Washer-integrated bolt supply device

Abstract

With simple rearrangement and operation, multiple types of bolts of different sizes can be lined up vertically and discharged in a single row. [Solution] The washer-integrated bolt supply device comprises a transport mechanism having a transport path for transporting washer-integrated bolts in a horizontal position in a line, a sorting mechanism 20 for sorting and removing abnormal bolts, and an external discharge section for discharging normal bolts in a line to the outside. The sorting mechanism is an extrusion section 20A that pushes abnormal bolts out of the transport path. The extrusion section has a first contact section 21 that contacts abnormal bolts, a second contact section 22 that is located on the far side in the transport direction, separated from the first contact section, and contacts the bolts, and a connecting section 24 that connects the first contact section and the second contact section. The connecting section connects the first contact section and the second contact section so that they can be moved in conjunction and variably, with one limiting the range of movement of the other. The extrusion section has a non-contact recess between the first contact section and the second contact section.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a washer-embedded bolt supply device that arranges washer-embedded bolts in which washers are incorporated between the tips of the head and legs in a row and discharges them to the outside.

Background Art

[0002] Bolt supply devices have been developed (see Patent Documents 1 to 3). However, when a conventional bolt supply device transfers and discharges in a row washer-embedded bolts in which washers are incorporated between the tips of the head and legs, there is a problem that bolts (abnormal bolts) that have bitten into the threaded portion of the washer are transferred and cause jams. Jams of abnormal washer-embedded bolts require the device to be stopped and the jam to be resolved, which takes time and effort and significantly reduces the bolt supply efficiency. Although sensors such as the sensing means shown in Patent Document 2, cameras, and image processing can recognize and eliminate abnormal bolts, there are problems of increased structural complexity and high manufacturing costs.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The present disclosure has been developed for the purpose of solving the above problems. One of the objects of the present disclosure is to provide a washer-embedded bolt supply device with a simple structure that avoids and resolves jams of abnormal bolts and arranges normal bolts in a row and discharges them to the outside.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A bolt supply device according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises all of the following components (a) through (e): (a) The washer-integrated bolt supply device is: A transport mechanism having a transport path for transporting bolts with washers incorporated into them, arranged in a line, in a horizontal position, Among the bolts transported by the transfer mechanism, the normal bolts with washers in the correct position pass through, A sorting mechanism that eliminates abnormal bolts where the washer is not in the correct position, It includes an external discharge section that arranges normal bolts that have passed through the sorting mechanism and been transported in a line and discharges them to the outside, (b) The sorting mechanism, It includes an extrusion section that pushes out abnormal bolts being transported from the transport path. (c) The extrusion section is A first contact portion that contacts the abnormal bolt being transported, It is positioned on the far side in the direction of transport, away from the first contact point. The first contact portion is separated from the second contact portion which contacts the abnormal bolt at a distance from it, It has a connecting portion that connects the first contact portion and the second contact portion. (d) The connecting portion connects the first contact portion and the second contact portion so that they can be moved in conjunction and variably, with one of them limiting the range of movement of the other. (e) The extrusion section is Between the first contact portion and the second contact portion, It has a non-contact recess that does not come into contact with the bolt being transported. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] The bolt supply device described above has a simple structure and features the ability to avoid and resolve jams caused by abnormal bolts, while also being able to discharge normal bolts in a single line. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is a schematic perspective view of a washer-integrated bolt supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a schematic plan view from above of the washer-inserted bolt supply device of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] It is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view taken along line III-III of the washer-inserted bolt supply device of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] It is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a rotating mechanism. [Figure 5] It is a schematic cross-sectional perspective view showing an example of a transfer path. [Figure 6] It is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a lamination release portion. [Figure 7] It is a schematic cross-sectional perspective view showing an example of a single-row guide. [Figure 8] It is a schematic perspective view showing an example of an extrusion portion. [Figure 9] It is a schematic plan view showing an extrusion portion and a single-row guide. [Figure 10] It is a schematic plan view showing the principle by which an abnormal bolt is extruded by the extrusion portion. [Figure 11] It is a schematic plan view showing the principle by which a normal bolt is transferred without being extruded by the extrusion portion. [Figure 12] It is a schematic diagram showing another embodiment of the extrusion portion. [Figure 13] It is a schematic diagram showing another embodiment of the extrusion portion.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] The embodiments of the present disclosure may be specified by the following configurations and features. The washer-inserted bolt supply device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes all of the following configurations (a) to (e). (a) The washer-inserted bolt supply device has a transfer mechanism having a transfer path for arranging the washer-inserted bolts in which washers are inserted into bolts in a row and transferring them in a horizontal posture, Among the bolts transferred by the transfer mechanism, it passes through the normal bolts in which the washers are in normal positions, and a sorting mechanism for excluding abnormal bolts in which the washers are not in normal positions, It includes an external discharge section that arranges normal bolts that have passed through the sorting mechanism and been transported in a line and discharges them to the outside, (b) The sorting mechanism, It includes an extrusion section that pushes out abnormal bolts being transported from the transport path. (c) The extrusion section is A first contact portion that contacts the abnormal bolt being transported, It is positioned on the far side in the transport direction, away from the first contact portion. The first contact portion is separated from the second contact portion which contacts the abnormal bolt at a distance from it, It has a connecting portion that connects the first contact portion and the second contact portion. (d) The connecting portion connects the first contact portion and the second contact portion so that they can be moved in conjunction and variably, with one of them limiting the range of movement of the other. (e) The extrusion section is Between the first contact portion and the second contact portion, It has a non-contact recess that does not come into contact with the bolt being transported.

[0009] The above configuration has a simple structure that avoids and eliminates blockages caused by abnormal bolts, and has the advantage of being able to discharge normal bolts in a single line to the outside. This is because the above configuration includes a sorting mechanism that allows normal bolts to pass through and removes abnormal bolts from among the bolts being transported by the transport mechanism, and the sorting mechanism is an extrusion section that pushes the transported abnormal bolts out of the transport path. By pushing the abnormal bolts out of the transport path, the abnormal bolts are not transported to the external discharge section, thus avoiding blockages caused by the transport of abnormal bolts. Therefore, it is possible to avoid stopping the equipment for clearing blockages, saving time and effort, and preventing a decrease in bolt supply efficiency. The extrusion section of the sorting mechanism has a simple structure in which the first contact section and the second contact section are positioned at a distance from each other, and the first contact section and the second contact section come into contact with the transported abnormal bolts, reliably pushing the abnormal bolts out of the transport path. The extrusion section is positioned so that the first and second contact sections contact and push out abnormal bolts, and the connecting section connects the two so that either the first or second contact section restricts the movement range of the other. This allows the spaced-apart first and second contact sections to contact the abnormal bolt while restricting each other's movement range, thereby reliably pushing the abnormal bolt out of the transport path. The extrusion section allows the first and second contact sections to stably, continuously, and reliably push out abnormal bolts from the transport path. Furthermore, the extrusion section has a simple structure with a non-contact recess between the first and second contact sections that does not come into contact with the transported bolt, allowing normal bolts other than the abnormal bolt to be transported to the external discharge section without being pushed out of the transport path, and discharged to the outside in a line. A normal bolt is one in which the distance (D) between the front and rear sides of the bolt that each contacts is shorter than the distance (d) between the first and second contact points. In the case of a normal bolt, the first and second contact points do not come into contact with each other while limiting their range of movement, and the bolt is not pushed out of the transport path. This is because even if a normal bolt comes into contact with the first and second contact points, it can only come into contact with one of them at a time.

[0010] The above configuration has a simple structure and can be made inexpensive. The above configuration does not require a vibration mechanism or a compressor for blowing air, thus reducing manufacturing and running costs. The above configuration does not require a motor to move the first and second contact parts, a sensor to recognize abnormal bolts and their position, or image processing, and therefore consumes no power, resulting in lower costs and reduced noise as a vibration mechanism is not required. Furthermore, the above configuration has a simple mechanical configuration in which the connecting part links the first and second contact parts in a variable manner, with one limiting the range of movement of the other, making it possible to push out and remove abnormal bolts and allow normal bolts to pass through, and also reducing the likelihood of failure. In addition, the extrusion part can be installed in a small space on the transfer surface without substantially increasing the size of the device. Furthermore, the above configuration can address the jamming of washers into the threaded portion, which is difficult to resolve with vibration or air blowing, thus avoiding and eliminating jams of abnormal bolts and allowing normal bolts to be discharged to the outside in a single line. It also eliminates and avoids the challenges of removing unstable abnormal bolts caused by sensors, air blowing, etc., and the constraints on the transfer speed. In the above configuration, the first and second contact parts that physically contact the abnormal bolt can reliably push out and remove the abnormal bolt from the transfer path. In the above configuration, even at high bolt transfer speeds, the push-out section can maintain and achieve stable and continuous push-out of abnormal bolts. Moreover, the above configuration can push out abnormal bolts being transported in both forward-facing orientations (where the threaded portion (leg portion) leads) and backward-facing orientations (where the threaded portion lags behind) in the push-out section, increasing the transfer and supply rate of bolts per unit time. Furthermore, it does not require a mechanism to distinguish between forward-facing and backward-facing orientations, remove them, or unify them into the same orientation. The above configuration has a simple structure that can reliably push out abnormal bolts from the transport path by contacting them, avoiding and eliminating blockages caused by abnormal bolts, and efficiently and stably discharging normal bolts in a line to the outside, making it extremely cost-effective.

[0011] Furthermore, the above configuration has the advantage of being able to select whether the bolt being transported is an abnormal bolt that should be pushed out of the transport path, based on the separation distance (d) between the first and second contact parts, their respective contact positions, and the timing. With the above configuration, if the first and second contact parts are in contact with an abnormal bolt at a separation distance (d) or greater, the first and second contact parts will contact the abnormal bolt while limiting the range of movement of each other, thereby reliably pushing it out of the transport path. Among bolts with washers, bolts where the washer gets caught in the threaded portion can jam and cause malfunctions. However, it is not easy to determine the degree of jamming and the difficulty of resolving the jamming based solely on the washer's position and the distance (D) from the washer's head. The above configuration has the advantage of reliably preventing jamming by abnormal bolts, resulting in equipment failure and complete shutdown, by uniformly pushing out bolts that come into contact with the first and second contact points at a distance (d) or greater, treating them as abnormal bolts. Furthermore, the above configuration has the advantage of preventing more than one bolt from being supplied to the extrusion section at the same time, as the transfer mechanism supplies the bolts to the extrusion section one by one in a horizontal position in a single line on the transfer path. It can also handle increased supply volume and speed, and can prevent or reduce bolt damage.

[0012] A washer-integrated bolt supply device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure comprises all of the following configurations (f) to (h) in the above embodiment. (f) The transfer mechanism is An inner rotating plate on which bolts are supplied to the upper surface, An outer ring plate positioned outside the inner rotating plate, which transports bolts supplied from the inner rotating plate in a horizontal position, It has a rotating mechanism that rotates the outer ring plate. (g) The outer ring plate is The transport path is located inside the upper transport surface. The bolts on the transport path are lined up in a single row and transported in a horizontal position. (h) The extrusion section is The first contact portion and / or the second contact portion are movably positioned in the contact area to which the bolt being transported makes contact. The first and second contact points can contact abnormal bolts in the transport path and push them towards the inner rotating plate.

[0013] The above configuration has a simple structure and features the ability to avoid and eliminate jamming of abnormal bolts, and to discharge normal bolts in a line to the outside. This is because the above configuration movably positions the first contact part and / or the second contact part in the contact area to which the transported bolts come into contact, so that the bolts being transported in the transport path cannot pass without coming into contact with the first contact part and / or the second contact part, and the first contact part and the second contact part can contact the abnormal bolts in the transport path and push them out to the inner rotating plate while limiting the range of movement of each other. The above configuration has the advantage of reducing damage and stress to the transported bolts, improving the transport and supply speed and efficiency of the bolts, and increasing the amount of bolts transported and supplied per unit time. This is because the transport mechanism has an inner rotating plate on which bolts are supplied randomly to the upper surface, an outer ring plate positioned outside the inner rotating plate and transporting the bolts supplied from the inner rotating plate in a horizontal position, and a rotating mechanism that rotates at least the outer ring plate. Randomly supplied bolts are dispersed and arranged at an appropriate density by the rotating inner plate and outer ring plate, mitigating, reducing, and dispersing contact collisions and overlaps, allowing them to be efficiently arranged in a single line and transported horizontally along the transport path. This configuration has the advantage of achieving its features with a simple structure, reducing manufacturing costs, lowering running costs, and reducing noise. Furthermore, by providing the transport path inside the transport surface of the outer ring plate, the extrusion part can easily, stably, and reliably push out abnormal bolts from the transport path with minimal contact.

[0014] In other embodiments of the present disclosure, the washer-integrated bolt supply device can, in any of the above embodiments, have the extrusion unit positioned on an outer ring plate higher than the inner rotating plate. The above configuration has a simple structure and features the ability to avoid and eliminate jamming of abnormal bolts and discharge normal bolts in a single line to the outside. The above configuration has the feature that the extrusion unit is positioned on an outer ring plate higher than the inner rotating plate, the extrusion unit pushes out and removes abnormal bolts from the transport path, and the difference in height between the outer ring plate and the inner rotating plate can be used to resolve washer jamming by the impact of the falling abnormal bolts. The extrusion unit pushes out abnormal bolts from the transport path of the relatively higher outer ring plate with its first and second contact parts, causing them to fall onto the relatively lower inner rotating plate, thereby directly or indirectly applying impact to the washer jamming and resolving the jamming.

