DE10041940B4 - Conveying system with track-bound trolleys - Google Patents

Abstract

Conveying system with track-bound trolleys, which are mobile from one station via a system of conveyor tracks (9, 10) with points (8) to another station and a memory unit for storing a destination code and a scannable device for storing a tram (12) associated Identification codes, comprising: - a first spatial area in which on the conveyor tracks scanning means (7) for scanning the identification code of the trolleys (12) are provided and connected to substations (3) which control the points (8) in dependence on the destination code of the detected trolley (12), wherein the substations (3) are connected in parallel with a serial bus system (1) via which information about the destination codes of the trolleys (12) with other substations (3) are exchanged, and - a second spatial area in which at the conveyor tracks (9, 10) reading or reading / writing devices (6, 7) z in order to read out the target codes stored in the storage units of the trolleys (12), with which the switches (8) are directly controlled, - transfer stations (4, 5) being provided at interfaces between the first and second spatial areas the same way to the serial bus system (1) are connected as the substations (3), each transfer station (4, 5) with a on the conveyor track (9, 10) arranged read or write / read device (6, 7) and configured in such a way that it detects the identification code from the second into the first area via the reading or writing / reading device (6, 7) in the direction of travel of the trolley (12) and reads it via the serial bus system (1). the substations (3) transmitted, and / or - in the direction of travel of the trolley (12) from the first to the second area via the read / write device (6, 7) detects the identification code and the associated Write destination code in the storage unit of the trolley (12), which has been transmitted via the serial bus system (1).

Description

Technical application

The present invention relates to a conveyor system with track-bound trolleys, which are mobile from one station via a system of conveyor lanes with points to another station and a storage unit for storing a destination code and a device for storing an identification code associated with each trolley.

State of the art

In addition to conveyor systems, in which storage units for the destination code and an identification code of the trolley are provided on the trolleys, systems are also currently used in which the trolleys have only one device for storing an identification code associated with each trolley. In such conveyors scanning devices for scanning the identification codes are arranged on the conveyor tracks. These scanners are connected to substation, which make the control points according to the destination code of the detected trolley, which they receive from the other substations. All substations of the system are connected in parallel to a serial bus system, which exchanges information about the destination codes of the trolleys with other substations. Furthermore, a central control unit is usually present, which also ensure monitoring of the conveyor system in addition to a higher-level line option of the trolley to the set destination station. In such a conveyor system used in practice, information about the entered destination codes of the trolleys started by individual stations is constantly exchanged between the substations via the serial bus system, so that this information is available at each of the substations. In case of failure of the central control unit, therefore, all trams can continue to operate and reach their destination.

In another known conveyor system, as in similar form in the EP 0 540 509 B1 is described, the trolleys are equipped with a storage unit or a storage device for the target code of the respective trolley. In such a conveyor system, reading or reading / writing devices for reading out the destination codes stored in the storage units of the trolleys are arranged on the conveyor tracks. The switches are controlled directly via these destination codes, so that the associated control system manages without the passing on of information about the destinations of the trolleys between the individual turnout stations or start or end stations. For monitoring the conveyor system, the reading devices are connected via a corresponding bus system with a central computer, so that at any time the position of the individual trolleys on the central computer is known.

Out EP 0 164 302 A2 a conveyor system is known in which trolleys are moved from transmitting stations via switch devices to receiving stations. When the trolley is sent, an identification number assigned to it and the destination address of the respective receiving station are transmitted to a central control unit. When entering a switch area, the relevant switch device is controlled for forwarding in the direction of the receiving station in accordance with the identification number and the destination address.

The CH 677 469 A describes a conveyor system for track-bound trolleys with a route network, along which position codes are arranged, which are read by the trolley and their information is transmitted via a control rail to a control device.

Out EP 0 134 903 A2 is a conveyor system for track-bound trolleys with reading or reading / writing devices for reading and changing the destination code on the trolley known.

Due to a number of used in practice conveyor systems of the former type, there is a need to extend these older systems with the second-mentioned newer system, without having to replace the old system in this case.

The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a way to expand a system of the former type with the second system in a simple and cost-effective manner.

