Workpiece transfer device

Abstract

This suppresses the retention and clogging of workpieces in the workpiece supply passage of a road truck. [Solution] The work supply passage includes an opening that opens toward the pockets of the index table, an upper wall portion located radially toward the center of the circle, and a lower wall portion located radially toward the opposite side of the upper wall portion. The work supply passage includes an R-shaped structure in which the lower wall portion is curved such that the distance between the upper wall portion and the lower wall portion widens toward the opening when viewed in a cross-section passing through the center of the circle and along the thickness direction of the load track.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] A work transfer device for transferring a work (electronic component) is known. The work transfer device includes a base, a disk-shaped index table rotatably disposed on the base, and an arc-shaped load track disposed on the index table. In the work transfer device, the work is first supplied to the work supply passage of the load track. Subsequently, the work passes through the work supply passage and is accommodated in the pocket of the index table. Next, the work is conveyed to a work test device in a state of being accommodated in the pocket, and an electrical test is performed by the work test device. Thereafter, the work is conveyed to a work discharge unit, sorted by the work discharge unit, and sent to a recovery device through a discharge tube.

[0003] For example, as shown in Patent Documents 1 and 2, it is common for a work transfer device to be arranged with the base, index table, and load track inclined with respect to the vertical direction. However, in this case, the discharge tube faces obliquely upward near the inlet of the discharge tube, and there is a risk that the work may remain in the discharge tube during work discharge. On the other hand, for example, as shown in Patent Document 3, a configuration in which the base, index table, and load track are arranged along the vertical direction (vertically) is also known. However, in this case, it becomes difficult for the work in the work supply passage of the load track to enter the pocket of the index table, and there is a risk that the work may remain in the work supply passage, or the work may overlap with each other in the work supply passage, resulting in work jamming.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

[0005] In view of the above, this disclosure aims to provide a workpiece transport device that can suppress the retention and clogging of workpieces in the workpiece supply passage of a road truck. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] Embodiments of this disclosure relate to the following [1] to [7].

[0007] [1] Bass and, A disc-shaped index table rotatably arranged on the base, The index table includes an arc-shaped road track arranged on the aforementioned index table, The aforementioned index table includes multiple pockets, each for storing a workpiece and arranged along the circumference. The load track extends along the circumferential direction and includes a work supply passage through which the workpiece supplied to the pocket passes, The workpiece supply passage includes an opening that opens toward the pocket of the index table, an upper wall portion located on the side of the center of the circle in the radial direction, and a lower wall portion located on the opposite side from the upper wall portion in the radial direction. A workpiece conveying device in which the workpiece supply passage includes an R-shaped structure in which the lower wall portion is curved such that, when viewed in a cross-section passing through the center of the circle and along the thickness direction of the load track, the distance between the upper wall portion and the lower wall portion widens towards the opening.

[0008] [2] The workpiece transport device according to [1], wherein the R structure is formed in an arc shape when viewed in the cross-section.

[0009] [3] The workpiece transport device according to [1], wherein the workpiece supply passage is located adjacent to the R structure on the opposite side of the opening in the thickness direction when viewed in the cross-section, and the upper wall portion and the lower wall portion are formed in a straight line along the thickness direction.

[0010] [4] The workpiece transport device according to [3], wherein the road track includes an air ejection hole for ejecting air onto the workpiece in the first straight section.

[0011] [5] The workpiece transport device according to [3], wherein the road track includes a vibrating section for vibrating the workpiece in the first straight section.

[0012] [6] The workpiece supply passage, when viewed in cross-section, is located between the R-structure and the opening in the thickness direction, and includes a second straight section in which the upper wall and the lower wall are formed in a straight line along the thickness direction, as described in any of [1] to [5].

[0013] [7] The workpiece transport device according to any one of [1] to [6], wherein the load track is arranged along the vertical direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to this disclosure, it is possible to suppress the retention and clogging of workpieces in the workpiece supply passage of the road track. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the schematic configuration of the workpiece transfer device. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a front view of Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the workpiece testing apparatus elements included in Figure 2. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a front view showing an enlarged version of the road track in Figure 2. [Figure 5]FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 4. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the work supply passage of FIG. 5. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the work supply passage of FIG. 5 as viewed from the inside.