[0015] In other embodiments of the present disclosure, the washer-integrated bolt supply device can, in any of the above embodiments, have the first contact portion and / or the second contact portion positioned inward from the first end on the front side in the transport direction. The above configuration has the advantage of a simple structure that can eliminate jamming of abnormal bolts and discharge normal bolts in a line to the outside. This is because the above configuration allows the first contact portion and / or the second contact portion to be extended from the outer circumference to the inner circumference in a position inclined with respect to the transport direction with respect to the radial direction, and in a position that diagonally crosses the tangential direction of the outer ring plate, bolts advancing in the transport direction can be reliably brought into contact with the first contact portion and / or the second contact portion. The above configuration extends the contact surfaces of the first and second contact portions that can contact the bolt in the direction of bolt movement, allowing the bolt to contact linearly or surfacely in the direction of movement. This increases the contact area of ​​the bolt as it advances in the direction of movement, and ensures that the bolt can reliably contact the first and second contact portions regardless of the position or shape of the bolt's contact portion, and regardless of whether it is facing forward or backward. As the moving bolt advances, it moves closer to the second end, which is positioned further inward and protruding, thus expanding the range in which it can contact the first and second contact portions. In other words, it narrows the range in which the bolt can advance without contacting the first and second contact portions. Furthermore, the above configuration also has the advantage of reducing the impact and load of contact, preventing and reducing damage to the bolt due to contact, while pushing out and removing abnormal bolts, and allowing normal bolts to advance smoothly by pushing out the first and second contact portions that they have contacted without being pushed out.

[0016] In other embodiments of the present disclosure, a washer-integrated bolt supply device, in any of the above embodiments, has a connecting portion rotatably arranged via a vertically extending rotating shaft, and a first contact portion and a second contact portion are movably connected to the contact position of an abnormal bolt, so that the connecting portion can perform a seesaw motion in which the first contact portion and the second contact portion move in opposite directions outward and inward with the rotating shaft as a pivot point. The vertical direction refers to the direction up and down with respect to the outer ring plate (transport surface, transport path), and is not limited to the direction perpendicular to the outer ring plate, but also includes the direction inclined with respect to the outer ring plate. The above configuration has the advantage of a simple structure that can eliminate jams of abnormal bolts and discharge normal bolts in a line to the outside. This is because the connecting portion is rotatably arranged via a vertically extending rotating shaft, and the first contact portion and the second contact portion are movably connected to the contact position of an abnormal bolt. The connecting section rotatably connects the first contact section and the second contact section with the rotation axis as a pivot point, and positions the first and second contact sections to move and rotate freely in a position and direction that pushes out abnormal bolts. Furthermore, the connecting section has a simple structure in which the first and second contact sections move in a seesaw motion with the rotation axis as a pivot point, moving in opposite directions on the outside and inside of the outer ring plate. By connecting the first and second contact sections in such a way that one of them restricts the range of movement of the other, the bolt can be reliably pushed out of the transport path while the first and second contact sections are in contact and their range of movement is restricted. When the transported bolt comes into contact with the first contact section and is pushed outward, the second contact section is moved inward while being prevented from moving outward, and then comes into contact with the second contact section, preventing the first contact section from moving outward. Therefore, the abnormal bolt comes into contact with the first and second contact points, preventing them from moving outward relative to each other, and thus pushing the abnormal bolt out of the transport path.

[0017] A washer-integrated bolt supply device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure can be positioned in any of the above embodiments with the rotation axis inclined inward with respect to the horizontal plane. The above configuration has the advantage of a simple structure that can eliminate jams of abnormal bolts and discharge normal bolts in a line to the outside. This is because the initial position in which the first contact portion and / or the second contact portion are positioned within a predetermined position and range can be determined by the inclination direction of the rotation axis, and for example, the first contact portion that has been pushed outward after contact can return to the contact area of ​​the initial position using its own weight, thereby stabilizing contact with the transported bolt. By inclining the rotation axis inward, the initial position of the first contact portion and / or the second contact portion can be determined within the contact area. The above configuration quickly creates a state in which the first contact portion and the second contact portion contact the transported abnormal bolt, and the first contact portion and the second contact portion can contact the abnormal bolt and reliably push it out of the transport path. Similarly, even with a normal bolt, the first and second contact points can be stably contacted while the bolt is being transported and passed through without being pushed out.

[0018] In other embodiments of the present disclosure, the washer-integrated bolt supply device can, in any of the above embodiments, have a first contact portion that is larger or heavier than the second contact portion. The above configuration has the advantage of a simple structure that can eliminate jamming of abnormal bolts and discharge normal bolts in a line to the outside. The first and second contact portions are extended and arranged in different and opposite directions from the rotation axis and are movable to the outside and inside of the outer ring plate with the rotation axis as a pivot point. In addition, by making the first contact portion larger or heavier than the second contact portion, the center of gravity is shifted toward the first contact portion side, and the weight of the extrusion portion can be used to return the first contact portion and / or the second contact portion to their initial positions, the initial position being within the contact area, the contact with the bolt can be stabilized, and this can be repeated and continued.

[0019] In other embodiments of the present disclosure, the washer-integrated bolt supply device can, in any of the above embodiments, have a separation distance (d) between the first contact portion and the second contact portion that is longer than 80% of the length between the bolt head and the base of the bolt's threaded portion. The above configuration has a simple structure and features the ability to eliminate jamming of abnormal bolts and discharge normal bolts in a line to the outside. This is because the separation distance (d) between the first contact portion and the second contact portion, which is longer than 80% of the length between the bolt head and the base of the bolt's threaded portion, can push out and remove not only bolts that are jammed with washers, but also bolts suspected of being jammed, as abnormal bolts, thereby avoiding jamming of abnormal bolts.

[0020] In other embodiments of the present disclosure, a washer-integrated bolt supply device may, in any of the above embodiments, have a modification mechanism in the extrusion section that can change the orientation and / or arrangement of the first contact section and / or the second contact section. The above configuration has the advantage of a simple structure that can eliminate jamming of abnormal bolts and discharge normal bolts in a single line to the outside. This is because the modification mechanism can change and adjust the orientation and / or arrangement of the first contact section and / or the second contact section to achieve proper contact, extrusion of abnormal bolts, and passage of normal bolts. Depending on the size, shape, configuration, transfer amount, transfer speed, etc., the modification mechanism can change and adjust the orientation and / or arrangement of the first contact section and / or the second contact section.

[0021] In other embodiments of the present disclosure, a washer-integrated bolt supply device may, in any of the above embodiments, include a posture-changing discharge unit in the external discharge unit that changes the posture of the bolts sent from the transfer mechanism from a horizontal to a vertical position and discharges them in a line. The above configuration has the advantage of a simple structure that eliminates jams of abnormal bolts and discharges normal bolts to the outside in a line. This is because the extrusion unit pushes out the abnormal bolts, and after only the normal bolts have passed, the posture-changing discharge unit changes its posture to a vertical position and discharges them to the outside in a line.

[0022] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiments shown below are illustrative of a washer-integrated bolt supply device for realizing the technical concept of this disclosure, and this disclosure does not limit the washer-integrated bolt supply device to the following. Furthermore, this disclosure does not limit the members shown in the claims to the members of the embodiments. In particular, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, etc. of the components described in the embodiments are merely illustrative examples and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure to them unless specifically stated otherwise. Note that each drawing is simplified, schematic, and schematic for illustrative purposes, and the size and positional relationships of the members shown in each drawing may be exaggerated to clarify the explanation. In the following description, the same name and reference numeral indicate the same or similar members, and detailed explanations will be omitted as appropriate. Furthermore, each element constituting this disclosure may be configured such that multiple elements are made of the same material, with one material serving multiple elements, or conversely, the function of one material may be shared among multiple materials. In this disclosure, "inside" refers to the side closer to the center of the outer ring plate 12 and the inner rotating plate 11, or the axis of rotation (first axis of rotation 42, second axis of rotation 43), for example, the inner peripheral edge side of the outer ring plate 12 or the center side of the inner rotating plate 11. "Outside" refers to the side of the outer ring plate 12 and the inner rotating plate 11 that is farther from the axis of rotation, the side that is away from the inside, or the opposite side of the inside, for example, the outer peripheral edge side of the outer ring plate 12 or the side further out. Furthermore, the direction of transport of the bolt 1 is assumed to be from the front side to the back side. Unless otherwise specified, the head 3 of the bolt 1 shall include the flange portion 3a. (Embodiment 1)

[0023] The washer-embedded bolt supply device 100 according to Embodiment 1 shown in Figures 1 and 2 includes a transfer mechanism 10 that transports washer-embedded bolts 1 in a horizontal position in a line, a sorting mechanism 20 that sorts and removes abnormal bolts 1'' from the bolts 1 transported by the transfer mechanism 10, and allows normal bolts 1' to pass through without being removed, and an external discharge unit 30 that discharges the normal bolts 1' in a line to the outside.

[0024] An abnormal bolt 1'' is a bolt 1 in which the washer 4 is not in the normal position, and at the contact position of the bolt 1 when the first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 22 contact the bolt 1 and push it out of the transport path 12b, the separation distance (D) between the front and rear sides of the contact portion of the bolt 1 (head 3 including the flange portion 3a and the washer 4) is longer than or equal to the separation distance (d) between the first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 22. A normal bolt 1' is a bolt 1 in which the washer 4 is in the normal position, and is a bolt other than an abnormal bolt 1''. Both abnormal bolts 1'' and normal bolts 1' include bolts 1A and 1B in forward-facing and rear-facing positions.

[0025] The washer-integrated bolt supply device 100 transports washer-integrated bolts 1 in a horizontal position in a single line, and the sorting mechanism 20 (extrusion section 20A) pushes out abnormal bolts 1'' from the transport path 12b. All devices can be used. The washer-integrated bolt 1 (bolt 1) has a head 3, a leg 2 whose shaft is part or all threaded 2a, and a washer 4 inserted through the leg 2 and integrated between the head 3 of the bolt 1 and the tip of the leg 2. The following specific example shows a washer-integrated bolt. The bolt 1 is defined as a hexagonal bolt 1a with a hexagonal head 3, a flange portion 3a, and a washer 4 incorporated into it. However, this disclosure does not specify the configuration, shape, size, or type of bolt 1, and refers to all washered bolts and screws in which the head 3 and threaded portion 2a are connected in an integral structure and one or more washers 4 are incorporated into it. The head 3 of the bolt 1 includes shapes such as pan head, countersunk, round head, truss, bind, and low head, and other shapes other than hexagonal. This includes circular or other circular external shapes, regardless of the presence or absence of positive / negative or polygonal recesses, and regardless of the presence or shape of the flange portion 3a. For example, bolt 1 includes hex socket head bolts, low-profile bolts, bolts with a circular head 3, and also includes countersunk screws, tapping screws, hex tapping screws, wood screws, and self-drilling screws. Washers 4 include all ring-shaped and donut-shaped washers through which the leg portion 2 is inserted, and also include those with a portion cut off. Examples include flat washers, spring washers, flat washers, spring washers, and toothed washers. In bolts 1 with a washer incorporated, where the washer 4 is movably incorporated into the shaft between the head 3 and the threaded portion 2a, the washer 4 may bite into the threaded portion 2a, potentially causing problems such as jamming during transport. The biting strength can be particularly strong when the bolt size is large. The bolt 1 with a washer incorporated as an example in Figure 8 is a bolt in which the washer 4 is incorporated between the head 3 and the threaded portion 2a. (Transfer mechanism 10)

[0026] The transfer mechanism 10 transports a large number of bolts 1 with washers attached, which are supplied randomly, in a horizontal position in a single line. The transfer mechanism 10 shown in Figures 1 and 2 includes an inner rotating plate 11 on which the bolts 1 are supplied to the upper surface, an outer ring plate 12 positioned outside the inner rotating plate 11 to transport the bolts 1 supplied from the inner rotating plate 11 in a horizontal position, and a rotating mechanism 40 that rotates the outer ring plate 12. Regardless of whether the bolts 1 supplied to the inner rotating plate 11 are facing forward or backward, the transfer mechanism 10 transports them in a horizontal position in a single line along the inner edge of the outer ring plate 12 in a transfer path 12b. (Inner rotating plate 11)

[0027] The inner rotating plate 11 is a rotating disc disposed inside the outer ring plate 12, and is rotatably positioned within the inner plane of the outer ring plate 12 around the first rotation axis 42. The upper surface of the inner rotating plate 11 serves as a mounting surface 11a on which bolts 1 are supplied and stored. On the mounting surface 11a of the inner rotating plate 11, a large number of bolts 1 are supplied randomly and without direction from an external connection device such as a hopper, temporarily stored, and while rotating, the densely packed bolts 1 are appropriately dispersed by centrifugal force and supply guides 11b that guide them to the outer edge, and sent out to the outer circumference of the inner rotating plate 11, where they are guided and supplied to the outer discharge section 12A of the outer ring plate 12. (Outer ring plate 12)

[0028] The outer ring plate 12 is ring-shaped and annular, positioned outside the inner rotating plate 11, and is rotatably arranged within the outer plane of the inner rotating plate 11 around the second rotation axis 43. In Figures 1 and 3, the outer ring plate 12 is rotatably arranged within the outer plane inclined with respect to the inner plane of the inner rotating plate 11, around the second rotation axis 43 which is inclined from the first rotation axis 42. In Figures 1 and 3, the outer ring plate 12 has its upper surface as a ring-shaped transport surface 12a that is continuous in the transport direction of the bolt 1, and rotates to transport the bolt 1 placed on the transport surface 12a in a circular orbit in the rotational direction. The transport surface 12a has a transport path 12b that is continuous in the transport direction of the bolt 1, and the outer ring plate 12 guides the bolt 1 along the transport path 12b, arranging them in a line and transporting them in a horizontal position.

