Pusher device for stick feeder and stick feeder equipped with same

Abstract

To provide a stick feeder pusher device and a stick feeder provided with the same capable of accurately moving a component to a component supply position.SOLUTION: A stick feeder pusher device includes a wire driven through a stick of a stick feeder, and a pusher attached to the wire that pushes a component housed in the stick towards the component feeding position, and the pusher includes a first pusher connected to the wire and a second pusher detachable from the first pusher.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a pusher device for a stick feeder and a stick feeder including the same. [Background technology]

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

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

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

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

[0006] The present disclosure aims to improve the workability when handling a pusher device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A pusher device for a stick feeder according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a wire that is driven to pass through the stick of the stick feeder, and a pusher attached to the wire that pushes components contained in the stick toward a component supply position, the pusher comprising a first pusher connected to the wire and a second pusher that is detachable from the first pusher.

[0008] A stick feeder according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a loading section for stacking a plurality of sticks, and a pusher device for pushing a component contained in one of the plurality of sticks toward the component supply position. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the pusher device of the stick feeder of the present disclosure and the stick feeder equipped with the same, it is possible to improve the workability when handling the pusher device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view illustrating a component mounting apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] A block diagram showing the system configuration of the component mounting device of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view illustrating the mounting head of the component mounting apparatus of FIG. 1; [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing a stick feeder arranged in the component mounting apparatus of FIG. 1; [Figure 5] Side view of the stick feeder in Figure 4 [Figure 6] Schematic diagram for explaining each component of the stick feeder in FIG. [Figure 7] A perspective view of the pusher device (when the first pusher pushes out the part) [Figure 8] A perspective view of the pusher device (when the second pusher pushes out the part) [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which the second pusher is removed from the first pusher; [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which the second pusher is removed from the first pusher; [Figure 11] Cross section along line EE in Figure 7 [Figure 12] Cross-sectional view along line FF in Figure 8 [Figure 13] Perspective views of second pushers of different sizes [Figure 14] Perspective views of second pushers of different sizes [Figure 15] Perspective views of second pushers of different sizes [Figure 16] A perspective view of the guide mechanism, the pusher device, and the stick. [Figure 17] A perspective view of the guide mechanism [Figure 18] A perspective view of the guide mechanism [Figure 19] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first member of a guide mechanism; [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a second member of the guide mechanism; [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a third member of the guide mechanism; [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a third member of the guide mechanism; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0012] (Embodiment) [Overall configuration] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a component mounting apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of the component mounting apparatus 1 of Fig. 1.

[0013] <Component placement device> 1 and 2, component mounting apparatus 1 is an apparatus that mounts components P, such as chip components or components with leads, on a substrate 3 on which the components are to be mounted. Component mounting apparatus 1 includes a component supply device 50, a mounting head 10, a mounting head moving device 12, a substrate transport unit 2, a component recognition unit 14, and an imaging control unit 16.

[0014] The board transport unit 2 is a device that transports the board 3 to a mounting work position located in the center of the base 1a and transports the board 3 from the mounting work position. More specifically, the board transport unit 2 transports the board 3 in the X direction, which is transported from the upstream side of a component mounting system (not shown) including the component mounting device 1, and positions and holds the board 3 at the mounting work position. When the component mounting work is completed, the board transport unit 2 transports the board 3 downstream of the component mounting system.

[0015] The component supply devices 50 are arranged at both ends of the base 1a in the Y direction. The component supply device 50 includes a stick feeder 4, a tape feeder 5, and a tray feeder 7 as multiple component supply devices. Specifically, multiple stick feeders 4 are arranged along the X direction on one side of the base 1a in FIG. 1. Additionally, multiple tape feeders 5 are arranged along the X direction on the other side of the base 1a in FIG. 1. Additionally, a tray feeder 7 having a component tray 6 is arranged next to the multiple tape feeders 5.

[0016] The component supply devices, stick feeder 4, tape feeder 5, and tray feeder 7, supply components P to be mounted on board 3.

[0017] The mounting head moving device 12 includes a Y-axis table 8 and a beam 9. The Y-axis table 8 has linear drive devices on both ends in the X direction on the upper surface of the base 1a. The beam 9 has similar linear drive devices and is connected to the Y-axis table 8. A mounting head 10 is attached to the beam 9 so that it can move in the X direction. The beam 9 moves in the Y direction due to the linear drive device provided in the Y-axis table 8. The beam 9 also moves the mounting head 10 in the X direction due to the linear drive device provided in the beam 9.

[0018] The mounting head moving device 12 controls the linear drive device described above to move the mounting head 10 to the component supply position 21b (see FIG. 4) of the stick feeder 4, the component supply position of the tape feeder 5, or the component supply position of the component tray 6. The components P picked up by the mounting head 10 at the component supply position 21b are transferred to the mounting position on the board 3 held by the board transport unit 2 and mounted thereon. The component mounting device 1 repeatedly executes the series of processes from transporting the board 3 to mounting the components P described above.