Embodiments for Carrying out the Invention

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

[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a work transfer device 10. FIG. 2 is a front view of FIG. 1. The work transfer device 10 is a device for transferring a work W. The work W is an electronic component such as a capacitor or an inductor, for example. The work transfer device 10 transfers the work W by intermittently rotating the index table 11 with the work W accommodated in the pocket 12 of the index table 11. The work transfer device 10 transfers the work W to the work test device 30A, and the work test device 30A performs an electrical test on the work W. Thereafter, the work transfer device 10 transfers the work W to the work discharge unit 50, sorts it by the work discharge unit 50, and discharges it from the work discharge unit 50 to the recovery device 55.

[0018] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the work transfer device 10 includes a structure 10A, an index table 11, a load truck 20, a work test device 30A, a work discharge unit 50, and a recovery device 55.

[0019] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the structure 10A includes a base 10a. The base 10a rotatably supports the index table 11.

[0020] The index table 11 is rotatably positioned on the base 10a. The index table 11 is formed in a disc shape. The index table 11 includes a plurality of pockets 12 arranged along the circumference, each of which accommodates a workpiece W. In the illustrated example, the index table 11 includes eight rows of pockets 12. The pockets 12 accommodate workpieces W supplied through the workpiece supply passage 22 of the load track 20, which will be described later.

[0021] The index table 11 rotates around a rotation axis 11a. The rotation axis 11a includes the center 11c of the index table 11. The index table 11 rotates intermittently on one side in the circumferential direction (in the direction of the arrow in Figures 1 and 2). The index table 11 transports the workpiece W by rotating intermittently while the workpiece W is contained in the pocket 12. The index table 11 is driven by a drive mechanism (not shown). The index table 11 is made of a resin material such as synthetic resin.

[0022] The load track 20 is positioned on the index table 11. In the illustrated example, the load track 20 is located below the index table 11. The load track 20 is formed in an arc shape. As will be described later, the load track 20 extends along the circumference of the index table 11 and includes a work supply passage 22 through which workpieces W supplied to the pockets 12 of the index table 11 pass. A work supply unit (not shown) is connected to the load track 20 for supplying workpieces W to the load track 20. Workpieces W supplied from the work supply unit are supplied to the pockets 12 of the index table 11 through the work supply passage 22 of the load track 20. Details of the structure of the load track 20 will be described later.

[0023] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, in the workpiece transport device 10, the base 10a, index table 11, and load track 20 are arranged vertically. That is, the base 10a, index table 11, and load track 20 are arranged along the vertical direction. "Along the vertical direction" means that the inclination angle θ of the base 10a, index table 11, and load track 20 with respect to the vertical direction is between 85 degrees and 95 degrees.

[0024] The workpiece testing device 30A is positioned on the index table 11. In the illustrated example, the workpiece testing device 30A is located above the index table 11. The workpiece testing device 30A is positioned to partially cover the index table 11. The workpiece testing device 30A performs electrical testing on the workpiece W stored in the pockets 12 of the index table 11.

[0025] As shown in Figure 2, the workpiece testing apparatus 30A includes a workpiece testing apparatus cover 41 and a plurality of workpiece testing apparatus elements 42. The plurality of workpiece testing apparatus elements 42 are arranged circumferentially on the index table 11. In the illustrated example, the workpiece testing apparatus 30A includes 12 workpiece testing apparatus elements 42. The workpiece testing apparatus cover 41 is provided to cover these workpiece testing apparatus elements 42.

[0026] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the workpiece testing device element 42 included in Figure 2. As shown in Figure 3, the workpiece testing device element 42 includes a plurality of probes 30. Each probe 30 performs an electrical test on a workpiece W stored in a pocket 12 of the index table 11. More specifically, each probe 30 applies an electrical load to the workpiece W and performs an electrical test. Based on the test results, the workpiece W is sorted by the workpiece discharge unit 50 and sent to the recovery device 55.

[0027] The electrical load applied by probe 30 can be as follows: if workpiece W is a capacitor, a DC voltage load of 2.5 times the rated voltage can be considered; for example, if the rated voltage is 10V, a DC voltage load of 25V can be considered. If workpiece W is a capacitor, an AC voltage load of 2.5 times the rated voltage can be considered; for example, if the rated voltage is 10V, a maximum AC voltage load of 25V, 50Hz can be considered. If workpiece W is an inductor, a current load of 1.5 times the rated current can be considered; for example, if the rated DC current is 1,000mA, a load of 1,500mA can be considered.

