Work transport device and work inspection system

Abstract

At the workpiece discharge section, the positional state of the workpiece in the pocket of the index table is reliably detected. A workpiece detection unit (60) is provided on the outer periphery of the index table (20) at a position corresponding to the workpiece discharge unit (52A), and the workpiece detection unit (60) has a pair of light receiving sensors (61, 62). One light receiving sensor (61) is located inside the outer edge (20B) of the index table (20), and the other light receiving sensor (62) is located outside the outer edge (20B) of the index table (20).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a workpiece transport device and a workpiece inspection system. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Work transport devices have been known that include a base and an index table mounted on the base, store workpieces in multiple pockets provided on the outer periphery of the index table, and transport the workpieces by rotating the index table.

[0003] The workpieces stored in the pockets of the workpiece transport device are inspected in an electrical inspection section and then discharged to the outside from a workpiece discharge section. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 3363421 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 3916372 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] As described above, the workpieces stored in the pockets of the workpiece transport device are inspected in the electrical inspection section, and then discharged to the outside from the workpiece discharge section.

[0006] The workpieces stored in the pockets of the index table are discharged from the workpiece discharge section while the index table is stopped. In this case, if the workpieces are not discharged properly from the workpiece discharge section, for example, if part of the workpiece remains in the pocket, and the index table is restarted to rotate in this state, the workpieces will come into contact with the index table, damaging the index table or the workpieces.

[0007] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of these points, and aims to provide a work transport device and a work inspection system that can reliably detect whether the positional state of the work in the pocket of the index table is normal at the work discharge section, and can prevent the index table from rotating if the radially outer light receiving sensor is blocked. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A first form of the present disclosure is a work transport device comprising: a base having an opening; an index table rotatably mounted on the base and having a pocket on its outer periphery for storing workpieces; an electrical inspection unit arranged on the outer periphery of the index table and performing an electrical inspection on the workpiece in the pocket; a work discharge unit arranged on the outer periphery of the index table and discharging the workpiece in the pocket; an index table drive unit extending through the opening of the base and driving the index table to rotate; a work detection unit arranged at a position corresponding to the work discharge unit and detecting the presence or absence of the workpiece; and a control unit, wherein the work detection unit has a pair of light receiving sensors, one of which is located radially inside the outer edge of the index table and the other of which is located radially outside the outer edge of the index table, and the control unit does not drive the index table drive unit to rotate if the other light receiving sensor is blocked based on a signal from the other light receiving sensor.

[0009] A second form of the present disclosure is a workpiece conveying device in which, in the first form, the index table driving unit has a driving unit main body and a driving shaft that is provided within the driving unit main body and connected to the index table, and the upper end of the driving unit main body is contained within an opening of the base in a plan view, and the upper end of the driving unit main body does not contact the base.

[0010] A third aspect of the present disclosure is the workpiece transport device of the first and second aspects, wherein the index table driving unit and the base are independently supported by separate supports.

[0011] A fourth form of the present disclosure is a workpiece conveying device in the second form, wherein the drive shaft is supported on the drive unit main body via an elevating bearing, and the drive shaft and the elevating bearing are movable in the vertical direction relative to the drive unit main body by rotating an eccentric pin that passes through the drive unit main body and the elevating bearing.

[0012] A fifth form of the present disclosure is a workpiece transport device in which, in the first form, the index table drive unit has a drive unit main body and a drive shaft that is provided within the drive unit main body and connected to the index table, the drive shaft is supported by the drive unit main body via an elevating bearing, and the elevating bearing is provided with a brake pin that comes into contact with the index table drive unit and suppresses rotation of the index table.

[0013] A sixth aspect of the present disclosure is a work inspection system including the work transport device of the first aspect and an inspection chamber surrounding the work transport device, and further including a temperature adjustment device for adjusting the temperature of the inspection chamber. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] As described above, according to the present disclosure, the workpiece discharge section can reliably detect whether the position of the workpiece in the pocket of the index table is normal, and can prevent the index table from rotating if the light receiving sensor on the outer radial side is blocked, thereby preventing damage to the index table or the workpiece. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of a workpiece transport device according to the present disclosure and its set position. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view showing the workpiece transport device. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view showing the workpiece transport device. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the base, the index table, the outer circumferential cover, and the workpiece discharge section. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a state in which the index table and the outer circumferential cover have been removed from the base for convenience. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a side view showing the index table driving unit. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view showing the index table driving unit. [Figure 8A] FIG. 8A is a diagram showing the position state of a workpiece in a pocket of an index table. [Figure 8B] FIG. 8B is a diagram showing the position state of the workpiece in the pocket of the index table. [Figure 8C] FIG. 8C is a diagram showing the position state of the workpiece in the pocket of the index table. [Figure 8D] FIG. 8D is a diagram showing the position state of the workpiece in the pocket of the index table. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing patterns when making a judgment based on a signal from a workpiece detection unit. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the workpiece conveying device according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0017] First, an overview of the work transportation device 10 will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 3. As shown in Figure 1, the work transportation device 10 is placed in an inspection chamber 2 that is provided by partitioning a frame 1, and below the inspection chamber 2 are provided a plurality of storage boxes 6 that store the works W discharged from the work transportation device 10 according to their performance. These storage boxes 6 are placed on shelves 6a of the frame 1.

