Abstract:
A spring feeder including a conveying path and a conveying portion including a conveying groove, the conveying groove having a width approximately equal to a width of the springs. The conveying path for feeding includes a first sorting and conveying portion and a second sorting and conveying portion, the first sorting and conveying portion, the second sorting and conveying portion, and the conveying portion for connection are linked consecutively from the container side. A width of the conveying groove of the second sorting and conveying portion is narrower than a width of the conveying groove of the first sorting and conveying portion and the width of the conveying groove of the second sorting and conveying portion is narrow enough to allow only one spring to be loaded in the conveying direction in the conveying groove of the second sorting and conveying portion.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a spring feeder for arranging coil-type springs (in particular, springs of a very small size) in a row along the compression-elongation direction thereof and feeding the springs in a state suitable for an operation to an operator, whereby spring jamming caused by a defective spring in a conveying path for feeding of the feeder can be released. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Spring feeders are known that serve to arrange a large number of coil-type springs in a row along the compression-elongation direction thereof and feed the springs one by one in a state suitable for an operation to an operator. In such a spring feeder, a large number of springs are loaded into a container that is subjected to vibrations by a vibrator, the large number of springs are moved inside the container, while being arranged in a row by vibrations, and the springs are fed one by one to the operator via a conveying path for feeding. 
     However, among the large number of springs loaded into the container, two or more springs can be tangled. Accordingly, there are spring feeders equipped with a means for separating a plurality of tangled springs into individual springs. Further, among the types of springs that are handled by the spring feeders, there are springs of a very small size. Such miniature springs can be easily tangled, or deformed and damaged and are therefore very difficult to handle. The tangled miniature springs are difficult to detangle, and when they are separated, the miniature springs can be easily damaged. Further, when poorly handled, the miniature springs can be deformed. 
     A device provided with a rotary vane that rotates with a high speed is known as a means for separating a plurality of tangled springs. In such a device, a plurality of tangled springs collide with the aforementioned rotary vane that rotates with a high-speed and are scattered. Due to the impact during the collision, the tangled springs are forcibly separated. However, when such a separation means is used, the tangled springs collide with the rotary vane that rotates with a high speed and the springs themselves are subjected to strong impacts. In particular, in a case of miniature springs of a very small wire diameter, a sufficient resistance to the impacts occurring during collision with the rotary vane cannot be ensured, the spring shape is deformed or the miniature springs are elongated or broken, thereby creating defective spring products. The inventors have already addressed this problem and made it possible to separate the tangled miniature springs, practically without damaging the springs, and feed the miniature springs one by one to an operator (Japanese Patent No. 3386401). 
     In a case where miniature springs are present among the springs, because the wire diameter thereof is very small, as described hereinabove, the defective products that have already been deformed can be present at a stage before loading into the spring feeder. Further, even with the separation means provided in the spring feeder disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 3386401, the tangled miniature springs still can fail to separate, although the probability of such an event is extremely low. Such defective miniature springs that are not in the normal state can be mixed together with the normal miniature springs, and the defective miniature springs can be conveyed to the final conveying path of the spring feeder. 
     The defective miniature springs can be of various types. For example, a single miniature spring can be slightly arc-like curved with respect to the axial line in the compression-elongation direction. The defective miniature springs of this type can enter the final end portion of the conveying path for feeding of the spring feeder. Further, in a state in which a plurality of springs are tangled, the springs constitute an almost linear row-like configuration along the compression-elongation direction thereof and can enter in this state the final end portion of the conveying path for feeding of the spring feeder. Usually, the conveying path outside of the spring feeder is a groove-like passage and the conveying direction is most often shaped along an almost arc-like line along the outer circumference of the spring feeder body. 
     In order to enable the groove in the final end portion of the conveying path for feeding to feed the miniature springs one by one, the groove in this portion is formed to have a width that is sufficiently small to pass only one miniature spring. Because of such a configuration, a defective miniature spring such as described hereinabove can be easily caught in the groove-like passage of the conveying path for feeding (in particular, in a zone where the passage is curved in an arc-like shape) in the final end portion of the conveying path for feeding of the spring feeder. For this reason, a plurality of the miniature springs that follow the defective miniature spring can jam the passage and the conveying of the springs can be stopped. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     For this reason, the springs are often not supplied in a stable state to the operator&#39;s hands and therefore the operation efficiency drops. Thus, when defective springs (in particular, miniature springs) that have reached the final end portion of the conveying path for feeding despite the strict sorting are caught in the conveying path for feeding and the conveying path for feeding is jammed by the following springs, it is an object of the present invention to remove this jammed state and enable a stable feed of the springs at all times. 
     Accordingly, the inventors have conducted a comprehensive research aimed at the resolution of the above-described problems. The results obtained demonstrated the following. Thus, the invention as set forth in claim  1  resolves the above-described problems with a spring feeder including: a container to which vibrations are appropriately provided; separation means for separating tangled springs; and a conveying path for feeding springs that is disposed outside the container and conveys springs inside the container to the outside of the container, wherein a conveying portion for connection that has a conveying groove for connection is provided in an end portion of the conveying path for feeding, an ejection portion for spring removal that has an ejection nozzle is attached in an appropriate position of the conveying groove for connection, a distal end of the ejection nozzle of the ejection portion for spring removal is brought close to the conveying groove for connection, and an ejection direction of the ejection nozzle is substantially opposite to a direction of conveying the springs. 
     The invention as set forth in claim  2  resolves the above-described problems with a spring feeder according to claim  1 , wherein the conveying groove for connection is constituted by an arc-like groove region portion and a straight groove region portion, and the distal end of the ejection nozzle of the ejection portion for spring removal is provided in the arc-like groove region portion. The invention as set forth in claim  3  resolves the above-described problems with a spring feeder according to claim  1 , wherein the conveying groove for connection is constituted by an arc-like groove region portion and a straight groove region portion, and the distal end of the ejection nozzle of the ejection portion for spring removal is provided in the straight groove region portion. The invention as set forth in claim  4  resolves the above-described problems with a spring feeder according to claim  1 , wherein the conveying groove for connection is constituted by an arc-like groove region portion, a straight groove region portion, and a boundary groove region portion, and the distal end of the ejection nozzle of the ejection portion for spring removal is provided in the boundary groove region portion located between the arc-like groove region portion and the straight groove region portion. 
