Supply device

Abstract

To provide a supply device that can improve the supply rate of parts compared to a case where groove portions are formed in a direction along one direction in which parts move.SOLUTION: A supply device 10 of the invention includes: a moving part 20 for moving a screw S1 having a head portion 2A and a leg portion 2B having a smaller diameter than the head portion 2A in one direction indicated by an arrow A on a plate 22; a plurality of groove parts 24 extending in a direction intersecting the one direction at an acute angle and formed on the plate 22 to align the screw S1 by inserting the leg portion 2B of the screw S1 proceeding in one direction on the plate 22; a gate part provided across the plurality of groove parts 24 and allowing the head portion 2A of the screw S1 whose leg portion 2B has entered the groove part 24 to pass therethrough and restrict the passage of the other screws S1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a feeding device. [Background technology]

[0002] The following Patent Document 1 discloses a component transfer device that vibrates a table with a thin groove, drops the legs of components with heads into the thin groove, receives the heads on the upper edge of the groove, and transfers them in order in an aligned manner. The component transfer device has a rotating body with a protrusion at the top of the groove, and removes components that are transferred because their heads overlap. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 48-92674 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] For example, in a supply device that supplies parts having a head and a leg with a smaller diameter than the head, if a groove is formed in a direction that aligns with the direction in which the part moves, there is a concern that the leg of the part will have difficulty entering the groove.

[0005] The present disclosure aims to provide a supply device that can improve the supply rate of parts compared to when grooves are formed in a direction along one direction in which the parts move. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The supply device according to the first embodiment comprises a moving section that moves components having a head and legs with a smaller diameter than the head in one direction on a plate surface; a plurality of grooves formed on the plate surface that extend in a direction intersecting the one direction at an acute angle and that allow the legs of components moving in the one direction on the plate surface to be placed therein to align the components; and a gate section that is provided across the plurality of grooves and allows the heads of components whose legs have entered the grooves to pass through but restricts the passage of other components.

[0007] The supply device according to the second aspect is the supply device according to the first aspect, wherein, in a plan view, when an intersection point where a virtual line extending in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the grooves intersects with one groove is defined as a first intersection point and an intersection point where the virtual line intersects with another groove downstream of the first intersection point in the one direction is defined as a second intersection point, the linear edge portion on the component inlet side of the gate portion is inclined so as to intersect with the one groove downstream of the first intersection point in the one direction and to intersect with the other groove upstream of the second intersection point in the one direction.

[0008] The supply device of the third aspect is the supply device described in the second aspect, further comprising a pair of guide portions on both sides of the moving portion in a direction intersecting the one direction, the guide portions protruding from the plate surface of the moving portion and guiding the component along the direction in which the groove portions extend, and in a plan view, the distance between one of the guide portions on the first intersection side and one of the groove portions is greater than the distance between the other guide portion on the second intersection side and the other groove portion.

[0009] A supplying device according to a fourth aspect is the supplying device according to the second or third aspect, wherein the supplying device supplies a component in which a washer is provided integrally with the head on the side of the leg portion of the head.

[0010] A supply device according to a fifth aspect is the supply device according to the first aspect, wherein an ejection section is provided on the component inlet side of the gate section to eject gas toward an upper side of the plate surface of the moving section.

[0011] The supply device of the sixth aspect is the supply device described in the fifth aspect, wherein the injection section is a first injection port that injects gas from the longitudinal center of the gate section toward the upstream side in the one direction, and further has second injection ports that are located on both longitudinal sides of the gate section, protrude from the plate surface of the moving section, and are provided on each of a pair of guide sections that guide the part, and inject gas toward the first injection port side.

[0012] The supply device of the seventh aspect is the supply device described in the sixth aspect, wherein a wall portion is provided at a position opposite the first injection port on the upstream side of the moving section in the one direction, protruding from the plate surface of the moving section, and against which the parts blown by the gas injected from the first injection port can collide.

[0013] The supply device of the eighth aspect is the supply device described in the sixth or seventh aspect, wherein the second injection port is provided at the tip of a pair of flow path pipes that protrude from each of the pair of guide portions located on both longitudinal sides of the gate portion toward the longitudinal center of the gate portion.

[0014] A supply device according to a ninth aspect is the supply device according to the eighth aspect, wherein the height of the second injection nozzle from the plate surface of the moving part is higher than the height of the first injection nozzle from the plate surface of the moving part.

[0015] The supply device according to the tenth aspect is the supply device according to the eighth or ninth aspect, wherein a guide wall that guides the component toward the second nozzle is provided on a plate surface upstream of the flow path pipe in the one direction.

[0016] The supply device of the eleventh aspect is a supply device described in any one of the fifth to tenth aspects, wherein a plurality of downstream groove portions connected to a plurality of the groove portions are formed on the plate surface of the moving part downstream in the one direction from the gate portion, and the downstream groove portions are provided continuous with a first inclined surface that slopes upward from the gate portion side and a second inclined surface that slopes downward from the first inclined surface via a ridge portion toward the opposite side of the gate portion, or a horizontal surface that is horizontal from the first inclined surface via the ridge portion.

[0017] The supply device according to the twelfth aspect is a supply device according to any one of the fifth to eleventh aspects, which supplies a part including a washer arranged on the leg side of the head and movable relative to the head, and a spring washer arranged between the head and the washer. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] The supply device according to the first aspect can improve the supply rate of components compared to a case where grooves are formed in a direction parallel to one direction in which the components move.

[0019] According to the supply device of the second aspect, compared to when the edge portion on the component inlet side of the gate portion extends in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the groove portion, the gathering of components on the side of other groove portions in the longitudinal direction of the gate portion in a plan view is suppressed.

[0020] According to the supply device of the third aspect, the supply rate of components in the other groove portion can be made closer to the supply rate of components in the one groove portion compared to when the distance between one guide portion on the first intersection side and one groove portion in a planar view is equal to or less than the distance between the other guide portion on the second intersection side and the other groove portion.

[0021] According to the supply device of the fourth aspect, it is possible to improve the supply rate of parts even for parts with washers, which tend to clog more easily than parts without washers.

[0022] According to the supply device of the fifth aspect, it is possible to suppress accumulation of components near the gate portion, compared to a case where gas is not injected at the component inlet side of the gate portion.

[0023] The supply device according to the sixth aspect can prevent components from accumulating near the gate portion compared to a case where the supply device has only a first injection port that injects gas from the longitudinal center of the gate portion toward the upstream side in one direction.

[0024] The supply device according to the seventh aspect is more effective in promoting the flow of components on the plate surface than when the plate surface on the upstream side in one direction relative to the gate portion is flat.

[0025] According to the supply device of the eighth aspect, parts that are in the correct position with their legs in the grooves are less likely to be blown away than when a second injection port is provided in each of the pair of guide sections located on both longitudinal sides of the gate section.

[0026] According to the supply device of the ninth aspect, components that do not enter the grooves in the moving part are more likely to enter the grooves than when the height of the first and second ejection nozzles from the plate surface of the moving part are the same.

[0027] According to the supply device of the tenth aspect, components are prevented from accumulating on the upstream side of the flow path pipe, compared to when the plate surface on the upstream side in one direction with respect to the flow path pipe is flat.

[0028] According to the supply device of the eleventh aspect, entanglement of parts aligned in the downstream groove is suppressed compared to when the groove is provided on a flat surface on the downstream side in one direction relative to the gate.

[0029] According to the supply device of the twelfth aspect, even when a component having a spring washer between the head and a washer movable relative to the head is supplied, the component is less likely to become clogged near the gate portion. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0030] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a supply device according to a first embodiment; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the supply device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a side view showing the supply device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a screw supplied by the supply device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a moving portion and a gate portion of the supply device according to the first embodiment, taken along a direction intersecting one direction. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a supply device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a supply device according to a third embodiment; [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a supply device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a side view showing a supply device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a front view showing a screw supplied by a supply device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an enlarged perspective view showing the upstream side of a moving section and a gate section in the supply direction of a supply device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along a direction intersecting one direction, showing the upstream side of a moving section and a gate section in the supply direction of a supply device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along a downstream groove portion, showing the downstream side in the supply direction of a moving portion and a gate portion of a supply device according to a third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] Hereinafter, embodiments for implementing the technology of the present disclosure will be described. In the following description, the direction indicated by arrow X (X direction) as appropriate in the drawings will be referred to as the device width direction (horizontal direction), the direction indicated by arrow Y (Y direction) will be referred to as the device height direction (vertical direction), and the direction indicated by arrow Z (Z direction) will be referred to as the device depth direction (horizontal direction). Note that the term "device width direction" is primarily used to mean "both the X direction and the direction opposite to the X direction (the direction opposite to the X direction)." Furthermore, the term "device height direction" is primarily used to mean "both the Y direction and the direction opposite to the Y direction (the direction opposite to the Y direction)." Furthermore, the term "device depth direction" is primarily used to mean "both the Z direction and the direction opposite to the Z direction (the direction opposite to the Z direction)." The device width direction, device height direction, and device depth direction are directions that intersect with each other (specifically, directions that are perpendicular to each other).

