Parts sorting device

Abstract

Provided is a component sorting device that inhibits a decrease in storage characteristics of electronic components in a case. This component sorting device 1 comprises: conveyance mechanisms 10, 20 that convey components; an imaging device 30 that images the external appearance of components on the conveyance mechanism 20, or a measurement device 40 that measures electrical characteristics of components on the conveyance mechanism 10; an inspection and sorting controller 80 that sorts non-defective components on the basis of inspection results of the external appearance of the components based on imaging results from the imaging device 30, or on the basis of inspection results of the electrical characteristics of the components based on measurement results from the measurement device 40; and a discharge mechanism 50 that discharges the sorted non-defective components from the conveyance mechanism 20 and stores the components in a case. The discharge mechanism 50 includes a tubular member 52 that guides components that are non-defective components discharged from the conveyance mechanism 20 to the entrance / exit of the case, an air supply mechanism 53 that is disposed on the upstream side of the tubular member 52 and supplies air for increasing the conveyance force for the components, and an air discharge mechanism 55 that is disposed on the downstream side of the tubular member 52 and discharges the air.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a component sorting device.

Background Art

[0002] There is a device for sorting good and defective products of surface-mounted electronic components (also referred to as chip components) such as multilayer ceramic capacitors. In Patent Document 1, an appearance inspection device is disclosed as such a component sorting device. The appearance inspection device disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a linear feeder (transport mechanism) for transporting electronic components, a turntable (transport mechanism) for transporting the electronic components transported by the linear feeder, and an imaging device for imaging the electronic components on the turntable, and performs an appearance inspection of the electronic components while transporting them. Thereby, good and defective products can be sorted and discharged.

[0003] Further, the appearance inspection device disclosed in Patent Document 1 charges the electronic components by transporting them by vibration in the linear feeder, and electrostatically adsorbs and transports the electronic components by static electricity on the turntable.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In such a component sorting device, the discharged good electronic components may be guided to the inlet of the case by a tubular member and housed in the case. In this case, for example, in order to prevent the electronic components from remaining in the tubular member and to increase the transport force of the electronic components, an air supply mechanism for supplying air may be provided upstream of the tubular member.

[0006] Furthermore, some cases are box-shaped and have only one entrance / exit. When such a case is combined with the tubular member having the aforementioned air supply mechanism, air is continuously supplied towards the entrance / exit of the case, and since there is no outlet for the air that enters the case, electronic components cannot be placed inside the case. As a result, the ability of the case to accommodate electronic components is reduced.

[0007] The present invention aims to provide a component sorting device that suppresses a decrease in the ability of electronic components to be housed in a case. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The parts sorting apparatus according to the present invention is a parts sorting apparatus that inspects parts while transporting them, sorts good parts, and stores them in a case. The case is box-shaped and has only one entrance / exit. The parts sorting apparatus comprises a transport mechanism for transporting the parts, an imaging device for imaging the appearance of the parts on the transport mechanism, or a measuring device for measuring the electrical characteristics of the parts on the transport mechanism, an inspection and sorting controller that performs an appearance inspection of the parts based on the imaging results from the imaging device, or performs an electrical characteristics inspection of the parts based on the measurement results from the measuring device, and sorts good parts based on the results of the appearance inspection or the electrical characteristics inspection, and a discharge mechanism for discharging the good parts sorted by the inspection and sorting controller from the transport mechanism and storing them in the case. The discharge mechanism includes a tubular member that guides the good parts discharged from the transport mechanism to the inlet / outlet of the case; an air supply mechanism located upstream of the tubular member that supplies air to increase the transport force of the parts; and an air discharge mechanism located downstream of the tubular member that discharges the air. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the ability of electronic components to be accommodated in cases in a component sorting device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1A] This is a schematic plan view of an example of a parts sorting apparatus according to this embodiment, viewed from above. [Figure 1B] This is a schematic plan view from above of another example of the parts sorting apparatus according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a schematic plan view of section II of the parts sorting apparatus shown in Figure 1A or Figure 1B, with the view being enlarged. [Figure 3A] Figure 1A is a schematic side view of the parts sorting apparatus shown from the side, and is an enlarged schematic side view of section II. [Figure 3B] Figure 1B is a schematic side view of the parts sorting apparatus shown, viewed from the side, and is an enlarged schematic side view of section II. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV of the parts sorting apparatus shown in Figure 1A or Figure 1B. [Figure 5] This is a schematic perspective view of the part's appearance. [Figure 6] This is a schematic perspective view of the case's exterior. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings. In each drawing, the same or corresponding parts will be denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0012] Figure 1A is a schematic plan view from above of an example of a parts sorting apparatus according to this embodiment, and Figure 1B is a schematic plan view from above of another example of a parts sorting apparatus according to this embodiment. Figure 2 is an enlarged schematic plan view of section II of the parts sorting apparatus shown in Figure 1A or Figure 1B. Figure 3A is a schematic side view of the parts sorting apparatus shown in Figure 1A, with an enlarged schematic side view of section II, and Figure 3B is a schematic side view of the parts sorting apparatus shown in Figure 1B, with an enlarged schematic side view of section II. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV of the parts sorting apparatus shown in Figure 1A or Figure 1B. Note that the XY Cartesian coordinate system is shown in Figures 1A to 4.

