt only needs to include the first magnetic force generating sections capable of generating the first magnetic force, and the second magnetic force generating sections capable of generating the second magnetic force stronger than the first magnetic force.

[0053] Marks may be provided on the portions of the endless belt corresponding to the first magnetic force generating portions and the second magnetic force generating portions, respectively. For example, red marks may be provided on portions of the endless belt corresponding to the first magnetic force generating portions, and blue marks may be provided on portions corresponding to the second magnetic force generating portions. With the thus provided marks, the workpieces can be easily positioned when they are placed on the endless belt. Similarly, marks may be provided on portions of each workpiece corresponding to the first portion and the second portion, respectively.

[0054] In the first embodiment, the first magnetic force generating section 101A is capable of generating the first magnetic force. However, the first magnetic force generating section 101A does not need to generate a magnetic force; namely, the first magnetic force may be zero, and the second magnetic force generating section may have a second magnetic force greater than zero.

[0055] In the first embodiment, the magnets 150 are arranged on the surface of the endless belt 100 opposite the surface on which the workpieces 500 are placed, so that the magnets 150 contact the endless belt. However, the magnets can also be arranged so that gaps are provided between the magnets and the endless belt. Each magnet only needs to be positioned relative to the endless belt so that the first magnetic force generating sections of the endless belt can generate the first magnetic force and the second magnetic force generating sections can generate the second magnetic force. When the first magnetic force is set to zero, no magnet can be provided at the positions on the endless belt corresponding to the first magnetic force generating sections.

[0056] In the first embodiment, electric current is supplied to all magnets 150 during the transport of the workpieces 500. However, the current supplied to the magnets can be stopped, for example, over a range from point S in Fig. 5 to the position where a workpiece is placed back on the endless belt. This allows power consumption to be reduced.

[0057] In the first embodiment, the endless belt 100 has the first magnetic force generating section 101A and the second magnetic force generating section 102A. However, the endless belt may have a third magnetic force generating section having a third magnetic force generated, for example, by magnets of a third type or by third magnets different from the first magnetic force generating section and the second magnetic force generating section. The second magnetic force is greater than the first magnetic force, and the third magnetic force is greater than the second magnetic force. A third portion of each workpiece, located behind the second portion, may be located in the third magnetic force generating section.

Claims

[1] A method for transporting a plurality of plate-like elements (500; 500B; 500C; 500D; 500E; 500F) each containing a magnetic material, comprising: a first step of placing one of the plate-like elements on an endless belt (100; 100B, 100C; 100D; 100E; 100F); and a second step of releasing the one of the plate-like elements placed in the first step from a portion of the endless belt (100; 100B, 100C; 100D; 100E; 100F) which is moved along a roller (200, 210) and folded back, wherein: the first step and the second step are repeated, the endless belt (100; 100B, 100C; 100D; 100E; 100F) comprises a first magnetic force generating section (101A; 101B; 101C; 101D; 101E; 101F) configured to generate a first magnetic force, characterized by , that the endless belt (100; 100B, 100C; 100D; 100E; 100F) further comprises a second magnetic force generating section (102A; 102B; 102C; 102D; 102E; 102F) configured to generate a second magnetic force that is stronger than the first magnetic force, and wherein in the first step, one of the plate-like elements is placed on the endless belt such that a first portion (501; 501B; 501C; 501D; 501E; 501F) of the plate-like element containing the magnetic material is arranged in the first magnetic force generating portion, and a second portion (502; 502B; 502C; 502D; 502E; 502F) of the plate-like element containing the magnetic material and arranged behind the first portion as viewed in a transport direction of the plate-like element is arranged in the second magnetic force generating portion. [2] The method according to claim 1, wherein each of the plate-like elements (500) has a thickness equal to or less than 0.1 mm. [3] A method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: the first magnetic force generating section (101A) extends in a moving direction of the endless belt (100); the second magnetic force generating section (102A) is arranged on opposite sides of the first magnetic force generating section and extends in the direction of movement of the endless belt (100); and each of the plate-like elements is positioned such that a front end (510) of a portion of the plate-like element containing the magnetic material is contained in the first portion (501) as viewed in the conveying direction, and a rear end (520) of a portion of the plate-like element containing the magnetic material is contained in the second portion (502) as viewed in the conveying direction. [4] A conveyor device (10) transporting a plurality of plate-like elements (500; 500B; 500C; 500D; 500E; 500F) each containing a magnetic material, comprising: an endless belt (100; 100B, 100C; 100D; 100E; 100F) on which the plate-like elements are arranged; and a roller (200, 210) around which the endless belt (100; 100B, 100C; 100D; 100E; 100F) is wound, the roller being configured to move and fold back the endless belt, the plate-like elements being released one after the other from the endless belt as the endless belt moves along the roller, wherein the endless belt (100; 100B, 100C; 100D; 100E; 100F) comprises a first magnetic force generating section (101A; 101B; 101C; 101D; 101E; 101F) configured to generate a first magnetic force, characterized by , that the endless belt (100; 100B, 100C; 100D; 100E; 100F) further comprises a second magnetic force generating section (102A; 102B; 102C; 102D; 102E; 102F) configured to generate a second magnetic force that is stronger than the first magnetic force, and wherein a first portion (501; 501B; 501C; 501D; 501E; 501F) of each of the plate-like elements containing the magnetic material is arranged in the first magnetic force generating portion, and a second portion (502; 502B; 502C; 502D; 502E; 502F) of each of the plate-like elements containing the magnetic material and arranged behind the first portion as viewed in a conveying direction of the plate-like elements is arranged in the second magnetic force generating portion.

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