Component supply device

Abstract

To provide a component supply device configured to prevent sticking matters removed from a screw surface from scattering around.SOLUTION: In a component supply device 10 comprising array conveyance means 20 which arrays and conveys headed rod-like components N, and a cutting unit 21 which individually takes out headed rod-like components N reaching a terminal part of the array conveyance means 20, the cutting unit 21 has a suspension groove 42 which suspends head parts of the headed rod-like components N reaching the terminal part of the array conveyance means 20 and in which shaft parts can be loosely fitted, and a suction unit 50 which is connected to the suspension groove 42, and sticking matters stuck on the headed rod-like components N are collected through air suction driving of the suction unit 50.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a component supply device that supplies screws to processing machines such as automatic fastening devices.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a component supply device that supplies headed rod-shaped components such as screws to processing machines such as automatic fastening devices, the one disclosed in Patent Document 1 is known. This component supply device has a storage hopper capable of storing a large amount of screws, a guide rail member that suspends and conveys the screws in a row, and a discharge unit that is continuous with the end of the guide rail member and discharges the screws, and is configured to pressure-feed the screws conveyed to the discharge unit to an automatic fastening device. Further, cleaning mechanisms are provided on both sides of the guide rail member of this component supply device, and this cleaning mechanism is configured to eject compressed air toward the screws being conveyed while suspended on the guide rail. For this reason, the attachments such as dust, dirt, and swarf generated during the manufacturing process adhering to the surface of the screws were blown off by the compressed air and the screws were conveyed to the discharge unit in a cleaned state.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, the conventional component supply device had a structure in which the cleaning mechanism ejected compressed air from both side surfaces of the guide rail. Therefore, the compressed air ejected from the cleaning mechanism collided near the guide rail and became turbulent, causing the deposits blown off from the surface of the screw to fly around and possibly reattach to the screw in the front or rear stage of the screw, or scatter around the component supply device. In addition, the compressed air ejected from the side was blocked by the guide rail member, so it might not hit the head seating surface of the screw and the upper end of the shaft portion. For this reason, there was also a problem that the deposits around the head seating surface of the screw and the upper end of the shaft portion could not be completely removed.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The present invention was created in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a component supply device configured such that deposits removed from the surface of a screw do not scatter around. To achieve this object, the present invention provides a component supply device including an alignment conveyance means for aligning and conveying rod-shaped components with heads, and a cutting unit for individually taking out the rod-shaped components with heads that have reached the end portion of the alignment conveyance means. The cutting unit has a suspension groove for suspending the head of the rod-shaped component with a head that has reached the end portion of the alignment conveyance means and enabling the shaft portion to be loosely fitted, and a suction unit connected to the suspension groove. The cutting unit is configured to collect deposits adhering to the rod-shaped component with a head by air suction driving of the suction unit. The cutting unit includes a suspension member in which the suspension groove is formed and a moving means for moving the suspension member. Preferably, the suspension member moves from a position where the suspension groove is continuous with the alignment conveyance means to a position where the suspension groove is continuous with the suction unit by driving of the moving means. Further, preferably, the cutting unit includes a frame capable of closing the opening of the suspension groove when the suspension groove communicates with the suction unit. Furthermore, a detection sensor for detecting the rod-shaped component with a head suspended in the suspension groove is provided in the cutting unit when the suspension groove is connected to the suction unit, and preferably, the driving of the suction unit is controlled based on a signal from the detection sensor. Moreover, the cutting unit has a through hole that can communicate with the suspension groove, and preferably, the suspension groove is configured to release the suspended state of the rod-shaped component with a head and discharge it downward when the rod-shaped component with a head reaches above the through hole.