[0028] In addition to its function of applying an electrical load, probe 30 has the function of performing electrical tests on the workpiece W. When workpiece W is a capacitor, probe 30 can detect capacitance (C), loss factor (Df), and quality factor (Q: reciprocal of Df). Alternatively, probe 30 can detect leakage current (insulation resistance can be determined from leakage current and applied voltage), capacitance under DC voltage bias (AC capacitance when DC voltage is applied), withstand voltage (BDV dielectric breakdown voltage), and contact between probe 30 and workpiece W due to inrush current. Alternatively, when workpiece W is an inductor, probe 30 can detect inductance (L), DC resistance (Rdc), and withstand current.

[0029] As shown in Figure 3, the workpiece testing apparatus element 42 includes a plurality of probes 30 corresponding to each workpiece W. Each probe 30 is made of a material with high thermal expansion, high thermal conductivity, and high electrical conductivity, such as a copper alloy such as beryllium copper. Each probe 30 is held by a probe holder 31.

[0030] The probe holder 31 includes multilayer probe holder bodies 32a, 32b, 32c and sheet materials 33a, 33b located between each probe holder body 32a, 32b, 32c. In the illustrated example, the probe holder 31 includes three layers of probe holder bodies 32a, 32b, 32c.

[0031] The probe holder bodies 32a, 32b, and 32c are made of a material with low thermal expansion, low thermal conductivity, and low electrical conductivity, such as Photoveil material (registered trademark). A probe heater 35 is provided inside the probe holder body 32b to heat the entire probe holder 31. This probe heater 35 heats the probe 30, and the workpiece W can be heated from the probe 30 side.

[0032] The sheet materials 33a and 33b are made of a material with high thermal conductivity and high electrical conductivity, such as a graphite sheet material. In this case, in order to prevent electrical conductivity between the sheet materials 33a and 33b and the probe 30, through-holes larger than the outer diameter of the probe 30 may be formed in the sheet materials 33a and 33b, and the probe 30 may be placed inside these through-holes.

[0033] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, an electrode section 36A is provided below the probe 30. The electrode section 36A performs an electrical test on the workpiece W in relation to the probe 30. The electrode section 36A is supported by the base 10a.

[0034] The electrode section 36A includes an electrode 36 and an electrode holder 37. The electrode 36 performs an electrical test on the workpiece W in relation to the probe 30. The electrode holder 37 holds the electrode 36. An electrode heater 38 is provided inside the electrode holder 37 for heating the electrode holder 37. This electrode heater 38 heats the electrode 36, and the workpiece W can also be heated from the electrode 36 side.

[0035] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the probe 30 and electrode 36 are connected to an electrical circuit 30a. This electrical circuit 30a performs an electrical test on the workpiece W between the probe 30 and electrode 36. The electrical circuit 30a is also connected to a control unit 40.

[0036] Thus, the workpiece testing apparatus element 42 is composed of a probe 30, a probe holder 31 that holds the probe 30 and includes a probe heater 35, an electrode portion 36A provided below the probe 30, and an electrical circuit 30a.

[0037] The workpiece discharge unit 50 is located on the index table 11. In the illustrated example, the workpiece discharge unit 50 is located below the index table 11. The workpiece discharge unit 50 discharges the workpiece W that has been electrically tested by the workpiece testing device 30A.

[0038] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the workpiece discharge unit 50 includes a workpiece discharge unit body 50a and a discharge tube 51. The workpiece discharge unit body 50a is provided on the base 10a of the structure 10A. The discharge tube 51 is a discharge path for discharging workpieces W contained in the pockets 12 of the index table 11 to the outside. One end of the discharge tube 51 is connected to the workpiece discharge unit body 50a, and the other end is connected to the recovery device 55.

[0039] The workpiece discharge unit 50 can sort workpieces W based on the results of an electrical test performed by the workpiece testing device 30A. The workpieces W are sorted by the workpiece discharge unit 50 and sent from the discharge tube 51 to a predetermined recovery device 55. More specifically, the results of the electrical test performed by the probe 30 are sent from the electrical circuit 30a to the control unit 40. Based on the results of the electrical test, the control unit 40 uses an air ejection mechanism (not shown) provided on the base 10a to eject air from the workpiece discharge unit 50, sending the workpieces W in the pockets 12 of the index table 11 to the predetermined recovery device 55 via the discharge tube 51.

