Workpiece measurement and sorting device

Abstract

To provide a workpiece measurement and selection device that can simplify a device configuration, reduce the size of the device, and reduce a manufacturing cost and a running cost.SOLUTION: A workpiece measurement and selection device supports, by a common actuator, a first pin 43 and a second pin 44 that perform position regulation operations on a transfer upstream side path R1 of a workpiece W2, a third pin 45 that performs position regulation operations in a measurement unit R2 of a workpiece W1, a measurement head 42a that performs operations to measure the inner diameter dimensions of an opening in the workpiece W1, and a shutter 46 that performs operations to switch a transfer destination of the workpiece W1 according to a determination result of the measurement, in such a manner that they can move integrally to advance or retreat. This reduces the number of actuators disposed, which can simplify a device configuration, reduce the size of the device, and reduce a manufacturing cost and a running cost.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a work measurement and sorting device. In particular, the present invention relates to an improvement of a device capable of measuring the dimensions of a work and sorting the work according to the result of the measurement.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a work measurement and sorting device capable of measuring the dimensions of a work and sorting the work according to the result of the measurement has been known.

[0003] For example, the work measurement and sorting device disclosed in Patent Document 1 measures the inner diameter dimension of an opening in a work having an opening and sorts the work according to the result of the measurement. The device includes a work loading means for loading a work onto a table (a location where the work is placed for measurement of the work), a measurement head that can be moved forward and backward by an actuator and is inserted into the opening of the work loaded on the table to measure the inner diameter dimension of the opening, and a work unloading means for unloading the work from the table.

[0004] The work loading means includes a loading conveyor, and the work unloading means includes a good product unloading conveyor and a defective product unloading conveyor. Also, pushers for transferring the work are provided between the loading conveyor and the table, and between the table and the good product unloading conveyor and the defective product unloading conveyor, respectively. The pusher is operated by an actuator and operates to push the work from the loading conveyor toward the table when loading the work. Further, when the inner diameter dimension of the opening measured by the measurement head is appropriate and the work is determined to be a good product, the pusher operates to push the work from the table toward the good product unloading conveyor, and when the measured inner diameter dimension of the opening is inappropriate and the work is determined to be a defective product, the pusher operates to push the work from the table toward the defective product unloading conveyor.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6910668 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] In the workpiece measuring and sorting device disclosed in Patent Document 1, it was necessary to provide individual actuators for each functional part, such as actuators for moving the measuring head forward and backward, and actuators for operating the pusher. As a result, there were many parts, which led to problems such as increased complexity of the device configuration, increased size of the device, and soaring manufacturing and running costs.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and its objective is to provide a workpiece measuring and sorting device that can simplify the device configuration, miniaturize the device, and reduce manufacturing and running costs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present invention provides a solution for achieving the above objectives, based on a workpiece measuring and sorting device that measures the dimensions of a workpiece and sorts the workpiece according to the results of the measurement. This workpiece measuring and sorting device comprises a workpiece transfer means, a measuring position restricting means, a measuring means, and a transfer switching means. The workpiece transfer means includes a measuring section including the position where the workpiece is placed when the measurement is performed, an upstream transfer path for transferring the workpiece toward the measuring section, and a downstream transfer path for transferring the workpiece after the measurement has been performed. The measuring position restricts the workpiece transferred from the upstream transfer path to a predetermined position in the measuring section by moving forward toward the interior of the measuring section. The measuring means measures the dimensions of the workpiece restricted at the predetermined position by moving forward toward the interior of the measuring section. The transfer switching means changes its forward and backward movement position relative to the downstream transfer path according to the results of the measurement, and switches the destination of the workpiece according to that forward and backward movement position. The measuring position restricting means, the measuring means, and the transfer switching means are all supported by a common actuator so as to be able to move forward and backward integrally.

[0009] This specific design eliminates the need to provide separate actuators for the measurement position regulating means, the measurement means, and the transfer switching means. A single actuator can control the workpiece's position using the measurement position regulating means, measure the workpiece's dimensions using the measurement means, and switch the workpiece's transfer destination using the transfer switching means. As a result, the number of actuators required can be reduced, leading to a simpler device configuration, smaller device size, and lower manufacturing and running costs.

[0010] In particular, the measurement position restricting means is rod-shaped and has a length that continuously restricts the workpiece at a predetermined position on the measuring unit while the measuring means is measuring the dimensions of the workpiece, and releases the restriction of the workpiece at the predetermined position on the measuring unit when the measurement means has finished measuring the dimensions of the workpiece and the measuring means has moved backward from the measuring unit. Furthermore, the measuring means is rod-shaped and has a length that is in a position retreated from the measuring unit when the restriction of the workpiece at the predetermined position on the measuring unit by the measurement position restricting means begins.

[0011] Therefore, when measuring the dimensions of a workpiece, the actuator operates, causing the measuring position restricting means, measuring means, and transfer switching means to move together as a unit. First, the measuring position restricting means reaches the inside of the measuring section and restricts the workpiece, which has been transferred from the upstream transfer path, to a predetermined position in the measuring section. At this time, the measuring means is also moving together, but has not yet reached the inside of the measuring section. Then, the actuator operates again, causing the measuring means to reach the inside of the measuring section. At this time, the measuring position restricting means maintains the state in which the workpiece is restricted to a predetermined position in the measuring section, and in this state, the measuring means measures the dimensions of the workpiece that is being restricted. After the measurement of the dimensions of the workpiece by the measuring means is completed, the actuator operates, causing the measuring position restricting means, measuring means, and transfer switching means to move together as a unit (in the opposite direction to the above), and the measuring means and measuring position restricting means to retract from the measuring section in sequence, releasing the state in which the workpiece is restricted to a predetermined position in the measuring section. As a result, the workpiece (the workpiece whose dimensions have been measured) will be transported along the downstream transport path. At this time, the actuator will be activated according to the measurement results, changing the forward and backward movement position of the transport switching means relative to the downstream transport path, thereby switching the destination of the workpiece.

