JP2018158773A - Transport device and work-piece transport method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To propose a transport device that can transport multiple work-pieces in a densely arranged state to the storage part and easily stack them.SOLUTION: The transport device divides multiple work-pieces in a densely arranged state into work groups with predetermined number of works while maintaining the interval between the work-pieces next to each other, and moves them into supplying areas assigned to each of the work groups, and has a supplying part that supplies individual work-pieces constituting the work groups at different times, a storage part that stores multiple work-pieces constituting work groups in stacked status, a slanting part that guides the supplied work-pieces by the supplying part to the storage part, the slanting part has a slanting surface that slides the work-pieces, and a guiding part that is provided on the side of the slanting surface and guides the work-piece sliding on the slanting surface to the storage part while guiding the work-piece supplied by the supplying part on the slanting surface with the stance of this work-piece maintained as it is.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a transport device that transports a work to a storage unit that stores the work in a stacked state, and a method for transporting the work.

  When a sheet (work) having a predetermined shape is formed from a single sheet and the workpieces are stacked, the workpiece is punched from the sheet by a punching machine having a punching die, and the punched workpiece is conveyed downward. Then, a method of laminating is performed.

  However, in this method, depending on the shape of the workpiece, a loss portion that is not used as a workpiece in the sheet and discarded is generated.

  Therefore, as a method for suppressing the occurrence of such a loss portion, an adhesive tape sticking method disclosed in Patent Document 1 has been proposed.

  In the adhesive tape sticking method disclosed in Patent Document 1, a plurality of work pieces (adhesive tape pieces) punched by a punching die are attached to a strip-shaped adhesive tape disposed below. (Adhesive tape) and an adhesive tape can be laminated. In this method, the occurrence of a loss portion is suppressed by configuring the workpiece from a plurality of workpiece pieces.

  The adhesive tape sticking method disclosed in Patent Document 1 can be used, for example, when a work can be composed of a plurality of work pieces and a work piece having a simple shape such as an adhesive tape piece is cut out. it can.

JP 2000-223625 A

  By the way, when it is necessary to obtain a plurality of workpieces having a predetermined shape from one sheet at a time, the punching machine has a configuration having a plurality of punching dies. Thus, in the case of a configuration having a plurality of punching dies, a certain amount of gap is required between adjacent punching dies.

  For this reason, when a plurality of workpieces having a predetermined shape are formed from a single sheet by a punching die, a loss portion that is not used as a workpiece and discarded is generated in the sheet.

  In particular, when the sheet from which the workpiece is cut out is an expensive functional sheet such as a graphite sheet, the greater the loss portion, the smaller the number of workpieces obtained from one sheet and the higher the manufacturing cost of the workpiece. There is a problem of end.

  Therefore, in order to obtain as many workpieces as possible from one functional sheet, it is necessary to cut out the workpieces so that the loss portion is minimized. However, when cut out from one functional sheet so that there is almost no gap between adjacent workpieces, the cut out workpieces are in a densely arranged state. Therefore, in order to transport the cut workpieces to the storage portion located below and stack the workpieces in the cut out order, it is necessary to arrange the storage portions in close contact with each other. It is physically difficult to arrange them closely. Moreover, even if the accommodating portion can be arranged in a close state, in order to properly convey the workpiece into the accommodating portion, high-precision positioning of the workpiece is required, and conveyance of the workpiece itself becomes difficult. .

  This invention is made | formed in view of such a situation, and provides the conveying apparatus which can convey the some workpiece | work in the state arranged densely to an accommodating part, and can be laminated | stacked easily. With the goal.

  A conveying apparatus according to a certain aspect of the present invention divides a plurality of workpieces in a densely arranged state into a workpiece group composed of a predetermined number of workpieces while maintaining an interval between adjacent workpieces. It moves to the supply area allocated for each group, and accommodates each of the workpieces constituting the workpiece group in a state where the workpieces constituting the workpiece group and the plurality of workpieces constituting the workpiece group are stacked. An accommodating portion; and an inclined portion that guides the workpiece supplied by the supply portion to the accommodating portion, wherein the inclined portion is disposed on an inclined surface that slides the workpiece, and on a side portion of the inclined surface, The work supplied by the supply unit is guided to the inclined surface while maintaining the posture of the work, and the work sliding on the inclined surface is guided to the accommodating unit. It has a Ido section.

  According to the above configuration, since the workpieces of the workpiece group moved to the supply area by the supply unit can be supplied to the inclined portion at different timings and guided to the accommodation unit, the workpieces constituting the workpiece group are stacked in the accommodation unit. Thus, a laminate can be formed. Further, since the inclined portion includes the guide portion, each workpiece in the supply area can be guided to the inclined surface while maintaining the posture, and the workpiece that slides on the inclined surface can be guided into the housing portion.

  In other words, multiple works arranged densely are grouped into work groups, each is assigned a supply area, and the supply timing is changed between works assigned to the same supply area. Even when the workpieces are arranged, the densely arranged state can be eliminated when the workpiece is supplied to the inclined portion. In addition, since the inclined portion includes the guide portion, the workpiece can be guided to the inclined surface regardless of the position of the workpiece in the supply area. Furthermore, the work sliding on the inclined surface can be guided to the accommodating portion.

  Therefore, the conveyance apparatus which concerns on a certain form of this invention has an effect that the some workpiece | work in the state arranged densely can be conveyed to an accommodating part, and can be laminated | stacked easily.

  Moreover, the conveying apparatus which concerns on a form with this invention WHEREIN: The above-mentioned structure WHEREIN: A sheet-like film may be sufficient as the said workpiece | work.

  In the transport device according to an aspect of the present invention, in the above configuration, the supply unit has a holding unit for holding the workpiece, and the holding unit sucks or engages the workpiece. It may be configured to hold it.

  According to the above configuration, since the supply unit can hold the work by attracting or engaging the work, the work can be moved to a predetermined position or supplied at a predetermined timing.

  Here, when the work is sucked and held, for example, the holding unit can be configured to suck the work with a vacuum pad using a vacuum device. Alternatively, when the workpiece is made of a metal exhibiting ferromagnetism, a configuration in which the workpiece is attracted by an electromagnet can be exemplified. Further, when the work is engaged and held, for example, the holding unit may include a plurality of claws that support the work, and the work may be locked and lifted by the plurality of claws.

  In addition, when it is necessary to prevent a workpiece | work from rubbing, it is preferable to adsorb | suck and hold | maintain a workpiece | work. For example, when the workpiece is formed of a material that generates powder when rubbed, such as a graphite sheet, a configuration in which the workpiece is held by suction is more preferable.

  Further, in the transport device according to an aspect of the present invention, in the configuration described above, the plurality of inclined portions are arranged in parallel, and a side to which the workpiece is supplied in the inclined portion is an upstream side, and the housing When the side from which the workpiece is discharged is the downstream side, the inclined portion is composed of an upper inclined portion provided on the upstream side and a lower inclined portion provided on the downstream side, and the supply portion And a support part for supporting the workpiece supplied from the above, and an interval adjusting part for moving the lower inclined part in the width direction of the inclined surface to make the interval between the adjacent lower inclined parts variable. It may be a configuration.

  Here, the width direction in the inclined surface is a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the inclined surface extending toward the housing portion in the inclined surface.

