JP2003002424A - Conveying device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a conveying device capable of preventing occurrence of failure and hindrance of production caused by deformation of a positioning pin. SOLUTION: This conveying device has a deformation detector for inspecting existence of the deformation in the positioning pin disposed in a conveyer belt.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention belongs to the technical field of conveying articles. In particular, the present invention relates to a conveying device provided with a positioning pin on a conveyor belt, which is capable of automatically detecting a deformation of the positioning pin which adversely affects the positional accuracy of an article during conveyance.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a method for conveying articles such as sheets at a predetermined interval, generally, a method is used in which the contact side surface of a positioning pin (contact member) is brought into contact with the article. In such a carrying device, the positioning pin may be deformed due to an excessive load acting due to contact with other members or jamming.

[0003]

The deformation of the positioning pin can be tolerated to some extent, but if it exceeds it, it will cause a lot of troubles in transportation. For example, when the sheets are collated, misalignment of the sheets occurs (see FIG. 6), interference with other members easily occurs, and the frequency of occurrence of jam increases. As a result, it becomes difficult to continuously operate the transport device, and the operation must be stopped for repair, adjustment, and the like.

The present invention has been made to solve such problems. It is an object of the present invention to provide a carrier device capable of preventing the occurrence of defects due to the deformation of the positioning pins and the obstruction of production.

[0005]

The above problems can be solved by the present invention described below. That is, the conveying device according to the first aspect of the present invention is provided with a deformation detecting unit that inspects the positioning pin provided on the conveyor belt for deformation. According to the present invention, the deformation detecting unit inspects the positioning pins provided on the conveyor belt for deformation. Therefore, there is provided a transporting device capable of preventing the occurrence of defects due to the deformation of the positioning pins and the obstruction of production.

Further, according to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a carrier device.
The transport apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the deformation detector is
Position detection means for detecting that the positioning pin has reached a predetermined detection position and outputting a trigger signal, light detection means for detecting a light blocking amount or a light blocking width in an optical path crossing the detection position, and the trigger signal And a deformation determination unit that determines the presence or absence of the deformation on the basis of the light shielding amount or the light shielding width when is output.

According to the present invention, the position detecting means detects that the positioning pin has reached a predetermined detection position and outputs a trigger signal, and the light detecting means outputs a light shielding amount or a light shielding width in an optical path crossing the detection position. Is detected and the presence / absence of deformation is determined based on the amount of light shielding or the width of light shielding when the deformation determining unit outputs the trigger signal. Therefore, the deformation of the positioning pin can be detected by an optical method that does not adversely affect the transport system.

Further, according to claim 3 of the present invention,
In the conveying device according to claim 2, the optical path is formed by a laser beam. According to the present invention, since the optical path is formed by the laser beam that can obtain a fine beam without spread, it is possible to detect the deformation of the positioning pin with high accuracy and high sensitivity.

Further, according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a carrier device.
The transport apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the deformation detector is
Position detection means for detecting that the positioning pin has reached a predetermined detection position and outputting a trigger signal, ultrasonic detection means for detecting a change in ultrasonic waves at the detection position, and the trigger signal are output. And a deformation determining means for determining the presence or absence of the deformation based on the change at the time.

According to the present invention, the position detecting means detects that the positioning pin has reached a predetermined detection position, outputs a trigger signal, and the ultrasonic wave detecting means detects a change in ultrasonic waves at the detection position. The presence / absence of deformation is determined based on the change when the trigger signal is output by the deformation determination means. Therefore, the deformation of the positioning pin can be detected by an acoustic method that does not adversely affect the transport system.

Further, a carrying device according to claim 5 of the present invention is
The transport apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the deformation detection unit includes a warning output unit that warns by generating sound and / or light when the deformation is detected. is there. According to the invention,
The deformation of the positioning pin can be known by the generation of sound and / or light.

Further, according to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a carrier device.
The transport apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the deformation detection unit includes stop output means for outputting to stop the transport when the deformation is detected. According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent occurrence of a large obstacle or a defect due to the deformation of the positioning pin due to the automatic stop.