Presentation of the invention

The object is achieved with the combined conveyor system according to claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the conveyor system are the subject of the dependent claims.

In the present conveyor system, the old and the new system are combined in a simple and kostengünsitge way. The conveyor system thus consists of a first spatial area, are provided at the conveyor tracks scanning means for scanning the identification code of the trolleys and connected to substations, which make the control of the points in function of the target code of the detected trolley, wherein the Substations are connected in parallel with a serial bus system, are exchanged over the information on the destination codes of the trolleys with other substations, and from a second spatial area in which at the conveyor tracks reading or reading / writing devices for reading in the storage units of the tram stored target codes are provided, via which the switches are controlled directly. The trolleys are in this case both equipped with a scannable device for storing each tram associated identification codes as well as with a memory unit or storage device for storing the destination code. The storage unit for storing the destination code may also have an area for additional fixed storage of the identification code.

According to the invention, transfer stations have been arranged at the interfaces between the first and the second spatial area for connecting the two different control systems of the Föderanlagen, which are connected in the same way to the serial bus system of the first area as the substations. For the first-mentioned system, these transfer stations merely represent additional substations, so that their connection requires no intervention in the communication between the substations, the communication between the substations and a central control unit and the control logic per se. The transfer stations use the same communication protocol that the substations use. Each transfer station is connected to a read or write / read device arranged on the conveyor track. Depending on the direction of travel of the trolley at the reading or writing / reading device controls the transfer station this in the following manner. In the direction of travel of the trolley from the second to the first area, the identification code of the trolley is detected via the reading device and the destination code is read from the storage unit of the trolley. The transfer station then transmits both data - in the same way as the substations at the start of a trolley - via the serial bus system to the other substations. When the trolley is traveling from the first to the second area, the identification code of the trolley is first detected by the read / write device, then the destination code associated with the identification code is determined and written into the storage unit of the trolley. The associated destination code is available to the transfer station, since it is coupled to the serial bus system via which the destination codes with the associated identification codes are constantly transmitted and stored in the transfer station. The communication between the read or write / read devices and the transfer station is independent of the communication of the transfer station with the sub-stations via the serial bus system and can be suitably selected depending on the read or write / read devices used.

The inventive solution, in which only additional transfer stations are used, which are coupled in the same way as the existing substations to the existing serial bus system of the first area, can be a very simple and inexpensive connection of the former realized with the second-mentioned system. This makes it possible to expand existing conveyor systems with the newer system, without giving up the previous system or make a modification of the software.

For monitoring the system and numerous additional control tasks, such as empty container request or start prevention instructions, a central control unit intended for the first area is connected to the control and monitoring station, a central computer, for the second area via a separate serial V24 connection Data exchange connected. In this way, for example, the data arising for monitoring and optimization tasks can be exchanged over this additional serial link. The number of transfer stations required to combine the two systems depends on the number of transport lanes connecting them. Furthermore, a transfer station with appropriate design perform the functions for both directions or it can be provided separate transfer stations for each direction. Depending on the direction of travel, in particular the reading device can either be designed for scanning the device for storing the identification code - in the direction of travel from the first to the second system - or for reading the memory area with the identification code - in the direction of travel from the second to the first system. The reading out of the storage unit of the trolleys or the writing of data into this storage unit preferably takes place via contactless read / write devices, i. H. corresponding transponder.

The substations of the existing conveyor system are equipped with microprocessors, so that the transfer stations can have the same technical structure as the substations, with only the microprocessor is reprogrammed according to the other functions to be adopted. Here, depending on the type of read-write unit used, an ACIA card (Asynchronous Communication Interface Adapter) or a PIA card is preferably used to exchange the required data, ie identification code and destination code, between the to realize different controls. Especially in the case of an EMS system bus used in existing systems of the applicant, the company Telelift GmbH, these cards can be plugged into a free slot of the EMS system bus of the transfer station.

In the same way, the central computer is connected to the central control unit, in which a still free ACIA interface is activated. The form of the data to be transmitted for the exchange of messages and commands between the two systems is adapted by the structure to the commands used within the existing (older) system of existing mobile communication units for connection to the central controller.

