Separation device
The separating device addresses the issues of re-entanglement and damage by using a concavo-convex top plate and eccentric gears to stabilize motion, ensuring safe and efficient disassembly of delicate parts.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK
- Filing Date
- 2023-08-07
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-29
AI Technical Summary
Existing separating devices face issues of re-entanglement and potential damage to delicate parts during the separation process, particularly with gaskets shaped like eyeglass frames, which are prone to entanglement and require careful handling to avoid scratches or deformation.
A separating device with a top plate featuring a concavo-convex surface and a swing mechanism using eccentric gears and pins to stabilize the top plate's movement, combined with a control unit for precise rotational control, prevents re-entanglement and minimizes damage by ensuring smooth, stable eccentric motion.
The device effectively prevents parts from re-entangling and reduces the risk of damage, ensuring safe and efficient disassembly of delicate components like gaskets without causing scratches or deformation.
Smart Images
Figure 0007896573000001 
Figure 0007896573000002 
Figure 0007896573000003
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a separating device.
Background Art
[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a separating device that separates entangled C-shaped parts from each other by vibration and scatters them.
Prior Art Document
Patent Document
[0003]
Patent Document 1
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0004] However, when the separating device described in Patent Document 1 is used, in the separation by vibration, there is a possibility of entanglement again, and there is also a possibility of damage to the parts.
Means for Solving the Problems
[0005] A separating device according to an embodiment includes a top plate having a concavo-convex surface, and a swing mechanism that swings the top plate in a horizontal direction. The swing mechanism has a first eccentric gear that rotates, and a first eccentric pin that protrudes from the surface of the first eccentric gear at a position away from the rotation center of the first eccentric gear and is connected to the top plate.
[0006] A separating device according to an embodiment includes a transmission gear that meshes with the first eccentric gear, and a second eccentric gear that meshes with the transmission gear. The second eccentric gear has a second eccentric pin that protrudes from the surface of the second eccentric gear and is connected to the top plate. The first eccentric pin and the second eccentric pin may be held through the top plate.
[0007] In one embodiment of the separation device, the top plate may be provided with a plurality of stepped members on its upper surface. [Effects of the Invention]
[0008] According to the separation device of this disclosure, the parts do not become entangled again, and the parts are less likely to be damaged. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0009] [Figure 1] This is an internal plan view of the separation device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] These are an internal plan view and an internal side view of the separation device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] This is an internal rear view of the separation device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] These are a top view and an internal side view of the separation device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of a disassembly pattern using the separation device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 6] This diagram explains the mechanism that prevents the strands from becoming tangled again after being separated. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0010] The following example describes a case where the component to be separated is a gasket. Generally, gaskets, which are shaped like eyeglass frames bent into a U-shape, are prone to entanglement, yet they arrive in nylon bags without any consideration for preventing entanglement, so they are already tangled. Furthermore, the gaskets, which are shaped like a pair of glasses bent into a U-shape, are intertwined, making it difficult to remove just one. Moreover, gaskets are extremely delicate and important parts; scratches, deformation, or wear on the surface plating can cause oil leaks and lead to brake failure.
[0011] Therefore, the following embodiment describes a separation device that takes these problems into consideration, preventing the parts from becoming entangled again and minimizing damage to the parts.
[0012] Embodiment 1 Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is an internal plan view of the separation device according to Embodiment 1. Figure 2 is an internal plan view and an internal side view of the separation device according to Embodiment 1. Figure 3 is an internal rear view of the separation device according to Embodiment 1. Figure 4 is a top view and an internal side view of the separation device according to Embodiment 1.
[0013] In Figures 1 to 4, the separation device 100 includes a motor 101, a drive gear 102, eccentric gears 103-1 and 103-2, a transmission gear 104, free rollers 105-1 to 105-4, a top plate 106, a parts ejection prevention plate 107, a Teflon® tape 108, and a control unit (not shown). The oscillating mechanism consists of a motor 101, a drive gear 102, eccentric gears 103-1 and 103-2, and a transmission gear 104.
[0014] Motor 101 is an electric motor whose rotating shaft is connected to drive gear 102. Motor 101 rotates drive gear 102.
[0015] The drive gear 102 transmits rotational motion to the eccentric gear 103-1 by meshing its teeth with the eccentric gear 103-1. Similarly, the eccentric gear 103-1 transmits rotational motion to the transmission gear 104 by meshing its teeth with the transmission gear 104. The transmission gear 104 then transmits rotational motion to the eccentric gear 103-2 by meshing its teeth with the eccentric gear 103-2.