[0040] The recovery device 55 is located in the lower part of the structure 10A. The recovery device 55 recovers the workpieces W sent from the workpiece discharge section 50 through the discharge tube 51. Multiple recovery devices 55 are installed to recover the workpieces W sorted based on the results of the electrical test by the workpiece testing device 30A, according to their sorting categories. In the illustrated example, six recovery devices 55 are installed. The workpieces W in the pockets 12 of the index table 11 are sorted in the workpiece discharge section 50 and sent via the discharge tube 51 to their respective predetermined recovery devices 55.

[0041] Next, the structure of the load track 20 will be described in detail. Figure 4 is a front view showing an enlarged view of the load track 20 in Figure 2. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 4. Line AA is a straight line extending radially through the center 11c of the index table 11. That is, Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view passing through the center 11c of the index table 11 and along the thickness direction of the load track 20. The load track 20 is a plate-like member formed in an arc shape. The load track 20 is made of, for example, a metal material.

[0042] The load track 20 includes a load track body 21 and a work supply passage 22 formed in the load track body 21. The work supply passage 22 extends along the circumferential direction of the index table 11. That is, the work supply passage 22 is formed in an arc shape. The work supply passage 22 is a work supply passage through which workpieces W supplied to the pockets 12 of the index table 11 pass. The work supply passage 22 may be formed to penetrate the load track body 21, or it may be formed in a concave shape on the surface of the load track body 21.

[0043] The load track 20 may include multiple work supply passages 22. In the illustrated example, the load track 20 includes eight work supply passages 22 corresponding to eight pockets 12 of the index table 11. Workpieces W are supplied from a work supply unit (not shown) to each work supply passage 22 of the load track 20. In the illustrated example, the workpieces W are supplied from the top of the load track 20 and move by gravity, falling from top to bottom along the work supply passages 22.

[0044] The cross-sectional shape of the workpiece supply passage 22 will now be described. Figure 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the workpiece supply passage 22 shown in Figure 5. As shown in Figure 6, the workpiece supply passage 22 includes openings 23a and 23b, an upper wall portion 24, and a lower wall portion 25.

[0045] The opening 23a is located on the side of the pocket 12 of the index table 11. The opening 23a opens toward the pocket 12 of the index table 11. That is, the opening 23a faces the pocket 12 of the index table 11. The position of the lower end of the opening 23a coincides with the position of the lower end of the pocket 12 of the index table 11. Workpieces W that have passed through the workpiece supply passage 22 are supplied to the pocket 12 of the index table 11 from this opening 23a.

[0046] The opening 23b is an opening located on the opposite side of the pocket 12 of the index table 11. The opening 23b is located on the opposite side of the pocket 12 of the index table 11. The opening 23b may be covered by the load track cover 29 (see Figure 7). Alternatively, the work supply passage 22 may include a wall located on the opposite side of the pocket 12 of the index table 11 instead of the opening 23b. That is, the work supply passage 22 does not have to open on the opposite side of the pocket 12 of the index table 11.

[0047] The upper wall portion 24 is a wall surface located on the side of the circle center 11c in the radial direction. The upper wall portion 24 is composed of a part of the road track body 21. When viewed in the cross-section shown in Figure 6, the upper wall portion 24 is formed in a straight line along the thickness direction of the road track 20. That is, the upper wall portion 24 extends straight from the opening 23b to the opening 23a along the thickness direction of the road track 20.

[0048] The lower wall portion 25 is a wall surface located radially opposite to the upper wall portion 24. The lower wall portion 25 is composed of a part of the road track body 21. As will be described later, when viewed in the cross-section shown in Figure 6, the lower wall portion 25 includes a portion formed in a straight line along the thickness direction of the road track 20 (first straight portion 27 and second straight portion 28) and a curved portion (R-structure portion 26) such that the distance between it and the upper wall portion 24 widens towards the opening 23a.

[0049] The workpiece supply passage 22, when viewed in the cross-section shown in Figure 6, includes an R-shaped structure 26, a first straight section 27, and a second straight section 28.

[0050] The R-shaped structure 26 is located on the side of the opening 23a in the thickness direction of the road track 20. More specifically, the R-shaped structure 26 is located closer to the opening 23a than the first straight section 27, which will be described later, in the thickness direction of the road track 20. The R-shaped structure 26 is located further from the opening 23a than the second straight section 28, which will be described later, in the thickness direction of the road track 20. That is, the R-shaped structure 26 is located between the first straight section 27 and the second straight section 28 in the thickness direction of the road track 20.

