Stick feeder

Abstract

To provide a stick feeder capable of precisely moving components to the pickup position.SOLUTION: The stick feeder includes: a stick that is formed with a component storage space that stores multiple components in a row; a component path that is connected to a first end of the stick for passing multiple components to a designated pickup position; a pusher that pushes multiple components housed in the component housing space in the first direction toward the pickup position of the component path; a pusher drive unit that moves the pusher forward and backward in the first direction and the second direction opposite to the first direction; and a component posture correction unit that is capable of moving between a first position where it contacts a component passing through a predetermined position on the stick or component path in the first direction and a second position where it retreats from the first position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to stick feeders. [Background technology]

[0002] In a component mounting system that mounts electronic components on a circuit board, a component mounting operation is repeatedly performed in which electronic components are picked up from a component supply device set in a component mounting device and transferred and mounted on a circuit board.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art As a component supplying device, a stick feeder using a long, hollow stick case that houses a plurality of electronic components, as described in Patent Document 1, is known.

[0004] The stick feeder of Patent Document 1 is provided with a pusher that pushes out the components housed in the stick toward a pickup position. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-069502 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In the stick feeder described in Patent Document 1, when components are sent to the pickup position using a pusher, the components may become jammed or fall off, and it can be said that there is room for improvement in terms of moving the components to the pickup position with high precision.

[0007] Therefore, the present disclosure provides a stick feeder that can move components to a pickup position with high precision. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A stick feeder according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a stick forming a component storage space that stores multiple components in a row; a component passage connected to a first end of the stick and allowing the multiple components to pass to a predetermined pickup position; a pusher that pushes the multiple components stored in the component storage space in a first direction toward the pickup position in the component passage; a pusher drive unit that moves the pusher back and forth in the first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction; and a component posture correction unit that is movable between a first position that abuts in the first direction against a component passing through the stick or a predetermined position in the component passage, and a second position retracted from the first position. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] The pusher of the stick feeder of the present disclosure can move the component to the pickup position with high precision. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view illustrating a component mounting apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] A block diagram showing the system configuration of the component mounting device of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view showing the mounting head of the component mounting apparatus of FIG. 1; [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing a stick feeder arranged in the component mounting apparatus of FIG. 1; [Figure 5] Schematic side view of the stick feeder in Figure 4 [Figure 6] Schematic diagram for explaining each component of the stick feeder in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view illustrating a pusher and components in a component storage space according to an embodiment; [Figure 8] 1 is a schematic perspective view of a pusher according to an embodiment; [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a schematic side view illustrating a pusher and a component in a component storage space according to an embodiment; [Figure 10]FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a component posture correcting unit and its surrounding configuration provided in a transfer section of an embodiment. [Figure 11] Schematic perspective view of a component posture correcting unit according to an embodiment. [Figure 12] 1 is a schematic side view of a component posture correcting unit according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a schematic front view showing the relationship between the heights of the component posture correcting unit, the component, and the pusher in the component passage of the embodiment. [Figure 14A] FIG. 10 is a schematic side view illustrating an example of an operation of the component posture correction unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 14B] FIG. 10 is a schematic side view illustrating an example of an operation of the component posture correction unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 14C] FIG. 10 is a schematic side view illustrating an example of an operation of the component posture correction unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 14D] FIG. 10 is a schematic side view illustrating an example of an operation of the component posture correction unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 14E] FIG. 10 is a schematic side view illustrating an example of an operation of the component posture correction unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 14F] FIG. 10 is a schematic side view illustrating an example of an operation of the component posture correction unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 15A] 10 is a schematic side view showing a component attitude correcting unit according to Modification 1 (first position); [Figure 15B] 10 is a schematic side view showing a component attitude correcting unit according to Modification 1 (second position); [Figure 16A] 10 is a schematic side view showing a component attitude correcting unit according to Modification 2 (first position) [Figure 16B] 10 is a schematic side view showing a component attitude correcting unit according to Modification 2 (second position); [Figure 17A] 10 is a schematic side view showing a component attitude correcting unit according to Modification 3 (first position) [Figure 17B] 10 is a schematic side view showing a component attitude correcting unit according to Modification 3 (second position); DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a stick feeder comprising: a stick forming a component storage space that stores a plurality of components in a row; a component passage connected to a first end of the stick and passing the plurality of components to a predetermined pickup position; a pusher that pushes the plurality of components stored in the component storage space in a first direction toward the pickup position of the component passage; a pusher drive unit that moves the pusher back and forth in the first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction; and a component posture correction unit that is movable between a first position that abuts in the first direction against a component passing the stick or a predetermined position in the component passage, and a second position retracted from the first position.

[0012] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided the stick feeder described in the first aspect, wherein the component posture correction unit is positioned at the first position without contacting the component, and moves from the first position to the second position by contacting the component moving in the first direction.

[0013] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided the stick feeder according to the first or second aspect, wherein the component attitude correction unit is biased by gravity from the second position toward the first position.

[0014] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided the stick feeder according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the predetermined position is a transfer point from the stick to the component passage.

[0015] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a stick feeder as described in the fourth aspect, wherein the component passage has a receiving surface for receiving the component from the stick at the transfer section, and the component posture correction section is positioned in a position where it abuts against the component in the first direction at least at the time when the component contacts the receiving surface.

[0016] According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a stick feeder according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the component posture correction section is arranged in an area different from the area through which the pusher passes in a cross section perpendicular to the first direction.

[0017] According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided the stick feeder according to the sixth aspect, wherein the component attitude correcting section is located above the area through which the pusher passes.

[0018] According to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a stick feeder as described in any one of the first to seventh aspects, wherein the component posture correction unit has a rotation axis extending in the width direction of the component passage and a movable part that rotates together with the rotation axis between the first position and the second position.

[0019] According to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a stick feeder as described in the eighth aspect, wherein the movable part has a first part extending from the rotation axis and a second part extending in a direction different from the first part, and the second part extends toward the first direction at the first position.

