Conveyor

Abstract

To provide a conveying device that conveys a work-piece while suctioning and holding the work-piece, which can smoothly receive a work-piece and easily detach the received work-piece.SOLUTION: A conveying device, which conveys a work-piece 2 while suctioning and holding the work-piece, comprises: a conveying body 6 which has a suction port 14 that can suction the work-piece 2, a passage 15 communicated with the suction port 14 and an opening 16 communicated with the suction port 14 through the passage 15, whose opening 16 is opened to the outside and on which the work-piece 2 is held; a suction device 7 linked to the suction port 14 through the passage 15; and an auxiliary suction device 8 linked to the suction port 14 through the opening 16 and the passage 15.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a conveying device, and more particularly to a conveying device that conveys workpieces such as electronic components while holding them by suction. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 below discloses a technology that enables the transfer of small items between two conveying devices. Each of the two conveying devices includes a movable opposing plate with the gap between a pair of rotating disks as a slit, and a suction means that draws air into the inside of the movable opposing plate. The conveying device applies negative pressure to the slit through suction by the suction means, allowing outside air to be drawn through the slit. When a small item approaches or comes into contact with the slit, the negative pressure causes the small item to be attracted to and held by the movable opposing plate.

[0003] To transfer small items between conveying devices configured in this way, suction means of the conveying devices are used. Specifically, when transferring small items from one conveying device to another, the small items are transferred from one conveying device to the other conveying device by suction by the suction means of the other conveying device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 6-88656 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the case of Patent Document 1, if the suction force of the suction means of one of the conveying devices is increased to ensure stable holding of the small item for smooth transfer, the force with which the one of the conveying devices holds the small item becomes too strong. In this case, there is a risk that it may be difficult to release the small item from one of the conveying devices. Alternatively, if the suction force of the suction means of the other of the conveying devices is decreased to ensure smooth transfer, the small item may be sucked into one of the conveying devices, but may not be held stably.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of such problems, and aims to provide a conveying device that sucks in a workpiece and transports it while stably holding it, and that can smoothly receive the workpiece and easily release the received workpiece. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The conveying device of the present invention is a conveying device that conveys a workpiece while holding it by suction, and includes a suction port that can suck the workpiece, a path that communicates with the suction port, and an opening that communicates with the suction port via the path, the opening being open to the outside, a conveying body that holds the workpiece, a suction device connected to the suction port via the path, and an auxiliary suction device connected to the suction port via the opening and the path. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, a conveying device can be provided that conveys a workpiece while holding it by suction, and that can smoothly receive the workpiece and easily release the received workpiece. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic front view showing a state in which a conveying device according to an embodiment of the present invention is used; [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic plan view showing a state in which a conveying device according to an embodiment of the present invention is used; [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic rear view of a conveying device according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing a part thereof in an enlarged scale. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional side view showing a suction operation of a conveying device according to an embodiment of the present invention, with a portion thereof being enlarged. [Figure 5] 10 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional side view showing a discharge operation of the transport device according to the embodiment of the present invention, with a portion thereof being enlarged. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a workpiece that is an electronic component. [Figure 7] 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 6. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a schematic front view showing a state in which a conveying device according to one embodiment of the present invention is in use. FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view showing a state in which the conveying device of FIG. 1 is in use. FIG. 3 is a schematic rear view of the conveying device of FIG. 1, with a partial enlargement. FIG. 4 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional side view showing the suction operation of the conveying device of FIG. 1, with a partial enlargement. The conveying device 1 of this embodiment is a conveying device that conveys a workpiece 2 while holding it by suction. In the illustrated example, the workpiece 2 is conveyed to the conveying device 1 by a turntable 3, which is a conventionally known conveying mechanism.

[0012] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the turntable 3 has a circular shape in a plan view and is mounted on a base 4. The turntable 3 is rotatable around an axis that extends in the up-down direction of the turntable 3. The turntable 3 can be rotated by a driving means (not shown) such as a motor. The turntable 3 is, for example, a glass table.

[0013] The workpiece 2 on the turntable 3 is held on the turntable 3 by a suction device (not shown). The suction device is, for example, a vacuum pump. The suction device is connected to a suction path (not shown) provided in the turntable 3. The suction path has a suction port that can suck in the workpiece 2. With this configuration, the workpiece 2 on the turntable 3 can be held on the turntable 3 by being sucked in by the suction device through the suction path. The method of holding the workpiece 2 on the turntable 3 is not limited to the suction method described above, and may be, for example, a method in which the workpiece 2 is electrostatically attracted to the turntable 3. Note that the turntable 3 does not need to be provided with a mechanism for holding the workpiece 2.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 2, the workpieces 2 are transported to the turntable 3 by a workpiece supply unit 5. The workpiece supply unit 5 is, for example, a conventionally known linear feeder. The linear feeder transports a plurality of workpieces 2 sequentially in a linear manner. The linear feeder is provided with a vibration mechanism that imparts vibration to the linear feeder. An example of the vibration mechanism is a piezoelectric element that generates vibrations at a frequency corresponding to a voltage. The linear feeder can transport the workpieces 2 by vibrating it with the vibration mechanism.

