CN110352169A - Conveyor system and method - Google Patents

Abstract

The embodiment provides the system and method for monitoring conveyer surface based on the frictional engagement quality of the prediction detected on conveyer surface and removing pollutant from conveyer surface.In some instances, this method may include that conveyer surface is monitored using at least one sensor, which is configured for the situation on sensing conveyer surface.The position for the pollutant that sensor can detecte the presence of pollutant, and will test sends processor to.Process cycle can be initiated after detecting that pollutant exists pollutant is removed or be displaced from conveyer surface.

Description

Conveyor system and method

Related application

It is preferential this application claims the PCT international application submitted on March 1st, 2017 the PCT/NL2017/050127th Power, this application require the priority for the Netherlands patent applications 2016340 submitted on March 1st, 2016, and application contents are by drawing With being incorporated herein for all purposes.

Technical background

In the described in the text disclosure up and down of conveyor system and method.More specifically, this disclosure relates to monitor, predict and Influence conveyor system and method that the engagement characteristics of the current of the product transmitted and prediction are assigned by transmission surface.

Conveyor system is used for transmission various products and includes many structures.For example, conveyor system can be by interdigital modeling Expect link module composition, which is suitable in beverage bottling factory producing with quick and fast-changing speed and direction transmission beverage Product.Alternatively, conveyor system may include metal tape, which is suitable in bakery with relatively uniform speed and side To transmission bakery.

In most applications, the engagement and interface transmitted between surface and the product transmitted is ideally controlled, with Establish preferred interaction.Whole process can be influenced in terms of the friction established between transmission surface and the product transmitted Various aspects.For example, in the frictional engagement except preferred scope (for example, between transmission surface and the product transmitted too Big relative friction or too small relative friction) can lead to the product transmitted damage, transmit surface excessive wear and/ Or the general interruption of the product transmitted orderly transported.

Frictional engagement except preferred scope can be caused by a variety of different factors, the temperature or wet inside such as facility Degree, lubrication exhaust or transmit the presence of the water, clean solution or pollutant on surface.Especially for beverage industry Speech causes to be discharged into liquid on transmission surface in market scope to the transition of the light weight container with reduced wall thickness Leakage container is slightly increased.When liquid is finally dried, viscous syrup residue is likely to remain on transmission surface, this can be real Change the frictional engagement between transmission surface and the product transmitted in matter.This increased frictional engagement may cause conveyer The undesirable operation (for example, blocking of transmission product) of system, and may cause conveyer damage or even transmit chain With the failure of component.If there is problems, it may be necessary to completely close conveyer to be cleaned and be repaired, so as to cause The loss of a large amount of time cost, production and efficiency.

Therefore, it is necessary to monitor, predict and influence the conveyor system and method that the engagement characteristics on transmission surface improve.

Summary of the invention

Some embodiments of the present invention provide the method for a kind of monitoring and the pollutant on processing conveyer surface, this method It include: to monitor conveyer surface using at least one sensor, which is configured on sensing conveyer surface Situation；The presence of the pollutant on transmission belt surface is detected using sensor；Send the presence of pollutant to processor；And It has been detected by and initiates process cycle after the presence of pollutant on conveyer surface to handle the situation on conveyer surface.

Detailed description of the invention

Figure 1A is the schematic diagram according to the example conveyor system of the disclosure.

Figure 1B is the schematic diagram of a part of the conveyor system of Fig. 1.

Fig. 2A is the schematic diagram for the motor for driving the conveyor system of Fig. 1 and belt configuration.

Fig. 2 B is the schematic diagram of the conveyor system of the Fig. 1 for the overflow area that cleaning detects.

Fig. 2 C is the schematic diagram along a part of the conveyor system of the arc 2C-2C of Fig. 2A Fig. 2A intercepted.

Fig. 3 is the block diagram for the example control system that can be used in combination with the conveyor system of Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is the flow chart according to the exemplary method of the disclosure.

Fig. 5 A is the curve graph of pH at any time.

Fig. 5 B is the curve graph of coefficient of friction at any time.

Specific embodiment

Before explaining any of the embodiments of the present invention in detail, it should be understood that it is thin that the present invention is not limited to construction in this application Section and in the following illustration elaboration or component shown in the accompanying drawings configuration.The present invention can be applied to other embodiments, or with Various modes are practiced or carried out.Further, it is understood that wording used herein and term be for purposes of description and It is not construed as restrictive.Herein, "comprising", " comprising " or " having " and its variant mean to list after including Entry and their equivalent and other entry.Unless specified or limited, term " installation ", " connection ", " support " " coupling " and its variant are widely used, and cover installation, connection, support and coupling directly or indirectly.In addition, " connection " and " coupling " is not limited only to physics or mechanical connection or coupling.

Following discussion is provided so that those skilled in the art make and use the embodiment of the present invention.In view of the benefit of the disclosure Place, will become obvious the modification of the embodiment shown to those skilled in the art, and not depart from this In the case where the embodiment of invention, basic principle herein be can be applied in other embodiments and application.Therefore, of the invention Embodiment be not intended to be limited to shown embodiment, but should meet consistent most with principle disclosed herein and feature Wide scope.It is described in detail below with reference to attached drawing reading, wherein the similar elements in different attached drawings have similar number.Not necessarily It is that attached drawing drawn to scale depicts selected embodiment and is not intended to be limited to the range of the embodiment of the present invention.Art technology Personnel should be understood that examples provided herein has many useful alternative solutions and falls into the model of the embodiment of the present invention In enclosing.