  According to the said structure, since a support part is provided, a workpiece | work can be supported in the predetermined position in a lower side inclination part. For this reason, the discharge timing of the workpiece | work to an accommodating part can be adjusted.

  Moreover, since the space | interval adjustment part is provided, the space | interval of the workpiece | work which slides on the adjacent lower inclination part can be adjusted by adjusting the space | interval of an adjacent lower side inclination part. For this reason, even if it is a case where the space | interval of the workpiece | work which slides an adjacent lower side inclination part does not correspond with the space | interval of the accommodating part from which this workpiece | work is discharged | emitted, it can adjust appropriately.

  Therefore, the conveyance device can adjust each workpiece so as to be in an appropriate discharge position with respect to the storage unit, and can discharge the workpiece at an appropriate timing in the supplied order.

  Moreover, the conveying apparatus which concerns on a certain form of this invention WHEREIN: The above-mentioned structure WHEREIN: The said support part may be comprised so that the said workpiece | work may be adsorbed or latched and supported.

  According to the above configuration, since the support portion can hold the work by attracting or locking, the work can be supported at a predetermined position in the lower inclined portion.

  Here, when the workpiece is sucked and supported, for example, the support portion can be configured to suck the workpiece with a vacuum pad using a vacuum device. Alternatively, when the workpiece is made of a metal exhibiting ferromagnetism, a configuration in which the workpiece is attracted by an electromagnet can be exemplified.

  Further, when the work is locked and supported, for example, the support part can be configured to support the work using a lock pin that supports the work.

  In addition, when it is necessary to prevent a workpiece | work from rubbing, it is preferable to support a workpiece | work by adsorption | suction. In particular, when the workpiece is formed of a material that, when rubbed, is made of a material that generates powder when rubbed, reduces frictional resistance, and increases the speed of sliding on an inclined surface, it is better to support the workpiece by adsorption. It is.

  In addition, in the transport apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention, in the configuration described above, when the side on which the workpiece sliding on the inclined surface is moved is the front side, the lower inclined portion can be moved forward and backward. And when the tip of the work that has slid on the transport surface comes into contact with the housing part, the front-rear moving part moves the lower inclined part backward to house the work in the housing part. It may be a configuration.

  According to the above configuration, since the front / rear moving part is provided, the lower inclined part is moved rearward when the tip of the work comes into contact with the storage part, so that the work can be appropriately rotated without rotating the work. Can be placed in position.

  Moreover, the conveying apparatus which concerns on a certain form of this invention WHEREIN: The process which guides the said workpiece | work to the said accommodating part by the said inclination part, and the process which moves the said workpiece | work group to the said supply area by the said supply part in the above-mentioned structure. At least some of them may be performed simultaneously.

  According to the above configuration, at least a part of the process of guiding the work to the storage unit and the process of moving the work group to the supply area are performed at the same time, so that the processing efficiency of the transfer process of the work to the storage unit can be improved. .

  Moreover, the conveying apparatus which concerns on a certain form of this invention WHEREIN: The said some workpiece | work may be arranged in a line in the above-mentioned structure.

  Moreover, the structure which the above-mentioned inclination part further provided with the cover part which covers at least one part of the upper surface of this inclination part may be sufficient as the conveying apparatus which concerns on a certain form of this invention.

  According to the said structure, since a cover part is further provided, it can prevent that the sliding speed of the workpiece | work which slides on the inclined surface of an inclined part is too fast, and jumps out of an inclined part outside.

  Further, in the transport apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention, in the configuration described above, the inclined portion may further include a speed adjusting unit that reduces the sliding speed of the workpiece on the inclined surface.

  According to the above configuration, since the speed adjusting unit is further provided, it is possible to prevent the sliding speed from increasing as the work sliding on the inclined surface of the inclined part jumps out of the inclined part.

  In particular, when the workpiece is made of a material that may generate powder when it rubs against an inclined surface, such as a graphite sheet, the frictional resistance is reduced and the sliding speed may be higher than the desired speed, It is preferable to adopt a configuration that can adjust the sliding speed of.

  Examples of the speed adjusting unit include a configuration including a brake member that reduces the speed of the workpiece by contact or adsorption with a plate-like member, or a process that increases the frictional resistance of the workpiece applied to the sliding surface. it can.

  Further, in the transport device according to an aspect of the present invention, in the configuration described above, the pair of guide portions disposed on the side portion of the inclined surface has an interval between the guide portions that is downstream from the upstream side of the inclined portion. The structure which forms the taper shape narrowed toward the side may be sufficient.

  According to the said structure, since a pair of guide part forms a taper shape toward the downstream from the upstream of an inclination part, a workpiece | work can be appropriately positioned with a guide part while a workpiece | work slides on an inclined surface.

  Moreover, the conveyance apparatus which concerns on a certain form of this invention WHEREIN: The above-mentioned structure WHEREIN: The said workpiece | work may be formed from the graphite sheet.

  According to the said structure, the workpiece | work in the state arranged densely can be suitably guide | induced in an accommodating part, and can be laminated | stacked. For this reason, in the graphite sheet before forming a workpiece | work, this workpiece | work can be cut out so that a loss part may be reduced, and the manufacturing cost of a workpiece | work can be suppressed.

  In addition, the method for transporting workpieces according to an embodiment of the present invention divides a plurality of workpieces in a densely arranged state into a workpiece group composed of a predetermined number of workpieces while maintaining an interval between adjacent workpieces. And a moving step for moving to the supply area allocated for each work group, a supplying step for supplying each work constituting the work group in the supply area to the inclined portion at different timings, and a supply in the supplying step. The guided work is guided to the inclined surface of the inclined portion while maintaining the posture of the workpiece, and is guided by the guide step so as to guide the work sliding on the inclined surface to the accommodating portion. An accommodating step of accommodating the workpieces in the accommodating portion in a stacked state.

  According to the above method, since the moving step and the supplying step are included, the workpieces belonging to the workpiece group can be supplied to the inclined portion at different timings. For this reason, each workpiece | work which comprises a workpiece | work group can be laminated | stacked, and a laminated body can be formed. In addition, since the guide step is included, each workpiece in the supply area can be guided to the inclined surface while maintaining the posture, and the workpiece sliding on the inclined surface can be guided into the accommodating portion.

  In other words, multiple works arranged densely are grouped into each work group, each supply area is assigned, and the supply timing is changed between works assigned to the same supply area, so that the works are densely arranged. Even when the workpieces are in the state of being in contact with each other, the densely arranged state can be eliminated when the workpiece is supplied to the inclined portion. In addition, since the guide step is included, the workpiece can be guided to the inclined surface and the workpiece sliding on the inclined surface can be guided to the housing portion regardless of the position of the workpiece in the supply area.

  Therefore, the work conveyance method according to an embodiment of the present invention has an effect that a plurality of works in a densely arranged state can be conveyed to the housing portion and easily stacked.

  Advantageous Effects of Invention According to the present invention, there is an effect that a plurality of works in a densely arranged state can be transported to a storage unit and easily stacked.

