Workpiece handling device and workpiece inspection system

Abstract

The present invention provides a workpiece transport device and a workpiece inspection system that are advantageous for stably discharging workpieces toward a storage box. [Solution] The workpiece transport device has a recovery section in which a plurality of storage boxes are arranged, and includes a recovery unit that recovers workpieces discharged from the transport device into one of the plurality of storage boxes. The recovery unit includes a plurality of discharge paths Pd that guide the workpiece toward each of the plurality of storage boxes, an assist air path Pa that merges with at least one of the plurality of discharge paths Pd, and an assist air device that blows assist air into at least one of the plurality of discharge paths Pd via the assist air path Pa.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a work transfer device and a work inspection system.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a work transfer device including a base and an index table provided on the base, wherein a work is stored in a plurality of pockets provided on the outer periphery of the index table, and the work is transferred by rotating the index table.

[0003] The work stored in the pocket of the work transfer device is inspected by an electrical inspection unit, and then discharged from the pocket (work transfer device) at a work discharge unit and collected in a storage box.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] At a discharge station, by blowing air onto the work in the pocket of the work transfer device, the work can be vigorously sent out from the pocket toward the storage box. However, there may occur a "work return" in which the work once discharged from the pocket returns to the pocket due to bouncing back or the like.

[0006] Such workpiece returns can not only prevent the workpieces from being properly collected in the storage boxes, but can also cause other problems. For example, pockets from which workpieces were not ultimately discharged due to a workpiece return cannot accommodate new workpieces. Furthermore, if a workpiece return is detected as an error by a sensor installed at the discharge station and the entire device is shut down, the device's operational efficiency will decrease.

[0007] This disclosure provides a technology that is advantageous for stably discharging workpieces toward a storage box. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a workpiece transport device comprising: a transport device for transporting workpieces from a supply station to a discharge station; an inspection device for inspecting workpieces between the supply station and the discharge station; a discharge device for discharging workpieces from the transport device at the discharge station; and a recovery unit having a recovery section in which a plurality of storage boxes are arranged, and recovering workpieces discharged from the transport device into one of the plurality of storage boxes, wherein the recovery unit comprises a plurality of discharge paths for guiding workpieces toward each of the plurality of storage boxes; an assist air path that merges with at least one of the plurality of discharge paths; and an assist air device that blows assist air into at least one of the plurality of discharge paths via the assist air path.

[0009] The workpiece transfer device may be equipped with a control device, which may select an assigned storage box, which is a storage box to be assigned to a workpiece, from among a plurality of storage boxes based on the inspection results of the inspection device, and may control the discharge device to blow discharge air onto the workpiece at the discharge station and move the workpiece toward the discharge path connected to the assigned storage box.

[0010] The recovery unit may include a covering portion provided to cover the opening of each of the multiple storage boxes in the recovery section, a mounting portion provided to be movable in the vertical direction and having a mounting surface on which the multiple storage boxes are placed, and a biasing portion that biases the mounting portion upward, and multiple discharge paths passing through the covering portion and connected to the inner space of each of the multiple storage boxes, and the multiple storage boxes may be provided to be detachably attached to the recovery section through the side opening of the recovery unit, and the mounting surface may be inclined, and each of the multiple storage boxes may be placed on the mounting surface in an inclined position in which the end on the side with the side opening is positioned higher than the end on the opposite side.

[0011] The workpiece transfer device may include a base having an opening, on which an index table of the transfer device is provided above, and an index table drive unit extending through the opening of the base and rotating the index table. The index table drive unit may include a drive unit body and a drive shaft provided within the drive unit body and connected to the index table. In a plan view, the upper end of the drive unit body is contained within the opening of the base, and the upper end of the drive unit body does not need to be in contact with the base.

[0012] The workpiece transfer device may include a base having an opening, on which an index table of the transfer device is provided above, and an index table drive unit extending through the opening of the base and rotating the index table. The index table drive unit and the base may be independently supported by separate supports.

[0013] The drive shaft may be supported by the drive unit body via a lifting bearing, and the drive shaft and lifting bearing may be movable vertically relative to the drive unit body by rotating an eccentric pin that passes through the drive unit body and the lifting bearing.

[0014] The workpiece transfer device may include a base having an opening, on which an index table of the transfer device is provided above, and an index table drive unit extending through the opening of the base and rotationally driving the index table. The index table drive unit may include a drive unit body and a drive shaft provided within the drive unit body and connected to the index table. The drive shaft is supported by the drive unit body via a lifting bearing, and a brake pin may be provided on the lifting bearing to contact the index table drive unit and suppress the rotation of the index table.