Figure 1A is the schematic diagram of example conveyor system 10, which can be transmitted product 12A, 12B, and Monitoring, prediction and influence assign the product being currently transmitted by transmission surface 14A, 14B, 14C with module 16A, 16B, 16C Current and prediction the engagement characteristics of 12A, 12B.In order to transmit product 12A, 12B, conveyor system 10 includes by motor 22 Band 11 (the interconnection belt module 16A, 16B, 16C shown in for example, substantially continuous flat conveyer belt, flat wire band of driving Deng).Although it will be appreciated that the interface zone that the joint between transmission surface 14A, 14B, 14C and product 12A, 12B limits Engagement characteristics in 18A, 18B, 18C may be uneven (for example, as shown in Figure 1B, wherein product 12A crosses over two differences simultaneously Transmission surface 14A, 14B), but for ease of description, in corresponding transmission plane 14A, 14B, 14C and the part product 12A, 12B Between each interface zone 18A, 18B, 18C for limiting will to be assumed in corresponding interface zone 18A, 18B, 18C be uniform 's.The granularity for carrying out participation inquiry can be the function for the specific application that current concepts are suitable for.In addition, transmission surface 14A, 14B, Power between 14C is transmitted to product 12A, 12B can be at least partly by the interface being located at interface zone 18A, 18B, 18C The influence of substance 20A, 20B, 20C.Boundary material 20A, 20B, 20C can be it is uniform, different or be continuously or from The substance dispersed scatteredly certain combination, and may include such as particle and/or fluid (such as ambient particle and pollutant, Manufacture fragment, food, cleaning solution and lubricant).Boundary material 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D, 20E, 20F can be originated from various next Source, the knot such as passively, initiatively according to logic, and/or functionally transmitted as specific products by ambient enviroment Fruit.

Referring additionally to shown in Figure 1B, boundary material 20A, 20B, 20C on transmission surface 14A, 14B, 14C are in certain situations Under (for example, cleaning fluid and lubricant) may be useful, or may be harmful (for example, ambient particle and pollution Object).Therefore, in some cases, from transmission surface 14A, 14B, 14C remove boundary material 20A, 20B, 20C in it is some or All to keep acceptable engagement characteristics may be advantageous in interface zone 18A, 18B, 18C.For example, in case of overflowing Out, then there may be unwanted liquid on transmission surface 14A, 14B, 14C, and it is unfavorable that this generates the operation of conveyor system It influences.In order to make conveyor system 10 back to acceptable opereating specification, preferably 24 moved through the processing unit from conveyer belt Except unwanted liquid, as discussed below.In other cases, boundary material 20A, 20B, 20C is for conveyor system 10 It is satisfactory operation may be necessary.For example, it may be desirable to which conveyer lubricant is to allow band 11 in conveyor system Continue normal operating in 10.Satisfactory amounts of lubrication is detected if it is less than on transmission surface 14A, 14B, 14C, is handled Unit 24 (or individually lubricant distributing equipment (not shown)) can be to be similar to international publication number as WO 2015/020524 Disclosed in mode distribute lubricant compositions so that additional lubricant to be introduced into conveyor system 10, the content of the disclosure is logical Reference is crossed to be hereby incorporated by.

Since some boundary material 20A, 20B, 20C may have the operation of conveyor system 10 or other conveyor systems Evil, therefore can be if necessary or in them and conveyor system 10 there are before significant problem, it can be with actively monitoring and removal The presence of these substances.In some embodiments, one or more sensors 26 around conveyor system 10 place, this or Multiple sensors can detecte depositing for conveyer surface 14A, 14B, 14C upper certain unwanted boundary material 20A, 20B, 20C ?.For example, one or more pH sensor 26 is configured for monitoring conveyer belt 11.Sensors with auxiliary electrode 26 can be special It is advantageously used in beverage industry, because the content for including in beverage container is substantially usually acid.If any beverage It overflows on conveyer belt 11, then pH sensor 26 can easily detect spilling and have occurred and that, and can be to central processing Unit (" CPU ") 28 delivery times stamp, with for detecting the accurate location for when overflowing and overflowing, so that being communicated with CPU 28 Controller 25 can be communicated with processing unit 24 and must handle the liquid of spilling and band 11 must be handled.In its of the disclosure In his embodiment, optical sensor 26 can be used.Sensors with auxiliary electrode 26 can initiatively monitor band whether due to liquid or its The presence of his pollutant and change colour, this will be discussed in greater detail below.In other embodiments, it can be used various types of Other sensors 26 (such as towing sensor, friction sensor, band temperature sensor and environment temperature sensor, relative humidity The combination of sensor, lubrication sensor, clean solution sensor etc..In other forms, image procossing can be used with logical It crosses the relative position at any time capture product 12B and determines the mean change of speed and/or acceleration to determine such as product 12B With with the relative friction between module 16C, which can be with product 12B and with the current and expectation between module 16C Frictional engagement it is associated.

In some embodiments, one or more sensors 26 in conveyor system 10 are static relative to band 11, and It is configured for the boundary material when they pass through interested sensor region on detection conveyer surface 14A, 14B The presence of 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D, 20E, 20F, as shown in Figure 14 C.In other embodiments, one in conveyor system 10 Or multiple sensors can be integrally molded in conveyer surface 14A, 14B, 14C, and may be configured to work as conveyer belt 11 consistently translate when mobile around conveyor system 10 with conveyer belt 11.In other embodiments, one or more sensors 26 can be otherwise coupled to conveyer surface 14A, 14B, 14C, so that they are during the operation of conveyor system 10 Continue to monitor identical conveyer surface 14A, 14B, 14C.Sample rate can be provided for one or more sensors 26, so that sense Survey the period about it is per second occur primary, every five seconds it is primary, every ten seconds it is primary or with faster or slower sample rate occurs. In addition, it is to be appreciated that different sample rates can be used for different types of sensor.Therefore, in some embodiments, it is present in The sample rate between sensor 26 in conveyor system 10 can be different between sensor and sensor.

