JP2961813B2 - Transport line control device - Google Patents

Description

Description: BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a control device for a transport line that transports a transport body to a predetermined destination.

[Prior art] Conventionally, as a control device of a transfer line, there is Japanese Patent Publication No.
There is a technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 495. This technology is
As shown in FIG. 8, l, m, and n are branching means B from which each transfer path T is branched. As indicated by the arrows, the forward path and the backward direction are distinguished in the transfer path T by numbers (0,
1,2… 15). The numbers (0,1,2 ... 15) indicate that the entire transfer path is alb-l-m-c-m-d-m-n-en-
fnmla is formed so as to form a loop. One of the numbers (0,1,2
.. 15), and compares the destination number of the transported body conveyed to the branching means B with the number of the transfer path T branched from the branching means B. By comparing the destination number with the number of the transfer path T branched from the branching means B, the transfer path T for transporting the transported body is determined.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] However, in the conventional technology, the entire transfer path is a-
lb-1-mcmdmnmenfn
-Numbers (0,1,2 ... 1) so as to form a loop of -m-la
5) must be added. Therefore, as shown by the dotted line in FIG. 8, when the transfer path T is added, the added transfer path T
In order to form a part of the loop as well, it is necessary to change all subsequent numbers from the added transfer path T to sequential feed as shown by "()" in FIG. Therefore, the branching means B
However, there is a problem that the program data must be corrected in response to this change.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a transport line control device that can easily rearrange and extend the transport line by solving the above problems.

[Means for Solving the Problems] As means for achieving the above object, a transport line control device of the present invention comprises, as illustrated in FIG. 1, a transport rail and a transport conveyed on the transport rail. In a control apparatus for a transport line in which a sorting unit for sorting a body to one or a plurality of predetermined stations is alternately and scalably connected, a station assigned to each of the stations in ascending and descending order according to the order of connection of the sorting unit. On the basis of the number, a destination identification means for identifying the station that transports the transport body, and the station number of the station that can sort the transport body that has been transported to the sorting means by the sorting means, The station number of the station that transports the transported body identified by the transport destination identification means; In contrast, there is provided a distribution direction determining means for determining the distribution direction of the transported body by the distribution means according to the magnitude of the station number.

[Operation] The transport line control device of the present invention identifies a station for transporting a transport body based on the station numbers assigned in ascending and descending order for each station by the transport destination identifying means in accordance with the connection order of the sorting means. Then, the distribution direction determining means determines a station number of a station capable of distributing the transported body conveyed to the distribution means by the distribution means and a station number of a station for transporting the transported body identified by the destination identification means. In contrast, the direction of distribution of the transported body by the distribution means is determined according to the magnitude of the station number.

When the transport line is extended, the transport rails and the distribution means are extended alternately, and station numbers are assigned to the stations in ascending and descending order according to the connection order of the distribution means. The station number of the station directly connected to the sorting means is compared with the identified station number, and it is determined whether the result of the comparison is consistent, large or small, and the transporter is determined in the same manner as described above. Is determined. Therefore, man-hours and time for expansion are reduced.

[Embodiment] Next, an embodiment of a transport line control device of the present invention will be described. FIG. 2 is an overall configuration diagram of the hanger conveyor line 1 of the present embodiment.

The hanger conveyor line 1 includes hanger rails 3a, 3b,... 3n as transfer rails (hereinafter simply referred to as 3 if there is no particular need to distinguish them) and hanger sorting devices 5a, 5b. 5), control circuits 7a, 7b... 7n + 1 (hereinafter simply referred to as 7), a command device 8
And branch rails 9aa, 9ab, 9ba, 9bb ... 9 (n + 1) a, 9 (n
+1) b (hereinafter simply referred to as 9). At the end of each branch rail 9 there is a processing station PSaa, PSab, ... PS
(N + 1) b (hereinafter simply referred to as PS) is provided.

The processing station PS includes a plurality of sewing machines (not shown) or the like, and is a part where a sewing manufacturer performs a predetermined sewing operation.

FIG. 3 shows a hanger rail 3 and a hanger sorting device 5.
Is shown in FIG. 4, and its front view is shown in FIG. The hanger sorting device 5 of the hanger conveyor line 1 is installed at a sewing factory or the like at an interval. Each hanger sorting device 5
Is provided with a column 13 erected on the floor surface 12. At the upper end of the support 13, a support shaft 14 is erected via a mount 15. A support plate 16 is fixed to the upper end. Support plate
On the upper surface of 16, a support frame 17a for a distribution rail in the shape of a rectangular frame is supported and fixed at an intermediate portion thereof. A pair of parallel intermediate rail support frames 17b are supported and fixed between the support plates 16 of the adjacent sorting devices 5 so as to straddle them.