Brief description of the drawings

The invention will be briefly explained again below without limiting the general idea of the invention with reference to an embodiment in conjunction with the drawings. Hereby show:

1 schematically a section of the present conveyor system in the interface with reference to an embodiment;

2 an example of the connection of the transfer stations to the serial bus; and

3 an example of the connection between the central computer and the central control unit.

Ways to carry out the invention

1 shows a section of an exemplary realized conveyor system consisting of an existing system - shown on the left side - and a new PLC system (PLC: Programmable Logic Controller) - shown on the right side. In the figure, particular reference is made in this case to essential components of the present conveyor system. The existing system shown on the left side of the figure consists of a central control unit 2 together, over a serial bus 1 with substations 3 Can exchange information. The substations 3 of which only one is shown in the figure are in parallel with the serial bus 1 connected. The data transmission between the substations 3 and the central control unit 2 via a V24 push-pull control. Each station can come with an input terminal 13 be connected for the destination input of the delivery container. Furthermore, the substation 3 with a switch 8th connected via the substation 3 is controlled. About a reading plate 7 the magnetic coding present on the delivery containers is recorded as an identification code and the substation 3 transmitted. This then sets depending on the via the serial bus 1 transmitted destination directly the switch 8th , Communication via the serial bus with the other substations and the control center 2 takes place cyclically every second. When starting the delivery tank to substation 3 is via the input terminal 13 entered the appropriate destination code. The substation 3 transmits this destination code together with the identification of the conveyor via the serial bus 1 to the other substations and the central office 2 , The substations 3 are equipped with their own microprocessor and can pre-process both the data to be transmitted and the communication with the connected functional units, such as read plate 7 , Input terminal 13 or switch 8th carry out.

The data traffic via the serial bus system 1 takes place bidirectionally over the same line, so all on the bus 1 located data terminals or substations 3 need to be synchronized. This is done by means of a synchronous pause, which is at least 16 bits longer than a data word of 11 bit duration. After the 16-bit pause, the data terminals recognize that an address synchronization word (ASW) is following. By comparing the own address with the ASW, you can see if a dialog with them should be started. When communicating with the substations that contain a microcomputer, the ASW follows from the control center 2 a command word in which the type and length of the data exchange are defined. The data terminal answers with its status and its data. The command word also determines whether the transmission should be performed with or without cross-sum or data reflection.

The central control unit 2 is equipped with a central unit (processor Motorola 68008) and fully multi-processor capable. The substations 3 are universal data terminals that can be expanded with interface cards. The basic unit consists of a microprocessor system MC 6802.

To expand such a system with a different type of system with programmable logic controller (PLC) to the tram, which, among other things, a central computer 11 equipped for monitoring the trips of each tram, the following measures are taken in the present example. To the serial bus 1 The present system will be transfer stations 4 . 5 coupled, the structure of the substations 3 correspond. Only the microprocessor is according to the other mode of operation of these new substations or transfer stations 4 . 5 programmed. The transfer station 4 is with a transponder 6 and a reading unit 7 connected to the conveyor lane 9 for the trams 12 are arranged, the conveyor lane is used only for the direction of travel from the new into the old system (indicated by the arrow). The tram will be at the reading plate 7 recognized and read his identification number. Furthermore, the destination or the destination code of the trolley from the transponder 6 requested. Identification code and destination code are from the transfer station 4 over the serial bus 1 to all other substations 3 transmitted in this system.

In the opposite case, the transfer station 5 with a transponder 6 and a reading unit 7 connected to the conveyor lane 10 are arranged in the direction of the new system. The arriving here tram is at the reading unit 7 recognized and the identification string to the transfer station 5 transmitted. The transfer station 5 Determines the destination of this trolley from an internal memory, in which the other substations on the bus 1 transmitted destination and identification codes are stored, and passes identification code and destination code to the transponder 6 putting this in the storage unit of the trolley 12 enrolls.

All general messages and commands are between the central control unit 2 and the operating and monitoring station 11 exchanged directly. In particular, this includes turning on and off the entire system, fault messages, startup prevention instructions, etc. Furthermore, commands such as empty container calls from the old system can be transferred to the new system via this V24 serial connection. In this case, the operating and monitoring station 11 forward these commands to the lower level of the PLC system.