When detected on conveyer surface 14A, 14B, 14C unwanted boundary material 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D, 20E, When 20F, conveyor system 10 can initiate treatment process to handle the substance.In order to avoid handling the significant wave of product and energy Take, treatment process may include that the specific position of boundary material 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D, 20E, the 20F that will test are located in Conveyer surface 14A, 14B, 14C are upper and only handle those positions and its neighboring area.Sensor is relative to transmission surface The type of 14A, 14B, 14C and positioning can determine accurately and effectively execute above-mentioned boundary material treatment process needed for mistake Journey.

In the embodiment for the resting position that each sensor 26 is located in conveyor system 10, each sensor 26 can be with Specific positional value is distributed along conveyor system 10.For example, can be single far from processing with sensor for the distribution of each sensor 26 The corresponding positional value of distance of 24 positioning of member, the processing unit 24 can be fixed on the certain bits in conveyor system 10 It sets.Therefore, each sensor 26 may be configured to unwanted or not when detect on conveyer surface 14A, 14B, 14C It is communicated when desired boundary material 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D, 20E, 20F with central processing unit 28.Alternatively, each sensing Device 26 is configured for communicating with central processing unit 28 after each measurement, and central processing unit 28 can be with Each measured value is assessed to determine the need for (for example, immediately or in about future time) and for example remove identified interface object Matter 20A, 20B, 20C or the frictional engagement otherwise influenced between transmission surface 14A, 14B, 14C and product 12A, 12B are special The movement of property.Each sensor 26 can be programmed to for by its relative to processing unit 24 specific position, take measurement Correct time and central processing unit 28 is transmitted to by the measured value that sensor 26 obtains.In conjunction with motor 22 and transmission 11 parameter of band uses the data, and central processing unit 28 can identify the transmission surface comprising boundary material 20A, 20B, 20C Next 14A, 14B, 14C by correct time in the range of processing unit 24 and can be communicated with controller 25 to activate Processing unit 24 is with removing substances.

Now referring additionally to Fig. 2A and Fig. 2 B, conveyor system 10 is shown as transport bottle 12A, 12B.As previously mentioned, Motor 22 drives the band 11 in conveyor system 10.Motor 22 can be controlled by central processing unit 28, specific with output, Constant motor reel speed (as unit of RPM).The output shaft of motor 22 may be coupled to driving wheel, which can be with It is engaged with belt-driven surface 15.When speed rotation of the driving wheel with motor reel, between driving wheel and driving surface 15 Friction generate fricton-tight contact between the components, this generate by belt roller 16A, 16B, 16C constrain and control constant conveyer Surface 14A, 14B, 14C translation.In some embodiments, belt roller 16A, 16B, 16C is translated in conveyer surface 14A, 14B, 14C Period rotates as driving surface 15 contacts them.As shown in FIG. 1A and 1B, conveyor system 10 includes with limited total The annulus 11 of length.Because fricton-tight contact occurs between driving wheel and belt-driven surface 15 or can be approximated to be nothing Sliding contact, so by understanding electromotor velocity and driving size of wheel that can readily calculate the rate that conveyer belt 11 is displaced. By also knowing far from the distance of cleaning unit 24 and the total length of conveyer belt 11, can calculate when a part of conveyer belt will be straight Predicted time when being located at processing unit 24 is connect, the unwanted boundary material detected in specific region then can be removed 20A、20B、20C。

For example, it is assumed that static sensors 26 are detected at the position X on conveyer belt 11 on transmission surface 14A, 14B, 14C There are unwanted boundary material 20A, 20B, 20C.Then, sensor 26 can be transmitted to central processing unit 28 and detected Measured value except to tolerance interval, and timestamp when measuring time of origin and sensor can be similarly provided away from place Manage the distance D of unit 24.Because conveyer band 11 is that the position X on the annulus with finite length L, on conveyer belt 11 is final It will rotate, until it is located immediately at 24 lower section of processing unit.It is not needed however, being detected on transmission surface 14A, 14B, 14C Boundary material 20A, 20B, 20C when, the distance between position X and processing unit 24 (on the direction of travel of conveyer belt 11) are L-D.Using the distance between position X and processing unit 24, place will be located at by following equation can be used readily calculating position X Manage the correct time t of 24 lower section of unit:

In the equation being provided above, amount N is the ratio of driving wheel perimeter and strip length, can be by knowing driving wheel Diameter and band length and readily calculate.The angular velocity omega of motor 22, which corresponds to, to be controlled by central processing unit 28 Motor reel speed.

By calculating until position X will be located at the time t of 24 lower section of processing unit, processing unit 24 can be clear by avoiding It is clean, cleaning or otherwise processing not comprising any unwanted boundary material 20A, 20B, 20C conveyer surface 14A, Treatment fluid and energy are saved in the part of 14B, 14C.By only activating processing unit 24, processing when position X is in range Unit 24 provides effective and targeted processing using less resource for conveyor system 10.In some embodiments, Processing unit 24 is entirely passively, to be not required to until sensor 26 is detected the presence of on conveyer surface 14A, 14B, 14C Boundary material 20A, 20B, 20C wanted, thus the further energy in saving system.

Alternatively, conveyor system 10 may include one or more sensors 26, and sensor 26 is coupled to conveyer belt 11 And it is configured for rotating when conveyer belt is driven by motor 22 around conveyor system 10.In such embodiments, it senses Device 26 is differently communicated with processing unit 24, because when conveyor system 10 operates, their positions relative to processing unit 24 It sets and is constantly changing.In order to be configured for once using with previously disclosed similar efficient process, sensor 26 Detect unwanted boundary material 20A, 20B, 20C just always relative to their position of transmission.Each sensor 26 can With configured with GPS, bluetooth, RFID, NFC or other communication systems, to carry out communication sensor 26 (and not with central processing unit 28 The boundary material needed) close to processing unit.