     The invention as set forth in claim  5  resolves the above-described problems with a spring feeder according to claim  1 , wherein an air jet of the ejection portion for spring removal is operated intermittently by a timer control. The invention as set forth in claim  6  resolves the above-described problems with a spring feeder according to claim  1 , wherein a cover member is provided along the direction of conveying the springs in the conveying groove for connection, a gap is provided between the conveying groove for connection and the cover member, and the distal end of the ejection nozzle is brought close to the gap. 
     The invention as set forth in claim  7  resolves the above-described problems with a spring feeder according to claim  1 , wherein the conveying path for feeding is provided with a first sorting and conveying portion and a second sorting and conveying portion, the first sorting and conveying portion, the second sorting and conveying portion, and the conveying portion for connection are linked in this order from the container side, a conveying groove of the second sorting and conveying portion is formed narrower than a conveying groove of the first sorting and conveying portion, and only one spring is loaded in the conveying direction in the conveying groove of the second sorting and conveying portion. 
     The invention as set forth in claim  8  resolves the above-described problems with a spring feeder according to claim  7 , wherein a sorting notch portion is formed at one end side or the other end side in the groove widthwise direction in the conveying groove of the first sorting and conveying portion. The invention as set forth in claim  9  resolves the above-described problems with a spring feeder according to claim  7 , wherein a sorting piece is attached in a position close to the conveying groove of the second sorting and conveying portion, and only when a spring passes through the conveying groove appropriately, the spring does not come into contact with the sorting piece. 
     In accordance with the invention as set forth in claim  1 , an ejection portion for spring removal that has an ejection nozzle is attached in an appropriate position of the conveying groove for connection in the conveying portion for connection of the conveying path for feeding, a distal end of the ejection nozzle of the ejection portion for spring removal is brought close to the conveying groove for connection, and the distal end of the ejection nozzle is set so that the ejection direction is almost opposite to a conveying direction of the springs. Therefore, the defective spring that is a source of jamming and all the springs that have been stopped inside the conveying groove for connection are blown off and the jamming is released. 
     In particular, with the defective miniature springs, when the springs have a very small degree of damage and are only slightly curved in the compression-elongation direction, or when two miniature springs are tangled in a state in which they are joined in an almost row-like configuration in the compression-elongation direction, or two miniature springs are superimposed and tangled so as to look substantially as one miniature spring, such springs only rarely cannot be sifted out in the sorting means provided in the conveying path for feeding on the outside of the container. Therefore, such defective miniature springs enter the final end portion of the conveying path for feeding and are caught therein, thereby causing the jamming of the path with a large number of miniature springs. Even in such a case, the miniature springs jamming the final end portion of the conveying path for feeding are blown off by the ejection portion for spring removal, the jamming can be instantaneously released, and normal feed of the springs can be conducted. 
     In accordance with the invention as set forth in claim  2 , the arc-like groove region portion is positioned at the initial end side of the conveying path for connection, thereby making it possible to release the jamming of springs at a comparatively early stage. In accordance with the invention as set forth in claim  3 , the air ejected from the ejection nozzle is linearly supplied into the straight groove region portion. Therefore, the loss of air pressure in the straight groove region portion is comparatively low, and the springs jamming the conveying groove for connection can be blown off and the jamming can be released, while maintaining a high pressure. In accordance with the invention as set forth in claim  4 , it is possible to remove the jamming of the boundary groove region portion, which is the boundary between the arc-like groove region portion and the straight groove region portion, where the defective springs can be most easily caught. 
     In accordance with the invention as set forth in claim  5 , the air jet of the ejection portion for spring removal is operated intermittently by a timer control. Therefore, the jamming can be released periodically and stable feed of the springs can be maintained. In accordance with the invention as set forth in claim  6 , a cover member is provided along the conveying direction of the springs in the conveying groove for connection, a gap is provided between the conveying groove for connection and the cover member, and a distal end of the ejection nozzle is brought close to the gap. As a result, when the springs jamming the inside of the conveying gap for connection are removed, the springs can be returned to a specific position in a concentrated manner, without scattering a large number of springs around the feeder. 
     In accordance with the invention as set forth in claim  7 , practically all defective springs such as tangled springs and deformed springs are sifted out in the process of conveying from the first sorting and conveying portion to the second sorting and conveying portion. In accordance with the invention as set forth in claim  8 , defective springs such as tangled springs and deformed springs can be removed from the sorting notch portion in the process of conveying the springs in the first sorting and conveying portion. In accordance with the invention as set forth in claim  9 , even when the tangled springs or deformed springs are only slightly different in terms of external appearance from the normal springs, these defective springs can be sifted out and the defective springs can be removed in the process of conveying the springs in the second sorting and conveying portion. All the above-described effects are demonstrated even more dramatically when the above-described springs are miniature springs. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  is a plan view showing a partial cross section of the configuration in accordance with the present invention, and  FIG. 1B  is a partially cut-out perspective view of portion (a) shown in  FIG. 1A ; 
         FIG. 2A  is a partially cut-out plan view of portion (a) shown in  FIG. 1A , and  FIG. 2B  is a perspective view illustrating an exploded state of the principal part of the conveying portion for connection.  FIG. 2C  is a plan view of the conveying portion for connection from which the cover member has been removed.  FIG. 2D  is a sectional view along the Xa-Xa arrow in  FIG. 2B ; 
         FIG. 3A  is a principal enlarged plan view centered on the location of the ejection for removal in accordance with the present invention,  FIG. 3B  is a sectional view along the Xb-Xb arrow in  FIG. 3A , and  FIG. 3C  is a view along the Xc-Xc arrow in  FIG. 3A ; 
         FIG. 4A  is a principal enlarged plan view of another type centered on the location of the ejection portion for spring removal in accordance with the present invention,  FIG. 4B  is a sectional view along the Xd-Xd arrow in  FIG. 4A ,  FIG. 4C  is a principal enlarged plan view of yet another type centered on the location of the ejection portion for spring removal, and  FIG. 4D  is a principal enlarged plan view of still another type centered on the location of the ejection portion for spring removal; 