The hanger rail 3 and the branch rail 9 are a plurality of hanging brackets.
19 suspends and is supported by the supporting frames 17a and 17b. The hanger rail 3 includes a pair of parallel intermediate rails 20 arranged between the hanger sorting devices 5. The branch rail 9 is a plurality of horseshoe-shaped distribution rails for the processing station PS shown in FIG. 2 arranged around the hanger sorting device 5.
It has 21. At both ends between the intermediate rail 20 and the distribution rail 21, carrying-in rails 20a, 21a and carrying-out rails 20b, 21b are formed, respectively. These rail sections 20a, 20b, 21a, 21b are arranged at predetermined heights (45 degrees in the embodiment) at the same height around the hanger sorting device 5. The above processing station PS is distribution rail 21
Is formed by a sewing device such as a sewing machine arranged below the sewing machine. On the support plate 16 of the hanger sorting device 5, a rotating shaft 22 is rotatably penetrated and supported via a fixed bracket (not shown). The drive sprocket 24 is fixed to the lower end. On the opposite side of the driving sprocket 24, a driven sprocket 25 is located via the support shaft 14. The driven sprocket 25 is rotatably and position-adjustably attached to the lower surface of the other side of the support plate 16 via a movable bracket (not shown). Between the two sprockets 24 and 25, the supporting plate 16 is supported through a movable bracket so as to be rotatable and position adjustable. An interlocking sprocket 29 is fixed to their lower ends.

Drive sprocket 24 of adjacent hanger sorting device 5
And the driven sprocket 25 have an endless first chain 30
Is straddled. The first chain 30 is a support plate
A plurality of guide sprockets (not shown) provided on the lower surface of the 16 and a plurality of chain guides 32 provided on each hanging bracket 19 are stretched along the intermediate rail 20. An endless second chain (not shown) is mounted on each interlocking sprocket 19. The second chain (not shown) is stretched along the distribution rail 21 by a plurality of guide sprockets provided on the lower surface of the support plate 16 and a plurality of chain guides (not shown) provided on each hanging bracket 19. ing.

A chain drive motor 36 is mounted on the support plate 16 of the hanger sorting device 5 via support legs 37. The motor 36 is configured to transmit power to the drive sprocket 24 via a pulley and a timing belt (not shown). The motor 36 moves the first chain 30 and the second chain around in the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. 3 as the motor 36 rotates. Thereby, the hanger sorting device 5
The transport direction of the pair of intermediate rails 20 between them is opposite to each other, and the transport direction of each distribution rail 21 is a plane counterclockwise direction.

As shown in FIG. 4, a hanger 46 as a carrier is movably connected to the hanger rail 3 via a pair of rolling rollers so that an article such as a sewn product can be hung. In the hanger 46, the engagement ring 48 is engaged with the first chain 30 or the second chain. The engagement wheel 48 is always given frictional resistance, and the hanger 46 rolls on the intermediate rail 20 or the distribution rail 21 by the movement of the chain. On the other hand, when the movement of the hanger 46 is restricted by the stopper, the engagement wheel 48 is rotated.

As shown in FIG. 3, the intermediate rail 20 and the distribution rail 21
Is provided with a hanger detecting device 49. The hanger detecting device 49 is provided with the hanging bracket 19 on the loading rail portions 20a and 21a.
It is attached to. The hanger detecting device 49 is a hanger.
When the hanger 46 is conveyed along the intermediate rail 20 or the distribution rail 21 to a position corresponding to the hanger detection device 49, the movement of the hanger 46 is temporarily stopped by contact with a stopper (not shown). Hanger 46 by detecting device 49
A code mark (not shown) for identifying a hanger attached to the image is read. Thereby, the identification number of the hanger 46 is recognized. A rotating body 51 is rotatably supported on the support shaft 14 of the hanger sorting device 5 via a radial bearing. The distributing arm 54 is provided with the loading rail portions 20a, 21a or the unloading rail portions 20b, 2 of the intermediate rail 20 and the distribution rail 21.
It is radially projected and fixed to the outer peripheral edge of the rotating body 51 at predetermined angles (45 degrees in the embodiment) so as to be able to face 1b. The arm 45 extends to a position corresponding to the movement range of the first chain 30 or the second chain.