[0013] The component sorting device 1 shown in Figures 1A, 2, 3A, and 4 is a device that inspects multiple electronic components 3 while sequentially transporting them, sorts good components, and stores them in a case 5. The component sorting device 1 comprises a linear feeder 10, a turntable 20, multiple imaging devices 30, a measuring device 40, a first discharge mechanism 50, a second discharge mechanism 60, a first counter 71, a second counter 72, and an inspection and sorting controller 80. The linear feeder 10 and the turntable 20 constitute the transport mechanism of the present invention, and the first discharge mechanism 50 constitutes the discharge mechanism of the present invention. Alternatively, the device may be configured to include only one of the imaging devices 30 and the measuring device 40.

[0014] Electronic component 3 is a surface-mount type electronic component (also called a chip component), such as a multilayer ceramic capacitor. As shown in Figure 5, for example, electronic component 3 comprises a laminate 3a in which multiple dielectric layers made of ceramic material and one or more conductive layers are stacked, and two external electrodes 3b arranged on each of the two end faces of the laminate 3a. The laminate 3a, i.e., electronic component 3, has a rectangular parallelepiped shape and has two main faces TS1 and TS2 opposite to each other in the stacking direction, two side faces WS1 and WS2 opposite to each other in the width direction intersecting the stacking direction, and two end faces LS1 and LS2 opposite to each other in the length direction intersecting the stacking direction and the width direction.

[0015] Case 5, as shown in Figure 6 for example, is a box-shaped case that houses multiple electronic components 3 inside. Case 5 has only one entrance / exit 5a that can be opened when receiving and removing electronic components 3, and closed when housing electronic components 3.

[0016] As shown in Figures 1A, 2, and 3A, the linear feeder 10 sequentially transports a plurality of electronic components 3 in a linear fashion. The linear feeder 10 may include a charged portion on the upstream side and an electrostatic adsorption portion on the downstream side.

[0017] The linear feeder 10 is preferably made of a material such as SUS. Also, the linear feeder 10 is preferably inclined with respect to the horizontal plane. Thereby, in the charged portion on the upstream side of the linear feeder 10, the electronic component 3 can be charged by vibrating and transporting the electronic component 3.

[0018] As shown in FIGS. 1A and 3A, it is preferable that an electrostatic adsorption mechanism 12 is provided below the electrostatic adsorption portion on the downstream side of the linear feeder 10. Thereby, in the electrostatic adsorption portion on the downstream side of the linear feeder 10, the electronic component 3 can be electrostatically adsorbed and transported.

[0019] Note that, as shown in FIGS. 1B and 3B, the linear feeder 10 may not be provided with the electrostatic adsorption mechanism 12. That is, the linear feeder 10 may be the charged portion described above throughout from the upstream side to the downstream side.

[0020] The turntable 20 sequentially rotates and transports a plurality of electronic components 3 conveyed by the linear feeder 10. As shown in FIGS. 1A and 2, the turntable 20 has a guide mechanism 22 on the upstream side, and the guide mechanism 22 guides the electronic component 3 from the linear feeder 10 to the rotational transport locus 21. The turntable 20 transports the electronic component 3 along the rotational transport locus 21.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 3A, it is preferable that an electrostatic adsorption mechanism 24 is provided below the turntable 20. Thereby, the electronic component 3 can be electrostatically adsorbed and transported.