[0029] In this configuration, the outer ring plate 12 is positioned outside the inner rotating plate 11. This configuration temporarily stores the numerous bolts 1 supplied to the mounting surface 11a, which is the upper surface of the inner rotating plate 11, and while rotating, distributes the densely packed bolts 1, sending them to the transport surface 12a, which is the upper surface of the outer ring plate 12. This prevents the numerous bolts 1 supplied to the inner rotating plate 11 from being excessively concentrated and supplied to the outer ring plate 12 at once, and also prevents the amount of bolts 1 supplied to the outer ring plate 12 from becoming too small, allowing for the efficient supply of an appropriate amount of bolts 1 to the outer ring plate 12. Furthermore, this configuration prevents and suppresses the supply of numerous bolts 1 to the outer ring plate 12 in a densely packed, stacked, and solidified state, as the bolts 1 are gradually sent from the inner rotating plate 11 to the outer ring plate 12 while each rotates, effectively preventing damage that could occur due to the bolts 1 contacting and rubbing against each other. The transfer mechanism 10 shown in Figure 1 includes two rotating bodies, an inner rotating plate 11 and an outer ring plate 12. However, the disc on which the bolts 1 are placed, rotated, and discharged in a line does not necessarily have to be made of separate components, such as the inner rotating plate 11 and the outer ring plate 12; for example, it could be made of a single disc.

[0030] The outer ring plate 12 can increase the amount of bolt 1 transported by widening the width of the transport surface 12a. The width of the transport surface 12a is determined within an appropriate range depending on the outer diameter and amount of the bolt 1 to be transported, the size of the outer ring plate 12, etc., but can be, for example, 1.5 times or more and 10 times or less the outermost diameter of the bolt 1, and can be, for example, 3 to 30 cm. The transport surface 12a in Figure 3 is flat, but it can be a shape other than flat, for example, a U-shape or V-shape in cross-section, or a U-shaped groove, or an uneven shape. It can also be a horizontal surface in the radial direction, or a tapered surface that slopes inward or outward.

[0031] The transport surface 12a of the outer ring plate 12 has a ring-shaped transport path 12b that is continuous in the transport direction of the bolt 1 and extends in the circumferential direction of the outer ring plate 12. The outer ring plate 12 transports the bolt 1 in a circular orbit along the transport path 12b. In Figures 3 and 5, the transport surface 12a of the outer ring plate 12 has a transport path 12b provided along the inner circumferential edge. The transport path 12b can be groove-shaped or concave, and in particular bolts 1 having a circular head 3 (flange portion 3a) and washer 4 can be transported in a stable, straight line without lateral displacement. In Figure 5, the transport path 12b is a U-groove. The U-groove transport path 12b can be shaped to follow the outer shape of the threaded portion 2a, an arc shape larger than the outer diameter of the threaded portion 2a, a curved surface, or a groove with a radius of curvature larger or smaller than the outer diameter of the bolt 1, allowing at least a portion of the bolt 1 to be placed on the transport path 12b and transported along the center of the transport path 12b. However, the transport path 12b can be a V-groove, a U-shaped groove that contacts the underside of the bolt 1, a step or staircase on which the leg 2 and / or head 3 rest. The transport path 12b only needs to have a width, shape, and configuration that allows the bolts 1 to be lined up and transported in a horizontal position facing the tangential direction of the circumference. For example, in the case of bolts 1 that can be transported in a stationary position without rolling, such as hexagonal bolts 1a, it is not necessarily required to be a groove, and it can be a flat surface or planar surface, similar to the transport surface 12a.

[0032] The outer ring plate 12 is positioned at an inclination relative to the inner rotating plate 11. In the examples shown in Figures 3 and 4, the inner rotating plate 11 is positioned in a horizontal plane, and the outer ring plate 12 is positioned at an inclination, with the outer ring plate 12 positioned at an upward inclination from the outer discharge section 12A towards the upper section 12B. However, the outer ring plate 12 can be positioned horizontally, and the inner rotating plate 11 can be positioned at an inclination with a downward slope from the outer discharge section of the outer ring plate 12 towards the upper drop sorting section. Furthermore, both the inner rotating plate 11 and the outer ring plate 12 can be positioned at an inclination with respect to the horizontal plane. For example, the inner rotating plate 11 and the outer ring plate 12 can both be inclined in opposite directions with respect to the horizontal plane, thus being positioned at a relative inclination. For example, the outer ring plate 12 can be inclined upwards from the outer discharge section toward the upper drop sorting section, and the inner rotating plate 11 can be positioned in an inclined position toward the upper drop sorting section of the outer ring plate 12 from the outer discharge section.

[0033] The outer ring plate 12 is arranged such that a portion of it is connected to the inner rotating plate 11, and has an outer delivery section 12A from which bolts 1 are fed out from the inner rotating plate 11 to the outside. The outer delivery section 12A has a portion of the transport surface 12a of the outer ring plate 12 positioned on the same plane as the inner rotating plate 11 or at a lower position or plane than the inner rotating plate 11, so that bolts 1 can be smoothly supplied from the inner rotating plate 11 to the outer ring plate 12. The outer ring plate 12 has an upper section 12B located above the outer delivery section 12A. The upper section 12B has an upward sloping region from the outer delivery section 12A, an upper region with a low slope (including a low slope of 20% or less of the maximum slope) before and after the uppermost position, and a downward sloping region. In Figures 1 and 3, the outer ring plate 12 has an outer discharge section 12A in its lower region. The height difference between the outer ring plate 12 and the inner rotating plate 11 increases as you move away from the outer discharge section 12A, with the height difference being greatest in the upper section 12B (upper region) opposite the outer discharge section 12A. The outer ring plate 12 has a rotating transport surface 12a that transports the bolts 1 supplied from the inner rotating plate 11 from the outer discharge section 12A in the lower region, through the upper region, and down region in the upper region 12B.

[0034] The outer ring plate 12 shown in Figures 1 to 3 has an outer peripheral wall 12e along its outer edge. The outer peripheral wall 12e increases the rotation speed of the outer ring plate 12, preventing the bolts 1 from flying out of the transport surface 12a and falling due to centrifugal force. This supply device 100 can rotate the outer ring plate 12 quickly and efficiently and stably supply a large number of bolts 1 in the discharge direction. A gap is created between the inner peripheral edge of the outer ring plate 12 and the outer peripheral edge of the inner rotating plate 11. This is because the outer ring plate 12 is inclined relative to the inner rotating plate 11. In Figures 1 and 3, this gap is closed with a closing wall 12c to prevent the bolts 1 from leaking out. The closing wall 12c is provided along the first opening 12d that is opened in the outer ring plate 12, and is connected to and fixed to either the outer ring plate 12 or the inner rotating plate 11, so that it can rotate together with either of them. The closing wall 12c can be connected to a disc that rotates the outer ring plate 12. The blocking wall 12c can be, for example, a vertical surface, or an inclined surface that slopes downward from the outer ring plate 12 towards the inner rotating plate 11. This reduces the impact and minimizes damage when removing the bolt 1 from the outer ring plate 12 to the inner rotating plate 11, and also stabilizes the falling posture. Furthermore, the blocking wall 12c can be made of a synthetic resin such as fluororesin to allow for a smooth fall.

[0035] The outer ring plate 12 has a circular first opening 12d in its center, and this first opening 12d is approximately the same size as the inner rotating plate 11. The inner rotating plate 11 is positioned so as to be exposed from the first opening 12d of the outer ring plate 12. In the example shown in Figures 1 to 3, the inner rotating plate 11 is positioned inside the first opening 12d of the outer ring plate 12 so that, in cross-sectional view, the edge of the inner rotating plate 11 coincides with the inner circumference of the outer ring plate 12, forming the outer bolt 1 supply section 12A. This arrangement partially connects the upper surface of the inner rotating plate 11 and the upper surface of the outer ring plate 12, allowing the bolt 1 supplied to the upper surface of the inner rotating plate 11 to be pushed outwards by the supply guide 11b and guided to the upper surface of the outer ring plate 12. Furthermore, in the portion where the bolt 1 is guided from the inner rotating plate 11 to the outer ring plate 12, by tilting the outer ring plate 12 downward toward the outer circumference, the bolt 1 being transferred from the inner rotating plate 11 to the outer ring plate 12 can be more easily guided onto the outer ring plate 12 by the weight of the bolt 1 itself.

[0036] The inner rotating plate 11 and the outer ring plate 12 can be manufactured by cutting a single metal plate into a circular shape using a laser or press. This is because the outer edge of the inner rotating plate 11 approaches the inner edge of the outer ring plate 12. However, it goes without saying that the inner rotating plate 11 and the outer ring plate 12 can be manufactured from separate metal plates. The size, shape, and configuration of the inner rotating plate 11 and the outer ring plate 12 are appropriately determined according to the size and amount of bolts to be transported and arranged. By increasing the diameter (mounting surface 11) of the inner rotating plate 11 and widening the width of the transport surface 12a of the outer ring plate 12, a large number of bolts 1 can be stored and transported, and large-sized bolts 1 can be transported. (Sorting mechanism 20)

[0037] The sorting mechanism 20 sorts out abnormal bolts 1'' from the bolts 1 being transported by the transport mechanism 10 and removes them from the transport path 12b, while allowing normal bolts 1' to pass through without removal and transporting them to the external discharge section 30. The sorting mechanism 20 detects the position of the washer 4 of the bolts 1 being transported on the transport path 12b, and pushes out and removes abnormal bolts 1'' whose washer 4 is in an abnormal position unsuitable for transport from the transport path 12b, while normal bolts 1' whose washer 4 is in a normal position suitable for transport are transported as is on the transport path 12b. The sorting mechanism 20 in Figures 8 and 9 has an extrusion section 20A that pushes out the transported abnormal bolts 1'' from the transport path 12b. (Extrusion section 20A)

[0038] The extrusion section 20A pushes out abnormal bolts 1'' being transported in the transport path 12b, while normal bolts 1' are transported to the external discharge section 30 in the transport path 12b without being pushed out. The extrusion section 20A in Figure 8 is positioned on the front side in the transport direction of the transported bolt 1 and has a first contact section 21 that abuts against abnormal bolts 1'', a second contact section 22 positioned away from the first contact section 21 on the back side (front) in the transport direction of the transported bolt 1 and also abuts against abnormal bolts 1'', and a connecting section 24 that connects the first contact section 21 and the second contact section 22. The first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 22 are each one or more in number and can contact the bolt 1 point-wise, linearly, or planarly, and can extend in the transport direction. They can contact the bolt according to the posture and angle of the rotatably movable first contact portion 21 and second contact portion 22, and can also contact the bolt 1 with a shape that matches the shape and arrangement of the contact portion of the transported bolt 1, for example, with a vertical width. The extrusion portion 20A pushes out the bolt 1" from the transport path 12b as an abnormal bolt 1" if the distance (D) between the front and rear sides of the contact portion of the bolt 1 is greater than or equal to the distance (d) between the first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 22. The extrusion portion 20A can contact the bolt 1 at a distance of 3 or more between the first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 22, and can also contact the bolt 1 with parts other than the first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 22.

[0039] The first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 22 are positioned spaced apart and each contacts the abnormal bolt 1'' being transported at a spaced-apart position. In Figures 8 and 9, the first contact portion 21 is positioned closer to the front in the transport direction (left side in Figure 8) than the second contact portion 22, and the second contact portion 22 is positioned further away in the transport direction (right side in Figure 8) than the first contact portion 21. The abnormal bolt 1'' (bolt 1B in a backward-facing position), shown by the solid line in Figures 8 and 9, has its rear washer 4 (leg portion 2) contacting the first contact portion 21, and its front head 3 and flange portion 3a contacting the second contact portion 22, and is pushed out from the transport path 12b to the inner rotating plate 11. The extrusion section 20A pushes out the abnormal bolt 1'' being transported in either a forward-facing position (bolt 1A) or a backward-facing position (bolt 1B) from the transport path 12b. In the case of the forward-facing bolt 1A (abnormal bolt 1''), the washer 4 on the leading end of the bolt 1 comes into contact with the second contact section 22, and the rear end of the head 3 (flange section 3a) comes into contact with the first contact section 21. In the case of bolt 1B (abnormal bolt 1) facing backward, the leading head 3 (flange portion 3a) of bolt 1 abuts against the second contact portion 22, and the rear washer 4 abuts against the first contact portion 21. The first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 22 can contact and push out more stably by specifying the contact positions with the head 3 (flange portion 3a) and the washer 4. The head 3 (flange portion 3a) and the washer 4 protrude from the shaft, and the first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 22 abut at a position higher than the transport path 12b, allowing for smooth and reliable push-out. Note that the first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 22 may abut other than the head 3 (flange portion 3a) and the washer 4 depending on their position, orientation, angle, structure, etc.