[0019] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the mounting head 10 of the component mounting apparatus 1 of FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 3, the mounting head 10 includes multiple mounting units 10a each having an elevation drive device. Four nozzles 11 for holding components P are arranged in the X direction at the bottom end of each mounting unit 10a. The nozzles 11 can hold components P, for example, by vacuum suction. Each mounting unit 10a drives the elevation drive device to raise and lower the nozzle 11 (arrow a). The mounting head 10 also includes a nozzle rotation device 10c that rotates the nozzle 11 (arrow b) around a nozzle axis AN in the Z direction.

[0020] 2, the component recognition unit 14 includes a camera 14a, a first light source 14b, and a second light source 14c. The camera 14a captures an image of the component held by the nozzle 11. The first light source 14b and the second light source 14c are lights that illuminate the component P that is captured by the camera 14a.

[0021] When the mounting head 10 is positioned above the component recognition unit 14, the camera 14a captures an image of the component P held by the nozzle 11 from below, i.e., in the Z+ direction in Fig. 3. Based on the image of the component P captured by the camera 14a, the polarity of the component P can be recognized and the lead wires can be aligned.

[0022] The imaging control unit 16 controls the camera 14a, first light source 14b, and second light source 14c of the component recognition unit 14. For example, it can be configured with a CPU, MPU, DSP, FPGA, ASIC, etc. The functions of the imaging control unit 16 may be configured with hardware alone, or may be realized by combining hardware and software. The imaging control unit 16 realizes predetermined functions by reading data and programs stored in a storage area (not shown) within the imaging control unit 16 and performing various arithmetic processing.

[0023] <Component placement device operation> Here, we will explain the operation of the component mounting device 1. The component mounting device 1 is a device that mounts components P supplied from a component supply device 50 (e.g., stick feeder 4) onto a board 3 that is carried in from the upstream of a component mounting system (not shown). A board transport unit 2 transports the board 3 from the upstream of the component mounting system to a component mounting position. Next, the mounting head moving device 12 moves the mounting head 10 to pick up the component P supplied from the component supply device 50, and a component recognition unit 14 identifies the polarity of the component P and the position of its lead wire.

[0024] Based on the identified polarity of component P and the position of the lead wire, mounting head moving device 12 further moves mounting head 10 to mount component P on board 3. Once mounting of component P on board 3 is complete, board transport unit 2 removes board 3 and then loads into component mounting device 1 the next board 3 onto which component P is to be mounted.

[0025] <Stick feeder> Fig. 4 is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of stick feeder 4 arranged in component mounting apparatus 1 of Fig. 1. Fig. 5 is a side view of stick feeder 4 of Fig. 4. Fig. 6 is a schematic view for explaining each component of stick feeder 4 of Fig. 4.

[0026] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the stick feeder 4 includes a loading unit 23, a feeder 21, a component sensor 22 (see Figure 6), a pusher 24, a pusher drive unit 25 (see Figure 2), and a control unit 32 (see Figure 2).

[0027] Each component of the stick feeder 4 will be described with reference to FIG. 6. The loading section 23 stacks a plurality of sticks ST. The plurality of sticks ST has one end and the other end, and contains a plurality of components P inside. In this embodiment, the plurality of sticks ST are formed in a cylindrical shape, and contain a plurality of components P arranged in a line inside. Here, stacking a plurality of sticks ST means stacking the sticks ST in the +Z direction.

[0028] The feeder 21 is a member that is connected to one end E1 of one stick ST1 (hereinafter referred to as stick ST1) among the multiple sticks ST and forms a "component passage" through which multiple components P supplied from the stick ST1 pass. That is, the feeder 21 has an inlet 21a connected to one end E1 of the stick ST1. The feeder 21 has a component supply position 21b at the end opposite the inlet 21a. The component passage of the feeder 21 refers to the path along which the components P pass from one end E1 of the stick ST1 to the component supply position 21b. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the feeder 21 has a support that supports the multiple components P in the +Z direction, but a gap may be formed between the stick ST1 and the support to prevent the components P from falling.

[0029] In the feeder 21, a plurality of components P that have passed through the entrance 21a are arranged in a component passage, and one of these components P that is positioned at the component supply position 21b is picked up by the mounting head 10.

[0030] The component sensor 22 is disposed at the component supply position 21b of the feeder 21. The component sensor 22 is a sensor that detects the presence or absence of the component P or the pusher 24 at the component supply position 21b. That is, the component sensor 22 outputs an ON signal when the component P or the pusher 24 is located at the component supply position 21b, and outputs an OFF signal when neither the component P nor the pusher 24 is located at the component supply position 21b. The ON / OFF signal of the component sensor 22 is transmitted to the control unit 32, which will be described later. The component sensor 22 may be, for example, a photo sensor or other sensor that can detect the presence or absence of the component P or the pusher 24.

[0031] The pusher 24 passes through the stick ST1 from a starting point S1 located outside the other end E2 of the stick ST1 and pushes the multiple components P contained inside the stick ST1 into the feeder 21 so as to be positioned at the component supply position 21b.

[0032] Pusher 24 can be moved back and forth in the Y direction by pusher driver 25 (see FIG. 2). Pusher 24 is connected to wire 26, and pusher 24 moves as pusher driver 25 moves wire 26 back and forth. When pusher 24 moves in the -Y direction from start point S1, it pushes out multiple components P contained in stick ST1 into feeder 21. After pushing out components P into feeder 21, pusher driver 25 moves pusher 24 in the +Y direction to return to start point S1.