[0020] According to a tenth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided the stick feeder according to the ninth aspect, wherein the second portion has a weight space to which a weight for adjusting the weight can be attached or detached.

[0021] According to an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a stick feeder described in any one of the first to tenth aspects, wherein the pusher has a first member that contacts the part and a second member to which the first member is detachably attached.

[0022] According to a twelfth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided the stick feeder according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects, wherein the pusher is rotatably attached to a wire driven by the pusher drive unit.

[0023] According to a thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a stick feeder described in any one of the first to twelfth aspects, wherein the pusher is attached to a wire driven by the pusher drive unit, and the attachment position of the wire on the pusher is above the center of the height of the pusher.

[0024] (Embodiment) Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0025] [Overall configuration] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a component mounting apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of the component mounting apparatus 1 of Fig. 1.

[0026] <Component placement device> 1 and 2, component mounting apparatus 1 is an apparatus that mounts components P (electronic components), such as chip components or components with leads, onto a substrate 3 on which the components are to be mounted. Component mounting apparatus 1 includes a component supply device 50, a mounting head 10, a mounting head moving device 12, a substrate transport unit 2, a component recognition unit 14, and an imaging control unit 16 (FIG. 2).

[0027] The board transport unit 2 is a device that transports the board 3 to a mounting work position located in the center of the base 1a and transports the board 3 from the mounting work position. More specifically, the board transport unit 2 transports the board 3 in the X direction, which is transported from the upstream side of a component mounting system (not shown) including the component mounting device 1, and positions and holds the board 3 at the mounting work position. When the component mounting work is completed, the board transport unit 2 transports the board 3 downstream of the component mounting system.

[0028] The component supply devices 50 are arranged at both ends of the base 1a in the Y direction. The component supply device 50 includes a stick feeder 4, a tape feeder 5, and a tray feeder 7 as multiple component supply devices. On one side of the base 1a in FIG. 1, multiple stick feeders 4 are arranged along the X direction. On the other side of the base 1a in FIG. 1, multiple tape feeders 5 are arranged along the X direction. A tray feeder 7 having a component tray 6 is arranged next to the multiple tape feeders 5.

[0029] The component supply devices, stick feeder 4, tape feeder 5, and tray feeder 7, supply components P to be mounted on board 3.

[0030] The mounting head moving device 12 includes a Y-axis table 8 and an X-axis beam 9. The Y-axis table 8 has linear drive devices on both ends in the X direction on the upper surface of the base 1a. The X-axis beam 9 has similar linear drive devices and is connected to the Y-axis table 8. A mounting head 10 is attached to the X-axis beam 9 so that it can move in the X direction. The linear drive device included in the Y-axis table 8 moves the X-axis beam 9 in the Y direction, and the linear drive device included in the X-axis beam 9 moves the mounting head 10 in the X direction.

[0031] The mounting head moving device 12 controls the linear drive device described above to move the mounting head 10 to the pickup position 21b of the stick feeder 4 (see FIG. 4), the pickup position of the tape feeder 5, or the pickup position of the component tray 6. The component P picked up by the mounting head 10 at the pickup position 21b is transferred to the mounting position of the board 3 held by the board transport unit 2 and mounted thereon. The component mounting device 1 repeatedly executes the series of processes from the transportation of the board 3 to the mounting of the component P described above.

[0032] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the mounting head 10 of the component mounting apparatus 1 of FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 3, the mounting head 10 includes multiple mounting units 10a each equipped with an elevation drive device. The lower end of each mounting unit 10a is equipped with multiple nozzles 11 arranged in the X direction to hold components P. The nozzles 11 can hold components P, for example, by vacuum suction or chuck gripping. Each mounting unit 10a drives the elevation drive device to raise and lower the nozzle 11 (arrow a). The mounting head 10 also includes a nozzle rotation device 10c, which rotates the nozzle 11 around a nozzle axis AN in the Z direction (arrow b). While the nozzle rotation device 10c is illustrated schematically in FIG. 3, the nozzle rotation device 10c may be located at any desired position.

[0033] 2, the component recognition unit 14 includes a camera 14a, a first light source 14b, and a second light source 14c. The camera 14a captures an image of the component held by the nozzle 11. The first light source 14b and the second light source 14c are lights that illuminate the component P captured by the camera 14a.

[0034] When the mounting head 10 is positioned above the component recognition unit 14, the camera 14a captures an image of the component P held by the nozzle 11 from below, i.e., in the +Z direction in Fig. 3. Based on the image of the component P captured by the camera 14a, the polarity of the component P can be recognized and the lead wires can be aligned.

[0035] The imaging control unit 16 controls the camera 14a, first light source 14b, and second light source 14c of the component recognition unit 14. The imaging control unit 16 can be configured with, for example, a CPU, an MPU, a DSP, an FPGA, an ASIC, etc. The functions of the imaging control unit 16 may be configured with hardware alone, or may be realized by combining hardware and software. The imaging control unit 16 realizes predetermined functions by reading data and programs stored in a storage area (not shown) within the imaging control unit 16 and performing various arithmetic processing.

[0036] <Component placement device operation> Here, we will explain the operation of the component mounting apparatus 1. The component mounting apparatus 1 mounts components P supplied from a component supply device 50 (e.g., stick feeder 4) onto a board 3 that is carried in from upstream of a component mounting system (not shown). A board transport unit 2 transports the board 3 from upstream of the component mounting system to a component mounting position. Next, the mounting head moving device 12 moves the mounting head 10 to pick up the components P supplied from the component supply device 50, and a component recognition unit 14 identifies the polarity of the components P and the positions of their lead wires.

[0037] Based on the identified polarity of component P and the position of the lead wire, mounting head moving device 12 further moves mounting head 10 to mount component P on board 3. Once mounting of component P on board 3 is complete, board transport unit 2 removes board 3 and then loads into component mounting device 1 the next board 3 onto which component P is to be mounted.