[0012] Furthermore, prior to the transfer of the workpiece toward the measuring unit, the system includes a transfer position restricting means that moves forward toward the interior of the upstream transfer path to restrict the transfer position of the workpiece in the upstream transfer path. The transfer position restricting means is also supported so as to be able to move back and forth integrally with the measuring position restricting means, the measuring means, and the transfer switching means by an actuator common to all of these.

[0013] This makes it possible to operate four functional units—a transfer position restricting means, a measurement position restricting means, a measurement means, and a transfer switching means—with a single actuator, allowing each unit to perform its respective function.

[0014] In this case, a more specific configuration is provided, where the transfer position regulating means includes a first pin located upstream of the workpiece transfer direction in the upstream transfer path and a second pin located downstream. The first pin is rod-shaped and extends toward the upstream transfer path from one side in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the upstream transfer path, and has a length that allows it to be located inside the upstream transfer path while the workpiece dimensions are being measured by the measuring means, and to regulate the transfer position of the workpiece in the upstream transfer path before measurement. The second pin is rod-shaped and extends toward the upstream transfer path from the other side in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the upstream transfer path, and has a length that allows it to be located inside the upstream transfer path after the measurement by the measuring means is completed and the transfer of the workpiece to the downstream transfer path has begun, and to regulate the transfer position of the workpiece in the upstream transfer path before measurement.

[0015] According to this, while the dimensions of a workpiece are being measured by the measuring means, the workpiece before measurement (located upstream of the measuring unit) is restricted from moving by a first pin located inside the upstream transfer path. This prevents interference between the workpiece being measured and the workpiece before measurement, which could negatively affect the measurement accuracy. Furthermore, at the start of the transfer of the measured workpiece to the downstream transfer path, the workpiece before measurement (located upstream of the measuring unit) is restricted from moving by a second pin located inside the upstream transfer path. After the workpiece is measured, the measuring means moves backward from the measuring unit, and the measurement position restriction means releases its restriction of the workpiece at a predetermined position in the measuring unit. If the next workpiece (the workpiece to be measured) is then transferred to the measuring unit in this state, there is a risk that the workpiece will be transferred to the downstream transfer path (passing through the measuring unit) without being restricted by the measurement position restriction means or the measuring means. In this solution, the second pin restricts the workpiece transfer position in the upstream transfer path, thus preventing situations like this (where unmeasured workpieces pass through the measurement section) from occurring, and allowing each workpiece to be measured sequentially.

[0016] Furthermore, the bottom plate portion of the downstream transfer path is provided with an opening from which the workpiece can be discharged. The transfer switching means moves to a position that closes the opening in the bottom plate portion when the workpiece is found to be good as measured by the measuring means, enabling the workpiece to be transferred along the downstream transfer path after measurement. On the other hand, when the workpiece is found to be defective as measured by the measuring means, the transfer switching means moves to a position that is away from the opening in the bottom plate portion, allowing the workpiece to be discharged from the opening when it is transferred along the downstream transfer path after measurement.

[0017] In this manner, if the workpiece is of good quality, the actuator moves the transfer switching means to a position that closes the opening of the downstream transfer path, enabling the workpiece to be transferred along the downstream transfer path. On the other hand, if the workpiece is defective, the actuator moves the transfer switching means to a position that moves it away from the opening, ejecting the workpiece from the opening. This makes it possible to change the position of the transfer switching means by using the measurement position regulating means, the measurement means, and the actuator that operates the transfer switching means, and to switch the destination of the workpiece according to the measurement results. As a result, it is possible to sort the workpieces effectively. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] In this invention, a measurement position regulating means that restricts the workpiece at a predetermined position in the measuring section of the workpiece transfer means, a measuring means that measures the dimensions of the workpiece whose position is restricted by the measuring section, and a transfer switching means that switches the destination of the workpiece according to the measurement result are all supported integrally by a common actuator so as to be able to move back and forth. As a result, the number of actuators to be arranged can be reduced, which simplifies the device configuration, makes the device smaller, and lowers manufacturing and running costs. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0019] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of a workpiece measurement and sorting apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a front view of a workpiece measuring and sorting device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a view from arrow III in Figure 2. [Figure 4] This is a view from arrow IV in Figure 2. [Figure 5] This is a diagram illustrating the operating unit of a workpiece measurement and sorting device according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a block diagram showing the control system of a workpiece measurement and sorting apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 7]It is an enlarged view of the main part for explaining the operation of the work measurement and sorting device according to the embodiment. FIG. 7(a) shows the work waiting state, FIG. 7(b) shows the state of positioning the work to be measured, FIG. 7(c) shows the state of measuring the inner diameter dimension of the work, and FIG. 7(d) is a diagram showing the state of transferring the non-defective work. [Figure 8] It is an enlarged view of the main part for explaining the operation of the work measurement and sorting device according to the embodiment. FIG. 8(a) shows the state of transferring the defective work, and FIG. 8(b) is a diagram showing the state of discharging the defective work.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0020] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described based on the drawings. In this embodiment, a work measurement and sorting device that measures the inner diameter dimension of a work having an opening and sorts the work according to the result of the measurement will be described as an example. Further, as the work having an opening, for example, a bearing inner ring can be mentioned. Note that the work is not limited to the bearing inner ring, and various works having an opening (for example, a cylindrical work) can be applied. Note that the work measurement and sorting device according to the present invention is not limited to one that measures the inner diameter dimension of a work having an opening, and can be applied as one that measures various dimensions such as the outer diameter of the work.