[0032] [First embodiment] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a supply device 10 according to a first embodiment, Fig. 2 shows a plan view of the supply device 10, and Fig. 3 shows a side view of the supply device 10.

[0033] <Overall configuration of the supply device> As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the supply device 10 includes a moving device 12 that moves a plurality of screws S1 on a plate surface 22 in one direction (direction A), and a conveying device 14 that conveys the screws S1 moved by the moving device 12 and aligns them in multiple rows (two rows in this embodiment). The screws S1 aligned by the conveying device 14 are accommodated in a single row in a plurality of (two in this embodiment) screw receiving bodies 16. The screws S1 accommodated in the screw receiving bodies 16 are supplied to other manufacturing equipment (not shown). Here, the screws S1 are an example of a part. In this embodiment, the moving device 12 conveys the plurality of screws S1 in one direction (direction A) that intersects with the X direction. The conveying device 14 is provided downstream of the moving device 12 in the one direction (direction A). In FIGS. 1 and 2, the number of screws S1 is shown as fewer than the actual number in order to make the configuration of the supply device 10 easier to understand.

[0034] <Configuration of mobile device> The moving device 12 is supported by a support unit 62 installed on a base 60 (see FIGS. 1 and 3). The moving device 12 includes a moving unit 20 that moves the screw S1 on the plate surface 22 in one direction (direction A) (see FIGS. 1 and 2). In a plan view, the plate surface 22 is rectangular, and the direction in which the screw S1 moves (direction A) intersects with a side 22A along the longitudinal direction of the plate surface 22. In other words, the side 22A along the longitudinal direction of the plate surface 22 is arranged along the device width direction (direction X), and the direction in which the screw S1 moves (direction A) intersects with the device width direction (direction X). Here, a plan view refers to a case in which the object is viewed from above in the vertical direction (direction Y).

[0035] The moving device 12 also includes a plurality of (two in this embodiment) grooves 24 formed on the plate surface 22 along the device width direction (X direction), and a gate 26 provided across the plurality of grooves 24 (see FIGS. 1 and 2). Here, the gate 26 is an example of a gate.

[0036] (Screw) As shown in Fig. 4, the screw S1 has a head 2A, a leg 2B with a smaller diameter than the head 2A, and a washer 2C arranged on the leg 2B side of the head 2A. The washer 2C is provided integrally with the head 2A and is configured so that the washer 2C does not move separately from the head 2A. A cross-shaped groove is provided in the head 2A, and a screw groove is formed in the leg 2B.

[0037] (moving part) As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the moving unit 20 includes a diaphragm 18 that is rectangular when viewed in the opposite direction (opposite to the Y direction) from a plan view. The diaphragm 18 is supported by a support unit 62 while being arranged along the horizontal direction (see FIGS. 1 and 3). Specifically, the diaphragm 18 has a rectangular shape with two longitudinal sides (one side 18A and the other side opposite to the other side 18A) extending in one direction (direction A) and two lateral sides extending in a direction perpendicular to the one direction (direction A), and is supported by the support unit 62. An actuator 36, such as a vibrator, that vibrates the diaphragm 18 is fixed to the lower surface of the diaphragm 18. That is, the moving unit 20 includes an actuator 36 (see FIG. 3) that vibrates the diaphragm 18. A plate 22B is fixed to the diaphragm 18 so that the upper surface of the diaphragm 18 and the lower surface of the plate 22B are in contact with each other. The moving unit 20 vibrates the diaphragm 18 using the actuator 36, thereby moving the screw S1 on the plate surface 22 provided on the top of the diaphragm 18 in one direction (direction A). In this embodiment, the one direction (direction A) in which the screw S1 on the plate surface 22 moves is a direction along one side 18A of the diaphragm 18 in the longitudinal direction. The plate surface 22 (i.e., the upper surface of the plate 22B) is arranged along the horizontal direction when the diaphragm 18 is not vibrating. The plate 22B and the plate surface 22, which is the upper surface of the plate 22B, are rectangular in shape with two sides along the longitudinal direction (one side 22A and the other side opposite to the side 22A) along the X direction and two sides along the lateral direction along the Z direction.

[0038] A pair of guide portions 30, 32 protruding from the plate surface 22 are provided on both sides of the moving portion 20 in a direction (Z direction) intersecting one direction (A direction). The pair of guide portions 30, 32 have the function of guiding the screw S1 moving in one direction (A direction) on the plate surface 22. The pair of guide portions 30, 32 are made of plate material, and the side walls of the pair of guide portions 30, 32 are arranged along one side 22A of the plate surface 22 in the longitudinal direction (X direction). In other words, the side walls of the pair of guide portions 30, 32 are fixed to two sides (two side walls) of the plate 22B along the longitudinal direction (X direction), respectively. One guide portion 30 is arranged on the far side in the device depth direction (Z direction), and the other guide portion 32 is arranged on the near side in the device depth direction (Z direction) (see FIG. 2).

[0039] (multiple grooves) 1 and 2, the plurality of grooves 24 (two in this embodiment) are recesses formed in the plate surface 22, and extend in a direction (X direction) intersecting one direction (A direction) at an acute angle. The plurality of grooves 24 (two in this embodiment) are arranged at intervals in a direction (Z direction) intersecting the longitudinal direction (X direction) of the plate surface 22. In this embodiment, the grooves 24 are arranged along one side 22A along the longitudinal direction of the plate surface 22. In other words, the grooves 24 are arranged along the device width direction (X direction).

[0040] The one direction (direction A) in which the screw S1 moves is a direction along the longitudinal direction of the rectangular diaphragm 18 that vibrates the plate surface 22. In FIG. 2, the one direction (direction A) is a direction along the longitudinal center line C1 of the diaphragm 18. In this embodiment, the groove 24 extends in a direction that intersects with the one direction (direction A) at an acute angle toward the rear side in the device depth direction (direction Z). The angle θ1 at which the one direction (direction A) and the groove 24 intersect is preferably 3° or more and 60° or less, more preferably 7° or more and 40° or less, and even more preferably 10° or more and 30° or less.

[0041] The depth of the groove 24 in the vertical direction (Y direction) is longer than the length of the leg 2B of the screw S1. The width of the groove 24 in the direction (Z direction) intersecting the longitudinal direction (X direction) of the plate surface 22 is greater than the outer diameter of the leg 2B of the screw S1 and smaller than the outer diameter of the head 2A and the washer 2C (see FIG. 5 ). In this embodiment, only the leg 2B of the screw S1 fits into the groove 24. That is, when the entire length of the leg 2B of the screw S1 is fitted into the groove 24, the head 2A and the washer 2C of the screw S1 do not fit into the groove 24, and the washer 2C comes into contact with the plate surface 22. This allows the leg 2B of the screw S1 advancing in one direction (A direction) on the plate surface 22 to fit into the groove 24, aligning the screw S1. That is, the multiple grooves 24 (two in this embodiment) function as alignment paths for aligning the screws S1 along the longitudinal direction.

[0042] The pair of guide portions 30, 32 are arranged along the direction (X direction) in which the groove portion 24 extends. In other words, the pair of guide portions 30, 32 are arranged along the direction (X direction) intersecting with one direction (A direction).

[0043] (Gate section) As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the gate portion 26 is disposed in a direction intersecting one direction (direction A) and across a plurality of (two in this embodiment) groove portions 24. As shown in FIG. 5, the gate portion 26 is provided above the plate surface 22 so that its lower surface is in contact with the plate surface 22. A plurality of (two in this embodiment) groove portions 24 are provided below the gate portion 26. Penetration portions 38 through which the head 2A of the screw S1 and the washer 2C can pass are provided at positions corresponding to the plurality of groove portions 24 in the gate portion 26. The number of penetrating portions 38 is set to match the number of (two in this embodiment) groove portions 24. The penetrating portions 38 are rectangular when viewed from the device width direction (direction X) and penetrate the gate portion 26 in the X direction while connected to the groove portions 24. As a result, the gate portion 26 is configured to allow the head 2A and washer 2C of the screw S1 whose leg portion 2B is inserted into the groove portion 24 to pass through, and to restrict the passage of other screws S1.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 2 , the gate portion 26 has a triangular shape in a plan view, with the corner of the triangle with the smallest angle cut out. The cut-out corner of the gate portion 26 contacts one guide portion 30 located at the back side in the device depth direction (Z direction). The side of the gate portion 26 opposite the corner with the smallest angle contacts the other guide portion 32 located at the front side in the device depth direction (Z direction). The gate portion 26 has a linear edge portion 26A on the screw inlet side and a linear edge portion 26B on the screw outlet side. That is, the edge portion 26A on the screw inlet side of the gate portion 26 is located upstream in one direction (direction A) of the gate portion 26. The edge portion 26B on the screw outlet side of the gate portion 26 is located downstream in one direction (direction A) of the gate portion 26. The screw inlet side is an example of a component inlet side.