[0038] <Stick feeder> Fig. 4 is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of stick feeder 4 arranged in component mounting apparatus 1 of Fig. 1. Fig. 5 is a side view of stick feeder 4 of Fig. 4. Fig. 6 is a schematic view for explaining each component of stick feeder 4 of Fig. 4.

[0039] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the stick feeder 4 includes a loading unit 23, a feeder 21, a component sensor 22 (see Figure 6), a pusher 24, a pusher drive unit 25 (see Figure 2), and a control unit 32 (see Figure 2).

[0040] Each component of the stick feeder 4 will be described with reference to FIG. 6. The loading section 23 stacks a plurality of sticks ST. The plurality of sticks ST have a first end E1 and a second end E2, and form a component storage space 60 that stores a plurality of components P between the first end E1 and the second end E2. The first end E1 and the second end E2 are each open, and the component storage space 60 communicates with the outside. In this embodiment, the plurality of sticks ST are formed in a cylindrical shape, and store a plurality of components P lined up in a line in the internal component storage space 60. Here, stacking a plurality of sticks ST means stacking the sticks ST in the +Z direction.

[0041] Feeder 21 is a member that is connected to first end E1 of one stick ST1 (hereinafter referred to as stick ST1) among the multiple sticks ST, and forms component passage 70 through which multiple components P supplied from stick ST1 pass. Feeder 21 may also be referred to as a "component passage member." Feeder 21 has an inlet 21a for introducing components P into component passage 70, and inlet 21a is connected to first end E1 of stick ST1.

[0042] Feeder 21 has a pickup position 21b at the end opposite to entrance 21a. Component passage 70 of feeder 21 refers to the path along which components P pass from first end E1 of stick ST1 to pickup position 21b. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, feeder 21 has a support 72 that supports multiple components P in the +Z direction, and a gap is formed between stick ST1 and support 72 large enough to prevent components P from falling.

[0043] In the feeder 21, a plurality of components P that have passed through the entrance 21a are placed in the component passage 70, and one of these components P that is positioned at the pickup position 21b is picked up by the mounting head 10.

[0044] Component sensor 22 is disposed at pickup position 21b of feeder 21. Component sensor 22 is a sensor that detects the presence or absence of component P or pusher 24 at pickup position 21b. Component sensor 22 outputs an ON signal when component P or pusher 24 is located at pickup position 21b, and outputs an OFF signal when neither component P nor pusher 24 is located at pickup position 21b. The ON / OFF signal of component sensor 22 is transmitted to control unit 32, which will be described later. Component sensor 22 can be any sensor that can detect the presence or absence of component P or pusher 24, such as a photosensor.

[0045] The pusher 24 moves in the -Y direction (first direction M1) from a starting point S1 located outside the second end E2 of the stick ST1 and enters the component storage space 60 of the stick ST1 via the second end E2. The pusher 24 pushes the components P stored in the component storage space 60 downstream and transfers them from the stick ST1 to the feeder 21. The pusher 24 pushes the components P toward the pickup position 21b in the component passage 70 of the feeder 21. As a result, the components P are sequentially supplied to the pickup position 21b and picked up by the mounting head 10. When all of the components P on the stick ST1 have been picked up at the pickup position 21b, the pusher 24 moves in the +Y direction (second direction M2) and returns to the starting point S1.

[0046] The pusher 24 can be moved forward and backward in the Y direction by a pusher driving unit 25 (see FIG. 2). The pusher 24 is connected to a wire 26, and the pusher driving unit 25 drives the wire 26, causing the pusher 24 to move forward and backward in the Y direction.

[0047] In this embodiment, an origin sensor 29 is disposed at the start point S1 of the pusher. The origin sensor 29 detects the presence or absence of an origin mark 24a provided on the pusher 24 at the start point S1. When the pusher 24 is located at the start point S1, the origin sensor 29 detects the presence of the origin mark 24a at the start point S1. Any sensor capable of detecting the presence or absence of the origin mark 24a, such as a photosensor, can be used as the origin sensor 29.

[0048] The pusher driving unit 25 moves the pusher 24 forward and backward in the Y direction. In this embodiment, the pusher driving unit 25 includes a servo motor (not shown) and a pair of rollers 27. The wire 26 moves forward and backward in the Y direction depending on the direction and amount of rotation of the rollers 27. As the wire 26 moves, the pusher 24 moves in the +Y direction or the -Y direction.

[0049] When roller 27 is rotationally driven in the -Y direction by pusher drive unit 25, wire 26 is sent in the -Y direction according to the amount of rotational drive of roller 27, and pusher 24 moves forward in the -Y direction. As a result, pusher 24 can push out multiple components P contained in stick ST1 toward feeder 21, and then pusher 24 can move back to start point S1.

[0050] On the other hand, when roller 27 is rotationally driven in the +Y direction by pusher driving unit 25, wire 26 is sent in the +Y direction according to the amount of rotational drive of roller 27, and pusher 24 retreats in the +Y direction (second direction M2). In this case, pusher driving unit 25 retreats pusher 24 until origin sensor 29 detects origin mark 24a at starting point S1.

[0051] The portion of the wire 26 that extends outward beyond the roller 27 is housed in a tubular wire housing portion 28 and protected.

[0052] The control unit 32 controls the pusher drive unit 25. In this embodiment, the control unit 32 controls each component of the stick feeder 4 based on the detection results of the part sensor 22 and the origin sensor 29. Specifically, the control unit 32 drives the pusher drive unit 25 to move the pusher 24 forward and backward. The control unit 32 controls the movement distance of the pusher 24 based on the drive amount of the servo motor and the radius of the roller 27.