         FIG. 5A  is a simplified view of a spring in a normal state,  FIG. 5B  is a simplified view of a defective spring that has curved in the compression-elongation direction,  FIG. 5C  is a simplified view of defective springs that have tangled at a very small intersection angle to the axial line in the compression-elongation direction, and  FIG. 5D  is a simplified view of defective springs that have tangled at a very small intersection angle to the axial line in the compression-elongation direction; 
         FIG. 6  is a plan view illustrating a state in which a spring is conveyed from the conveying path for feeding to an external device in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 7A  is a principal plan view illustrating a state in which the ejection portion for spring removal is attached so that the distal end of the ejection nozzle is positioned in the arc-like groove region portion, and  FIG. 7B  is a partially cut-out principal plan view illustrating a state in which the ejection portion for spring removal is attached so that the distal end of the ejection nozzle is positioned in the straight groove region portion; 
         FIG. 8A  is a state diagram illustrating how a spring is normally conveyed in the conveying groove for connection of the conveying path for feeding,  FIG. 8B  is a state diagram illustrating how the conveying groove for connection is clogged by the defective spring, and  FIG. 8C  is an enlarged view of the portion (b) in  FIG. 8B ; 
         FIG. 9A  is a state diagram illustrating the start of the process in which the next spring is also stopped by the defective spring,  FIG. 9B  is an enlarged view of the portion (c) in  FIG. 9A ,  FIG. 9C  is a state diagram illustrating a plurality of springs which are jammed as the result of the jamming of the defective spring, and  FIG. 9D  is an enlarged view of the portion (d) in  FIG. 9C ; 
         FIG. 10A  is a state diagram illustrating how the jamming of the conveying groove for connection of the conveying path for feeding is released by blowing the spring off in the direction opposite to the conveying direction, and  FIG. 10B  is an enlarged view of the portion (e) in  FIG. 10A ; 
         FIG. 11A  is a principal perspective view of the first sorting and conveying portion,  FIG. 11B  is a principal transverse plan view of the first sorting and conveying portion,  FIG. 11C  is an end surface view along the Xe-Xe arrow in  FIG. 11A ,  FIG. 11D  is an end surface view along the Xf-Xf arrow in  FIG. 11A , and  FIG. 11E  is an operation diagram illustrating how a defective spring is sifted out; 
         FIG. 12A  is a principal perspective view of the second sorting and conveying portion,  FIG. 12B  is a cross-sectional view along the Xg-Xg arrow in  FIG. 12A ,  FIG. 12C  is a cross-sectional view along the Xh-Xh arrow in  FIG. 12A ,  FIG. 12D  is an operation diagram illustrating how a defective spring is sifted out,  FIG. 12E  is a perspective view of a sorting piece seen from beneath,  FIG. 12F  is a front view of the sorting piece,  FIG. 12G  is a view along the arrow Xi-Xi in  FIG. 12F ,  FIG. 12H  is a cross-sectional view along the Xj-Xj arrow in  FIG. 12F , and  FIG. 12I  is a view along the Xk-Xk arrow in  FIG. 12F ; 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view illustrating the entire configuration in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 14A  is a principal perspective view of the configuration in accordance with the present invention, and  FIG. 14B  is a principal perspective view illustrating the configurations of the conveying path and sorting plate in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 15A  is a principal vertical sectional view of the configuration in accordance with the present invention, and  FIG. 15B  is a principal vertical sectional view from a direction difference from that in  FIG. 15A ; and 
         FIG. 16A  is an operation diagram illustrating a flow state of the air jet in a case where the air pressure is high,  FIG. 16B  is an operation diagram illustrating a flow state of the air jet in a case where the air pressure is low, and  FIG. 16C  is a graph illustrating the timer control. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     An embodiment of the present invention will be explained below with reference to the appended drawings. First, the entire configuration will be explained. As shown in  FIGS. 1A ,  6 , and  13 , the feeder in accordance with the present invention is mainly constituted by a container  1 , a conveying path A for feeding, and a vibrator  9 . As shown in  FIGS. 13 and 14 , the container  1  is formed in an almost flat cylindrical shape. The container  1  is constituted by a circumferential wall  11 , a conveying path  12 , and a sorting plate  13 . The circumferential wall  11  is formed in an almost cylindrical shape, and the conveying path  12  is formed in the inner side surface  11   a  of the circumferential wall  11  (see  FIGS. 1A ,  13 , and  14 ). 
     Further, the sorting plate  13  is formed at the upper portion  1   b  of the circumferential wall  11  of the container  1 , and the sorting plate  13  communicates with the conveying path  12  (see  FIGS. 13 to 15 ). An inner conveying groove  14  is formed in a corner location formed by the conveying path  12 , the sorting plate  13 , and inner side surface  11   a  (see  FIGS. 1A ,  11 A,  11 B, and  13 ). A through port  18  is formed in a position in the height direction where the sorting plate  13  of the container  1  is formed. The through port  18  is formed as an opening for linking the inner conveying groove  14  with the conveying path A for feeding that is attached to the outer part of the container  1  (see  FIGS. 1A ,  11 A,  11 B, and  13 ). 
     The conveying path A for feeding is a component that plays a role of conveying an appropriate spring S sorted inside the container  1  to the outside of the spring feeder in accordance with the present invention and feeding the spring to an operator, or a role of feeding, if necessary, the spring S to another device. As shown in  FIGS. 1A and 6 , the conveying path A for feeding is a component disposed on the outside of the circumferential wall  11  of the container  1  and is formed in an almost circular arc shape, with the longitudinal direction thereof being along the circumferential wall  11 , at a predetermined distance from the circumferential wall  11 . Further, the conveying path A for feeding is constituted along an almost half of the circumference of the circumferential wall  11  of the container  1  (see  FIG. 1A ). The longitudinal direction of the conveying path A for feeding, as referred to herein, is a direction equivalent to the conveying direction in which the spring S is conveyed. The conveying direction in which the spring S is conveyed will be simply referred to hereinbelow as “conveying direction”. 
     The conveying path A for feeding is constituted by a first sorting and conveying unit  4 , a second sorting and conveying unit  5 , and a conveying unit  6  for connection (see  FIGS. 1 and 6 ). Further, the conveying path A for feeding is vibrated together with the container  1  by the vibrator  9 , and the spring S is conveyed from inside of the conveyor  1  along the first sorting and conveying unit  4 , second sorting and conveying unit  5 , and conveying portion  6  for connection of the conveying path A for feeding. The conveying direction of the spring S inside the container  1  and the conveying path A for feeding is shown by a thick solid arrow in  FIG. 6 . In  FIG. 6 , the direction in which the spring S is conveyed from the inner conveying groove  14  located inside the container  1  to the first sorting and conveying unit  4  of the conveying path A for feeding via the through port  18  is shown by a thick dot-line arrow. 