[0051] The R-shaped structure 26 is the portion of the lower wall 25 that is curved such that the distance between the upper wall 24 and the lower wall 25 increases towards the opening 23a when viewed in the cross-section shown in Figure 6. The R-shaped structure 26 may be curved so as to be concave toward the side away from the axis of rotation 11a in the radial direction. The R-shaped structure 26 may be formed in an arc shape when viewed in the cross-section shown in Figure 6. The R-shaped structure 26 has a radius of curvature of, for example, 1.5 times or more and 5.0 times or less the longitudinal dimension of the workpiece W.

[0052] The first straight section 27 is located on the side of the opening 23b in the thickness direction of the road track 20. That is, the first straight section 27 is located on the opposite side of the opening 23a in the thickness direction of the road track 20. More specifically, the first straight section 27 is located further from the opening 23a than the R-structure section 26 and the second straight section 28 in the thickness direction of the road track 20. The first straight section 27 is located adjacent to the R-structure section 26 on the opposite side of the opening 23a in the thickness direction of the road track 20.

[0053] The first straight section 27 is a portion where, when viewed in the cross-section shown in Figure 6, the upper wall section 24 and the lower wall section 25 are formed in a straight line along the thickness direction of the road track 20. That is, the upper wall section 24 and the lower wall section 25 of the first straight section 27 extend straight from the opening 23b towards the opening 23a along the thickness direction of the road track 20. The end of the lower wall section 25 of the first straight section 27 on the opening 23a side is connected to the upper end of the R structure section 26.

[0054] The second straight section 28 is located on the side of the opening 23a in the thickness direction of the road track 20. More specifically, the second straight section 28 is located closer to the opening 23a than the first straight section 27 and the R-structure section 26 in the thickness direction of the road track 20. That is, the second straight section 28 is located between the R-structure section 26 and the opening 23a in the thickness direction of the road track 20. The second straight section 28 is located adjacent to the R-structure section 26 on the side of the opening 23a in the thickness direction of the road track 20. Also, the second straight section 28 is located adjacent to the opening 23a in the thickness direction of the road track 20.

[0055] The second straight section 28 is a portion where, when viewed in the cross-section shown in Figure 6, the upper wall section 24 and the lower wall section 25 are formed in a straight line along the thickness direction of the road track 20. That is, the upper wall section 24 and the lower wall section 25 of the second straight section 28 extend straight along the thickness direction of the road track 20 from the opening 23b side to the opening 23a. The end of the lower wall section 25 of the second straight section 28 on the opening 23a side is connected to the lower end of the opening 23a. Also, the end of the lower wall section 25 of the second straight section 28 on the opening 23b side is connected to the lower end of the R structure section 26.

[0056] The length of the second straight section 28 along the thickness direction may be shorter than the length of the first straight section 27 along the thickness direction. The length of the second straight section 28 along the thickness direction may also be shorter than the length of the R-shaped structure section 26 along the thickness direction. For example, the length of the second straight section 28 along the thickness direction is 0.5 times or more and 1.5 times or less the longitudinal dimension of the workpiece W.

[0057] The load track 20 also includes air vents 29a for blowing air onto the workpiece W in the first straight section 27. Figure 7 is a perspective view of the workpiece supply passage 22 of Figure 5, viewed from the inside (the side of the opening 23a, i.e., the side of the index table 11). As shown in Figure 7, the air vents 29a may be provided in the load track cover 29 that covers the opening 23b. Alternatively, the air vents 29a may be provided on the wall surface of the index table 11 located on the opposite side of the pocket 12. The load track 20 may include a plurality of air vents 29a along the workpiece supply passage 22.

[0058] The air ejection hole 29a ejects air supplied from an air ejection mechanism (not shown). The air ejected from the air ejection hole 29a acts to push the workpiece W in the first straight section 27 toward the pocket 12 of the index table 11. The air ejected from the air ejection hole 29a also acts to agitate (stir) the workpiece W within the workpiece supply passage 22.

[0059] Furthermore, a suction hole (not shown) is provided in the portion of the base 10a corresponding to the pocket 12 of the index table 11. The workpiece W that flows out from the opening 23a is sucked in by the suction hole and placed into the pocket 12 of the index table 11.

[0060] Next, the operation of this embodiment, which has the above configuration, will be described.