[0022] The transport speed of the turntable 20 is faster than the transport speed of the linear feeder 10. Preferably, the rotational speed of the turntable 20 is 10,000 revolutions per minute or more. This allows for spacing between the electronic components 3, as shown in Figures 2 and 3A, and enables visual inspection of the end faces of the electronic components 3. Note that the rotational speed does not have to be 10,000 revolutions per minute or more; it may be 9,000 revolutions per minute or more, or 8,000 revolutions per minute or more. In that case, the size of the electronic components 3 is approximately 0.25 mm ± 10% in the length direction, and approximately 0.125 mm ± 13% in the width direction and thickness direction.

[0023] The turntable 20 is made of a material such as glass or resin and is transparent. This allows for visual inspection of the back side of the electronic component 3.

[0024] As shown in Figure 1A, the imaging device 30 is, for example, a camera. Six imaging devices 30 are arranged along the rotational transport trajectory 21 of the turntable 20. The six imaging devices 30 each image the six outer surfaces of the electronic component 3 on the turntable 20, namely the two main surfaces TS1 and TS2, the two side surfaces WS1 and WS2, and the two end surfaces LS1 and LS2.

[0025] The measuring device 40 includes, for example, a pair of probes for contacting the external electrodes of the electronic component 3, and measures the electrical characteristics of the electronic component 3. As shown in Figure 1A, the measuring device 40 may be provided on the electrostatic adsorption portion downstream of the linear feeder 10. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 1B, the measuring device 40 may be provided along the rotational transport trajectory 21 of the turntable 20. In this case, as described above and as shown in Figure 3B, the linear feeder 10 does not need to be provided with the electrostatic adsorption mechanism 12. The measuring device 40 measures the electrical characteristics of the electronic component 3 on the linear feeder 10 or on the turntable 20. For example, if the electronic component 3 is a multilayer ceramic capacitor, the measuring device 40 measures the capacitance of the electronic component 3.

[0026] As described above, the electrostatic adsorption section or turntable 20 downstream of the linear feeder 10, where the measuring device 40 measures the electrical characteristics, transports the electronic components 3 while electrostatically adsorbing them. This makes it possible to improve the accuracy of the measurement of the electrical characteristics.

[0027] As shown in Figures 1A and 4, the first discharge mechanism 50 discharges good products, which have been sorted by the inspection and sorting controller 80 (described later) based on the results of visual inspection or electrical characteristic inspection, from the turntable 20 and stores them in the case 5. The method of discharging good products by the first discharge mechanism 50 is not particularly limited, but examples include air blowing, air suction, physical contact extrusion, etc. For example, when good products are transported, the first discharge mechanism 50 blows air onto the good products on the turntable 20 in accordance with a command from the inspection and sorting controller 80, thereby drawing the good products into the case 50 from the turntable 20.

[0028] The first discharge mechanism 50 comprises a tubular member 52, an air supply mechanism 53, a funnel-shaped member 54, and an air discharge mechanism 55.

[0029] The tubular member 52 is a tubular member with a circular or polygonal cross-section, extending from the turntable 20 to the entrance / exit of the case 5. Thus, the tubular member 52 guides the good electronic components 3 discharged from the turntable 20 to the entrance / exit 5a of the case 5.

[0030] The tubular member 52 extends from the upstream side to the downstream side, gradually decreasing in height. This allows the electronic component 3 to be guided into the case 5 by gravity. For example, the tubular member 52 has a portion that extends at an inclination with respect to the vertical direction. In this case, the electronic component 3 rolls along the inner wall of the tubular member 52 and is guided into the case 5. Alternatively, the tubular member 52 has a portion that extends along the vertical direction. In this case, the electronic component 3 is guided into the case 5 by free fall.

[0031] The air supply mechanism 53 is located upstream of the tubular member 52 and supplies air to increase the transport force of the electronic component 3. For example, the air supply mechanism 53 supplies air downward from the side of the tubular member 52.

[0032] The funnel-shaped member 54 is a funnel-shaped member with a circular or polygonal cross-section, and is positioned between the tubular member 52 and the entrance / exit of the case 5.

