JP6608577B2 - Distributed drive conveyor - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a distributed drive conveyor device, for example, and more particularly to a distributed drive conveyor device capable of efficiently storing and storing articles being conveyed and preventing collision of articles.

  In the field of physical distribution, conveyors for conveying articles (packages) are widespread. There are various types of conveyors. Among them, a dispersion-driven roller conveyor in which a roller is driven only in a portion where a conveyed product flows is widely used from the viewpoint of energy saving.

  That is, in the distributed drive roller conveyor, a large number of zones composed of a plurality of transport rollers are continuously installed, and each zone has a roller drive source. Patent Document 1 discloses a technical idea that, in such a distributed drive roller conveyor, intermittent conveyance of articles can be performed for each zone, and further, forward / reverse drive, acceleration / deceleration drive, speed adjustment, and the like are controlled. ing.

  In this type of conveyor, the driving power can be reduced by driving the roller only in the part where the conveyed product is flowing, the energy saving effect is great, and the intermittent conveyance of the article and the speed adjustment can be performed. It has the advantage of being easy to perform and has been widely used.

JP 2002-302221 A

  However, in such a conveyor, in order to supply the article to an apparatus for sorting articles in a subsequent process, an efficient method for temporarily stopping and accumulating the article on the conveyor, and In this case, there is a problem that there is no appropriate method for avoiding the collision between the articles.

  For example, when the articles being transported are stopped and accumulated sequentially, the interval becomes wider, or conversely, the subsequent articles collide violently with the already stopped articles and damage the articles. There is a risk of occurrence.

  Therefore, in order to solve the above problem, an object of the present invention is to provide a distributed drive conveyor apparatus including a new control method of a drive source for each zone.

In order to solve such a problem, in the present invention, a roller conveyor device for conveying an article by rotation of a roller,
A drive source for driving the rotation of the roller,
A zone having a group of rollers driven by a drive source;
A sensor for detecting the presence of an article in the zone;
A control unit for controlling the driving source of the zone to one of one or more driving states or stop states based on the detection result of the sensor;
And the drive source of the zone in which the presence of the article is detected, the adjacent zone downstream in the conveying direction, and the downstream zone is controlled.

  In the roller conveyor device of the present invention, when the conveyance of the article is started or the conveyance is continued, the zone in which the presence of the article is detected is driven, the adjacent zone downstream in the conveyance direction, and further downstream of the zone. Control to drive adjacent zones.

  If it does in this way, goods can be conveyed smoothly at high speed, and conveyance efficiency can be raised.

  Alternatively, in the roller conveyor device according to the present invention, when the conveyance of an article is stopped and accumulated, if the presence of an article is detected in a zone two upstream from the zone where the article should be stopped, the zone and its Control is performed so that the downstream adjacent zone is driven at a high speed and the downstream adjacent zone is driven at a low speed.

  If it does in this way, when conveyance of articles | goods stops, since a speed | rate will fall gradually, it can prevent that articles | goods collide violently.

As a specific first aspect, in the overall operation,
A roller type conveyor device configured by connecting a plurality of zones including a basic roller and a follower solar array arranged substantially parallel to the basic roller from a conveyance upstream to a conveyance downstream,
The zone includes a drive unit for rotating the basic roller, a transmission belt for transmitting the rotational movement of the basic roller to the follower roller, and a control unit for controlling the number of rotations by the drive unit. And
In the figure visualizing the control signal to the basic roller by the control unit, the horizontal axis indicates the passage of time, the vertical axis indicates the signal (ON: signal is present, OFF: no signal), the driving operation state display waveform is In the case where the sensor presence status display waveform is arranged, the specific zone is n and the upstream zone (n−1) is directed to the downstream zone (n + 1, n + 2, n + 3, n + 4,...) It becomes the figure of the next drive state 1,

Or the figure of the drive state (N conveyance) 2 when conveying a conveyed product
The shape specified by is formed.