[0013]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 shows an example of the configuration of the carrier device of the present invention. In FIG. 1, 1 is a trigger sensor, 2 is a deformation sensor, 11 is a conveyor belt, 12a and 12b are positioning pins, and 100 is a printed book. Although the entire conveyor belt 11 is not shown in FIG. 1, the conveyor belt 11 is formed in a loop shape, and a predetermined number of positioning pins are arranged at equal intervals. In FIG. 1, the positioning pins 12a, 1 arranged on the conveyor belt 11 are shown.
Only 2b is shown. Further, the deformation detecting section in the carrying apparatus of the present invention has not only the trigger sensor 1 and the deformation sensor 2 but also deformation determining means, warning output means, stop output means, etc., which are not shown in FIG.

The trigger sensor 1 includes positioning pins 12a,
The position detecting means 12b detects that 12b has reached a predetermined detection position and outputs a trigger signal. In the example shown in FIG. 1, since the plurality of positioning pins arranged on the conveyor belt 11 have equal intervals, when one preceding positioning pin 12a reaches the detection position of the trigger sensor 1, Positioning pin 12 that comes one after
The detection is performed by a method in which it is considered that b has reached the detection position of the deformation sensor 2.

As the trigger sensor 1, for example, a transmitted light type photoelectric sensor including a light projecting portion and a light receiving portion can be used. When the positioning pin 12a reaches the optical paths of the light projecting unit and the light receiving unit to block the light beam projected by the light projecting unit, the intensity of the light received by the light receiving unit changes from large to small. Further, when the positioning pin 12a comes out of the optical paths of the light projecting section and the light receiving section, the intensity of the light received by the light receiving section changes from small to large. The trigger sensor 1 detects that the positioning pin 12a has reached the detection position of the trigger sensor 1 from the change of the intensity of the light to large, small, or large. At this time, it is considered that the positioning pin 12b has reached the detection position of the deformation sensor 2. The trigger signal output by the trigger sensor 1 is usually a signal with a switching waveform that turns on and off (see FIGS. 3 and 5).

In the example shown in FIG. 1, the trigger sensor 1 and the deformation sensor 2 are separated by an interval of one positioning pin. As a matter of course, the trigger sensor 1
And the deformation sensor 2 can be brought close to each other, and the positioning pin detected by the trigger sensor 1 and the positioning pin detected by the deformation sensor 2 can be arranged to be the same. The former has few restrictions on the installation location of the sensor. The latter is not affected by the placement error of the positioning pins that are equidistant.

In the example shown in FIG. 1, the deformation sensor 2 is an optical type which is composed of a light projecting portion for generating a band (light flux) of light having a slit-shaped cross section and a light receiving part for receiving the band of light. It is a sensor. If you block the band of light,
Width, etc. can be measured. At this time, the measured value does not affect where in the band of the light between the light projecting unit and the light receiving unit the light is blocked. The detection position in the deformation sensor 2 is the position of the band of the light. A laser beam is often applied as the light beam, and is commonly called a laser dimension measuring device.

Next, an example of the carrying device of the present invention using this laser size measuring device as the deformation sensor 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the presence or absence of deformation of the positioning pin and the light shielding width detected by the displacement sensor 2. FIG. 2A shows the case where there is no deformation, and FIG. 2B shows the case where there is deformation. As shown in FIG. 2, in this example, the positioning pin has an L-shape when viewed from the side. The horizontal line in the L-shape is supported by the conveyor belt, and the vertical line is a contact portion with which the rear end of the printing plate 100 abuts. The contact portion is vertical when there is no deformation, but bends and tilts out of the vertical when there is deformation.

Further, the slit-shaped cross section in the band of light of the displacement sensor 2 is inclined at an angle of 30 degrees from the vertical direction in the example shown in FIG. This angle is arbitrary and is appropriately set depending on the shape of the positioning pin and the shape of deformation that tends to occur. As shown in FIG. 2A, in the case of a normal positioning pin, the width of the band of light shielded by the contact portion is the light shielding width a. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2B, in the case of the deformed positioning pin, the width of the band of light shielded by the contact portion is the light shielding width b.