[0061] In the workpiece transport device 10, workpieces W supplied from a workpiece supply unit (not shown) are supplied to the workpiece supply passage 22 of the load track 20. The workpieces W supplied to the workpiece supply passage 22 move within the workpiece supply passage 22 by falling from top to bottom due to gravity. During this time, the index table 11 intermittently rotates to one side in the circumferential direction, one pitch at a time, of the pockets 12.

[0062] The workpiece W in the workpiece supply passage 22 moves by sliding downwards from top to bottom in the R structure section 26. Then, the workpiece W is guided straight to the lower end of the opening 23a in the second straight section 28. Since the position of the lower end of the opening 23a coincides with the position of the lower end of the pocket 12 of the index table 11, the workpiece W guided to the lower end of the opening 23a is supplied from the opening 23a to the pocket 12 of the index table 11. The workpiece W supplied to the pocket 12 of the index table 11 is sucked in by the suction hole and accommodated in the pocket 12 of the index table 11.

[0063] Furthermore, the workpiece W in the first straight section 27 is pushed towards the pocket 12 of the index table 11 by the air ejected from the air ejection hole 29a. In addition, the workpiece W in the first straight section 27 is agitated in the workpiece supply passage 22 by the air ejected from the air ejection hole 29a.

[0064] The workpiece W, placed in pocket 12, is transported to the workpiece testing device 30A by the intermittent rotation of the index table 11. Once transported to the workpiece testing device 30A, the workpiece W, while still placed in pocket 12 of the index table 11, undergoes electrical testing by the workpiece testing device 30A.

[0065] The workpieces W that have undergone electrical testing are transported to the workpiece discharge section 50 by the index table 11. The workpieces W that have undergone electrical testing are sorted by the workpiece discharge section 50 based on the results of the electrical testing by the workpiece testing device 30A. The workpieces W sorted by the workpiece discharge section 50 are sent to a predetermined recovery device 55 through the discharge tube 51.

[0066] According to this embodiment, the work supply passage 22 includes an R-shaped structure 26 in which the lower wall portion 25 is curved such that the distance between the upper wall portion 24 and the lower wall portion 25 widens towards the opening 23a when viewed in a cross-section passing through the center of the circle 11c and along the thickness direction of the load track 20. This allows the workpiece W in the work supply passage 22 to slide down from top to bottom in the R-shaped structure 26. As a result, the workpiece W in the work supply passage 22 can be effectively guided into the pocket 12 of the index table 11. This prevents the retention and clogging of workpiece W in the work supply passage 22 of the load track 20.

[0067] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the R-shaped structure 26 is formed in an arc shape when viewed in the cross-section described above. This allows the workpiece W in the workpiece supply passage 22 to move smoothly within the R-shaped structure 26. As a result, the workpiece W in the workpiece supply passage 22 can be guided more effectively into the pocket 12 of the index table 11.

[0068] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the work supply passage 22, when viewed in the above cross-section, is positioned in the thickness direction opposite to the opening 23a and adjacent to the R-shaped structure 26, and includes a first straight section 27 in which the upper wall 24 and lower wall 25 are formed in a straight line along the thickness direction. As a result, the workpiece W supplied to the work supply passage 22 can be stored in the first straight section 27. Therefore, the amount of workpiece W supplied to the pockets 12 of the index table 11 can be increased.

[0069] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the load track 20 includes air ejection holes 29a for ejecting air onto the workpiece W in the first straight section 27. As a result, the air ejected from the air ejection holes 29a can push the workpiece W in the first straight section 27 towards the pocket 12 of the index table 11. In addition, the workpiece W in the first straight section 27 can be agitated in the workpiece supply passage 22. Therefore, the retention and clogging of workpiece W in the workpiece supply passage 22 of the load track 20 can be more effectively suppressed.

[0070] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the work supply passage 22, when viewed in the cross-section, is located between the R-structure 26 and the opening 23a in the thickness direction, and includes a second straight section 28 formed linearly with the upper wall 24 and lower wall 25 aligned along the thickness direction. This allows the workpiece W, which moves by sliding down from top to bottom in the R-structure 26, to be guided straight to the lower end of the opening 23a in the second straight section 28. As a result, the workpiece W in the work supply passage 22 can be guided more effectively into the pocket 12 of the index table 11.