[0018] A control room 8 is provided on the frame 1 adjacent to the examination room 2, and a control unit 8A is housed in this control room 8 (see FIG. 7).

[0019] Next, the workpiece transport device 10 installed in the inspection room 2 will be described.

[0020] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the workpiece conveying device 10 conveys workpieces W (see Figures 8A to 8D) made of temperature-sensitive electronic components such as thermistors, while conducting electrical tests on the workpieces W, and then, based on the results of the electrical tests, ejects the workpieces W according to their electrical performance and stores them in storage boxes 6.

[0021] 1 to 3, such a work transport device 10 is supported on a frame 1 in an inspection chamber 2 so as to face horizontally, and includes a base 21 (see FIGS. 6 and 7) having an opening 21a, an index table 20 rotatably provided on the base 21 and having a plurality of pockets 20a on its outer periphery for storing workpieces W, an electrical inspection unit 73 arranged on the outer periphery of the index table 20 for performing an electrical inspection on the workpieces W in the pockets 20a, and a work discharge unit 52A arranged on the outer periphery of the index table 20 for discharging the workpieces W in the pockets 20a. The index table 20 is rotated by an index table drive unit 30 extending through the opening 21a of the base 21, and a work detection unit 60 for detecting the presence or absence of a workpiece W is provided at a position corresponding to the work discharge unit 52A.

[0022] Of these, the workpiece detection units 60 that detect the presence or absence of the workpieces W are provided for each of the workpiece discharge units 52A arranged on the outer periphery of the index table 20.

[0023] In this embodiment, the workpieces W inspected by the electrical inspection unit 73 are divided into, for example, eight performance categories, and the workpieces W divided into the eight performance categories are stored in eight storage boxes 6 corresponding to the eight workpiece discharge units 52A via tubes 80 from the eight workpiece discharge units 52A provided for each of the eight performance categories. Note that, in this embodiment, the workpieces W are divided into eight performance categories, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the workpieces may be divided into six performance categories or twelve performance categories.

[0024] As described above, a work detection unit 60 is provided for each of the eight work discharge units 52A, and each work detection unit 60 has a light projecting unit 70 and a pair of light receiving sensors 61, 62 that receive light from the light projecting unit 70. The pair of light receiving sensors 61, 62 constitute a light receiving unit 60A (see FIG. 8D).

[0025] Furthermore, of the pair of light receiving sensors 61, 62 of the light receiving unit 60A, one light receiving sensor 61 is located radially inside the outer edge 20B of the index table 20, and the other light receiving sensor 62 is located radially outside the outer edge 20B of the index table 20.

[0026] That is, the index table 20 is formed in a circular shape, and a plurality of pockets 20a for storing the workpieces W are formed on its outer periphery, and a disk-shaped outer periphery cover 50 is placed on the base 21 on the outer periphery of the index table 20, forming a gap between it and the index table 20 (see FIGS. 4 and 5). The outer periphery cover 50 prevents the workpieces W in the pockets 20a of the index table 20 from flying outward in the radial direction.

[0027] Furthermore, since the index table 20 has a circular shape, the outer edge 20B of the index table 20 also has a circular shape, and the outer edge 20B of the index table 20 forms the boundary between the index table 20 and the outer peripheral cover 50.

[0028] As described above, of the pair of light receiving sensors 61, 62 of the light receiving unit 60A, one light receiving sensor 61 is located inside the outer edge of the index table 20, and the other light receiving sensor 62 is located outside the outer edge 20B of the index table 20 (see Figure 8D).