In this first aspect, a roller type conveyor device comprising a plurality of zones, which alternatively comprise a basic roller and a follower solar array arranged substantially in parallel with the basic roller, are connected in a plurality from the conveying upstream to the conveying downstream. Because
The zone includes a drive unit for rotating the basic roller, a transmission belt for transmitting the rotational movement of the basic roller to the follower roller, and a control unit for controlling the number of rotations by the drive unit. And
The figure visualizing the control signal to the basic roller by the control unit, the horizontal axis is the passage of time, the vertical axis is the signal (ON: there is a signal, OFF: there is no signal), the driving operation state display waveform on the top, When the sensor load status display waveform is displayed below and arranged on the same time axis, a ridge shape covered with the upper ridge waveform is formed in the lower tier corresponding to the location related to the upper ridge waveform in each zone. ,
The waveform of each zone has a shape in which a specific zone is n and is sequentially shifted from the upstream zone (n−1) to the downstream zone (n + 1, n + 2, n + 3, n + 4,. Is formed. At this time, the rise of the drive start of the two downstreams is made substantially the same time. This is to save time for the rise. Alternatively, in order to take the time to start up, the second drive may be started up to the top speed in advance, and the second drive may be started up when detected by the sensor.

  Here, “a raised shape covered with the upper raised waveform is formed in the lower stage corresponding to the location related to the upper raised waveform in each zone, and the waveform of each zone is formed from the upstream zone (n−1). `` Towards the downstream zone (n + 1, n + 2, n + 3, n + 4,...), A shape shifted sequentially toward the time passage side ”has a meaning related to a state in which a specific control logic is visualized. .

  Speaking conversely, “in each zone, a ridge shape covered with the upper ridge waveform is formed in the lower stage corresponding to the location related to the upper ridge waveform, and the waveform of each zone is represented by the upstream zone (n−1). ) From the downstream zone (n + 1, n + 2, n + 3, n + 4,...) Is formed in order to move the next two points. It can be said that this is a necessary and sufficient condition for producing an effect of smooth flow to reach the top speed.

As a second aspect, in the control operation,
A roller type conveyor device configured by connecting a plurality of zones each including a basic roller and a follower solar arranged substantially parallel to the basic roller,
The zone includes a drive unit for rotating the basic roller, a transmission belt for transmitting the rotational movement of the basic roller to the follower roller, and a control unit for controlling the number of rotations by the drive unit. And
The figure visualizing the control of the basic roller by the control unit has a horizontal axis of time elapsed, a vertical axis of a signal (ON: signal present, OFF: no signal), and a drive request (OUT) waveform from the upper stage to the lower stage. When a driving (OUT) waveform, a sensor (IN) waveform, an acceptable (IN) waveform, an acceptable (OUT) waveform, and a driving request (IN) waveform are arranged and expressed, a specific zone is defined as n. From the upstream zone (n−1) to the downstream zone (n + 1, n + 2, n + 3, n + 4,...), The next driving state 3 is obtained.
Or the next driving state 4
Or the next driving state 5
Or the next driving state 6
Or the next drive state 7
Or the next driving state 8
Or the next drive state 9
Or the next driving state 10
Or the next drive state 11
Or the next drive state 12
The shape specified by is formed.

In the second aspect, a roller-type conveyor device configured by connecting a plurality of zones, which alternatively include a basic roller and a follower solar array arranged substantially parallel to the basic roller, from a conveyance upstream to a conveyance downstream. Because
The zone includes a drive unit for rotating the basic roller, a transmission belt for transmitting the rotational movement of the basic roller to the follower roller, and a control unit for controlling the number of rotations by the drive unit. And
When the figure visualizing the control of the basic roller by the control unit is expressed by arranging on the same time axis with the horizontal axis as the passage of time and the vertical axis as a signal (ON: signal present, OFF: no signal) ,
(1) The rise time of the second drive request (OUT) signal in the (n-1) th zone, the rise time of the second drive request (IN) signal in the nth zone, and the operation (OUT) signal in the nth zone Is substantially the same time
(2) The rising waveform of the sensor (IN) signal of the (n-1) th zone is covered with the rising waveform of the operation (OUT) signal of the zone,
(3) The falling point of the first drive request (OUT) signal in the (n−1) th zone, the falling point of the sensor (IN) signal in the (n−1) zone, and the first of the nth zone. The falling time of the drive request (IN) signal is substantially the same time.
Formed as
Waveforms of the respective zones formed so as to form (1) to (3) have a specific zone as n, and the upstream zone (n−1) to the downstream zone (n, n + 1, n + 2, n + 3, (n + 4,...) are sequentially formed on the time passage side.