[0053] The control unit 32 can be configured with, for example, a CPU, an MPU, a DSP, an FPGA, an ASIC, etc. The functions of the control unit 32 may be configured with hardware alone, or may be realized by combining hardware and software. The control unit 32 realizes predetermined functions by reading data and programs stored in a storage area (not shown) within the control unit 32 and performing various arithmetic processing.

[0054] A stick exchange lever 30 is disposed in the loading section 23. One end 30a of the stick exchange lever 30 supports the stick ST1, and the other end 30b supports the stick ST stacked on the stick ST1. A rotation center 30c is provided between the one end 30a and the other end 30b of the stick exchange lever 30. The stick exchange lever 30 rotates between a position in which the one end 30a supports the stick ST1 and a position in which the support for the stick ST1 is released and the other end 30b supports the sticks ST2 and ST3 above it. The rotation of the stick exchange lever 30 is controlled, for example, by the control section 32. When all the components P contained in the stick ST1 are pushed into the feeder 21 and the stick ST1 becomes empty, the pusher drive section 25 moves the pusher 24 back to the starting point S1. At this time, the stick ST1 can be replaced with the next stick ST2.

[0055] Next, the specific configuration of the pusher 24 and the part P of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0056] 7 and 9 are a plan view and a side view, respectively, that schematically show the pusher 24 and components P1 and P2 in the component storage space 60. Fig. 8 is a schematic perspective view of the pusher 24. Figs. 7 and 9 illustrate a state in which the pusher 24 is pushing in two components P1 and P2.

[0057] 7 to 9, the pusher 24 is attached to a wire 26 extending in an axial direction A, and is movable in a first direction M1 and a second direction M2. The pusher 24 includes a first member 102 and a second member 104.

[0058] The first member 102 and the second member 104 are each a block-shaped member and are attached to each other. The first member 102 is located on the tip side (first direction M1 side) in the axial direction A, and the second member 104 is located on the base side (second direction M2 side) in the axial direction A. As shown in Figures 7 and 9, the tip surface of the first member 102 contacts the part P.

[0059] Each of the components P1 and P2 in this embodiment has a main body 200 and a protrusion 202 (for example, a connector component). The protrusion 202 protrudes from the rear side of the main body 200.

[0060] 7, in accordance with the structure of component P having protrusion 202, a pair of pressing portions 106A and 106B are provided on first member 102 of pusher 24. Each of pressing portions 106A and 106B is a portion that protrudes in first direction M1, and contacts the back surface of component P at a position that avoids protrusion 202 with respect to component P. A recess 108 is formed between the pair of pressing portions 106A and 106B, and protrusion 202 is disposed in recess 108.

[0061] The stick ST1 has, as wall portions that define the component housing space 60, a pair of side walls 116A and 116B shown in FIG. 7, and an upper wall 118 and a lower wall 120 shown in FIG.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 9, the pusher 24 of this embodiment has a connecting member 110 inside the first member 102 and the second member 104.

[0063] The connecting member 110 is a member that connects and attaches the first member 102 and the second member 104 to each other. The connecting member 110 is inserted into through holes provided in each of the first member 102 and the second member 104. The first member 102 and the second member 104 are fixed to each other by fixing means such as screws (not shown).

[0064] The connecting member 110 extends in the axial direction A and has an expanded diameter portion 112 whose diameter is expanded toward both ends in the axial direction A. The provision of the expanded diameter portion 112 prevents the first member 102 and the second member 104 from coming off the connecting member 110.

[0065] The tip of the wire 26 described above is press-fitted into the connecting member 110. This fixes the wire 26 to the connecting member 110, and as the wire 26 moves, the pusher 24 can move integrally therewith.

[0066] In a cross section perpendicular to the axial direction A, the connecting member 110 has a circular cross section, and the through holes of the first member 102 and the second member 104 that house the connecting member 110 are also circular. This combination of cross-sectional shapes allows the pusher 24 to rotate about the axial direction A relative to the connecting member 110 and the wire 26. Because the pusher 24 is rotatable, its posture can be automatically adjusted according to the shape of the bottom surface of the component storage space 60 and the component passage 70 as the pusher 24 moves.

[0067] The position at which the wire 26 and the connecting member 110 are attached to the pusher 24 is above the center position in the up-down direction (Z direction) of the pusher 24. With this arrangement, in a configuration in which the pusher 24 is rotatable with respect to the wire 26, the posture of the pusher 24 tends to be stable in accordance with its own weight.

[0068] Although not shown in the figures, the first member 102 and the second member 104 are fixed to each other by fixing means such as screws, and by releasing the fixation by the fixing means, the first member 102 and the second member 104 can be detached from each other. By making the first member 102 and the second member 104 detachable from each other, the first member 102 can be changed to a member with a different shape depending on the shape of the part P, and it is possible to accommodate parts P with various specifications.

[0069] 9, the parts P1 and P2 in this embodiment each have a front surface 204 and a rear surface 206. When the parts P1 and P2 come into contact with each other, the front surface 204 of the part P1 comes into contact with the rear surface 206 of the part P2, and the first member 102 of the pusher 24 comes into contact with the rear surface 206 of the part P1.

[0070] Each of the components P1 and P2 has a shape in which the upper portion protrudes forward and backward more than the lower portion. When such components P1 and P2 are pushed in the first direction M1 by the pusher 24, the upper portion of the leading component P2 tends to fall forward (shown by the dotted line), which may cause clogging of the components P in the component storage space 60 or the component passage 70, making it impossible to supply the components P to the pickup position 21b. The tendency for the components P to fall forward is particularly likely to occur at the transfer point from the stick ST1 to the feeder 21.

[0071] Therefore, the component mounting apparatus 1 of this embodiment is provided with a component posture correcting unit for correcting the posture of the component P at the transfer section from the stick ST1 to the feeder 21. The component posture correcting unit and its peripheral configuration will be described below.