[0015] The workpieces 2 are supplied to the workpiece supply unit 5 by a conventionally known ball feeder (not shown). The ball feeder is provided with a vibration mechanism that applies vibration to the ball feeder. An example of the vibration mechanism is a piezoelectric element that generates vibrations at a frequency corresponding to a voltage. The ball feeder can be vibrated by the vibration mechanism, thereby transporting the workpieces 2 in a spiral shape.

[0016] With this configuration, the plurality of workpieces 2 are sequentially transported to the workpiece supply unit 5 by the bowl feeder, and then sequentially transported to the turntable 3 by the workpiece supply unit 5. The workpieces 2 transported to the turntable 3 are held on the turntable 3 by a suction device. With the workpieces 2 held on the turntable 3, the turntable 3 is rotated by a driving means, whereby the plurality of workpieces 2 are sequentially transported to the transport device 1. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 , the transport device 1 of this embodiment includes a transport body 6, a suction device 7, and an auxiliary suction device 8.

[0017] The conveying body 6 is disk-shaped. Specifically, the conveying body 6 has a pair of opposing main surfaces 9, 10 and an outer peripheral surface 11 located between the pair of main surfaces 9, 10. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the conveying body 6 has a plurality of teeth 12. The plurality of teeth 12 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction on the outer peripheral surface 11. The conveying body 6 having the plurality of teeth 12 is a disk-shaped gear.

[0018] The conveying body 6 is provided in a hollow housing 13. When the conveying body 6 is provided in the housing 13, the axis of the conveying body 6 is along the front-rear direction. When the conveying body 6 is provided in the housing 13, the conveying body 6 is rotatable around the axis of the conveying body 6. The conveying body 6 can be rotated by a driving means such as a motor (not shown). The driving means is housed in the housing 13.

[0019] 1, when the carrier 6 is installed in the housing 13, it is located on the front side of the housing 13. Here, it will be described that of the pair of front and rear main surfaces 9, 10, one main surface 9 is located on the rear side closer to the housing 13, and the other main surface 10 is located on the front side farther from the housing 13.

[0020] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 , the conveying body 6 has a suction port 14 capable of sucking the workpiece 2, a path 15 communicating with the suction port 14, and an opening 16 communicating with the suction port 14 via the path 15. The suction port 14 opens to the outer peripheral surface 11 of the conveying body 6. A plurality of suction ports 14 are arranged on the outer peripheral surface 11 of the conveying body 6 along the circumferential direction of the conveying body 6. Each suction port 14 is arranged on the outer peripheral surface 11 of the conveying body 6 between adjacent teeth 12, 12. In this embodiment, the suction port 14 has a first suction port 17 located on the front side and a second suction port 18 located on the rear side. The path 15 is arranged inside the conveying body 6. The path 15 is provided in the conveying body 6 so as to correspond to each of the plurality of suction ports 14. That is, the conveying body 6 has a plurality of paths 15. The plurality of paths 15 are arranged radially on the conveying body 6. The opening 16 opens to the outside of the conveying body 6. The openings 16 are open on one main surface 9 of the conveying body 6. The openings 16 are arranged on the conveying body 6 so as to correspond to each of the plurality of suction ports 14. That is, the conveying body 6 has a plurality of openings 16. The plurality of openings 16 are arranged in a circular ring shape on one main surface 9 of the conveying body 6. Each opening 16 is arranged on one main surface 9 of the conveying body 6 between adjacent paths 15, 15. The openings 16 are arranged at positions shifted in the circumferential direction of the conveying body 6 from a line connecting the suction port 14 and the center of the conveying body 6. The openings 16 may also be open on the other main surface 10 of the conveying body 6.

[0021] In this embodiment, the conveying body 6 is formed in a disk shape by stacking a plurality of plate materials 19. In this case, the suction port 14, the path 15, and the opening 16 are formed by cutting out a part of a predetermined plate material 19.

[0022] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , each of the multiple paths 15 has a suction path 20 capable of sucking the workpiece 2 and an air flow path 21 capable of sucking the workpiece 2 via the suction path 20. The suction path 20 extends radially of the conveying body 6. The suction path 20 has a suction port 14 at one end. As described above, the suction port 14 has a first suction port 17 and a second suction port 18. Therefore, the suction path 20 has a first suction path 22 having the first suction port 17 at one end and a second suction path 23 having the second suction port 18 at one end. The first suction path 22 is located on the front side, and the second suction path 23 is located on the rear side. As shown in FIG. 3 , the multiple suction paths 20 are arranged radially on the conveying body 6. The air flow path 21 has a communication port 24 at one end. The communication port 24 opens midway through the suction path 20. In the illustrated example, the communication port 24 has a first communication port 25 that opens to the first suction path 22 and a second communication port 26 that opens to the second suction path 23. The air flow path 21 has an opening 16 at the other end. The opening 16 opens to one of the two main surfaces 9, 10 of the conveying body 6. The air flow path 21, which has the first communication port 25, the second communication port 26, and the opening 16, has a first air flow path 27 that extends from the first communication port 25 toward the inside of the conveying body 6, a second air flow path 28 that extends from the second communication port 26 toward the inside of the conveying body 6, a third air flow path 29 that extends along the plate surface of the conveying body 6, and a fourth air flow path 30 that extends from the opening 16 toward the inside of the conveying body 6. The first air flow path 27 and the third air flow path 29 are mutually connected. The second air flow path 28 and the third air flow path 29 are mutually connected. The third air flow path 29 and the fourth air flow path 30 are in communication with each other. The fourth air flow path 30 does not pass through the second suction path 23, but is located in front of the second suction path 23 in FIG.