As a third aspect, in the control operation,
A roller type conveyor device configured by connecting a plurality of zones each including a basic roller and a follower solar array arranged substantially parallel to the basic roller,
The zone includes a drive unit for rotating the basic roller, a transmission belt for transmitting the rotational movement of the basic roller to the follower roller, and a control unit for controlling the number of rotations by the drive unit. And
The figure visualizing the control of the basic roller by the control unit has a horizontal axis of time elapsed, a vertical axis of a signal (ON: signal present, OFF: no signal), and a drive request (OUT) waveform from the upper stage to the lower stage. , When the operation (OUT) waveform, sensor (IN) waveform, acceptable (IN) waveform, acceptable (OUT) waveform, and drive request (IN) waveform are arranged and expressed, the most downstream zone is d and upstream Toward the side zone (d-1, d-2, d-3, d-4,...)
Or it becomes the figure of the next stop state 14,
Or it becomes the figure of the next stop state 18,
Or the next stop state 20
The shape specified by is formed.

In this third aspect, a roller type conveyor device comprising a plurality of zones, which alternatively comprise a basic roller and a follower solar array arranged substantially parallel to the basic roller, are connected in a plurality from the conveying upstream to the conveying downstream. Because
The zone includes a drive unit for rotating the basic roller, a transmission belt for transmitting the rotational movement of the basic roller to the follower roller, and a control unit for controlling the number of rotations by the drive unit. And
When the figure that visualizes the control of the basic roller by the control unit is expressed by arranging the time on the horizontal axis and the signal on the vertical axis (ON: signal present, OFF: no signal) arranged on the same time axis In addition,
(1) The first falling start time point related to the last raised portion of the driving operation signal in the (d-1) zone and the rising time point of the sensor (stock) signal in the (d-2) zone are substantially At the same time,
(2) The second falling start time point related to the last raised portion of the driving operation signal of the (d-1) zone, and the last rising time point of the sensor (in-stock) signal of the (d-1) zone Are substantially the same time,
(3) The falling start time associated with the last raised portion of the d-th zone driving operation signal is substantially the same as the last rising time of the d-th zone sensor (stocked) signal.
It is formed as follows.

  In the roller conveyor device according to the present invention, goods can be efficiently transported and stored, and severe collision between articles can be prevented, so that a high-quality roller conveyor can be provided.

1 is a perspective view of a roller conveyor device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a side view of the roller conveyor apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the drive method of the roller conveyor apparatus concerning the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is operation | movement explanatory drawing at the time of conveyance of the roller conveyor apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is operation | movement explanatory drawing at the time of the stop of the roller conveyor apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is operation | movement explanatory drawing at the time of the articles | goods continuous conveyance of the roller conveyor apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is operation | movement explanatory drawing at the time of elongate article conveyance of the roller conveyor apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is operation | movement explanatory drawing at the time of the elongate article stop of the roller conveyor apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is operation | movement explanatory drawing at the time of the sequential discharge of the articles | goods of the roller conveyor apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is operation | movement explanatory drawing at the time of the sequential delivery of the articles | goods of the roller conveyor apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating a method.