It is a side view which shows schematic structure of the conveying apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the state which cut and arranged the some workpiece | work from one graphite sheet. It is a top view of the inclination part with which the conveying apparatus shown in FIG. 1 is provided. It is a figure which shows the upper side inclined surface which comprises an inclination part, The figure (a) is a perspective view which shows the cross-sectional shape of an upper side inclined surface, The figure (b) is an enlarged view of the cross-sectional shape of an upper side inclined surface. . It is a figure which shows an example of the state after moving the lower inclination part with which the inclination part shown in FIG. 3 is provided to the width direction. It is a figure which shows typically the attachment position of the speed adjustment part with which the conveying apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention is provided. It is a figure which shows typically an example of a structure of the speed adjustment part shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the conveyance method of the workpiece | work which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is the schematic which shows an example of the arrangement | positioning state of the workpiece | work in the supply area in the conveying apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows typically an example of the state of the workpiece | work discharged | emitted in the accommodating part from the discharge port of the inclination part with which the conveying apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention is provided. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the subroutine of step S13 in the flowchart shown in FIG. It is a top view which shows an example of schematic structure of the lower side inclination part with which the conveying apparatus which concerns on the modification 1 of embodiment of this invention is provided. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the conveyance method of the workpiece | work which concerns on the modification 1 of embodiment of this invention.

  The configuration of the transport apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same or corresponding elements are denoted by the same reference symbols throughout all the drawings, and redundant description thereof is omitted.

  First, the configuration of the transport apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a side view showing a schematic configuration of a transport apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a state in which a plurality of workpieces 10 are cut out from one graphite sheet 50 and arranged.

  The transport device 100 is a device that transports a plurality of workpieces 10 in a densely arranged state into the storage unit 21 and stores the workpieces 10 in a stacked state in the storage unit 21. The workpiece 10 is a sheet-shaped film as shown in FIG. 2, and can be cut and formed into a predetermined shape from one long graphite sheet 50, for example.

  The workpiece 10 is cut and formed from the long graphite sheet 50, but is not limited to this, and may be cut and formed from another functional sheet.

  In addition, the graphite sheet 50 which concerns on embodiment of this invention can be manufactured by heat-processing a polymer film. Examples of the polymer constituting the polymer film suitable for the production of the graphite sheet 50 include polyimide, polyamide, polyoxadiazole, polybenzothiazole, polybenzobisthiazole, polybenzoxazole, polybenzobisoxazole, and polyparaffin. Examples thereof include phenylene vinylene, polybenzimidazole, polybenzobisimidazole, and polythiazole. In particular, a polyimide film is preferable as the polymer film.

  In order to obtain a graphite sheet from the polymer film, a carbonization step and a graphitization step are performed. The carbonization step and the graphitization step may be performed continuously or discontinuously. In the carbonization step, the polymer film as a starting material is carbonized by preheating treatment under reduced pressure or in an inert gas. This carbonization is usually performed at a temperature of about 1000 ° C. The graphitization step subsequent to the carbonization step is performed under reduced pressure or in an inert gas, and examples of the inert gas include argon and helium. The heat treatment temperature for graphitization in the production method of the present invention is at least 2400 ° C. or more, more preferably 2600 ° C. or more, further preferably 2800 ° C. or more, and particularly preferably 2900 ° C. or more.

  Moreover, when the workpiece | work 10 is formed from a graphite sheet, a graphite sheet is thin, its intensity | strength is weak, and a crack and a dent are easy to produce. Moreover, since it is lightweight, it has the characteristic of being easy to reverse during conveyance. For this reason, it is necessary to convey the workpiece 10 so as not to give an impact as much as possible. Further, when the graphite sheet is rubbed on the conveying surface or the like, powder is generated and the frictional resistance is reduced. For this reason, it may be necessary to appropriately adjust the conveyance speed of the workpiece 10 to be conveyed. Furthermore, depending on the shape of the supplied workpiece 10, the supplied workpieces 10 may be entangled with each other. For this reason, it is necessary to convey at an appropriate interval so that the workpieces 10 to be conveyed do not get entangled. In consideration of the characteristics of these graphite sheets, a conveyance device 100 having the following configuration is proposed.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the conveying device 100 includes a supply unit 1, a stocker 2, an inclined unit 3, a base unit 20, an inclined unit support 33, a pair of upstream columns 34 a, a pair of downstream columns 34 b, and a pair of sides. It is configured to include a part cover 35, a pair of first sliders 36 a, a pair of second sliders 36 b, a pair of rail parts 37, and an inclined part support surface 40. In the present embodiment, the side where the workpiece 10 is supplied in the inclined portion 3 is the upstream side, and the side where the workpiece 10 is discharged toward the stocker 2 is the downstream side. Further, in the paper surface of FIG. 1, in the transport apparatus 100, the side on which the supply unit 1 is arranged is “rear”, and the side on which the stocker 2 is arranged is “front”.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the stocker 2 is placed on the front side of the upper surface of the base portion 20, and the inclined portion support base 33 is provided on the rear side. A pair of upstream columns 34 a that support the upstream side of the inclined portion 3 and a pair of downstream columns 34 b that support the downstream side of the inclined portion 3 are provided on both sides of the inclined portion support 33. . The upstream support column 34 a and the downstream support column 34 b are rod-like members erected vertically upward from the inclined portion support base 33, and are joined to the inclined portion support surface 40 that supports the bottom surface of the inclined portion 3. The upstream column 34a and the downstream column 34b are supported via the inclined portion support surface 40 so that the inclined portion 3 is inclined at a predetermined angle (for example, 30 degrees) with respect to the base portion 20. Can do. The space between the upstream column 34a and the downstream column 34b is covered with a side cover 35 formed of a substantially rectangular thin plate member.

  A first slider 36a and a second slider 36b are provided on the base end side of the side cover 35, the upstream column 34a, and the downstream column 34b. A pair of rail portions 37 extending in the front-rear direction are provided on both side portions of the inclined portion support base 33. The side cover 35, the upstream column 34a, and the downstream column 34b are formed by the first slider. It is attached to the rail portion 37 of the inclined portion support base 33 via 36a and the second slider 36b.

  Here, the first slider 36a and the second slider 36b can move back and forth along the rail portion 37, and the first slider 36a, the second slider 36b, and the rail portion 37 can move the front and rear moving portion of the present invention. Is realized. For this reason, by moving the first slider 36a and the second slider 36b back and forth, the inclined portion 3 supported by the upstream column 34a and the downstream column 34b can also move back and forth.

  The supply unit 1 can be arranged above the upstream end of the inclined unit 3. The supply unit 1 is a device that supplies the workpiece 10 to the inclined portion 3, and is configured to be able to move from a position where the workpiece 10 is arranged to a supply area that supplies the workpiece 10 to the inclined portion 3. The movement of the supply unit 1 may be performed mechanically using an industrial robot or the like, or may be performed manually. The supply part 1 should just be a structure which can move between the position where the workpiece | work 10 is arranged, and a supply area.

  The supply unit 1 has a holding unit 11 for holding the workpiece 10. The holding unit 11 may be configured to hold the workpiece 10 by, for example, suction or engagement. For example, when the work 10 is held by suction, the holding unit 11 may be configured to suck the work with a vacuum pad using a vacuum device. Or when the workpiece | work 10 is comprised from the metal etc. which show ferromagnetism instead of the graphite sheet illustrated by this embodiment, the structure made to adsorb | suck with an electromagnet is mentioned. Moreover, when hold | maintaining the workpiece | work 10 by engagement, the holding | maintenance part 11 is equipped with the some nail | claw which supports the workpiece | work 10, for example, The structure which engages and lifts the workpiece | work 10 with these some nail | claw can be illustrated.