[0072] Fig. 10 is a schematic side view of the component orientation correction unit 140 and its surrounding structure disposed in the transfer unit 130. Fig. 11 is a schematic perspective view of the component orientation correction unit 140, and Fig. 12 is a schematic side view of the component orientation correction unit 140.

[0073] As shown in FIGS. 10 to 12, a transfer section 130 for transferring parts P from the stick ST1 to the feeder 21 is provided between the stick ST1 and the feeder 21.

[0074] 10, the transfer section 130 is located at a position where the bottom wall 120 of the stick ST1 and the bottom wall 134 of the feeder 21 face each other. The transfer section 130 of this embodiment has a gap between the bottom wall 120 and the bottom wall 134.

[0075] To ensure smooth transfer of the component P, a receiving surface 136 is provided on the bottom wall 134 of the feeder 21. The receiving surface 136 is a surface for receiving the tip of the bottom surface 207 of the component P, and in this embodiment, is inclined upward in the first direction M1. Because the receiving surface 136 is an inclined surface, the bottom surface 207 of the component P can slide smoothly over the receiving surface 136, making the transfer of the component P even smoother.

[0076] A component posture correction unit 140 is provided above the transfer unit 130. The component posture correction unit 140 is a member for correcting the posture of the component P, and abuts against the component P in a first direction M1 as it passes through the transfer unit 130. The component posture correction unit 140 applies a force to the component P in a second direction M2 opposite to the first direction M1, thereby preventing the upper portion of the component P1 from tipping forward and correcting the posture of the component P.

[0077] The component posture correcting section 140 of this embodiment is disposed at a location where the upper wall 132 of the feeder 21 is partially discontinued, and is fixed to a fixing section 137 of the feeder 21.

[0078] As shown in FIGS. 10 to 12, the component attitude correcting section 140 includes a rotating shaft 142 and a movable section 144. As shown in FIGS.

[0079] The rotating shaft 142 is a member that serves as an axis for rotating the component attitude correction unit 140. In this embodiment, the rotating shaft 142 is rotatably attached to the fixing unit 137 while extending in the X direction, which is the width direction of the component passage 70.

[0080] The movable part 144 is a member that can rotate integrally with the rotating shaft 142 (arrow R1 in FIG. 10). The movable part 144 is attached to the rotating shaft 142 so as to rotate integrally with the rotating shaft 142. The movable part 144 rotates between a first position shown in FIG. 10 where it can come into contact with the component P, and a second position retracted from the first position. In FIG. 12, the component posture correction part 140 in the first position is shown by a solid line, and the component posture correction part 140 in the second position is shown by a dotted line.

[0081] 12, the component orientation correction unit 140 having a rotation function is urged by gravity from the second position indicated by the dotted line toward the first position indicated by the solid line (arrow R2). As a result, the component orientation correction unit 140 in the second position operates to automatically return to the first position.

[0082] 10, the feeder 21 is provided with a stopper 139. The stopper 139 is a member for stopping the component posture correction unit 140 at the first position. The stopper 139 abuts against the abutment surface 146 of the component posture correction unit 140 in the first position, thereby restricting further rotation of the component posture correction unit 140.

[0083] 10 to 12, the movable part 144 has an abutment surface 146. The abutment surface 146 is a surface that abuts against the component P in a first direction M1, and faces a second direction M2 that is opposite to the first direction M1 at the first position shown in FIG. The abutment surface 146 extends parallel to the XZ plane at the first position, similar to the front surface 204 of the component P. The front surface 204 of the component P and the abutment surface 146 of the component attitude correction part 140 start to come into contact with each other in a parallel state (surface contact).

[0084] As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the movable portion 144 has a first portion 148 and a second portion 150.

[0085] The first portion 148 is the portion closer to the rotation shaft 142 and extends in a direction away from the rotation shaft 142 as shown by arrow A1 in Fig. 12. The second portion 150 is the portion farther from the rotation shaft 142 and extends from the tip of the first portion 148 in a direction different from that of the first portion 148 as shown by arrow A2. In the first position shown in Figs. 10 and 11, the second portion 150 extends in a first direction M1.

[0086] By providing the second portion 150 in addition to the first portion 148, the weight of the component orientation correcting portion 140 can be easily secured and adjusted.

[0087] The second portion 150 is further provided with a weight space 152 for weight adjustment. The weight space 152 is a space for adjusting the weight of the component posture correcting portion 140, and a weight member 154 shown in Fig. 11 can be attached and detached to the weight space 152. In this embodiment, three weight spaces 152 are provided.

[0088] FIG. 13 is a schematic front view showing the height relationship between the component posture correcting unit 140, the component P, and the pusher 24 in the component passage 70 of the feeder 21.

[0089] 13, the pusher 24 passes through an area B1, and the component P passes through an area B2 in the component passage 70. Because the height of the component P is greater than the height of the pusher 24, the area B2 has a larger range in the Z direction than the area B1.

[0090] The contact surface 146 of the component posture correcting unit 140 that contacts the component P is provided at a height position that does not overlap with the region B1 but overlaps with the region B2. By setting the height in this manner, the component posture correcting unit 140 can contact the component P without interfering with the pusher 24.

[0091] 10 moves forward and hits the contact surface 146 of the component posture correction unit 140, causing the component posture correction unit 140 to rotate from the first position toward the second position. While the contact surface 146 is in contact with the front surface 204 of the component P, a force including a component in a second direction M2 opposite to the first direction M1 is applied to the component P. In this embodiment, by having the component posture correction unit 140 continue to be in contact with the component P before and after it passes through the transfer section 130, it is possible to correct the posture of the component P at the position where its posture is most likely to be misaligned, thereby achieving a significant posture correction effect.

[0092] An example of the operation of component posture correcting section 140 having the above configuration will be described with reference to FIGS. 14A to 14F.

[0093] 14A to 14F are schematic side views for explaining an example of the operation of the component posture correcting unit 140. For the sake of simplicity, Figs. 14A to 14F illustrate an example in which one component P is moved to the pickup position 21b.