[0045] The edge 26B on the screw outlet side is disposed in a direction intersecting one direction (direction A). In this embodiment, the edge 26B on the screw outlet side is disposed along a direction (direction Z) perpendicular to the direction in which the two grooves 24 extend (direction X).

[0046] The edge 26A on the screw inlet side is arranged in a direction intersecting the direction in which the two grooves 24 extend (X direction), and is also arranged in a direction intersecting one direction (A direction).

[0047] More specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, in a plan view, an imaginary line L1 extending in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction (X direction) of the two grooves 24 intersects with one groove 24A as a first intersection point IP1, and an imaginary line L1 intersects with the other groove 24B downstream of the first intersection point IP1 in one direction (A direction) as a second intersection point IP2. In FIG. 2, of the two grooves 24, one groove 24A is the groove located at the far end in the device depth direction (Z direction), and the other groove 24B is the groove located at the near end in the device depth direction (Z direction). In this case, the edge 26A on the screw inlet side of the gate 26 is inclined so as to intersect with the one groove 24A downstream of the first intersection point IP1 in one direction (A direction) and to intersect with the other groove 24B upstream of the second intersection point IP2 in one direction (A direction). In this embodiment, when there is no need to distinguish between one groove portion 24A and another groove portion 24B, they are referred to as groove portion 24.

[0048] In this embodiment, the angle between the edge 26A on the screw inlet side of the gate portion 26 and the groove 24 on the upstream side of the gate portion 26 is greater than 90°. For example, the angle between the edge 26A on the screw inlet side of the gate portion 26 and the groove 24 on the upstream side of the gate portion 26 is preferably greater than 100°, and more preferably greater than 110°.

[0049] (Positional relationship between groove and guide) 2, in a plan view, the distance D1 between one guide portion 30 on the first intersection IP1 side and one groove portion 24A is greater than the distance D2 between the other guide portion 32 on the second intersection IP2 side and another groove portion 24B. In other words, in a plan view, the distance D1 between the one groove portion 24A arranged on the side of one guide portion 30 and the guide portion 30 is greater than the distance D2 between the other groove portion 24B arranged on the side of the other guide portion 32 and the guide portion 32.

[0050] <Conveyor device configuration> 1 to 3, the conveying device 14 is provided with an inclined section 50 arranged on the downstream side of the plate surface 22 in one direction (direction A) so as to slope downward toward the opposite side of the plate surface 22. The inclined section 50 is attached in an inclined state by a mounting section 64 installed on a base 60. On the upper part of the inclined section 50, two inclined plates 52 are arranged downstream in the movement direction of the screw S1 moving through the two grooves 24 of the plate surface 22, and two screw receiving bodies 16 are arranged downstream of the inclined plates 52 in the movement direction of the screw S1.

[0051] The inclined plate 52 has grooves 54 formed therein, which are arranged to connect to the grooves 24 on the plate surface 22. The grooves 54 extend in the X direction in a plan view. The width and depth of the grooves 54 in the device depth direction (Z direction) are the same as those of the grooves 24, and the legs 2B of the screws S1 fit into the grooves 54. The inclination of the inclined plate 52 causes the screws S1 to be aligned in a single row in the grooves 54 due to gravity and be transported.

[0052] The screws S1 that have been conveyed aligned in a row in the grooves 54 of the inclined plate 52 are received in the screw receiving body 16 in a state aligned in a row.

[0053] <Action and effect> Next, the operation and effects of this embodiment will be described.

[0054] In the supply device 10, the vibration plate 18 of the moving unit 20 vibrates, causing the screw S1 on the plate surface 22 to move in one direction (direction A) on the plate surface 22. The plate surface 22 has a plurality of (two in this embodiment) grooves 24 extending in a direction (direction X) intersecting the one direction (direction A) at an acute angle (see FIG. 2 ). Therefore, the screw S1 moving in one direction (direction A) on the plate surface 22 has a greater chance of crossing the grooves 24 than when the grooves are formed along the one direction (direction A). In other words, the leg 2B of the screw S1 moving in one direction (direction A) on the plate surface 22 is more likely to enter the multiple grooves 24 than when the grooves are formed along the one direction (direction A). This allows the supply device 10 to insert the leg 2B of the screw S1 into the multiple grooves 24, improving the probability (accuracy) of the screw S1 being aligned with the multiple grooves 24 (see FIGS. 1 and 2 ). Furthermore, the supply device 10 can improve the supply rate of the screw S1 by transporting the screw S1, whose leg 2B has entered the groove 24, along the groove 24 to the conveying device 14 side and supplying it to the screw container 16, due to the vibration of the vibration plate 18 of the moving part 20.

[0055] In the supply device 10, a gate section 26 is provided across the multiple groove sections 24. The gate section 26 has a through section 38 provided above the groove section 24. The gate section 26 allows the head 2A of the screw S1 whose leg section 2B is inserted into the groove section 24 to pass through the through section 38, and restricts the passage of other screws S1 (see FIG. 5). In other words, only screws S1 with a normal orientation (correct orientation) in which all of their leg sections 2B are inserted into the groove section 24 pass through the gate section 26.

[0056] The screws S1 that have passed through the gate 26 move along the groove 24 and are transported to the transport device 14. In the transport device 14, a groove 54 that is arranged so as to connect to the groove 24 is provided on the inclined plate 52, and the screws S1 are transported along the groove 54 due to the inclination of the inclined plate 52. Then, the screws S1 are stored in the screw receiving body 16 in a state aligned in a single row.

[0057] In the above-described supply device 10, a plurality of (two in this embodiment) grooves 24 extending in a direction (X direction) intersecting the one direction (A direction) at an acute angle are formed on the plate surface 22, so that the leg 2B of the screw S1 traveling in one direction (A direction) on the plate surface 22 can easily enter the plurality of grooves 24. Therefore, in the supply device 10, the supply rate of the screw S1 can be improved compared to when the grooves 24 are formed in a direction parallel to the one direction (A direction) in which the screw S1 moves. The supply rate refers to the number of parts (in this embodiment, the number of screws S1) passing through the gate 26 per hour.

[0058] 2, in a plan view of the supply device 10, an intersection point where an imaginary line L1 extending along a direction (Z direction) perpendicular to the direction in which the two grooves 24 extend (X direction) is defined as a first intersection point IP1 and an intersection point where the imaginary line L1 intersects with one groove 24A downstream of the first intersection point IP1 in one direction (A direction) with the other groove 24B downstream of the first intersection point IP1 is defined as a second intersection point IP2. In this case, the edge 26A on the screw inlet side of the gate portion 26 is inclined so as to intersect with one groove 24A downstream of the first intersection point IP1 in one direction (A direction) and to intersect with the other groove 24B upstream of the second intersection point IP2 in one direction (A direction).

[0059] As a comparative example, a case will be described in which the edge 26A on the screw inlet side of the gate portion 26 is assumed to be located on an imaginary line L1 perpendicular to the groove portion 24. In this case, as shown in FIG. 2 , in one direction (direction A), the length E1 from one upstream end of the vibration plate 18 on the one guide portion 30 side to the imaginary line L1 is longer than the length E2 from one upstream end of the vibration plate 18 on the other guide portion 32 side to the imaginary line L1. Therefore, the screws S1 tend to gather (concentrate) in the region F on the screw inlet side of the gate portion 26 on the side where the length E2 from the upstream end of the vibration plate 18 to the imaginary line L1 is longer. As a result, on the other guide portion 32 side, the gathered screws S1 tend to obstruct the passage of even properly positioned screws S1 through the gate portion 26. Furthermore, the screws S1 concentrated in the region F are less likely to move toward the one guide portion 30 side even when the vibration plate 18 vibrates. Therefore, on the side of one guide portion 30, the number of normal screws S1 passing through the gate portion 26 tends to decrease.