  Further, the supply unit 1 can supply the workpiece 10 held by the holding unit 11 to the inclined unit 3 at a predetermined timing. For example, in the case where the holding unit 11 is configured to attract the workpiece 10 with the vacuum pad, the vacuum apparatus breaks the vacuum at a predetermined timing and applies a positive pressure to the workpiece 10 to release the workpiece 10 from the holding unit 11. Further, in the case where the holding unit 11 is configured to attract the workpiece 10 with an electromagnet, the current supplied to the electromagnet is stopped at a predetermined timing, and the workpiece 10 is detached from the holding unit 11. When the holding unit 11 is configured to engage the workpiece 10 with a plurality of claws, the plurality of claws are moved at a predetermined timing to cause the workpiece 10 to be detached from the holding unit 11.

  On the other hand, the stocker 2 is disposed below the end portion on the downstream side of the inclined portion 3. The stocker 2 is provided with an accommodating portion 21 for accommodating a workpiece. The accommodating portion 21 is provided so as to be located directly below the end portion position on the downstream side of the inclined portion 3 when the inclined portion 3 is positioned at the foremost position. Although not particularly illustrated, the opening size of the accommodating portion 21 is substantially the same as the size of the main surface of the workpiece 10 or slightly larger than the size of the main surface of the workpiece 10. For this reason, the workpiece | work 10 can be laminated | stacked in the state positioned correctly by each guide | inducing the some workpiece | work 10 to the accommodating part 21 of the stocker 2 at a different timing.

  Next, the supply part 1 with which the conveying apparatus 100 which has an above-described structure is provided is demonstrated in detail.

(Supply section)
The supply unit 1 divides a plurality of workpieces 10 in a densely arranged state into a workpiece group including a predetermined number of workpieces 10 while maintaining the interval between the adjacent workpieces 10. And each workpiece | work 10 is moved to the supply area allocated for every workpiece | work group, and each workpiece | work 10 is supplied to the inclination part 3 at a respectively different timing.

  More specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the plurality of workpieces 10 cut out from the graphite sheet 50 are in a densely arranged state. In FIG. 2, the adjacent workpieces 10 are arranged in a row at a small interval, but they may be arranged in a row in contact with each other. Moreover, the workpiece | work 10 may be arranged in multiple rows from the relationship between the dimension of the graphite sheet 50 and the dimension of the workpiece | work 10. FIG. In order to efficiently form the workpiece 10 from one graphite sheet 50, it is preferable to cut out the workpieces 10 in contact with each other and reduce a loss portion that is not used as the workpiece 10.

  The supply unit 1 divides the plurality of works 10 arranged densely as described above into a work group including a predetermined number of works 10. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, it is assumed that the workpiece is divided into a workpiece group (a workpiece group A, a workpiece group B,...) Including two workpieces 10. Further, a supply area (supply area A, supply area B,...) Is assigned to each work group (work group A, work group B,...). In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the workpiece group A is allocated to the supply area A and the workpiece group B is allocated to the supply area B. Therefore, the supply unit 1 moves to the assigned supply area for each work group while maintaining the interval between the adjacent works 10. And each workpiece | work 10 which comprises each workpiece | work group is supplied to the inclination part 3 at a respectively different timing.

(Inclined part)
Next, in addition to FIG. 1 described above, the configuration of the inclined portion 3 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a plan view of the inclined portion 3 provided in the transport apparatus 100 shown in FIG. In FIG. 3, for convenience of explanation, the upstream column 34 a and the downstream column 34 b that support the inclined portion 3 and the side cover 35 are not shown.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the inclined portion 3 includes an upper inclined portion 31 provided on the upstream side and a lower inclined portion 32 provided on the downstream side of the upper inclined portion 31. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 1, the upper side inclination part 31 and the lower side inclination part 32 are supported by the inclination part support surface 40 so that both may be provided in a row.

  In addition, the conveying apparatus 100 may include a plurality of inclined portions 3 as illustrated in FIG. 3 and each may be arranged in parallel. In the present embodiment, the configuration in which the six inclined portions 3 are provided and the six inclined portions 3 are arranged in parallel is illustrated, but the number of the inclined portions 3 provided in the transport device 100 is limited to this. It is optional.

  The upper inclined portion 31 includes an upper inclined surface 31a and a pair of upper guide portions 31b. The upper inclined surface 31a is an inclined surface that causes the workpiece 10 to slide. The upper guide portion 31b is disposed on both sides of the upper inclined surface 31a, and guides the workpiece 10 supplied from the supply unit 1 to the upper inclined surface 31a while maintaining the posture of the workpiece 10. Further, the upper guide portion 31 b guides the work 10 sliding on the upper inclined surface 31 a so as to be guided toward the accommodating portion 21 of the stocker 2.

  Note that guiding the workpiece 10 while maintaining the posture of the workpiece 10 means that the posture of the workpiece 10 is rotated so that the upper and lower sides (front and rear) are reversed in the upper inclined surface 31a from the posture at the time of supply, or the upper and lower surfaces of the workpiece 10 are It is that it is guided without being reversed so as to be reversed. When the posture of the workpiece 10 is rotated or reversed, it is impossible to appropriately form a laminated body in the accommodating portion 21 of the stocker 2.

  Here, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the width of the upper inclined surface 31a is a size (work width + α) that is slightly larger than the work width. The width of the upper inclined surface 31a is within a range that does not hinder the sliding of the workpiece 10 and that the posture of the workpiece 10 is not tilted during the sliding or that the upper and lower sides (front and rear) are reversed in the plane of the upper inclined surface 31a. Set as appropriate. 4 is a view showing the upper inclined surface 31a constituting the inclined portion 3. FIG. 4 (a) is a perspective view showing the cross-sectional shape of the upper inclined surface 31a, and FIG. 4 (b) is the upper inclined surface. It is an enlarged view of the cross-sectional shape of the surface 31a.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the cross-sectional shape of the upper guide portion 31b rises vertically from the upper inclined surface 31a with a dimension slightly larger than the thickness of the workpiece 10 (work thickness + β), and then inclines so as to form a mountain shape. doing. In addition, the mountain-shaped peak part in the cross-sectional shape of the upper side guide part 31b may be chamfered for protection of the workpiece | work 10. FIG. However, in order to avoid that the workpiece 10 travels other than the upper inclined surface 31 a, it is preferable that the chamfered range is sufficiently small with respect to the size of the workpiece 10 in order to avoid chamfering. In addition, it is preferable that the inclination angle of the inclined portion forming the mountain shape is as gentle as possible in order to prevent the supplied workpiece 10 from being reversed.

  Next, the configuration of the lower inclined portion 32 will be described with reference to FIG. 3 described above. The lower inclined portion 32 includes a lower inclined surface 32a, a pair of lower guide portions 32b, and a support portion 32c.

  The lower inclined surface 32a is an inclined surface continuously provided from the downstream end of the upper inclined surface 31a so that the workpiece 10 that has slid through the upper inclined surface 31a is further slid toward the accommodating portion 21. It is. The lower guide portion 32b is disposed on both sides of the lower inclined surface 32a and guides the work 10 sliding on the lower inclined surface 32a so as to guide it into the accommodating portion 21.