[0015] Another aspect of this disclosure relates to a work inspection system comprising the above-mentioned work transport device and an inspection chamber surrounding the work transport device, wherein a temperature control device is provided for adjusting the temperature of the inspection chamber. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to this disclosure, it is advantageous to stably discharge the workpiece toward the storage box. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram and setting positions of the workpiece transfer device according to this disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic plan view showing the workpiece transport device. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is an enlarged perspective view showing the workpiece handling device. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the base, index table, outer cover, and workpiece discharge section. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the base with the index table and outer cover removed for convenience. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a side view showing the index table drive unit. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is an enlarged view showing the index table drive unit. [Figure 8]FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the work transfer device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a plan view showing an example of the state of a work accommodated in a pocket (index table) intermittently arranged at the discharge station and the work discharge portion (outer peripheral cover). [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a side view of the work discharge portion, the tube, the tube connection portion, and the storage box. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the internal configuration of the tube connection portion (particularly the discharge path and the assist air path). [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a side view showing an example of the box holding portion.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0019] First, the outline of the work transfer device 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7. As shown in FIG. 1, the work transfer device 10 is arranged in an inspection room 2 provided by partitioning a frame 1, and a plurality of storage boxes 6 for storing the work W discharged from the work transfer device 10 according to its performance are provided below the inspection room 2. This storage box 6 is placed on a shelf 6a of the frame 1.

[0020] A control room 8 is provided on the frame 1 adjacent to the inspection room 2, and a control unit 8A is housed in this control room 8.

[0021] Next, the work transfer device 10 installed in the inspection room 2 will be described.

[0022] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the work transfer device 10 conveys a work composed of an electronic component sensitive to temperature such as a thermistor, performs an electrical inspection on this work, and then discharges it according to its electrical performance based on the result of the electrical inspection and stores it in the storage box 6.

[0023] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the workpiece transport device 10 is supported horizontally on a frame 1 in the inspection chamber 2 and comprises a base 21 (see Figures 6 and 7) having an opening 21a, an index table 20 rotatably mounted on the base 21 and having a plurality of pockets (workpiece holding sections) 20a on its outer circumference for temporarily storing and holding workpieces, an electrical inspection section 73 positioned on the outer circumference of the index table 20 for performing electrical inspections on workpieces in the pockets 20a, and a workpiece discharge section 52A positioned on the outer circumference of the index table 20 for discharging workpieces from the pockets 20a. The index table 20 is rotationally driven by an index table drive section 30 extending through the opening 21a of the base 21, and a workpiece detection section 60 for detecting the presence or absence of workpieces is provided at a position corresponding to the workpiece discharge section 52A.

[0024] Of these, the workpiece detection unit 60, which detects the presence or absence of a workpiece, is provided for each workpiece discharge unit 52A located on the outer periphery of the index table 20.

[0025] In this embodiment, the workpieces inspected by the electrical inspection unit 73 are classified into, for example, eight performance categories. The workpieces classified into the eight performance categories are then stored in eight storage boxes 6 corresponding to each workpiece discharge unit 52A, via tubes 80, from eight workpiece discharge units 52A, each provided according to the eight performance categories. In this embodiment, the workpieces W are classified into eight performance categories, but the invention is not limited to this; the workpieces may be classified into six performance categories, or even twelve performance categories.

[0026] Furthermore, as described above, a workpiece detection unit 60 is provided for each of the eight workpiece discharge units 52A, and each workpiece detection unit 60 has a light-emitting unit 70 and a light-receiving unit (not shown) that receives light from the light-emitting unit 70.

[0027] The index table 20 is formed in a circular shape, and multiple pockets 20a for storing workpieces are formed on its outer circumference. A disc-shaped outer cover 50 is placed on the base 21 and positioned around the outer circumference of the index table 20, creating a gap between it and the index table 20 (see Figures 4 and 5). This outer cover 50 prevents workpieces in the pockets 20a of the index table 20 from flying out radially.

[0028] Furthermore, since the index table 20 is circular in shape, its outer edge 20B (see Figure 9 below) is also circular, and the outer edge 20B of the index table 20 forms the boundary between the index table 20 and the outer cover 50.

[0029] Next, with reference to Figures 4 and 5, we will describe the workpiece discharge unit 52A that discharges workpieces from the pockets 20a of the index table 20 according to their performance. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the base 21 is provided with suction holes 53 for sucking in workpieces, and the outer peripheral cover 50 provided on the outer circumference of the index table 20 is provided with discharge holes 52 at positions corresponding to the suction holes 53 for discharging workpieces from the pockets 20a. The suction holes 53 provided on the base 21 and the discharge holes 52 provided on the outer peripheral cover 50 constitute the workpiece discharge unit 52A that discharges workpieces from the pockets 20a of the index table 20.

[0030] Upstream (at the supply station) of the workpiece transport device 10, which has the configuration described above, is a hopper 11 for loading multiple workpieces, a parts feeder 12 for aligning the orientation of the workpieces loaded from the hopper 11, and a linear feeder 15 that receives the aligned workpieces from the parts feeder 12 and transports them in a single line (see Figures 1 to 3). A separation and supply unit 16 is also provided between the linear feeder 15 and the index table 20, which has the function of transferring workpieces from the linear feeder 15 to the pockets 20a of the index table 20. The separation and supply unit 16 separates a large number of workpieces W from each other by air suction and air jetting, and supplies the workpieces W one by one to the index table 20.