In some embodiments, sensor 26 include when sensor 26 do not detect unwanted boundary material 20A, Power-off RFID label tag when 20B, 20C under non-transmitting mode.However, when sensor 26 detects unwanted boundary material There are when, the energy source on sensor 26 can be re-energised RFID label tag, so that it is in emission mode.Processing unit 24 It can be configured with RFID reader, which continues the RFID label tag of scan matching, and can keep Passively, and until RFID reader detects matched key.Because matching key will with have been detected by unwanted boundary The sensor 26 of face substance 20A, 20B, 20C are corresponding, once so RFID label tag in the range of RFID reader, is located Reason unit 24 can start such as washing cycle to remove unwanted boundary material 20A, 20B, 20C, and ought no longer detect It can similarly stop cleaning (that is, it goes beyond the scope) when to RFID label tag.

Now referring additionally to Fig. 2 C, the processing unit 24 of conveyor system 10 is illustrated in greater detail.Processing unit 24 It is configured for distributing a fluid on transmission surface 14A, 14B, 14C.In some embodiments, processing unit 24 relative to Conveyor system 10 is static, and is configured for for clean solution being assigned to transmission surface 14A, 14B, 14C Upper (as shown in Figure 2 B).For example, processing unit 24 can be positioned in conveyer system 10, so that transmission surface 14A, 14B, 14C passes through below processing unit 24 during operation.In some embodiments, can be used comprising water and it is acid, neutral or The clean solution of alkalinity concentration detergent.It (is such as washed in addition, processing unit 24 is configured for running multiple periods Period, flushing cycle, lubrication interval, arid cycle and ultraviolet cleaning period).In such embodiments, washing cycle can wrap It includes and clean solution is assigned on transmission surface 14A, 14B, 14C.When completing washing cycle, controller 25 can be single with processing 24 communication of member is to initiate flushing cycle.Flushing cycle may include moisture is fitted on transmission surface 14A, 14B, 14C it is upper with removal Any remaining clean solution and/or boundary material 20A that are still present on washed transmission surface 14A, 14B, 14C, 20B,20C.In addition, it will be appreciated that processing unit 24 can not use clean solution, but only eject water to transmission surface 14A, 14B, 14C are upper to remove boundary material 20A, 20B, 20C.Finally, gas-pressurized can also be used for remove boundary material 20A, 20B,20C.In such embodiments, processing unit 24 may include air compressor or other pressurized-gas sources.

Processing unit 24 may include pump 30, and pump 30 may be positioned so that and fluid source 32, lubrication source and/or other source stream bodies (such as using hose 36) is connected in order to handle.Fluid 34 can make before being dispersed on transmission surface 14A, 14B, 14C It is pressurizeed with pump 30.Pump 30 be configured for for fluid 34 being compressed to about 5 pounds/square inch up to about 5000 pounds/it is flat Between square inch or even higher pressure.In some embodiments, processing unit 24 may include fluid pressure tank (not shown), The fluid pressure tank is also configured to for storing for clean pressurized fluid.In some embodiments, from water source Water initially enters pump, it can be pressurized in pump.When water is pressurized, then can be stored in hydraulic pressure tank until cleaning Period or flushing cycle start.

Processing unit 24 may be configured to down to 0.25 gallon per minute up to 500 gallon per minute or even higher Rate-allocation fluid.In order to distribute fluid, processing unit 24 may include one or more dispensing heads 38.One or more distribution First 38 may be configured for distributing pressurized fluid on the direction towards transmission surface 14A, 14B, 14C, so that boundary material 20A, 20B, 20C can be successfully removed and/or to transmit surface 14A, 14B, 14C processed.One or more dispensing heads 38 It may be configured to distribute fluid with a variety of different patterns.In some embodiments, dispensing head 38 is configured for exporting It is approximately perpendicular to the fluid of transmission surface 14A, 14B, 14C.In other embodiments, dispensing head 38 is configured for producing The fluid pattern of raw more taper, and can be to be not orthogonal to the angular separation fluid for transmitting surface 14A, 14B, 14C.It should Understand, any amount of different fluid pattern can be generated by one or more dispensing heads, and be completely maintained in the disclosure In the range of.

Processing unit 24 may further include dry component (not shown), which is configured for for example existing Washing cycle and/or flushing cycle dry a part for transmitting surface 14A, 14B, 14C later are executed.Dry component can be with Utilize any combination of air blower, fan, heat, compressed air source, steam or these drying mechanism.In some embodiments, it does Dry component is configured for that compression vacancy is directed towards transmission surface 14A, 14B, 14C with high speed.High-speed air can With the remaining liquid from performed any washing cycle and/or flushing cycle for drying and displacement, and can be similar Ground is used to shift or remove boundary material 20A, 20B, the 20C that may be retained on transmission surface 14A, 14B, 14C.In other realities It applies in example, heating element and air blower can be used in combination with each other.Air can be transmitted to air blower, air blast by heating element Machine is configured for air (or other gases) direction transmission surface 14A, 14B, 14C of guidance heating.Air or its The speed of his gas can make water, clean solution or other boundary materials 20A, 20B, 20C from transmission surface 14A, 14B, 14C Displacement, and the thermal energy from air can evaporate at least part of remaining liq present on transmission surface 14A, 14B, 14C. In some embodiments, dry component is placed is electrically connected with controller 25, and controller 25 is configured for only holding Dry component is activated after row washing cycle or flushing cycle, this can help to avoid excessive energy consumption.