2 finally shows an example of the connection of the transfer stations 4 . 5 with the serial bus 1 , This is a conventional substation 3 used on the EMS system bus with an ACIA ( 14 ) or PIA card ( 15 ), the connection to the read-write unit or the transponder 6 . 7 produce. The substation is in a known manner to the serial bus 1 coupled. The substation differs only in the programming of the microprocessor from the other substations 3 ,

3 finally shows the connection of the control and monitoring PC 11 with the central control 2 , Again, at the connection of the central control 2 with the serial bus 1 nothing changed. Rather, only a free slot of the central control unit 2 exploited to an ACIA card for serial, asynchronous connection with the operating and monitoring station 11 manufacture.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Serial bus

2

Central control unit

3

substation

4

Transfer station

5

Transfer station

6

Read / write device for transponders

7

reader

8th

switch

9

Lane in the direction of the old system

10

Lane in the direction of the new system

11

Central computer / operating and monitoring station

12

tram

13

input terminal

14

ACIA card

15

PIA card

Claims (9)

Conveying system with track-bound trolleys, which are transported by a station via a system of conveyor tracks ( 9 . 10 ) with points ( 8th ) are movable to another station and a memory unit for storing a destination code and a scannable device for storing each tram ( 12 ) having a first spatial area in which on the conveyor tracks scanning devices ( 7 ) for scanning the identification code of the trolleys ( 12 ) and with substations ( 3 ), which control the points ( 8th ) depending on the destination code of the registered trolley ( 12 ), whereby the substations ( 3 ) in parallel with a serial bus system ( 1 ) information about the destination codes of the trolleys ( 12 ) with other substations ( 3 ), and - a second spatial area in which the conveyor lanes ( 9 . 10 ) Reading or reading / writing devices ( 6 . 7 ) for reading out in the storage units of the tram ( 12 ) are provided with which the switches ( 8th ) are directly addressed, - wherein at interfaces between the first and the second spatial area transfer stations ( 4 . 5 ) are provided in the same way to the serial bus system ( 1 ) are connected like the substations ( 3 ), each transfer station ( 4 . 5 ) with one at the conveyor lane ( 9 . 10 ) arranged read or write / read device ( 6 . 7 ) and configured such that - in the direction of travel of the trolley ( 12 ) from the second to the first area via the reading or writing / reading device ( 6 . 7 ) the Identification code is detected, read the destination code and via the serial bus system ( 1 ) the substations ( 3 ), and / or - in the direction of travel of the trolley ( 12 ) from the first to the second area via the read / write device ( 6 . 7 ) detects the identification code and the associated target code in the storage unit of the trolley ( 12 ) which is sent via the serial bus system ( 1 ). Conveying system according to claim 1, characterized in that for the first area a central control unit ( 2 ), which is used for data exchange with the substations ( 3 ) with the serial bus system ( 1 ), and for the second area a central computer ( 11 ) is provided, which via another bus system with the read / write devices ( 6 . 7 ) of the PLC control, the central control unit ( 2 ) via a separate serial V24 connection for data exchange with the central computer ( 11 ) connected is. Conveying system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the serial bus system ( 1 ) is an EMS system bus. Conveyor system according to claim 3, characterized in that the reading or writing / reading devices ( 6 . 7 ) via ACIA ( 14 ) and / or PIA interfaces ( 15 ) with the EMS system bus of the transfer stations ( 4 . 5 ) are connected. Conveyor system according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the substations ( 3 ) Have microprocessors for the control functions. Conveyor system according to claim 5, characterized in that the transfer stations ( 4 . 5 ) Have microprocessors for the control functions. Conveyor system according to claim 6, characterized in that the structure of the transfer stations ( 4 . 5 ) only by programming the microprocessor from the substation ( 3 ) is different. Conveying system according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the storage unit for storing the destination code also includes a memory area for fixed storage of the identification code. Conveying system according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the scannable device for storing the identification code is a Magnetanordung.

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