[0033] In this embodiment, an origin sensor 29 is disposed at the start point S1 of the pusher. The origin sensor 29 detects the presence or absence of an origin mark 36 provided on the pusher 24 at the start point S1. When the pusher 24 is located at the start point S1, the origin sensor 29 detects the presence of the origin mark 36 at the start point S1. As the origin sensor 29, for example, a sensor capable of detecting the presence or absence of the origin mark 36, such as a photosensor, can be used.

[0034] In this embodiment, a pusher sensor 31 is disposed above the component passage outside one end E1 of the stick ST1. The pusher sensor 31 detects whether the pusher 24 is positioned at a predetermined position in the feeder 21. The predetermined position can be set to any position between the entrance 21a of the feeder 21 and the component supply position 21b. In this embodiment, the predetermined position is set to a position in the feeder 21 that is closer to the entrance than the component supply position 21b. As shown in FIG. 6, the pusher sensor 31 is disposed above the component passage in the feeder 21 and detects that the pusher 24 has emerged from one end E1 of the stick ST1.

[0035] The pusher driving unit 25 moves the pusher 24 forward and backward in the Y direction. In this embodiment, the pusher driving unit 25 is configured with a servo motor (not shown) and a pair of rollers 27. The wire 26 moves forward and backward in the Y direction according to the direction and amount of rotation of the rollers 27. As the wire 26 moves, the pusher 24 moves in the +Y direction or the -Y direction.

[0036] That is, when roller 27 is rotationally driven in the -Y direction by pusher drive unit 25, wire 26 is sent in the -Y direction according to the amount of rotational drive of roller 27, and pusher 24 moves forward in the -Y direction. As a result, pusher 24 can push out multiple components P contained in stick ST1 toward feeder 21, and then pusher 24 can move back to start point S1.

[0037] On the other hand, when roller 27 is rotationally driven in the +Y direction by pusher drive unit 25, wire 26 is sent in the +Y direction according to the amount of rotational drive of roller 27, and pusher 24 retreats in the +Y direction. In this case, pusher drive unit 25 retreats pusher 24 until origin sensor 29 detects origin mark 36 at start point S1.

[0038] The portion of the wire 26 that extends outward beyond the roller 27 is housed in a tubular wire housing portion 28 and protected.

[0039] The control unit 32 controls the pusher drive unit 25. In this embodiment, the control unit 32 controls each component of the stick feeder 4 based on the detection results of the component sensor 22, the pusher sensor 31, and the origin sensor 29. Specifically, the control unit 32 drives the pusher drive unit 25 to move the pusher 24 forward and backward. The control unit 32 controls the forward movement distance of the pusher based on the drive amount of the servo motor and the radius of the roller 27.

[0040] The control unit 32 can be configured with, for example, a CPU, an MPU, a DSP, an FPGA, an ASIC, etc. The functions of the control unit 32 may be configured with hardware alone, or may be realized by combining hardware and software. The control unit 32 realizes predetermined functions by reading data and programs stored in a storage area (not shown) within the control unit 32 and performing various arithmetic processing.

[0041] A stick exchange lever 30 is disposed in the loading section 23. One end 30a of the stick exchange lever 30 supports the stick ST1, and the other end 30b supports the stick ST stacked on the stick ST1. A rotation center 30c is provided between the one end 30a and the other end 30b of the stick exchange lever 30. The stick exchange lever 30 rotates between a position in which the one end 30a supports the stick ST1 and a position in which the support for the stick ST1 is released and the other end 30b supports the stick ST above it. The rotation of the stick exchange lever 30 is controlled, for example, by the control section 32. When all the components P contained in the stick ST1 are pushed into the feeder 21 and the stick ST1 becomes empty, the pusher drive section 25 moves the pusher 24 back to the starting point S1. At this time, the stick ST1 can be replaced with the next stick ST.

[0042] (About the pusher device) Next, the pusher device of the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 7 and subsequent drawings.

[0043] 7 to 10 are perspective views of the pusher device 100 of the embodiment. Fig. 7 is a perspective view when a first pusher 24A is used as the pusher 24, and Fig. 8 is a perspective view when a second pusher 24B is used as the pusher 24. Figs. 9 and 10 are perspective views showing a state in which the second pusher 24B is detached from the first pusher 24A.

[0044] As shown in FIGS. 7 to 10, the pusher device 100 includes a first pusher 24A (FIG. 7) and a second pusher 24B (FIG. 8) as the pushers 24, a wire 26, and an origin mark 36.

[0045] The pusher device 100 of this embodiment is configured so that the second pusher 24B can be attached to and detached from the first pusher 24A. As shown in FIG. 7 , the pusher device 100 can be used in two different configurations: one in which the second pusher 24B is not attached to the first pusher 24A and the second pusher 24B is ... This improves the workability when handling the pusher device 100. The detailed configuration of the pusher device 100 will be described below.

[0046] The first pusher 24A shown in FIGS. 7, 9, and 10 includes a first portion 102, a second portion 104, and a third portion 106.

[0047] The first portion 102 and the second portion 104 are portions of the first pusher 24A located on the distal end side A1 and the proximal end side A2 in the axial direction A. Both the first portion 102 and the second portion 104 have a roughly rectangular prism shape with chamfered edges.