The carrying device of the present invention determines whether or not the positioning pin is deformed based on this light-shielding width. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram (graph) of a process for determining whether or not the positioning pin is deformed in the transport device of the present invention. In FIG. 3, the horizontal axis represents time and the vertical axis represents the light shielding width. A set value is provided for the light-shielding width. If the light-shielding width is larger than this set value, it is determined that the positioning pin has deformed beyond the allowable range. If the light-shielding width is less than or equal to this set value, it is determined that the deformation of the positioning pin is within the allowable range.

The determination is made every time the positioning pin provided on the conveyor belt 11 reaches the detection position. In FIG. 3, the height of the bar in the bar graph on the time axis indicates the course of the detected light-shielding width, and “◯” and “x” on the time axis indicate the determination. Since the height of the first bar is less than or equal to the set value, the judgment is “◯”, that is, normal. Since the height of the next bar (light-shielding width b) exceeds the set value, the judgment is "x", that is, there is deformation beyond the allowable range. Since the height of the next bar (light-shielding width a) is less than or equal to the set value, the judgment is “◯”, that is, normal. Since the height of the last bar is less than or equal to the set value, the judgment is “◯”, that is, normal.

This determination is made by a deformation determining means (not shown). The deformation determination means can be incorporated as one of the functions of an amplifier and a controller that operate the deformation sensor 2. It can also be implemented by hardware and software of a data processing device such as a programmable sequence controller or a personal computer.

When the deformation determining means detects the deformation,
A warning is issued by generating a sound and / or a light by a warning output means such as an alarm device or a patrol light. Further, when the deformation determination means detects the deformation,
The stop output means such as the control device outputs to stop the conveyance in the conveyance device.

Above, the position blocked by the deformation sensor 2,
An example in which a laser dimension measuring device capable of measuring width, etc. is applied has been described. The sensor applicable as the deformation sensor 2 is not limited to this laser size measuring device. For example, a photoelectric sensor that detects the amount of light that changes due to blocking can be used. The detection signal output by the photoelectric sensor is usually a signal having a switching waveform that turns on and off. This photoelectric sensor is the same as that of the trigger sensor 1.
The method is the same as the above-mentioned example, but there is a difference from the trigger sensor 1 because the purpose of detection is different.

In the case of the trigger sensor 1, since the position of the positioning pin 12a is detected, the smaller the cross section of the optical path described above, the higher the accuracy can be obtained. Therefore, a thin light beam such as a laser beam is applied to the light projecting portion. On the other hand, since the deformation sensor 2 detects the deformation of the positioning pin 12a, it is preferable that the cross section of the optical path is widened to the extent of the deformation allowable range so that the change of the light amount can be detected within the deformation allowable range. It may be suitable. The example described below can be applied to both a sensor having a small optical path cross section and a sensor having a wide optical path cross section.

Next, an example of the carrying device of the present invention using this photoelectric sensor as the deformation sensor 2 will be described with reference to FIGS.
Will be described with reference to. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the presence or absence of deformation in the positioning pin and the presence or absence of shielding in the optical path of the displacement sensor 2. As shown in FIG. 4, in a normal positioning pin, the contact portion is vertical,
The optical path of the deformation sensor 2 is blocked by the contact portion. On the other hand, in the deformed positioning pin, the contact portion is inclined, and the optical path of the deformation sensor 2 is not blocked by the contact portion.

The carrying device of the present invention determines whether or not the positioning pin is deformed based on this shielding. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram (graph) of a process for determining whether or not the positioning pin is deformed in the transport apparatus of the present invention. In FIG. 5, the horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents the trigger signal output by the trigger sensor 1, the signal output by the displacement sensor 2 indicating whether or not the optical path is shielded, and the presence or absence of deformation output by the determination unit. It is a signal to show. As shown in FIG. 5, when the output of the displacement sensor 2 is a signal indicating that the optical path is shielded, it is determined that the deformation of the positioning pin is within the allowable range, that is, “◯”. When the output of the displacement sensor 2 is a signal indicating that the optical path is not shielded, it is determined that the positioning pin is deformed beyond the allowable range, that is, "x".