  Hereinafter, with reference to drawings, the roller conveyor device concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention is explained. In the following, the range necessary for the description for achieving the object of the present invention is schematically shown, and the range necessary for the description of the relevant part of the present invention will be mainly described. According to a known technique.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a roller conveyor device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. A plurality of rollers 10 are rotatably held between support plates 11-11 at both ends. The support plate 11 is installed on the holding leg 12 and is fixed by a connecting member 13 and a bolt 14. As the roller 10 rotates in the direction of the arrow, the article P placed on the roller 10 is conveyed in the A direction. In addition, the length, width, etc. of the roller conveyor apparatus 1 shall be changed suitably according to a request | requirement. Also, the holding method of the roller conveyor device 1 is not limited to the illustrated method, and can be selected as appropriate in consideration of the installation status and the like.

  The support plate 11 is provided with a load sensor 15 in the zone Z for detecting the presence or absence of an article P (package) by transmitted light including a light emitting unit 151 and a light receiving unit 152. The detection sensor may be based on any principle as long as it can detect the presence or absence of the article P, such as reflected light, ultrasonic waves, and magnetism, in addition to the transmitted light. The installation location of the in-stock sensor 15 is basically an arbitrary position in the zone, but slightly downstream of the zone so that the article P is stopped at an appropriate position in the zone after the in-stock sensor 15 detects it. Close to the edge is desirable.

  FIG. 2 is a side view of the roller conveyor device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Here, the roller conveyor device 1 is divided into zones Z composed of a predetermined number of rollers 10. In the example shown in this figure, one zone Z is constituted by five rollers 10, and the entire roller conveyor device 1 is constituted by six or more zones Z. In addition, about the number of the zones Z in the roller conveyor apparatus 1, and the number of the rollers 10 in the zone Z, it is not limited to the illustrated number, You may increase / decrease as needed.

  Each zone Z is provided with a drive source 20 that drives a plurality of rollers 10. The driving force is transmitted from the driving source 20 to each roller 10 by the endless belt 30. The endless belt 30 that transmits the driving force is not limited to a belt, and may be any belt that can transmit driving, such as a chain.

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a driving method of the roller conveyor device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The drive source 20 is a small brushless DC motor and is capable of at least a high-speed and low-speed drive state. The drive source 20 is located below the conveying surface of the roller 10. The drive source 20 has two pulley grooves 21 for the endless belt 30 on its shaft. On the other hand, each roller 10 also has two pulley grooves 22 for the endless belt 30 on its shaft, and the drive source 20 and the pulley grooves 21 and 22 of the roller 10 are configured so that the endless belt can be hung. It is located approximately parallel. The drive source 20 is preferably a small brushless DC motor because it consumes less power. However, other types of motors such as general-purpose AC motors may be used because of their characteristics and economic effects. is there. The high-speed and low-speed driving states may be realized not in the motor itself but in the driving force transmission path thereafter. Further, the drive source 20 is not limited to being positioned below the conveying surface of the roller 10, and may be disposed on the substantially same surface as the roller 10 as a motor built-in roller. Further, in the case of the motor built-in roller, all the rollers may be the motor built-in roller, or the motor built-in roller and the roller may be combined.

  Here, one pulley groove 21 of the driving source 20 and the pulley groove 22 of the roller 10 on the conveyor traveling direction side, another pulley groove 21 of the driving source 20 and the pulley groove 22 of the roller 10 on the opposite side of the conveyor traveling direction, The endless belt 30 is hung between them, and the endless belt 30 is also hung on the adjacent roller 10 by using a vacant pulley groove 22. In this manner, the driving force is transmitted to all the rollers 10 included in the zone Z by sequentially passing the endless belt over the pulley grooves 21 of the adjacent rollers 10. According to this method, the number of rollers 10 included in one zone Z is not limited.

  Each zone Z is provided with a control unit 40 that controls the operation of the roller 10 in the zone Z. The controller 40 is preferably a PLC (programmable logic controller), but may be a microprocessor or a computer other than that. The control unit 40 receives a signal from the in-zone sensor 15 in the zone Z, and further receives a signal from the control unit 40 in another zone Z, and based on them, starts and stops the driving source 20 in the zone Z, Adjust the speed. The signal may be not only an electrical analog signal and a digital signal but also an optical signal in which each control unit is connected by an optical fiber.