A rotating rail 55 is rotatably attached to the distal end of each distribution arm 54. The rotating rail 55 is held in a downwardly inclined state by its own weight, and the hanger 46 is carried by the first chain 30 or the second chain from the carrying rail portions 20a, 21a of the intermediate rail 20 or the distribution rail 21 onto the distribution arm 54. Then, the engagement between the hanger 46 and the first chain 30 or the second chain is released.

On the support plate 16, a servomotor 57 for arm rotation that can be rotated forward and backward is mounted. The servomotor 57 is configured to rotationally drive the arm 54 via a pulley or a timing belt (not shown). Servo motor 57 is
The control circuit 7 rotates the motor in the forward or reverse direction. Below each distribution arm 54, a lifting cylinder 61 is provided. At the upper end of the piston rod 61a of the push-up cylinder 61, a push-up body 63 that can be engaged with the rotating arm 55 on the distribution arm 54 is provided. This lifting cylinder 61
Are connected to the control circuit 7 via a solenoid group 73 shown in FIG. The control circuit 7 always moves the piston rod 61a of the cylinder 61 to the closed state.
After the rotation is completed, the piston rod 61a is protruded and moved. Then, when the lifting body 63 is raised by the lifting cylinder 61, the rotating arm 55 supporting the hanger 46 is rotated from the downwardly inclined state to the horizontal state, and the hanger 46 is moved to the first chain 30 or the third chain (not shown). Two chains are engaged.

The control circuit 7 includes, as shown in FIG.
49, a detector 67, a communication interface 72, an encoder 74, a solenoid group 73, and a servomotor 57. The detector 67 detects the position of the distribution arm 54. The hanger detecting devices 49 are connected to the individual control circuits 7 by the number of branches managed by each control circuit 7. The communication interface 72 is used to input processing data to be executed by the control circuit 7 from the command device 8. The encoder 74 is mounted in the servomotor 57, and detects the rotation amount of the servomotor 57, that is, the rotation angle of the distribution arm 54. The control circuit 7 includes various memories (not shown) such as a program memory, and includes a hanger detecting device 49, a detector 6
7. Output a predetermined command signal based on inputs from the communication interface 72, the encoder 74, and the like. Servomotor
57 rotates in response to this, causing the free end of the distribution arm 54 to be positioned opposite the end of the predetermined intermediate rail 20 or distribution rail 21. Further, in response to an output from the control circuit 7, a solenoid group 73 of a solenoid valve manifold (not shown) is selectively operated, and a predetermined push-up cylinder 61 is subjected to an intake or exhaust operation, and a push-up member 63 is operated. Is moved up and down.

The command device 8 includes a keyboard 8a and a command circuit 8b. The command circuit 8b has an input / output interface (not shown). This input / output interface is connected to the communication interface 72 of each control circuit. The keyboard 8a is used to input data to the command circuit 8b,
8b is used to input predetermined control data to each control circuit 7 via the communication interface 72. Command circuit 8b
Has a microcomputer and executes a predetermined process.

In addition, about the machine configuration of the hanger conveyor line 1,
Japanese Patent Application Nos. 1-193129 and 1 filed by the present applicant.
Since it is described in -196362, further detailed description is omitted.

Next, the operation of the hanger conveyor line 1 configured as described above will be described based on the flowchart of the branching process in FIG. 6 and the explanatory diagram of the operation shown in FIG. The branch processing in FIG. 6 shows processing executed in the control circuit 7a. The same processing is executed in the other control circuits 7b to 7n + 1.

In the hanger conveyor line 1 of this execution example, a chain driving motor 36 provided in each hanger sorting device 5 is provided.
Is rotated, the first chain 30 is circulated in the counterclockwise direction in FIG. 3 along the intermediate rail 20, and the second chain (not shown) is circulated in the same direction along the distribution rail 21.