[0029] Next, the workpiece discharge section 52A that discharges the workpiece W in the pocket 20a of the index table 20 according to its performance will be described with reference to Figures 4 and 5. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the base 21 is provided with suction holes 53 that suck in the workpiece W, and the outer periphery cover 50 provided on the outer periphery of the index table 20 is provided with discharge holes 52 that discharge the workpiece W in the pocket 20a at positions corresponding to the suction holes 53. The suction holes 53 provided in the base 21 and the discharge holes 52 provided in the outer periphery cover 50 constitute the workpiece discharge section 52A that discharges the workpiece W in the pocket 20a of the index table 20.

[0030] On the upstream side of the work transport device 10 configured as described above, there are installed a hopper 11 that inputs multiple works W, a parts feeder 12 that aligns the orientation of the works W input from the hopper 11, and a linear feeder 15 that has the function of receiving the aligned works W from the parts feeder 12 and transporting them in a single file (see FIGS. 1 to 3). In addition, between the linear feeder 15 and the index table 20, there is provided a separation and supply unit 16 that has the function of transferring the works W from the linear feeder 15 to pockets 20a of the index table 20.

[0031] Next, we will describe the index table driving unit 30 that drives the index table 20. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the index table driving unit 30 extends upward through the opening 21a of the base 21. The index table driving unit 30 intermittently rotates the index table 20 around the rotation axis 20A in the horizontal direction.

[0032] The index table driving unit 30 has a cylindrical driving unit main body 31 that extends in the vertical direction, and a driving shaft 35 that is provided inside the driving unit main body 31 and connected to the index table 20. The upper end 31a of the driving unit main body 31 fits within the opening 21a of the base 21 in a plan view, and therefore the upper end 31a of the driving unit main body 31 does not come into contact with the base 21.

[0033] The workpiece W in the pocket 20a of the index table 20 slides on the base 21 as the index table 20 rotates. In this case, the drive shaft 35 of the index table drive unit 30 is connected to and driven by a drive motor 42, as will be described later, and the index table drive unit 30 as a whole is heated and vibrated. In addition, an encoder 41 is connected to the drive motor 42.

[0034] In this embodiment, the upper end 31a of the drive unit body 31 does not come into contact with the base 21, so even if the drive unit body 31 is heated or vibrates, the heat or vibrations are not transmitted to the base 21. In this way, heat or vibrations are not transmitted to the workpiece W sliding on the base 21, so that electrical inspection of the workpiece W can be performed with high accuracy.

[0035] In this embodiment, the terms "upper", "upper part", "lower part", and "lower part" refer to the "upper", "upper part", "lower part", and "lower part" when the index table 20 of the workpiece conveying device 10 is arranged as shown in FIG. 7.

[0036] 6 and 7, the base 21 of the workpiece transport device 10 is installed on a frame 1 in the inspection room 2. That is, the base 21 is installed on a fixed plate 45 that is fixed to the frame 1 and disposed in the horizontal direction, via a support column (first support) 46. The index table driving unit 30 as a whole is installed on the fixed plate 45 via a support column (second support) 47. In this way, the base 21 and the index table driving unit 30 are fixed in the frame 1 independently of each other via the separate supports 46, 47. The index table 20 on the base 21 is disposed slightly spaced upward from the base 21, and the upper end portion 31a of the driving unit main body 31 of the index table driving unit 30 is also spaced from the base 21 in the horizontal direction (see FIG. 7).

[0037] Therefore, the heat and vibration generated in the index table driving unit 30 are not transmitted to the base 21 side, and electrical inspection can be performed with high precision on the workpiece W sliding on the base 21.

[0038] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the drive unit body 31 of the index table drive unit 30 is installed on a fixed plate 45 via a support 47, and the drive shaft 35 provided in the drive unit body 31 is connected to a drive motor 42 and rotates intermittently.

[0039] In this embodiment, the drive shaft 35 is rotatably supported by the drive unit main body 31 via the lift bearing 32. In this case, a first bearing 36 and a second bearing 37 are interposed between the drive shaft 35 and the lift bearing 32, and the lift bearing 32 is able to move up and down within the drive unit main body 31. An eccentric pin 33a is provided horizontally penetrating the drive unit main body 31 and the lift bearing 32, and by rotating this eccentric pin 33a, the lift bearing 32 moves up and down relative to the drive unit main body 31. As the lift bearing 32 moves up and down, the drive shaft 35, which is rotatably supported within the lift bearing 32, and the index table 20, which is connected to the drive shaft 35, also move up and down. This makes it possible to adjust the gap between the base 21 and the index table 20.

[0040] After adjusting the gap between the base 21 and the index table 20 in this manner, the drive unit main body 31 and the lifting bearing 32 can be fixed by tightening the lock screw 33b attached to the drive unit main body 31 (see Figure 7).