[0048] The third portion 106 is a portion located between the first portion 102 and the second portion 104. The third portion 106 has a cylindrical shape, and its outer circumferential surface is circular.

[0049] The first portion 102 has an end face 108 and a tapered surface 110. The end face 108 is an end face on the tip side A1 and is a pressing surface for pressing the component P. The tapered surface 110 is a surface provided around the periphery of the end face 108 and has an inclined shape that tapers toward the tip side A1.

[0050] The second portion 104 has a tapered surface 111 (FIG. 10). The tapered surface 111 has an inclined shape that tapers toward the base end side A2.

[0051] A wire 26 is connected to the second portion 104 of the first pusher 24A. A cross-sectional view (a cross-sectional view taken along line EE in FIG. 7) of the state in which the wire 26 is connected to the first pusher 24A is shown in FIG.

[0052] 11, the first pusher 24A has a wire attachment hole 112 for attaching the wire 26. The wire attachment hole 112 is a hole that opens to an end face of the base end side A2 of the second portion 104 of the first pusher 24A and extends along the axial direction A. The wire 26 is connected and fixed to the first pusher 24A by inserting the wire 26 into the wire attachment hole 112 and bonding or press-fitting it.

[0053] An origin mark 36 is arranged around the wire 26. The origin mark 36 may be fixed, for example, by being press-fitted into the end (tapered surface 111) of the base end side A2 of the second portion 104 of the first pusher 24A.

[0054] The second pusher 24B shown in FIGS. 8 to 10 includes a first portion 114, a second portion 116, and a third portion 118.

[0055] The first portion 114 and the second portion 116 are portions located on the tip side A1 and the base side A2, respectively, of the second pusher 24B in the axial direction A. Both the first portion 114 and the second portion 116 have an inclined shape that tapers away from the center, and have tapered surfaces 120 and 122, respectively. The first portion 114 further has an end surface 124 on the tip side A1. The end surface 124 is a pressing surface for pressing the part P.

[0056] The third portion 118 is a portion located between the first portion 114 and the second portion 116. The third portion 118 has a roughly rectangular prism shape with chamfered edges.

[0057] As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the second pusher 24B forms an accommodating hole 126 for accommodating the first pusher 24A. The accommodating hole 126 is a through-hole that penetrates the second pusher 24B in the axial direction A and has a cylindrical shape. The first pusher 24A is inserted in the axial direction A through an opening on the base end side A2 of the accommodating hole 126 and is disposed in the accommodating hole 126. An opening 127 is formed on the tip end side A1 of the accommodating hole 126. The opening 127 exposes the end face 108 of the first pusher 24A disposed in the accommodating hole 126 (FIG. 8).

[0058] The second pusher 24B further defines a fixing hole 128. The fixing hole 128 is a hole in which a fixing member 130 is placed to fix the first pusher 24A placed in the accommodating hole 126. The fixing hole 128 extends from the surface of the second pusher 24B in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction A, and communicates with the accommodating hole 126 inside the second pusher 24B.

[0059] The fixing member 130 is a fixing member that is placed in the fixing hole 128. The fixing member 130 comes into contact with and presses the first pusher 24A placed in the accommodation hole 126, thereby fixing the first pusher 24A inside the second pusher 24B. This fixes the first pusher 24A and the second pusher 24B relative to each other. The fixing member 130 may be press-fitted into the fixing hole 128 using a tool (not shown) or screwed into the fixing hole 128.

[0060] Here, FIG. 12 shows a cross-sectional view (a cross-sectional view taken along line FF in FIG. 8) of the state in which the second pusher 24B is attached to the first pusher 24A.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 12 , the first pusher 24A is accommodated in the accommodation hole 126, and the fixing member 130 arranged in the fixing hole 128 comes into contact with the first pusher 24A and presses it downward. The lengths of the first pusher 24A and the second pusher 24B in the axial direction A are designed to be approximately the same. Therefore, approximately the entire first pusher 24A is arranged in the accommodation hole 126, and the end face 108 of the first pusher 24A and the end face 124 of the second pusher 24B are flush with each other. When the pusher device 100 pushes out the component P, the component P can be pushed out by both the end face 108 of the first pusher 24A and the end face 124 of the second pusher 24B.

[0062] Fixing member 130 particularly contacts third portion 106 located in the center of first pusher 24A. Because the outer peripheral surface of third portion 106 is circular, fixing member 130 can stably contact first pusher 24A even when first pusher 24A is at any rotational position (rotational position in rotational direction R about axial direction A). This makes it easy to adjust the relative rotational positions of first pusher 24A and second pusher 24B.

[0063] When removing the second pusher 24B from the first pusher 24A, the fixing member 130 is removed from the fixing hole 128, and the first pusher 24A is pulled out toward the base end side A2 in the axial direction A. This makes it possible to easily attach and detach the second pusher 24B to and from the first pusher 24A.

[0064] According to the above configuration, by making the second pusher 24B detachable from the first pusher 24A, it is possible to easily switch between the first pusher 24A and the second pusher 24B. Because the first pusher 24A and the second pusher 24B can be switched while the wire 26 remains connected to the first pusher 24A, work can be performed without detaching the wire 26 from the wire drive unit, improving the operability when handling the pusher device 100. Furthermore, when attaching the second pusher 24B to the first pusher 24A, it is sufficient to place the first pusher 24A in the accommodation hole 126 of the second pusher 24B and insert the fixing member 130 into the fixing hole 128, which makes it easy to attach and detach the second pusher 24B.