Effects of the Invention

[0006] According to the above invention, since it is configured to collect the deposits adhering to the surface of the rod-shaped part with a head by the air suction drive of the suction unit, there are advantages such as the deposits removed from the surface of the rod-shaped part with a head not scattering around. In addition, the hanging member moves under the drive of the moving means, and by collecting the deposits one by one, it is possible to prevent deposits from adhering to the rod-shaped parts with heads in the previous stage or the subsequent stage. Further, when suction is performed by the suction unit, since the opening on the conveyance means side of the hanging groove is closed, even if the intake air volume of the suction unit is relatively small, a sufficient flow rate for removing deposits can be realized in the hanging groove. As a result, there are also advantages such as the energy required for driving the suction unit being relatively small and being able to be driven efficiently. Moreover, since the drive of the suction unit is controlled based on the signal of the detection sensor, it is possible to immediately drive the hanging member after the rod-shaped part with a head arrives above the suction unit. For this reason, there are also advantages such as the waiting time being shortened and the cycle time being improved. Furthermore, since the rod-shaped part with a head is discharged through the through-hole, the rod-shaped part with a head can be conveyed to the downstream process such as an automatic fastening device, and there are also advantages such as the cycle time being further improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

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Figure 10

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In FIGS. 1 to 4, it is a component supply device 10 that supplies a screw N, which is an example of a headed rod-shaped component, to an automatic fastening device (not shown) provided separately. This component supply device 10 includes a chute rail 20 that conveys the screw N forward, a cutting unit 21 that receives the foremost screw N on this chute rail 20 and moves it in a direction orthogonal to the chute rail L, and a control unit that controls the driving of the chute rail 20 and the cutting unit 21. The cutting unit 21 includes a frame 30, a support unit 40 disposed within this frame 30 that receives the screw N from the chute rail 20, and a suction unit 50 that cleans the screw N supported by this support unit 40.

[0009] The chute rail 20 is composed of two plate materials extending in the front-rear direction. These plate materials are installed with a predetermined gap that is slightly wider than the outer diameter of the shaft portion of the screw N and narrower than the outer diameter of the head portion. For this reason, the chute rail 20 can be suspended and supported with the head seating surface of the screw N in contact with its upper surface. Further, a vibrator (not shown) is connected to this chute rail 20, and it is configured to convey the screw N supported by suspension forward by the vibration of this vibrator. A storage portion (not shown) capable of storing a large number of screws N is connected to the rear of this chute rail 20, and this storage portion is configured to supply the screws N onto the chute rail 20 in a row.

[0010] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the frame 30 is formed with a supply port 31 that opens rearward. The chute rail 20 enters this supply port 31, and in front of it, notch grooves 32 extending in a direction orthogonal to the chute rail 20 (hereinafter referred to as the lateral direction) are continuous. One lateral side of this notch groove 32 is closed by a side wall 34, and on the bottom surface of the notch groove 32, intake holes 33 penetrating downward are formed on the side away from the side wall 34 from the supply port 31 (hereinafter referred to as the opening side). Further, on the upper surface of the frame 30, a lid member 35 is fixed on the side of the side wall 34 from the supply port 31, while a detection sensor 36 is fixed on the opening side from the supply port 31. This detection sensor 36 is a pair of optical sensors that project detection light from the light projecting side to the light receiving side, and is arranged such that the detection light passes above the intake hole 33. Therefore, during driving described later, when the screw N located above the intake hole 33 reaches, the detection light is blocked by the head of the screw N, and the control unit detects the screw N.

[0011] The support unit 40 includes a suspension block 41 disposed in the notch groove 32. The thickness of the suspension block 41 in the front-rear direction is configured to be approximately the same as the groove width of the notch groove 32, and it is configured to be slidable along the notch groove 32. Further, on the rear surface of the suspension block 41, a substantially U-shaped suspension groove 42 penetrating in the vertical direction is formed by notching. The groove width of this suspension groove 42 is slightly wider than the outer diameter of the shaft portion of the screw N and narrower than the outer diameter of the head, similar to the chute rail 20, and it is configured to be able to suspend and support the screw N received from the chute rail 20. Furthermore, the support unit 40 includes a cylinder 43 that reciprocates the suspension block 41 along the notch groove 32. This cylinder 43 is fixed to the side wall 34, and its piston rod is connected to the suspension block 41. The stroke of this cylinder 43 is set such that when the piston rod contracts, the suspension groove 42 of the suspension block 41 is continuous with the chute rail 20 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and when the piston rod extends, the suspension groove 42 is continuous with the intake hole 33 of the frame 30 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0012] The suction unit 50 includes an intake hose 51 that is continuous with the intake hole 33 formed in the frame 30, and intake means 52 that is continuous with the intake hose 51. By driving the intake means 52, it is configured to be able to suck air from the intake hole 33 through the intake hose 51. Further, the intake hose 51 has a filter 53 in the middle thereof, and is configured to be able to remove dust and the like in the sucked air during driving, which will be described later.