[0094] 14A, the pusher 24 moves in the first direction M1 through the component storage space 60, pushing the component P stored in the component storage space 60 downstream. When the component P reaches the transfer section 130, the front surface 204 of the component P abuts against the abutment surface 146 of the component attitude correction section 140. The bottom surface 207 of the component P is in a state before it comes into contact with the receiving surface 136 of the transfer section 130. The component attitude correction section 140 is positioned so that it will come into contact with the component P at a point before the component P comes into contact with the receiving surface 136.

[0095] The component posture correcting unit 140 in contact with the component P applies a force F1 that includes a component in the opposite direction to the first direction M1 to the upper portion of the component P. This prevents the upper portion of the component P from tipping forward, and enables the posture of the component P to be corrected.

[0096] As described above, the abutment surface 146 in the first position extends in the XZ plane, and starts abutting in a state parallel to the front surface 204 of the part P. By bringing the abutment surface 146 and the front surface 204 into contact with each other in this manner, it becomes easier to stably apply the force F1 to the part P.

[0097] When the pusher 24 further pushes the component P in the first direction M1, the component posture correction unit 140 rotates in the rotation direction R2 around the rotation axis 142 and moves from the first position where it applies a force F1 to the component P toward the second position.

[0098] 14B, tip 207A of bottom surface 207 of component P comes into contact with receiving surface 136 of feeder 21. This causes component P to start transferring from stick ST1 to feeder 21.

[0099] At the time when component P comes into contact with receiving surface 136, contact surface 146 of component posture correction unit 140 comes into contact with the upper end of front surface 204 of component P, and applies force F1 that includes a component in the opposite direction to first direction M1 to component P. Correcting the posture of component P at the time of transfer, when the posture of component P is most likely to become unstable, can significantly improve the posture correction effect of component P.

[0100] 14C, the lower surface 207 of the component P passes over the receiving surface 136 and reaches the upper surface 138 of the lower wall 134. At this point, the contact surface 146 of the component attitude correction unit 140 is still in contact with the upper end of the front surface 204 of the component P, and is applying a force F1 that includes a component in the opposite direction to the first direction M1.

[0101] 14D, when the pusher 24 further presses the component P, the contact surface 146 of the component orientation correction unit 140 moves away from the front surface 204 of the component P, and the lower end 146A of the contact surface 146 comes into contact with the upper surface 209 of the component P. The direction of the force F1 applied from the component orientation correction unit 140 to the component P is approximately vertically downward, but the generated frictional force includes a component in the opposite direction to the first direction M1.

[0102] In the state shown in FIG. 14D, the component attitude correcting section 140 is disposed at a second position retracted from the first position.

[0103] As pusher 24 continues to press component P, component P passes over component orientation correction unit 140, as shown in Fig. 14E. Component orientation correction unit 140, which was in the second position, returns to the first position due to its own weight and hits stopper 139 to stop.

[0104] As described above, by providing the component posture correction section 140 in the transfer section 130 to correct the posture of the component P, it becomes easier to maintain the correct posture of the component P moving along the component passage 70, and the component P can be moved to the pickup position 21b with high accuracy.

[0105] When the component P is supplied to the pickup position 21b, the pusher 24 is driven in a second direction M2 opposite to the first direction M1. The pusher 24 passes through the component passage 70 and the component storage space 60, and then returns to the starting point S1 shown in FIG.

[0106] 14F shows a state in which the pusher 24 moves in the second direction M2 and passes through the transfer section 130. The component attitude correction section 140 is disposed above the area through which the pusher 24 passes, and does not interfere with the movement of the pusher 24.

[0107] (Actions and Effects) As described above, the stick feeder 4 of the embodiment comprises a stick ST1 that forms a component storage space 60 that stores multiple components P in a row, a component passage 70 that is connected to the first end E1 of the stick ST1 and that passes the multiple components P to a predetermined pickup position 21b, a pusher 24 that pushes the multiple components P stored in the component storage space 60 in a first direction M1 toward the pickup position 21b of the component passage 70, a pusher drive unit 25 that moves the pusher 24 back and forth in the first direction M1 and a second direction M2 that is opposite to the first direction M1, and a component posture correction unit 140 that is movable between a first position in which it abuts in the first direction M1 against a component P passing through a predetermined position in the component passage 70, and a second position retracted from the first position.

[0108] According to this configuration, the component P can be accurately supplied to the pick-up position 21b by correcting the orientation of the component P when it passes through the component passage 70 using the component orientation corrector 140.

[0109] Furthermore, in the stick feeder 4 of this embodiment, the component orientation correction unit 140 is disposed at a first position without contacting a component P, and moves from the first position to the second position when it comes into contact with a component P moving in the first direction M1. This configuration eliminates the need to provide a separate drive mechanism for the component orientation correction unit 140, leading to cost reductions.

[0110] Furthermore, in the stick feeder 4 of this embodiment, the component orientation correction unit 140 is biased by gravity from the second position toward the first position. This configuration allows the component orientation correction unit 140 to automatically return to the first position, eliminating the need for a biasing member such as a spring or a drive mechanism, leading to cost reductions.

[0111] Furthermore, in the stick feeder 4 of the embodiment, the predetermined position is the transfer section 130 from the stick ST1 to the component passage 70. With this configuration, by arranging the component posture correction section 140 at a position such as the transfer section 130 where the posture of the component P is likely to become unstable, the posture of the component P can be corrected with high precision.

[0112] Furthermore, in the stick feeder 4 of this embodiment, the component passage 70 has a receiving surface 136 for receiving the component P from the stick ST1 at the transfer section 130, and the component posture correcting section 140 is disposed in a position that abuts against the component P in the first direction M1 at least when the component P contacts the receiving surface 136. This configuration makes it possible to maintain the correct posture of the component P at the time of transfer, when the posture of the component P is most likely to become unstable.