[0016] The eccentric gear 103-1 has an eccentric pin 131-1 that protrudes at a position away from the rotation axis. Similarly, the eccentric gear 103-2 has an eccentric pin 131-2 that protrudes at a position away from the rotation axis. The eccentric pins 131-1 and 131-2 are in contact with the top plate 106. And the positions where the eccentric pins 131-1 and 131-2 are in contact with the top plate 106 are higher than the positions where the free rollers 105-1 to 105-4 are in contact with the top plate 106.
[0017] When the eccentric gears 103-1 and 103-2 rotate, the eccentric pins 131-1 and 131-2 perform a rotational motion centered on the rotation axis. As a result, the positions where the eccentric pins 131-1 and 131-2 are in contact with the top plate 106 change, and the top plate 106 swings.
[0018] The free rollers 105-1 to 105-4 are ball bearings. And the free rollers 105-1 to 105-4 support the top plate 106 so that it is substantially horizontal.
[0019] The top plate 106 is a plate-shaped body having a surface with a concavo-convex shape. The top plate 106 is preferably something like an embossed plate with smooth concavo-convex on its surface. With such a configuration, the smooth concavo-convex catches slightly during eccentric movement, can be scattered without damaging the parts. And after being scattered, it moves so as to stay in place during the eccentric movement by sliding in point contact with the convex part. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a scattering pattern by the separating device according to Embodiment 1. As shown in FIG. 5, the parts move eccentrically so as to be slightly caught by the concavo-convex and are scattered.
[0020] If dust accidentally falls on the top plate 106, in the case of a flat plate, since the dust exists on the surface, there is a possibility of rubbing against the parts and causing damage. On the other hand, by using an embossed plate with concavo-convex for the top plate 106, the dust accumulates in the concave part and falls outside the outer frame along the concave part by the centrifugal force of the eccentric movement, preventing scratches on the parts.
[0021] The component ejection prevention plate 107 is a plate with a hole running through its center. The component ejection prevention plate 107 is placed on top of the top plate 106. The space formed by the component ejection prevention plate 107 and the top plate 106 has an open top surface.
[0022] A control unit (not shown) controls the power supplied to the motor 101. For example, the control unit changes the voltage applied to the motor 101 or reverses its polarity. Specifically, the gear ratio is adjusted so that the eccentric gears 103-1 and 103-2 rotate at an appropriate speed, and a fine-tuning potentiometer is provided in the control unit. In this way, the parts can be disassembled without damaging them due to the appropriate rotational motion. Furthermore, by providing a fine-tuning potentiometer for rotational motion in the control unit, the rotational motion can be finely adjusted to obtain the optimal rotational motion.
[0023] Furthermore, eccentric gears 103-1 and 103-2, each equipped with an eccentric pin, are installed in a position that allows the top plate 106 to rotate stably, and are configured to move synchronously in the vertical direction. In this way, as shown in Figure 4, multiple eccentric pins 131-1 and 131-2 rotate, allowing the top plate 106 to rotate eccentrically while stabilizing its movement. Also, because the top plate 106 is oscillated by the eccentric movement, it is quieter than the vibration of a vibrator. With only one eccentric gear, the top plate 106 may wobble, but by using multiple eccentric gears that rotate in sync, the eccentric pins 131-1 and 131-2 move eccentrically along the same trajectory, allowing the top plate 106 to rotate stably.
[0024] Furthermore, the free rollers 105-1 to 105-4 that support the top plate 106 are installed parallel to each other at an appropriate height to prevent the eccentric pins from coming out. This ensures stable eccentric movement without tilting or wobbling. The plate into which the eccentric pins 131-1 and 131-2 are inserted and the top plate 106 are fixed to the top with bolts from a cylinder made of a soft material larger than the diameter of the holes in the parts. This configuration allows for disassembly without damaging the parts by countersinking the bolt heads so that they do not protrude. Also, because the countersink is larger than the hole diameter, the parts will not get stuck in the holes.
[0025] Furthermore, a flat, shock-absorbing material is attached to the area of the underside of the top plate 106 that the free roller contacts. For example, a Teflon tape 108 of a predetermined thickness is attached to the area of the underside of the top plate 106 that the free roller contacts. This configuration prevents the free roller from picking up unevenness and causing vertical movement when it comes into direct contact with the embossed plate, thus enabling smooth rotation. It also prevents damage to parts caused by vertical movement. Furthermore, it prevents vibration and noise caused by vertical movement. In addition, it prevents wear on the eccentric pins 131-1 and 131-2 and the parts that contact them (eccentric pins, pin holes, etc.). Moreover, since the parts do not move up and down, they do not get tangled after being disassembled.