[0040] An abnormal bolt 1" is a bolt 1 in which, when the first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 22 contact the bolt 1 and push it out of the transport path 12b, the length of the contact portion of the bolt 1 that contacts the first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 22 is greater than or equal to the distance (D) between the front and rear sides of the contact portion of the bolt 1 that contacts the first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 22. Figure 10C shows an abnormal bolt 1" in which the distance (D) between the head 3 (including the flange portion 3a) of the bolt 1 and the washer 4 is greater than or equal to the distance (d) between the first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 22. Figures 8 and 9 show the position of the washer 4 for an abnormal bolt 1'' with a solid line and the position of the washer 4 for a normal bolt 1' with a dashed line. An abnormal bolt 1'' is determined by the distance (D) between the head 3 (flange portion 3a) of the bolt 1 and the washer 4, which is the front and rear sides of the contact portion where the bolt 1 abuts apart, and ultimately by the position of the washer 4. An abnormal bolt 1" is defined regardless of whether or not the washer 4 is jammed into the threaded portion 2a, or to what extent. While it is true that jammed bolts, where the washer 4 is jammed into the threaded portion 2a, cause transfer blockages and lead to malfunctions, it is not easy to visually determine whether or not a bolt 1 is jammed, whether or not the washer 4 is jammed, whether or not the washer 4 can move toward the head 3 side if the bolt is transferred as is. Therefore, the extrusion unit 20A of this disclosure uniformly pushes out bolts 1 from the transfer path 12b that have a distance between the head 3 and the washer 4 that is greater than the separation distance (d) between the first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 22, as abnormal bolts 1". The extrusion unit 20A can reliably avoid and eliminate jams caused by abnormal bolts 1" by pushing out abnormal bolts 1" from the transfer path 12b, where the washer 4 is more than a predetermined distance away from the head 3, regardless of whether or not the washer 4 is jammed into the threaded portion 2a, which can cause jams. The separation distance (d) between the first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 22 is the minimum distance between the first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 22 that allows them to be pushed out at the separated position when contacting the abnormal bolt 1''.

[0041] The first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 22 are movably arranged so as to be able to move inward and outward on the transport surface 12a. The first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 22 in Figure 8 rotate around the pivot point of the rotation axis 24a, which will be described later. The first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 22 are movably arranged within the contact area that contacts the transported bolt 1, and can reliably contact the bolt 1. When the bolt 1 contacts the first contact portion 21, the first contact portion 21 is pushed outward by the contact with the bolt 1. For example, in Figure 10A, the first contact portion 21 moves from the inside to the outside when the bolt 1 contacts it and pushes it out. When bolt 1 comes into contact with the first contact portion 21, it is not pushed out in the transport direction (left to right direction as indicated by arrow X in Figure 10A), but rather, when bolt 1 comes into contact with the first contact portion 21, it is pushed outwards, and the first contact portion 21 moves in the direction from bottom to top (inside to outside) as indicated by arrow Y in Figure 10A. The direction of movement of the first contact portion 21 (arrow Y), which is different from the transport direction of bolt 1 (arrow X), moves the second contact portion 22 from outside to inside (arrow Y'), bringing the second contact portion 22 closer to bolt 1. The extrusion unit 20A in Figure 10A rotates the first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 22 clockwise around the pivot axis 24a, and in conjunction with the movement of the first contact portion 21 from inside to outside (arrow Y), the second contact portion 22 moves from outside to inside (arrow Y').

[0042] The connecting portion 24 connects the first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 22 in a way that allows their orientation and position to be variably linked, and connects them in such a way that the position and movement of one portion defines and restricts the position and range of movement of the other portion. In the extrusion portion 20A having this connecting portion 24, the direction of movement of either the first contact portion 21 or the second contact portion 22 that the transported bolt 1 comes into contact with is defined and restricted, and at the same time, the direction of movement of the other portion is defined and restricted. The connecting portion 24 connects the first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 22, and connects the first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 22 so that they can move inward and outward on the transport surface 12a. For example, as shown in Figure 10A, when the bolt 1 comes into contact with the first contact portion 21, the first contact portion 21 is pushed outward in the Y direction (moves outward), and can only move in the direction pushed out by the bolt 1 (outward), thus defining its range of movement. In conjunction with the movement of the first contact portion 21 outward in the Y direction, the second contact portion 22 moves in the opposite inward Y' direction, and cannot move outward, thus defining its range of movement. Then, as shown in Figure 10C, when the abnormal bolt 1" comes into contact with the first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 22 at a distanced position, the bolt 1 that comes into contact with the first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 22 can be pushed inward in the W direction from the transport path 12b, with the range of movement defined so that both the first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 22 cannot move outward from each other. This is because contact with the second contact portion 22 defines the range of movement so that the first contact portion 21 cannot move outward, and thus defines and restricts the range of movement so that the first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 22 cannot move outward from each other. As shown, the first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 22 define their respective positions and ranges of movement, and regardless of the timing of the start of contact, they define their ranges of movement and positions so that they cannot move outward from each other, pushing the bolt 1 that they contact inward from the transport path 12b. The extrusion portion 20A pushes the abnormal bolt 1'' out of the transport path 12b when the first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 22 contact it simultaneously, or when either the first contact portion 21 or the second contact portion 22 contacts it first and restricts the range of movement of the other, the other then pushes the abnormal bolt 1'' that it subsequently contacts out of the transport path 12b.

[0043] The extrusion section 20A in Figures 8 and 9 is equipped with an extrusion seesaw 26 that selects abnormal bolts 1" being transported and pushes them out of the transport path 12b. The extrusion seesaw 26 moves in a seesaw motion within the horizontal plane of the transport surface 12a, with the rotation axis 24a as the pivot point. The extrusion seesaw 26 has contact parts on both sides of the rotation axis 24a (both ends, end sides) that contact the head 3 (flange portion 3a) and washer 4 of the transported bolt 1. The contact parts have a first contact part 21 on one end side of the extrusion seesaw 26 and a second contact part 22 on the other end side. The distance (d) between the first contact part 21 and the second contact part 22 is set to be less than or equal to the distance (D) between the head 3 (flange portion 3a) and washer 4 of the abnormal bolt 1". This extrusion seesaw 26 pushes out bolts 1 from the transport path 12b as abnormal bolts 1" if the distance (D) between the head 3 (flange portion 3a) and the washer 4 is greater than or equal to the distance (d) between the first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 22. In other words, it pushes out bolts 1 from the transport path 12b as abnormal bolts 1" if the distance (D) between the head 3 (flange portion 3a) and the washer 4 is equal to or greater than the distance (d) between the first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 22. The extrusion seesaw 26 has a rotating shaft 24a of the connecting portion 24 between the first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 22, and arranges the first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 22 to rotate and move freely in the horizontal plane within a predetermined range of rotation angle via the rotating shaft 24a, causing it to perform a seesaw motion in the horizontal plane and move the first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 22 in opposite directions on the transport surface 12a. The extrusion seesaw 26 moves in a seesaw motion, pushing out abnormal bolts 1'' from the transport path 12b without pushing out normal bolts 1'' from the transport path 12b. In the case of abnormal bolts 1'', the extrusion seesaw 26 moves in a seesaw motion, positioning the abnormal bolt 1'' to be pushed out of the transport path 12b with both the first contact part 21 and the second contact part 22 in contact with the head 3 and washer 4 of the abnormal bolt 1''. In the case of normal bolts 1'', the extrusion seesaw 26 moves in a seesaw motion, positioning and moving the bolt 1 (normal bolt 1'') to a non-extrusion position where one of the first contact part 21 and the second contact part 22 is in contact with the head 3 or washer 4 of the bolt 1 transporting along the transport path 12b, while the other contact part is not in contact with the head 3 or washer 4 of the bolt transporting along the transport path 12b, thus not pushing out the normal bolt 1''.The extrusion seesaw 26 moves in a seesaw motion, allowing the first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 22 to move and retract from the transport path 12b in the opposite direction to extrusion (outward), and to be positioned and moved in a non-extrusion position. The extrusion unit 20A equipped with the extrusion seesaw 26 has a simple structure, and the attitude and position of the first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 22 can be variably linked together, and the two can be connected so that the position and movement of one defines and restricts the position and range of movement of the other, thereby avoiding and eliminating jamming of abnormal bolts 1", and enabling reliable and stable extrusion of abnormal bolts 1" at low cost.

[0044] The examples in Figures 10A to 10C illustrate the principle by which the extrusion unit 20A pushes an abnormal bolt 1'' out of the transport path 12b. As shown in Figure 10A, the abnormal bolt 1'' (bolt 1B in a backward position) moves forward in the transport direction of arrow X, with its leading head 3 (including the flange portion 3a) in contact with the first contact portion 21. The leading head 3 and / or flange portion 3a of the bolt 1 come into contact with the first contact portion 21, and the bolt moves forward, pushing the first contact portion 21 from the inside out, as indicated by arrow Y, and passes through the first contact portion 21. As shown in Figure 10B, the bolt 1 continues to move forward, and its leading head 3 (flange portion 3a) comes into contact with the second contact portion 22 in the contact area. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 10C, the rear washer 4 (or leg portion 2) of the bolt 1 comes into contact with the first contact portion 21 before the leading head 3 (flange portion 3a) of the bolt 1 pushes out and passes the second contact portion 22 and becomes non-contact. As shown in Figure 10C, when an abnormal bolt 1" comes into contact with the first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 22 at a distanced position, the bolt 1 in contact with the first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 22 can be pushed inward from the transport path 12b, with the range of movement defined so that both the first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 22 cannot move outward from each other. To make the explanation easier to understand, the case in which the bolt 1 comes into contact with the first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 22 will be explained step by step. First, the bolt 1 comes into contact with the first contact portion 21 and the first contact portion 21 moves outward. As the first contact portion 21 moves outward, the second contact portion 22 moves inward on the opposite side, with its range of movement defined as being unable to move outward (Figure 10A). Furthermore, contact with the second contact portion 22 defines the range of movement of the first contact portion 21, preventing it from moving outward (Figure 10B). With the first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 22 defining and limiting their range of movement by preventing them from moving outward from each other, the contact between the first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 22 can push the abnormal bolt 1'' inward from the transport path 12b (Figure 10C).

[0045] The first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 22 can have a posture and shape that extends in the same direction as the tangential direction of the transport path 12b at the contact position that contacts the abnormal bolt 1", and can also have a posture and shape in which the far end is positioned inward from the near end in the transport direction. When either or both of the first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 22 contact the bolt 1 and push it out of the transport path 12b, the second end 21b, 22b on the far end can be positioned inward from the first end 21a, 22a on the near end in the transport direction (arrow X). In other words, the second end 21b, 22b can be positioned closer to the inner periphery of the outer ring plate 12 than the first end 21a, 22a. The first contact portion 21 and / or the second contact portion 22 can have a posture that is inclined radially in the transport direction (arrow X) from the outer circumference to the inner circumference. It can be extended and positioned so that it is obliquely crossing the tangential direction of the outer ring plate 12, and can be positioned in a posture and location that can reliably contact the bolt 1 advancing in the transport direction. This configuration ensures that the bolt 1 can reliably contact the first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 22 regardless of the shape and position of the contact portion, stabilizes the contact, and reduces the impact of the contact. Furthermore, the planar first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 22 make contact with the bolt 1. Stabilization is possible. In Figure 10C, the first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 22 both have their second ends 21b and 22b positioned inward from the first ends 21a and 22a on the front side in the transport direction. The first ends 21a and 22a and the second ends 21b and 22b are the front and rear ends in the transport direction when the first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 22 contact the abnormal bolt 1" and push it out, and are connected to the connecting portion 24. The bent portion can be the first ends 21a and 22a and the second ends 21b and 22b (Figure 10C), and the non-bent portion can be the first ends 21a and 22a and the second ends 21b and 22b. For example, the first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 22 may extend from the bent portion toward the connecting portion 24.

[0046] The connecting portion 24 illustrated in Figures 8 and 9 has a rotating shaft 24a and a cylindrical portion 24b through which the rotating shaft 24a is inserted, and connects the first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 22 so that they can move in the rotational direction around the rotating shaft 24a. The connecting portion 24 can connect the cylindrical portion 24b to the first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 22 directly or indirectly, and may have a cylindrical connecting portion 24c that connects and links the cylindrical portion 24b to the first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 22. The rotating shaft 24a is a pivot point that axially supports the first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 22 so that they can move rotatably in the direction of movement via the cylindrical portion 24b. The first contact portion 21, the second contact portion 22, and the cylindrical connecting portion 24c are provided around the rotating shaft 24a and rotate around the rotating shaft 24a in a horizontal plane on the transport surface 12a on which the bolt 1 is transported. In Figures 8 and 9, the rotating shaft 24a is positioned between the first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 22, in the central part of the extrusion portion 20A. The first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 22 in Figure 8 are positioned on both sides of the rotating shaft 24a and extend in two different directions from the rotating shaft 24a (cylindrical portion 24b). The first contact portion 21 in Figure 8 is positioned on the front side of the rotating shaft 24a (to the left of the rotating shaft 24a), and its second end portion 21b is bent and connected to its tip via the cylindrical portion connecting portion 24c from the cylindrical portion 24b, extending to the first end portion 21a on the tip side. The second contact portion 22 is positioned on the back side of the rotating shaft 24a (to the right of the rotating shaft 24a), and its first end portion 22a is bent and connected to its tip via the cylindrical portion connecting portion 24c from the cylindrical portion 24b, extending to the second end portion 22b on the tip side. Furthermore, the rotating shaft 24a in Figure 8 is positioned outside the transport path 12b and on the transport surface 12a, and the extrusion section 20A is fixed and positioned without rotating together with the outer ring plate 12. The connecting section 24 allows the first contact section 21 and the second contact section 22 to move radially outward and inward of the outer ring plate 12, with the rotating shaft 24a as the pivot point, and performs a seesaw motion in which the first contact section 21 and the second contact section 22 move in opposite directions. In the seesaw motion, the first contact section 21 and the second contact section 22 move in opposite directions and cannot move simultaneously in the same direction (inward or outward). For example, when the bolt 1 makes contact and pushes the first contact section 21 outward, the second contact section 22 moves inward in the opposite direction, and the range of movement is defined by preventing the second contact section 22 from moving outward.When the transported bolt 1 moves forward in the transport direction and makes contact, pushing the first contact portion 21 outward, the first contact portion 21 is restricted to move only outward from the contact position and not inward, thereby defining and limiting its own direction of movement and range of movement. At the same time, the second contact portion 22 is restricted to move only inward from the position of the second contact portion 22 before contact with the first contact portion 21, and not outward, thereby defining and limiting its direction of movement and range of movement.