[0065] Furthermore, the pusher device 100 of this embodiment is capable of applying pushers of different sizes as the second pusher 24B attached to the first pusher 24A so as to be able to accommodate various types and sizes of parts P. Second pushers of different sizes will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 to 15.

[0066] 13 to 15 are perspective views showing second pushers 24C to 24E, which are different in size from second pusher 24B, respectively.

[0067] The second pusher 24C shown in Fig. 13 is larger in size than the second pusher 24B described above. Similarly, the second pusher 24D shown in Fig. 14 is larger in size than the second pusher 24C shown in Fig. 13, and the second pusher 24E shown in Fig. 15 is larger in size than the second pusher 24D shown in Fig. 14.

[0068] 13 has a tapered surface 114C and an end surface 124C (pressing surface) connected to the tapered surface 114C, and further forms a accommodating hole 126C and a fixing hole 128C. The above-mentioned first pusher 24A (not shown) is disposed in the accommodating hole 126C, and a fixing member (not shown) for fixing the first pusher 24A disposed in the accommodating hole 126C is disposed in the fixing hole 128C.

[0069] 14 has a tapered surface 114D and an end surface 124D (pressing surface) connected to the tapered surface 114D, and further forms a accommodating hole 126D and a fixing hole 128D. The above-mentioned first pusher 24A (not shown) is disposed in the accommodating hole 126D, and a fixing member (not shown) for fixing the first pusher 24A disposed in the accommodating hole 126D is disposed in the fixing hole 128D.

[0070] 15 has a tapered surface 114E and an end surface 124E (pressing surface) connected to the tapered surface 114E, and further forms a accommodating hole 126E and a fixing hole 128E. The above-mentioned first pusher 24A (not shown) is disposed in the accommodating hole 126E, and a fixing member (not shown) for fixing the first pusher 24A disposed in the accommodating hole 126E is disposed in the fixing hole 128E.

[0071] According to the above configuration, any one of the second pusher 24B shown in FIGS. 8 to 10 and the second pushers 24C to 24E shown in FIGS. 13 to 15 (four types in total) can be selected and attached to the first pusher 24A for use. By selecting one pusher from the first pusher 24A and the multiple types of second pushers 24B to 24E (five types in total) depending on the size of the component P to be pushed out, the component P can be pushed out using a more appropriate pusher 24, and the component P can be moved to the component supply position 21b with greater accuracy. The first pusher 24A (FIG. 7) without the second pusher 24B attached functions as the "smallest pusher."

[0072] The second pushers are not limited to the examples shown in FIGS. 13 to 15, and the number of types and sizes may be arbitrary.

[0073] (Effect 1) As described above, the pusher device 100 of the stick feeder 4 of the embodiment comprises a wire 26 that is driven to pass through the stick ST1 of the stick feeder 4, and a pusher 24 that is attached to the wire 26 and pushes the component P contained in the stick ST1 toward the component supply position 21b, and the pusher 24 comprises a first pusher 24A connected to the wire 26 and a second pusher 24B that is detachable from the first pusher 24A.

[0074] According to this configuration, by making the second pusher 24B detachable from the first pusher 24A, it is possible to easily switch between the first pusher 24A and the second pusher 24B depending on the size and type of the component P. This allows the component P to be sent to the component supply position 21b with high accuracy. Furthermore, work can be performed without detaching the wire 26 from the wire drive unit, improving the operability when handling the pusher device 100.

[0075] Furthermore, in the pusher device 100 of the embodiment, the second pusher 24B forms an accommodating hole 126 for accommodating the first pusher 24A. With this configuration, the second pusher 24B can be easily attached to the first pusher 24A.

[0076] Furthermore, in the pusher device 100 of the embodiment, the second pusher 24B further has a fixing hole 128 that communicates from the surface of the second pusher 24B to the accommodating hole 126, and a fixing member 130 is placed in the fixing hole 128 and brought into contact with the first pusher 24A placed in the accommodating hole 126, thereby fixing the first pusher 24A and the second pusher 24B relatively. With this configuration, the first pusher 24A and the second pusher 24B can be easily fixed.

[0077] Furthermore, in the pusher device 100 of this embodiment, the first pusher 24A includes a third portion 106 having a circular outer shape, and the fixing member 130 contacts the third portion 106 of the first pusher 24A. With this configuration, even when the first pusher 24A is in any rotational position, the fixing member 130 can stably contact the outer surface of the first pusher 24A, making it easy to adjust the relative rotational positions of the first pusher 24A and the second pusher 24B. Note that it is sufficient that at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the third portion 106 is circular in the circumferential direction.

[0078] Furthermore, in the pusher device 100 of the embodiment, the second pusher 24B forms an opening 127 that exposes the end surface 108 of the first pusher 24A disposed in the accommodation hole 126. With this configuration, the position of the end surface 108 of the first pusher 24A can be confirmed through the opening 127, and the attachment position of the first pusher 24A can be confirmed.