     The base end portion of the first sorting and conveying unit  4  is configured to communicate via the through port  18  with the inner conveying groove  14  formed in the sorting plate  13  located inside the container  1  (see  FIGS. 1A ,  11 A, and  11 B). The base end portion of the first sorting and conveying unit  4  assumes a state of slightly penetrating from the through port  18  into the container  1 . The first sorting and conveying unit  4  is formed as an arc, with the longitudinal direction thereof being along the outer circumference of the container  1 . The first sorting and conveying unit  4  has a conveying groove  42  formed in a base portion  41 . The conveying groove  42  communicates with the inner conveying groove  14  and the  18  (see  FIGS. 1A ,  11 A, and  11 B). 
     As shown in  FIGS. 11A to 11C , the base portion  41  is formed in a band-like shape, and the cross section thereof perpendicular to the longitudinal direction thereof (conveying direction) has an almost rectangular shape. The base portion is formed so that the long side direction thereof is a vertical direction. As shown in  FIG. 11C , the conveying groove  42  is formed in the apex of the base portion  41 , and the cross section thereof has an almost V-like shape. More specifically, an angle formed by both inclined surfaces that constitute the V-like shape is 90 degrees or an angle close to 90 degrees (within a range of 85 to 90 degrees). The cross section of the conveying groove  42  may have an almost semicircular shape (U-like shape) or an angular shape (rectangular shape, square shape). 
     A sorting notch portion  43  is formed in the first sorting and conveying unit  4  (see  FIGS. 11A ,  11 B,  11 D, and  11 E). The sorting notch portion  43  is a portion formed by cutting out an upper portion, while leaving a very small lower portion, of either of the tilted surface portions at both sides in the widthwise direction of the conveying groove  42 . In the conveying groove  42  in which the sorting notch portion  43  is formed, both the groove width and the groove depth locally decrease and two or more defective springs Sd that became tangled and form a lump are sifted out by the sorting notch portion  43  (see  FIG. 11E ). 
     Such sorting notch portions  43  are provided at the first sorting and conveying unit  4  in two or more locations. More specifically, the sorting notch portions  43  are formed at one end and the other end of the conveying groove  42  in the widthwise direction. In the conveying groove  42  positioned in the location of the through port  18 , the sorting notch portion  43  is formed so as to be positioned on the inner side of the container  1 , and the defective springs Sd that are to be sifted out from the sorting notch portion  43  fall into the container  1 . Further, in the sorting notch portion  43  formed in the other position, the defective springs Sd fall to the outside of the container  1 . In this case, the defective springs Sd are sifted out into an auxiliary container  8  that is formed in the outer side surface  11   b  of the circumferential wall  11  of the container  1 . The auxiliary container  8  communicates with a bottom portion  1   a  of the container  1 , and the defective springs Sd that have been sifted out from the sorting notch portion  43  are returned to the bottom portion  1   a  of the container  1  and again conveyed upward from the bottom portion  1   a  of the container  1 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 12A , the second sorting and conveying unit  5  is constituted by a base portion  51 , a conveying groove  52 , and a sorting piece  53 . The base portion  51  has a band-like shape and is in the form of an arc in the plan view thereof (see  FIG. 1A ). The cross section thereof that is perpendicular to the conveying direction is in the form of an inclined plate (see  FIGS. 12A to 12C ). The conveying groove  52  is formed in an almost central portion in the height direction of the base portion  51 . The conveying groove  52  is formed to have a step-like shape in an almost central position thereof in the vertical direction in a cross section that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the base portion  51 , and the portion thereof above the conveying groove  52  is concaved more than the portion below the conveying groove (see  FIGS. 12B and 12C ). In other words, the cross section of the base portion  51  is formed so that the thickness thereof above the conveying groove  52  is less than the thickness thereof below the conveying groove. 
     In the conveying groove  52 , a step surface  52   a  protruding to the almost central location of the surface of the base portion  51  in the vertical direction is formed in the cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the base portion  51 . The size k of the protrusion of the step surface  52   a  of the conveying groove  52  from the surface of the base portion  51  is less than the diameter of the spring S (see  FIG. 12D ). In particular, in a case where the spring S is a small spring, the protrusion amount is equal to or less than about 1 mm. Where the spring S is placed in a state in which the compression-elongation direction thereof coincides with the conveying direction, the conveying groove  52  can convey only one spring (see  FIGS. 12B and 12C ). Therefore, when the defective springs Sd in a state in which two or more springs are tangled pass through the conveying groove  52 , the defective springs Sd destroy the balance and fall down from the conveying groove  52 , and the passage of such defective springs Sd is made impossible (see  FIG. 12D ). 
     The sorting piece  53  is attached in the vicinity of the location where the conveying groove  52  is formed in the base portion  51  (see  FIGS. 12A to 12C ). The sorting piece  53  is fixedly attached to the base portion  51  of the second sorting and conveying unit  5  with a fixing jig  54  such as a bolt, and a through hole  53   a  through which the fixing jig  54  passes is formed in the sorting piece  53 . The sorting piece  53  is provided as a member separate from the base portion  51 , and as shown in  FIGS. 12E and 12F , formed in an almost square plate-like shape. Any one side thereof serves as a sorting end portion  531 . The sorting piece  53  is disposed at the base portion  51  so that the sorting end portion  531  comes close to the conveying groove  52 . The sorting end portion  531  is a unit formed so that the lower side thereof is in the form of a triangular tilted surface (see  FIG. 12E ), and when the sorting piece  53  is normally attached to the base portion  51 , the cross section of the sorting end portion  531  is formed to be inclined from the thin portion toward the thick portion (see  FIGS. 12F to 12I ). 
     The lower end of the  531  is set to be parallel to the conveying direction of the conveying groove  52  (see  FIG. 12A ), and the sorting end portion  531  is set so that a transition from the thin portion to the thick portion thereof is made along the conveying direction (see  FIGS. 12A to 12C ). Further, as described hereinabove, where the spring S is placed in a state in which the compression-elongation direction thereof coincides with the conveying direction, the conveying groove  52  can convey only one spring. Therefore, only the spring S in a normal state can pass through the conveying groove  52  (see  FIGS. 12B and 12C ). When the defective spring Sd passes through the conveying groove  52  of the second sorting and conveying unit  5 , the defective spring Sd is conveyed along the conveying groove  52 , and when the spring passes through the location of the sorting end portion  531  of the sorting piece  53 , the deformed portion or tangled portion of the defective spring Sd comes into contact with the sorting end portion  531 , the balance collapses, and the spring is sifted out from the conveying groove  52  (see  FIG. 12D ). 