[0047] The shape, structure, and connection method of the connecting portion 24 are not specified, but for example, the connecting portion 24 may have a female screw portion on the flat surface of a cylindrical portion 24b that is rotatably inserted into the rotating shaft 24a, and each can be fastened with screws inserted into the through holes of the cylindrical connecting portion 24c or the first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 22. The first contact portion 21, the second contact portion 22, and the connecting portion 24 can each be made of separate components, and two or more of them can be made into an integrated structure. The connecting portion 24 may have a bearing inside the cylindrical portion 24b to achieve smoother rotation and movement. This disclosure does not specify the method or manner of connecting the first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 22, but it is sufficient that the first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 22 are connected in a way that allows them to move in conjunction and variably, with one limiting the range of movement of the other, and that this is capable of pushing out an abnormal bolt 1''.

[0048] The first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 22 are spaced apart, and are positioned on both sides of the non-contact recess 25, so as to be movable to a position and orientation in which an abnormal bolt 1'' can come into contact. For example, in the case of an abnormal bolt 1'' shown by the solid line in Figure 8, the separation distance (D2) between the head 3 of the bolt 1'' and the washer 4 is longer than the separation distance (d) between the first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 22, the leading head 3 (flange portion 3a) of the bolt 1 comes into contact with the second contact portion 22, and the rear washer 4 of the bolt 1 comes into contact with the first contact portion 21, and both the first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 22 come into contact with each other while limiting each other's range of movement, so that it can be pushed out in the W direction from the transport path 12b. The first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 22 are positioned in a contact area that contacts the bolt 1 being transported on the transport path 12b, at least one of them. The bolt 1 being transported on the transport path 12b will contact one or both of the first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 22 simultaneously or at different times, and will not pass through without contacting either the first contact portion 21 or the second contact portion 22. The extrusion portion 20A identifies abnormal bolts 1'' based on the timing of contact between the bolt 1 and the first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 22, and the physical contact, as well as the separation distance (D) between the bolt head 3 and the washer 4, and pushes them out of the transport path 12b of the outer ring plate 12 in the inward W direction, causing them to fall onto the inner rotating plate 11.

[0049] The extrusion section 20A (extrusion seesaw 26) has a non-contact recess 25 between the spaced-apart first contact section 21 and the second contact section 22, which does not come into contact with the bolt 1 being transported. The non-contact recess 25 can be formed by creating a recess or depression between the first contact section 21 and the second contact section 22, extending outward from the line segment connecting the innermost positions of the first contact section 21 and the second contact section 22. For example, the plate-shaped first contact section 21 and the second contact section 22 can be easily formed and arranged in a V-shape, U-shape, or U-shape. The non-contact recess 25 does not come into contact with the bolt 1 being transported, and does not restrict the range of movement of the first contact section 21 and the second contact section 22. While the head 3 or washer 4 of the transported bolt 1 is in the non-contact recess 25, it does not come into contact with the first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 22, nor does it push out the first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 22, resulting in an unrestricted state in which at least both the first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 22 do not restrict each other's range of movement. For example, in the case of a normal bolt 1' in Figure 8, where the washer 4 is shown by a dashed line, the separation distance (D1) between the head 3 and the washer 4 of the bolt 1 is shorter than the separation distance (d) between the first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 22. Even if the leading head 3 (flange portion 3a) of the bolt 1 comes into contact with the second contact portion 22, the rear washer 4 of the bolt 1 is in the non-contact recess 25, and both the first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 22 do not come into contact in a way that restricts each other's range of movement, allowing the bolt to be transported without being pushed inward in the W direction from the transport path 12b.

[0050] The examples in Figures 11A to 11C illustrate the principle by which a normal bolt 1' is transported without being pushed out into the extrusion section 20A. As shown in Figure 11A, a normal bolt 1' (bolt 1B in a rearward position) moves forward in the transport direction of arrow X, with its leading head 3 (including the flange portion 3a) in contact with the first contact portion 21. The leading head 3 and / or flange portion 3a of the bolt 1 come into contact with the first contact portion 21, and the bolt moves forward, pushing the first contact portion 21 from the inside out, as indicated by arrow Y, and passes through the first contact portion 21. The rear washer 4 and leg portion 2 of the bolt 1 also pass through the first contact portion 21 in the same manner. After passing the first contact portion 21, the head 3 (flange portion 3a) and the washer 4 (leg portion 2) advance through the non-contact recess 25 without contacting the first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 22, that is, without pushing the first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 22 outward, and without defining the position and range of movement of the first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 22 to each other. During this time, the first contact portion 21, which has been pushed outward, can also return to the inside of its initial position (contact area). As shown in Figure 11B, the bolt 1 continues to advance, and the leading head 3 (flange portion 3a) comes into contact with the second contact portion 22 in the contact area, advancing while pushing the second contact portion 22 outward as indicated by arrow Z. As a result, the first contact portion 21 moves to the inner contact area indicated by arrow Z', but the washer 4 on the rear side of the bolt 1 has already passed the first contact portion 21 (Figures 11B and 11C). Therefore, as shown in Figure 11C, the leading head 3 (flange portion 3a) of the bolt 1 pushes the second contact portion 22 outward and passes through it, but the washer 4 or leg portion 2 on the rear side of the bolt 1 does not simultaneously contact the first contact portion 21 while the leading head 3 (flange portion 3a) of the bolt 1 contacts the second contact portion 22. This is because in a normal bolt 1', the separation distance (D1) between the head 3 and the washer 4 is shorter than the separation distance (d) between the first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 22. Therefore, in the case of a normal bolt 1', the spaced-apart first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 22 do not simultaneously contact the normal bolt 1' while limiting each other's range of motion, and the normal bolt 1' can pass through without being pushed out by the extrusion portion 20A. The above also applies to the case of a bolt 1A in a forward-facing position.

[0051] In a normal bolt 1', the distance (D1) between the bolt head 3 (flange portion 3a) and the washer 4 is shorter than the distance (d) between the first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 22. Therefore, in Figures 11A to 11C, one or both of the leading head 3 (flange portion 3a) and the rear washer 4 of a normal bolt 1' being transported in a backward-facing position will enter the non-contact recess 25. This means that while one of the head 3 (flange portion 3a) and washer 4 of a normal bolt 1' may come into contact with either the first contact portion 21 or the second contact portion 22, both the head 3 (flange portion 3a) and washer 4 of a normal bolt 1' will not come into contact with the first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 22 on either side of the non-contact recess 25. Therefore, with the first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 22 having defined ranges of movement and positions relative to each other, the head 3 (flange portion 3a) of a normal bolt 1' and the washer 4 do not come into contact. In Figure 11A, the leading head 3 (flange portion 3a) comes into contact with the first contact portion 21, but the bolt 1 does not come into contact with the second contact portion 22. While passing through the subsequent non-contact recess 25, the bolt 1 does not come into contact with the first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 22. In Figure 11B, the leading head 3 (flange portion 3a) comes into contact with the second contact portion 22, but the bolt 1 does not come into contact with the first contact portion 21. In Figure 11C, the leading head 3 (flange portion 3a) passes through the second contact portion 22, and the bolt 1 does not come into contact with the first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 22. When a normal bolt 1' comes into contact with the first contact portion 21, the range of movement of the first contact portion 21 (impossible to move outward) is not defined by the second contact portion 22. Similarly, when a normal bolt 1' comes into contact with the second contact portion 22, the range of movement of the second contact portion 22 (impossible to move outward) is not defined by the first contact portion 21. Therefore, the contacting first contact portion 21 or second contact portion 22 does not push the normal bolt 1' out of the transport path 12b. The normal bolt 1' can push the contacting first contact portion 21 or second contact portion 22 outward and move forward. The same applies when a normal bolt 1' passes without coming into contact with the first contact portion 21 or second contact portion 22. For example, the front end 3 (flange portion 3a) of the second contact portion 22 is transported along the transport path 12b without being pushed out by the inner rotating plate 11, regardless of whether or not it is in contact with the second contact portion 22.For example, if the leading head 3 (flange portion 3a) does not come into contact with the second contact portion 22, it will be transported along the transport path 12b as is. If it does come into contact with the second contact portion 22, it will pass through the transport path 12b while pushing the second contact portion 22 outwards. The same applies to a normal bolt 1' in a forward-facing position.

[0052] The connecting portion 24 positions the rotating shaft 24a, which serves as the pivot point for rotation, in a non-contact area outside the contact area so as not to obstruct the transfer of the bolt 1. The extrusion portion 20A (extrusion seesaw 26) has a non-contact recess 25 inside the rotating shaft 24a. The first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 22 are connected to both sides of the cylindrical portion 24b (rotating shaft 24a), positioned and protruding inside the rotating shaft 24a, and are connected so as to be movable inward and outward on the transfer surface 12a. The cylindrical connecting portion 24c in Figures 8, 9, and 10A extends from the cylindrical portion 24b (rotation axis 24a) toward the first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 22, respectively, and is V-shaped (inverted V-shaped) with the separation width of the cylindrical connecting portion 24c increasing toward the inside. However, it can also be U-shaped (inverted U-shaped) or U-shaped (inverted U-shaped) with the same separation width, or a shape in which the separation width decreases toward the inside. The first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 22 can extend from the connecting portion 24 (cylindrical portion 24b, cylindrical connecting portion 24c) in the opposite direction to or in the same direction as the transport direction, and the first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 22 can be arranged parallel or non-parallel. In Figures 8 and 9, the first contact portion 21 extends from the end of the cylindrical connecting portion 24c in the direction opposite to the transport direction, and the second contact portion 22 extends from the end of the cylindrical connecting portion 24c in the transport direction. The first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 22 are positioned so that the side closer to the transport direction is open outward compared to the tangential direction of the transport path 12b. The first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 22 can have a flat surface, a curved surface, a bend, a combination of these, or a three-dimensional shape such as a hemisphere. The extrusion portion 20A can have a bent shape or a curved shape when the first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 22 are connected by the connecting portion 24, and can have combinations of shapes such as S-shape, N-shape, W-shape, M-shape, U-shape, L-shape (including inverted shapes). In Figures 8 and 9, the extrusion section 20A connects the first contact section 21 to the cylindrical section connecting section 24c, and the second contact section 22 to the cylindrical section connecting section 24c, each in an L-shape, to the cylindrical section 24b. However, other shapes and configurations are possible. For example, in Figures 12 and 13, the cylindrical section connecting section 24c is U-shaped, with the first contact section 21 and the second contact section 22 connected to both ends. The first contact section 21, the second contact section 22, and the connecting section 24 can have shapes that bend in the same or different directions.The first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 22 in Figures 10C and 12 are shaped to bend away from the rotation axis 24a on both sides in the opposite direction from the connecting portion 24 (cylindrical connecting portion 24c). However, they can also be shaped to bend towards the rotation axis 24a in the opposite direction from the cylindrical connecting portion 24c (Figure 13), or they can have a bent shape in the transport direction or the opposite direction. The extrusion portion 20A can be bent or connected from a plate shape to have a V-shape, U-shape, U-shape, concave shape, etc., and can also be made into a three-dimensional shape. The rotation axis 24a (cylindrical portion 24b) can be positioned inside (Figures 8 and 9) or outside (Figures 12 and 13) the cylindrical connecting portion 24c.

[0053] In Figure 12, the extrusion section 20B has a connecting section 24 that forms a U-shape around the cylindrical connecting section 24c, with a first contact section 21 and a second contact section 22 connected to both ends of the cylindrical connecting section 24c. The first contact section 21 and the second contact section 22 extend from both ends of the cylindrical connecting section 24c in opposite directions on the outer sides of the U-shape, and both extend away from the rotation axis 24a. The first contact section 21 is connected to the cylindrical connecting section 24c at its second end 21b and extends in the opposite direction to the transport direction, while the second contact section 22 is connected to the cylindrical connecting section 24c at its first end 22a and extends in the transport direction. In Figure 13, the extrusion section 20C has a connecting section 24 that forms a U-shape around the cylindrical connecting section 24c, with a first contact section 21 and a second contact section 22 connected to both ends of the cylindrical connecting section 24c. The first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 22 both extend inward from both ends of the cylindrical connecting portion 24c in a U-shape, and both extend in a direction approaching the rotation axis 24a. The first contact portion 21 is connected to the cylindrical connecting portion 24c at its first end 21a and extends in the transport direction, while the second contact portion 22 is connected to the cylindrical connecting portion 24c at its second end 22b and extends in the direction opposite to the transport direction. This disclosure does not specify the extrusion portion 20A, but includes the shape, arrangement, configuration, structure, material, and connection manner of all first contact portions 21, second contact portions 22, and connecting portions 24 that contact abnormal bolts 1'' and push them out of the transport path 12b, while transporting normal bolts 1' without pushing them out.