As a result, the hanger 46 for hanging articles supported on the intermediate rail 20 or the distribution rail 21 has the
While being engaged with the chain 30 or the second chain, it is transported along the intermediate rail 20 or the distribution rail 21 in the direction of the arrow in FIG. And the hanger 46 is a hanger detecting device 49.
When transported to a position corresponding to the hanger 46, a stopper (not shown) protrudes on the movement path of the hanger 46, and the movement of the hanger 46 is temporarily stopped. Is read, and the identification number is recognized (S10). Then, based on this identification number, the control circuit 7
(S20). The destination of the hanger 46 is determined by the following first input from the external command device 8 into the program memory in the control circuit 7a via the communication interface 72.
It is obtained based on the identification number one-line destination number comparison table as shown in the table.

The identification number one-destination number reference table referred to here records the station numbers of the processing stations PS at the destinations to which the predetermined hangers 46 are sequentially conveyed in the order of conveyance. This station number is a designated hanger
When 46 reaches the processing station PS of the destination number, based on the command from the command device 8, the next processing station PS
Is changed to the destination station number. For example, when the hanger 46 with the identification number 1 arrives at the station number "10" shown in the first table in Table 1, the station number "20" is set as the next processing station PS.

When the destination of the hanger 46 is obtained, the station numbers are compared next (S30). This comparison is made by comparing the station number of the destination of the hanger 46 with the station numbers individually set in the hanger sorting device 5 as shown in Table 2 below.

As shown in Table 2, the station numbers are set in ascending order from the processing station PSaa at one end of the hanger conveyor line 1 to the processing station PS (n + 1) b at the other end. For example, the sorting device 5a has the seventh
As shown in the figure, station numbers "10" and "20" are set.

Since the control circuit 7a is provided in the sorting device 5a, the destination station number of the hanger 46 obtained here is compared with the set station number, for example, "10" and "20" here. The destination number is larger (value exceeding "20"), the destination number is the same as the set number ("10" or "20"), or the destination number is smaller ( (Value smaller than "10").

As a result of the comparison of the station numbers, if the destination number is large (greater than “20”), a decision is made to send the hanger 46 to the station with the larger station number (S40). Also, the destination number is the same as the set number ("10" or "20")
If so, a decision is made to send the hanger 46 to the destination processing station PS (S50). On the other hand, the destination number is small ("10"
If not, it is decided to send the hanger 46 to the station with the smaller station number (S60). In the control circuit 7a provided at the end of the hanger conveyor line 1, since the processing station PS having the smaller destination number is not provided, the processing is shifted from S30 to S60 here. There is no. However, conventionally, as shown by the dotted line on the left side of FIG. 7, the destination number is small (for example, “−10”, “−2”).
If the processing station PS which becomes “0”) is added, the processing of S60 is also executed in the control circuit 7a located at the end of the line.

After the destination of the hanger 46 is determined in S40, S50, or S60, the stopper that has stopped the hanger 46 is retracted to stop the hanger 46 from being stopped (S70). By this release, hanger 46
Is the loading rail 20a of the intermediate rail 20 or the distribution rail 21.
It is carried onto the distribution arm 54 from 21a. As a result, the engagement ring 48 is released from engagement with the first chain 30 or the second chain (not shown), and the hanger 46 is held stationary on the rotating arm 55. In this state, the control circuit 7 controls the servo motor 57 based on the determination result in S40, S50, or S60.
A rotation command is issued to (S80). In response, the arm rotation servomotor 57 is rotated by a predetermined angle, and the rotating body 51 is rotated by a predetermined angle in the forward or reverse direction. This allows
The distribution arm 54 supporting the hanger 46 is pivotally disposed at a position facing the carrying-out rail portions 20b, 21b of the predetermined intermediate rail 20 or the distribution rail 21.

When the rotation arrangement is completed (S90), the lifting body 63 is driven to rise by the lifting cylinder 61 corresponding to the distribution arm 54 supporting the hanger 46 (S100). This allows
The rotating arm 55 is rotated from the downward inclined state to the horizontal state, the hanger 46 is raised, and the engaging wheel 48 is engaged with the first chain 30 or the second chain (not shown). Thereby,
With the movement of the first chain 30 or the second chain, the hanger 46 is unloaded from the distribution arm 54 to the unloading rail portions 20b, 21b of the intermediate rail 20 or the distribution rail 21, and the next hanger is moved along the intermediate rail 20. It is transported to the sorting device 5b, or is transported along the distribution rail 21 to a predetermined processing station PSaa or PSab.