In addition, it will be appreciated that other kinds of processing unit 24 can be used in conveyor system 10.For example, transmission Some embodiments of machine system 10 include cleaning steam unit, the cleaning steam unit using compression vapor come rapid cleaning, Dry and disinfection conveyer belt 11 transmission surface 14A, 14B, 14C.In such embodiments, processing unit 24 can be further Including boiler and insulated tank, to heat and store for clean compression vapor.In the other embodiments of conveyor system 10 In, it can use grinding scrubbing unit to help through cleaning cycle.According to being not required to for the specific location on conveyer belt 11 Abrasive roller brush is introduced into transmission surface 14A, 14B, 14C to the property of can choose by the detection for the material wanted.For example, when transmission Unwanted boundary material 20A, 20B, 20C is not detected in any one of one or more sensors 26 in machine system 10 When, abrasive roller brush can be located remotely to conveyer belt 11.When detecting unwanted boundary material 20A, 20B, 20C, Controller 25 can be communicated with actuator rotary broom is reduced to its position contacted with conveyer belt 11.In some embodiments In, the friction between the bristle and conveyer belt of brush causes rotary broom to rotate, so that removing brush selectively is present in biography Send the material taken.In other embodiments, rotary broom can be connected to motor, wherein the motor make rotary broom with biography It send and is rotated with the opposite direction of direction of travel, and pollutant can be removed by having the bristle being helically oriented.Once inspection The position for measuring unwanted boundary material 20A, 20B, 20C has been more than the position of rotary broom, then controller 25 can be with cause Dynamic device communicates so that rotary broom returns to the position far from conveyer belt 11.In some embodiments, once rotary broom is back to separate The position of conveyer belt 11, then controller 25 can also be such that rotary broom motor stops operation.

It is also understood that can use the combination of a variety of different processing in some embodiments of conveyor system 10. For example, processing unit 24 may include pressurized fluid dispenser and grinding scrubbing unit.In other embodiments, processing unit 24 can It further comprise dry component.In other embodiments again, processing unit 24 may include that list is cleaned in cleaning steam unit and grinding Member.In other embodiments again, processing unit may include both Pressurized cleaning fluid distributor and cleaning steam unit.In addition, Some embodiments of the present disclosure may include pressurized fluid dispenser, cleaning steam unit and grinding scrubbing unit, to fully achieve Cleaning process.

Referring now to Figure 3, providing being discussed more fully for the control system for completing sense period and process cycle.It passes Sensor 26 can be placed with 25 telecommunication of controller, when for example sensor 26 detects unwanted boundary material or transmission Engagement between surface 14A, 14B, 14C and product 12A, 12B is not currently within expected, or it is expected that is become in practice not It is expected that when, treatment process may be implemented in controller 25.Controller 25 can be programmed with machine readable instructions, such as realizing punching The program for washing period, cleaning cycle or arid cycle is discussed more fully below and is shown in FIG. 4.In some embodiments In, program can be executed by the processor 102 of such as CPU 28 etc.In some embodiments, program can be stored in Shape computer readable storage medium (such as CD-ROM, floppy disk, hard disk drive, digital disk (DVD), Blu-ray disc or and CPU 28 associated memories) on.Alternatively, entire program or part thereof can be executed by the equipment in addition to CPU 28, but It can be embodied in firmware or specialized hardware.It, should although providing the example procedure with reference to Fig. 4 discussion with particular order Understand, can alternatively use many other methods of implementation example director demon.Such as, thus it is possible to vary the execution time of step Sequence, and/or can change, eliminate or combine some steps in the step of discussed.

As described above, example conveyer operating process 200 shown in Fig. 4 can be used, to be stored in tangible computer readable Storage medium (such as hard disk drive, flash memory, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), CD (CD), number Word versatile disc (DVD), cache or any other information store equipment by any duration is stored up to) on coding Instruct (for example, computer-readable instruction) Lai Shixian.As used in this specification, term " tangible computer readable storage Medium " includes any kind of computer readable storage devices or storage dish.In addition, it will be appreciated that " tangible computer is readable to be deposited Storage media " and " tangible machine readable storage medium storing program for executing " may be used interchangeably, and be understood to synonymous.Additionally or Alternatively, the example conveyer operating process 200 disclosed in Fig. 4, which can be used, is stored in non-transient computer or machine readable Medium (such as hard disk drive, flash memory, read-only memory, CD, digital versatile disc, cache or any other information Stored up to any duration storage equipment or disk) on coded command (for example, computer or machine readable instructions) come it is real It is existing.As used in this specification, term " non-transient computer-readable media " includes any kind of computer-readable deposits Equipment or disk are stored up, and does not include transmitting signal and transmission medium.

Fig. 3 is can to execute the conveyer operating process 200 of Fig. 4 by realizing the example controller of Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 to show The block diagram of example processor platform 100.Processor platform 100 can be, for example, server, personal computer, mobile device (example Such as, smart phone, tablet device or mobile phone), the calculating equipment of personal digital assistant (PDA) or any other type.

Processor platform 100 includes processor 102, which is illustrated as hardware.Such processor 102 can be It is realized in integrated circuit, logic circuit, microprocessor or controller from any desired race or manufacturer.In some implementations In example, processor 102 can be similar to CPU 28, such as processor about Figure 1A, Figure 1B, Fig. 2A and Fig. 2 B description.

Shown exemplary processor 102 includes local storage 104 (such as, caching).Example processor 102 executes The instruction of Fig. 4 is with implementation example conveyer operating process 200.The processor 102 of illustrated embodiment is via bus 110 and includes easy The main memory of the property lost memory 106 and nonvolatile memory 108 is communicated.Volatile memory 106, which can be used, to be synchronized Dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), RAMBUS dynamic random access memory (RDRAM) or the random access memory device of any other type is realized.Nonvolatile memory 108 can be by flash memory Or the memory for any other type being used together with processor 102 is suitble to realize.Memory Controller can be used for controlling Volatile memory 106 and nonvolatile memory 108.