[0021] -Configuration of the work measurement and sorting device- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a work measurement and sorting device 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a front view of the work measurement and sorting device 1 according to the present embodiment. Further, FIG. 3 is a view taken in the direction of arrow III in FIG. 2, and FIG. 4 is a view taken in the direction of arrow IV in FIG. 2.

[0022] In the following explanation, the left-right direction of the workpiece measuring and sorting device 1 will be referred to as the X direction, with the right direction in Figures 2 and 3 being called the X1 direction and the left direction being called the X2 direction. The front-back direction of the workpiece measuring and sorting device 1 will be referred to as the Y direction, with the downward direction in Figure 3 and the left direction in Figure 4 (the direction towards the viewer in the workpiece measuring and sorting device 1) being called the Y1 direction, and the upward direction in Figure 3 and the right direction in Figure 4 (the direction towards the viewer in the workpiece measuring and sorting device 1) being called the Y2 direction. The vertical direction will be referred to as the Z direction, with the upward direction being called the Z1 direction and the downward direction being called the Z2 direction.

[0023] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the workpiece measurement and sorting device 1 consists of a base unit 2, a transfer liner (workpiece transfer means) 3, and an operating unit 4.

[0024] -Base Unit- The base unit 2 is composed of a base plate 21, an inclination angle adjustment plate 22, a transport liner support member 23, and an operating unit support member 24 (see Figure 4).

[0025] The base plate 21 comprises a bottom plate portion 21a extending horizontally (in a direction perpendicular to the Z direction) and a base bracket 21b extending vertically upward from the Y1 direction end of the bottom plate portion 21a.

[0026] Rotary riplanes 21c, 21c, ... are provided at multiple locations on the lower surface of the bottom plate 21a. Handles 21d, 21d are provided on both sides in the X direction on the upper surface of the bottom plate 21a, allowing the workpiece measuring and sorting device 1 to be moved by gripping these handles 21d, 21d. An A / E converter 120, which performs signal processing for measuring the inner diameter of the openings of workpieces W1, W2 (see Figure 7), is supported on the upper surface of the bottom plate 21a. Specifically, a support bracket 121 is attached to the upper surface of the bottom plate 21a, and the A / E converter 120 is supported on the upper part of this support bracket 121. This A / E converter 120 is connected to a control device 100 (see Figure 6), which will be described later, and transmits an electrical signal corresponding to the measurement result to the control device 100. In the following, when it is not necessary to distinguish between workpieces W1, W2 (Figure 7), they will simply be referred to as workpiece W.

[0027] Two pin holes (not shown in the figure) are formed near the lower end of the base bracket 21b (corresponding to the positions indicated by dashed arrows A and B in Figure 2) to support the tilt angle adjustment plate 22. These pin holes are formed at the same height and at a predetermined distance apart in the X direction. The support structure for the tilt angle adjustment plate 22 using these pin holes (a structure that supports the tilt angle adjustment plate 22 so that the tilt angle can be adjusted) will be described later.

[0028] A pair of reinforcing brackets 21e, 21e are joined between the bottom plate portion 21a and the base bracket 21b, thereby enabling the base bracket 21b to stably maintain an upright position along the Z direction (a position perpendicular to the Y direction).

[0029] The tilt angle adjustment plate 22 is made of a plate material extending in a direction perpendicular to the Y direction and is supported by the base bracket 21b so as to be angle-adjustable (angle adjustable around an axis along the Y direction). Specifically, the tilt angle adjustment plate 22 has a circular pin hole (not shown in the figure) at a position corresponding to the pin hole located on the X1 direction side of the pair of pin holes formed in the base bracket 21b, and an arc-shaped angle adjustment hole 22a at a position corresponding to the pin hole located on the X2 direction side. The pin holes located on the X1 direction side (the pin hole in the base bracket 21b and the pin hole in the tilt angle adjustment plate 22) are aligned, and a positioning pin P1 is inserted through these pin holes. Also, the pin hole located on the X2 direction side (the pin hole in the base bracket 21b) and the angle adjustment hole 22a of the tilt angle adjustment plate 22 are aligned, and a positioning pin P2 is inserted through these holes. Since the angle adjustment hole 22a is arc-shaped, the inclination angle adjustment plate 22 can be freely adjusted relative to the base bracket 21b (angle adjustment is freely possible around the axis along the Y direction) within the range in which the relative movement of the positioning pin P2 within the angle adjustment hole 22a is permitted, with the positioning pin P1 as the pivot point. The inclination angle adjustment plate 22 is fastened to the base bracket 21b at this angle-adjusted rotational position. As a result, as shown in Figure 2, the upper edge of the inclination angle adjustment plate 22 is also inclined at a predetermined inclination angle with respect to the horizontal direction (an inclination angle that inclins downward as it moves toward the X2 direction). Hereinafter, this inclination angle will be referred to as the transfer liner inclination angle. Because the upper edge of the inclination angle adjustment plate 22 is inclined in this way, it is possible to position the transfer liner 3, which is supported by the transfer liner support member 23 (described later) that is placed on and supported by this upper edge, at the aforementioned transfer liner inclination angle. In the following explanation, the direction in which this slope extends will be referred to as the S direction (see Figure 2), the direction in which the slope is upward toward the X1 direction in Figure 2 will be called the S1 direction, and the direction in which the slope is downward toward the X2 direction in Figure 2 will be called the S2 direction.