     The conveying portion  6  for connection is a component that plays a role of connecting the spring feeder in accordance with the present invention to another operation device  100 , as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2A . The conveying portion  6  for connection is a final end component of in the conveying path A for feeding. As shown in  FIGS. 2A to 2C , in the conveying portion  6  for connection, a conveying groove  62  for connection is formed in a base member  61  for connection. The cross section of the conveying groove  62  for connection in the longitudinal direction thereof is formed in an almost square shape (see  FIG. 2D ). The conveying groove  62  for connection includes an arc-like groove region portion  621  that is arced in the longitudinal direction thereof, a linear groove region portion  622  that has a linear shape in the longitudinal direction thereof, and a boundary groove region portion  623  positioned between the arc-like groove region portion  621  and the linear groove region portion  622  (see  FIG. 2C ). The arc-like groove region portion  621  communicates with the conveying groove  52  of the second sorting and conveying unit  5 . The spring S conveyed from the second sorting and conveying unit  5  passes through the arc-like groove region portion  621  and is conveyed to the  622 . Thus, the conveying groove  62  for connection communicates with the arc-like groove region portion  621 , boundary groove region portion  623 , and linear groove region portion  622  in the order of description in the conveying direction (see  FIG. 2 ). 
     A cover member  63  is also provided in the conveying portion  6  for connection (see  FIGS. 2A and 2B ). The cover member  63  covers the conveying groove  62  for connection formed in the base member  61  from one end side to the other end side thereof in the groove direction along the longitudinal direction thereof, and in the groove width direction of the conveying groove  62  for connection the coverage is such that the entire surface is not covered and part of the surface is in the open state (see  FIGS. 2A ,  2 D,  3 A, and  3 B). More specifically in the groove width direction, the surface is covered to a position that slightly exceeds the central position in the groove width direction of the conveying groove  62  for connection. The portion that is not covered by the cover member  63  is a gap j (see  FIGS. 3A and 3B ). 
     The base member  61  and the cover member  63  are joined by bolts  64 . A plurality of inner screw portions  61   a ,  61   a , . . . are formed in the  61 . Through holes  63   a ,  63   a , . . . for screws that are equal in number to the plurality of the inner screw portions  61   a ,  61   a , . . . are formed in the cover member  63 . The bolts  64  are inserted into the through holes  63   a  for screws and screwed into the inner screw portions  61   a , thereby fixedly joining the base member  61  to the cover member  63  (see  FIGS. 1B ,  2 A, and  2 B). 
     A thin edge portion  63   b  is formed in the longitudinal direction of the cover member  63  at one end side in the widthwise direction thereof, and a gap j is also formed between the thin edge portion  63   b  and the conveying groove  62  for connection (see  FIG. 4C ). Further, a thin portion  61   b  that is formed by reducing the thickness of the base member  61  is provided along the longitudinal direction of the  62  at one side in the widthwise direction thereof, and the gap j is also formed between the thin portion  61   b  and the cover member  63  (see  FIG. 4D ). 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a jet unit  7  for removal is mounted on the conveying portion  6  for connection. The ejection portion  7  for spring removal is constituted by an ejection nozzle  71  and an air valve  72 . The air valve  72  is mounted on the base member  61  of the conveying portion  6  for connection. The air valve  72  is so configured that the air is supplied to an air compressor or the like (not shown in the figure) provided outside the container  1  via a tube  73 . The air is ejected from a jet orifice  71   a  of the ejection nozzle  71  of the ejection portion  7  for spring removal by adjusting the jet pressure to a desired value. 
     The distal end of the ejection nozzle  71  of the ejection portion  7  for spring removal, that is, the jet orifice  71   a  comes close to the conveying groove  62  for connection, as shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 A to  2 C,  3 A, and  3 B. Thus, the ejection portion  7  for spring removal is mounted so that the jet orifice  71   a  comes close to the gap j formed with the cover member  63  that covers the conveying groove  62  for connection. The ejection direction of the air jet from the jet orifice  71   a  located at the distal end of the  71  is substantially opposite to the direction in which the spring S is conveyed in the conveying groove  62  for connection (see  FIGS. 3A and 4A ). 
     The direction that is substantially opposite to the conveying direction of the spring S will be discussed below. First, a virtual boundary plane P is set to be perpendicular to the conveying direction of the spring S in the conveying groove  62  for connection and also in a location where the jet orifice  71   a  of the ejection portion  7  for spring removal is positioned (see  FIGS. 3A and 4A ). The virtual boundary plane P is a virtual flat plane that extends radially from a point where the jet orifice  71   a  of the ejection nozzle  71  in the conveying groove  62  for connection is positioned (see  FIGS. 3A and 3C ). Then, the virtual boundary plane P where the jet orifice  71   a  of the ejection nozzle  71  is positioned is taken as a boundary plane of the conveying groove  62  for connection, the side of the virtual boundary plane P in the conveying direction to which the spring S arrives is called a carry-in side Ta and a side of the virtual boundary plane P from which the spring S is carried out is called a carry-out side Tb (see  FIGS. 3A ,  3 C, and  FIGS. 7 to 9 ). 
     In other words, in the virtual boundary plane P, the side to which the spring S comes close in the conveying direction is the carry-in side Ta, and the side from which the spring S withdraws from the virtual boundary plane P is the carry-out side Tb. The direction of the air ejected from the  71   a , that is, the ejection direction is a direction from the position of the virtual boundary plane P toward the carry-in side Ta. This eventually creates a state in which the air is ejected from the jet orifice  71   a  toward the second sorting and conveying unit  5 . Where a reference symbol is assigned to the ejection direction from the jet orifice  71   a  of the ejection nozzle  71  and this direction is taken as an air ejection direction V, then the air ejection direction V will form an angle α with the carry-in side Ta with respect to the virtual boundary plane P (see  FIGS. 3A ,  3 B, and  10 ). 
     Thus, the air ejection direction V from the jet orifice  71   a  constitutes the angle α, with the virtual boundary plane P toward the carry-in side Ta. The angle α includes all the angles at which the air ejection direction V is from the virtual boundary plane P toward the carry-in side Ta and covers a range exclusive of 0° and 180°. The angle α is actually within a range of from about 20° to about 90°, but the appropriate inclination angle is determined by the disposition conditions of the ejection portion  7  for spring removal. Thus the direction of air ejected from the jet orifice  71   a  of the ejection nozzle  71  (air ejection direction V) always assumes a state opposite to the conveying direction of the spring S in the conveying groove  62  for connection. 