[0054] The rotating shaft 24a can be positioned perpendicular or inclined with respect to the horizontal plane. The rotating shaft 24a can be positioned inclined on the inside (contact area side) of the outer ring plate 12. When the rotating shaft 24a is positioned inclined with respect to the horizontal plane, the first contact portion 21 or the second contact portion 22, which is pushed outward upon contact with the transported bolt 1, can return to a predetermined initial position within a specified range by its own weight. The initial position can be set stably and continuously by repeatedly making similar contacts with the bolt 1. The initial position of the first contact portion 21 and / or the second contact portion 22 can be determined by a combination of the inclination direction and angle of the rotating shaft 24a and the mass, size, and center of gravity of the first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 22. For example, if a first contact portion 21 and a second contact portion 22 of the same shape and mass are arranged symmetrically with respect to the rotation axis 24a and connected in a V-shape inward from the rotation axis 24a, the inclination of the rotation axis 24a can determine the initial positions of the first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 22. The rotation axis 24a can be positioned perpendicular or inclined with respect to the outer ring plate 12. The rotation axis 24a can be positioned perpendicular to the outer ring plate 12 (transfer surface 12a) which is inclined with respect to the inner rotating plate 11 in the horizontal plane, and positioned inclined on the inside of the outer ring plate 12 (towards the center of the inner rotating plate 11). Alternatively, the rotation axis 24a can be positioned inclined with respect to the outer ring plate 12. The inclination angle is, for example, 1 degree or more and 45 degrees or less with respect to the horizontal plane or the outer ring plate 12, preferably 5 degrees or more and 30 degrees or less. By increasing the inclination angle, the first contact portion 21 or the second contact portion 22 can easily return to its initial position by its own weight, and by decreasing the inclination angle, the return is delayed, allowing the first contact portion 21 or the second contact portion 22 to move smoothly and quickly without load. Therefore, the angle is kept within the above range.

[0055] The extrusion section 20A can have a rotating shaft 24a positioned in its center, and a first contact section 21 and a second contact section 22 can be positioned on either side of it, directly or indirectly connected. The first contact section 21 and the second contact section 22 rotate and swing around the rotating shaft 24a. The connecting section 24 can also be provided near either the first contact section 21 or the second contact section 22, at either end, or near the end. The first contact section 21 and the second contact section 22 can be positioned extending from the rotating shaft 24a in the same direction, different directions, or opposite directions. The first contact section 21 and the second contact section 22 can have the same or different shapes, lengths, and orientations, and can have symmetrical or asymmetrical shapes. For example, the first contact portion 21 can be made larger or heavier than the second contact portion 22, causing the center of gravity to be biased towards the first contact portion 21, making it easier for the first contact portion 21 to return to its initial position using its own weight, and stabilizing contact with the bolt 1 by keeping the initial position within the contact area, which can then be repeated and continued. The large first contact portion 21 can reliably contact the bolt 1, and together with the second contact portion 22, which moves inward (into the contact area) in conjunction with it and has a restricted range of movement, it can push out abnormal bolts 1''. The extrusion portion 20A can have a symmetrical or asymmetrical shape, including the connecting portion 24, on both sides of the rotating shaft 24a, with the first contact portion 21 side and the second contact portion 22 side, and the first contact portion 21 side including the connecting portion 24 can be made larger or heavier than the second contact portion 22 including the connecting portion 24.

[0056] The extrusion section 20A may have a positioning mechanism that defines and adjusts the range of movement, outermost position, and innermost position of the first contact section 21 and / or the second contact section 22. For example, a screw, rib, positioning part, elastic body, etc., can define the outermost position, innermost position, and range of movement of either or both of the first contact section 21 and the second contact section 22. For example, defining the outermost position and range of movement of one can define the innermost position and range of movement of the other. For example, a screw can be finely adjusted to the appropriate position. For example, an elastic body such as a coil spring or leaf spring can define the range of movement of the first contact section 21 and / or the second contact section 22, and can also be structured to return to the initial position. The initial positions of the first contact section 21 and the second contact section 22 can be set to the contact area or a range that includes the contact area, and can be set to a position where the bolt 1 passes without contact or with only slight contact. The positioning mechanism reduces the range of motion of the first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 22, allowing for quick pushing out of abnormal bolts 1" and returning them to their initial positions, thereby improving reliability and stability.

[0057] When the connecting portion 24 rotatably connects the first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 22, the rotation angle can be, for example, 10 degrees or more and 120 degrees or less, preferably 30 degrees or more and 90 degrees or less. The above range is used because reducing the rotation angle narrows the range of movement of the first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 22, allowing for quick pushing out of abnormal bolts 1", improving reliability and stability, while increasing the rotation angle expands the range of bolt sizes that can be handled.

[0058] The first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 22 can be made of separate components and connected by a connecting portion 24, or the first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 22 can be made into an integrated structure. The integrated first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 22 can be manufactured, for example, by bending a sheet of metal, or by molding a resin into a predetermined shape. The extruded portion 20A can be made into an integrated structure including all or part of each of the first contact portion 21, the second contact portion 22, and the connecting portion 24, or it can be constructed by connecting separate components.

[0059] The extrusion unit 20A does not rotate with the outer ring plate 12, and is fixed and positioned on the transport surface 12a. For example, it can be fixed to a non-rotating part such as a frame or outer wall. A gap is provided between the first contact part 21, the second contact part 22, and the transport surface 12a, so that the positioning and movement of the first contact part 21 and the second contact part 22 do not hinder the rotation of the outer ring plate 12.

[0060] The extrusion unit 20A may have a modification mechanism that allows for changing, adjusting, and replacing its position and orientation. For example, the extrusion unit 20A in Figures 8 and 9 is fixed to a row guide 16 and is fixed together with the row guide 16 so as to be radially movable on the transport surface 12a. This configuration allows for determining and adjusting the width of the transport path 12b and the extrusion position of abnormal bolts 1''. Furthermore, the extrusion unit 20A can be positioned separately from the row guide 16, and the extrusion unit 20A, the first contact part 21, and the second contact part 22 can be made all or partly replaceable and movable, so that the separation distance (d) between the first contact part 21 and the second contact part 22 can be changed, and the separation distance (D) between the head 3 (flange part 3a) and the washer 4 of the abnormal bolt 1'' extruded from the transport path 12b can be determined, allowing for different bolt sizes to be accommodated, and the position, orientation, and movement can also be adjusted and changed to match the transported bolt 1.

[0061] The extrusion unit 20A in Figure 1 is positioned in the upper part 12B of the outer ring plate 12, in a region where there is a height difference between the outer ring plate 12 and the inner rotating plate 11, that is, on the transfer surface 12a of the outer ring plate 12 which is higher than the inner rotating plate 11. The extrusion unit 20A is positioned in the upper part 12B (including the rising region, upper region, and descending region) at a higher position than the outer discharge unit 12A, and is positioned, for example, within a range of ±90 degrees from the maximum height difference between the upper part 12B of the upper region, or the inner rotating plate 11 including the area before and after it, and its vicinity. By positioning the extrusion unit 20A in the upper region, the height difference between the outer ring plate 12 and the inner rotating plate 11 can be effectively utilized, and in addition to the weight of the bolt 1, the impact of the fall can be applied to eliminate or make it easier to eliminate jamming of the washer 4 into the threaded portion 2a. In this regard, a configuration that simply removes jammed bolts 1 from the transport path 12b would not resolve the jamming of the washer 4, resulting in the same jammed bolt 1 being transported again in the transport path 12b, leading to repeated transfers and a decrease in the efficiency of supplying normal bolts 1'. Furthermore, resolving the jamming would require the time and effort of removing the jammed bolt 1, resolving the jamming, and then supplying it back to the inner rotating plate 11, or a mechanism to resolve the jamming of the washer 4 would be required, leading to increased costs. Therefore, the extrusion unit 20A utilizes the height difference between the outer ring plate 12 and the inner rotating plate 11 to drop abnormal bolts 1'' from the transport path 12b of the outer ring plate 12, which is at a relatively higher position, to the inner rotating plate 11, which is at a lower position. The impact of the drop resolves the jamming of the washer 4 into the threaded portion 2a, thus avoiding the time and effort required, improving the efficiency of supplying normal bolts 1', and eliminating the need to provide a separate mechanism to resolve the jamming of the washer 4.

[0062] The extrusion unit 20A can determine the direction in which the bolt 1 is extruded and the starting position of its fall by the contact position, angle, orientation, timing of contact, and direction of extrusion of the first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 22 with the bolt 1. For example, the extrusion unit 20A can drop the bolt 1 from a nearly horizontal position or from the front or rear. The first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 22 make contact simultaneously or almost simultaneously, pushing the bolt 1 radially inward, allowing the bolt 1 to start falling from a horizontal position (including a position close to horizontal). In Figure 10C, the extrusion unit 20A can start dropping the bolt 1 from the transport path 12b to the inner rotating plate 11 in a position close to horizontal by having the first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 22 make contact with the side of the bolt 1 at the same timing, pushing it radially inward from the transport path 12b. This extrusion section 20A can drop the washer 4 downwards, regardless of whether the bolt 1A or 1B is facing forward or backward, and directly apply impact to the washer 4. Furthermore, the force of the extrusion section 20A contacting and pushing the bolt causes the head 3, which is larger in diameter and heavier than the leg portion 2, to drop downwards, providing impact that makes it easier to release the jammed washer 4 from the head 3, thus efficiently releasing the jam. With the above configuration, an abnormal bolt 1'' can be treated as a normal bolt 1' and discharged to the outside from the external discharge section 30 via the inner rotating plate 11 and outer ring plate 12. The height difference between the outer ring plate 12 and the inner rotating plate 11 is preferably such that the jammed washer 4 is released without damaging the bolt 1, especially the threaded portion 2a, and the position of the washer 4 is efficiently improved. This height difference is determined within an appropriate range based on the size and mass of the bolt 1, the degree and frequency of the washer 4 jamming, and the impact required to release it. (De-stacking section 13)

[0063] The bolts 1 transferred from the inner rotating plate 11 to the transfer surface 12a of the outer ring plate 12 may be transferred in various horizontal, overlapping, diagonal, and vertical positions at different angles. The bolt supply device 100 in Figures 1 and 6 has a stacking release unit 13 on the transfer surface 12a of the outer ring plate 12 in order to transfer the bolts 1 without overlapping or stacking. The stacking release unit 13 in Figure 6 contacts the bolts 1 other than the single horizontal bolt 1 being transferred on the transfer surface 12a, releasing the overlap and stacking of the bolts 1, and allowing only the single horizontal bolt 1 without overlapping to pass through. The gap between the lower edge of this stacking release unit 13 and the upper surface (transfer surface 12a) of the outer ring plate 12 is set to allow only a single bolt 1 to pass through.

[0064] The unstack release section 13 in Figures 1 and 6 is positioned to be tilted in the direction of transport relative to the radial direction, from the outer circumference to the inner circumference. This unstack release section 13 tilts in a direction that allows the bolts 1 on the transport surface 12a to be moved, guided, and removed to the inner transport path 12b or inner rotating plate 11, thereby releasing the stacked state while moving the contacted bolts 1 inward. At the same time, it can smoothly guide and direct bolts 1, which are transported in random positions such as upright or radial orientation, and with varying density, towards a horizontal position and a position along the transport path 12b, while also mitigating the density and dispersing them appropriately, and guiding them to the inner transport path 12b of the outer ring plate 12. The stacking release unit 13, positioned intersecting (inclined) with respect to the transport direction, moves the bolt 1 it is in contact with from the outside to the inside of the transport surface 12a, bringing it closer to the transport path 12b, and also guides it onto the transport path 12b. Furthermore, if the stacking of the bolt 1 is not resolved or it does not become horizontal, it can be moved inward beyond the transport path 12b and pushed onto the inner rotating plate 11 for removal. The stacking release unit 13 can extend up to just before the transport path 12b, and can also extend to the transport path 12b or the inner rotating plate 11. The stacking release unit 13 is positioned on the transport surface 12a, but is fixed and connected so as not to rotate with the outer ring plate 12. For example, it can be fixed to a non-rotating, non-moving member such as the outer peripheral wall 12e or frame.