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

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

[0033] The workpiece 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 driven by a drive motor 42, as described later, and the index table drive unit 30 as a whole is heated and subjected to vibration. An encoder 41 is also connected to the drive motor 42.

[0034] In this embodiment, the upper end portion 31a of the drive unit body 31 does not come into contact with the base 21. Therefore, even if the drive unit body 31 is heated or vibrates, this heat or vibration is not transmitted to the base 21. Since heat or vibration is not transmitted to the workpiece sliding on the base 21, highly accurate electrical inspections can be performed on the workpiece.

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

[0036] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the base 21 of the workpiece transport device 10 is installed on the frame 1 within the inspection chamber 2. Specifically, the base 21 is installed on a fixing plate 45 that is fixed to the frame 1 and positioned horizontally, via support columns (first support members) 46. The index table drive unit 30 as a whole is installed on the fixing plate 45 via support columns (second support members) 47. In this way, the base 21 and the index table drive unit 30 are fixed independently to each other within the frame 1 via separate support columns 46 and 47. Furthermore, the index table 20 on the base 21 is positioned slightly above the base 21, and the upper end portion 31a of the drive unit body 31 of the index table drive unit 30 is also spaced horizontally away from the base 21 (see Figure 7).

[0037] Therefore, the heat and vibration generated in the index table drive unit 30 are not transmitted to the base 21, and electrical inspection can be performed accurately on the workpiece sliding on the base 21.

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

[0039] In this embodiment, the drive shaft 35 is rotatably supported in the drive unit body 31 via a lifting bearing 32. In this case, a first bearing 36 and a second bearing 37 are interposed between the drive shaft 35 and the lifting bearing 32, and the lifting bearing 32 is able to move up and down within the drive unit body 31. An eccentric pin 33a is provided that passes horizontally through the drive unit body 31 and the lifting bearing 32, and by rotating this eccentric pin 33a, the lifting bearing 32 moves up and down relative to the drive unit body 31. As the lifting bearing 32 moves up and down, the drive shaft 35, which is rotatably supported within the lifting bearing 32, and the index table 20 connected to the drive shaft 35 also move up and down. This allows the gap between the base 21 and the index table 20 to be adjusted.

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

[0041] As shown in Figure 7, the index table 20 is fixed to the upper part 35a of the drive shaft 35 by a retaining bolt 48. A brake pin 39 is installed inside the lifting bearing 32, which contacts the lower surface of the upper part 35a of the drive shaft 35. Specifically, the brake pin 39 is installed inside the lifting bearing 32 via a spring 38 and extends vertically within the lifting bearing 32. The brake pin 39 is biased upward by the spring 38 and contacts the lower surface of the upper part 35a of the drive shaft 35. Therefore, the brake pin 39 can constantly apply a brake to the lower surface of the upper part 35a of the drive shaft 35. This prevents the drive shaft 35 from rotating due to inertia when it rotates to drive the index table 20. As a result, the drive shaft 35 can reliably and accurately perform intermittent rotation of the index table 20 by applying a brake to the drive shaft 35 with the brake pin 39.

[0042] In the embodiment shown in Figure 7, a plurality of brake pins 39, for example, eight, are arranged around the outer circumference of the drive shaft 35 at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction, 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 set to any number from one to twelve, and furthermore, any number of brake pins 39 exceeding twelve may be provided. In addition, as long as they have the function of contacting the drive shaft 35 and applying a brake to the drive shaft 35, instead of brake pins 39 extending in the vertical direction, a plurality of brake pins 39 extending horizontally and contacting the side surface of the drive shaft 35 may be provided. In this case, the plurality of brake pins 39 may be arranged radially around the drive shaft 35 in a plan view.

[0043] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, when workpieces sent from the linear feeder 15 are stored in the pockets 20a of the index table 20 from the separation supply unit 16, the workpieces are transported along the base 21 as the index table 20 rotates intermittently in the direction of arrow L along the clockwise direction, and the presence or absence of workpieces in the pockets 20a is first detected by the initial detection unit 72. Specifically, this initial detection unit 72 detects whether or not the workpiece W is in a predetermined position in the pocket 20a. Subsequently, the electrical characteristics of the workpiece in the pocket 20a are inspected by the electrical inspection unit 73, and then, according to the results of the electrical performance inspection, the workpiece is stored in the storage box 6 via tubes 80 from eight workpiece discharge units 52A. In this embodiment, an example in which the index table 20 is rotated clockwise is shown, but it is not limited to this and the index table 20 may also be rotated counterclockwise. In this way, an inspection station in which the workpiece W is inspected is provided between the supply station in which workpieces W are supplied to the index table 20 and the discharge station in which workpieces W are discharged from the index table 20.