When the hanger 46 reaches a position on the distribution rail 21 corresponding to the processing station PS, the distribution rail 21
The stopper projects upward and the movement of the hanger 46 is stopped. Here, a predetermined hanger 46 is supplied from the control circuit 7a to the command device 8 in a process (not shown) by the processing device PS at the destination.
Is output. As a result, the command device 8 outputs a signal to advance the destination number of the predetermined hanger 46 by one to each control circuit 7. For example, the destination station number is changed from “10” to “20”.

In this state, a worker such as a sewing manufacturer removes an article such as a sewn product from the hanger 46, performs an operation such as sewing on the article, and returns the article to the hanger 46. Then, the transport of the hanger 46 is restarted.

If the hanger 46 is conveyed to the next hanger sorting device 5b without being sent to the processing station PS, the control circuit 7b
6 is executed, and the hanger 46 is transported to the processing station PSba or PSbb of the next destination number or the sorting device 5c. These processes are repeated, and the predetermined hanger 46 is moved to the desired processing station PS.
To reach.

At the predetermined processing station PS, when the hanger 46 whose conveyance has been resumed is conveyed to the position corresponding to the next hanger detection device 49, the hanger code is read by the hanger detection device 49 at this position (S10). The above-described branch processing of FIG. 6 is executed by the control circuit 7 to which the hanger detecting device 49 is connected. These processes are repeatedly executed by each control circuit 7, so that the hanger
46 is transported to the destination one after another.

In the hanger conveyor line 1 described above, each hanger sorting device 5 determines the destination of the hanger 46 in ascending order from one end side to the other end side of the line and in correspondence with the processing station PS. In this configuration, the station number is compared with the destination number assigned to each hanger 46. Thus, each hanger sorting device 5 pre-determines a predetermined hanger 46 for each hanger 46 only by storing in advance the number of the processing station to be directly branched and conveyed and the elevating direction of the processing station number. It can be transported by destination. Therefore, each hanger sorting device only stores the processing station number individually. In other words, the hanger conveyor line 1 can be expanded,
When a processing station is added to a predetermined hanger sorting device 5, for example, as shown on the right side of FIG.
The hanger sorting device 5n + 2 set with the station numbers "n + 10" and "n + 20" is replaced with the existing hanger sorting device.
Just connect to 5n + 1. As a result, there is an extremely excellent effect that the number of work steps and work time when the hanger conveyor line 1 is expanded or changed are reduced.

Note that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment,
Various embodiments can be implemented without changing the gist of the present invention. For example, you may use for the conveyance line which combined the conveyor and the turntable. Alternatively, a command device may be connected to each control circuit, and each station may write the identification number one-destination number reference table. Further, the destination control may be performed by holding the identification number one destination number reference table in the memory in the command device 8 and communicating with the control circuit 7.

[Effects of the Invention] The transport line control device of the present invention identifies the above-mentioned station that transports the transport body based on the station number assigned to each station in ascending and descending order by the destination identifying means in accordance with the connection order of the sorting means. I do. Then, the distribution direction determining means determines a station number of a station capable of distributing the transported body conveyed to the distribution means by the distribution means and a station number of a station for transporting the transported body identified by the destination identification means. In contrast, the direction of distribution of the transported body by the distribution means is determined according to the magnitude of the station number.

Thus, the addition or change of the transfer line can be performed by setting or changing the station number set in the distribution unit that has performed the addition or change. Therefore, there is an extremely excellent effect that the man-hour and time required for adding or changing the transfer line are reduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram illustrating a basic configuration of a transport line control device of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a hanger conveyor line 1 of an embodiment, and FIGS. 3 and 4 are configuration diagrams of a sorting device. FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a control system, FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a branch processing routine, FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the embodiment, and FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of a conventional example. 1 hanger conveyor line 3 hanger rail 5 hanger sorting device 7 control circuit 8 command device

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on front page (58) Field surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁶ , DB name) B65G 43/08 B65G 47/46

Claims (1)

(57) [Claims] An apparatus for controlling a transport line, comprising: a transport rail and allocating means for allocating a transport body transported on the transport rail to one or a plurality of predetermined stations alternately and expandably. Destination identification means for identifying the station that transports the transport body based on station numbers assigned to the stations in ascending and descending order according to the connection order of the distribution means; and the transportation transported to the distribution means. By comparing the station number of the station capable of sorting the body by the sorting means and the station number of the station for transferring the transfer body identified by the transfer destination identifying means, the transfer by the sorting means is performed. A method for determining the body distribution direction according to the size of the station number. Controller conveying line, characterized in that it comprises a direction determining device divided.