[0071] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the load track 20 is arranged along the vertical direction. In this case, it becomes difficult for workpieces W in the work supply passage 22 to enter the pockets 12 of the index table 11, making it easier for workpieces W to remain in the work supply passage 22 or for workpieces W to overlap and jam in the work supply passage 22. In contrast, according to this embodiment, even when the load track 20 is arranged along the vertical direction, it is possible to suppress the retention and jamming of workpieces W in the work supply passage 22 of the load track 20.

[0072] In the embodiments described above, an example was described in which the load track 20 includes air ejection holes 29a for ejecting air onto the workpiece W in the first straight section 27. However, the load track 20 is not limited to this, and for example, the load track 20 may include a vibrating section 29b for vibrating the workpiece W in the first straight section 27, either in place of or together with the air ejection holes 29a. The vibrating section 29b may be, for example, an exciter that applies vibration to the load track 20. As shown in Figure 4, the vibrating section 29b may be provided on the load track body 21.

[0073] The vibrating section 29b can also move the workpiece W in the first straight section 27 toward the pocket 12 of the index table 11. Furthermore, the workpiece W in the first straight section 27 can be agitated within the workpiece supply passage 22. As a result, the retention and clogging of workpiece W within the workpiece supply passage 22 of the load track 20 can be more effectively suppressed.

[0074] Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, an example was described in which the work supply passage 22 includes a first straight section 27 and a second straight section 28. However, the invention is not limited to this, and the work supply passage 22 may not include one or both of the first straight section 27 and the second straight section 28. Even in such cases, by including the R structure section 26 in the work supply passage 22, the workpieces W in the work supply passage 22 can be effectively guided into the pockets 12 of the index table 11. This prevents the retention and clogging of workpieces W in the work supply passage 22 of the load track 20.

[0075] Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, an example was described in which the base 10a, index table 11, and load track 20 are arranged along the vertical direction. However, the invention is not limited to this, and the base 10a, index table 11, and load track 20 may be arranged so as to be inclined with respect to the vertical direction. In this case, the inclination angle θ of the base 10a, index table 11, and load track 20 with respect to the vertical direction may be 45 degrees or more and 135 degrees or less.

[0076] According to the embodiment described above, the retention and clogging of workpieces W in the workpiece supply passage 22 of the load track 20 can be suppressed.

[0077] While embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above with reference to specific examples, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to those described above. Embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented in various other specific examples, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, and additions are possible without departing from the gist of the disclosure. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0078] 10 Workpiece Transfer Device 10a base 11 Index Table 11c Circle center 12 pockets 20 Road Track 22 Work supply passage 23a opening 26 R structure part 27. First Straight Section 28. Second Straight Section 29a Air outlet 29b Vibration part Double job

Claims

1. Bass and, A disc-shaped index table rotatably arranged on the base, The index table includes an arc-shaped road track arranged on the aforementioned index table, The aforementioned index table includes multiple pockets, each for storing a workpiece and arranged along the circumference. The load track extends along the circumferential direction and includes a work supply passage through which the workpiece supplied to the pocket passes, The workpiece supply passage includes an opening that opens toward the pocket of the index table, an upper wall portion located on the side of the center of the circle in the radial direction, and a lower wall portion located on the opposite side from the upper wall portion in the radial direction. A workpiece conveying device in which the workpiece supply passage includes an R-shaped structure in which the lower wall portion is curved such that, when viewed in a cross-section passing through the center of the circle and along the thickness direction of the load track, the distance between the upper wall portion and the lower wall portion increases towards the opening.

2. The workpiece transport device according to claim 1, wherein the R-shaped structure is formed in an arc shape when viewed in cross-section.

3. The workpiece transport device according to claim 1, wherein the workpiece supply passage is located adjacent to the R-shaped structure on the opposite side of the opening in the thickness direction when viewed in the cross-section, and includes a first straight section in which the upper wall and the lower wall are formed in a straight line along the thickness direction.

4. The workpiece transport device according to claim 3, wherein the road track includes an air ejection hole for ejecting air onto the workpiece in the first straight section.

5. The workpiece transport device according to claim 3, wherein the road track includes a vibrating section for vibrating the workpiece in the first straight section.

6. The workpiece transport device according to claim 1, wherein the workpiece supply passage, when viewed in cross-section, is located between the R-shaped structure and the opening in the thickness direction, and includes a second straight section in which the upper wall and the lower wall are formed in a straight line along the thickness direction.

7. The workpiece transport device according to claim 1, wherein the load track is arranged to be aligned vertically.

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