[0044] The inspection chamber 2, located within frame 1, is a sealed space. The temperature inside the inspection chamber 2 is kept constant by a temperature control device 5 mounted on shelf 5a of frame 1, and temperature control piping (not shown) connecting the temperature control device 5 to the inspection chamber 2. In Figures 1 and 2, the inspection chamber 2 is shown as open for convenience.

[0045] Next, the operation of this embodiment, which has the above configuration, will be described.

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

[0047] Next, the workpieces fed from the hopper 11 to the parts feeder 12 are aligned and sorted in the parts feeder 12. The sorted workpieces in the parts feeder 12 are transported in a single line by the linear feeder 15 and transferred from the separation and supply unit 16 to the pockets 20a of the index table 20.

[0048] The index table 20 remains stationary while a workpiece is being transferred into the pocket 20a of the index table 20. Once the workpiece 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 stored in the pocket 20a of the index table 20 is transported while sliding on the base 21. The index table 20 then stops, and the presence or absence of a workpiece 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 arrow L, and when the workpiece in pocket 20a reaches the electrical inspection unit 73, the index table 20 stops, and the electrical inspection unit 73 performs an electrical inspection on the workpiece in pocket 20a.

[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 inspected by the electrical inspection unit 73, the control unit 8A divides the workpieces into multiple categories, for example, eight performance categories, and discharges the workpieces in the pockets 20a of the index table 20 outwards from the workpiece discharge units 52A corresponding to the performance categories of these eight categories. The workpieces discharged outwards from the workpiece discharge units 52A are then sent via the tubes 80 into the storage boxes 6 corresponding to each workpiece discharge unit 52A.

[0051] Next, the operation of the workpiece transport device 10 during this period will be described in detail using the flowchart shown in Figure 8.

[0052] First, the index table 20 rotates, and a workpiece consisting of temperature-sensitive electronic components such as a thermistor is transported into the pocket 20a (S1 in Figure 8).

[0053] Next, the workpiece in pocket 20a reaches the electrical inspection unit 73, and an electrical inspection of the workpiece is performed (S2).

[0054] As described above, the 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, which is divided according to performance according to the inspection results (S3).

[0055] Subsequently, as the index table 20 rotates intermittently, the workpieces in the pockets 20a are gradually transported downstream. When the workpieces in each pocket 20a reach the workpiece discharge unit 52A (discharge station) determined by the control unit 8A, they are discharged from the pockets 20a by the workpiece discharge unit 52A and collected in the corresponding storage box 6 via the tube 80 (S4). As described above, in this embodiment, a workpiece discharge unit 52A is provided at each of the multiple (8) intermittent stop positions, and the workpieces W in each pocket 20a are discharged at the intermittent stop position where the workpiece discharge unit 52A is provided according to the inspection result by the electrical inspection unit 73. In this way, the multiple (8) intermittent stop positions constitute a discharge station where the workpieces W from the pockets 20a (index table 20) are discharged.

[0056] The workpiece transfer device 10 performs the above-described series of processes on a large number of workpieces fed from the hopper 11 to the parts feeder 12, thereby classifying and collecting each workpiece into storage boxes 6 according to its performance.

[0057] Figure 9 is a plan view showing an example of the state of the workpiece W housed in the pocket 20a (index table 20) intermittently arranged in the discharge station Sd, and the workpiece discharge section 52A (outer peripheral cover 50).

[0058] As described above, each workpiece W is supplied one by one to the pockets 20a of the index table (transfer device) 20 by the supply device (hopper 11, parts feeder 12, linear feeder 15, separation supply unit 16) at the supply station. Thereafter, each workpiece W is intermittently transferred from the supply station to the discharge station Sd by the intermittently rotating index table 20.

[0059] Each workpiece W is then inspected by an electrical inspection unit (inspection device) 73 at an inspection station between the supply station and the discharge station Sd. At the discharge station Sd, each workpiece W is discharged from the corresponding pocket 20a (index table 20) to the storage box 6 via the workpiece discharge unit 52A.

[0060] In other words, the control unit (control device) 8A selects an "assigned storage box 6" from among multiple storage boxes 6, which is a storage box 6 to be assigned to each workpiece W, based on the inspection results of the electrical inspection unit 73. The control unit 8A then controls the air ejection and suction unit 54 (discharge device) to blow discharge air onto each workpiece W at the discharge station Sd (particularly the intermittent stop position associated with the assigned storage box 6), and move the workpiece W toward the discharge path Pd connected to the corresponding assigned storage box 6.