[0030] The transport liner support member 23 is supported by the tilt angle adjustment plate 22, with the support member 23 resting on the upper edge of the tilt angle adjustment plate 22. Specifically, the transport liner support member 23 comprises a bottom plate 23a extending along the liner tilt angle (along the S direction), a first vertical plate 23b extending upward from the Y1 direction end of the bottom plate 23a, and a second vertical plate 23c extending upward and downward from the Y2 direction end of the bottom plate 23a. Thus, the second vertical plate 23c comprises a guide portion 23d extending upward from the bottom plate 23a and a connecting portion 23e extending downward from the bottom plate 23a. The connecting portion 23e of the second vertical plate 23c is superimposed on the Y2 direction surface of the tilt angle adjustment plate 22 and bolted to the tilt angle adjustment plate 22. As a result, the transfer liner support member 23 is supported on the upper part of the tilt angle adjustment plate 22, tilted by the tilt angle of the tilt angle adjustment plate 22 (transfer liner tilt angle). In addition, clamp levers 23f, 23f for fixing the transfer liner 3 are provided at two locations on both sides of the longitudinal direction (S direction) of the first vertical plate 23b.

[0031] A photoelectric sensor 110 for detecting the position and orientation of the workpiece W inside the transfer liner 3 is supported on the transfer liner support member 23. Specifically, a sensor support bracket 111 is attached to the second vertical plate 23c of the transfer liner support member 23, and the photoelectric sensor 110 is supported at the upper end of this sensor support bracket 111. The position and orientation information of the workpiece W detected by this photoelectric sensor 110 is transmitted to a control device 100 (see Figure 6), which will be described later.

[0032] As shown in Figure 4, the operating unit support member 24 comprises a support plate portion 24a extending along the S direction and a reinforcing plate portion 24b connected to the lower surface of the support plate portion 24a. The end on the Y1 direction side is superimposed on the Y2 direction side surface of the inclination angle adjustment plate 22 and bolted to the inclination angle adjustment plate 22. Therefore, the inclination angle (inclination angle around the Y axis) of the support plate portion 24a of this operating unit support member 24 is similarly changed in accordance with the adjustment of the inclination angle of the inclination angle adjustment plate 22.

[0033] -Transfer Liner- The transfer liner 3 is a component for transferring the workpiece W and is supported by the transfer liner support member 23. The transfer liner 3 is detachably fixed to the transfer liner support member 23 by the clamp levers 23f, 23f. Therefore, when the workpiece W to be measured is changed, the transfer liner 3 can be easily replaced with one corresponding to the size of the workpiece W by operating the clamp levers 23f, 23f.

[0034] The transfer liner 3 includes a bottom plate portion 31 extending along the liner inclination angle (along the S direction), a first guide portion 32 extending upward from the Y1 direction end of the bottom plate portion 31, and a second guide portion 33 extending upward from the Y2 direction end of the bottom plate portion 31. The distance between the first guide portion 32 and the second guide portion 33 (distance in the Y direction) is set to be approximately equal to or slightly larger than the height dimension along the axis of the workpiece W (axis of the cylindrical workpiece W). In addition, the height dimensions of the first guide portion 32 and the second guide portion 33 (dimension along the Z direction) are set to be larger than the outer diameter dimension of the workpiece W.

[0035] Furthermore, the path formed in the transfer liner 3 (the path for transferring the workpiece W) is composed of multiple regions along its longitudinal direction. Specifically, the central region in the longitudinal direction of the transfer liner 3 is the measuring section (the path in the range indicated by region Xb in Figure 3) R2, which includes the position where the workpiece W is placed when measuring the inner diameter of the opening of the workpiece W. The region on the S1 side of this measuring section R2 (the side from which the workpiece W is transferred toward the measuring section R2) is the upstream transfer path (the path in the range indicated by region Xa in Figure 3) R1, and the region on the S2 side of the measuring section R2 (the side from which the workpiece W is transferred after measurement) is the downstream transfer path (the path in the range indicated by region Xc in Figure 3). In addition, this downstream transfer path has a switching path (the path in the range indicated by region Xd in Figure 3) R3 for switching the destination of the workpiece W, and a feed-out path (the path in the range indicated by region Xe in Figure 3) R4 which is continuous with the S2 side of the switching path R3. Each of these upstream transfer path R1, measuring section R2, and downstream transfer path (switching path R3 and discharge path R4) is composed of the aforementioned bottom plate section 31, first guide section 32, and second guide section 33, and has a space inside through which the workpiece W is transferred. In the measuring section R2 and each of the paths R1, R3, and R4, as described above, the transfer liner 3 extends along the liner inclination angle (along the S direction), so if the workpiece W is not positioned (if the position is not restricted by the pins 43, 44, and 45 described later), the workpiece W will roll (transfer) on the bottom plate section 31 from the S1 side to the S2 side due to its own weight.

[0036] The configurations of the first guide section 32 and the second guide section 33, which constitute the transfer liner 3, will be described below. Since the first guide section 32 and the second guide section 33 have the same configuration, the configuration of the first guide section 32 will be described as representative.

[0037] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the first guide section 32 includes an upstream guide section 34, a first groove section 35, a second groove section 36, an opening 37, and a downstream guide section 38.

[0038] The upstream guide section 34 comprises the area from the end of the first guide section 32 on the S1 direction side to the first groove section 35, and its height dimension (length dimension in the Z direction) is within a certain range.

[0039] The first groove 35 is adjacent to the upstream guide section 34 on the S2 direction side and is cut out in a roughly U-shape so as to open upward. The space inside the first groove 35 is the space into which the first pin (transfer position restricting means) 43, which will be described later, is inserted (inserted when the first pin 43 moves forward in the Y1 direction). The forward movement state of this first pin 43 will be described later.

[0040] The second groove 36 is formed at a position on the S2 direction side, with a predetermined distance from the first groove 35, and has a roughly U-shaped cutout that opens upward. The space inside the second groove 36 is the space into which the second pin (transfer position restricting means) 44, which will be described later, is inserted (inserted when the second pin 44 moves forward in the Y2 direction). The forward movement state of this second pin 44 will also be described later.