[0079] Furthermore, in the pusher device 100 of the embodiment, the end surface 108 of the first pusher 24A and the end surface 124 of the second pusher 24B are flush with each other. With this configuration, the component P can be pushed over a wide area, and the operation of the pusher 24 can be stabilized.

[0080] Furthermore, in the pusher device 100 of the embodiment, a plurality of second pushers 24B to 24E of different sizes are provided, and any of the second pushers 24B to 24E can be attached to the first pusher 24A. With this configuration, an appropriate second pusher 24B can be applied depending on the size and type of the part P.

[0081] The stick feeder 4 of the embodiment also includes a stacking unit 23 that stacks multiple sticks ST, and a pusher device 100 that pushes out a component P stored in one stick ST1 of the multiple sticks ST toward the component supply position 21b. This configuration can achieve the same effects as the pusher device 100 of the embodiment.

[0082] (Guide mechanism) Next, the guide mechanism of the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 16 and subsequent drawings.

[0083] 16 to 18 are perspective views of the guide mechanism 200 of the embodiment. In Fig. 16, the pusher device 100 and the stick ST1 are illustrated, while in Figs. 17 and 18, the pusher device 100 and the stick ST1 are not illustrated.

[0084] 16 to 18 is a mechanism that guides the movement of the pusher 24 along the movement path of the pusher 24. In Fig. 16, as an example, a state in which a first pusher 24A is supported by the guide mechanism 200 as the pusher 24 is illustrated.

[0085] The posture of the pusher 24 may become unstable along the path of movement (FIG. 6) from the starting point S1 to the component supply position 21b. For this reason, by providing a guide mechanism 200 along the path of movement of the pusher 24, the posture of the pusher 24 can be stabilized and components P can be fed with high precision. In particular, the posture of the pusher 24 is likely to become unstable at "transfer points" such as the entrance and exit of the stick ST1 and the entrance of the feeder 21. The guide mechanism 200 of this embodiment is provided at the entrance (other end E2) of the stick ST1, which is one of the transfer points.

[0086] As shown in FIGS. 16 to 18, the guide mechanism 200 includes a first member 202, a second member 204, a third member 206, a slide member 208, and a support member 210.

[0087] The first member 202 and the second member 204 are block-shaped members that support the pusher 24. The first member 202 and the second member 204 support the pusher 24 from below and are arranged to sandwich the pusher 24 in the left-right direction B. As will be described later, the first member 202 and the second member 204 are configured so that the distance between them in the left-right direction B is adjustable. Both the first member 202 and the second member 204 are attached to a third member 206.

[0088] The third member 206 is a block-shaped member for attaching and supporting the first member 202 and the second member 204. The third member 206 is attached to a slide member 208.

[0089] Slide member 208 is a plate-shaped member for attaching and supporting third member 206. By attaching third member 206 to slide member 208, first member 202, second member 204, and third member 206 are integrally supported by slide member 208. Slide member 208 is attached to support member 210 so as to be able to move up and down.

[0090] The support member 210 is a plate-like member that supports the slide member 208 so that it can slide in the vertical direction C. Since the slide member 208 can move in the vertical direction C along the support member 210, the first member 202, the second member 204, and the third member 206 can also move up and down integrally. This allows the vertical positions of the first member 202 and the second member 204 to be adjusted.

[0091] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the first member 202, and FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the second member 204. As shown in FIG.

[0092] As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the first member 202 and the second member 204 have shapes that are generally symmetrical to each other in the left-right direction B.

[0093] The first member 202 shown in FIG. 19 includes a first block 212 and a second block 214 .

[0094] The first block 212 is a portion that restricts movement of the pusher 24 (not shown) in the left-right direction B. The first block 212 has an inclined surface 216 and a non-inclined surface 218. The inclined surface 216 is a surface that is inclined with respect to the axial direction A and is inclined so as to widen outward toward the tip side A1. By providing the inclined surface 216, when the pusher 24 inside the stick ST1 returns to the base side A2, it is guided inside the first block 212. The non-inclined surface 218 is a surface that is not inclined with respect to the axial direction A and extends parallel to the axial direction A.

[0095] The second block 214 is a portion that is attached to the third member 206 described above. The second block 214 forms an insertion hole 220. The insertion hole 220 is a through-hole for inserting a fixing member 222 shown in FIG. 17. The fixing member 222 inserted into the insertion hole 220 is inserted into an attachment hole 236 (FIGS. 21 and 22) of the third member 206, which will be described later. In this embodiment, two insertion holes 220 are provided, one above the other, and two corresponding fixing members 222 are also provided.

[0096] The second member 204 shown in FIG. 20 includes a third block 224 and a fourth block 226 .

[0097] The third block 224 is a portion that restricts movement of the pusher 24 (not shown) in the left-right direction B. The third block 224 has an inclined surface 228 and a non-inclined surface 230. The inclined surface 228 is a surface that is inclined with respect to the axial direction A and is inclined so as to widen outward toward the tip side A1. By providing the inclined surface 228, when the pusher 24 inside the stick ST1 returns to the base side A2, it is guided inside the third block 224. The non-inclined surface 230 is a surface that is not inclined with respect to the axial direction A and extends parallel to the axial direction A.