[0061] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 9, the index table 20 intermittently stops with the pocket 20a and the discharge hole 52 facing each other at the discharge station Sd. While the index table 20 is intermittently stopped, discharge air (compressed air) is blown into the pocket 20a at the discharge station Sd by the air ejection suction unit 54 through the air path 55. As a result, the workpiece W moves from the pocket 20a toward the discharge hole 52, and then proceeds toward the storage box 6 through the workpiece discharge section 52A (discharge hole 52 and suction hole 53) and the tube 80. In this way, the air ejection suction unit 54 functions as a discharge device that discharges the workpiece W from the index table 20 at the discharge station Sd.

[0062] Furthermore, in the transfer path of each workpiece W according to the index table 20, the air ejection unit 54 sucks in the air from each pocket 20a through the air path 55 at locations other than the discharge station Sd (especially between the supply station and the discharge station Sd). As a result, the workpiece W in each pocket 20a is sucked towards the air path 55 side (i.e., the inside of the pocket 20a), preventing it from being ejected from the corresponding pocket 20a by centrifugal force or the like.

[0063] In this manner, the workpiece W discharged from the pocket 20a of the index table 20 is collected by the collection unit into one of the multiple storage boxes 6 located in the collection section Sr. The collection unit here refers to a device that contributes to the collection of the workpiece W discharged from the pocket 20a (index table 20) into the storage box 6. In addition to the workpiece discharge section 52A (discharge hole 52 and suction hole 53), tube 80 and collection section Sr described above, the collection unit in this example includes a tube connection section 81 (discharge path Pd and assist air path Pa), a box holding section 90 and an assist air device 58, as shown in Figures 10 to 11 below.

[0064] Figure 10 is a side view of the workpiece discharge section 52A, tube 80, tube connection section 81, and storage box 6. Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating the internal configuration of the tube connection section 81 (particularly the discharge path Pd and the assist air path Pa).

[0065] In the example shown in Figures 10 and 11, the tube 80 connected to the workpiece discharge section 52A (suction hole 53) and the storage box 6 held by the box holding section 90 are connected to each other via the tube connection section 81. The tube connection section 81 is further connected to the assist air device 58 via the assist air piping 83. In this example, the assist air device 58 is provided on the outer peripheral cover 50, but the assist air device 58 can be installed in any location.

[0066] Inside the tube connection section 81, there are passages that constitute the discharge path Pd and passages that constitute the assist air path Pa. The discharge path Pd is a passage that guides the workpiece W toward the storage box 6. The assist air path Pa is connected to and merges with the discharge path Pd, and is a passage that guides assist air to promote the movement of the workpiece W toward the storage box 6 in the discharge path Pd while preventing backflow of the workpiece W.

[0067] In this embodiment, each storage box 6 is provided with its own unique discharge path Pd and assist air path Pa. Therefore, in this embodiment, the entire apparatus is provided with multiple discharge paths Pd that guide the workpiece W toward each of the multiple storage boxes 6, and multiple assist air paths Pa that merge toward each of the multiple discharge paths Pd, and assist air is blown into all of the multiple discharge paths Pd via the assist air paths Pa. It should be noted that it is not necessarily required that assist air paths Pa be provided for all of the multiple discharge paths Pd assigned to each of the multiple storage boxes 6, and assist air paths Pa may be provided only for some of the multiple discharge paths Pd.

[0068] In the tube connection section 81, the passage that constitutes the discharge path Pd communicates with the inner passage of the tube 80 at one end and with the through-passage formed in the box holding section 90 (particularly the covering section 91 that constitutes the ceiling) and the storage box 6 at the other end. In this way, the inner passage of the tube 80 and the through-passage in the box holding section 90 (covering section 91) also constitute the discharge path Pd that guides the workpiece W toward the storage box 6.

[0069] In addition to the through-passes that constitute the discharge path Pd, the covering portion 91 also has through-passes that constitute the exhaust path Pf. The exhaust path Pf is intended to guide air from the inner space of the storage box 6, which is held by the box holding portion 90, to the outside. That is, air (including assist air) is introduced into the inner space of the storage box 6 along with the workpiece W via the discharge path Pd, while air is discharged from the inner space of the storage box 6 to the outside via the exhaust path Pf. In order to prevent the workpiece W from entering the exhaust path Pf from the inside of the storage box 6, a member (for example, a mesh member) that allows the passage of air but does not allow the passage of the workpiece W is provided in the exhaust path Pf.

[0070] The assist air path Pa provided at the tube connection section 81 communicates with the inner passage of the assist air piping 83 at one end and communicates with (merges with) the discharge path Pd (particularly the discharge path Pd provided at the tube connection section 81) at the other end. The inner passage of the assist air piping 83 also constitutes the assist air path Pa that guides the assist air from the assist air device 58, and the assist air device 58 blows assist air into the discharge path Pd via the assist air path Pa. The assist air device 58 may blow assist air into the discharge path Pd continuously (at all times) or intermittently, but it is preferable to blow assist air into the discharge path Pd at least while the workpiece W is passing through the discharge path Pd toward the storage box 6.