  Here, operation | movement of the roller conveyor apparatus 1 in the 1st Embodiment of this invention of such a structure is demonstrated. In the following description, when each element is described separately for each zone, a zone number suffix (for example, 40u) is added.

<Basic logic of control>
(1) When the most downstream zone d is in an unacceptable state, the speed of d which is its own zone is changed to a low speed. Specifically, when the “most downstream” zone (strictly, the downstream line of the most downstream zone) is “not acceptable”, the conveyance speed of the own zone d is set to a low speed and the upstream d−1 is set. Send "Low speed conveyance" instruction. In this state, a drive request signal is input to d-1, and when the motor is driven, the conveyance speed is started at a low speed. This is represented by the image above. Alternatively, d-1 is a high-speed drive when the motor is driven by the input of a drive request signal. This is represented in the image below.

Thereby, the carry-in at a low speed is executed. This operation is as follows when the control signal is expressed as a waveform using an oscilloscope, for example.
Or

(2) When a carry-in operation is performed in a specific zone n (in this case, a “drive request” signal is already received from the upstream), a “drive request” signal is sent to the downstream two zones by turning on the sensor of the zone n. Outputs and drives the motor up to 2 zones. Thereby, even if it is conveyed at high speed, a smooth transition across zones can be achieved.
This operation is as follows when the control signal is expressed as a waveform using an oscilloscope, for example.

In other words, when the horizontal axis represents the passage of time, the vertical axis represents a signal (ON: signal present, OFF: no signal), the driving operation state display waveform on the top, and the sensor load status display waveform on the bottom. A raised shape covered with the raised waveform of the upper stage is formed in the lower stage corresponding to the location raised in the upper stage in each zone, and the waveform of each zone is defined as an upstream zone (n-1) with n as a specific zone. A shape shifted sequentially toward the time passage side is formed from the zone toward the downstream zone (n + 1, n + 2, n + 3, n + 4,...).
In this case, the following waveform is possible instead.
Or

<Basic operation>
The basic operation performed by the control unit 40n of a certain zone Zn is as follows.
a. When the in-zone sensor 15n in the zone Zn is off, a-1 “Zone Zn Acceptable” signal is issued to the upstream zone Zn-1.

If there is no “Zone Zn + 1 Acceptable” signal from the downstream zone Zn + 1,
At the same time, a “zone Zn low speed conveyance” signal is issued. (Only in case of the most downstream start NG)
a-2 “first drive request” signal from upstream zone Zn-1;
If there is a “Zone Zn + 1 Acceptable” signal from the downstream zone Zn + 1,
The zone Zn drive source 20n is driven at a high speed, and further to the zone Zn + 1, “second
A "drive request" signal is issued.
a-3 “second drive request” signal from the upstream zone Zn-2;
If there is a “Zone Zn + 1 Acceptable” signal from the downstream zone Zn + 1,
The zone Zn drive source 20n is driven at high speed.
a-3 There is a “second drive request” signal from the upstream zone Zn-2,
When there is no “Zone Zn + 1 acceptance” signal from the downstream zone Zn + 1 (only in the case of the most downstream start NG) (or when the “Zn Zn low speed conveyance” signal is issued), the first and second drive request In either case, the zone Zn drive source 20n is driven at a low speed.
a-4 When a predetermined time has elapsed with the drive source 20n being driven,
The drive source 20n is stopped.
b. When the in-zone sensor 15n of the zone Zn is on, b-1 When the downstream zone Zn + 1 is emitting a “Zn + 1 acceptable” signal (only in the case of the most downstream start OK),
At the same time as starting or continuing high-speed driving of the zone Zn, a “first drive request” signal is issued to the downstream zone Zn + 1, and a “second drive request” signal is issued to the downstream zone Zn + 2.
b-2 When the downstream zone Zn + 1 further issues a “Zn + 1 low-speed transport” signal, the low-speed driving of the driving source 20n of the zone Zn is started, or
Switch from high speed to low speed.
b-3 When the downstream zone Zn + 1 does not emit a “Zn + 1 acceptable” signal,
The driving of the zone Zn is stopped, and the “Zn acceptable” signal to the upstream zone Zn-1 is stopped.