  The support portion 32c is provided at a predetermined position of the lower inclined portion 32, and stops and supports the workpiece 10 that slides on the lower inclined surface 32a. In addition, the support portion 32c causes the supported workpiece 10 to be detached at a predetermined timing, and is slid again. For this reason, the discharge timing of the workpiece | work 10 from the inclination part 3 in the accommodating part 21 can be adjusted.

  The support part 32c may be configured to support the workpiece 10 by suction or locking. In the case where the workpiece 10 is supported by suction, for example, the support portion 32c can be configured to suck the workpiece 10 with a vacuum pad (not shown) using a vacuum device (not shown). Or when the workpiece | work 10 is comprised from the metal etc. which show ferromagnetism instead of the graphite sheet illustrated in this embodiment, the structure made to adsorb | suck with an electromagnet (not shown) can be illustrated. Moreover, when supporting the workpiece | work 10 by latching, the support part 32c can illustrate the structure which supports this workpiece | work 10 using a latch pin (not shown), for example. For example, the locking pin is embedded in a predetermined position of the lower inclined surface 32a, and the locking pin is configured to protrude upward from the lower inclined surface 32a when the workpiece 10 passes. With this configuration, the locking pin can contact the tip of the work 10 and support the work 10.

  Further, as described above, the support portion 32c can detach the workpiece 10 being supported at a predetermined timing. For example, when the support portion 32c is configured to attract the workpiece 10 with a vacuum pad, the vacuum device breaks the vacuum at a predetermined timing and applies a positive pressure to the workpiece 10 to release the workpiece 10 from the support portion 32c. In the case where the support portion 32c is configured to attract the workpiece 10 with an electromagnet, the current supplied to the electromagnet is stopped at a predetermined timing, and the workpiece 10 is detached from the support portion 32c. Further, in the case where the support portion 32c is configured to lock the workpiece 10 with the locking pin, the locking pin protruding from the lower inclined surface 32a at a predetermined timing is retracted below the lower inclined surface 32a. 10 is released from the locked state.

  Further, at the upstream end of the lower inclined portion 32, the distance between the pair of lower guide portions 32b provided on both sides of the lower inclined surface 32a is from the upstream side of the inclined portion 3 toward the downstream side. Thus, a tapered shape is formed (tapered portion 32d). That is, the width of the lower inclined surface 32a is the same as that of the upper inclined surface 31a at the upstream end, but is narrower toward the downstream. The width dimension of the lower inclined surface 32a is changed from the dimension of the workpiece width + α to the dimension of the substantially workpiece width through the tapered portion 32d.

  Thus, since the lower inclined portion 32 has the tapered portion 32d, the workpiece 10 can be properly positioned by the lower guide portion 32b while the workpiece 10 slides on the lower inclined surface 32a. In addition, in the conveying apparatus 100 which concerns on embodiment of this invention, although the taper part 32d was the structure formed in the upstream edge part of the lower side inclination part 32, the position formed is not limited to this. For example, it may be an intermediate position of the lower inclined portion 32 or may be an end portion on the downstream side of the upper inclined portion 31. Moreover, the structure which the above-mentioned taper part 32d was formed over the whole lower side inclination part 32 or the upper side inclination part 31 and the whole lower side inclination part 32 may be sufficient.

  Note that the cross-sectional shape of the lower inclined portion 32 is the upper inclined portion except that the tapered portion 32d is provided as described above and the width of the lower inclined surface 32a is substantially the width of the workpiece 10. The cross-sectional shape of the part 31 can be the same. For this reason, description of the cross-sectional shape of the lower inclined portion 32 is omitted.

  Moreover, the conveying apparatus 100 is provided with the space | interval adjustment part 41 below the lower side inclined surface 32a of the lower side inclined part 32, as shown to FIG. The space | interval adjustment part 41 moves the lower side inclination part 32 to the width direction in the lower side inclined surface 32a, and makes the space | interval of adjacent lower side inclination parts 32 variable. More specifically, the interval adjustment unit 41 includes a first interval adjustment rail 41a1, a second interval adjustment rail 41a2, a pair of first rail fixing portions 41b1, and a pair of second rail fixing portions 41b2. It is the composition which becomes.

  The first interval adjusting rail 41a1 and the second interval adjusting rail 41a2 are a pair of cylindrical rod members that are inserted through the lower inclined portion 32 on the lower surface side of the lower inclined surface 32a. The first interval adjustment rail 41a1 is inserted through the lower inclined portion 32 on the upstream side of the second interval adjustment rail 41a2. In the transfer device 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, since the six lower inclined portions 32 are arranged in parallel, the first interval adjusting rail 41a1 and the second interval adjusting rail 41a2 have six lower inclined portions. Each part 32 will be inserted.

  First rail fixing portions 41b1 are disposed at both ends of the first interval adjusting rail 41a1, and the first interval adjusting rail 41a1 is fixed on the inclined portion supporting surface 40. Further, second rail fixing portions 41b2 are arranged at both ends of the second interval adjusting rail 41a2, and the second interval adjusting rail 41a2 is fixed on the inclined portion supporting surface 40. Thus, the lower inclined portion 32 is configured to support the lower inclined portion 32 on the inclined portion support surface 40 via the first interval adjusting rail 41a1 and the second interval adjusting rail 41a2.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the lower inclined portion 32 is configured to be able to slide on the peripheral surfaces of the first interval adjusting rail 41a1 and the second interval adjusting rail 41a2 in the width direction of the lower inclined surface 32a. ing. For this reason, the space | interval of the adjacent lower side inclination part 32 can be adjusted. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a state after the lower inclined portion 32 included in the inclined portion 3 illustrated in FIG. 3 is moved in the width direction.

  Therefore, in the conveying apparatus 100, even when the interval between the workpieces 10 that slide on the adjacent lower inclined portion 32 does not coincide with the interval between the accommodating portions 21 from which the workpiece 10 is discharged, the adjacent lower inclined portion is provided. It can adjust appropriately by changing the space | interval of the part 32. FIG.

  In addition, the structure which adjusts the space | interval of the lower side inclination part 32 by a user pressing the adjacent lower side inclination part 32 in the width direction may be sufficient. Alternatively, a pressing device (not shown) that presses down the lower inclined portion 32 arranged at the side end portion (for example, the right end portion) in the width direction is provided, and the adjacent lower inclined portion is pressed by the pressing device. The structure which adjusts the space | interval of 32 may be sufficient.

  Moreover, when the speed of the workpiece 10 that slides on the inclined portion 3 increases, the workpiece 10 may jump out of the inclined surfaces (the upper inclined surface 31a and the lower inclined surface 32a). Furthermore, the case where the sliding of the workpiece | work 10 cannot be stopped and supported by the support part 32c provided in the lower side inclined surface 32a is also assumed. Therefore, a configuration including a speed adjustment unit 61 that reduces the sliding speed of the workpiece 10 may be employed.

(Speed adjuster)
Hereinafter, an example of the speed adjustment unit 61 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically illustrating the attachment position of the speed adjustment unit 61 provided in the transport apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the configuration of the speed adjustment unit 61 illustrated in FIG. 6. 6 and 7, for convenience of explanation, the illustration of the upper guide portion 31b included in the upper inclined portion 31 is omitted.