[0113] Furthermore, in the stick feeder 4 of this embodiment, the component orientation correction unit 140 is disposed in a region different from the first region B1 through which the pusher 24 passes in a cross section perpendicular to the first direction M1. This configuration prevents the component orientation correction unit 140 from interfering with the movement of the pusher 24.

[0114] Furthermore, in the stick feeder 4 of this embodiment, the component orientation correction unit 140 is located above the first region B1 through which the pusher 24 passes. With this configuration, the component orientation correction unit 140 can abut against components P that are taller than the pusher 24, while not interfering with the pusher 24.

[0115] Furthermore, in the stick feeder 4 of this embodiment, the component orientation correction unit 140 has a rotation shaft 142 that extends in the width direction (X-axis direction) of the component passage 70, and a movable unit 144 that rotates between a first position and a second position together with the rotation shaft 142. This configuration gives the component orientation correction unit 140 a rotation function, making it easier to bring the component P into continuous contact with the component.

[0116] Furthermore, in the stick feeder 4 of this embodiment, the movable part 144 has a first part 148 extending from the rotation shaft 142 and a second part 150 extending in a different direction from the first part 148, and the second part 150 extends in the first direction M1 at the first position. According to this configuration, the provision of the second part 150 makes it easier to secure and adjust the weight of the component orientation correction part 140 without excessively extending the first part 148.

[0117] Furthermore, in the stick feeder 4 of this embodiment, the second section 150 has a weight space 152 to which a weight for weight adjustment can be attached or detached. With this configuration, the weight of the component orientation correction section 140 can be easily adjusted according to the weight and shape of the component P.

[0118] Furthermore, in the stick feeder 4 of this embodiment, the pusher 24 has a first member 102 that contacts the part P and a second member 104 to which the first member 102 is detachably attached. This configuration makes it possible to use first portions 148 of different shapes to match the shape of the part P.

[0119] Furthermore, in the stick feeder 4 of this embodiment, the pusher 24 is rotatably attached to the wire 26 driven by the pusher drive unit 25. With this configuration, when the pusher 24 travels through the component storage space 60 or the component passage 70, the inclination of the pusher 24 can be automatically adjusted in accordance with the inclination of the component storage space 60 or the component passage 70.

[0120] Furthermore, in the stick feeder 4 of this embodiment, the pusher 24 is attached to a wire 26 driven by a pusher driver 25, and the attachment position of the wire 26 on the pusher 24 is above the center of the height of the pusher 24. This configuration makes it easier to stabilize the posture of the pusher 24.

[0121] (Variation) In the above embodiment, the component orientation correction unit 140 is rotatably moved, but this is not the only possible embodiment. Any component orientation correction unit may be used as long as it can move between a first position where it applies a force to the pusher 24 in a second direction M2 opposite to the first direction M1, and a second position where it is retracted from the first position. Modified examples of the component orientation correction unit will be described below.

[0122] 15A and 15B are schematic side views showing the configuration and operation of a component orientation correcting section 240 according to Modification 1. FIG.

[0123] 15A and 15B has a biasing portion 242 and a contact surface 244. The biasing portion 242 is a member that generates a biasing force, such as a spring, and expands and contracts in response to contact with the component P. Because the biasing portion 242 is elastically deformed, it may also be referred to as an elastic portion. The contact surface 244 is a surface that comes into contact with the component P.

[0124] 15A, when the pusher 24 pushes the component P in the first direction M1, the upper end of the front surface 204 of the pusher 24 abuts against the abutment surface 244. The component posture correcting unit 240 applies a force F1 to the component P that includes a component in the opposite direction to the first direction M1, thereby correcting the posture of the component P.

[0125] 15B, when the pusher 24 further pushes the component P, the contact surface 244 of the component orientation correction unit 240 exceeds the front surface 204 of the component P, and the lower end 244A of the contact surface 244 comes into contact with the upper surface 209 of the component P. The component orientation correction unit 240 applies to the component P a force F1 that has a slight component in the opposite direction to the first direction M1, thereby correcting the orientation of the component P.

[0126] As described above, the component posture correction section 240 moves from the first position shown in FIG. 15A to the second position shown in FIG. 15B due to the expansion and contraction action of the biasing section 242, and corrects the posture of the component P by applying a force F1 that includes a component in the opposite direction to the first direction M1.

[0127] 16A and 16B are schematic side views showing the configuration and operation of a component orientation correcting section 340 according to Modification 2. FIG.

[0128] 16A and 16B has a fixed portion 342, an elastic portion 344, and an abutment surface 346. The fixed portion 342 is a portion that is fixed to the feeder 21, and has the elastic portion 344 attached thereto. The elastic portion 344 is a member that generates elastic force, such as rubber, and elastically deforms in response to contact with the component P. The abutment surface 346 is a surface that abuts against the component P.

[0129] 16A , when the pusher 24 pushes the component P in the first direction M1, the front surface 204 of the pusher 24 abuts against the abutment surface 346. The component posture correction unit 340 applies a force F1 to the component P that includes a component in the opposite direction to the first direction M1, thereby correcting the posture of the component P.

[0130] 16B, when the pusher 24 further pushes the component P, the abutment surface 346 of the component orientation correction unit 340 passes over the front surface 204 of the component P, and the lower end 346A of the abutment surface 346 abuts against the upper surface 209 of the component P. The component orientation correction unit 340 applies to the component P a force F1 that has a slight component in the opposite direction to the first direction M1, thereby correcting the orientation of the component P.

[0131] As described above, the component posture correction unit 340 moves from the first position shown in FIG. 16A to the second position shown in FIG. 16B due to the elastic deformation of the elastic unit 344, and corrects the posture of the component P by applying a force F1 that includes a component in the opposite direction to the first direction M1.

[0132] 17A and 17B are schematic side views showing the configuration and operation of a component orientation correction section 440 according to Modification 3. FIG.