[0033] The air discharge mechanism 55 is positioned on the funnel-shaped member 54, in other words, on the downstream side of the tubular member 52. This allows the air discharge mechanism 55 to discharge air.

[0034] For example, the air discharge mechanism 55 is an opening located on the upper surface of the funnel-shaped member 54 at the periphery of the tubular member 52. Preferably, the opening is smaller than the external dimensions of the electronic component 3. Alternatively, if the opening is larger than the external dimensions of the electronic component 3, it is preferable that the opening be provided with a mesh-like member with a mesh size smaller than the external dimensions of the electronic component 3. This makes it possible to discharge only air while preventing the electronic component 3 from being discharged from the opening.

[0035] Alternatively, the air discharge mechanism 55 may have a suction mechanism, such as a vacuum suction mechanism. In this case, for example, the air discharge mechanism 55 suctions air from the top or side of the funnel-shaped member 54. Preferably, the suction port of the suction mechanism is smaller than the external dimensions of the electronic component 3. Alternatively, if the suction port of the suction mechanism is larger than the external dimensions of the electronic component 3, it is preferable that the suction port of the suction mechanism is provided with a mesh-like member with a mesh size smaller than the external dimensions of the electronic component 3. This makes it possible to discharge only air while preventing the electronic component 3 from being discharged from the suction port of the suction mechanism.

[0036] The second discharge mechanism 60 discharges defective products, which have been sorted by the inspection and sorting controller 80 (described later) based on the results of the visual inspection or electrical characteristics inspection, from the turntable 20 and collects them in a collection box (not shown). The method of discharging defective products by the second discharge mechanism 60 may be the same as the method of discharging good products by the first discharge mechanism 50. For example, when a defective product is transported, the second discharge mechanism 60 blows air onto the defective product on the turntable 20 in accordance with a command from the inspection and sorting controller 80, thereby drawing the defective product into the mechanism.

[0037] Furthermore, the second discharge mechanism 60, like the first discharge mechanism 50, has a tubular member that guides the defective products discharged from the turntable 20 to a collection box (not shown). Preferably, the second discharge mechanism 60 is located upstream of the first discharge mechanism 50.

[0038] As shown in Figures 1A and 4, the first counter 71 counts the good products discharged from the turntable 20 by the first discharge mechanism 50. The first counter 71 is located downstream of the first discharge mechanism 50, that is, immediately before the case 5. This allows for an accurate count of the good products to be contained in the case 5. Furthermore, the first counter 71 may also be provided upstream of the first discharge mechanism 50. This makes it possible to confirm that electronic components 3 remain in the first discharge mechanism 50 when the counts of the two first counters 71 are different.

[0039] The first counter 71 is not particularly limited, but examples include cameras, optical sensors, and eddy current sensors. The eddy current sensor can be any known eddy current sensor or eddy current displacement sensor. For example, a high-frequency signal is supplied from a resonant circuit to a sensor coil, generating a high-frequency magnetic field from the sensor coil. When an electronic component containing metal approaches this magnetic field, eddy currents are generated in the metal of the electronic component, and the impedance of the sensor coil changes. This changes the voltage of the resonant circuit. By detecting this voltage change with a detection circuit, the passage of the electronic component can be counted.

[0040] The second counter 72 counts the defective products discharged from the turntable 20 by the second discharge mechanism 60 (not shown). The second counter 72 can be the same as the first counter 71.

[0041] The inspection and sorting controller 80 controls the entire component sorting apparatus 1. Specifically, the inspection and sorting controller 80 performs a visual inspection of the electronic components 3 based on the imaging results from the imaging device 30 and sorts good and defective products based on the results of the visual inspection. Alternatively, the inspection and sorting controller 80 also performs an electrical characteristics inspection (also called verification) of the electronic components 3 based on the measurement results from the measuring device 40 and sorts good and defective products based on the results of the electrical characteristics inspection.

[0042] Furthermore, the inspection and sorting controller 80 controls the discharge of good products by the first discharge mechanism 50. For example, the inspection and sorting controller 80 calculates the timing for discharging good products from the first discharge mechanism 50 based on information such as the transport speed of the linear feeder 10, the transport speed (or rotational speed, and the length or radius of the rotational transport trajectory) of the turntable 20, the position of the measuring device 40 on the linear feeder 10 or turntable 20, and the position of the imaging device 30 on the turntable 20, and commands the first discharge mechanism 50 to do so.