[0023] The suction device 7 is a device that sucks the workpiece 2, and is, for example, a vacuum pump. The suction device 7 is housed in a housing 13. The suction device 7 is connected to the suction port 14 via a path 15. Specifically, the suction device 7 is connected to a suction path 20. In this embodiment, multiple suction paths 20 are connected to a common suction device 7. The suction path 20 has an opening (not shown) at the other end. This opening opens to one main surface 9 of the conveying body 6. The suction device 7 is connected to the opening at the other end of the suction path 20. As a result, the suction device 7 is connected to the suction port 14 via the suction path 20. As described above, the suction path 20 has a first suction path 22 and a second suction path 23. The first suction path 22 has a first opening (not shown) at the other end. The second suction path 23 has a second opening (not shown) at the other end. The first and second openings open to one main surface 9 of the conveying body 6. When the suction path 20 has a first suction path 22 and a second suction path 23, the opening at the other end of the suction path 20 has a first opening of the first suction path 22 and a second opening of the second suction path 23. The suction device 7 is connected to the first opening and the second opening. As a result, the suction device 7 is connected to the first suction port 17 via the first suction path 22 and to the second suction port 18 via the second suction path 23. The first opening and the second opening may be a common opening. In this case, the suction device 7 is connected to the common opening.

[0024] The auxiliary suction device 8 is a device that sucks the workpiece 2, and is, for example, a vacuum pump. The auxiliary suction device 8 is housed in the housing 13. The auxiliary suction device 8 is connected to the suction port 14 via an opening 16 and a path 15. Specifically, the auxiliary suction device 8 is connected to the opening 16 of the air flow path 21. In the illustrated example, an auxiliary nozzle 31 that communicates with the auxiliary suction device 8 is connected to the opening 16. The auxiliary nozzle 31 is attached to a support 32 provided inside the housing 13. The auxiliary nozzle 31 has a nozzle suction path 33 therein. The nozzle suction path 33 has a tip opening 34 that opens at the tip end of the nozzle 31 and a base opening 35 that opens at the base end of the nozzle 31. The auxiliary suction device 8 is connected to the base opening 35. This allows the nozzle suction path 33 to communicate with the auxiliary suction device 8.

[0025] In the illustrated example, the conveying device 1 of this embodiment further includes a biasing means 36 that biases the auxiliary nozzle 31. The biasing means 36 is, for example, an elastically deformable annular member. In this case, the biasing means 36 is elastically deformable in the axial direction. The biasing means 36 is provided between the auxiliary nozzle 31 and the support body 32. Specifically, the biasing means 36 is disposed between the auxiliary nozzle 31 and the support body 32 with one axial end of the biasing means 36 in contact with the auxiliary nozzle 31 and the other axial end of the biasing means 36 in contact with the support body 32. As a result, the auxiliary nozzle 31 is biased by the biasing means 36 so as to be pressed against one main surface 9 of the conveying body 6. By pressing the auxiliary nozzle 31 against the main surface 9, the auxiliary nozzle 31 is connected to the opening 16 of the air flow path 21. When the auxiliary nozzle 31 is connected to the opening 16, the nozzle suction path 33 and the air flow path 21 communicate with each other via the tip opening 34 and the opening 16. The biasing means 36 is made of rubber or the like, and air does not leak into the outside air through the biasing means 36.

[0026] Next, the suction operation of the conveying device 1 of this embodiment will be described. As described above, the workpiece 2 is conveyed to the conveying device 1 by the turntable 3. When conveying the workpiece 2, the turntable 3 rotates intermittently, repeating rotation around the axis of the turntable 3 and stopping that rotation. The conveying body 6 of the conveying device 1, to which the workpiece 2 is conveyed, is capable of intermittent rotation, repeating rotation around the axis of the conveying body 6 and stopping that rotation. However, it does not have to be an intermittent rotation.

[0027] The workpiece 2 is transported by the turntable 3 to a position corresponding to the suction port 14 formed on the outer peripheral surface 11 of the transport body 6. When the workpiece 2 reaches the position corresponding to the suction port 14, the suction device 7 and auxiliary suction device 8 suck the workpiece 2 held on the turntable 3 toward the transport body 6. The suction device 7 applies suction inside the first suction path 22 and also applies suction inside the second suction path 23. The auxiliary suction device 8 applies suction inside the air flow path 21 that communicates with the suction path 20. Therefore, the workpiece 2 held on the turntable 3 is sucked by the suction device 7 through the suction path 20, and is also sucked by the auxiliary suction device 8 through the suction path 20 and the air flow path 21, and is then delivered to the transport body 6.