[0041] As shown in FIG. 7, the index table 20 is fixed to the upper portion 35a of the drive shaft 35 with a locking bolt 48. A brake pin 39 is attached to the lift bearing 32 and contacts the underside of the upper portion 35a of the drive shaft 35. That is, the brake pin 39 is attached to the lift bearing 32 via a spring 38 and extends vertically within the lift bearing 32. The brake pin 39 is biased upward by the spring 38 and contacts the underside of the upper portion 35a of the drive shaft 35. This allows the brake pin 39 to constantly apply a brake to the underside of the upper portion 35a of the drive shaft 35. This prevents the drive shaft 35 from rotating due to inertia when the drive shaft 35 rotates to rotate the index table 20. Therefore, the index table 20 can be intermittently rotated by the drive shaft 35 reliably and accurately while the brake pin 39 applies a brake to the drive shaft 35.

[0042] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 , a plurality of brake pins 39, for example, eight, are arranged at predetermined intervals around the outer periphery of the drive shaft 35, and the brake pins 39 are arranged to extend in the vertical direction. However, the number of brake pins 39 is not limited to eight and can be any number between one and twelve, and any number greater than twelve may be provided. Furthermore, instead of brake pins 39 extending in the vertical direction, multiple brake pins 39 extending horizontally and abutting against the side surfaces of the drive shaft 35 may be provided, as long as they have the function of abutting against the drive shaft 35 and applying the brake. In this case, the multiple brake pins 39 may be arranged radially around the drive shaft 35 in a plan view.

[0043] 1 to 3, when the workpiece W fed from the linear feeder 15 is stored in the pocket 20a of the index table 20 from the separating / supplying section 16, the workpiece W is transported along the base 21 as the index table 20 intermittently rotates clockwise in the direction of arrow L. The initial detection section 72 first detects whether the workpiece W is present in the pocket 20a. Specifically, the initial detection section 72 detects whether the workpiece W is in a predetermined position in the pocket 20a. The electrical characteristics of the workpiece W in the pocket 20a are then inspected by the electrical inspection section 73. Depending on the inspection results, the workpiece W is then transported from one of the eight workpiece discharge sections 52A through the tube 80 and stored in the storage box 6. While the present embodiment illustrates an example in which the index table 20 rotates clockwise, the present invention is not limited to this; the index table 20 may also be rotated counterclockwise.

[0044] The inspection chamber 2 provided in the frame 1 is an airtight space, and the temperature inside the inspection chamber 2 is kept constant by a temperature control device 5 provided on a shelf 5a of the frame 1 and temperature control piping (not shown) connecting the temperature control device 5 to the inspection chamber 2. For convenience, the inspection chamber 2 is shown open in Figures 1 and 2.

[0045] Next, the operation of this embodiment having such a configuration will be described.

[0046] First, the temperature in the examination room 2 is maintained constant by the temperature control device 5 .

[0047] Next, the works W fed from the hopper 11 into the parts feeder 12 are aligned in the same direction in the parts feeder 12. The works W aligned in the parts feeder 12 are transported in a single file by the linear feeder 15, and transferred from the separation supply unit 16 into the pocket 20a of the index table 20.

[0048] The index table 20 remains stationary while the workpiece W is being transferred into the pocket 20a of the index table 20. Next, when the workpiece W is transferred into the pocket 20a of the index table 20, the index table 20 rotates in the direction of arrow L, and the workpiece W stored in the pocket 20a of the index table 20 is transported while sliding on the base 21. Next, the index table 20 stops, and the presence or absence of the workpiece W in the pocket 20 is first detected by the initial detection unit 72.

[0049] Next, the index table 20 rotates again in the direction of the arrow L, and when the workpiece W in the pocket 20a reaches the electrical inspection section 73, the index table 20 stops and the workpiece W in the pocket 20a is electrically inspected in the electrical inspection section 73.

[0050] The inspection results from the electrical inspection unit 73 are sent to the control unit 8A. Based on the inspection results of the workpieces W inspected by the electrical inspection unit 73, the control unit 8A classifies the workpieces W into a plurality of performance categories, for example, eight categories, and discharges the workpieces W in the pockets 20a of the index table 20 to the outside from the workpiece discharge units 52A that correspond to the performance of these eight categories. Thereafter, the workpieces W discharged to the outside from the workpiece discharge units 52A are sent via tubes 80 into the storage boxes 6 that correspond to each workpiece discharge unit 52A.

[0051] Next, the operation of the workpiece transport device 10 during this period will be described in detail with reference to the flow chart shown in FIG.