[0060] In contrast, in the supply device 10 of this embodiment, the screw inlet side edge 26A of the gate portion 26 is inclined so as to intersect with one groove portion 24A downstream in one direction (direction A) from the first intersection point IP1 and intersect with the other groove portion 24B upstream in one direction (direction A) from the second intersection point IP2. That is, in a plan view, the gate portion 26 is disposed so as to overlap with the region F on the other guide portion 32 side, and the screw inlet side edge 26A of the gate portion 26 is disposed upstream of the region F. As a result, the screws S1 moving in one direction (direction A) are prevented from concentrating in the region F upstream of the screw inlet side edge 26A of the gate portion 26, and are more likely to move toward one guide portion 30 relative to one groove portion 24A on the plate surface 22 and toward the opposite side of the other guide portion 32 relative to the other groove portion 24B on the plate surface 22. This prevents the screws S1 from concentrating in a specific region on the plate surface 22, such as region F, and makes it easier for them to move on the plate surface 22. In other words, the leg 2B of the screw S1 that is present on one guide portion 30 side with respect to one groove 24A on the plate surface 22 can easily enter the one groove 24A, and the leg 2B of the screw S1 that is present on the opposite side of the other guide portion 32 with respect to another groove 24B on the plate surface 22 can easily enter the one groove 24A or the other groove 24B. In addition, the leg 2B of the screw S1 that is present on the other guide portion 32 side with respect to the other groove 24B on the plate surface 22 can easily enter the other groove 24B.

[0061] Therefore, in the supply device 10, the screws S1 are prevented from gathering on the side of another groove 24B in the longitudinal direction of the gate portion 26 in a plan view, compared to when the edge 26A on the screw inlet side of the gate portion 26 extends in the direction (Z direction) perpendicular to the direction in which the groove portion 24 extends (X direction). In other words, in the supply device 10, the screws S1 are prevented from gathering in a specific region on the plate surface 22, making it easier for the screws S1 to move on the plate surface 22, and ultimately improving the supply rate of the screws S1, compared to when the edge 26A on the screw inlet side of the gate portion 26 extends in the direction (Z direction) perpendicular to the direction in which the groove portion 24 extends (X direction).

[0062] 2, in the supply device 10, in a plan view, the distance D1 between one guide portion 30 on the first intersection IP1 side and one groove portion 24A is greater than the distance D2 between the other guide portion 32 on the second intersection IP2 side and the other groove portion 24B. This makes it easier for the screw S1 to be present in the region opposite the other guide portion 32 with respect to the other groove portion 24B (i.e., the region closer to the center in the device depth direction (Z direction) with respect to the other groove portion 24B on the plate surface 22), increasing the probability that the screw S1 will enter the one groove portion 24A or the other groove portion 24B.

[0063] Therefore, in the supply device 10, the supply rate of the screw S1 in the other groove portion 24B can be made closer to the supply rate of the screw S1 in the one groove portion 24A compared to when the distance D1 between one guide portion 30 on the first intersection point IP1 side and one groove portion 24A in a planar view is equal to or less than the distance D2 between the other guide portion 32 on the second intersection point IP2 side and the other groove portion 24B.

[0064] Furthermore, the screw S1 is provided with a washer 2C integrally with the head 2A on the side of the leg 2B of the head 2A. Therefore, the supply device 10 can improve the supply rate of the screw S1 even for the screw S1 with the washer 2C, which is more prone to clogging than the screw S1 without the washer 2C.

[0065] Second Embodiment Next, a supply device according to a second embodiment will be described. Note that the same components as those in the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0066] A supply device 70 according to a second embodiment is shown in Fig. 6. As shown in Fig. 6, the supply device 70 includes a moving device 12 and a transport device 14. The moving device 12 includes a moving section 20 that moves the screws S1 on a plate surface 72 in one direction (direction A). The moving device 12 also includes a plurality of (two in this embodiment) grooves 74 formed on the plate surface 72 and extending in a direction (direction X) that intersects the one direction (direction A) at an acute angle, and a gate section 76 provided across the plurality of grooves 74. Here, the gate section 76 is an example of a gate section.

[0067] A pair of guide portions 80, 82 protruding from the plate surface 72 are provided on both sides of the moving portion 20 in a direction intersecting one direction (direction A) (specifically, a direction perpendicular to direction A). One guide portion 80 is disposed on the front side in the device depth direction (direction Z), and the other guide portion 82 is disposed on the back side in the device depth direction (direction Z).

[0068] In this embodiment, the groove 74 is arranged along one side 72A along the longitudinal direction of the plate surface 72, i.e., along the device width direction (X direction). The one direction (A direction) in which the screw S1 moves is a direction along the longitudinal direction of the rectangular diaphragm 18 that vibrates the plate surface 72. In this embodiment, the groove 74 extends in a direction that intersects with the one direction (A direction) at an acute angle toward the front of the device depth direction (Z direction). The angle θ2 at which the one direction (A direction) and the groove 74 intersect is preferably 3° to 60°, more preferably 7° to 40°, and even more preferably 10° to 30°.

[0069] The gate portion 76 has a linear edge portion 76A on the screw inlet side and a linear edge portion 76B on the screw outlet side. The edge portion 76B on the screw outlet side is disposed along a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the two groove portions 74 extend.

[0070] In a plan view, an intersection point where an imaginary line L2 extending along a direction (Z direction) perpendicular to the extension direction (X direction) of the two grooves 74 intersects with one groove 74A is designated as a first intersection point IP3, and an intersection point where the imaginary line L2 intersects with the other groove 74B downstream in one direction (A direction) from the first intersection point IP3 is designated as a second intersection point IP4. In FIG. 6 , of the two grooves 24, one groove 74A is the groove on the near side in the device depth direction (Z direction), and the other groove 74B is the groove on the far side in the device depth direction (Z direction). In this case, an edge 76A on the screw inlet side of the gate portion 76 is inclined so as to intersect with the one groove 74A downstream in one direction (A direction) from the first intersection point IP3 and intersect with the other groove 74B upstream in one direction (A direction) from the second intersection point IP4. In this embodiment, when there is no need to distinguish between one groove portion 74A and another groove portion 74B, they are referred to as groove portion 74.

[0071] Furthermore, in plan view, the distance D3 between one guide portion 80 on the first intersection point IP3 side and one groove portion 74A is greater than the distance D4 between the other guide portion 82 on the second intersection point IP4 side and the other groove portion 74B. In other words, the distance D3 between the one groove portion 74A arranged on the side of one guide portion 80 and the guide portion 80 in plan view is greater than the distance D4 between the other groove portion 74B arranged on the side of the other guide portion 82 and the guide portion 82.

[0072] Other configurations of the supply device 70 of this embodiment are similar to those of the supply device 10 of the first embodiment.

[0073] The supply device 70 has the same configuration as the supply device 10 of the first embodiment, and can provide the same functions and effects.

[0074] That is, in the supply device 70, compared to when the edge 76A on the screw inlet side of the gate portion 76 extends in a direction (Z direction) perpendicular to the direction in which the groove portion 74 extends (X direction), the screws S1 are prevented from gathering on the side of the other groove portion 74B in the longitudinal direction of the gate portion 76 when viewed in a plane.

[0075] Furthermore, in the supply device 70, when viewed in a plane, the distance D3 between one guide portion 80 on the first intersection point IP3 side and one groove portion 74A is equal to or less than the distance D4 between the other guide portion 82 on the second intersection point IP4 side and the other groove portion 74B, so that the supply rate of the screw S1 in the other groove portion 74B can be made closer to the supply rate of the screw S1 in the one groove portion 74A.

[0076] Third Embodiment Next, a supply device according to a third embodiment will be described. Note that the same components as those in the first and second embodiments will be given the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0077] Fig. 7 shows a perspective view of a supply device 100 according to a third embodiment, Fig. 8 shows a plan view of the supply device 100, and Fig. 9 shows a side view of the supply device 100.

[0078] <Supply device configuration> As shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, the supplying device 100 includes a moving device 102 that moves a plurality of screws S2 on a plate surface 112 in one direction (direction B). Here, the screws S2 are an example of a part. In this embodiment, the moving device 102 transports the plurality of screws S2 in one direction (direction B). Although not shown, the moving device 102 includes a transport device on the downstream side in the one direction (direction B) that transports the screws S2 moved by the moving device 102 and aligns them in multiple rows (two rows in this embodiment). In FIG. 8, to make the configuration of the supplying device 100 easier to understand, the number of the plurality of screws S2 is shown as fewer than the actual number.