[0028] To continuously perform such a transfer operation, the transfer body 6 and the turntable 3 may be continuously rotated intermittently. As a result, the multiple workpieces 2 are sequentially transferred from the turntable 3 to the transfer body 6. In the transfer device 1 of this embodiment, the auxiliary nozzle 31 is connected to some of the multiple openings 16, including the opening 16 that communicates with the suction port 14 that actually sucks the workpiece 2. For example, as shown in FIG. 3 , the auxiliary nozzle 31 is connected to the opening 16 that communicates with the suction port 14 that actually sucks the workpiece 2, and the openings 16 located on both sides of that opening 16. Therefore, the tip opening 34 of the auxiliary nozzle 31 has a size that can cover three openings 16. Note that the multiple auxiliary nozzles 31 may each be connected to a corresponding opening 16.

[0029] The auxiliary nozzle 31 does not rotate with the conveying body 6. In other words, when the conveying body 6 rotates, one main surface 9 of the conveying body 6 slides against the auxiliary nozzle 31. As a result, the opening 16 connected to the auxiliary nozzle 31 is switched every time the conveying body 6 stops during its intermittent rotation. With this configuration, suction by the auxiliary suction device 8 is released while the conveying body 6 holding the workpiece 2 is rotating to convey the workpiece 2. After suction by the auxiliary suction device 8 is released, the workpiece 2 is held on the conveying body 6 by suction by the suction device 7 alone. In other words, suction by the auxiliary suction device 8 can be performed when the workpiece 2 is being transferred, and the suction by the auxiliary suction device 8 enhances the suction of the suction device 7, ensuring stable transfer. Suction by the suction device 7 is performed during transfer of the workpiece 2 and while the conveying body 6 is transporting the workpiece 2, so it is always performed. By rotating the conveying body 6 holding the workpiece 2, the workpiece 2 is transported to a predetermined position.

[0030] The opening area of ​​opening 16 is smaller than the opening area of ​​suction port 14. Typically, the opening area of ​​opening 16 is preferably about 1 / 2 to 1 / 4 of the opening area of ​​suction port 14. In particular, the opening area of ​​opening 16 is more preferably about 1 / 3 of the opening area of ​​suction port 14. If the opening area of ​​opening 16 is too large, there is a risk of intake air leaking during suction by auxiliary suction device 8, and if the opening area of ​​opening 16 is too small, there is a risk that auxiliary suction device 8 will not be able to perform sufficient suction.

[0031] 5 is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing the discharging operation of the conveying device in FIG. 1, with a portion enlarged. The workpiece 2 conveyed by the conveying body 6 is discharged from the conveying body 6 at a predetermined position. For this purpose, the conveying device 1 of this embodiment includes the conveying body 6, a suction device 7, and a discharge device 37.

[0032] As described above, the conveying body 6 has a suction path 20 that can suck the workpiece 2. The conveying body 6 has an air flow path 21 that communicates with the suction path 20. The air flow path 21 has a communication port 24 at one end. The communication port 24 opens to the middle of the suction path 20. In the illustrated example, the communication port 24 has a first communication port 25 that opens to the first suction path 22 and a second communication port 26 that opens to the second suction path 23. The air flow path 21 has an opening 16 at the other end. The opening 16 opens to one of the main surfaces 9, 10 of the conveying body 6. The air flow path 21, which has the first communication port 25, the second communication port 26, and the opening 16, has a first air flow path 27 extending from the first communication port 25 toward the inside of the conveying body 6, a second air flow path 28 extending from the second communication port 26 toward the inside of the conveying body 6, a third air flow path 29 extending along the plate surface of the conveying body 6, and a fourth air flow path 30 extending from the opening 16 toward the inside of the conveying body 6. The first air flow path 27 and the third air flow path 29 are connected to each other. The second air flow path 28 and the third air flow path 29 are connected to each other. The third air flow path 29 and the fourth air flow path 30 are connected to each other. The fourth air flow path 30 does not penetrate the second suction path 23, but is located at the back of the second suction path 23 in FIG. 5 .

[0033] In the conveyance device 1 of this embodiment, the role of the air flow path 21 differs between when the workpiece 2 is sucked onto the conveyance body 6 and when the workpiece 2 is discharged from the conveyance body 6. When the workpiece 2 is sucked onto the conveyance body 6, the air flow path 21 serves as a suction path for sucking the workpiece. When the workpiece 2 is discharged from the conveyance body 6, the air flow path 21 serves as a flow path for flowing air in the opposite direction to when the workpiece 2 is being sucked, as will be described later.

[0034] As described above, the suction device 7 is connected to the suction path 20. The suction device 7 can hold the workpiece 2 on the conveying body 6 by sucking through the suction path 20. The workpiece 2 held on the conveying body 6 by the suction device 7 is removed from the conveying body 6 by the discharge device 37, which will be described later.

[0035] The discharge device 37 is a device that discharges the workpiece 2 from the conveying body 6. The discharge device 37 is housed in the housing 13. The discharge device 37 has a discharge section 47 and a supply section 48. The discharge section 47 can discharge the workpiece 2 from the conveying body 6 by spraying compressed air onto the workpiece 2 held on the conveying body 6. The discharge section 47 is, for example, a compressor. The supply section 48 supplies compressed air to the suction path 20 and is, for example, a compressor. The supply section 48 can supply compressed air into the suction path 20 in the direction opposite to the suction direction.