Processor platform 100 shown in Fig. 3 can also include interface circuit 112.(multiple) input equipment allows user Data and order are input in processor 102, processor 102 can be used for controlling conveyor system 10 in turn.(multiple) are defeated Entering equipment can be by sensor, microphone, camera (static or video), keyboard, button, mouse, touch screen, Trackpad, track Ball, etc. click the mouse (isopoint), speech recognition system or be suitable in the controller that parameter is input to conveyor system 10 Other input methods realize.It should be appreciated that the list of the input equipment and not exhaustive, and other input equipments can be by System and method for combining the disclosure.

One or more output equipments 116 can also be in systems.In some embodiments, output equipment 116 can be with It is connected to interface circuit 112.Output equipment 116 can be by display equipment (such as light emitting diode (LED), organic light-emitting diodes Manage (OLED), liquid crystal display (LCD), cathode-ray tube display (CRT), touch screen, haptic output devices, loudspeaker or Other are used for the equipment of output signal) it realizes.Interface circuit 112 may include graphics driver card, graphdriver chip or Graphdriver processor, to generate and display signal on such output equipment 116.

Provided interface circuit shown in the accompanying drawings 112 further includes communication equipment (such as transmitter, receiver, transmitting-receiving Device, modem or network interface card).Such communication equipment facilitate with external mechanical (such as it is any kind of calculating set It is standby) exchange data.Such communication (can such as pass through Ethernet connection, Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), phone via network 118 Line, coaxial cable, cell phone system or other suitable communications and the method for transmitting data) Lai Fasheng.

Processor platform 100 can also include one or more mass-memory units for storing software or data 120.For example, mass-memory unit 120 may include floppy disk drive, hard disk drive, CD drive, blue light dish driving Device, RAID system, digital versatile disc (DVD) driver or be suitable for storing data up to one of time other large capacities Store equipment 120.

In some embodiments, the coded command 122 for realizing the conveyer operating process 200 of Fig. 4 can store Mass-memory unit 120, volatile memory 106, nonvolatile memory 108 or removable tangible computer can It reads on storage medium (such as CD, DVD, blue light, floppy disk or hard disk).

Fig. 4 provides example conveyer operating process 200, which can be used public with reference to Figure 1A-Fig. 3 herein The method opened and conveyor system 10 are realized.As discussed about conveyor system 10, multiple and different biographies can be used Sensor 26 come ensure conveyor system 10 it is continuous operation and improved operation.

Conveyer operating process 200 can start at frame 202, wherein one or more sensors conveyer belt it is mobile or Actively monitoring conveyer surface when static.It is discussed as previously discussed with respect to Figure 1A-Fig. 2 C, one or more sensors can be matched Multiple and different features for detecting conveyer belt are set to, and can be spaced apart around conveyer belt with various.As described above, one A or multiple sensors are configured for detecting the pH level taken, take the discoloration detected or other band characteristics (such as friction, resistance, temperature, the level or other band quality ideally monitored of existing Lubricant levels, clean solution, The quality preferably influences the engagement correlation between product and band or the engagement between product and band is related.It should be appreciated that one A or multiple sensors can still be positioned around conveyor system, and may be configured to when band is moved through with not The presence of boundary material on same sample frequency detection transmission surface, so that permission almost detects in real time and response.It should Understand, in some embodiments, one or more sensors are configured for leaveing when conveyer belt is mobile with conveyer belt one Into, and may be configured to the actively monitoring in the operation of entire conveyor system and individually transmit surface.

At decision block 204, whether sensor has detected substance on the transmission surface of band to CPU transmitting.If Any substance is not detected on the transmission surface of conveyer belt, then the process returns to frame 202, and sensor and CPU continue Monitor conveyer belt.If it have detected that substance, then CPU can inquire sensor to provide the position of sensor 206.Some In embodiment, which can be coordinate of the particular sensor relative to processing unit.In other embodiments, which can be with Corresponding to the specific position taken, then CPU the position can be used determine the transmission surface with the substance detected and The distance between processing unit.

At frame 208, whether the substance that CPU is confirmly detected is in the range of processing unit.Dependent on by sensor to The position data of CPU, CPU can calculate scheduled time of substance in the range of processing unit until detecting.If CPU It calculates substance to be not located in the range of processing unit, then CPU can inquire sensor again to provide about detecting substance The position data at place.In some embodiments, which can lead to the more new data of the position about overflow, and can be with Multiple measured values are provided to CPU, to allow even more to accurately determine when substance is located in the range of processing unit.

If the substance that CPU is confirmly detected in the range of processing unit, can start to process the period at frame 210 (such as washing cycle).It can first relate to washing cycle connect processing unit at frame 212.In some embodiments, it handles Pump in unit can be powered on when processing unit is powered, and be configured for being present in fluid reservoir Clean solution, lubricant, water or the pressurization of other fluids.Then, processing unit can arrange pressurized fluid towards transmission surface Out, this can be used for removing the substance detected from conveyer belt or otherwise influence the engagement characteristics between product and band (for example, increasing or decreasing relative friction).

Position of the substance detected relative to processing unit is continuously monitored at frame 214, which determines processing unit Power supply whether should keep it turning on (when the substance detected is in the range of processing unit) or should close (when what is detected When substance exceeds the range of processing unit).Substance can be determined by CPU (for example, using again relative to the position of cleaning unit Equation 1 above), or alternatively can be by sensor existing within the scope of processing unit monitoring and other options.It is optional Ground or additionally, in order to increase the redundancy that substance is calculated relative to the position of processing unit, the position of substance can pass through company The continuous sensor for detecting the specific position taken is continuously communicated to CPU.If substance in the range of processing unit, is handled Unit can remain powered on and can continue on the transmission surface for distributing a fluid to conveyer belt.