[0041] The opening 37 is composed of a through hole (a hole that penetrates along the Y direction) formed in the portion of the first guide portion 32 located at the measuring portion R2. Furthermore, this opening 37 has a shape in which a relatively large-diameter circular opening 37a located on the S1 direction side and a relatively small-diameter circular opening 37b located on the S2 direction side are connected. Hereinafter, the opening located on the S1 direction side of this opening 37 will be called the measuring head insertion opening 37a, and the opening located on the S2 direction side will be called the third pin insertion opening 37b.

[0042] The downstream guide portion 38 has a bulge portion 38a in which its central part in the S direction bulges upward. The downstream guide portion 38 has an L-shaped shutter insertion opening 38b formed in the region on the S1 direction side of the central part in the S direction and extending to the bulge portion 38a. This shutter insertion opening 38b is composed of a first opening 38c that extends along the S direction and a second opening 38d that is continuous with the S2 direction end of the first opening 38c and extends upward perpendicular to the S direction in the bulge portion 38a.

[0043] As shown in Figure 3, the bottom plate portion 31 is provided with a discharge opening 31a that allows the workpiece W to be discharged from the downstream transfer path (switching path R3). This discharge opening 31a is formed in the bottom plate portion 31 at a position corresponding to the first opening 38c of the shutter insertion opening 38b. Furthermore, this discharge opening 31a is formed over the entire Y-direction of the bottom plate portion 31. Note that the opening range of this discharge opening 31a in the Y-direction must be set to be larger than the height dimension of the workpiece W.

[0044] Furthermore, a chute 5 is provided below the discharge opening 31a. This chute 5 guides the workpiece W discharged from the discharge opening 31a and is supported on the upper part of the inclination angle adjustment plate 22. This chute 5 has an inclined bottom plate 51 and side plates 52, 52 provided on both sides of the bottom plate 51, so that the workpiece W discharged from the discharge opening 31a slides down along the bottom plate 51.

[0045] -Operation Unit- The operating unit 4 is a unit that regulates the transfer position of the workpiece W along each path of the transfer liner 3, measures the inner diameter of the opening of the workpiece W, and switches the transfer destination of the workpiece W after measurement.

[0046] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the operating unit 4. This Figure 5 is a view from the same direction as Figure 3. As shown in Figures 3 and 5, the operating unit 4 comprises an actuator 41, an air micrometer 42, rod-shaped first to third pins 43, 44, 45 for workpiece positioning, and a shutter (transfer switching means) 46.

[0047] The actuator 41 is supported on the upper surface of the support plate portion 24a of the operating unit support member 24 (Figure 4). This actuator 41 is equipped with a servo motor, linear guide, ball screw, etc., and has a well-known configuration in which the slider 41a (Figure 4) can slide along the Y direction as the servo motor operates.

[0048] A slide base plate 47 is bolted to the upper surface of the slider 41a. As shown in Figure 5, the slide base plate 47 has a first extended portion 47a that is fastened to the upper surface of the slider 41a and extends along the Y direction, and a second extended portion 47b that extends in the S2 direction, continuous with the Y1 direction end of the first extended portion 47a.

[0049] An air micrometer 42 is attached to the upper surface of the first extension portion 47a. This air micrometer 42 is equipped with a measuring head (measuring means) 42a at its tip, and blows compressed air adjusted to a constant pressure from an air outlet of the measuring head 42a. When an object to be measured (workpiece W) is placed in front of this air outlet, the amount of air blown out and the back pressure change depending on the size of the distance between the air outlet and the object to be measured. This change in flow rate and pressure is converted into an electrical signal for calculation and processing to measure the distance. In this embodiment, the workpiece measuring and sorting device 1 measures the inner diameter of the opening of the workpiece W, so the measuring head 42a is shaped (cylindrical) to be inserted into the opening of the workpiece W and is configured to blow compressed air radially outward.

[0050] A pin support bracket 48 is bolted to the upper surface of the first extended portion 47a of the slide base plate 47. This pin support bracket 48 is made of an L-shaped plate and includes a first plate portion 48a that extends substantially horizontally (along the S direction) and is bolted to the upper surface of the first extended portion 47a, and a second plate portion 48b that extends from the Y1 direction end of the first plate portion 48a toward the Z1 direction.

[0051] A first pin 43 extending in the Y1 direction is attached near the end of the second plate portion 48b on the S1 direction side. The mounting position of this first pin 43 is set to be a predetermined distance in the S1 direction from the position of the measuring head 42a of the air micrometer 42. Furthermore, this first pin 43 is movable back and forth between a position where it is retracted from the upstream transport path R1 and a position where it is inserted into the first groove portion 35 and moves into the interior of the upstream transport path R1 by the sliding movement of the slider 41a of the actuator 41. The length dimension of this first pin 43 is set so that its tip position (tip position on the Y1 direction side) is located a predetermined distance in the Y1 direction from the tip position of the measuring head 42a. Therefore, when the first pin 43 is in a position retracted from the upstream transport path R1, and the measuring head 42a is in a position retracted from the measuring section R2, and the slider 41a slides in the Y1 direction due to the operation of the actuator 41, the first pin 43 is inserted into the upstream transport path R1 before the measuring head 42a is inserted into the measuring section R2. Also, when the first pin 43 is located inside the upstream transport path R1, and the measuring head 42a is located inside the measuring section R2, and the slider 41a slides in the Y2 direction due to the operation of the actuator 41, the measuring head 42a is retracted (removed) from the measuring section R2 before the first pin 43 retracts (removes) from the upstream transport path R1.