[0052] First, the index table 20 rotates and a workpiece W made of temperature-sensitive electronic components such as a thermistor is transported into the pocket 20a.

[0053] Next, the workpiece W in the pocket 20a reaches the electrical inspection section 73, where an electrical inspection of the workpiece W is carried out.

[0054] As described above, the inspection results of the electrical inspection by the electrical inspection unit 73 are sent to the control unit 8A, and the control unit 8A determines the workpiece discharge unit 52A classified by performance according to the inspection results.

[0055] Next, the index table 20 rotates, and when the workpiece W stored in the pocket 20a reaches the workpiece discharge section 52A determined by the control section 8A, the rotation of the index table 20 stops. Next, light is projected from the light projector 70 of the workpiece detection section 60 toward the pocket 20a, and the light from the light projector 70 is directed toward the pair of light-receiving sensors 61, 62 of the light-receiving section 60A. In this embodiment, the light projector 70 is disposed above, and the light-receiving section 60A is disposed below. However, this is not limiting, and the light projector 70 may be disposed below, and the light-receiving section 60A may be disposed above.

[0056] Next, the control unit 8A determines the positional state of the workpiece W based on the detection results from the pair of light receiving sensors 61 and 62.

[0057] Specifically, for example, consider a specific workpiece discharge section 52A1 that is the third from the upstream side. In this specific workpiece discharge section 52A1, as shown in Figures 8A to 8D and 9, the control section 8A determines the positional state of the workpiece W as follows.

[0058] First, the control unit 8A determines which of the following work discharge units the work discharge unit 52A1 is, based on the inspection results from the electrical inspection unit 73. That is, the control unit 8A determines whether the work discharge unit 52A1 "should be discharged before the work discharge unit," "should be discharged at the work discharge unit," or "should be discharged after the work discharge unit."

[0059] Next, if the control unit 8A determines that the work discharge unit 52A1 is a "work discharge unit that should be discharged before the work discharge unit," the control unit 8A determines whether the positional state of the work W in the pocket 20a of the index table 20 is normal (OK) or abnormal (NG) based on signals from the inner light receiving sensor 61 and the outer light receiving sensor 62.

[0060] In this embodiment, the control unit 8A has four built-in patterns: a pattern in which the inner light receiving sensor 61 and the outer light receiving sensor 62 are blocked by the workpiece W (see Figure 8A); a pattern in which the inner light receiving sensor 61 is blocked by the workpiece W but light is projected onto the outer light receiving sensor 62 (see Figure 8B); a pattern in which light is projected onto the inner light receiving sensor 61 but light is projected onto the outer light receiving sensor 62 (see Figure 8C); and a pattern in which light is projected onto the inner light receiving sensor 61 and the outer light receiving sensor 62 (see Figure 8D).

[0061] In this case, the pattern shown in FIG. 8A indicates a positional state in which the workpiece W in the pocket 20a straddles the outer edge 20B of the index table 20. In the case of the pattern shown in FIG. 8A, if the index table 20 is rotated in this state, the index table 20 or the workpiece W will be damaged. The pattern shown in FIG. 8B indicates a positional state in which the workpiece W is completely contained within the pocket 20a. In the case of the pattern shown in FIG. 8B, it is possible to rotate the index table 20 in this state. Furthermore, the pattern shown in FIG. 8C indicates a positional state in which the workpiece W in the pocket 20a straddles the outer edge 20B of the index table 20, but is not discharged outward from the workpiece discharge section 52A1. In the case of the pattern shown in FIG. 8C, if the index table 20 is rotated in this state, the index table 20 or the workpiece W will be damaged.

[0062] Furthermore, the pattern shown in Fig. 8D shows a position state in which the workpiece W in the pocket 20a is completely discharged outward from the workpiece discharge section 52A1. In the case of the pattern shown in Fig. 8D, it is possible to rotate the index table 20 in this state.

[0063] When the control unit 8A determines, based on the inspection results from the electrical inspection unit 73 as described above, that the work discharge unit 52A1 is "a work discharge unit that should be discharged before the work discharge unit in question," it determines, based on the signals from the inner light receiving sensor 61 and the outer light receiving sensor 62, that the pattern in which light is projected by both the inner light receiving sensor 61 and the outer light receiving sensor 62 (see Figure 8D) is a normal positional state, and determines that the other patterns shown in Figures 8A to 8C are abnormal positional states.