When substance is no longer in range, processing unit can power off at frame 216.In some embodiments, once locating Reason unit has powered off, and processing unit can stop being assigned to cleaning fluid on the transmission surface of conveyer belt.In processing unit After power-off, at frame 218, the surface of conveyer is sensed again.Sensing process can be via present in conveyor system Any one of one or more sensors carry out.Using the telecommunication between one or more sensors and it is stored in CPU Interior tolerance levels, can be in the acceptability on the conveyer surface after assessment processing at processing block 220.It is passed if still determined Send the substance detected on the transmission surface of band to be above acceptable, then the process may return to decision block 208, wherein Whether CPU is communicated with one or more sensors to determine the substance on transmission surface in the range of processing unit.

If the public affairs that the levels of substance on the transmission surface detected by one or more sensors stores in CPU element In poor range, then the process is optionally initiated at frame 222 arid cycle, the arid cycle property of can choose drying cleaning The transmission band part washed during period.It should be appreciated, however, that can be completely omitted arid cycle.In some embodiments, exist After completing arid cycle at frame 222, whole process 200 restarts.

It is also understood that process 200 can be used for monitoring many positions along band, and each sensor can pass Different time during sending the operation of machine system is performed simultaneously the different frames of process 200.In some embodiments, CPU can be by Specific order level is given to ensure to handle (for example, washing) in reasonable time generation, and to ensure in transmission ribbon gymnastics During work, the operation of conveyer keeps correctly carrying out in different times in different frames.For example, even if ought initiate When washing cycle and the connection of washing unit power supply, one or more sensors are configured for continuing to sense conveyer The added substance on surface, and repeat block 202 and frame 204 can be continued during the process.In addition, when due to detecting one kind Substance can detecte the another position on transmission surface in acceptable tolerance levels and when processing unit power-off In the range of washer, then this needs to be powered to processing unit substance (for example, at processing block 202).Therefore, when When detecting the different material within the scope of washer at 208, the life for powering off processing unit that can effectively at override frame 216 It enables, so that processing unit remains powered on.

It is disclosed a kind of for monitoring, predicting referring now to Fig. 5 A and Fig. 5 B with further reference to Fig. 4 and Figure 1A and Figure 1B With the method for the engagement characteristics for influencing transmission surface.For the purpose being aware and understood, untreated overflow condition by Fig. 5 A and The overflow condition that solid line in Fig. 5 B is indicated, and handled is indicated by these dotted lines shown in figure.In illustrated examples, transmission Machine system transmits beverage and includes one or more pH sensors 26 that the different interval in conveyor system 10 is placed.When When conveyor system 10 is in normal operating, conveyer belt 11 can keep pH near neutral (that is, about 7.0), such as time 0t Shown between time 2t.Although product 12A, 12B and transmission surface 14A, 14B, 14C at interface zone 18A, 18B, 18C Between the friction undergone as the time is slowly increased because various boundary material 20A, 20B, 20C are accumulated on transmission surface simultaneously And any lubricant dissipates, during conveyer belt 11 operates, this accumulation naturally of substance is it is anticipated that and explaining.Once The cumulative rises of boundary material 20A, 20B, 20C are to product 12A, 12B and transmit the friction undergone between surface 14A, 14B, 14C No longer acceptable point, so that it may be handled, such as, clean the cleaning process or other change lubrications of entire conveyer belt 11 Property treatment process, as normal system maintenance a part.

(situation shown in such as Fig. 2A) in some cases, bottle can overflow some or all of its content Or leak on transmission surface 14A, 14B, 14C, as shown in time 2t in Fig. 5 A and 5B.Because in most of beverage natures It is slightly to intermediate acidity, so the initial decline of pH occurs at spillover position, this is by being present in conveyor system 10 In one or more pH sensors 26 measured at time 3t.Because overflowing or leaking on transmission surface 14A, 14B, 14C Boundary material 20A, 20B, 20C be initially liquid, so the frictional force at interface zone 18A, 18B, 18C initially reduces, because Liquid to be present on transmission surface 14A, 14B, 14C serves as between product 12A, 12B and transmission surface 14A, 14B, 14C Lubricant.Therefore, the frictional force at interface zone 18A, 18B, 18C reaches local minimum between time 2t and time 3t.

In disclosed method and system, the initial decline of pH is detected by one or more sensors 26, sensor 26 The signal is relayed to CPU 28 to realize conveyer behaviour at the position for sensing unwanted boundary material 20A, 20B, 20C Make process 200.The one or more sensors 26 of detection pH variation effectively predict that the future problems region on conveyer belt 11 will Development, if overflowing or leaking unprocessed will occur.Such as it can be seen that overflow starts at time 3t in Fig. 5 A and Fig. 5 B Dry, this leads to the increase of frictional force and the increase of pH.In many cases, it is residual to leave sticky syrupy shape for dried beverage Excess, this substantially increases to time 5t and at the longer time frictional force at interface zone 18A, 18B, 18C in time 4t. Such increased frictional force may cause the incorrect engagement between transmission surface 14A, 14B, 14C and product 12A, 12B, this can The failure of container blocking, container damage or even conveyer chain, conveyer belt or other assemblies can be eventually led to, and may be needed Close total conveyor system 10.