[0013] The control unit is connected to the vibrator, the detection sensor 36, the cylinder 43, and the intake means 52, and is configured to be able to control various drives. It is also connected to an external device such as the automatic fastening device, and is configured to be able to be driven according to a signal input from the external device.

[0014] The automatic fastening device includes a driver bit (not shown) that fits with the screw N and a cylindrical bit guide (not shown) that encloses the driver bit, and a moving mechanism (not shown) that moves the driver bit and the bit guide in the horizontal and vertical directions. The bit guide is continuous with a vacuum pump, and is configured to be able to adsorb and hold the screw N at its lower end opening under the drive of the vacuum pump.

[0015] Next, the operation of the component supply device 10 configured as described above will be described. When a drive signal is input, the control unit causes the vibrator to vibrate and contracts the piston rod of the cylinder 43 as shown in FIG. 1. As a result, the chute rail 20 vibrates, and the screw N suspended and supported on the chute rail 20 is vibrationally conveyed forward, and the suspension groove 42 of the suspension block 41 is continuous with the end portion of the chute rail 20. For this reason, the leading screw N is transferred from the end portion of the chute rail 20 to the suspension groove 42. When the screw N is transferred to the suspension groove 42, the control unit extends the piston rod of the cylinder 43 and moves the suspension groove 42 above the intake hole 33. When the suspension groove 42 is continuous with the intake hole 33, the head of the screw N suspended and supported in the suspension groove 42 blocks the detection light of the detection sensor 36 as shown in FIG. 3. When the detection light of the detection sensor 36 is blocked, the control unit drives the intake means 52 to intake the air in the intake hole 33 and the suspension groove 42 continuous with the intake hole 33. As a result, air flows into the suspension groove 42 from the gap between the seating surface of the screw N and the upper surface of the suspension block 41, and the inflowing air passes through the suspension groove 42 vigorously. As a result, deposits such as chips and dust adhering to the surface of the head and shaft portion of the screw N are removed from the surface of the screw N. The deposits removed from the surface of the screw N are carried by the air and collected by the suction unit 50.

[0016] When the cleaning process of the screw N of the suction unit 50 elapses for a predetermined time as described above, the control unit outputs a stop command to the intake means 52 and a drive command to the automatic fastening device. As a result, the moving means of the automatic fastening device is driven, and the suction pipe is horizontally moved above the suspension groove 42. When the suction pipe reaches above the suspension groove 42, the control unit outputs a drive command again to lower the suction pipe toward the suspension groove 42. When the lower end of the descending suction pipe abuts against the head of the screw N, the control unit operates the vacuum pump to suck and hold the screw N at the lower end of the suction pipe. Thereafter, the control unit drives the moving means again to convey the suction pipe and the screw N sucked and held thereon to a predetermined tightening position. In this way, the screw N is removed from the suspension groove 42 by the automatic fastening device, and when the detection light between the detection sensors 36 can pass through, the control unit contracts the piston rod of the cylinder 43. As a result, the suspension groove 42 is connected to the chute rail 20 again, and it becomes possible to receive the screws N in the next stage.

[0017] As described above, since the component supply device 10 of the present invention is configured to suck deposits such as chips adhering to the screw N by the intake means 52, the deposits removed from the screw N do not scatter to the surroundings, and of course, it is also possible to prevent the deposits from adhering to the screws N in the previous stage or the next stage. Also, When the suction unit 50 is driven, since the rear side of the suspension groove 42 is closed by the groove wall of the notch groove 32, even if the intake volume by the intake means 52 is relatively small, a flow rate sufficient to remove deposits is obtained in the suspension groove 42. For this reason, relatively little energy required for driving is sufficient, and efficient driving is possible. The deposits recovered from the surface of the screw N are removed from the air by a filter 53 provided in the middle of the intake hose 51. For this reason, air free of deposits can be discharged.