[0064] Similarly, when the control unit 8A determines based on the inspection results from the electrical inspection unit 73 that the work discharge unit 52A1 is "the work discharge unit that should discharge the work," it determines that the positional state is normal when the inner light receiving sensor 61 is shielded from light and the outer light receiving sensor 62 is illuminated (see Figure 8B), and determines that the other patterns shown in Figures 8A, 8C to 8D are abnormal.

[0065] Similarly, when the control unit 8A determines based on the inspection results from the electrical inspection unit 73 that the work discharge unit 52A1 is "a work discharge unit that should be discharged after the work discharge unit in question," it determines that the positional state is normal when the inner light receiving sensor 61 is shielded from light and the outer light receiving sensor 62 is illuminated (see Figure 8B), and determines that the other patterns shown in Figures 8A, 8C to 8D are abnormal.

[0066] As described above, in the case of the pattern shown in Figure 8A where the outer light receiving sensor 62 is shielded before the discharge operation, it is determined that the work W is in a position straddling the outer edge 20B of the index table 20, and the index table 20 is not rotated in any of the cases where "it should have been discharged before the work discharge section", "it should be discharged at the work discharge section", or "it should be discharged after the work discharge section".

[0067] 8C in which the outer light receiving sensor 62 is shielded, the index table 20 is not rotated regardless of whether the workpiece W exceeds the outer edge 20B of the index table 20 but is not in a position to be discharged outward from the workpiece discharge section 52A1, and the index table 20 is not rotated regardless of whether the workpiece W should be discharged in front of the workpiece discharge section, at the workpiece discharge section, or behind the workpiece discharge section. In other words, before the discharge operation, if the outer light receiving sensor 62 is shielded, the index table 20 is not rotated regardless of whether the workpiece W straddles the outer edge 20B.

[0068] As described above, the control unit 8A judges whether the positional state of the workpiece W is normal or not, and if it judges it to be abnormal, it judges that the entire device is abnormal and stops it.

[0069] On the other hand, if the control unit 8A determines that the position of the work W is normal and determines that the work discharge unit 52A1 is the "work discharge unit that should discharge the work W," the work discharge unit 52A1 is operated and the work W in the pocket 20a is discharged outward from the work discharge unit 52A1.

[0070] Next, the control unit 8A again determines whether the positional state of the workpiece W in the pocket 20a of the index table 20 is normal (OK) or abnormal (NG) based on signals from the inner light receiving sensor 61 and the outer light receiving sensor 62.

[0071] In this case, if the control unit 8A determines based on the inspection results from the electrical inspection unit 73 that the work discharge unit 52A1 is "a work discharge unit that should be discharged before this work discharge unit," then based on the signals from the inner light receiving sensor 61 and the outer light receiving sensor 62, it determines that the positional state is normal when the pattern in which light is projected from both the inner light receiving sensor 61 and the outer light receiving sensor 62 (see Figure 8D) is normal, and determines that the other patterns shown in Figures 8A to 8C are abnormal when the positional state is abnormal.

[0072] Similarly, when the control unit 8A determines based on the inspection results from the electrical inspection unit 73 that the work discharge unit 52A1 is "the work discharge unit that should discharge the work," it determines based on the signals from the inner light receiving sensor 61 and the outer light receiving sensor 62 that the pattern in which light is projected by both the inner light receiving sensor 61 and the outer light receiving sensor 62 (see Figure 8D) is a normal positional state, and determines that the patterns shown in Figures 8A to 8C are an abnormal positional state.

[0073] Similarly, when the control unit 8A determines based on the inspection results from the electrical inspection unit 73 that the work discharge unit 52A1 is "a work discharge unit that should be discharged after the work discharge unit in question," it determines based on the signals from the inner light receiving sensor 61 and the outer light receiving sensor 62 that the pattern in which the inner light receiving sensor 61 is shielded from light and the outer light receiving sensor 62 is illuminated (see Figure 8B) is a normal positional state, and determines that the patterns shown in Figures 8A, 8C to 8D are an abnormal positional state.

[0074] As described above, in the case of the pattern shown in Figure 8A where the outer light receiving sensor 62 is shielded after the discharge operation, it is determined that the work W is in a position straddling the outer edge 20B of the index table 20, and the index table 20 is not rotated in any of the cases where "it should have been discharged before the work discharge section", "it should be discharged at the work discharge section", or "it should be discharged after the work discharge section".