[0071] The opening of the assist air path Pa of the tube connection section 81 at the point where it merges with the discharge path Pd is oriented in a direction that follows the direction that guides the workpiece W toward the storage box 6 in the discharge path Pd (i.e., the workpiece guiding direction Dw) (i.e., a direction that does not oppose the workpiece guiding direction Dw). The assist air flowing from the assist air path Pa into the discharge path Pd flows mostly or entirely in the workpiece guiding direction Dw in the discharge path Pd, assisting the movement of the workpiece W toward the workpiece guiding direction Dw in the discharge path Pd, and preventing backflow of the workpiece W (i.e., movement of the workpiece W toward the tube 80 and the workpiece discharge section 52A). Therefore, the flow direction of the assist air flowing in the assist air path Pa just before it merges with the discharge path Pd (assist air direction Da) includes the directional component of the workpiece guiding direction Dw in the discharge path Pd just after it merges with the assist air path Pa.

[0072] In this manner, the assist air flows from the assist air path Pa into the discharge path Pd so as to create an airflow in the workpiece guidance direction Dw within the discharge path Pd.

[0073] Figure 12 is a side view showing an example of the box holding section 90. In Figure 12, the tube 80 connected to the tube connection section 81 and the assist air piping 83 (see Figures 10 and 11) are not shown.

[0074] The box holding section 90 shown in Figure 12 comprises a covering section (ceiling section) 91, a mounting section (bottom section) 92, a biasing section 93, and a support base 94, and as a whole has a housing structure. The box holding section 90 also includes side sections (side plates) provided on both sides, and partition walls that separate the space (recovery section Sr) enclosed by the covering section 91, the mounting section 92, and the side sections into multiple partitioned areas. Each of the multiple partitioned areas is assigned to a plurality of storage boxes 6, and the assigned storage boxes 6 are detachably arranged in each partitioned area.

[0075] The covering portion 91 is provided to cover the opening 6A of each storage box 6 located in the recovery section Sr. The covering portion 91 may be provided as a single structure that covers the entirety of the multiple compartment areas assigned to the multiple storage boxes 6, or it may be composed of multiple separate structures that cover each of the multiple compartment areas. As described above, the covering portion 91 is provided with multiple discharge paths Pd that are assigned to each of the multiple storage boxes 6, passing through the covering portion 91. These discharge paths Pd are connected to the inner space of each of the multiple storage boxes 6 set on the mounting surface 92a of the mounting portion 92, via the opening 6A of each storage box 6.

[0076] The mounting section 92 has a mounting surface 92a on which multiple storage boxes 6 can be placed, and is provided to be movable in the vertical direction (height direction). In this example, the mounting section 92 is pivotably attached to the pivot shaft 95 at the end opposite to the lateral opening 96, and is provided to be pivotable in the vertical direction around the pivot shaft 95.

[0077] The support base 94 is fixedly installed. A biasing part 93 is provided between the support base 94 and the mounting part 92, and the biasing part 93 biases the mounting part 92 upward. By biasing the mounting part 92 upward in this way, the upper end of each storage box 6 on the mounting surface 92a can be reliably pressed against the covering part 91, and a gap can be formed between the upper end of each storage box 6 and the covering part 91 that would allow the workpiece W to escape.

[0078] The biasing unit 93 in this example is composed of an elastic device such as a spring. The mechanism for moving the mounting unit 92 in the vertical direction is not limited to the example shown in Figure 12 and can be implemented by any mechanism. For example, the mounting unit 92 may be provided so that the entire unit can move in the vertical direction without swinging. The biasing unit 93 may also be composed of any device that, under the control of the control unit 8A, can apply an upward force to the mounting unit 92 such that at least a part of the mounting unit 92 moves upward for a desired amount of time.

[0079] Multiple storage boxes 6 are provided so as to be detachable from the recovery section Sr between the covering section 91 and the mounting section 92 via the side opening 96 of the box holding section 90. Attachment and detachment of each storage box 6 to the recovery section Sr may be performed manually or mechanically by a device (not shown). In this example, a worker (user) can set each storage box 6 in the box holding section 90 by grasping the handles provided on each storage box 6 and placing it in the recovery section Sr, or remove it from the box holding section 90 by moving it from the recovery section Sr.

[0080] The mounting surface 92a is inclined with the storage boxes 6 placed on it, and each storage box 6 is placed on the mounting surface 92a in an inclined position (i.e., inclined toward the rear of the device) in the recovery section Sr, such that the end on the side of the lateral opening 96 (the right end in Figure 12) is positioned higher than the opposite end (the left end in Figure 12). The mounting section 92 is provided with a box stopper 97 that protrudes upward from the mounting surface 92a, and the movement of each storage box 6 (especially toward the rear of the device) is restricted by the box stopper 97.

[0081] By having each storage box 6 assume this tilted position, gravity prevents each storage box 6 from unintentionally flying out through the side opening 96. In addition, each storage box 6 is securely and stably positioned in the desired setting position by the box stopper 97.