Transmission table in order to avoid such undesirable consequence, on 26 actively monitoring conveyer belt 11 of one or more sensors Face 14A, 14B, 14C, to ensure any overflowing liquid or boundary material that may eventually lead to the friction problem on belt 11 20A, 20B, 20C are removed before they lead to undesirable operation.It as fig. 5 a and fig. 5b, can be in any sensor 26 detect very short time interior initiation conveyer operating process 200 after the initial decline of pH.As previously discussed with respect to processing unit 24 It is discussed, processing unit 24 can be kept passively until the detection of any one of one or more sensors 26 is present in biography Send the primary pollutant on surface 14A, 14B, 14C.The measurement carried out by sensor 26 can directly by control unit analysis, by Remote location to be analyzed is analyzed or be sent to auxiliary monitoring unit.If it is determined that signal includes or predicts unacceptable Condition (for example, excessive variation rate of the pollutant detected, the relative friction except desired range, relative friction), CPU 28 can initiate to remove boundary material 20A, 20B, 20C or otherwise processing biography from transmission surface 14A, 14B, 14C Send surface 14A, the process of 14B, 14C.In some embodiments, cleaning process starts between time 2t and time 3t, this is clear Clean process may be configured for provide clean solution, rinse cycle, both combination or other processing with from transmission surface 14A, 14B, 14C remove unwanted boundary material 20A, 20B, 20C and establish desired engagement characteristics.In order to further save Water and energy, processing unit 24, which may remain in, to be not powered on or low power state, until unacceptable boundary material 20A, 20B, 20C are in the range of processing unit 24.In order to realize the process, CPU 28 can depend again upon the offer of sensor 26 Position data, which detects the presence of pollutant.Using the identical position data, processing unit 24 can be with When detection conveyer surface 14A, 14B, 14C comprising unwanted boundary material 20A, 20B, 20C are more than processing unit 24 Range, processing unit can return to low-power or unpowered state at this time.

In some embodiments, acceptable pH value range has can be set in CPU 28, so that cleaning process is continued until PH present on the instruction band of one or more sensors 26 has been returned within the scope of acceptable value.When one or more senses When pH present on the instruction band of device 26 has been returned to the value within the scope of acceptable value, washing and/or rinsing week can be terminated Phase, and arid cycle can be started.In provided attached drawing, arid cycle can start near time 3t, examine at this time It is substantially neutral to measure pH.Using the system, conveyor system 10 can monitor transmission surface 14A, 14B, 14C initiatively to supervise Survey unwanted boundary material 20A, 20B, 20C, and can effectively handle these boundary materials 20A, 20B, 20C band or It may cause before any required extensive system-down of product 12A, 12B experience transmitted or the catastrophic failure of maintenance Any potential problems.

Although it will be understood by those skilled in the art that have been combined specific embodiment and example describes the present invention, this Invention need not be so limited, and many other embodiments, example, purposes, modification and to the embodiment, example and use The deviation on way is intended to.The complete disclosure of each herein cited patent and publication passes through It is incorporated herein by reference, as each such patent or publication pass through reference and be individually incorporated herein.

It has been described in the accompanying claims various feature and advantage of the invention.

Claims (15)

1. a kind of method of monitoring and the pollutant on processing conveyer surface, which comprises

The conveyer surface is monitored using at least one sensor, the sensor is configured for sensing the conveyer Situation on surface；

The presence of pollutant on the conveyer surface is detected using the sensor；

Send the presence of the pollutant to processor；And

On having been detected by the conveyer surface after the presence of the pollutant, process cycle is initiated to handle the biography Send the situation on machine surface.

2. the method as described in claim 1, which is characterized in that at least one sensor is pH sensor, and the sensing Device is configured for monitoring the pH on the conveyer surface.

3. method according to claim 2, which is characterized in that when the pH sensor detects on the conveyer surface When pH is reduced, the position that the pH that the pH sensor will test is reduced is transmitted to the processor.

4. the method as described in claim 1, which is characterized in that the method further includes detecting institute when the sensor The step of pollutant present on stating conveyer surface terminates the process cycle when being acceptable level.

5. method as claimed in claim 4, which is characterized in that the method further includes whole in the process cycle Arid cycle is initiated after only.

6. the method as described in claim 1, which is characterized in that the pollutant is liquid, and the process cycle is in institute It states liquid and removes the liquid before the conveyer surface evaporation.

7. the method as described in claim 1, which is characterized in that at least one sensor is optical sensor, and the optics passes Sensor is configured for monitoring the discoloration on the conveyer surface.

8. the method as described in claim 1, which is characterized in that the process cycle is by being located at one of the conveyer surface Static processing unit above point executes.

9. the method as described in claim 1, which is characterized in that the sensor is configured on the conveyer surface With the relative friction coefficient between the product that is transmitted increase to above the conveyer surface and the product transmitted it Between before desired coefficient of friction, detect the presence of pollutant on the conveyer surface and remove the pollutant.

10. the method as described in claim 1, which is characterized in that when the pollutant detected on the conveyer surface is deposited When being in the fluid range of distribution of processing unit, the process cycle is initiated.

11. method as claimed in claim 10, which is characterized in that the processing unit includes pump, and the pump is configured to use It is assigned on the conveyer surface in the fluid in compressed fluid source and by compressed fluid.

12. method as claimed in claim 10, which is characterized in that determine that the pollutant on the conveyer surface whether there is In being determined in the fluid range of distribution of the processing unit by processor, the processor is configured for using detection The position of the sensor existing for the pollutant on to the conveyer surface, the position of the processing unit and The conveyer surface calculates the substance detected relative to the rate of displacement of the processing unit and the processing is single The distance between member.

13. method as claimed in claim 10, which is characterized in that the processing unit includes RFID reader, described RFID reader is configured for reading described in active RFID tag and initiation based on the active RFID tag detected Process cycle, and wherein the sensor is coupled to semi-passive RFID label tag, and the sensor is configured for when in institute State transmission surface on detect pollutant there are when, the semi-passive RFID label tag is activated with power source communications, and wherein The detection range of the RFID reader is selected to correspond roughly to the fluid range of distribution of the processing unit.

14. the method as described in claim 1, which is characterized in that the process cycle includes applying a lubricant to the biography Send machine surface.

15. the method as described in claim 1, which is characterized in that multiple sensors are still located in the conveyer surface Around, and the conveyer surface is configured for relative to the movement of at least one of the multiple sensor.