[0036] The discharge unit 47 is connected to a jet nozzle 49. The jet nozzle 49 is attached to a support (not shown) provided inside the housing 13 at the rear side of the conveyance body 6. The jet nozzle 49 may also be disposed at the front side of the conveyance body 6. The jet nozzle 49 has a jet path 50 therein. The jet path 50 has a tip opening 51 opening at the tip end of the nozzle 49 and a base opening 52 opening at the base end of the nozzle 49. The discharge unit 47 is connected to the base opening 52 of the jet nozzle 49. This allows the jet path 50 to communicate with the discharge unit 47. As shown in FIG. 1 , three jet nozzles 49 are provided on the support. The three jet nozzles 49 are arranged in an arc shape along the transport path of the workpiece 2 transported by the conveyance body 6. The three jet nozzles 49 are arranged adjacent to each other so as to correspond to the three workpieces 2 held consecutively on the conveyance body 6. When there are a plurality of ejection nozzles 49, each of the plurality of ejection sections 47 may be connected to each of the ejection nozzles 49, or a common ejection section 47 may be connected to each of the plurality of ejection nozzles 49. The number of ejection nozzles 49 is not limited to a plurality, and may be one.

[0037] The supply unit 48 is connected to the opening 16 of the conveying body 6. As a result, the air flow path 21 becomes a passage for air used to separate the workpiece 2 from the conveying body 6. In the illustrated example, a supply nozzle 53 communicating with the supply unit 48 is connected to the opening 16. The supply nozzle 53 is connected to the opening 16 in a state where it is urged by a urging means 54 (described later) so as to be pressed against one main surface 9 of the conveying body 6. The urging means 54 is an elastically deformable annular member. In this case, the urging means 54 is elastically deformable in the axial direction. The urging means 54 is provided within the supply nozzle 53.

[0038] The supply nozzle 53 is attached to a support (not shown) provided inside the housing 13. The supply nozzle 53 has a main body 55 provided on the support and a discharge portion 56 provided on the main body 55. The main body 55 has a first air passage 57 therein through which compressed air from the supply portion 48 passes. The first air passage 57 has a one-end opening 58 that opens to one end of the main body 55 and an other-end opening 59 that opens to the other end of the main body 55. The supply portion 48 is connected to the other-end opening 59 of the first air passage 57. This allows the first air passage 57 to communicate with the supply portion 48. The discharge portion 56 has a second air passage 60 therein through which compressed air from the first air passage 57 passes. The second air passage 60 has a one-end opening 61 that opens to one end of the discharge portion 56 and an other-end opening 62 that opens to the other end of the discharge portion 56.

[0039] The discharge portion 56 is provided on the main body 55 via the biasing means 54. The biasing means 54 is located between the main body 55 and the discharge portion 56. In this state, one axial end of the biasing means 54 is in contact with the other end of the discharge portion 56, and the other axial end of the biasing means 54 is in contact with one end of the main body 55. The inner hole 63 of the biasing means 54 and the second air passage 60 are in communication with each other via an opening 64 on one axial end side of the inner hole 63 and an opening 62 on the other end of the second air passage 60. The inner hole 63 of the biasing means 54 and the first air passage 57 are in communication with each other via an opening 65 on the other axial end side of the inner hole 63 and an opening 58 on one end of the first air passage 57. Therefore, the first air passage 57 and the second air passage 60 are in communication with each other via the biasing means 54. The biasing means 54 is made of rubber or the like, and air does not leak into the outside air through the biasing means 54.

[0040] With this configuration, when the main body 55 is mounted on the support, the discharge portion 56 is urged toward the conveying body 6 by the urging means 54. Therefore, the discharge portion 56 can be connected to the opening 16 while being urged by the urging means 54 so as to be pressed against one of the main surfaces 9. When the discharge portion 56 is pressed against the main surface 9 and connected to the opening 16, the second air passage 60 communicates with the air flow path 21. The second air passage 60 and the air flow path 21 communicate with each other via one end opening 61 of the second air passage 60 and the opening 16 of the air flow path 21. In this way, the supply portion 48 of the discharge device 37 is connected to the opening 16 of the air flow path 21.

[0041] Next, the discharge operation of the conveying device 1 of this embodiment will be described. As described above, the workpiece 2 can be conveyed to a predetermined position by rotating the conveying body 6 holding the workpiece 2. When the workpiece 2 reaches the predetermined position, it is discharged from the conveying body 6 by the discharge device 37. To discharge the workpiece 2 from the conveying body 6 by the discharge device 37, compressed air sent from the supply unit 48 is supplied to the suction path 20, and compressed air sent from the discharge unit 47 is blown onto the workpiece 2.