In FIG. 5, the trigger signal output from the trigger sensor 1 has a width. Next, the meaning of the width will be described. In the process of determining the presence or absence of deformation of the positioning pin shown in FIG. 3, the time when the detection position is reached is specified by the rising (or the falling) of the trigger signal output by the trigger sensor 1, and the deformation sensor at that time is specified. The determination is made based on the output of 2.
Also in the example shown in FIG. 5, the determination process can be performed similarly (as described above). In this process, the above-described deformation sensor in which the cross section of the optical path expands to the extent of the deformation allowable range is more suitable.

It is also possible to perform a process different from the above for determining whether or not the positioning pin is deformed. This is a process of determining whether or not the deformation sensor 2 outputs an output indicating the blocking of the optical path during a time interval corresponding to the width of the trigger signal shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, when the contact portion of the positioning pin has a small inclination and is deformed within the allowable range, the height of the contact portion does not become too low. In other words, FIG.
It will not be lower than the optical path shown in. Therefore, the optical path is always blocked during the transportation at that time interval.

On the other hand, in the case of a deformation in which the contact portion has a large inclination and is out of the allowable range, the height of the contact portion is clearly reduced. In other words, it is lower than the optical path shown in FIG. Therefore, the optical path is not blocked during the transportation in that time interval. In this process, a thin beam such as a laser beam described above is applied, and a deformation sensor having a small optical path cross section is more suitable.

Although an example in which an optical sensor is applied to the deformation detecting portion of the carrying device of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to these optical sensors. Other types of displacement sensors are obviously applicable. For example, an ultrasonic sensor can be applied. The deformation can be detected from the change in the ultrasonic wave caused by the positioning pin. The displacement can be measured from the time when ultrasonic waves are reflected back to the contact portion of the positioning pin. Further, an eddy current type displacement sensor, a capacitance type displacement sensor, or the like can also be applied.

[0032]

As described above, according to the carrying device of the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a carrying device capable of preventing the occurrence of defects due to the deformation of the positioning pins and the obstruction of production. It Further, according to the carrying device of the second aspect of the present invention, the deformation of the positioning pin can be detected by an optical method that does not adversely affect the carrying system. Further, according to the carrying device of the third aspect of the present invention, by applying the laser beam, the deformation of the positioning pin can be detected with high accuracy and high sensitivity. According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the deformation of the positioning pin can be detected by an acoustic method that does not adversely affect the transportation system. Further, according to the carrying device of the fifth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to know the deformation of the positioning pin due to the generation of sound and / or light. Further, according to the carrying device of the sixth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a large obstacle or a defect due to the deformation of the positioning pin due to the automatic stop.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of a carrying device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a relationship between presence or absence of deformation of a positioning pin and a light shielding width detected by a displacement sensor.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory view (No. 1) of the process of determining whether or not the positioning pin is deformed in the transport device of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the presence or absence of deformation of the positioning pin and the presence or absence of shielding in the optical path of the displacement sensor.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram (No. 2) of the processing for determining whether or not the positioning pin is deformed in the transport apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of misalignment caused by deformation of positioning pins when sheets are collated.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Trigger sensor 2 Deformation sensor 11 conveyor belt 12a, 12b Positioning pin 100 printed books

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A conveying apparatus comprising a deformation detecting section for inspecting a positioning pin provided on a conveyor belt for deformation. 2. The conveying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the deformation detecting section detects the arrival of the positioning pin at a predetermined detection position and outputs a trigger signal, and the detection position. It is provided with a light detecting means for detecting a light blocking amount or a light blocking width in a crossing optical path, and a deformation determining means for determining the presence or absence of the deformation based on the light blocking amount or the light blocking width when the trigger signal is output. A transport device characterized by. 3. The carrying device according to claim 2, wherein the optical path is formed by a laser beam. 4. The conveying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the deformation detecting section detects the arrival of the positioning pin at a predetermined detection position and outputs a trigger signal, and position detecting means for detecting the position. A carrier device comprising: an ultrasonic wave detecting means for detecting a change in ultrasonic wave; and a deformation judging means for judging the presence or absence of the deformation based on the change when the trigger signal is output. 5. The conveyance device according to claim 1, wherein the deformation detection unit includes a warning output unit that warns by generating sound and / or light when the deformation is detected. A transport device characterized by: 6. The transport apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the deformation detecting section includes stop output means for outputting to stop the transfer when the deformation is detected. Transport device.