[0075] 8C in which the outer light receiving sensor 62 is shielded, the index table 20 is not rotated regardless of whether the workpiece W exceeds the outer edge 20B of the index table 20 but is not in a position to be discharged outward from the workpiece discharge section 52A1, and the index table 20 is not rotated regardless of whether the workpiece W should have been discharged before the workpiece discharge section, at the workpiece discharge section, or behind the workpiece discharge section. In other words, after the discharge operation, if the outer light receiving sensor 62 is shielded, the index table 20 is not rotated regardless of whether the workpiece W straddles the outer edge 20B.

[0076] As described above, the control unit 8A judges whether the positional state of the workpiece W is normal or not, and if it judges it to be abnormal, it judges that the entire device is abnormal and stops it.

[0077] On the other hand, if the control unit 8A determines that the positional state of the workpiece W is normal, it determines that the workpiece W in the pocket 2a has been correctly discharged. At this time, the control unit 8A resumes the rotation of the index table 20, and the workpiece W in the pocket 20a reaches the next workpiece discharge unit 52A, repeating the same operations as described above.

[0078] As described above, according to this embodiment, the work detection unit 60 provided at a position corresponding to the work discharge unit 52A has a pair of light-receiving sensors 61, 62, one of which is located radially inside the outer edge 20B of the index table 20, and the other is located radially outside the outer edge 20B of the index table 20. Therefore, based on signals from the pair of light-receiving sensors 61, 62, the control unit 8A can easily and reliably and accurately grasp the positional state of the work W in the pocket 2a of the index table 20. Therefore, for example, even if the work W jumps outward from the pocket 2a and straddles the outer edge 20B of the index table 20, it will not be determined that the work W in the pocket 20a has been discharged from the work discharge unit 52A, and the index table 20 will not be erroneously rotated, thereby damaging the index table 20 or the work W. Therefore, for example, the position of the workpiece W within the pocket 20a of the index table 20 can be detected more accurately and reliably than when the workpiece detection unit 60 only has a light receiving device located radially inside the outer edge 20B of the index table 20 and detects the position state of the workpiece W based only on the light blocking and light projection of this inner light receiving sensor.

[0079] Furthermore, in the case of the pattern shown in Figure 8A, in which the outer light receiving sensor 62 is shielded before and after the discharge operation, it is determined that the work W is in a position straddling the outer edge 20B of the index table 20, and the index table 20 is not rotated in any of the cases where "it should have been discharged before the work discharge section", "it should be discharged at the work discharge section", or "it should be discharged after the work discharge section".

[0080] Furthermore, in the case of the pattern shown in FIG. 8C , where the outer light-receiving sensor 62 is shielded before and after the discharge operation, it is determined that the workpiece W is beyond the outer edge 20B of the index table 20 but is not being discharged outward from the workpiece discharge section 52A1. Therefore, the index table 20 is not rotated in any of the cases where the workpiece W should have been discharged before the workpiece discharge section, at the workpiece discharge section, or behind the workpiece discharge section. In other words, both before and after the discharge operation, if the outer light-receiving sensor 62 is shielded, it is determined that the pattern is either that shown in FIG. 8A or that shown in FIG. 8C , and the index table 20 is not rotated. In this way, if the outer light-receiving sensor 62 is shielded, it is immediately determined that the position of the workpiece is abnormal. Therefore, for example, the index table 20 is not erroneously rotated when the workpiece W straddles the outer edge 20B.

[0081] Furthermore, the control unit 8A identifies the conditions for a particular work discharge section 52A1, such as whether the work discharge section 52A1 is a "work discharge section that should be discharged before the work discharge section in question," a "work discharge section that should be discharged at the work discharge section in question," or a "work discharge section that should be discharged after the work discharge section in question," and can easily and reliably determine the positional state of the work W within the pocket 2a without making any mistakes by simply using four predetermined patterns for each condition and determining which pattern the signals from the pair of light receiving sensors 61, 62 correspond to.

[0082] In this embodiment, the index table 20 is installed on a fixed plate 45 via a support column 46, and the index table driving unit 30 as a whole is installed on the fixed plate 45 via a support column 47. Therefore, the base 21 and the index table driving unit 30 are fixed independently of each other within the frame 1. In addition, the index table 20 on the base 21 is disposed above and spaced apart from the base 21, and the upper end 31a of the driving unit main body 31 of the index table driving unit 30 is also spaced apart from the base 21.

[0083] As a result, heat and vibrations generated in the index table drive unit 30 are not transmitted to the base 21 side. This allows the electrical inspection unit 73 to perform accurate electrical inspections of workpieces W, particularly temperature-sensitive devices such as thermistors. In addition, an eccentric pin 33a is provided that penetrates the drive unit main body 31 and the lift bearing 32, and by rotating this eccentric pin 33a, the lift bearing 32 can be raised and lowered in the vertical direction. This allows the drive shaft 35 and index table 20, which are rotatably supported within the lift bearing 32, to be raised and lowered in the vertical direction, providing a gap between the base 21 and the index table 20, and this gap can be adjusted.