[0042] Compressed air delivered from the supply unit 48 is supplied to the air flow path 21 via the supply nozzle 53. Specifically, the compressed air passes through the first air path 57, the inner hole 63 of the biasing means 54, and the second air path 60 in this order, before being supplied to the fourth air path 30 via the opening 16. The compressed air then passes through the fourth air path 30, the third air path 29, and the first air path 27 in this order, before being supplied to the first suction path 22 via the first communication port 25. The compressed air also passes through the fourth air path 30, the third air path 29, and the second air path 28 in this order, before being supplied to the second suction path 23 via the second communication port 26. The compressed air supplied from the first communication port 25 to the first suction path 22 is supplied in the opposite direction to the suction direction of the gas in the first suction path 22 being sucked by the suction device 7. That is, the compressed air supplied from the first communication port 25 to the first suction path 22 is supplied toward the first suction port 17. The compressed air supplied from the second communication port 26 to the second suction path 23 is supplied in the opposite direction to the suction direction of the gas in the second suction path 23 that is sucked by the suction device 7. That is, the compressed air supplied from the second communication port 26 to the second suction path 23 is supplied toward the second suction port 18. Therefore, while temporarily weakening the suction force in the suction path 20, the compressed air sent out from the discharge part 47 is blown through the ejection nozzle 49 onto the workpiece 2 held by the conveying body 6. Specifically, the compressed air is ejected from the tip opening 51 through the ejection path 50 onto the workpiece 2, and can be stably ejected without being hindered by the suction force in the suction path 20.

[0043] When the workpieces 2 are removed from the carrier 6 in this way, the supply nozzle 53 does not rotate with the carrier 6 because it is attached to a support. In other words, when the carrier 6 rotates, one main surface 9 of the carrier 6 slides against the supply nozzle 53. This allows the opening 16 connected to the supply nozzle 53 to be replaced every time the carrier 6 stops during its intermittent rotation. Therefore, the workpieces 2 that have been transported by the carrier 6 can be removed from the carrier 6 one after another.

[0044] The relationship between the opening area of ​​opening 16 and the opening area of ​​suction port 14 is as described above. That is, the opening area of ​​opening 16 is smaller than the opening area of ​​suction port 14. Typically, the opening area of ​​opening 16 is preferably about 1 / 2 to 1 / 4 of the opening area of ​​suction port 14. In particular, the opening area of ​​opening 16 is more preferably about 1 / 3 of the opening area of ​​suction port 14. If the opening area of ​​opening 16 is too large, vacuum leakage may occur from opening 16, and if the opening area of ​​opening 16 is too small, the suction by suction device 7 may not be sufficiently weakened.

[0045] The transport device 1 of this embodiment has a plurality of ejection nozzles 49. Therefore, the transport device 1 has the same number of supply nozzles 53 as the ejection nozzles 49. When there are a plurality of supply nozzles 53, each of the plurality of supply units 48 may be connected to each supply nozzle 53, or the plurality of supply units 48 connected to each of the plurality of supply nozzles 53 may be shared. The number of supply nozzles 53 may be the same as the number of ejection nozzles 49.

[0046] When discharging the workpiece 2 in this manner, the discharge device 37 is controlled as follows. Therefore, the conveying device 1 of this embodiment includes a sensor 66 that captures an image of the workpiece 2 held on the turntable 3, a sensor 67 that captures an image of the workpiece 2 held on the conveying body 6, a measuring unit (not shown) that measures the electrical characteristics of the workpiece 2 held on the conveying body 6, and a control device 68 that controls the discharge device 37 based on the images captured by both sensors 66, 67 and the electrical characteristics measured by the measuring unit. Here, the workpiece 2 is a multilayer ceramic capacitor. However, the workpiece 2 is not limited to a multilayer ceramic capacitor. For example, the workpiece 2 may be an electronic component such as a thermistor or an inductor.

[0047] 6 and 7 show a multilayer ceramic capacitor, an electronic component. FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view, and FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 6. Internal electrodes 70 and 71 are arranged inside a ceramic laminate 69 of the multilayer ceramic capacitor, which is the workpiece 2, so that adjacent internal electrodes 70 and 71 face each other via a ceramic layer. An external electrode 72 connected to the internal electrode 70 is formed on one end surface of the ceramic laminate 69. An external electrode 73 connected to the internal electrode 71 is formed on the other end surface of the ceramic laminate 69. The multilayer ceramic capacitor is a substantially hexahedron having a first main surface 74 and a second main surface 75 facing each other in the stacking direction of the internal electrodes 70 and 71, a first side surface 76 and a second side surface 77 facing each other in a width direction perpendicular to the stacking direction, and a first end surface 78 and a second end surface 79 facing each other in a length direction perpendicular to the stacking direction and the width direction. The longitudinal dimension of the workpiece 2 is, for example, 0.2 mm to 3.2 mm. The width dimension of the work 2 and the dimension of the work 2 in the stacking direction are, for example, 0.1 mm to 2.5 mm. However, the dimensions of the work 2 are not limited to these dimensions.

[0048] The sensors 66 and 67 are, for example, cameras or image sensors. The sensor 66 has a first sensor 80 that captures an image of the first side surface 76 of the workpiece 2, a second sensor 81 that captures an image of the second side surface 77 of the workpiece 2, and a third sensor 82 that captures an image of the first main surface 74 of the workpiece 2. The sensor 67 has a fourth sensor 83 that captures an image of the second main surface 75 of the workpiece 2, a fifth sensor 84 that captures an image of the first end surface 78 of the workpiece 2, and a sixth sensor 85 that captures an image of the second end surface 79 of the workpiece 2.

[0049] The measurement unit has a probe that is brought into contact with the external electrode of the workpiece 2. The measurement unit measures, for example, the capacitance of the workpiece 2. The measurement unit may also measure the resistance value of the workpiece 2.