A series of operations based on such basic operations will be described.
<Transport>
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of an operation at the time of conveyance of the roller conveyor device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is assumed that the most upstream zone of the roller conveyor device 1 is the zone Zu, and the zone Zu + 1 and the zone Zu + 2 are connected to the zone in the following order. Here, an external device for supplying articles such as other conveyors (not shown) is connected to the uppermost stream of the roller conveyor device 1. When an article is supplied, a signal (“first drive request” signal) for requesting driving of the uppermost zone Zu of the roller conveyor device 1 from an external device or a higher-level control system is a control unit 40u of the zone Zu. Is transmitted to. Then, since the zone Zu is “acceptable” (that is, the in-stock sensor 15u is not detecting an article), the control unit 40u is able to perform high-speed operation with respect to the drive source 20u of the zone Zu. A driving instruction is issued, whereby the driving source 20u starts driving at a high speed, and the group of rollers 10u starts rotating to receive articles from an external device in the zone Zu.

  Further, since the control unit 40u of the zone Zu has received the “first drive request” signal and has received the “acceptable” signal from the adjacent downstream zone Zu + 1, the control unit 40u + 1 of the zone Zu + 1 A “second drive request” signal is transmitted.

  In the zone Zu + 1, the “second drive request” signal is notified to the control unit 40u + 1, and the zone Zu + 1 is “acceptable” (that is, the in-stock sensor 15u + 1 does not detect the article). The high-speed driving instruction is issued to the driving source 20u + 1 in the zone Zu + 1, whereby the driving source 20u + 1 starts high-speed driving, and the group of rollers 10u + 1 starts to rotate, and the articles from the zone Zu are transferred to the zone Zu + 1. Prepare to accept Zu + 1. (Step 101)

  Next, when the article is conveyed to the zone Zu and the in-stock sensor 15u in the zone Zu detects the article, the control unit 40u of the zone Zu sends a “first drive request” to the zone Zu + 1.

  In the zone Zu + 1, when the “first drive request” is received, since the zone Zu + 1 is “acceptable”, a drive instruction is issued to the drive source 20u + 1, whereby the drive source 20u + 1 starts driving, A group of rollers 10u + 1 starts to rotate and accepts articles from the upstream zone Zu into the zone Zu + 1. Further, a “second drive request” is sent to the adjacent downstream zone Zu + 2. In the zone Zu + 1, since the high speed driving has already been started by the “second drive request” from the zone Zu, the high speed driving state is continued. (Step 102)

  Next, when the article is conveyed to the zone Zu + 1 and the in-stock sensor 15u + 1 in the zone Zu + 1 detects the article, the control unit 40u + 1 in the zone Zu + 1 sends a “first drive request” to the zone Zu + 2.

  In the zone Zu + 2, when the “first drive request” is received, since the zone Zu + 2 is in the “acceptable” state, a high-speed drive instruction is issued to the drive source 20u + 2, whereby the drive source 20u + 2 is driven at high speed. And the group of rollers 10u + 2 starts to rotate, and the articles from the upstream zone Zu + 1 are received in the zone Zu + 2. Furthermore, a “second drive request” is sent to the adjacent downstream zone Zu + 3, and in the zone Zu + 3, the drive source 20u + 3 starts high-speed driving. In the zone Zu + 2, since the high speed driving has already been started by the “second driving request” from the zone Zu + 1, the high speed driving state is continued. Further, the drive source 20u in the zone Zu stops driving after a predetermined time has elapsed since the article has passed the in-stock sensor 15u and the sensor 15u is turned off. Thereby, the driving power of the conveyor can be reduced. (Step 103)