     Where the air is ejected from the jet orifice  71   a  of the ejection nozzle  71  of the ejection portion  7  for spring removal, most of the ejected air flows from the virtual boundary plane P toward the carry-in side Ta along the conveying groove  62  for connection and the in-groove air f that flows inside the conveying groove  62  for connection blows out the defective spring Sd and spring S that jam the inside of the conveying groove  62  for connection toward the second sorting and conveying unit  5  (see  FIG. 10 ). Under the effect of the in-groove air f, the defective spring Sd and other spring S are blown off from the conveying groove  62  for connection and fall into the auxiliary container  8 . Thus, in a case where a defective spring Sd that has been conveyed so that it narrowly escaped a very strict sorting means such as the sorting notch portion  43  or sorting piece  53  provided in the conveying path A for feeding and has reached the  62  has stuck therein and jammed the inside of the conveying groove  62  for connection, the jamming can be released by the air jet of the ejection portion  7  for spring removal. 
     There is a plurality of patterns for the attachment positions of the ejection portion  7  for spring removal to the conveying portion  6  for connection. In the first pattern, the position of the jet orifice  71   a  located at the distal end of the ejection nozzle  71  of the ejection portion  7  for spring removal is provided in the vicinity of the boundary groove region portion  623  of the arc-like groove region portion  621  and the linear groove region portion  622  (see  FIGS. 1B ,  2 A to  2 C). In this case, it is preferred that the position be slightly shifted from the boundary groove region portion  623  to the arc-like groove region portion  621 . In the second pattern, the distal end of the ejection nozzle  71  of the ejection portion  7  for spring removal is provided within the range of the arc-like groove region portion  621  (see  FIG. 7A ). 
     In the third pattern, the distal end of the ejection nozzle  71  of the ejection portion  7  for spring removal is provided within the range of the linear groove region portion  622  (see  FIG. 7B ). Further, the ejection portion  7  for spring removal is disposed at the outer side in the conveying portion  6  for connection, that is, at a side opposite that of the side where the container  1  is positioned (see  FIGS. 1A ,  3 A, and  3 B). It is also possible that the ejection portion  7  for spring removal be positioned on the inner side in the conveying portion  6  for connection, that is, on the same side where the container  1  is positioned (see  FIGS. 4A and 4B ). In the three patterns above, the virtual boundary plane P can be also set in the position of the jet orifice  71   a  of the ejection nozzle  71 . 
     The ejection portion  7  for spring removal operates intermittently, rather than ejects the air at all times. Thus, the ejection and stop intervals are repeated with an appropriate period. Such an intermittent air ejection can be conducted under a time control. A state of controlling the start and stop of the air ejection with a timer can be specifically set to an air ejection time of about 3 sec and a stop time of about 7 sec. However, the air ejection start and stop times can be set appropriately and are not limited to the above-described numerical values. In another possible configuration, a sensor is disposed in the vicinity of the conveying groove  62  for connection, the jamming of the inside of the conveying groove  62  for connection with the defective spring Sd is detected and confirmed by the sensor, an ejection command is sent from the sensor to the ejection portion  7  for spring removal, air ejection is performed from the jet orifice  71   a  of the ejection nozzle  71 , and the jamming is released. 
     The spring feeder in accordance with the present invention can handle coil-type springs S of various sizes, but is preferably applied to small-size springs, even more preferably to springs of a very small side. Springs Sofa small size have a length of about 2 mm to about 15 mm, an outer diameter of about 0.8 mm to about 3 mm, and a wire diameter of about 0.08 mm to about 0.5 mm. The miniature springs have a length of about 2 mm to about 5 mm, an outer diameter of about 0.8 mm to about 1 mm, and a wire diameter of about 0.08 mm to about 0.1 mm. In a case of miniature springs, the smallest springs have a length of about 2 mm, an outer diameter of about 0.8 mm, and a wire diameter of about 0.08 mm. In the explanation of the present invention, the spring S is a small spring, mainly a miniature spring. 
     A process in which the jamming by springs S caused by the defective springs Sd in the conveying groove  62  for connection is released by the ejection portion  7  for spring removal will be described below. First, a defective spring Sd that causes a large number of springs S, S, . . . to be stopped in the conveying groove  62  for connection and jam the groove will be explained with reference to  FIG. 5 .  FIG. 5A  shows a spring S in a normal state. The spring S is a coil spring, and where an axial line Ls in the compression-elongation direction thereof is set, the natural state in the compression-elongation direction of the normal spring S coincides with the axial line Ls. 
     The defective springs Sd can be of the following types. In the first type, the compression-elongation direction of the spring Sd is arc-like curved with respect to the axial line Ls (see  FIG. 5B ). Where the curvature radius R of the curve is large with respect to the compression-elongation direction of the spring Sd, because the compression-elongation direction of the spring Sd is an almost straight line, the spring passes through the sorting means of the first sorting and conveying unit  4  and the second sorting and conveying unit  5  and then passes through the conveying groove  62  for connection. In the second type of the defective spring Sd, two springs Sd are tangled with superposition so as to assume a shape almost identical to that of one spring Sd (see  FIG. 5C ). With this type, the tangled two springs S, S are practically not different in shape from the one spring S and are difficult to remove with the sorting means of the conveying path A for feeding. Such springs reach the conveying groove  62  for connection of the conveying portion  6  for connection and there is a sufficient probability of these springs being stuck inside the conveying groove  62  for connection. 
     In the third type, the springs Sd are tangled in a linked state such that the two springs constitute one line (see  FIG. 5D ). An angle Δθ formed by the axial lines Ls of the two springs Sd of the second and third types is very small. With the defective springs Sd of the first to third types, the compression-elongation direction of all the springs is almost linear. Therefore, it is possible that the springs will pass the sorting means of the first sorting and conveying unit  4  and the second sorting and conveying unit  5  (see  FIG. 8B ) and will then enter the conveying groove  62  for connection. Therefore, there is a sufficient possibility of the defective springs Sd being stuck during conveying inside the conveying groove  62  for connection (see  FIG. 8B ). 
     A process of removing the jamming inside the conveying groove  62  for connection will be explained below. First, as shown in  FIG. 8A , the normal spring S is smoothly conveyed in the normal state. Where the defective spring Sd that has not been removed by the first sorting and conveying unit  4  and the second sorting and conveying unit  5  of the conveying path A for feeding enters the conveying groove  62  for connection of the conveying portion  6  for connection, as shown in  FIGS. 8B and 8C , the defective spring Sd is caught inside the conveying groove  62  for connection. Because the defective spring Sd is caught inside the conveying groove  62  for connection and the conveying is stopped, the subsequent springs S, S, . . . also cannot be conveyed and the path is jammed by a large number of springs (see  FIGS. 9A and 9B ). Therefore, the conveying of a large number of springs S, S, . . . is stopped (see  FIGS. 9C and 9D ). 