[0050] The control device 68 controls the discharge unit 47 and the supply unit 48 based on the images captured by the sensor 66, the images captured by the sensor 67, and the capacitance and resistance values ​​measured by the measurement unit. The control device 68 is connected to the first sensor 80, the second sensor 81, the third sensor 82, the fourth sensor 83, the fifth sensor 84, the sixth sensor 85, the measurement unit, the discharge unit 47, and the supply unit 48. The control device 68 determines whether or not the workpiece 2 has a visual defect based on the images captured by the first sensor 80, the second sensor 81, the third sensor 82, the fourth sensor 83, the fifth sensor 84, and the sixth sensor 85. A workpiece 2 determined to have a visual defect is recognized as a defective product. A workpiece 2 determined to have no visual defect is recognized as a non-defective product. In such an appearance inspection, for example, the external dimensions of the workpiece 2, the dimensions of specific parts, the presence or absence of unevenness on the surface of the workpiece 2, the presence or absence of foreign matter attached, the presence or absence of damage, the presence or absence of discoloration, etc. are checked. The control device 68 determines whether the capacitance and resistance values ​​output from the measurement unit are within a predetermined range. A workpiece 2 determined to have the capacitance and resistance values ​​output from the measurement unit within the predetermined range is recognized as a non-defective product. A workpiece 2 determined to have the capacitance and resistance values ​​output from the measurement unit not within the predetermined range is recognized as a product with defective electrical characteristics.

[0051] If the workpiece 2 is determined to be a non-defective product, the control device 68 controls the discharge unit 47 and the supply unit 48, causing compressed air to be ejected from one of the three ejection nozzles 49, and supplying compressed air into the air flow path 21 from the supply nozzle 53 corresponding to that ejection nozzle 49. As a result, the workpiece 2 determined to be a non-defective product is removed from the conveyor 6 and ejected. After being removed from the conveyor 6, the workpiece 2 determined to be a non-defective product is sent to a box containing non-defective products via a hose (not shown).

[0052] If the workpiece 2 is determined to be visually defective, the control device 68 controls the discharge unit 47 and the supply unit 48, causing compressed air to be ejected from one of the two remaining ejection nozzles 49, 49, and supplying compressed air into the air flow path 21 from the supply nozzle 53 corresponding to the one ejection nozzle 49. As a result, the workpiece 2 determined to be visually defective is removed from the conveyor 6 and ejected. After being removed from the conveyor 6, the workpiece 2 determined to be visually defective is sent via a hose (not shown) to a box in which visually defective products are stored.

[0053] If the workpiece 2 is determined to be a product with defective electrical characteristics, the control device 68 controls the discharge unit 47 and the supply unit 48, causing compressed air to be ejected from the other of the two remaining ejection nozzles 49, 49, and compressed air to be supplied into the air flow path 21 from the supply nozzle 53 corresponding to the other ejection nozzle 49. As a result, the workpiece 2 determined to be a product with defective electrical characteristics is removed from the conveyor 6 and ejected. After being removed from the conveyor 6, the workpiece 2 determined to be a product with defective electrical characteristics is sent via a hose (not shown) to a box in which products with defective electrical characteristics are stored.

[0054] In the case of the conveying device 1 of this embodiment, the conveying device 1 is equipped with a suction device 7 connected to the suction port 14 and an auxiliary suction device 8 connected to the suction port 14 via an opening 16 in the main surface 9. Therefore, according to the conveying device 1 of this embodiment, the workpiece 2 can be sucked by the suction device 7 and the auxiliary suction device 8, so the suction force can be stronger than when the workpiece 2 is sucked by the suction device 7 alone. This allows the conveying body 6 to smoothly receive the workpiece 2 from the turntable 3. According to the conveying device 1 of this embodiment, the workpiece 2 can be transported by the conveying body 6 while being sucked by the suction device 7 alone. This allows the suction force to be weaker during the transport of the workpiece 2 compared to when the workpiece 2 is sucked by the suction device 7 and the auxiliary suction device 8. Therefore, the workpiece 2 can be easily released from the conveying body 6.

[0055] In the case of the conveying device 1 of this embodiment, the conveying body 6 has a suction path 20 to which the suction device 7 is connected and an air flow path 21 to which the auxiliary suction device 8 is connected. Therefore, according to the conveying device 1 of this embodiment, the conveying body 6 can be configured simply. In the case of the conveying device 1 of this embodiment, the opening 16 connected to the auxiliary nozzle 31 can be switched every time the conveying body 6 stops during intermittent rotation. Therefore, according to the conveying device 1 of this embodiment, the workpiece 2 can be sucked by the suction device 7 and the auxiliary suction device 8 at the location where the workpiece 2 is transferred from the turntable 3 to the conveying body 6.

[0056] In the case of the transport device 1 of this embodiment, the transport device 1 is provided with a biasing means 36 that biases the auxiliary nozzle 31. Therefore, according to the transport device 1 of this embodiment, the auxiliary nozzle 31 can be more reliably connected to the opening 16 before and after switching the opening 16 connected to the auxiliary nozzle 31.

[0057] In the case of the conveying device 1 of this embodiment, the conveying device 1 is equipped with a discharge section 47 and a supply section 48. Therefore, according to the conveying device 1 of this embodiment, compressed air can be blown onto the workpiece 2 while weakening the suction force that sucks the workpiece 2. Therefore, when discharging the workpiece 2 from the conveying body 6, the strength of the compressed air blown onto the workpiece 2 can be reduced. This allows the conveying device 1 to stably hold the workpiece 2 on the conveying device 1, while reliably discharging the workpiece 2 from the conveying device 1 at the desired timing.