[0043] Furthermore, the inspection and sorting controller 80 controls the discharge of defective products by the second discharge mechanism 60. For example, the inspection and sorting controller 80 calculates the timing for discharging defective products from the second discharge mechanism 60 based on information such as the transport speed of the linear feeder 10, the transport speed (or rotational speed, and rotational transport trajectory length or radius) of the turntable 20, the position of the measuring device 40 on the linear feeder 10 or turntable 20, and the position of the imaging device 30 on the turntable 20, and commands the second discharge mechanism 60 to do so.

[0044] The inspection and sorting controller 80 is composed of, for example, a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). The various functions of the inspection and sorting controller 80 are realized, for example, by executing predetermined software (programs) stored in the memory unit. The various functions of the inspection and sorting controller 80 may be realized through the cooperation of hardware and software, or they may be realized by hardware (electronic circuits) alone.

[0045] The storage unit in the inspection and sorting controller 80 is a rewritable memory such as an EEPROM. The storage unit stores predetermined software (programs) for executing various functions of the sorting controller. The storage unit also stores various setting values ​​input from an external source, for example. These setting values ​​include information regarding the transport speed of the linear feeder 10, the transport speed (or rotation speed, and rotational transport trajectory length or radius) of the turntable 20, the position of the imaging device 30, the position of the measuring device 40, the position of the first discharge mechanism 50, and the position of the second discharge mechanism 60, as well as the criteria for determining good / defective products.

[0046] As described above, the component sorting device 1 of this embodiment includes a linear feeder 10 and a turntable 20 (transport mechanism) for transporting electronic components 3, six imaging devices 30 for each imaging the six appearances of the electronic components 3 on the turntable 20, or a measuring device 40 for measuring the electrical characteristics of the electronic components 3 on the linear feeder 10 or the turntable 20, an inspection and sorting controller 80 that performs an appearance inspection of the electronic components 3 based on the imaging results from the imaging devices 30, or performs an electrical characteristic inspection of the electronic components 3 based on the measurement results from the measuring device 40, and sorts good products based on the results of the appearance inspection or the electrical characteristic inspection, and a first discharge mechanism 50 that discharges the good products sorted by the inspection and sorting controller 80 from the turntable 20 and stores them in the case 5. This makes it possible to perform appearance inspection or electrical characteristic inspection while transporting multiple electronic components 3, and to sort good products and store them in the case 5.

[0047] In this type of parts sorting device, the discarded good electronic components 3 are guided to the entrance of the case 5 by a tubular member 52 and placed in the case 5. In this case, for example, to prevent the electronic components 3 from remaining inside the tubular member 52, an air supply mechanism 53 is provided upstream of the tubular member 52 to supply air and increase the transport force of the electronic components 3.

[0048] Furthermore, in case 5, there is a box-shaped case with only one inlet / outlet 5a. When such a case 5 is combined with the tubular member 52 having the air supply mechanism 53 described above, air is continuously supplied to the inlet / outlet 5a of case 5, and since there is no outlet for the air that enters case 5, the electronic component 3 cannot be placed inside case 5. As a result, the ability of the electronic component 3 to be accommodated in case 5 is reduced.

[0049] In this regard, according to the component sorting device 1 of this embodiment, the first discharge mechanism 50 is located downstream of the tubular member 52 and has an air discharge mechanism 55 that discharges air. This makes it possible to discharge the air supplied from the air supply mechanism 53, thereby suppressing a decrease in the capacity of the electronic components 3 to be accommodated in the case 5.

[0050] Furthermore, according to the component sorting device 1 of this embodiment, the air discharge mechanism 55 may be an opening. Preferably, the opening is smaller than the external dimensions of the electronic component 3. Alternatively, if the opening is larger than the external dimensions of the electronic component 3, it is preferable that the opening be provided with a mesh-like member with a mesh size smaller than the external dimensions of the electronic component 3. This makes it possible to discharge only air while preventing the electronic component 3 from being discharged from the opening.