[0079] <Configuration of mobile device> The moving device 102 is equipped with a moving section 110 that moves the screw S2 on the plate surface 112 in one direction (direction B) (see FIGS. 7 and 8). The plate surface 112 is rectangular in plan view, and the one direction (direction B) in which the screw S2 moves is a direction along one side 112A in the longitudinal direction of the plate surface 112. In other words, the side 22A along the longitudinal direction of the plate surface 112 is arranged along the device width direction (direction X), and the one direction (direction B) in which the screw S2 moves is a direction along the device width direction (direction X).

[0080] The moving device 102 also includes a plurality of (two in this embodiment) grooves 114 formed on the plate surface 112 along the device width direction (X direction), and a gate portion 116 provided across the plurality of grooves 114 (see FIGS. 7 and 8). The gate portion 116 is disposed above the plate surface 112 along the device depth direction (Z direction). Here, the gate portion 116 is an example of a gate portion.

[0081] The moving device 102 also includes an upstream gate section 118 arranged upstream of the gate section 116 in one direction (direction B) above the plate surface 112 along the depth direction of the device (direction Z).

[0082] (Screw) As shown in FIG. 10, the screw S2 includes a head 4A, a leg 4B having a smaller diameter than the head 4A, a connecting portion having a smaller diameter than the head 4A and the leg 4B and connecting the head 4A and the leg 4B, and a washer 4C arranged at the connecting portion (on the leg 4B side of the head 4A). The washer 4C is movable relative to the head 4A. The screw S2 also includes a spring washer 4D arranged at the connecting portion between the head 4A and the washer 4C. A thread groove is formed in the leg 4B. The head 4A, the connecting portion, and the leg 4B are integrated. In other words, the head 4A, the connecting portion, and the leg 4B are connected and formed from a single material. The washer 4C and the spring washer 4D are arranged at the connecting portion. The inner diameter of a through hole formed in the center of the washer 4C is larger than the outer diameter of the connecting portion and smaller than the outer diameter of the leg 4B. The inner diameter of the through hole formed in the center of spring washer 4D is larger than the outer diameter of the connecting portion but smaller than the outer diameter of washer 4C. Therefore, washer 4C and spring washer 4D can move at the connecting portion but will not come off the connecting portion. The axial length of the connecting portion is slightly larger than the sum of the wall thickness (axial length) of washer 4C and the wall thickness (axial length) of spring washer 4D.

[0083] (moving part) As shown in FIG. 9, moving section 110 includes diaphragm 18, which is supported by support section 62. Moving section 110 includes actuator 36 that vibrates diaphragm 18. Plate 112B is fixed to diaphragm 18 so that the upper surface of diaphragm 18 and the lower surface of plate 112B are in contact with each other. Moving section 20 is configured to vibrate diaphragm 18 using actuator 36, thereby moving screw S2 on plate surface 112 provided on the upper part of diaphragm 18 in one direction (direction B). Note that plate surface 112 (i.e., the upper surface of plate 112B) is positioned horizontally when diaphragm 18 is not vibrating.

[0084] 7 and 8, a pair of guide portions 120, 122 protruding upward (Y direction) from the plate surface 112 is provided on both sides of the moving portion 110 in a direction (Z direction) intersecting one direction (B direction). The pair of guide portions 120, 122 has the function of guiding the screw S2 moving in one direction (B direction) on the plate surface 112. The pair of guide portions 120, 122 is made of plate material, and the side walls of the pair of guide portions 120, 122 are arranged along one side 112A of the plate surface 112 in the longitudinal direction (X direction).

[0085] As shown in Figure 8, one direction (B direction) in which the screw S2 moves is a direction (X direction) along one longitudinal side 112A of the plate surface 112, and also a direction (X direction) along the longitudinal center line C1 of the rectangular vibration plate 18 that vibrates the plate surface 112.

[0086] (multiple grooves) 8, the multiple (two in this embodiment) grooves 114 are recesses formed in a concave shape on the plate surface 112. As an example, the multiple (two in this embodiment) grooves 114 are provided in a range from the bottom of the upstream gate portion 118 on the plate surface 112 to the downstream end of the plate surface 112. The multiple (two in this embodiment) grooves 114 are arranged at intervals in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction (X direction) of the plate surface 112.

[0087] In this embodiment, the two grooves 114 are symmetrical in the device depth direction (Z direction) in a plan view. The two grooves 114 extend in a direction that intersects with one direction (direction B) at an acute angle, within a range from a lower portion of the upstream gate 118 on the plate surface 112 to near the upstream side of the gate 116. Furthermore, the two grooves 114 extend along one direction (direction B) within a range from near the upstream side of the gate 116 on the plate surface 112 to the downstream end of the plate surface 112.

[0088] The angle at which one direction (direction B) intersects with the grooves 114 on both sides is preferably 3° to 60°, more preferably 7° to 40°, and even more preferably 10° to 30°.

[0089] The depth of the groove 114 in the vertical direction (Y direction) is greater than the length of the leg 4B of the screw S2. The width of the groove 114 in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the groove 114 extends is greater than the outer diameter of the leg 4B of the screw S2 and smaller than the outer diameters of the head 4A and the washer 4C. Specifically, at the downstream end of the plate surface 112, the width of the groove 114 in a direction (Z direction) intersecting the longitudinal direction (X direction) is greater than the outer diameter of the leg 4B of the screw S2 and smaller than the outer diameters of the head 4A and the washer 4C. In this embodiment, only the leg 4B of the screw S2 fits into the groove 114. In this state, the head 4A, spring washer 4D, and washer 4C of the screw S2 do not fit into the groove 114, and the washer 4C comes into contact with the plate surface 112. As a result, the grooves 114 are adapted to receive the legs 4B of the screws S2 that advance in one direction (direction B) on the plate surface 112 and align the screws S2.

[0090] (Gate section) 7 and 8, the gate portion 116 is disposed such that its longitudinal direction is in a direction (Z direction) that intersects with one direction (B direction) and crosses a plurality of (two in this embodiment) groove portions 114. In other words, the gate portion 116 is provided on the plate surface 112, spanning the plurality of groove portions 114, so that its lower surface is in contact with the plate surface 112. At positions on the gate portion 116 corresponding to the plurality of groove portions 114, there are provided through-holes 38 through which the head 4A, spring washer 4D, and washer 4C of the screw S2 can pass. As a result, the gate portion 116 is configured to allow the head 4A, spring washer 4D, and washer 4C of the screw S2, whose leg portion 4B has entered the groove 114, to pass, but to restrict the passage of other screws S2.

[0091] The gate portion 116 is rectangular in plan view. A metal plate 117 is joined to the wall surface of the gate portion 116 on the screw inlet side. In plan view, the gate portion 116 has a linear edge 116A on the screw inlet side and a linear edge 116B on the screw outlet side. The edge 116A on the screw inlet side of the gate portion 116 is formed from the metal plate 117. The edge 116A on the screw inlet side and the edge 116B on the screw outlet side of the gate portion 116 are arranged in a direction intersecting one direction (direction B). In this embodiment, the edge 116A on the screw inlet side and the edge 116B on the screw outlet side of the gate portion 116 are arranged along the device depth direction (direction Z).

[0092] Edge 116A on the screw entrance side of gate portion 116 is made of metal plate material 117, which reduces wear of gate portion 116 caused by screw S2 colliding with edge 116A on the screw entrance side of gate portion 116 compared to when the screw entrance side of gate portion 116 is made of resin.

[0093] (Injection part) 7, 8, and 11, an injection unit 130 that injects gas toward the upper side of the plate surface 112 of the moving unit 110 is provided on the screw inlet side of the gate unit 116. The injection unit 130 has a first injection port 130A that injects gas from the longitudinal center of the gate unit 116 toward the upstream side in one direction (direction B). The first injection port 130A is provided in the longitudinal center of an edge 116A on the screw inlet side of the gate unit 116, i.e., in the center in the device depth direction (direction Z).

[0094] A flow path 132 that supplies gas to the first injection port 130A is provided inside the gate unit 116. The flow path 132 is provided along the device width direction (X direction), i.e., one direction (B direction). A supply path 134 that supplies gas to the flow path 132 is connected to the upstream side of the flow path 132 of the gate unit 116. As a result, the gas supplied from the supply path 134 to the flow path 132 is injected from the first injection port 130A toward the upstream side in one direction (B direction).

[0095] A block 150 protruding from the plate surface 112 is provided at a position facing the first jet nozzle 130A on the upstream side of the moving section 110 in one direction (direction B). The block 150 is provided between two grooves 114 on the plate surface 112. The block 150 has a wall portion 150A, which is a wall surface that protrudes upward from the plate surface 112, at a position facing the first jet nozzle 130A. The height from the plate surface 112 to the upper end of the wall portion 150A is greater than the height from the plate surface 112 to the upper end of the first jet nozzle 130A. The wall portion 150A is arranged in a direction intersecting the one direction (direction B). This allows the screw S2 blown off by the gas jetted from the first jet nozzle 130A to collide with the wall portion 150A. In this embodiment, the wall 150A is planar and arranged along the vertical direction (Y direction), and the wall 150A is arranged along the device depth direction (Z direction). In other words, the wall surface of the wall 150A faces downstream in the B direction (X direction).