[0133] 17A and 17B has a fixed part 442 and a movable part 444. The fixed part 442 is a part that is fixed to the feeder 21, and the movable part 444 is attached in a state where it can move relatively. The movable part 444 has a space 446 that houses the fixed part 442, and is movable within a range where the fixed part 442 fits within the space 446 (mainly in the Z direction). The movable part 444 further has an abutment surface 448 that abuts against the component P. The abutment surface 448 has an inclined shape that protrudes downward along the first direction M1, which is the movement direction of the pusher 24.

[0134] 17A , when the pusher 24 pushes the component P in the first direction M1, the front surface 204 of the pusher 24 abuts against the abutment surface 448. Because the abutment surface 448 is an inclined surface, the movable part 444 of the component posture correction unit 440 rises (arrow B) as the component P moves in the first direction M1. While the abutment surface 448 is abutting against the front surface 204 of the component P, the component posture correction unit 440 applies a force F1 to the component P that includes a component in the opposite direction to the first direction M1, thereby correcting the posture of the component P.

[0135] 17B, ​​when the pusher 24 further pushes the component P, the contact surface 448 of the component orientation correction unit 440 exceeds the front surface 204 of the component P, and the lower end 448A of the contact surface 448 comes into contact with the upper surface 209 of the component P. The component orientation correction unit 440 applies to the component P a force F1 that has a slight component in the opposite direction to the first direction M1, thereby correcting the orientation of the component P.

[0136] As described above, the component posture correction unit 440 moves from the first position shown in FIG. 17A to the second position shown in FIG. 17B by moving the movable unit 444, and corrects the posture of the component P by applying a force F1 to the component P that includes a component in the opposite direction to the first direction M1.

[0137] (others) While the present invention has been described above with reference to the above-described embodiments, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. For example, in the embodiments, the component posture correction unit 140 is provided at the transfer section 130 from the stick ST1 to the feeder 21, but the present invention is not limited to this. The component posture correction unit may be provided at any position in the component storage space 60 and the component passage 70 where it can contact the component P. The component posture correction unit only needs to be movable between a first position where it contacts the component P in the first direction M1 as it passes through a predetermined position on the stick ST1 or the feeder 21 (the transfer section 130 in this embodiment), and a second position where it is retracted from the first position.

[0138] Furthermore, in the embodiment, the component posture correction unit 140 is disposed in an upper region of the component passage 70, but this is not a limitation. The component posture correction unit may be disposed in any region that is different from the first region B1 through which the pusher 24 passes and that can abut against the component P. For example, if the component P is long in the left-right direction (X direction) relative to the pusher 24, the component posture correction unit may be provided on the side wall of the component passage 70 so as to abut against the left and right ends of the component P. In this case, a biasing member such as a spring may be provided to bias the component posture correction unit from the second position to the first position.

[0139] Although the present disclosure has been fully described in connection with the preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, various variations and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such variations and modifications should be understood to be included within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims, unless they depart therefrom. Furthermore, changes in the combination and order of elements in each embodiment may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.

[0140] It should be noted that, by appropriately combining any of the above-described embodiments and various modifications, it is possible to achieve the effects of each of them. [Industrial Applicability]

[0141] The present invention is applicable to any stick feeder. [Explanation of symbols]

[0142] 1. Component placement device 4 Stick Feeder 21b Pick-up location 24 Pusher 25 Pusher drive unit 60 Parts storage space 70 Parts aisle 140, 240, 340, 440 Parts posture correction unit E1 1st end E2 2nd end M1 1st direction M2 2nd direction ST, ST1, ST2, ST3 sticks

Claims

1. a stick having a component storage space for storing a plurality of components in a row; a component passage connected to a first end of the stick for passing the plurality of components to a predetermined pickup position; a pusher that pushes the components accommodated in the component accommodation space in a first direction toward the pickup position of the component passage; a pusher driving unit that moves the pusher forward and backward in the first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction; a component posture correcting unit that is movable between a first position that abuts against the stick or a component passing through a predetermined position in the component passage in the first direction, and a second position that is retracted from the first position.

2. 2. The stick feeder according to claim 1, wherein the component attitude correction unit is disposed at the first position without contacting the component, and moves from the first position to the second position upon contact with the component moving in the first direction.

3. 2. The stick feeder according to claim 1, wherein the component attitude correcting unit is biased by gravity from the second position toward the first position.

4. 2. The stick feeder according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined position is a transition point from the stick to the component passage.

5. the component passage has a receiving surface for receiving the component from the stick at the transfer section, 5. The stick feeder according to claim 4, wherein the component attitude correcting section is disposed at a position where it abuts against the component in the first direction at least when the component contacts the receiving surface.

6. The stick feeder according to claim 1 , wherein the component attitude correcting unit is disposed in an area different from an area through which the pusher passes in a cross section perpendicular to the first direction.

7. 7. The stick feeder according to claim 6, wherein the component attitude correcting section is located above the area through which the pusher passes.

8. 2. The stick feeder according to claim 1, wherein the component attitude correction unit has a rotation shaft extending in the width direction of the component passage, and a movable part that rotates together with the rotation shaft between the first position and the second position.

9. 9. The stick feeder of claim 8, wherein the movable part has a first part extending from the rotation axis and a second part extending in a direction different from the first part, and the second part extends in the first direction at the first position.

10. 10. The stick feeder according to claim 9, wherein the second portion has a weight space into which a weight for adjusting the weight can be attached or detached.

11. 2. The stick feeder according to claim 1, wherein the pusher has a first member that contacts the component and a second member to which the first member is detachably attached.

12. 2. The stick feeder of claim 1, wherein the pusher is rotatably mounted on a wire driven by the pusher drive.

13. the pusher is attached to a wire that is driven by the pusher driver; 2. The stick feeder according to claim 1, wherein the wire is attached to the pusher at a position above the center of the pusher in the height direction.

Images