[0098] The fourth block 226 is a portion that is attached to the third member 206 described above. The fourth block 226 forms an insertion hole 232. The insertion hole 232 is a through-hole for inserting a fixing member 234 shown in FIG. 17. The fixing member 234 inserted into the insertion hole 232 is inserted into an attachment hole 236 (FIGS. 21 and 22) of the third member 206, which will be described later. In this embodiment, two insertion holes 232 are provided, one above the other, and two corresponding fixing members 234 are also provided.

[0099] 21 and 22 are perspective views of the third member 206, seen from different directions. As shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, the third member 206 has a plurality of mounting holes 236, 238 formed therein.

[0100] Mounting holes 236 are holes for mounting the first member 202 and second member 204 described above. Fixing member 222 inserted into insertion hole 220 of first member 202 and fixing member 234 inserted into insertion hole 232 of second member 204 are inserted into mounting holes 236. Mounting holes 236 are provided in two stages, upper and lower, corresponding to insertion holes 220, 232, and include upper mounting hole 236A and lower mounting hole 236B.

[0101] Both the upper mounting holes 236A and the lower mounting holes 236B are composed of a plurality of through holes spaced apart in the left-right direction B (six holes each in the examples shown in FIGS. 21 and 22). All of the mounting holes 236 have the same shape, and the fixing member 222 or the fixing member 234 can be inserted into any of the mounting holes 236. By providing a plurality of mounting holes 236 spaced apart in the left-right direction B, the mounting positions in the left-right direction B can be changed when attaching the first member 202 and the second member 204 to the third member 206, and the distance between the first member 202 and the second member 204 can be adjusted.

[0102] 19 and 20, the insertion holes 220, 232 each have an oval shape that is long in the left-right direction B. When the fixing members 222, 234 are inserted into the insertion holes 220, 232, the attachment positions can be adjusted within the range of the width of the insertion holes 220, 232 in the left-right direction B. This allows fine adjustment of the distance between the first member 202 and the second member 204.

[0103] 21 and 22, the mounting hole 238 is a hole for mounting the third member 206 to the slide member 208 described above. A fixing member 240 shown in FIG. 18 is inserted into the mounting hole 238. The fixing member 240 is inserted into an elongated hole 242 (FIG. 17) formed in the slide member 208 and an elongated hole 244 (FIG. 18) formed in the support member 210. By inserting the fixing member 240 into the elongated holes 242, 244, the mounting positions of the fixing member 240 and the third member 206 can be changed in the up-down direction C.

[0104] 17 and 18, another fixing member 246 is attached to the elongated holes 242 and 244. After adjusting and fixing the attachment position of the fixing member 240, the fixing member 246 is attached and fixed to the elongated holes 242 and 244, thereby firmly fixing the slide member 208 and the support member 210.

[0105] As shown in Figure 17, a long hole 247 separate from the long hole 242 is formed in the slide member 208. A fixing member 248 is attached to the long hole 247. The fixing member 248 is inserted into the long hole 247 and fixed to a predetermined position on the support member 210 as shown in Figure 18. When the fixing member 248 is released from its fixed state, the slide member 208 can move relative to the support member 210 in the up-down direction C. Once the relative position of the slide member 208 has been determined, the slide member 208 can be fixed by the fixing members 240, 246 and the fixing member 248.

[0106] 17, the fixing member 248 faces the protruding portion 250 of the third member 206 in the up-down direction C. In addition to the fixing function of fixing the slide member 208 and the support member 210, the fixing member 248 has a stopper function of determining the lower limit position when adjusting the attachment position of the third member 206.

[0107] According to the above configuration, the distance between the first member 202 and the second member 204 in the left-right direction B is adjustable, and thus the pusher 24 can be supported more stably by adjusting the distance to an appropriate distance depending on the size of the pusher 24. In particular, in this embodiment, second pushers 24B to 24E of different sizes are detachable from the first pusher 24A, and therefore, by making the distance between the first member 202 and the second member 204 adjustable, it is possible to accommodate pushers 24 of various sizes. The third member 206 functions as a "distance adjustment unit" that adjusts the distance between the first member 202 and the second member 204.

[0108] Furthermore, the first member 202 and the second member 204, together with the third member 206 and the slide member 208, are able to slide in the vertical direction C relative to the support member 210. This makes it possible to accommodate pusher 24 of various sizes (especially heights) and more stably support the operation of the pusher 24. The slide member 208 and the support member 210 function as a "height adjustment unit" that adjusts the heights of the first member 202 and the second member 204.

[0109] (Effect 2) The pusher device 100 of the above-described embodiment further includes a guide mechanism 200 that guides the movement of the pusher 24 along the movement path of the pusher 24. With this configuration, the operation of the pusher 24 can be stabilized.

[0110] Furthermore, in the pusher device 100 of the embodiment, the guide mechanism 200 is provided at the entrance of the stick ST1. According to this configuration, by providing the guide mechanism 200 at a location where the posture of the pusher 24 is likely to become unstable, the operation of the pusher 24 can be made more stable.

[0111] Furthermore, in the pusher device 100 of the embodiment, the guide mechanism 200 includes a first member 202 and a second member 204 that sandwich the pusher 24 in the left-right direction B, and a third member 206 that supports the first member 202 and the second member 204. With this configuration, the first member 202 and the second member 204 can guide the movement of the pusher 24 in the left-right direction B.