  In the transport device 100 according to the present embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG. 6, a speed adjusting unit 61 is provided at the downstream end of the upper inclined portion 31. As shown in FIG. 7, the speed adjustment unit 61 is provided for each upper inclined surface 31a of the upper inclined portion 31, and includes a cam portion 61a and a contact portion 61b. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the cam portion 61 a has a cross-sectional shape in which a circular part protrudes, and a contact portion 61 b is provided on the lower surface of the protruding portion. A rotating shaft 62 is inserted through the center of the cam portion 61 a, and the cam portion 61 a can rotate around the rotating shaft 62 according to the rotation of the rotating shaft 62. The end of the rotary shaft 62 is joined to the rotation drive unit 63, and the rotation direction and the rotation force of the rotation shaft 62 can be controlled by the rotation drive unit 63.

  The contact portion 61b is formed of, for example, a flexible thin plate, and contacts the workpiece 10 that slides on the lower surface of the contact portion 61b. The contact portion 61b can be formed by a plastic thin plate, for example.

  The speed adjusting unit 61 configured as described above reduces the sliding speed of the workpiece 10 as follows. That is, when the workpiece 10 that slides on the upper inclined surface 31a passes the position of the contact portion 61b, the rotation driving unit 63 rotates the cam portion 61a around the rotation shaft 62 counterclockwise in FIG. It affects the contact part 61b. As a result, the work 10 is exerted in the direction of pressing toward the upper inclined surface 31a by the contact portion 61b, and the sliding speed can be reduced. Further, by adjusting the rotational direction and rotational force of the rotating shaft 62 by the rotation driving unit 63, the magnitude of the force exerted on the workpiece 10 by the contact portion 61b can be adjusted.

  The configuration of the speed adjustment unit 61 is not limited to the configuration described above. For example, a suction pad may be provided on the upper inclined surface 31a, and a force may be applied to the sliding workpiece 10 in a direction in which the workpiece 10 is pressed against the upper inclined surface 31a by negative pressure from the suction pad. The configuration of the speed adjusting unit 61 is not limited as long as it has a mechanism that can reduce the sliding speed of the workpiece 10.

  Alternatively, as the speed adjusting unit 61, a machined surface that has been machined so as to increase the frictional resistance between the workpiece 10 and the upper inclined surface 31a over a predetermined section from the downstream end of the upper inclined surface 31a. May be provided.

  In addition, the structure which can be adjusted so that the sliding speed of the workpiece | work 10 may be reduced by having the conveyance apparatus 100 provided with the speed adjustment part 61 was demonstrated above. In this configuration, in order to prevent the workpiece 10 from protruding from the inclined portion 3, a cover portion (not shown) that covers an upper portion of a part of the inclined portion 3 may be further provided. Alternatively, the transport device 100 may include a cover unit instead of the speed adjustment unit 61. By providing the cover portion, it is possible to prevent the sliding speed of the workpiece 10 from being too fast and jumping out of the transfer device 100.

(Workpiece transport method)
Next, with reference to FIGS. 8 to 11, a method for conveying a workpiece by the conveying apparatus 100 will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a method for transporting the workpiece 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an arrangement state of the workpieces 10 in the supply area in the transport device 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the state of the workpiece 10 discharged into the storage unit 21 from the discharge port of the inclined unit 3 included in the conveyance device 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a subroutine of step S13 in the flowchart shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 8, first, the supply unit 1 moves the workpiece group to the supply area (step S11). That is, the supply unit 1 divides a plurality of workpieces in a densely arranged state into a workpiece group including a predetermined number of workpieces 10 while maintaining the interval between adjacent workpieces 10. In the transfer apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 2 described above, the transfer apparatus 100 is divided into a work group including two works 10. Then, the supply unit 1 moves each work group to a supply area assigned to each work group. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the workpiece group A is moved to the supply area A, the workpiece group B is moved to the supply area B,.

  Next, the supply part 1 supplies the workpiece | work 10 to the inclination part 3 (step S12). That is, the supply unit 1 supplies the workpieces 10 constituting the workpiece group in the supply area to the inclined unit 3 at different timings. For example, in the example of FIG. 9, the work 10 on the left side of the paper surface in each work group (work group A, work group B...) Is supplied to the inclined portion 3 first. In addition, after supply of this workpiece | work 10, each remaining workpiece | work 10 will be in the state hold | maintained at the supply part 1 about the width dimension of the workpiece | work 10 at intervals.

  Next, the workpiece 10 supplied to the inclined portion 3 is guided to the inclined surface of the inclined portion 3 while maintaining the posture when supplied, and the workpiece 10 that slides on the inclined surface is guided to the accommodating portion 21. (Step S13). More specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, the workpiece 10 supplied to the inclined portion 3 abuts on the inclined surface of the upper guide portion 31b, slides on the inclined surface, and is guided to the upper inclined surface 31a. As shown in FIG. 3, the workpiece 10 guided to the upper inclined surface 31 a is guided toward the accommodating portion 21 by the upper guide portion 31 b and the lower guide portion 32 b. Details of the process in step S13 will be described later.

  Thus, in the conveyance apparatus 100 which concerns on embodiment of this invention, it is the structure which supplies only the one workpiece | work 10 to the inclination part 3 among the two workpiece | works 10 which comprise a workpiece | work group first. For this reason, it can be considered that the arrangement state of the workpieces 10 is an arrangement state in which the workpieces 10 are respectively arranged with an interval substantially equal to the width of the workpiece 10. Therefore, it is not necessary to make the interval between the inclined surfaces of the adjacent inclined portions 3 close to each other, and the inclined surfaces can be arranged at a certain interval (at least the width dimension of the workpiece 10).

  Note that the number of workpieces 10 constituting the workpiece group is not limited to two as shown in FIG. 9, but may be any number of two or more. The number of the workpieces 10 constituting the workpiece group can be appropriately set according to the size of the area set as the supply area and the number of the workpieces 10 to be stacked in the storage unit 21.

  If the workpiece | work 10 is guide | induced to the accommodating part 21 by above-described step S13, the workpiece | work 10 will be accommodated in the accommodating part 21 (step S14). More specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, when the workpiece 10 is guided to the housing portion 21, the tip portion is in contact with the housing portion 21, and the rear end portion is the lower inclined surface 32 a. It will be in the state supported by. In such a state, when the inclined portion 3 is moved backward, the rear end portion of the workpiece 10 is unsupported by the lower inclined surface 32 a and falls toward the bottom portion of the accommodating portion 21. In this way, the workpiece 10 is accommodated in the plane of the accommodating portion 21 without being rotated or inverted.

  Since the relative positional relationship between the accommodating portion 21 and the lower inclined surface 32a shown in FIG. 10 only has to be changed, the accommodating portion 21 side is moved forward instead of moving the inclined portion 3 rearward as described above. The structure which moves to may be sufficient. Further, as shown in FIG. 10, a portion with which the rear end portion of the work 10 contacts in the state where the front end portion of the work 10 is in contact with the accommodating portion 21 and the rear end portion is supported by the lower inclined surface 32 a. Alternatively, the lower inclined surface 32a of the peripheral portion may be divided, and only the lower inclined surface 32a portion on the side where the workpiece 10 is in contact may be moved backward.