[0082] As described above, according to the above embodiment, when the workpiece W is recovered from the index table 20 to the corresponding storage box 6, assist air is blown into the discharge path Pd via the assist air path Pa, thereby promoting the movement of the workpiece W to the storage box 6 while reducing the occurrence of workpiece return.

[0083] In particular, downstream of the confluence point of the discharge path Pd with the assist air path Pa, the workpiece W is forcibly moved toward the storage box 6 by the assist air flowing toward the storage box 6. Furthermore, upstream of the confluence point of the discharge path Pd with the assist air path Pa, the assist air contributes to creating an airflow that pulls the workpiece W downstream, thereby assisting in the transport of the workpiece W toward the storage box 6.

[0084] Furthermore, each storage box 6, while set in the box holding section 90 (recovery section Sr), is positioned on the mounting surface 92a by the box stopper 97 and has an inclined posture, so that it can be stably positioned at the desired location on the recovery section Sr for a long period of time. In addition, the mounting section 92 is biased upward by the biasing section 93, so that the upper end of each storage box 6 on the mounting surface 92a is reliably pressed against the covering section 91, preventing the workpiece W inside each storage box 6 from unintentionally scattering through the opening 6A at the upper end.

[0085] In this embodiment, the index table 20 is mounted on the fixing plate 45 via a support column 46, and the index table drive unit 30 as a whole is mounted on the fixing plate 45 via a support column 47. Therefore, the base 21 and the index table drive unit 30 are fixed independently within the frame 1. Furthermore, the index table 20 on the base 21 is positioned spaced upward from the base 21, and the upper end portion 31a of the drive unit body 31 of the index table drive unit 30 is also spaced apart from the base 21.

[0086] Therefore, heat and vibration generated in the index table drive unit 30 are not transmitted to the base 21. As a result, the electrical inspection unit 73 can perform highly accurate electrical inspections on workpieces such as thermistors, which are particularly sensitive to temperature. Furthermore, an eccentric pin 33a is provided that passes through the drive unit body 31 and the lifting bearing 32, and by rotating this eccentric pin 33a, the lifting bearing 32 can be raised and lowered in the vertical direction. This allows the drive shaft 35 and the index table 20, which are rotatably supported within the lifting bearing 32, to be raised and lowered in the vertical direction, creating a gap between the base 21 and the index table 20, and this gap can be adjusted.

[0087] As a result, the heat and vibration transmitted from the index table drive unit 30 to the index table 20 are not transmitted to the base 21, and this does not interfere with the electrical inspection of the workpiece on the base 21.

[0088] Furthermore, the workpiece transport device 10 is housed inside the inspection chamber 2, and the temperature inside the inspection chamber 2 is maintained at a constant temperature by the temperature control device 5, so that temperature-sensitive workpieces can be inspected accurately by the electrical inspection unit 73.

[0089] Furthermore, a workpiece detection unit 60, located at a position corresponding to the workpiece discharge unit 52A, detects the position of the workpiece both before and after workpiece discharge. Therefore, before workpiece discharge, it is possible to know in advance, for example, if a workpiece has fallen out of the pocket 20a of the index table 20 while the index table 20 is rotating.

[0090] Furthermore, the brake pin 39 is mounted within the lifting bearing 32 via a spring 38 and extends vertically within the lifting bearing 32. The brake pin 39 is also biased upward by the spring 38 and contacts the lower surface of the upper part 35a of the drive shaft 35. As a result, the brake pin 39 can constantly apply a brake to the lower surface of the upper part 35a of the drive shaft 35. This prevents the drive shaft 35 from rotating due to inertia when it rotates to drive the index table 20. Therefore, the drive shaft 35 can reliably and accurately perform intermittent rotation of the index table 20 while the brake pin 39 applies a brake to the drive shaft 35.

[0091] As described above, the workpiece transfer device 10 of this embodiment includes a base 21 having an opening 21a on which an index table 20 of the transfer device is provided above, and an index table 20 drive unit extending through the opening 21a of the base 21 and rotationally driving the index table 20. The index table drive unit 30 includes a drive unit body 31 and a drive shaft 35 provided inside the drive unit body 31 and connected to the index table 20. In a plan view, the upper end of the drive unit body 31 is contained within the opening 21a of the base 21, and the upper end of the drive unit body 31 does not come into contact with the base 21.

[0092] Furthermore, the index table drive unit 30 and the base 21 are independently supported by separate supports.

[0093] Furthermore, the drive shaft 35 is supported by the drive unit body 31 via a lifting bearing 32, and the drive shaft 35 and the lifting bearing 32 can move vertically relative to the drive unit body 31 by rotating an eccentric pin 33a that passes through the drive unit body 31 and the lifting bearing 32.

