Method and apparatus for producing a rod-like body

1. A method for producing a rod-like body, comprising:

a preprocessing transfer step which transfers an unprocessed rod-like body relative to a processing unit in one direction along an axis of the unprocessed rod-like body and places the unprocessed rod-like body in a receiving position in the processing unit;

a processing step which processes an unprocessed rod-like body into a processed rod-like body by using the processing unit;

a post-processing transfer step which pushes a processed rod-like body with the unprocessed rod-like body by the preprocessing transfer step for an unprocessed rod-like body and thus transfers the processed rod-like body in one direction along an axis of the processed rod-like body to a rail portion which is provided integrally with the processing unit;

a rail portion transfer step which pushes a processed rod-like body with an unprocessed rod-like body by the preprocessing transfer step for an unprocessed rod-like body, and thus transfers the processed rod-like body in one direction along an axis of the processed rod-like body while being guided by the rail portion;

a withdrawing step which withdraws a processed rod-like body from the rail portion along an axis of the processed rod-like body using a withdrawing unit which is provided integrally with the rail portion to be located on an opposite side to the processing unit;

a detection step which detects that a processed rod-like body is transferred from the rail portion to the withdrawing unit; and

a discharge step which discharges a processed rod-like body, which is detected in the detection step to have been transferred from the rail portion to the withdrawing unit, from the withdrawing unit in a direction perpendicular to an axis of the processed rod-like body.

2. The method for producing a rod-like body according to claim 1 , wherein the processing unit, the rail portion, and the withdrawing unit are moved in the processing step.

3. The method for producing a rod-like body according to claim 2 , wherein the discharge step is performed when the processing unit, the rail portion, and the withdrawing unit are placed in predetermined positions.

4. An apparatus for producing a rod-like body, comprising:

a processing unit configured to process a rod-like body;

a rail portion configured to guide a plurality of rod-like bodies transferred in an axial direction by being pushed by a rod-like body discharged from the processing unit;

a withdrawing unit provided to the rail portion to be located on an opposite side to the processing unit and configured to withdraw the rod-like body from the rail portion; and

a discharge unit configured to discharge the rod-like body from the withdrawing unit in a direction perpendicular to an axis of the rod-like body.

5. The apparatus for producing a rod-like body according to claim 4 , wherein

the withdrawing unit is provided with a detection sensor configured to detect a position of the rod-like body; and

upon detection of a signal of the detection sensor, the discharge unit discharges the rod-like body.