[0018] Next, a second component supply device 11, which is another embodiment of the component supply device 10 of the present invention, will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 10. This component supply device 11 has a basic configuration similar to that of the component supply device 10, and includes the chute rail 20 and a cutting unit 22 provided in front of the chute rail 20. The cutting unit 22 has a frame 60, a support unit 70 that receives the screw N from the chute rail 20, and a suction unit 50 that cleans the screw N supported by the support unit 70.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 5, the frame 60 is formed with a supply port 61 into which the chute rail 20 enters and a notch groove 62 continuous with the supply port 61. The notch groove 62 is configured in a multi-step shape including a lower step portion 63 continuous with the supply port 61 and a higher step portion 64 formed in front of the lower step portion 63. An intake hole 65 and a passage hole 66 having a hole diameter larger than the outer diameter of the head of the screw N are formed through the bottom surface of the lower step portion 63 of the notch groove 62 at a position separated from the supply port 61 by a predetermined dimension. The passage hole 66 is provided on the opening side of the intake hole 65, and a screw passage hose 67 that continues to an external automatic fastening device (not shown) is continuous at the lower end thereof. On the other hand, an engagement groove 68 is formed on the bottom surface of the higher step portion 64, one end of which is located in front of the supply port 61 and is configured to gradually move forward as it moves from the one end toward the opening side.

[0020] The support unit 70 of the above-described component supply device 11 has a sliding block 71 disposed in the lower step portion 63 of the notch groove 62. This sliding block 71 is dimensioned such that the thickness in its front-rear direction is approximately the same as the groove width of the lower step portion 63 and its upper surface is continuous with the upper step portion 64, and is configured to be slidable along the lower step portion 63. A substantially U-shaped through recess 72 penetrating in the vertical direction is formed by notching on the rear surface of this sliding block 71, and the groove width of this through recess 72 is configured to be larger than the outer diameter of the head of the screw N. A piston rod of a cylinder 73 is connected to this sliding block 71, and by driving this cylinder 73, it slides within the lower step portion 63. The cylinder 73 is configured to stop the sliding block 71 at three positions: a position where the through recess 72 is continuous with the front of the chute rail 20, a position where the through recess 72 communicates with the intake hole 65, and a position where the through recess 72 communicates with the through hole 66.

[0021] Also, a regulating member 74 is fixed to the upper surface of the sliding block 71. A guide groove penetrating in the front-rear direction is formed on the lower surface of this regulating member 74. This guide groove is configured such that its extension line intersects the extension line of the through recess 72, and a suspension plate 75 is slidably accommodated in the front-rear direction therein. A suspension groove 76 is formed at the rear end portion of this suspension plate 75, which is configured to be larger than the outer diameter of the shaft portion of the screw N and smaller than the outer diameter of the head. Further, a cylindrical engaging portion 77 extending downward is formed at the front end portion of the suspension plate 75, and this engaging portion 77 engages with the engaging groove 68 formed in the upper step portion 64. For this reason, the suspension plate 75 is regulated by the regulating member 74, interlocks with the lateral movement of the sliding block 71, and is configured to slide back and forth with respect to the sliding block 71 according to the engaging groove 68. The engaging groove 68 is set such that when the through recess 72 is continuous with the chute rail 20, the suspension plate 75 is retracted to make the suspension groove 76 continuous with the chute rail 20, and when the through recess 72 communicates with the through hole 66, the suspension plate 75 is advanced to release the suspended state of the screw N and cause it to slide into the through recess 72.