     In a state in which a large number of springs S, S, . . . have thus been stopped, the air is ejected from the jet orifice  71   a  of the ejection nozzle  71  of the ejection portion  7  for spring removal and a large number of springs S, S, . . . that have jammed the inside of the conveying groove  62  for connection are blown off together with the defective spring Sd and removed from the conveying groove  62  for connection. This removal is conducted instantaneously. The ejection of air from the jet orifice  71   a  of the ejection portion  7  for spring removal is conducted with fixed time intervals. The air ejection direction V from the jet orifice  71   a  of the ejection nozzle  71  is almost opposite (inverted) to the conveying direction of the springs S, and the springs S that jammed the inside of the conveying groove  62  for connection are blown off together with the defective spring Sd toward the second sorting and conveying unit  5  and the springs S jamming the path are removed. 
     The internal configuration of the container  1  will be explained below. The conveying path  12  is formed to have a spiral shape from the bottom portion  1   a  to the upper portion  1   b  of the container  1  along the inner side surface  11   a  of the container  1  and has a gradual inclination (see  FIGS. 13 and 14 ). The conveying path  12  is formed from a band-like sheet and has an appropriate angle such that the inner end side (close to the center of the container  1 ) of the conveying path  12  is inclined upward with respect to the inner side surface  11   a . The conveying path  12  serves to convey the springs S from the bottom portion  1   a  of the container  1  to the top of the container  1 , and the springs S, S, . . . are moved by vibrations of the container  1  caused by the below-described vibrator  9 . Further, the inner conveying groove  14  is formed along the circumferential direction close to the inner side surface  11   a  of the conveying path  12  (see  FIG. 1A ). The inner conveying groove  14  can be formed such that several springs S can be accommodated therein and arranged in a row along the conveying direction inside the inner conveying groove  14  (see  FIG. 6 ). 
     The sorting plate  13  is mounted on the upper portion of the container  1 . The sorting plate  13  has an almost semicircular shape in the plan view thereof (see  FIG. 1A ) and is inclined so that the central zone thereof has the largest height and the height decreases toward the outer peripheral edge of the circuit (see  FIG. 15 ). In other words, the sorting plate  13  has an almost flat conical shape that is cut almost in half with reference to a straight line passing through the central portion thereof. In the flat view thereof, the sorting plate has a semicircular shape. In the upper portion location of the container  1 , a portion other than the portion covered by the sorting plate  13  is called a return opening  1   c . The return opening  1   c  has an almost semicircular shape. 
     The sorting plate  13  and the inner side surface  11   a  do not intersect at a right angle. Thus, the central side of the sorting plate  13  crosses the inner side surface  11   a  so as to obtain an upward inclined configuration (see  FIG. 15 ). As a result, the spring S located on the sorting plate  13  moves toward the portion where the sorting plate  13  and the inner side surface  11   a  intersect, that is, toward the outer circumference of the sorting plate  13 . The uppermost position of the conveying path  12  and the zone of the sorting plate  13  close to the inner side surface  11   a  are linked continuously to each other. The springs S, S, . . . that move upward along the conveying path  12  are conveyed to the sorting plate  13 . An ejection portion  2  for separation is provided as a separation means for separating the tangled springs S, S, . . . in the connection position of the uppermost portion of the conveying path  12  and the sorting plate  13  and at the inner side surface  11   a  of the container  1 . 
     The ejection portion  2  for separation is constituted by an ejection orifice  21  and an air valve  22 . The air valve  22  is mounted on the outer side surface  11   b  of the container  1  (see  FIGS. 14A and 16 ). The air valve  22  has a configuration in which the air is supplied from an air compressor or the like (not shown in the figure) provided outside the container  1  via a tube  23 . The air can be ejected from the ejection orifice  21  of the ejection portion  2  for separation under an ejection pressure that is adjusted to a desired pressure. An air guide wall portion  15  is formed above the sorting plate  13 , from the vicinity of the ejection orifice  21  of the ejection portion  2  for separation in the central direction of the sorting plate  13 . The air guide wall portion  15  is formed in an almost vertical wall plate shape, and the longitudinal direction thereof is along the direction in which the air is ejected from the ejection orifice  21  of the ejection portion  2  for separation (see  FIGS. 13 and 14 ). The air guide wall portion  15  is constituted by the two opposing plates, namely a main wall plate  15   a  and an auxiliary wall plate  15   b.    
     The main wall plate  15   a  is formed to be longer than the auxiliary wall plate  15   b  and provided along the linear end edge of the sorting plate  13 . A predetermined gap is provided between the main wall plate  15   a  and the inner side surface  11   a . A linking portion of the conveying path  12  and the sorting plate  13  is present inside the gap. The gap serves to move and introduce the springs S, S, . . . from the conveying path  12  to the sorting plate  13 . The auxiliary wall plate  15   b  is arranged parallel to the main wall plate  15   a . The air jet from the ejection portion  2  for separation flows between the main wall plate  15   a  and the auxiliary wall plate  15   b , and the springs S, S, . . . blown off by the air jet pass through between the main wall plate  15   a  and the auxiliary wall plate  15   b  (see  FIG. 16 ). 
     A fixed wall plate  16  is provided almost in the vicinity of the center of the sorting plate  13  (see  FIGS. 13 to 15 ). More specifically, the fixed wall plate  16  is disposed in a central position of the sorting plate  13  on a side opposite that of the ejection portion  2  for separation, and the fixed plate is inclined at an appropriate inclination angle with respect to the air jet direction. The direction of the air jet from the ejection portion  2  for separation is changed by the inclination angle of the fixed wall plate  16  into the direction toward the sorting plate  13 . Further, the springs S, S, . . . blown off by the air jet collide with the fixed wall plate  16 , and this collision separates the two or more tangled springs S, S (see  FIG. 16A ). Further, auxiliary fixed plates  17  that face each other via an appropriate gap are provided at the fixed wall plate  16 , and those of the springs S, S, . . . that have collided with the fixed wall plate  16  and have not yet been separated can collide again and be separated. 