  Here, it is determined whether or not the work 10 accommodated in the accommodating portion 21 has reached a predetermined number of stacked sheets (step S15). The determination whether or not the predetermined number of stacked sheets has been reached may be configured such that the transport device 100 includes a control unit (not shown) that controls the operation of each unit, and is performed by the control unit. Or the structure which the user of the conveying apparatus 100 determines may be sufficient.

  When the workpieces 10 accommodated in the accommodating part 21 have not reached the predetermined number of stacked sheets (“NO” in step S15), the processes in and after step S12 are repeated. On the other hand, if “Yes” in step S15, the conveyance of the workpiece 10 is terminated. Here, since only one workpiece 10 is still accommodated in the accommodating portion 21, the processing after step S12 described above for conveying the workpiece 10 arranged on the right side of the sheet surface in the workpiece group shown in FIG. Repeat this step.

  Next, details of the process for guiding the workpiece 10 to guide the work piece 10 to the accommodating portion 21 in step S13 will be described with reference to FIG. First, in the support portion 32c of the lower inclined portion 32, the workpiece 10 sliding on the lower inclined surface 32a is stopped and temporarily supported (step S31). In this manner, with the workpiece 10 supported, the interval between the inclined portions 3 (lower inclined portions 32) arranged in parallel is adjusted (step S32). In this way, by adjusting the interval between the lower inclined portions 32, the position of the discharge port of the work 10 in the lower inclined portion 32 is made to coincide with the opening of the accommodating portion 21 of the stocker 2.

  If the space | interval of the lower side inclination part 32 is adjusted, the workpiece | work 10 currently supported by the support part 32c will be removed (step S33). Thereby, the workpiece | work 10 slides on the lower side inclined surface 32a toward the inside of the accommodating part 21, being guided by the lower side guide part 32b. As described above, in step S13, “the process of guiding the work 10 so as to guide it into the accommodating portion 21 is ended.

  In this manner, in the work transport method according to the embodiment of the present invention, the work 10 in a densely arranged state can be guided into the accommodating portion 21 of the stocker 2 and the work 10 can be stacked.

  Note that in the method for transporting the workpiece 10, at least a part of the processing in step S11 and the processing in step S13 may be performed at the same time. As described above, since at least a part of the execution processing time of step S11 and at least a part of the execution processing time of step S13 are performed at the same timing, it is possible to reduce the time required for the conveyance process of the workpiece 10.

(Modification 1)
In the transport device 101 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the lower inclined portion 32 includes the single support portion 32c. However, the transport device 101 may include a plurality of support portions 32c. Hereinafter, the configuration of the transport apparatus 101 according to the first modification of the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 12 is a plan view illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of the lower inclined portion 32 included in the transport device 101 according to the first modification of the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a workpiece transfer method according to the first modification of the embodiment of the present invention.

  The transport apparatus 101 according to the modified example 1 is the same as the transport apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention described above, except that the lower inclined portion 32 includes the first support portion 32c1 and the second support portion 32c2. It is a configuration. For this reason, only the configuration of the lower inclined portion 32 will be described, and description of the other members will be omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the lower inclined portion 32 is provided with a first support portion 32c1 on the downstream side and a second support portion 32c2 on the upstream side, and holds the workpieces 10 supplied at different timings. It has a configuration that can. The 1st support part 32c1 and the 2nd support part 32c2 may be the structure which supports the workpiece | work 10 by adsorption | suction or latching similarly to the above-mentioned support part 32c. In the first modification, a configuration in which the lower inclined portion 32 includes the first support portion 32c1 and the second support portion 32c2 and the two workpieces 10 are stacked in the accommodating portion 21 will be described. The number of support portions 32c provided in 32 is not limited to these two. The number of support portions 32 c provided in the lower inclined portion 32 is arbitrary, and can be set as appropriate according to the number of workpieces 10 to be stacked in the accommodating portion 21.

  In the transport apparatus 101 according to the first modification having the above-described configuration, the work 10 is transported to the storage unit 21 by the work transport method illustrated in FIG. 13.

  First, the supply unit 1 moves the workpiece group to the supply area (step S51). Next, the supply part 1 supplies the workpiece | work 10 to the inclination part 3 (step S52). In addition, since the process of step S51, S52 is the same as the process of step S11, S12 shown in FIG. 8, detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

  The workpiece 10 supplied to the inclined portion 3 by the supply unit 1 comes into contact with the inclined surface of the upper guide portion 31b, slides along the inclined surface, and is guided to the upper inclined surface 31a. The workpiece 10 guided to the upper inclined surface 31a is guided so as to be guided toward the accommodating portion 21 by the upper guide portion 31b and the lower guide portion 32b as shown in FIG. More specifically, the workpiece 10 that is first supplied to the inclined portion 3 and slides on the inclined surface in the workpiece group is stopped at the position of the first support portion 32c1 disposed on the downstream side of the lower inclined portion 32. Is supported (step S53). Here, in the conveying apparatus 100, it is determined whether or not the number of workpieces 10 supported by the lower inclined portion 32 has reached a predetermined number (step S54). The determination whether or not the predetermined number of sheets has been reached may be configured such that the transport apparatus 100 includes a control unit (not shown) that controls the operation of each unit, and is performed by the control unit. Or the structure which the user of the conveying apparatus 100 determines may be sufficient. Here, since only the first workpiece 10 is still supported by the first support portion 32c1 and has not reached the predetermined number ("NO" in step S54), the conveyance of the next workpiece 10 has been described above. Steps S52 and S53 are repeated. Then, the workpiece 10 supplied to the inclined portion 3 is supported by the second support portion 32c2 disposed on the upstream side of the lower inclined portion 32.

  Here, the transport apparatus 101 determines whether or not the number of workpieces 10 supported by the lower inclined portion 32 has reached a predetermined number (step S54), and when it is determined that the predetermined number has been reached (“Yes in step S54”). "), The interval between the inclined portions 3 is adjusted (step S55). When the interval between the inclined portions 3 is adjusted, first, the workpiece 10 supported by the first support portion 32c1 in the lower inclined portion 32 is detached (step S56), and the workpiece 10 is accommodated in the accommodating portion 21. (Step S57). And it is determined whether the workpiece | work 10 accommodated in the accommodating part 21 has reached the predetermined lamination | stacking number of sheets (step S58). Since steps S55 to S58 are performed in the same manner as steps S32 and S33 and steps S14 and S15 described above, detailed description thereof is omitted.

  Here, since the predetermined number of stacked sheets has not been reached (“NO” in step S58), the process returns to step S56. In step S56, the workpiece 10 supported by the second support portion 32c2 in the lower inclined portion 32 is detached, and the workpiece 10 is accommodated in the accommodating portion 21 (step S57). When it is determined that the workpieces 10 accommodated in the accommodating portion 21 have reached a predetermined number of stacked sheets (“Yes” in step S58), the process is terminated.