[0096] As an example, the first jet nozzle 130A is provided at a position lower than the height of the screw S2 whose lower end is disposed on the plate surface 112. In other words, the height in the Y direction from the plate surface 112 to the lower end of the first jet nozzle 130A is lower than the height in the Y direction of the screw S2 whose leg 4B is not inserted in the groove 114. In other words, the height in the Y direction from the plate surface 112 to the lower end of the first jet nozzle 130A is lower than the height in the Y direction from the plate surface 112 to the upper end (the upper end of the head 4A or the washer 4C) of the screw S2 whose leg 4B and washer 4C are in contact with the plate surface 112 (see FIG. 12 ). Furthermore, the first jet nozzle 130A is provided in the center between the two grooves 114 when viewed from the X direction. As a result, the screw S2 whose leg 4B is inserted in the groove 114 and is in a normal position is less likely to be blown away by the gas ejected from the first jet nozzle 130A. At the same time, the screw S2 arranged on the plate surface 112 between the two grooves 114 becomes more likely to be blown away by the gas jetted from the first jet port 130A.

[0097] On the opposite side of the wall portion 150A in the block 150, a curved portion 150B is provided that is curved so as to protrude upstream in one direction (direction B) in a plan view. As an example, the curved portion 150B is semicircular. This allows the screw S2 moving in one direction (direction B) on the plate surface 112 to hit the curved portion 150B of the block 150, so that the screw S2 is guided along the curved portion 150B and moves toward the two groove portions 114.

[0098] In the gate portion 116, for example, a gas supply unit (not shown) intermittently injects gas from the first injection port 130A via the supply passage 134. The gas injected from the first injection port 130A may be, for example, air or nitrogen.

[0099] (2nd injection port) A pair of guide portions 120, 122 located on both longitudinal sides of the gate portion 116 are each provided with a second jet port 136 that jets gas toward the first jet port 130A. The second jet port 136 is provided at the tip of a pair of flow path pipes 138 that protrude from each of the pair of guide portions 120, 122 toward the longitudinal center of the gate portion 116. The flow path pipes 138 extend inside the guide portions 120, 122, respectively, and a supply passage 140 that supplies gas to the flow path pipes 138 is connected to the outer walls of the guide portions 120, 122. Specifically, the flow path pipes 138 are, for example, cylindrical metal pipes. The flow path pipes 138 are inserted into through holes formed in each of the pair of guide portions 120, 122 so that their tip ends are positioned on the plate surface 112 (i.e., protrude from the surfaces of the pair of guide portions 120, 122 that face the plate surface 112). Specifically, the supply passages 134 and 140 are long resin tubes having a ring-shaped (doughnut-shaped) cross section in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction.

[0100] The pair of flow passage pipes 138 are disposed at a distance from an edge 116A on the screw inlet side of the gate portion 116 in one direction (direction B) upstream and are provided along the edge 116A. In this embodiment, the tip of one of the flow passage pipes 138 protruding from the guide portion 120 in the Z direction extends to a position midway between the guide portion 120 and one of the groove portions 114 on the guide portion 120 side, and one of the second injection ports 136 is provided at this position. Similarly, the tip of the other of the flow passage pipes 138 protruding from the guide portion 122 in the Z direction extends to a position midway between the guide portion 122 and the other of the groove portions 114 on the guide portion 122 side, and the other of the second injection ports 136 is provided at this position.

[0101] As shown in FIG. 12 , the height in the Y direction from the plate surface 112 of the moving part 110 to the lower end of the second jet nozzle 136 is greater than the height in the Y direction from the plate surface 112 of the moving part 110 to the upper end of the first jet nozzle 130A. This makes it easier for the gas jetted from the second jet nozzle 136 to hit the vicinity of the upper part of the head 2A of the screw S2 placed on the plate surface 112 (the screw S2 in a state in which the leg 4B and the washer 4C are in contact with the plate surface 112). Therefore, the jet of gas from the second jet nozzle 136 prevents the screw S2 from accumulating near the edge 116A on the screw inlet side of the gate part 116. Furthermore, the height in the Y direction from the plate surface 112 to the lower end of the second jet nozzle 136 is greater than the height in the Y direction from the plate surface 112 to the upper end of the head 4A of the screw S2 in a normal position with the leg 4B in the groove 114. Furthermore, the second injection port 136 is located midway between the guide portion 120 and the groove portion 114. This makes it difficult for the gas injected from the second injection port 136 to hit the screw S2 in the correct position, thereby preventing the screw S2 in the correct position from being blown away.

[0102] In the gate portion 116, for example, a gas supply unit (not shown) intermittently injects gas from the second injection port 136 via a supply passage 140. The gas injected from the second injection port 136 may be, for example, air or nitrogen.

[0103] Protrusions 154 protruding from the plate surface 112 are provided on the upstream side of the flow path pipes 138 in one direction (direction B). One protrusion 154 is in contact with the surface of one guide portion 120 facing the plate surface 112. In other words, one protrusion 154 is provided on the plate surface 112 so as to protrude from one guide portion 120 in the Z direction. The protrusion length in the Z direction of one protrusion 154 from one guide portion 120 is the same as, equivalent to, or similar to the protrusion length in the Z direction of one flow path pipe 138 from one guide portion 120. Similarly, the other protrusion 154 is in contact with the surface of the other guide portion 122 facing the plate surface 112. In other words, the other protrusion 154 is provided on the plate surface 112 so as to protrude from the other guide portion 122 in the Z direction. The protruding length in the Z direction of the other protruding portion 154 from the other guide portion 122 is the same as, equivalent to, or similar to the protruding length in the Z direction of the other flow path pipe 138 from the other guide portion 122. Each of the pair of protruding portions 154 is provided with a guide wall 154A that guides the screw S2 toward the second jet nozzle 136. As an example, the guide wall 154A is an inclined surface that slopes from the guide portions 120, 122 toward the second jet nozzle 136 as it approaches the downstream side in one direction (direction B) in a plan view. By providing the guide wall 154A on the plate surface 112 on the upstream side in one direction (direction B) with respect to the flow path pipe 138, the screw S2 is less likely to come into contact with the flow path pipe 138. In other words, the pair of protruding portions 154 can suppress deformation (bending) of the pair of flow path pipes 138 caused by repeated collisions of the screw S2, which moves in direction B due to vibration of the vibration plate 18, with the pair of flow path pipes 138.

[0104] (Upstream gate) As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 , the upstream gate 118 is disposed along a direction (e.g., the Z direction) intersecting one direction (the B direction) and arranged so as to cross a plurality of (two in this embodiment) grooves 114. The upstream gate 118 is rectangular in plan view. The upstream gate 118 includes an opening 160 that surrounds the upper side of the area in which the plurality of (two in this embodiment) grooves 114 are disposed. The opening 160 penetrates the upstream gate 118 along one direction (the B direction). The width of the opening 160 in the device depth direction (the Z direction) is greater than the distance between the two grooves 114. Furthermore, the height from the plate surface 112 to the upper wall of the opening 160 is greater than the outer diameter of the washer 4C of the screw S2. This allows a plurality of screws S2 moving in one direction (the B direction) on the plate surface 112 to pass through the opening 160 regardless of the position of the screws S2.

[0105] On both sides of the upstream gate portion 118 in the longitudinal direction (Z direction), protrusions 164 are provided that protrude from the plate surface 112 on the upstream side in one direction (direction B). The pair of protrusions 164 are arranged so as to contact the upstream gate portion 118. Each of the pair of protrusions 164 is provided with a guide wall 164A that guides the screw S2 toward the opening 160 side of the upstream gate portion 118. As an example, the guide wall 164A is an inclined surface that is inclined from the guide portions 120, 122 toward the opening 160 as it approaches the downstream side in one direction (direction B) in a plan view.