[0065] The stack release section 13 can be equipped with a cushioning material in the area where the bolt 1 makes contact and moves. The cushioning material can mitigate the impact of contact and prevent or reduce damage to the bolt 1. Preferably, the cushioning material can mitigate the impact of collision to the bolt 1 without hindering the unstacking, movement, or sliding of the bolts. The stack release section 13 itself can be elastically deformed and can also be made movable within a certain range by an elastic body such as a leaf spring or coil spring, thereby mitigating the impact of collision to the bolt 1 and preventing the bolt 1 from getting stuck. However, it is also possible to detect bolts 1 in an upright position or bolts 1 being transported in a stacked position using an airflow or the like, for example, by an optical sensor. (Single row guide 16)

[0066] The transfer mechanism 10 can be provided with one or more guides and alignment sections to guide and direct the bolts 1. The guides and alignment sections can change the transfer direction of the bolts 1, determine predetermined passage positions, and disperse densely packed bolts 1. The transfer mechanism 10 in Figures 1 and 9 has a row guide 16 that arranges the bolts 1 being transported on the transfer surface 12a of the outer ring plate 12 in a single line. The row guide 16 guides and directs the bolts 1 being transported on the transfer surface 12a of the rotating outer ring plate 12 to the transfer path 12b along the inner periphery, arranging the bolts 1 in a single line along the transfer path 12b for transport. The row guide 16 can be positioned in front of the extrusion section 20A so that the bolts 1 can be arranged in a single line in a horizontal position on the transfer path 12b and transported to the extrusion section 20A. The row guide 16 can be configured integrally with or separately from the extrusion section 20A, and can also be positioned separately. The row guide 16 in Figures 7 and 9 is positioned outside the transport path 12b and on the transport surface 12a. The row guide 16 is fixed together with the outer ring plate 12 without rotating. The row guide 16 can be made into a mechanism and structure that allows its position to be adjusted and changed according to the bolt 1 and its size to be transported. The row guide 16 in Figure 9 has an elongated hole 16c, allowing it to move radially in the outer ring plate 12, and can be fixed in a predetermined position by tightening a fixing screw 16d into the elongated hole 16c.

[0067] The single-row guide 16 in Figure 9 narrows the space between its tip 16a and the inner edge of the outer ring plate 12 as it moves in the transport direction, so that the minimum width between its tip 16a and the inner edge of the outer ring plate 12 is the transport path 12b with a spacing (L) that allows only one row of bolts 1 to be transported. The single-row guide 16 has its tip 16a as an inclined surface 16b that slopes downward toward the inner edge of the outer ring plate 12, and is shaped to follow the transport path 12b. The single-row guide 16 in Figure 9 gradually narrows the transport surface 12a through which the bolts 1 can be transported as it moves in the transport direction, so that the narrowest width is the width that allows one row of bolts 1 to pass along the transport path 12b. The single-row guide 16 pushes the bolts 1 on the transport surface 12a inward (towards the inner edge), guides and directs them, and adjusts the density of the bolts 1, increasing the density and improving transport and supply efficiency. The single-row guide 16 shown in Figure 7 contacts a portion of the bolt 1 and, as an inclined surface 16b along the bolt 1, positions its tip 16b along the transport path 12b to guide the bolt 1 to the transport path 12b, thereby transporting the bolts 1 on the transport surface 12a in a single row along the transport path 12b. The single-row guide 16 guides, directs, and pushes bolts 1 being transported outside the transport path 12b to the inner transport path 12b, and pushes bolts 1 being transported in two or more rows or in a position not aligned with the transport path 12b from the transport surface 12a to the inner rotating plate 11, so that only a single row of bolts 1 aligned with the transport path 12b passes through and is transported. The position of the bolt 1 aligned with the transport path 12b means that the central axis of the bolt 1 is aligned with the center of the transport path 12b, and the single-row guide 16 can stably transport the bolts 1 on the transport path 12b. The single-row guide 16 increases the amount of material transferred by allowing both forward-facing and backward-facing bolts 1A and 1B, which are aligned on the transfer path 12b, to pass through. Furthermore, by positioning the single-row guide 16 along the transfer path 12b, which is provided on the inner peripheral edge side of the outer ring plate 12, the density and number of bolts 1 passing through in the correct position and orientation can be increased, improving the supply efficiency to the external discharge section 30. In addition, although the centrifugal force increases with the rotational speed of the outer ring plate 12, the inclined surface 16b and tip 16a of the single-row guide 16 can smoothly and stably guide, direct, correct the orientation of, and push the bolts 1 along the transfer path 12b.

[0068] The washer-integrated bolt supply device 100 shown in Figures 1, 2, and 9 has an intermediate guide 17 that transports normal bolts 1' that have passed through the extrusion section 20A to the external discharge section 30. The intermediate guide 17 straightens the bolts 1 that are transported in a circular orbit on the transport path 12b by the rotation of the outer ring plate 12, guides and directs them toward the outer edge of the outer ring plate 12, and transports them to the external discharge section 30 located outside the outer ring plate 12. (External discharge part 30)

[0069] The external discharge section 30 discharges normal bolts 1' in a line to the outside. The external discharge section 30 in Figure 1 has a posture-changing discharge section 31 that changes the posture of the bolts 1 transported from the transport mechanism 10 from a horizontal position to a vertical position and discharges them in a line. The posture-changing discharge section 31 changes the posture of the bolts 1 from a horizontal position to a vertical position and discharges them in a line. Regardless of whether the washer 4 is in contact with the head 3 or not (separated), the posture-changing discharge section 31 discharges the bolts 1 in a line as vertical bolts 1 with the washer 4 in contact with the head 3.

[0070] The attitude change discharge section 31 in Figure 1 is equipped with a discharge guide 32 that changes the attitude of the bolts 1 (normal bolts 1') supplied in a line from the transfer mechanism 10, which are pushed out by the extrusion section 20A, from a horizontal to a vertical position and discharges them in a line. The discharge guide 32 is equipped with a pair of parallel guides 33 that are arranged in parallel to each other and engage both sides of the head 3 (flange portion 3a) of the bolt 1 to change its attitude from a horizontal to a vertical position and discharge it. The pair of parallel guides 33 are provided with slits 34 through which the legs 2 of the bolt 1 pass, and are inclined downwards toward the transfer direction of the bolt 1 at an inclination angle (α) that causes the bolt 1 to slide in the discharge direction by its own weight. The parallel guides 33 are equipped with an attitude change region 35 that causes the legs 2 of the bolt 1 supplied from the transfer mechanism 10 in a horizontal position to fall into the slits 34 and change its attitude to a vertical position, and a discharge region 36 that discharges the bolts 1 that have been changed to a vertical position in a line to the outside.

[0071] Normal bolts 1' transferred to the attitude change discharge unit 31 include bolts 1 with the washer 4 in contact with the head 3 and bolts 1 with the washer 4 separated from the head 3. Bolts 1 without jamming in the threaded portion 2a, even if the washer 4 is separated from the head 3, can be supplied by the parallel slide 33 as vertical bolts 1 with the washer 4 in contact with the head 3 when the attitude change discharge unit 31 changes the attitude from horizontal to vertical. Bolts 1A in the forward-facing position slide into the parallel slide 33 from the leg portion 2 side, and even if the washer 4 is separated from the head 3, the momentum of sliding from the leg portion 2 into the parallel slide 33 causes the shaft of the leg portion 2 to enter the washer 4, resulting in a vertical bolt 1 with the washer 4 in contact with the head 3. In the rearward-facing bolt 1B, the leading head 3 advances along the parallel slide 33, and the rear leg 2 slides into the parallel slide 33, resulting in a vertical bolt 1 with the washer 4 in contact with the head 3. Similar to the forward-facing bolt 1A, as the rear leg 2 slides into the parallel slide 33, the momentum causes the leg 2 to engage with the washer 4, resulting in a vertical bolt 1 with the washer 4 in contact with the head 3.

[0072] The parallel guide 33 is inclined downwards in the direction of forward movement of the bolt 1, with an inclination angle (α) that allows it to slide in the discharge direction, so that the supplied bolt 1 moves forward and is transported by its own weight. This configuration simplifies the structure and reduces costs without requiring a separate mechanism to transport the bolt 1, and allows the inclination angle (α) and the speed at which it slides in the discharge direction on the inclined surface to be determined and adjusted. The inclination angle (α) can be, for example, 10 degrees or more and 40 degrees or less, preferably 15 degrees or more and 30 degrees or less. The inclination angle (α) can be increased to increase the transport speed, but if it is too large, the angle of tilt of the bolt 1 becomes large, which can easily hinder smooth sliding, movement, and transfer, so it is kept within the above range. The parallel guide 33 can be structured so that an appropriate inclination angle (α) can be determined, changed, and adjusted according to the size and supply amount of the bolt 1. For example, it can accommodate different sizes, masses, shapes, configurations, and types of bolts, and can also accommodate plated bolts 1 with low sliding resistance as well as bolts 1 with oil residue.

[0073] The pair of parallel guides 33 have a flat surface and consist of a pair of metal plates arranged in a parallel position, which slide and move the bolt 1. Each of the pair of parallel guides 33 is plate-shaped with a flat surface, and consists of an inner guide 33a positioned on the inside (closer to the outer ring plate 12) and an outer guide 33b positioned outside the inner guide 33a, arranged parallel to each other on both sides of the slit 34. The upper surfaces of the inner guide 33a and the outer guide 33b are flat so that the head 3 of the bolt 1 can be locked and slide. The parallel guides 33 hook the head 3 of the bolt 1, guide the leg portion 2 into the slit 34, and transport it in a suspended state in a vertical position. The inner guide 33a and the outer guide 33b are inclined downwards in the direction of transport of the bolt 1, and the bolt 1 is slid in the discharge direction by its own weight and discharged. A slit 34 is provided between the pair of parallel guides 33, that is, between the inner guide 33a and the outer guide 33b, through which the leg portion 2 of the bolt 1 passes. The slit 34 is designed so that the leg portion 2 can pass through smoothly without passing through the head portion 3 of the bolt 1. Its inner width (W) is smaller (narrower) than the diameter (diagonal) of the head portion 3 and larger (wider) than the diameter (outer diameter) of the leg portion 2.

[0074] The pair of parallel guides 33 in Figure 1 have a pair of side portions on both side edges and sides, forming an upper region. The upper region provides space for changing the attitude of the bolt 1, which is transported in a horizontal position in the attitude change region 24, to a vertical position, and space for the head 3 of the bolt 1 to pass through. The pair of parallel guides 33 has an inner guide 33a and an outer guide 33b positioned on either side of the slit 34, and each of the inner guide 33a and outer guide 33b has a pair of opposing side portions connected to the side opposite the slit 34. The side portions can form and secure the upper region, restrict the movement behavior of the bolt 1, connect and fix the inner guide 33a and outer guide 33b via the side portions, and connect and position the attitude control arm. However, the pair of parallel guides 33 can be made, for example, L-shaped with the inner guide 33a and / or the outer guide 33b together with the side portions, and the pair of parallel guides 33 can also be made U-shaped with the slit 34 opening upwards.

[0075] The parallel guide 33 guides the legs 2 of the bolt 1, which is supplied in a horizontal position, through the slit 34, and while transporting the bolt by sliding it with the head 3 locked in place, it changes the orientation of the horizontally supplied bolt 1 to a vertical position and discharges it. The parallel guide 33 has an orientation change region 24 that changes the orientation of the bolt 1 supplied in a horizontal position to a vertical position by allowing the legs 2 of the bolt 1 to fall into the slit 34. In the vertical position, the bottom surface of the head 3 of the bolt 1 is locked and in contact with the upper surfaces on both sides of the pair of parallel guides 23, suspending the bolt 1. The bolt 1 inside the slit 34 is suspended with its head 3 locked to the upper surfaces of the pair of parallel guides 23. This configuration reduces contact between the parallel guide 23 and the legs 2, preventing and suppressing damage to the screw threads and deterioration of the quality of the screw portion 2a. Furthermore, this configuration allows the bolt 1 to be suspended by its head 3, i.e., the base (neck) side of the leg 2. This prevents contact with the adhesive used to prevent loosening of the bolt 1, even when the bolt 1 is attached to the tip (foot) side of the leg 2. This allows the upper part of the base (neck) side of the leg 2, where no adhesive is present, to be supported, slid, transported, and its posture changed.

[0076] The attitude change discharge unit 31 changes the orientation from horizontal to vertical for bolts 1A and 1B, whether facing forward or backward, by dropping the leg portion 2 into the slit 34 of the parallel guide 33 from the tip side. At the moment the tip of the leg portion 2 is moved onto the slit 34, it begins to fall under its own weight without being supported by the parallel guide 33. For bolt 1A, which is facing forward, the tip of the leg portion 2 leads the head portion 3, and the tip of the leading front leg portion 2 falls into the slit 34 first. As bolt 1A moves forward in the direction of transport, the leg portion 2 is pushed out and gradually moves into the slit 34 from the tip, allowing the orientation to change from horizontal to vertical. For bolt 1B, which is facing backward, the head portion 3 leads the tip of the leg portion 2, and the head portion 3 slides forward along the upper surface of the parallel guide 33. As the entire bolt 1 moves into the slit 34, and the tip of the rear leg portion 2 is moved onto the slit 34, the tip of the leg portion 2 falls into the slit 34. (Rotation mechanism 40)

[0077] The rotating mechanism 40 rotates the outer ring plate 12. The rotating mechanism 40 can rotate either or both of the inner rotating plate 11 and the outer ring plate 12, and can transmit the rotational torque of one of the inner rotating plate 11 and the outer ring plate 12 to the other to rotate each of them. The rotating mechanism 40 can rotate the inner rotating plate 11 and the outer ring plate 12 on their respective axes of rotation. In Figures 3 and 4, the inner rotating plate 11 can be rotatably positioned around the first axis of rotation 42, and the inner rotating plate 11 can be arranged to rotate in a horizontal or nearly horizontal plane. In addition, the outer ring plate 12 in Figures 3 and 4 can be positioned outside the inner rotating plate 11 and rotatably positioned around a second axis of rotation 43 that is inclined relative to the first axis of rotation 42. The rotating mechanism 40 in Figure 1 rotates the inner rotating plate 11 and the outer ring plate 12 in the same direction, supplying bolts 1 from the rotating inner rotating plate 11 to the outer ring plate 12, and arranging the bolts 1 supplied to the outer ring plate 12 in a line using a row guide 16, and supplying them to the attitude change discharge unit 31 in a horizontal position.