[0052] Furthermore, a connecting shaft 48c extending in the Y1 direction is provided near the X1 direction end of the second plate portion 48b. A second pin support plate 48d is attached to the Y1 direction end of this connecting shaft 48c. As shown in Figure 2, this second pin support plate 48d is an L-shaped plate, and the connecting shaft 48c is connected to the first plate portion 48e which extends in a direction perpendicular to the S direction. As shown in Figure 5, a second pin 44 extending in the Y2 direction is attached to the Y2 direction side surface of the second plate portion 48f which extends in the S direction. The mounting position of this second pin 44 is set to be a predetermined dimension towards the S1 direction from the position of the measuring head 42a of the air micrometer 42, and a predetermined dimension towards the S2 direction from the position of the first pin 43. Specifically, the distance between the axial position of the first pin 43 and the outer surface (S1 direction side) of the second pin 44 is set to be about 1.5 times the outer diameter of the workpiece W. Furthermore, the second pin 44 is capable of moving back and forth between a position where it is retracted from the upstream transport path R1 (a position where it is retracted in the Y1 direction) and a position where it is inserted into the second groove 36 and moves forward so as to enter the interior of the upstream transport path R1 (a position where it moves forward in the Y2 direction). The first pin 43 extends from the second plate portion 48b toward the Y1 direction, while the second pin 44 extends from the second pin support plate 48d toward the Y2 direction. Therefore, when the first pin 43 moves forward so as to enter the interior of the upstream transport path R1, the second pin 44 retracts from the upstream transport path R1, and when the first pin 43 retracts from the upstream transport path R1, the second pin 44 moves forward so as to enter the interior of the upstream transport path R1.

[0053] The length of the second pin 44 is set such that its tip position (tip position on the Y2 direction side) is approximately the same as the tip position of the first pin 43 (tip position on the Y1 direction side) in the Y direction, and is located a predetermined distance to the Y1 direction side than the tip position of the measuring head 42a. Therefore, when the slider 41a slides in the Y1 direction from a state in which the second pin 44 is inside the upstream transport path R1 and the measuring head 42a is retracted from the measuring section R2, the second pin 44 retracts (comes out) from the upstream transport path R1 before the measuring head 42a is inserted into the measuring section R2.

[0054] A third pin (measurement position regulating means) 45 extending in the Y1 direction is attached near the end of the second plate portion 48b on the S2 direction side. The mounting position of this third pin 45 is set to be a predetermined dimension further in the S2 direction than the position of the measuring head 42a of the air micrometer 42. Specifically, the distance between the axial position of the measuring head 42a and the outer surface of the third pin 45 (outer surface on the S1 direction side) is set to be about half the outer diameter of the workpiece W. Furthermore, this third pin 45 can move back and forth between a position retracted from the measuring portion R2 and a position advanced so as to be inserted into the third pin insertion opening 37b and enter the interior of the measuring portion R2 by the sliding movement of the slider 41a of the actuator 41. The length dimension of this third pin 45 is set so that its tip position (tip position on the Y1 direction side) is located a predetermined dimension further in the Y1 direction than the tip position of the measuring head 42a. Therefore, when the slider 41a slides in the Y1 direction due to the operation of the actuator 41 from a state in which both the third pin 45 and the measuring head 42a are retracted from the measuring section R2, the third pin 45 is inserted into the measuring section R2 before the measuring head 42a is inserted into the measuring section R2. Also, when the slider 41a slides in the Y2 direction due to the operation of the actuator 41 from a state in which both the third pin 45 and the measuring head 42a are located inside the measuring section R2, the measuring head 42a retracts (disconnects) from the measuring section R2 before the third pin 45 retracts (disconnects) from the measuring section R2.

[0055] A shutter support plate 49 is bolted to the upper surface of the second extending portion 47b of the slide base plate 47. A shutter 46 is also bolted to the upper surface of the shutter support plate 49. As shown in Figure 2, the shutter 46 comprises a first shutter portion 46a extending in the direction along the transfer liner inclination angle (S direction), and a second shutter portion 46b extending in a direction perpendicular to the S direction from the S2 direction end near the Y1 direction end of the first shutter portion 46a.

[0056] The length dimension of the first shutter portion 46a in the direction along the S direction is approximately the same as the length dimension of the first opening 38c of the shutter insertion opening 38b in the direction along the S direction, and the first shutter portion 46a is inserted through the first opening 38c. Similarly, the length dimension of the second shutter portion 46b in the direction perpendicular to the S direction is approximately the same as the length dimension of the second opening 38d of the shutter insertion opening 38b in the direction perpendicular to the S direction, and the second shutter portion 46b is inserted through the second opening 38d. Furthermore, the central part of the edge of the first shutter portion 46a on the Y1 direction side in the S direction is a rectangular cutout portion 46c (see Figure 7). Therefore, when the slider 41a slides along the Y direction, if the cutout portion 46c of the shutter 46 is in a position facing the discharge opening 31a, the discharge opening 31a is not closed and remains open to the lower side. On the other hand, when the first shutter portion 46a of the shutter 46 is positioned opposite the discharge opening 31a, the discharge opening 31a is closed.

[0057] As described above, in the workpiece measuring and sorting apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, the air micrometer 42 is supported by the actuator 41 via a slide base plate 47, each pin 43, 44, and 45 is supported by the actuator 41 via a pin support bracket 48 and a slide base plate 47, and the shutter 46 is supported by the actuator 41 via a shutter support plate 49 and a slide base plate 47. In other words, the air micrometer 42, each pin 43, 44, and 45, and the shutter 46 are all supported by a common actuator 41 so that they can move back and forth as a single unit.

[0058] -Control System- Figure 6 is a block diagram showing the control system of the workpiece measurement and sorting device 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 6, the control system of the workpiece measurement and sorting device 1 is configured such that the photoelectric sensor 110 and the A / E converter 120 are connected to the control device 100 so that they can transmit and receive signals.