[0051] Furthermore, according to the component sorting device 1 of this embodiment, the air discharge mechanism 55 may also have a suction mechanism. Preferably, the suction port of the suction mechanism is smaller than the external dimensions of the electronic component 3. Alternatively, if the suction port of the suction mechanism is larger than the external dimensions of the electronic component 3, it is preferable that the suction port of the suction mechanism is provided with a mesh-like member with a mesh size smaller than the external dimensions of the electronic component 3. This makes it possible to discharge only air while preventing the electronic component 3 from being discharged from the suction port of the suction mechanism.

[0052] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and variations are possible. In the embodiments described above, an example was given of a configuration that includes a second discharge mechanism 60 for discharging defective products from the turntable 20. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and for example, a configuration without the second discharge mechanism 60 may also be provided. In this case, the parts sorting device 1 may immediately discharge defective products from the turntable 20 after imaging by the imaging device 30 and visual inspection. Alternatively, the parts sorting device 1 may immediately discharge defective products from the linear feeder 10 or the turntable 20 after measurement by the measuring device 40 and electrical characteristic inspection. In this case, a defective product recovery function may be arranged around the entire outer circumference of the turntable 20 and / or around the entire side of the linear feeder 10.

[0053] Furthermore, the above-described embodiment illustrates a configuration in which the inspection and sorting controller 80 has the function of performing visual inspection of electronic components based on imaging results from the imaging device 30. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and each of the imaging devices 30 may have a visual inspection function. Also, each of the imaging devices 30 may have a function to immediately discharge defective products from the turntable 20 after visual inspection, as in the modified example described above.

[0054] Furthermore, the above-described embodiment illustrates a configuration in which the inspection and sorting controller 80 has the function of performing electrical characteristic inspection of electronic components based on the measurement results from the measuring device 40. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and each of the measuring devices 40 may have an electrical characteristic inspection function. Also, each of the measuring devices 40 may have the function of immediately discharging defective products from the linear feeder 10 or turntable 20 after electrical characteristic inspection, as in the modified example described above. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0055] 1. Parts sorting device 3 Electronic Components 5 cases 5a Entrance / exit 10 Linear feeder (conveying mechanism) 12 Electrostatic adsorption mechanism 20 Turntable (transport mechanism) 21 Rotational transport trajectory 22 Guide mechanism 24 Electrostatic adsorption mechanism 30 Imaging Devices 40 measuring devices 50 1st discharge mechanism (discharge mechanism) 52 Tubular member 53 Air supply mechanism 54 Funnel-shaped member 55 Air discharge mechanism 60 Second ejection mechanism 71 First counter 72 Second counter 80 Inspection and Sorting Controller

Claims

1. A parts sorting device that inspects parts while transporting them, selects good parts, and places them in cases, The aforementioned case is box-shaped for housing multiple electronic components, is openable and closable, has only one opening for housing the electronic components, and closes after housing. The aforementioned parts sorting device is A transport mechanism for transporting the aforementioned parts, An imaging device for imaging the appearance of the component on the transport mechanism, or a measuring device for measuring the electrical characteristics of the component on the transport mechanism, An inspection and sorting controller that performs a visual inspection of the component based on the imaging results from the imaging device, or performs an electrical characteristic inspection of the component based on the measurement results from the measuring device, and sorts good products based on the results of the visual inspection or the electrical characteristic inspection, A discharge mechanism that discharges good products selected by the inspection and sorting controller from the transport mechanism and places them in the case, A counter for counting good products discharged from the aforementioned discharge mechanism, Equipped with, The aforementioned discharge mechanism is A tubular member that guides the good parts discharged from the transport mechanism to the entrance / exit of the case, An air supply mechanism is positioned upstream of the tubular member and supplies air to increase the transport force of the component. An air discharge mechanism is positioned downstream of the tubular member and discharges the air, Includes, The aforementioned air discharge mechanism has a suction mechanism. Parts sorting device.

2. The parts sorting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the suction port of the suction mechanism is smaller than the external dimensions of the parts.

3. The parts sorting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the air discharge mechanism is arranged at the suction port of the suction mechanism and has a mesh-like member with a mesh size smaller than the external dimensions of the parts.

4. The parts sorting apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the tubular member extends from the upstream side to the downstream side so that its position gradually decreases.

5. The parts sorting apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the tubular member has a portion that extends inclined with respect to the vertical direction.

6. The parts sorting apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the tubular member has a portion that extends along the vertical direction.

Images