[0078] The rotating mechanism 40 includes one or more drive motors 41. The rotating mechanism 40 can have one motor 41 rotate the inner rotating plate 11 and the outer ring plate 12 together, or two or more motors 41 can rotate the inner rotating plate 11 and the outer ring plate 12 individually. The first rotating shaft 42 and the second rotating shaft 43 can be rotatably connected to each other, so that the rotational torque of one is transmitted to the other to rotate each. The inner rotating plate 11 or the outer ring plate 12 can be rotatably connected to each other at their respective rotating shafts and at parts other than the rotating shafts. The rotating mechanism 40 can rotate either the inner rotating plate 11 or the outer ring plate 12, and transmit this rotational motion and torque to the other via a rotation transmission mechanism 49 to rotate it. The rotation transmission mechanism 49 can be provided below and / or above the inner rotating plate 11. The rotating mechanism 40 can rotate the inner rotating plate 11 and the outer ring plate 12 together at the same rotational speed. The motor 41 in Figure 4 is connected to a central rod 42a fixed to the center of the inner rotating plate 11, and rotates the inner rotating plate 11 in the direction indicated by the arrow. The motor 41 can be an induction motor, a reduction motor, or a stepping motor, for example. It is preferable that the rotation mechanism 40 has a waterproof structure as needed, for example, a waterproof motor.

[0079] Figure 4 illustrates a configuration in which motor 41 rotates an inner rotating plate 11 and an outer ring plate 12. The inner rotating plate 11 and the outer ring plate 12 are connected to a frame 48 so that they can rotate at a relative inclination. The inner rotating plate 11 has a central rod 42a fixed to its center, with a first rotation shaft 42 as its axis, and this central rod 42a is connected to the frame 48 via bearings so that it can rotate. The outer ring plate 12 has a second sub-rotating plate 46 fixed to its lower surface via a closing wall 12c, and a cylindrical second rotation shaft 43 fixed to the center of the second sub-rotating plate 46 is connected to the frame 48 via bearings so that it can rotate.

[0080] The rotation transmission mechanism 49 in Figure 4 comprises a first pin 45 connected to the inner rotating plate 11, and a pair of second pins 47 arranged to guide the first pin 45 and connected to the outer ring plate 12. As shown in Figure 4, the inner rotating plate 11 has a first sub-rotating plate 44 fixed to its lower surface, and the first pin 45 protruding from the lower surface of the first sub-rotating plate 44 is fixed to it. The outer ring plate 12 has a second sub-rotating plate 46 fixed to its lower surface via a closing wall 12c, and a pair of second pins 47 are fixed toward the center to the upper surface of the flange portion 3a of a cylindrical rotating shaft 43a fixed to the center of the second sub-rotating plate 46. The first pin 45 is inserted so that it can move in and out between the pair of second pins 47 and so that it can move along the second pins 47. This rotation transmission mechanism 49 transmits rotational torque to the other of the inner rotating plate 11 and the outer ring plate 12 via the first pin 45 and the second pin 47 when either the inner rotating plate 11 or the outer ring plate 12 is rotating, causing the inner rotating plate 11 and the outer ring plate 12 to rotate together.

[0081] The rotating mechanism 40 in Figure 4 rotates the inner rotating plate 11 with a motor 41, and transmits this rotational torque to the outer ring plate 12 via a rotation transmission mechanism 49 to rotate the outer ring plate 12. In this case, the inner rotating plate 11 can be rotated at a predetermined rotational speed by directly or indirectly connecting the drive shaft of the motor 41 to the central rod 42a of the inner rotating plate 11. This rotating mechanism 40 can therefore rotate the outer ring plate 12 with a simple structure in which a cylindrical rotating shaft 43a connected to the outer ring plate 12 is fixed to the frame 48 via bearings, and does not require a transmission mechanism such as a gear mechanism to rotate the outer ring plate 12. Furthermore, the configuration in which the inner rotating plate 11 is directly driven by the motor 41 allows for stable rotation of the inner rotating plate 11, which becomes heavy when many bolts 1 are loaded on it. In particular, directly driving the inner rotating plate 11, which becomes heavy when many bolts 1 are supplied to it, has the advantage of reducing the load on the first pin 45 and the second pin 47 that constitute the rotation transmission mechanism 49.

[0082] The rotation mechanism 40 can also rotate the inner rotating plate 11 by rotating the outer ring plate 12 with the motor 41, and transmitting the torque of this rotation to the inner rotating plate 11 via the rotation transmission mechanism 49. In this rotation mechanism 40, the motor 41 rotates, more precisely, a cylindrical rotating shaft 43a or a second sub-rotating plate 46 connected to the outer ring plate 12, thereby rotating the outer ring plate 12. For example, the rotation transmission mechanism 49 is equipped with a drive gear on the motor 41 and a ring-shaped external gear on the rotating shaft 43a connected to the outer ring plate 12, and the rotation of the motor 41 is transmitted to the outer ring plate 12 via the drive gear and the external gear. This configuration allows the rotation speed of the outer ring plate 12 to be adjusted by reducing the rotation speed of the motor 41 using a gear ratio. In particular, it has the advantage of being able to obtain strong torque while adjusting the rotation speed, even when using an inexpensive motor 41. Furthermore, since the rotation of the motor 41 is transmitted directly to the outer ring plate 12 via the drive gear and the external gear, the rotation speed of the outer ring plate 12 can be kept constant. Therefore, the bolts 1 being transported in the transport path 12b can be supplied at a constant speed while improving the accuracy of sorting and alignment on the transport path 12b. However, a known mechanism other than a gear mechanism can also be used for the rotation transmission mechanism 49 that rotates the outer ring plate 12 with the motor 41.

[0083] The rotation mechanism 40 described above uses one motor to rotate either the inner rotating plate 11 or the outer ring plate 12, and the rotation transmission mechanism 49 to rotate the other of the inner rotating plate 11 or the outer ring plate 12, so that the inner rotating plate 11 and the outer ring plate 12 rotate together at the same rotational speed. In this transfer mechanism 10, since the inner rotating plate 11 and the outer ring plate 12 rotate at the same rotational speed, bolts 1 can be stably supplied from the rotating inner rotating plate 11 to the rotating outer ring plate 12 in the outer delivery section 12A. However, the rotation mechanism 40 can also use two motors to rotate the inner rotating plate 11 and the outer ring plate 12 separately. In this rotation mechanism 40, the inner rotating plate 11 and the outer ring plate 12 can be rotated at different rotational speeds (rotational speeds). In this bolt supply device 100, the amount of bolts 1 continuously supplied from the inner rotating plate 11 to the outer ring plate 12 in the outer delivery section 12A can be adjusted by adjusting the rotational speed of the inner rotating plate 11. For example, increasing the rotation speed of the inner rotating plate 11 can increase the supply volume, while decreasing the rotation speed of the inner rotating plate 11 can decrease the supply volume. Increasing the rotation speed of the outer ring plate 12 can increase the discharge and supply volume from the attitude change discharge section 31, while decreasing the rotation speed of the outer ring plate 12 can stabilize the attitude change, behavior, transport, and meandering movement of the bolts 1 in the attitude change discharge section 31 to a vertical position. For example, by setting the rotation speed of the outer ring plate 12 lower than that of the inner rotating plate 11, the bolts 1 can be supplied stably, while setting the rotation speed of the outer ring plate 12 higher than that of the inner rotating plate 11 can increase the momentum and transport the bolts 1 to the attitude change discharge section 31. The rotation speed can also be made variable, allowing adjustment according to the congestion and transport conditions of the bolts 1. [Industrial applicability]

[0084] This disclosure can be effectively used as a washer-integrated bolt supply device that has a simple structure, avoids and eliminates jamming of abnormal bolts 1, and discharges normal bolts 1 in a single line to the outside. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0085] 100...Washer-integrated bolt supply device 1… Bolt (with washer) 1'...Normal bolt 1"... an abnormal bolt 1A... Bolt in a forward-facing position 1B... Bolt in a backward-facing position 1a...Hex bolt 2...Legs 2a...Screw part 3…Head 3a…Flange section 4. Washer 10...Transfer mechanism 11…Inner rotating plate 11a... Mounting surface 11b…Supply Guide 12…Outer ring plate 12A…Outside sending part 12B…Upper part 12a…Transfer surface 12b...transport route 12c…Closure wall 12d...first opening 12e…Outer wall 13… Delayering section 16… Single-row guide 16a...Tip 16b…Slanted surface 16c…long hole 16d... Fixing screw 17…Intermediate Guide 20…Sorting mechanism 20A, 20B, 20C... Extrusion section 21...First contact part 21a...first end 21b…Second end 22…Second contact part 22a...first end 22b…Second end 24...Connection part 24a... Rotation axis 24b...Cylinder part 24c...Cylinder connection part 25…Non-contact recess 26…Extruded seesaw 30...External discharge part 31... Posture change discharge unit 32… Disposal Guide 33…Parallel guide 33a...Inner guide 33b...Outer guide 34... Slit 35…Posture change area 36…Emission area 40…Rotation mechanism 41…motor 42...First axis of rotation 42a... Center rod 43...Second rotation axis 43a...Cylindrical rotating shaft 44…First Sub-rotating Plate 45...1st pin 46…Second sub-rotating plate 47...2nd pin 48...frames 49... Rotational transmission mechanism

Claims

1. A washer-integrated bolt supply device having all of the following configurations (a) through (e): (a) The washer-integrated bolt supply device is: A transport mechanism having a transport path for transporting bolts with washers incorporated into them, arranged in a line, in a horizontal position, Of the bolts transported by the aforementioned transport mechanism, the normal bolts with washers in the correct position are passed through, A sorting mechanism that eliminates abnormal bolts where the washer is not in the correct position, The system includes an external discharge unit that arranges the normal bolts, which have passed through the sorting mechanism and been transported, in a line and discharges them to the outside. (b) The sorting mechanism, The system includes an extrusion unit that pushes the abnormal bolt being transported out of the transport path. (c) The extrusion section is A first contact portion that contacts the abnormal bolt being transported, It is positioned on the far side in the transport direction, away from the first contact portion, A second contact portion that contacts the abnormal bolt at a position separated from the first contact portion, It has a connecting portion that connects the first contact portion and the second contact portion. (d) The connecting portion connects the first contact portion and the second contact portion so that they can be moved in conjunction with each other and are variably connected, such that one of them limits the range of movement of the other. (e) The extrusion section is Between the first contact portion and the second contact portion, It has a non-contact recess that does not come into contact with the bolt being transported.

2. A washer-integrated bolt supply device according to claim 1, It comprises all of the following configurations (f) through (h). (f) The transfer mechanism is An inner rotating plate on which bolts are supplied to the upper surface, An outer ring plate is positioned outside the inner rotating plate and transports the bolt supplied from the inner rotating plate in a horizontal position, It has a rotating mechanism that rotates the outer ring plate. (g) The outer ring plate is The transport path is located on the inside of the transport surface, which is the upper surface. The bolts on the transport path are arranged in a single line and transported in a horizontal position. (h) The extrusion section is The first contact portion and / or the second contact portion are movably positioned in the contact area to which the bolt being transported makes contact. The first contact portion and the second contact portion contact the abnormal bolt in the transport path and push it towards the inner rotating plate.

3. A washer-integrated bolt supply device according to claim 2, The extrusion section is A washer-integrated bolt supply device positioned on the outer ring plate, which is higher than the inner rotating plate.

4. A washer-integrated bolt supply device according to claim 1, A washer-integrated bolt supply device wherein the first contact portion and / or the second contact portion are positioned such that the second end on the far side is positioned inward from the first end on the near side in the transport direction.

5. A washer-integrated bolt supply device according to claim 1, The aforementioned connecting portion, It is rotatably positioned via a rotation axis that extends in the vertical direction, The first contact portion and the second contact portion are movably connected to the contact position of the abnormal bolt, The aforementioned connecting portion, A washer-integrated bolt supply device wherein the first contact portion and the second contact portion move in a seesaw motion, with the rotation axis as a fulcrum, in opposite directions outward and inward.

6. A washer-integrated bolt supply device according to claim 5, A washer-integrated bolt supply device wherein the rotating shaft is inclined inward with respect to the horizontal plane.

7. A washer-integrated bolt supply device according to claim 5, A washer-integrated bolt supply device wherein the first contact portion is larger or heavier than the second contact portion.

8. A washer-integrated bolt supply device according to claim 1, A washer-integrated bolt supply device wherein the separation distance (d) between the first contact portion and the second contact portion is longer than 80% of the length between the bolt head and the base of the bolt threads.

9. A washer-integrated bolt supply device according to claim 1, The extrusion section is A washer-integrated bolt supply device having a modification mechanism that can change the orientation and / or arrangement of the first contact portion and / or the second contact portion.

10. A washer-integrated bolt supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, The aforementioned external discharge unit is A washer-integrated bolt supply device comprising a posture-changing discharge unit that changes the posture of the bolts sent out from the transfer mechanism from a horizontal to a vertical position and discharges them in a line.

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