[0106] (Downstream ditch section) As shown in FIGS. 11 and 13 , a plate surface 112 of the moving part 110 is formed with a plurality of (two in this embodiment) downstream grooves 115 connected to a plurality of (two in this embodiment) grooves 114 on the downstream side in one direction (direction B) relative to the gate part 116. The plate surface 112 downstream in one direction (direction B) relative to the gate part 116 is provided with a first inclined surface 170 that slopes upward from the gate part 116 side, and a second inclined surface 174 that slopes downward from the first inclined surface 170 toward the opposite side of the gate part 116 via a ridge part 172. The downstream groove 115 is provided continuous with the first inclined surface 170 and the second inclined surface 174. Due to the vibration of the plate surface 112, the screw S2, whose leg part 4B has entered the downstream groove 115, moves on the first inclined surface 170, which slopes upward. Furthermore, the screw S2, whose leg portion 4B has entered the downstream groove portion 115, moves from the first inclined surface 170 via the ridge portion 172 on the second inclined surface 174, which slopes downward.

[0107] <Action and effect> Next, the operation and effects of this embodiment will be described.

[0108] In the supply device 100, the vibration plate 18 of the moving unit 110 vibrates, causing the screws S2 on the plate surface 112 to move in one direction (direction B) on the plate surface 112. The screws S2 supplied onto the plate surface 112 at the upstream end of the plate surface 112 (upstream of the upstream gate unit 118 in the one direction (direction B)) move in the one direction (direction B) and pass through the opening 160 of the upstream gate unit 118. The plate surface 112 is formed with a plurality of (two in this embodiment) grooves 114 extending in a direction intersecting the one direction (direction B) at an acute angle. Therefore, in the supply device 100, the screws S2 moving in one direction have a higher chance of crossing the grooves 114 than in a case where a plurality of grooves extend in one direction. In other words, in the supply device 100, compared to when the multiple grooves extend in one direction, the leg 4B of the screw S2 moving in one direction (direction B) on the plate surface 112 can more easily enter the multiple grooves 114. As a result, in the supply device 100, the leg 4B of the screw S2 enters the multiple grooves 114, and the screw S2 is aligned with the multiple grooves 114.

[0109] Furthermore, on the downstream side of the opening 160 in one direction (direction B), a curved portion 150B of the block 150 is provided at a position facing but separated from the opening 160, and between the two grooves 114. Therefore, when the screw S2 on the plate surface 112 moves in one direction (direction B) from the opening 160, it comes into contact with the curved portion 150B of the block 150, and is guided in the direction of the two grooves 114 on both sides of the curved portion 150B in the device depth direction (direction Z) (toward one of the two grooves 114). This makes it easier for the leg portion 4B of the screw S2 moving downstream in one direction (direction B) from the opening 160 to enter the multiple grooves 114.

[0110] In the supply device 100, a gate portion 116 is provided across the multiple groove portions 114. In the gate portion 116, a through portion 38 is provided above each of the multiple groove portions 114. In the gate portion 116, the through portion 38 allows the head 4A, spring washer 4D, and washer 4C of the screw S2 whose leg portion 4B is inserted into the groove 114 to pass through, while restricting the passage of other screws S2 (see FIG. 13). That is, in the supply device 100, only screws S2 with their leg portions 4B inserted into the groove 114 in the correct position pass through the gate portion 116.

[0111] Therefore, in the supply device 100, the supply rate of the screws S2 can be improved compared to when the grooves 114 are formed in a direction along one direction (direction B) in which the screws S2 move.

[0112] Furthermore, in the supply device 100, an injection unit 130 that injects gas toward the upper side of the plate surface 112 of the moving unit 110 is provided on the screw inlet side of the gate unit 116. The injection unit 130 has a first injection port 130A that injects gas from the longitudinal center of the gate unit 116 toward the upstream side in one direction (direction B). By injecting gas from the first injection port 130A toward the upper side of the plate surface 112 and toward the upstream side in one direction (direction B), screws S2 (screws S2 whose passage is restricted by the gate unit 116) arranged on the plate surface 112 are blown away toward the upstream side in one direction (direction B).

[0113] Therefore, in the supply device 100, it is possible to suppress the retention of the screws S2 near the gate portion 116 compared to when gas is not injected at the screw inlet side of the gate portion 116.

[0114] Furthermore, in the supply device 100, a pair of guide parts 120, 122 located on both sides of the gate part 116 in the longitudinal direction are each provided with a second jet port 136 that jets gas toward the first jet port 130A side. As a result, gas is jetted from the second jet port 136 toward the first jet port 130A side, so that the screws S2 arranged on the plate surface 112 (the screws S2 whose passage is restricted by the gate part 116) are blown away toward the first jet port 130A side.

[0115] Therefore, in the supply device 100, compared to a case where only the first jet port 130A that jets gas from the longitudinal center of the gate portion 116 toward the upstream side in one direction (direction B) is provided, it is possible to suppress retention of the screw S2 (the screw S2 whose passage is restricted by the gate portion 116) near the gate portion 116. Note that the gas is jetted from the first jet port 130A and the pair of second jet ports 136 simultaneously, for example, intermittently. As a result, the screw S2 whose passage is restricted by the gate portion 116 is blown toward the first jet port 130A by the jet of gas from the pair of second jet ports 136. Then, the screw S2 whose passage is restricted by the gate portion 116 near the first jet port 130A is blown toward the upstream side in one direction (direction B) by the jet of gas from the first jet port 130A.

[0116] Furthermore, in the supply device 100, a wall portion 150A protruding from the plate surface 112 of the moving portion 110 is provided at a position facing the first jetting nozzle 130A on the upstream side in one direction (direction B) of the moving portion 110. This allows the screw S2 blown away by the gas jetted from the first jetting nozzle 130A to collide with the wall portion 150A. The screw S2 that collides with the wall portion 150A falls onto the plate surface 112. Then, due to the vibration of the plate surface 112, the screw S2 moves in one direction (direction B) on the plate surface 112.

[0117] Therefore, in the supply device 100, the effect of promoting the flow of the screws S2 on the plate surface 112 is improved compared to when the plate surface 112 on the upstream side in one direction (direction B) relative to the gate portion 116 is flat.

[0118] Furthermore, in the supply device 100, the second jet nozzles 136 are provided at the tips of a pair of flow path pipes 138 that protrude from each of a pair of guide sections 120, 122 located on both longitudinal sides of the gate section 116 toward the longitudinal center of the gate section 116. As a result, in the supply device 100, the second jet nozzles 136 at the tips of the flow path pipes 138 jet gas onto the screws S2 from positions close to the screws S2 arranged on the plate surface 112. In other words, in the supply device 100, the gas jetted from the second jet nozzles 136 prevents the screws S2 that are in the correct position (normal position) with their legs 4B in the grooves 114 from being blown away, and blows away other screws S2 arranged on the plate surface 112. The screw S2 blown away by the gas jet from the second jet port 136 is blown toward the wall 150A by the gas jet from the first jet port 130A and collides with the wall 150A, moving toward the groove 114, making it easier for the leg 4B of the screw S2 to enter the groove 114. Furthermore, the screw S2 whose leg 4B does not enter the groove 114 accumulates on the plate surface 112 on the upstream side near the longitudinal center of the gate 116, making it easier for the gas jetted from the first jet port 130A to hit the screw S2. Furthermore, because the second jet port 136 jets gas from a position close to the screw S2 arranged on the plate surface 112, the gas jetted from the second jet port 136 and diffusing radially is unlikely to hit the screw S2 in a normal position. Furthermore, the supply device 100 can adjust the strength of the gas jetted from the second jet nozzle 136 to a strength that will not blow away the screw S2 in the correct position with the leg 4B inserted in the groove 114.

[0119] For this reason, in the supply device 100, a screw S2 in the correct position with its leg 4B inserted into the groove 114 is less likely to be blown away than when the second injection nozzle 136 is provided in each of a pair of guide portions 120, 122 located on both longitudinal sides of the gate portion 116 (when the second injection nozzle 136 does not protrude from the side walls of the pair of guide portions 120, 122).

[0120] Furthermore, in supply device 100, the height in the Y direction from plate surface 112 of moving part 110 to the lower end of second jet nozzle 136 is higher than the height in the Y direction from plate surface 112 of moving part 110 to the upper end of first jet nozzle 130A. As a result, in supply device 100, the gas jetted from second jet nozzle 136 is prevented from blowing away screws S2 that are in a normal position, and is more likely to hit heads 4A of screws S2, making it easier for screws S2 to move in the direction of groove 114.

[0121] Therefore, in the supply device 100, the leg 4B of the screw S2 that did not enter the groove portion 114 in the moving part 110 can more easily enter the groove portion 114 compared to when the height of the first injection nozzle 130A and the height of the second injection nozzle 136 from the plate surface 112 of the moving part 110 are the same.