     The vibrator  9  is disposed below the container  1 , and the container  1  is vibrated by the vibrator  9 . An electromagnetic vibrator  9  is used in this configuration. The vibrations of the container  1  provide appropriate vibrations to the conveying path  12 , and the springs S, S, . . . that are stored inside the container can be moved upward of the container  1  along the conveying path  12  and the springs S, S, . . . can be conveyed toward the sorting plate  13 . A cover body  19  is detachably attached to the upper portion  1   b  of the container  1 . The cover body  19  is formed from a transparent plate of acryl or glass and fixed to the apex of the container  1  with screw members. A small lid portion (not shown in the figure) is formed at the cover body  19 , and a large number of springs S, S, . . . can be introduced into the container  1  by opening the small lid portion. 
     The air jet from the ejection orifice  21  can be operated intermittently by using a timer control. Thus, the interval of actuation and stop of the air jet is timely controlled (see  FIG. 16 ). Thus, the individual separated springs S, S, . . . that were released from the tangled state on the sorting plate  13  can be arranged in a row inside the inner conveying groove  14  and transferred to a next process.  FIG. 16C  is a graph showing a state in which the intervals of high and low intensity of the air jet is controlled by a timer. In the graph, the intervals of high and low air pressure are plotted against the abscissa, the interval in which the air pressure is high is denoted by TL, and the interval in which the air pressure is low is denoted by TS. 
     First, the upper lid portion of the cover body  19  is opened, a large number of springs S, S, . . . are placed into the container  1 , the vibrator  9  is driven, and appropriate vibrations are provided to the container  1 . The springs S, S, . . . stored in the bottom portion of the container  1  are moved along the conveying path  12  and conveyed toward the sorting plate  13 . The air jet from the ejection orifice  21  disposed in the connection location of the uppermost position of the conveying path  12  and the sorting plate  13  is normally blown in a state with a low air pressure and the air jet of a high pressure is intermittently blown under the timer control. Under the normally low air pressure obtained under the timer control, the springs S, S, . . . conveyed at the circumference of the ejection orifice  21  are rotated by the air jet and prevented from closing the ejection orifice  21 . An air jet of a high air pressure is ejected with a fixed time interval, all the springs S, S, . . . that have collected at the outer circumference of the ejection orifice  21  are blown off toward the fixed wall plate  16 , the tangled springs S, S collide with the fixed wall plate  16 , and the tangled springs S, S are separated. 
     When an interval is assumed in which the air pressure of the air jet is again reduced by the intermittent operation, individual springs S, S, . . . are accommodated in the inner conveying groove  14  formed at the outer peripheral edge of the sorting plate  13  and moved toward the through port  18  along the inner conveying groove  14  by the vibrations created by the vibrator  9 , the springs S, S, . . . are fed out from the inner conveying groove  14  to the conveying path A provided on the outside of the container  1 , and these springs S, S, . . . are conveyed to the spring feeding device provided at the end of the conveying path A for feeding in the conveying direction. 
     As described hereinabove, an operation of separating the springs S, S in a tangled state is conducted within intervals with a high air pressure by repeating the intervals with high and low air pressure of the air jet. In the interval in which the air pressure is low, individual springs S are conveyed from the inner conveying groove  14  to the conveying path A for feeding. As for the intervals with high and low pressure of the air jet, in accordance with the present invention, the interval with a low air pressure is about 7 sec and the interval with a high air pressure is about 3 sec. However, these values are merely examples and the intervals with high and low air pressure can be appropriately changed by the timer control. 
     The springs S, S that have been separated from the tangled state by a collision with the fixed wall plate  16  induced by a first jet are returned from the sorting plate  13  again to the bottom portion  1   a  of the container  1 , the springs S, S in the tangled state move again from the conveying path  12  to the sorting plate  13 , a similar action of the air jet is repeated, and the tangled springs S, S are separated. The normal spring S is conveyed in a normal state from the inner conveying groove  14  to the conveying groove  42  of the first sorting and conveying unit  4  of the conveying path A for feeding, and the springs S are conveyed to the first sorting and conveying unit  4 , second sorting and conveying unit  5 , and conveying portion  6  for connection (see  FIG. 6 ). 
     As described hereinabove, the spring feeder in accordance with the present invention is constituted by the container  1  to which vibrations are appropriately provided, the spiral conveying path  12  formed along the inner side surface of the container  1 , the sorting plate  13  that covers part of the location of the upper portion  1   b  of the container  1  and communicates with the uppermost end of the conveying path  12 , the fixed wall plate  16  formed above the sorting plate  13 , the ejection orifice  21  that ejects the air jet from the inner side surface the container  1  toward the fixed wall plate  16 , the cover body  19  that covers almost the entire surface of the apex of the container  1 , and the conveying path A for feeding that is disposed on the outside of the container  1  and conveys the springs S located inside the container  1  to the outside of the container  1 , wherein the conveying portion  6  for connection that has the conveying groove  62  is provided in the final end portion of the conveying path A for feeding. The ejection portion  7  for spring removal having the ejection nozzle  71  is attached in the appropriate position of the conveying groove  62 , the distal end of the ejection nozzle  71  of the ejection portion  7  for spring removal is brought close to the conveying groove  62  and the ejection direction of the ejection nozzle  71  is almost opposite to the conveying direction of the springs S. 
     And another example of spring feeder in accordance with the present invention is constituted by a container  1  to which vibrations are appropriately provided; separation means for separating tangled springs S,S; and a conveying path A for feeding springs S, S that is disposed outside the container  1  and conveys the springs S, S inside the container  1  to the outside of the container  1 , wherein a conveying portion  6  for connection that has a conveying groove  62  for connection that is formed in a base material for connection is provided in an end portion of the conveying path for feeding, the conveying groove  62  for connection is constituted by an arc-like groove region portion  621  and a straight groove region portion  621 , an ejection portion  7  for spring removal that has an ejection nozzle  71  is attached in an appropriate position of the conveying groove  62  for connection, a distal end of the ejection nozzle  71  is provided in the arc-like groove region portion  621 , the distal end of the ejection nozzle  71  of the ejection portion  7  for spring removal is brought close to the conveying groove  62  for connection, an ejection direction of the ejection nozzle  71  is substantially opposite to a direction of conveying the springs S, S, a cover member  63  is attached to the base material  61  for connection along the direction of conveying the springs S, S in the conveying groove  62  for connection and covers the groove as far as a position that is slightly beyond a central position of the groove  62  in a widthwise direction thereof, a gap j is provided between the conveying groove  62  for connection and the cover member  63 , and the distal end of the ejection nozzle  71  is brought close to the gap j.