[0022] Next, the operation of the component supply device 11 configured as described above will be explained. When a drive signal is input, the control unit drives the cylinder 73 to connect the passage recess 72 of the sliding block 71 to the chute rail 20. At this time, the suspension plate 75 has retreated along the engagement groove 68, and as shown in FIG. 6, the suspension groove 76 is continuous with the chute rail 20. For this reason, the screw N located at the end portion of the chute rail 20 is suspended and supported in a state where its head seat surface abuts against the suspension plate 75. When the control unit receives the screw N by the suspension plate 75, the control unit drives the cylinder 73 to move the sliding block 71 toward the intake hole 65. At this time, the lateral movement of the suspension plate 75 with respect to the sliding block 71 is restricted by the restricting member 74, and since it is configured to move back and forth along the engagement groove 68, as the sliding block 71 moves laterally, it gradually advances. Further, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, when the passage recess 72 communicates with the intake hole 65, the control unit stops the drive of the cylinder 73 and operates the intake means 52 continuous with the intake hole 65. Thereby, the screw N is cleaned in the same manner as the component supply device 10 described above. When the cleaning of the screw N is completed, the control unit extends the cylinder 73 again to move the sliding block 71 toward the through hole 66. At this time, the suspension plate 75 further advances along the engagement groove 68. As a result, as shown in FIG. 9, when the passage recess 72 communicates with the through hole 66, the screw N is almost simultaneously detached from the suspension plate 75. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 10, the screw N falls through the passage recess 72 and the through hole 66 continuous therebelow, and is supplied to a predetermined automatic fastening device.

[0023] The component supply device 11 configured as described above has advantages such as that the deposits removed from the screw N do not scatter to the surroundings, similar to the component supply device 10, and it is possible to convey the screw N to a predetermined automatic fastening device. For this reason, the movement of the suction pipe or the like of the automatic fastening device becomes unnecessary, and there is an advantage that the cycle time of the component supply device 10 and the automatic fastening device can be improved.

[0024] Note that the component supply devices 10 and 11 according to the present invention are not limited to those described above, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the suspension block 41, the suspension plate 75, etc. are examples of suspension members that suspend and support the screw N received from the chute rail 20, and their thickness, the groove width of the suspension grooves 42 and 76, etc. may be appropriately changed according to the shape of the bar-shaped component with a head. Further, the cylinder 43 is an example of reciprocating movement means for reciprocating the suspension member along the notch grooves 32 and 62, and there is no problem even if it is other reciprocating movement means such as a ball screw mechanism. Similarly, the detection sensor 36 is not limited to an optical sensor, and there is no problem even if it is other sensors such as a proximity sensor. Furthermore, the chute rail 20 is an example of alignment conveyance means for conveying the bar-shaped components with heads in a state of being aligned in a row, and there is no problem even if it has other configurations such as means for rotating a pair of endless belts and conveying the screw N suspended and supported therebetween forward.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0025] 10, 11... Component supply device 20... Alignment conveyance means 21, 22... Cutting unit 30, 60... Frame 31, 61... Supply port 32, 62... Notch groove 33, 65... Intake hole 41, 75... Suspension member 42, 76... Suspension groove 43, 73... Reciprocating movement means 50... Suction unit 65... Through hole N... Bar-shaped component with a head

Claims

Claim 1 In a component supply device comprising an alignment conveyance means for aligning and conveying rod-shaped components with heads and a cutting unit for individually taking out the rod-shaped components with heads that have reached the end portion of the alignment conveyance means, the cutting unit has a suspension groove for suspending the head of the rod-shaped component with a head that has reached the end portion of the alignment conveyance means and enabling the shaft portion to be loosely fitted, and a suction unit connected to the suspension groove, and is configured to collect deposits adhering to the rod-shaped component with a head by air suction drive of the suction unit. The component supply device is characterized in that a detection sensor for detecting the rod-shaped component with a head suspended in the suspension groove is provided in the cutting unit when the suspension groove is connected to the suction unit, and the drive of the suction unit is controlled based on a signal from the detection sensor. Claim 2 The component supply device according to claim 1, wherein the cutting unit has a through hole that can communicate with the suspension groove, and the suspension groove is configured to release the suspended state of the rod-shaped component with a head and discharge it downward when the rod-shaped component with a head reaches above the through hole.

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