[0094] The index table drive unit 30 also includes a drive unit body 31 and a drive shaft 35 provided inside the drive unit body 31 and connected to the index table 20. The drive shaft 35 is supported by the drive unit body 31 via a lifting bearing 32, and a brake pin 39 is provided on the lifting bearing 32 that contacts the index table drive unit 30 to suppress the rotation of the index table 20. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0095] 1 Frame, 2 Inspection chamber, 5 Temperature control device, 5a Shelf, 6 Storage box, 6a Shelf, 6A Opening, 8 Control room, 8A Control unit, 10 Work transport device, 11 Hopper, 12 Parts feeder, 15 Linear feeder, 16 Separation and supply unit, 20 Index table, 20a Pocket, 20A Rotating shaft, 21 Base, 21a Opening, 30 Index table drive unit, 31 Drive unit body, 31a Upper end, 32 Lifting bearing, 33a Eccentric pin, 33b Locking screw, 35 Drive shaft, 35a Upper part, 36 First bearing, 37 Second bearing, 38 Spring, 39 Brake pin, 41 Encoder, 42 Drive motor, 45 Fixing plate, 46 Support column, 47 Support column, 48 Fixing bolt, 50 Outer perimeter cover, 52 Discharge hole, 52A Work discharge unit, 53 54 Suction hole, 55 Air ejection suction unit, 55 Air path, 58 Assist air device, 60 Work detection unit, 70 Light projection unit, 72 Initial detection unit, 73 Electrical inspection unit, 80 Tube, 81 Tube connection unit, 83 Assist air piping, 90 Box holding unit, 91 Covering unit, 92a Mounting surface, 92 Mounting unit, 93 Biasing unit, 94 Support base, 95 Swivel axis, 96 Side opening, 97 Box stopper, Da Assist air direction, Dw Work guide direction, Sd Discharge station, Sr Recovery section, Pa Assist air path, Pd Discharge path, Pf Exhaust path, W Work

Claims

1. A transfer device that moves workpieces from the supply station to the discharge station, An inspection device for inspecting the workpiece between the supply station and the discharge station, The discharge station includes a discharge device that discharges the workpiece from the transfer device, A collection unit having a collection section in which multiple storage boxes are arranged, and collecting the workpiece discharged from the transfer device into one of the multiple storage boxes, The aforementioned recovery unit is Multiple discharge paths for guiding the workpiece toward each of the multiple storage boxes, An assist air path that merges with at least one of the aforementioned multiple discharge paths, An assist air device that blows assist air into at least one of the plurality of discharge paths via the assist air path, Having, Workpiece transport device.

2. Equipped with a control device, The control device is Based on the inspection results of the inspection device, an assigned storage box, which is a storage box to be assigned to the workpiece, is selected from among the plurality of storage boxes. At the discharge station, discharge air is blown onto the workpiece, and the discharge device is controlled to move the workpiece toward the discharge path connected to the assigned storage box. The workpiece transport device according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned recovery unit is In the aforementioned collection section, a covering portion is provided to cover the opening of each of the plurality of storage boxes, A mounting section that is provided to be movable in the vertical direction and has a mounting surface on which the plurality of storage boxes are placed, A biasing unit that biases the mounting unit upward, It has, The aforementioned multiple discharge paths penetrate the covering portion and are connected to the inner spaces of each of the aforementioned multiple storage boxes. The plurality of storage boxes are provided so as to be detachable from the collection section through the side opening of the collection unit. The aforementioned mounting surface is inclined, and each of the plurality of storage boxes is placed on the aforementioned mounting surface in an inclined position such that the end on the side with the opening is positioned higher than the end on the opposite side. A workpiece transport device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. A base having an opening, on which an index table of the transfer device is provided above, The base comprises an index table drive unit that extends through the opening and rotates the index table, The index table drive unit comprises a drive unit body and a drive shaft provided within the drive unit body and connected to the index table. The upper end of the drive unit body, in a plan view, fits within the opening of the base, and the upper end of the drive unit body does not come into contact with the base. A workpiece transport device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. A base having an opening, on which an index table of the transfer device is provided above, The base comprises an index table drive unit that extends through the opening and rotates the index table, The workpiece transport device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the index table drive unit and the base are independently supported by a separate support.

6. The workpiece conveying device according to claim 4, wherein the drive shaft is supported by the drive unit body via a lifting bearing, and the drive shaft and the lifting 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 lifting bearing.

7. A base having an opening, on which an index table of the transfer device is provided above, The base comprises an index table drive unit that extends through the opening and rotates the index table, The index table drive unit comprises a drive unit body and a drive shaft provided within the drive unit body and connected to the index table, wherein the drive shaft is supported by the drive unit body via a lifting bearing. The lifting bearing is provided with a brake pin that contacts the index table drive unit to suppress the rotation of the index table. The workpiece transport device according to claim 1.

8. A workpiece transport device according to claim 1, The facility comprises an inspection chamber surrounding the aforementioned workpiece transport device, A workpiece inspection system equipped with a temperature control device for adjusting the temperature of the inspection room.

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