[0084] This prevents heat and vibrations transmitted from the index table driving unit 30 to the index table 20 from being transmitted to the base 21, thereby preventing any interference with the electrical inspection of the workpiece W on the base 21.

[0085] Furthermore, the work transport device 10 is housed within the inspection chamber 2, which is maintained at a constant temperature by the temperature control device 5, so that the temperature-sensitive work W can be inspected with high accuracy by the electrical inspection section 73.

[0086] The work detection unit 60, which is provided at a position corresponding to the work discharge unit 52A, detects the positional state of the work W both before and after the work is discharged. Therefore, before the work is discharged, it is possible to know in advance whether the work W has fallen out of the pocket 20a of the index table 20 while the index table 20 is rotating, for example.

[0087] The brake pin 39 is attached to the lift bearing 32 via a spring 38, and extends vertically within the lift bearing 32. The brake pin 39 is urged upward by the spring 38, and is in contact with the underside of the upper portion 35a of the drive shaft 35. Therefore, the brake pin 39 can constantly apply a brake to the underside of the upper portion 35a of the drive shaft 35. As a result, when the drive shaft 35 rotates to rotate and drive the index table 20, the drive shaft 35 does not rotate due to inertia. Therefore, while the brake pin 39 applies a brake to the drive shaft 35, the index table 20 can be intermittently rotated by the drive shaft 35 reliably and accurately. [Explanation of symbols]

[0088] 1 frame 2. Examination Room 5 Temperature control device 6 storage boxes 8. Control Room 8A Control unit 10 Work transport device 11 Hopper 12 Parts feeder 15 Linear feeder 16 Separation supply section 20 Index Table 20A Rotating shaft 20B outer edge 20a pocket 21 Base 21a opening 30 Index table drive unit 31 Drive unit body 31a Upper end of drive unit body 32 Elevating bearing 33a Eccentric pin 33b Lock screw 35 drive shaft 36 First bearing 37 Second bearing 41 Encoder 42 Drive motor 45 Fixed plate 46 Post 47 Pillars 50 Outer cover 52 Discharge hole 52A Work discharge section 53 Suction hole 60 Work detection unit 60A Optical receiver 61,62 Light receiving sensor 70 Light emitter 72 Initial detection section 73 Electrical Inspection Department

Claims

1. a base having an opening; an index table rotatably provided on the base and having pockets on its outer periphery for storing workpieces; an electrical inspection unit that is arranged on the outer periphery of the index table and that performs an electrical inspection on the workpiece in the pocket; a workpiece ejection section disposed on the outer periphery of the index table and configured to eject the workpiece from the pocket; an index table driving unit that extends through the opening of the base and rotates the index table; a work detection unit that is provided at a position corresponding to the work discharge unit and detects the presence or absence of the work; a control unit; the workpiece detection unit has a pair of light receiving sensors, one of which is located on the inside in the radial direction of the outer edge of the index table, and the other of which is located on the outside in the radial direction of the outer edge of the index table; The control unit does not rotate the index table drive unit when the other light receiving sensor is blocked based on a signal from the other light receiving sensor.

2. the index table driving unit has a driving unit main body and a driving shaft provided in the driving unit main body and connected to the index table, The workpiece transport device according to claim 1 , wherein an upper end of the drive unit body is accommodated within the opening of the base in a plan view, and the upper end of the drive unit body does not contact the base.

3. 3. The workpiece transport device according to claim 1, wherein the index table drive unit and the base are independently supported by separate supports.

4. 3. The workpiece transport device according to claim 2, wherein the drive shaft is supported by the drive unit body via an elevation bearing, and the drive shaft and the elevation bearing are movable in the vertical direction relative to the drive unit body by rotating an eccentric pin that passes through the drive unit body and the elevation bearing.

5. the index table driving unit has a driving unit main body and a driving shaft provided in the driving unit main body and connected to the index table, the driving shaft being supported by the driving unit main body via an elevating bearing; a brake pin is provided on the lift bearing to contact the index table driving unit and suppress rotation of the index table; The workpiece transport device according to claim 1.

6. The workpiece transport device according to claim 1; an inspection chamber surrounding the workpiece transport device, A workpiece inspection system provided with a temperature control device for adjusting the temperature of the inspection chamber.

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