[0059] The A / E converter 120 is connected in order to a regulator 130, a filter 140, and an air source 150 via an air passage. As a result, compressed air supplied from the air source 150 is filtered by the filter 140, adjusted to a constant pressure by the regulator 130, and then supplied to the measuring head 42a of the air micrometer 42 through a throttle installed inside the A / E converter 120. The A / E converter 120 converts this pressure into an electrical signal using its built-in bellows and differential transformer and outputs it to the control device 100. The control device 100 then determines whether the inner diameter of the opening of the workpiece W currently being measured is within a specified range (a predetermined tolerance range that is judged as a good product), and outputs a forward / backward movement instruction signal to the actuator 41 according to the determination result.

[0060] Furthermore, an alarm device 160 is connected to the control device 100. This alarm device 160 emits an alarm signal if the position or orientation of the workpiece W (the position or orientation of the workpiece W inside the transfer liner 3) detected by the photoelectric sensor 110 is inappropriate. The control device 100 also performs the operations described later (position regulating operation and measurement operation) according to the position information of the workpiece W detected by the photoelectric sensor 110. This allows each operation to be performed smoothly, and the cycle time can be shortened.

[0061] -Measurement and sorting operations- Next, we will explain the measurement and sorting operations performed on workpieces W (W1, W2) by the workpiece measurement and sorting device 1 configured as described above.

[0062] Figure 7 is an enlarged view of the main parts to explain the operation of the workpiece measuring and sorting device 1 according to this embodiment (operation when workpiece W1 is determined to be a good product), where Figure 7(a) shows the workpiece standby state, Figure 7(b) shows the workpiece to be measured positioning state, Figure 7(c) shows the workpiece inner diameter measurement state, and Figure 7(d) shows the good product workpiece transfer state.

[0063] In this measurement and sorting operation, first, as shown in Figure 7(a), the actuator 41 is activated, causing the second pin 44 to move forward so that it enters the upstream transport path R1. As a result, the transport position of the workpieces W1 and W2 being transported along the upstream transport path R1 is restricted by this second pin 44. In the state shown in Figure 7(a), the transport positions of the two workpieces W1 and W2 are restricted by the second pin 44. At this time, the first pin 43 is in a position retracted from the upstream transport path R1 and facing the opening of the workpiece W2, and both the measuring head 42a and the third pin 45 are in a position retracted from the measuring section R2.

[0064] From this state, the actuator 41 is activated and the slider 41a moves toward the Y1 direction. As a result, as shown in Figure 7(b), the first pin 43 is inserted into the opening of the workpiece W2, restricting the position of the workpiece W2, and the second pin 44 is retracted from the upstream transport path R1, releasing the position restriction on the workpiece W1 that was previously in place. Also, the third pin 45 is moved forward so as to enter the inside of the measuring section R2. As a result, the transport position of the workpiece W1, whose position restriction has been released, is restricted by the third pin 45. As a result, the workpiece W1 is held in a position facing the measuring head 42a.

[0065] From this state, the actuator 41 is further activated, and the slider 41a moves toward the Y1 direction. As a result, as shown in Figure 7(c), the measuring head 42a is inserted into the opening of the workpiece W1, and the inner diameter of the workpiece W1 is measured. At this time, the first pin 43 remains inserted into the opening of the workpiece W2, and the position of the workpiece W2 is maintained. The position of the workpiece W1 is also maintained to be restricted by the third pin 45.

[0066] Once the measurement of the inner diameter of workpiece W1 is complete, the actuator 41 is activated and the slider 41a moves in the Y2 direction. As a result, as shown in Figure 7(d), the measuring head 42a and the third pin 45 are retracted from the measuring section R2, releasing the position restriction on workpiece W1 and allowing it to be transported toward the switching path R3. At the same time that the position restriction on workpiece W1 is released, the second pin 44 is in a forward position so as to enter the upstream transport path R1, and the transport position of workpiece W2 is restricted by this second pin 44.

[0067] If the measurement results indicate that the workpiece W1 is a good product, the actuator 41 moves the slider 41a so that the shutter 46 is positioned so that the first shutter portion 46a faces the discharge opening 31a. As a result, the discharge opening 31a is closed, and in the switching path R3, the workpiece W1 passes over the first shutter portion 46a facing the discharge opening 31a and is sent to the delivery path R4.

[0068] Next, the operation when workpiece W1 is determined to be defective will be explained. Figure 8(a) shows the state of transfer of defective workpieces, and Figure 8(b) shows the state of discharge of defective workpieces. If, as a result of the measurement, workpiece W1 is determined to be defective, as shown in Figure 8(a), the actuator 41 moves the slider 41a so that the position of the shutter 46 is such that the notch portion 46c faces the discharge opening 31a (so that the first shutter portion 46a is in a reciprocal movement position away from the discharge opening 31a of the bottom plate portion 31 of the transfer liner 3). As a result, the discharge opening 31a is not closed but remains open, and as shown in Figure 8(b), workpiece W1 that has reached the switching path R3 is discharged from the discharge opening 31a to the chute 5. In this way, workpiece W1 is sorted according to the measurement results.

[0069] -Effects of the embodiment- As described above, in this embodiment, the operation of a single actuator 41 makes it possible to perform the following operations: position regulating operation of the workpiece W2 in the upstream transfer path R1 by the first pin 43 and the second pin 44, position regulating operation of the workpiece W1 in the measurement section R2 by the third pin 45, measurement operation of the inner diameter dimension of the opening of the workpiece W1 by the measuring head 42a, and switching operation of the transfer destination of the workpiece W1 by the shutter 46. Therefore, by reducing the number of actuators 41, the configuration of the workpiece measuring and sorting device 1 can be simplified, miniaturized, and manufacturing and running costs can be reduced.