[0122] Furthermore, in the supply device 100, a guide wall 154A that guides the screw S2 toward the second ejection port 136 is provided on the plate surface 112 on the upstream side in one direction (direction B) with respect to the flow path pipe 138. As a result, the screw S2 comes into contact with the guide wall 154A on the plate surface 112, and is guided toward the second ejection port 136 at the tip of the flow path pipe 138. Furthermore, the provision of the guide wall 154A makes it less likely that the screw S2 will get caught on the flow path pipe 138.

[0123] Therefore, in the supply device 100, the screws S2 are prevented from remaining on the upstream side of the flow path pipe 138, compared to when the plate surface 112 on the upstream side in one direction (direction B) relative to the flow path pipe 138 is flat.

[0124] Furthermore, in the supply device 100, a plurality of downstream grooves 115 connected to the plurality of grooves 114 are formed on the plate surface 112 of the moving section 110 downstream in one direction (direction B) with respect to the gate section 116. The downstream grooves 115 are provided continuously with a first inclined surface 170 that slopes upward from the gate section 116 side and a second inclined surface 174 that slopes downward from the first inclined surface 170 toward the opposite side of the gate section 116 via a ridge line 172. The screw S2 with the leg 4B inserted in the downstream groove 115 of the first inclined surface 170 is decelerated by the first inclined surface 170, and then the screw S2 with the leg 4B inserted in the downstream groove 115 of the second inclined surface 174 is accelerated by the second inclined surface 174. At the same time, the axial inclination of the screw S2 whose leg 4B is inserted into the downstream groove portion 115 of the first inclined surface 170 changes from the axial inclination of the screw S2 whose leg 4B is inserted into the downstream groove portion 115 of the second inclined surface 174, making it less likely for the screws S2 to become entangled with each other.

[0125] Therefore, in the supply device 100, entanglement of the screws S2 aligned in the downstream groove portion 115 is suppressed compared to when the downstream groove portion 115 in one direction (direction B) relative to the gate portion 116 is provided on a flat surface.

[0126] The screw S2 includes a washer 4C that is disposed on the leg 4B side of the head 4A and is movable relative to the head 4A, and a spring washer 4D that is disposed between the head 4A and the washer 4C. In general, the screws S2 tend to tangle with each other more easily than the screws S1 of the first embodiment (see FIG. 4).

[0127] Therefore, in the supply device 100, even when supplying a screw S2 having a spring washer 4D between the head 4A and the washer 4C movable relative to the head 4A, the screw S2 is less likely to get stuck near the gate portion 116.

[0128] 〔supplementary explanation〕 In the first to third embodiments, the supplied part is a screw S1 or a screw S2, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the part may be any part that has a head and a leg with a smaller diameter than the head, such as a pin.

[0129] In the first and second embodiments, the angle of the grooves 24 with respect to one direction (direction A) can be changed without departing from the scope of the present invention. The number of grooves 24 can also be changed.

[0130] In the third embodiment, the angle of the grooves 114 with respect to one direction (direction B) can be changed without departing from the scope of the present invention. Also, the number of grooves 114 can be changed.

[0131] In the third embodiment, the height of the first injection nozzle 130A and the second injection nozzle 136 from the plate surface 112 and the size of the first injection nozzle 130A and the second injection nozzle 136 can be changed without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0132] In the third embodiment, the protrusions 154 having the guide walls 154A are provided at positions spaced apart from each other on the upstream side of the pair of flow path pipes 138 in one direction (direction B), but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the flow path pipes 138 may be configured to pass through the interior of the block.

[0133] Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to specific embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to such embodiments, and that various other embodiments are possible within the scope of the present invention. For example, in the third embodiment, the downstream groove portion is described as including a first inclined surface and a second inclined surface. However, the second inclined surface 174 may be a horizontal surface that is horizontal from the ridge portion 172. In other words, the properly oriented screws S2 that have passed through the gate portion 116 are decelerated by the first inclined surface 170, and entanglement between the properly oriented screws S2 (such as overlapping washers 4C) is resolved, and one properly oriented screw S2 is separated from another properly oriented screw S2. In other words, the properly oriented screws S2 that have reached the ridge portion 172 are no longer entangled. Therefore, the surface located downstream in one direction (direction B) from the ridge portion 172 may be a horizontal surface. In this case, the downstream groove portion 115 is provided so that it is continuous with the first inclined surface 170 and the horizontal surface. [Explanation of symbols]

[0134] S1 Screw (example of part) 2A Head 2B Legs 2C washer S2 Screw (example of part) 4A Head 4B Legs 4C washer 4D spring washer 10 Feeding device 20 Moving Section 22 Board surface 24 Groove 24A First groove 24B Other grooves 26 Gate section (example of gate section) 26A Edge (Example of edge on part inlet side) 30, 32 Information Department 38 Penetration 70 Feeding device 72 Board surface 74 Groove 74A First groove 74B Other grooves 76 Gate section (example of gate section) 76A Edge (Example of edge on part inlet side) 80, 82 Information Department 100 Feeding device 110 Mobile Unit 112 Board surface 114 Groove 115 Downstream ditch 116 Gate section (example of gate section) 120, 122 Information Department 130 Injection part 130A 1st injection port 136 2nd injection port 138 Flow pipe 150A wall 154A Guide wall 170 1st slope 172 Ridge 174 2nd slope IP1 1st intersection IP2 2nd intersection IP3 1st intersection IP4 2nd intersection L1 Virtual Line L2 Virtual Line

Claims

1. a moving unit that moves a part having a head and a leg with a smaller diameter than the head in one direction on a plate surface; a plurality of grooves formed on the plate surface, extending in a direction intersecting the one direction at an acute angle, for receiving legs of components moving on the plate surface in the one direction and aligning the components; a gate portion provided across the plurality of groove portions, the gate portion allowing the head of a part having a leg portion inserted into the groove portion to pass through and restricting the passage of other parts; A feeding device having:

2. 2. The supply device according to claim 1, wherein, in a plan view, when an intersection point where a virtual line extending in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the grooves intersects with one groove is defined as a first intersection point and an intersection point where the virtual line intersects with another groove downstream of the first intersection point in the one direction is defined as a second intersection point, the linear edge portion on the component inlet side of the gate portion is inclined so as to intersect with the one groove downstream of the first intersection point in the one direction and to intersect with the other groove upstream of the second intersection point in the one direction.

3. a pair of guide portions protruding from a plate surface of the moving portion and guiding the component along an extending direction of the groove portion are provided on both sides of the moving portion in a direction intersecting the one direction, The supply device according to claim 2 , wherein a distance between one of the guide portions on the first intersection side and the one groove portion in a plan view is greater than a distance between the other of the guide portions on the second intersection side and the other groove portion.

4. 4. The supplying device according to claim 2, wherein the supplied part has a washer integrally provided with the head on the side of the leg portion.

5. 2. The supply device according to claim 1, wherein a jetting section is provided on the component inlet side of the gate section for jetting gas toward an upper side of the plate surface of the moving section.

6. the injection portion is a first injection port that injects gas from a longitudinal center portion of the gate portion toward the upstream side in the one direction, The supply device according to claim 5, further comprising second injection ports provided on each of a pair of guide sections that are located on both longitudinal sides of the gate section and that protrude from the plate surface of the moving section to guide the component, the second injection ports injecting gas toward the first injection ports.

7. 7. The supply device according to claim 6, wherein a wall portion protruding from the plate surface of the moving section is provided at a position facing the first jet nozzle on the upstream side in the one direction of the moving section, and against which the components blown by the gas jetted from the first jet nozzle can collide.

8. 8. The supply device according to claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the second injection port is provided at the tip of a pair of flow path pipes that protrude from each of the pair of guide portions located on both longitudinal sides of the gate portion toward the longitudinal center of the gate portion.

9. The supply device according to claim 8 , wherein the height of the second injection nozzle from the plate surface of the moving part is higher than the height of the first injection nozzle from the plate surface of the moving part.

10. 10. The supply device according to claim 8, wherein a guide wall for guiding the component toward the second injection port is provided on a plate surface on an upstream side in the one direction with respect to the flow path pipe.

11. a plate surface of the moving portion is formed with a plurality of downstream groove portions connected to the plurality of groove portions on the downstream side in the one direction with respect to the gate portion; The downstream groove portion is a first inclined surface that slopes upward from the gate portion side; a second inclined surface that slopes downward from the first inclined surface toward the opposite side of the gate portion via a ridge line portion, or a horizontal surface that is horizontal from the first inclined surface via a ridge line portion; 11. The supply device according to claim 5, wherein the supply device is provided in series with the first and second supply devices.

12. The supply device according to any one of claims 5 to 11, wherein the supply device supplies a part including, as the part, a washer that is arranged on the side of the leg portion of the head and that is movable relative to the head, and a spring washer that is arranged between the head and the washer.

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