[0112] Furthermore, in the pusher device 100 of the embodiment, the third member 206 has a plurality of attachment holes 236 formed therein that allow the positions of the first member 202 and the second member 204 in the left-right direction B to be variable. With this configuration, the distance between the first member 202 and the second member 204 can be adjusted depending on whether or not the second pushers 24B to 24E are attached and their sizes.

[0113] Furthermore, in the pusher device 100 of the embodiment, the guide mechanism 200 has a slide member 208 and a support member 210 (height adjustment unit) that allow the height to be adjusted. With this configuration, the height of the guide mechanism 200 can be adjusted depending on whether or not the second pushers 24B to 24E are attached and their heights, thereby making it possible to more stably support the pushers 24.

[0114] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the above-mentioned embodiment, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment. For example, in the embodiment, the guide mechanism 200 is provided at the entrance of the stick ST1, but the present invention is not limited to this case and may be provided at any position along the movement path of the pusher 24, including other transfer points.

[0115] Although the present disclosure has been fully described in connection with the preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, various variations and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such variations and modifications should be understood to be included within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims, unless they depart therefrom. Furthermore, changes in the combination and order of elements in each embodiment may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.

[0116] It should be noted that, by appropriately combining any of the above-described embodiments and various modifications, it is possible to achieve the effects of each of them. [Industrial Applicability]

[0117] The present invention is applicable to any pusher device for a stick feeder and any stick feeder equipped with the same. [Explanation of symbols]

[0118] 1. Component placement device 4, 40, 41, 42, 43 Stick feeder 11 nozzles 14 Parts Recognition Unit 14a Camera 14b 1st light source 14c 2nd light source 16 Imaging control unit 21 Feeder 21a Entrance 21b Parts supply position 22 Parts Sensor 23 Loading section 24 Pusher 24A First Pusher 24B, 24C, 24D, 24E Second Pusher 25 Pusher drive unit 31 Pusher sensor 32 Control section 34 Stick Sensor 100 Pusher device 102 Part 1 104 Part 2 106 Part 3 108 End face 110 Tapered surface 111 Tapered surface 112 Wire mounting hole 114 Part 1 116 Part 2 118 Part 3 120 Tapered surface 122 Tapered surface 124 End face 126 Receiving hole 127 Aperture 128 Fixed hole 130 Fixing member 114C tapered surface 124C end face 126C Receiving hole 128C fixing hole 114D tapered surface 124D end face 126D Receiving hole 128D fixing hole 114E Tapered surface 124E End face 126E Receiving hole 128E fixing hole 202 First member 204 Second member 206 Third Component 208 Slide member 210 Support member 212 Block 1 214 Block 2 216 Slope 218 Non-inclined surface 220 Insertion hole 222 Fixing member 224 Block 3 226 Block 4 228 Slope 230 Non-inclined surface 232 Insertion hole 234 Fixing member 236, 236A, 236B mounting holes 238 Mounting hole 240, 246, 248 Fixing members 242, 244, 247 long hole 250 Protrusion A axis direction A1 Tip side A2 proximal side B Left / right direction C Vertical direction

Claims

1. a wire driven through the sticks of the stick feeder; a pusher attached to the wire for pushing out the components housed in the stick toward a component supply position, The pusher device for a stick feeder includes a first pusher connected to the wire and a second pusher detachable from the first pusher.

2. The pusher device for a stick feeder according to claim 1 , wherein the second pusher forms an accommodation hole for accommodating the first pusher.

3. the second pusher further defines a fixing hole communicating from a surface of the second pusher to the receiving hole; 3. The pusher device of a stick feeder according to claim 2, wherein a fixing member is disposed in the fixing hole and brought into contact with the first pusher disposed in the accommodating hole, thereby fixing the first pusher and the second pusher relatively.

4. the first pusher includes a portion having a circular outer shape; The pusher device of a stick feeder according to claim 3 , wherein the fixed member contacts the portion of the first pusher.

5. 5. The pusher device for a stick feeder according to claim 2, wherein the second pusher forms an opening that exposes an end face of the first pusher disposed in the accommodation hole.

6. 6. The pusher device of a stick feeder according to claim 5, wherein the end face of the first pusher and the end face of the second pusher are flush with each other.

7. 7. The pusher device for a stick feeder according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of second pushers of different sizes are provided, and any of the second pushers can be attached to the first pusher.

8. 8. The pusher device of a stick feeder according to claim 1, further comprising a guide mechanism that guides movement of the pusher along its movement path.

9. The pusher device of a stick feeder according to claim 8, wherein the guide mechanism is provided at an inlet for the sticks.

10. 10. The pusher device of a stick feeder according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the guide mechanism comprises a first member and a second member that sandwich the pusher in the left-right direction, and a third member that supports the first member and the second member.

11. 11. The pusher device for a stick feeder according to claim 10, wherein the third member has a plurality of mounting holes that allow the left-right positions of the first member and the second member to be changed.

12. 12. The pusher device for a stick feeder according to claim 8, wherein the guide mechanism has a height adjustment section that makes the height adjustable.

13. a loading section for stacking a plurality of sticks each containing a plurality of parts therein; A stick feeder comprising: a pusher device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, configured to push out a component housed in one stick of the plurality of sticks toward the component supply position.

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