[0058] In the case of the conveying device 1 of this embodiment, the conveying device 1 has an air flow path 21 that is used when discharging the workpiece 2 from the conveying body 6. Therefore, according to the conveying device 1 of this embodiment, the conveying body 6 can be configured simply. In the case of the conveying device 1 of this embodiment, the air flow path 21 is used when suctioning the workpiece 2 and when discharging the workpiece 2. Therefore, according to the conveying device 1 of this embodiment, the conveying body 6 can be configured more simply compared to when the flow path used when suctioning the workpiece 2 and the flow path used when discharging the workpiece 2 are different flow paths.

[0059] In the case of the transport device 1 of this embodiment, the transport device 1 is provided with a biasing means 54 that biases the supply nozzle 53. Therefore, according to the transport device 1 of this embodiment, the supply nozzle 53 can be more reliably connected to the opening 16 before and after switching the opening 16 connected to the supply nozzle 53.

[0060] In the case of the conveying device 1 of this embodiment, the first air passage 57 and the second air passage 60 are connected to each other via the biasing means 54. Therefore, according to the conveying device 1 of this embodiment, the biasing means 54 can be used as part of the flow path of the supply nozzle 53.

[0061] In the case of the conveying device 1 of this embodiment, the discharge device 37 is controlled based on images captured by the sensors 66, 67. Therefore, according to the conveying device 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to distinguish between good workpieces 2 and defective workpieces 2 when discharging the workpieces 2 from the conveying body 6. In the case of the conveying device 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to control the discharge device 37 based on the electrical characteristics measured by the measuring unit in addition to the images captured by the sensors 66, 67. Therefore, according to the conveying device 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to determine whether or not there is a defect in the electrical characteristics in addition to whether or not there is a defect in appearance.

[0062] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and includes modifications and improvements within the scope of achieving the object of the present invention.

[0063] For example, in the above embodiment, the conveying body 6 is rotatable about an axis along the front-rear direction, but it may be rotatable about an axis along the up-down direction. In the above embodiment, the turntable 3 is rotatable about an axis along the up-down direction, but it may be rotatable about an axis along the front-rear direction.

[0064] In the above embodiment, the conveying body 6 is gear-shaped, but it may be simply disk-shaped. In this case, a plurality of suction ports 14 are arranged on the outer peripheral surface 11 of the conveying body 6 along the circumferential direction of the conveying body 6. In the above embodiment, the plurality of teeth 12 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction on the outer peripheral surface 11 of the conveying body 6, but they do not have to be arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction.

[0065] In the above embodiment, the suction path 20 has two suction paths 22 and 23, but may have one, or three or more. In this case, the air flow path 21 communicates with the suction path 20.

[0066] In the above embodiment, the suction device 7 and the auxiliary suction device 8 are separate devices, but they may be combined into one device. In the above embodiment, the discharge unit 47 and the supply unit 48 are separate devices, but they may be combined into one device.

[0067] In the above embodiment, the path 15 is configured to have one air flow path 21, but may be configured to have a plurality of air flow paths 21. In the above embodiment, the downstream side of the air flow path 21 may be branched into a plurality of paths, so that the air flow path 21 has a plurality of openings 16. [Explanation of symbols]

[0068] 1. Conveyor device 2 Work 6. Carrier 7 Suction device 8 Auxiliary suction device 9 Main Surface 10 Main Surface 14 Suction port 15 routes 16 Aperture 20 Suction path 21 Air flow path 24 Connecting port 31 Auxiliary nozzle 36 Actuation means 37 Ejection device 67 Sensors

Claims

1. A conveying device that conveys electronic components while holding them by suction, a conveyance body having a suction port capable of sucking the electronic component, a path communicating with the suction port, and an opening communicating with the suction port via the path, the opening opening to the outside, and for holding the electronic component; a suction device connected to the suction port via the path; an auxiliary suction device connected to the suction port via the opening and the path; the conveying body is disk-shaped and has a plurality of the paths; Each of the plurality of paths comprises: a suction path having the suction port, connected to the suction device, and capable of sucking the electronic component; an air flow path that has a communication port that opens to the suction path and the opening that opens to one of the two main surfaces of the conveying body, and an auxiliary nozzle that communicates with the auxiliary suction device is connected to the opening, and that can suck the electronic components through the suction path; the conveying body is intermittently rotatable by repeatedly rotating and stopping the rotation about an axis of the conveying body so that the one main surface slides relative to the auxiliary nozzle, The conveying device wherein the opening connected to the auxiliary nozzle is switched every time the conveying body stops during intermittent rotation.

2. Further, a biasing means for biasing the auxiliary nozzle is provided, The transport device according to claim 1 , wherein the auxiliary nozzle is biased by the biasing means so as to be pressed against the one main surface.

3. a sensor for capturing an image of the electronic component held on the conveyor; a discharge device that discharges the electronic components from the transport body, The conveying device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the discharge device is controlled based on an image captured by the sensor.

Images