  In the transfer apparatus 101 according to the first modification, the interval between the inclined portions 3 is adjusted in a state where the workpieces 10 to be stacked are supported by the first support portion 32c1 and the second support portion 32c2 of the lower inclined portion 32, respectively. is there. For this reason, the conveyance apparatus 101 which concerns on the modification 1 does not need to adjust the space | interval of the inclination part 3 every time the workpiece | work 10 is supplied to the inclination part 3 by the supply part 1 like the conveyance apparatus 100, 1 degree Just adjust the spacing. For this reason, the transport apparatus 101 according to the modified example 1 is advantageous in that the transport process can be performed more easily than the transport apparatus 100.

  Note that in the method for transporting the workpiece 10, at least a part of the processing in step S51 and the processing in steps S55 and S56 may be performed at the same time. As described above, at least a part of the execution processing time of step S51 and at least a part of the execution processing time of steps S55 and S56 are performed at the same timing, so that the time required for the conveyance process of the workpiece 10 can be shortened. it can.

  In addition, in the conveying apparatus 100 which concerns on embodiment of this invention, and the conveying apparatus 101 which concerns on the modification 1, it demonstrated taking the example of the structure provided with two or more inclination parts 3, However, Even if the inclination part 3 is one, Good. However, in the case of a configuration including only one inclined portion 3, only one workpiece group and one supply area are set.

  In addition, the transport device 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention and the transport device 101 according to the first modification include a plurality of lower inclined portions 32, and the lower inclined portions 32 are moved in the width direction and adjacent to the lower side. It was the structure which adjusts the space | interval of the inclination part 32. FIG. Further, with this configuration, positioning can be performed so that the discharge port of the lower inclined portion 32 is positioned on the accommodating portion 21. However, a plurality of lower inclined portions 32 may be formed by dividing one inclined surface by a plurality of lower guide portions 32b. When a plurality of lower inclined portions 32 are formed in this way, the lower guide portion 32b is provided so as to be movable in the width direction, and the lower guide portion 32b is moved in the width direction on the inclined surface, The above positioning may be performed.

  Further, in the transport device 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention and the transport device 101 according to the first modification, the inclined portion 3 is configured by the upper inclined portion 31 and the lower inclined portion 32, but is thus divided. It does not have to be. In the case where the inclined portion 3 is not divided, the interval between the pair of guide portions is gradually changed from the upstream side toward the downstream side so that the work 10 can slide into the accommodating portion 21. As described above, when the workpiece 10 is configured to be guided into the accommodating portion 21 by adjusting the interval between the pair of guide portions, the configuration is simplified because it is not necessary to include the interval adjusting portion 41 and the support portion 32c. Further, it is necessary to make the inclined portion 3 longer, and the shape of the guide portion becomes complicated.

  As described above, the transport apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention and the transport apparatus 101 according to Modification 1 can have a simple structure including the supply unit 1, the inclined unit 3, and the storage unit 21. Moreover, since it can be assembled with a simple structure, weight reduction can also be achieved. For this reason, it can be easily operated by an industrial robot or manually.

  From the foregoing description, many modifications and other embodiments of the present invention are obvious to one skilled in the art. Accordingly, the foregoing description should be construed as illustrative only and is provided for the purpose of teaching those skilled in the art the best mode of carrying out the invention. The details of the structure and / or function may be substantially changed without departing from the spirit of the invention.

  The conveying apparatus and the workpiece conveying method of the present invention are useful when, for example, a workpiece having a predetermined shape is cut out from one functional sheet and laminated.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Supply part 2 Stocker 3 Inclination part 10 Work piece 11 Holding part 20 Base part 21 Storage part 31 Upper inclination part 31a Upper inclination surface 31b Upper guide part 32 Lower inclination part 32a Lower inclination surface 32b Lower guide part 32c Support part 32c1 First support portion 32c2 Second support portion 32d Tapered portion 36a First slider 36b Second slider 37 Rail portion 40 Inclined portion support surface 41 Space adjustment portion 41a1 First space adjustment rail 41a2 Second space adjustment rail 41b1 First rail fixing portion 41b2 Second rail fixing portion 50 Graphite sheet 61 Speed adjusting portion 100 Conveying device 101 Conveying device

Claims (13)

Divide a plurality of workpieces in a densely arranged state into workpiece groups consisting of a predetermined number of workpieces while maintaining the spacing between adjacent workpieces, and move them to the supply area assigned to each workpiece group. A supply unit for supplying the workpieces constituting the workpiece group at different timings;
An accommodating portion for accommodating the plurality of workpieces constituting the workpiece group in a stacked state;
An inclined part that guides the workpiece supplied by the supply part to the accommodating part,
The inclined portion is
An inclined surface for sliding the workpiece;
The work placed on the side of the inclined surface and supplied by the supply unit is guided to the inclined surface while maintaining the posture of the work, and the work sliding on the inclined surface is guided to the receiving unit. And a guide unit that guides the transfer device.   The conveying device according to claim 1, wherein the workpiece is a sheet-shaped film. The supply unit has a holding unit for holding the workpiece,
The transport device according to claim 1, wherein the holding unit holds the work by attracting or engaging the work. A plurality of the inclined portions are arranged in parallel;
When the side to which the workpiece is supplied in the inclined portion is the upstream side, and the side to which the workpiece is discharged into the storage portion is the downstream side,
The inclined portion is composed of an upper inclined portion provided on the upstream side and a lower inclined portion provided on the downstream side,
A support part for supporting the workpiece supplied from the supply part;
4. The space adjusting unit according to claim 1, further comprising: an interval adjusting unit that moves the lower inclined portion in the width direction of the inclined surface to make the interval between the adjacent lower inclined portions variable. 5. Conveying device.   The transport device according to claim 4, wherein the support unit supports the work by sucking or locking the work. If the side on which the workpiece sliding on the inclined surface moves is the front side, it comprises a front-rear moving part that allows the lower inclined part to move back and forth,
5. The front-rear moving unit moves the lower inclined portion rearward to accommodate the workpiece in the accommodating portion when a tip of the workpiece sliding on the conveyance surface comes into contact with the accommodating portion. 5. The transfer device according to 5.   7. The process according to claim 1, wherein at least a part of the process of guiding the work to the housing part by the inclined part and the process of moving the work group to the supply area by the supply part are simultaneously performed. The transfer device according to item.   The conveying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of workpieces are arranged in a line.   The conveying device according to claim 1, wherein the inclined portion further includes a cover portion that covers at least a part of an upper surface of the inclined portion.   The said inclination part is a conveying apparatus of any one of Claim 1 to 9 further equipped with the speed adjustment part which reduces the sliding speed of the said workpiece | work in the said inclined surface.   A pair of said guide part arrange | positioned at the side part of the said inclined surface forms the taper shape from which the space | interval of this guide part narrowed toward the downstream side from the upstream of the said inclined part. The conveying apparatus of Claim 1.   The conveyance device according to claim 1, wherein the workpiece is formed of a graphite sheet. A plurality of works in a densely arranged state are divided into work groups composed of a predetermined number of works while maintaining the interval between adjacent works, and moved to a supply area assigned to each work group. A moving step;
A supplying step of supplying the workpieces constituting the workpiece group to the inclined portion at different timings in the supply area;
A guide step for guiding the workpiece supplied in the supply step to the inclined surface of the inclined portion while maintaining the posture of the workpiece, and guiding the workpiece sliding on the inclined surface to the accommodating portion;
A workpiece transporting method including: a housing step of housing the workpiece guided by the guide step in the housing portion in a stacked state.

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