[0070] Furthermore, in this embodiment, during measurement by the measuring head 42a, the workpiece W2 before measurement (the workpiece located upstream of the measuring unit R2) is restricted from moving by a first pin 43 located inside the upstream transfer path R1. This prevents interference between the workpiece W2 before measurement and the workpiece W1 during measurement, which could negatively affect the measurement accuracy (see the state in Figure 7(c)). Also, during the transfer of the measured workpiece W1 along the downstream transfer path, the workpiece W2 before measurement is restricted from moving by a second pin 44 located inside the upstream transfer path R1 (see the state in Figure 7(d)). After measuring workpiece W1, the measuring head 42a moves backward from the measuring unit R2, and the third pin 45 releases the position restriction state of workpiece W1. If the next workpiece (the workpiece to be measured) W2 is then moved to the measuring unit R2 in this state, there is a risk that workpiece W2 will be moved to the downstream transfer path (passing through the measuring unit R2) without being restricted in position by the measuring head 42a or the third pin 45. In this embodiment, the workpiece transfer position in the upstream transfer path R1 is restricted by the second pin 44, so this situation (where the unmeasured workpiece W2 passes through the measuring unit R2) does not occur, and it is possible to measure each workpiece W1 and W2 in order.

[0071] -Other Embodiments- Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and all modifications and applications are possible within the scope of the claims and equivalents thereof.

[0072] For example, in the above embodiment, the transfer position restricting means is configured to include a first pin 43 and a second pin 44, but the transfer position restricting means may be configured with only one pin.

[0073] Furthermore, the present invention does not require a transfer position regulating means (first pin 43 and second pin 44). For example, if the operator manually feeds the workpiece W toward the measuring unit R2, the transfer position regulating means can be omitted.

[0074] Furthermore, the actuator 41 is not limited to electric type; various types such as hydraulic and pneumatic types can be applied. [Industrial applicability]

[0075] The present invention is applicable to a workpiece measuring and sorting device capable of measuring the inner diameter of an opening in a workpiece having an opening, such as the inner ring of a bearing, and sorting the workpiece according to the results of the measurement. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0076] 1. Workpiece measuring and sorting device 3. Transfer liner (workpiece transfer means) 31 Bottom plate part 31a Discharge opening (opening) 41 Actuator 42a Measuring head (measuring means) 43. First pin (transfer position regulating means) 44. Second pin (transfer position regulating means) 45. Third pin (measurement position regulating means) 46 Shutter (transfer switching means) R1 Upstream transfer route R2 measurement section R3 Switching path (transfer downstream path) R4 Dispatch route (downstream transfer route) W, W1, W2 Work

Claims

1. In a workpiece measuring and sorting device that measures the dimensions of a workpiece and sorts the workpiece according to the results of the measurement, A workpiece transfer means having a measuring section including the position where the workpiece is placed when the measurement is performed, an upstream transfer path for transferring the workpiece toward the measuring section, and a downstream transfer path for transferring the workpiece after the measurement has been performed, A measurement position restricting means that moves forward toward the interior of the measurement unit, thereby restricting the workpiece that has been transported from the upstream transport path to a predetermined position in the measurement unit, A measuring means that moves forward toward the interior of the measuring section to measure the dimensions of the workpiece that is restricted at the predetermined position, The system includes a transfer switching means that changes the forward / backward movement position relative to the downstream transfer path according to the results of the measurement, and switches the transfer destination of the workpiece according to that forward / backward movement position, A workpiece measuring and sorting apparatus characterized in that the measuring position regulating means, the measuring means, and the transfer switching means are supported by a common actuator so as to be able to move back and forth integrally.

2. In the workpiece measuring and sorting apparatus according to claim 1, The measurement position restricting means is rod-shaped and has a length that continuously restricts the workpiece at a predetermined position on the measuring unit while the measuring means is measuring the dimensions of the workpiece, and releases the restriction of the workpiece at the predetermined position on the measuring unit when the measurement means has finished measuring the dimensions of the workpiece and the measuring means has moved backward from the measuring unit. The workpiece measuring and sorting device is characterized in that the measuring means is rod-shaped and has a length that is retracted from the measuring part when the measuring position regulating means starts regulating the workpiece at a predetermined position on the measuring part.

3. In the workpiece measuring and sorting apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, Prior to the transfer of the workpiece toward the measuring unit, the system includes a transfer position regulating means that restricts the transfer position of the workpiece in the upstream transfer path by moving forward toward the interior of the upstream transfer path. The workpiece measuring and sorting apparatus is characterized in that the transfer position restricting means is also supported so as to be able to move back and forth integrally with the measuring position restricting means, the measuring means, and the transfer switching means by an actuator common to all of them.

4. In the workpiece measuring and sorting apparatus according to claim 3, The transfer position restricting means includes a first pin located upstream in the transfer direction of the workpiece in the upstream transfer path, and a second pin located downstream. The first pin is rod-shaped and extends toward the upstream transfer path from one side in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the upstream transfer path, and has a length that is located inside the upstream transfer path during the measurement of the dimensions of the workpiece by the measuring means and restricts the transfer position of the workpiece in the upstream transfer path before measurement. The workpiece measuring and sorting device is characterized in that the second pin is rod-shaped and extends toward the upstream transfer path from the other side in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the upstream transfer path, and is located inside the upstream transfer path at the time when the measurement by the measuring means is completed and the transfer of the workpiece to the downstream transfer path begins, and has a length dimension that restricts the transfer position of the workpiece in the upstream transfer path before measurement.

5. In the workpiece measuring and sorting apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, The bottom plate portion of the downstream transfer path is provided with an opening through which the workpiece can be discharged. The transfer switching means is If the measurement result by the measuring means indicates that the workpiece is a good product, the bottom plate portion moves to a position that closes the opening, thereby enabling the workpiece to be transported along the downstream transport path after measurement. A workpiece measuring and sorting device characterized in that, if the workpiece is found to be defective as a result of measurement by the measuring means, the bottom plate portion moves to a position away from the opening, and the workpiece is discharged from the opening when the measured workpiece is transported along the downstream transport path.

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