[0026] The part ejection prevention plate 107 is preferably made of a soft material. As shown in Figure 4, the thickness of the part ejection prevention plate 107 is greater than the height of the part. The part ejection prevention plate 107 is fixed to the outer frame so that it does not move in the same way as the top plate 106. This configuration prevents parts from flying out and damage to the parts. Fixing it to the outer frame also reduces the weight of parts related to eccentric movement. This weight reduction also prevents vibration and noise. Furthermore, the part ejection prevention plate 107, fixed to the outer frame, surrounds the parts, and when entangled parts hit it, it causes a different change in the parts than the two cylinders that move together with the top plate 106, thus separating the entangled parts. The weight reduction also prevents wear on parts related to sliding and parts that come into contact with them (eccentric pins, pin holes, etc.).
[0027] The thickness of the top surface of the anti-ejection plate 107 is such that the edge of the top plate 106 is hidden even when the top plate 106 is rotated eccentrically. This configuration allows the top plate 106 to rotate eccentrically while its corners are always hidden. It also prevents parts from being damaged by hitting the edges. Furthermore, it prevents fingers or other body parts from being pinched by hitting the edges. Additionally, since parts do not protrude from the outer frame, it prevents parts from hitting hands or other body parts.
[0028] Furthermore, the gap between the component ejection prevention plate 107 and the top plate 106 is narrower than the thickness of the component. It is installed as low as possible to prevent friction with the top plate 106. With this configuration, components cannot get caught in the gap between the component ejection prevention plate 107 and the top plate 106, and vertical movement of the top plate 106 during eccentric movement is suppressed. In addition, it is possible to prevent components from getting damaged by getting caught in the gap between the component ejection prevention plate 107 and the top plate 106. In addition, it is possible to prevent fingers, etc. from getting caught in the gap between the component ejection prevention plate 107 and the top plate 106 and getting pinched. Also, since it does not protrude from the outer frame, it is possible to prevent it from hitting hands, etc. Furthermore, by suppressing vertical movement, it is possible to prevent components that have been separated from becoming entangled again.
[0029] Next, we will explain the mechanism that prevents the strands from becoming tangled again after being separated. Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the mechanism that prevents the strands from becoming tangled again after being separated.
[0030] In Figure 6, first, the device is started while the wires are entangled (S601). The eccentric movement causes the bottommost component in contact with the top plate 106 to move, which in turn causes other intertwined components to vibrate and move as well (S602).
[0031] Then, the other intertwined parts begin to fall apart (S603). The tilt of other parts makes them more likely to catch on the protruding parts (S604).
[0032] Once the parts have been disassembled, they become lighter as they are individual components, and the frictional resistance with the top plate 106 is reduced. The components then simply slide parallel to the convex shape of the top plate 106 within the range of eccentric rotation (S605).
[0033] Furthermore, even if the parts collide due to eccentric movement, only the ring surfaces come into contact with each other, and the parts do not become entangled (S606).
[0034] After that, the parts continue to move smoothly over the protrusions on the top plate 106, and the parts do not become entangled with each other (S607).
[0035] Thus, with the separation device of Embodiment 1, the parts do not become entangled again, and the parts are less likely to be damaged.
[0036] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the rotation direction of the eccentric gears 103-1 and 103-2 may be such that forward and reverse rotations are interspersed during one cycle of disassembling the parts. With such a configuration, even if the parts are entangled and cannot be disassembled by rotating only in one direction, applying reverse rotation when disassembly fails changes the direction of disassembly, which changes the effect on the parts, such as how the protrusions on the top plate 106 catch, and thus can untangle the parts. [Explanation of Symbols]
[0037] 100 Separation equipment 101 Motor 102 Drive Gear 103 Eccentric Gear 104 Transmission Gear 105 Free Roller 106 Top plate 107 Prevention plate 108 Teflon Tape 131 Eccentric pin
Claims
1. A tabletop having an uneven surface, Multiple free rollers that horizontally support the aforementioned top plate, A rocking mechanism for rocking the aforementioned top plate in a horizontal plane, A component ejection prevention plate is arranged in a ring on the top plate to prevent components placed on the top plate from flying out, Control unit and Equipped with, The rocking mechanism includes a motor, a first eccentric gear rotated by the motor, and a first eccentric pin that protrudes from the surface of the first eccentric gear at a position away from the rotation center of the first eccentric gear and connects to the top plate. The control unit rotates the first eccentric gear in a manner that alternates between forward and reverse rotation. Separation device.
2. The transmission gear that meshes with the first eccentric gear, The transmission gear and a second eccentric gear that mesh with each other are provided. The second eccentric gear has a second eccentric pin that protrudes from the surface of the second eccentric gear and connects to the top plate, The separation device according to claim 1, wherein the first eccentric pin and the second eccentric pin are held through the top plate.