  Next, when the article is conveyed to the zone Zu + 2 and the in-stock sensor 15u + 2 detects the article, a “first drive request” is sent to the zone Zu + 3, and a “second drive request” from the zone Zu + 3 to the zone Zu + 4 is also sent. The drive source 20u + 1 in the zone Zu + 1 is also stopped after a predetermined time has elapsed since the article has passed the in-stock sensor 15u + 1 and the sensor 15u + 1 is turned off. (Step 104)

  In this manner, the drive source 20 of the zone Z up to the two downstream sides of the zone Z where the article is detected is sequentially activated, and the zone Z through which the article has passed is stopped.

  Thereby, compared to the case where the driving of only the adjacent zone on the downstream side where the article exists is started, the driving of the zone is started in advance, so that the article can be stably conveyed.

A series of operations is represented by the following waveform. Here, an example in which the signals of the first drive request and the second drive request are individually input / output is described.
Or
Or
Or
Or
Or
Or
Or
Or
Or
Or
Or

<Stop accumulation>
FIG. 5 is an operation explanatory diagram when the roller conveyor device according to the first embodiment of the present invention is stopped. An external device such as another conveyor (not shown) or a sorting device that receives articles from the roller conveyor device 1 is connected to the most downstream side of the roller conveyor device 1.

  Here, the state of the external device downstream of the roller conveyor device 1 is a state in which the article cannot be received, and the information is transferred from the external device or the upper control system to the control unit 20d in the most downstream zone Zd. Has been communicated.

  Further, there is a case in which no article exists in the most downstream zone Zd, the adjacent upstream zone Zd-1, and the upstream zone Zd-2 (the in-stock sensors 15d, 15d-1, and 15d-2 do not detect the article). Think.

  Since the zone Zd does not detect an article in the zone, it issues a “Zd acceptance” signal. However, when the external device cannot accept the article, it also issues a “Zd low-speed transport” signal. .

  Here, in the conveyance from the zone Zd-3 to the zone Zd-2, the article is conveyed in accordance with the conveyance procedure described above. That is, when the in-stock sensor 15d-3 in the zone Zd-3 detects an article, the control unit 40d-3 in the zone Zd-3 instructs to drive the zone Zd-3, and further instructs the zone Zd-2 to “first”. “Drive request” and “second drive request” are issued to the zone Zd−1, and each starts high-speed drive. However, when the conveyance from the upstream is continued, the zones Zd-3 and Zd-2 are already driven at a high speed, so that the driving is continued, and only the high speed driving of the zone Zd-1 is performed. It will start anew. (Step 201)

  Next, when the article is conveyed to the zone Zd-2 and detected by the stock sensor 15d-2 in the zone Zd-2, the control unit 40d-2 in the zone Zd-2 is controlled by the control unit 40d in the zone Zd-1. -1 issues a “first drive request”, and the control unit 40d-1 determines that the zone Zd-1 is “Zd-1 acceptable” (that is, the in-stock sensor 15d-1 has not detected an article). In other words, the drive source 20d-1 in the zone Zd-1 is instructed to drive at high speed, whereby the drive source 20d-1 is driven at high speed and the group of rollers 10d-1 is driven at high speed. Rotation is started and an article from the zone Zd-2 is received in the zone Zd-1. As described above, since the zone Zd-1 has already started the high speed drive by the “second drive request” from the zone Zd-3 further upstream than the zone Zd-2, the high speed drive is performed. The state will continue.

  Further, the control unit 40d-1 of the zone Zd-1 sends a “second drive request” to the most downstream zone Zd. In the zone Zd, since the “Zd acceptable” signal is transmitted and the “Zd low-speed conveyance” signal is also transmitted, the drive source 20d is driven in the low-speed conveyance state. (Step 202)

  Thereafter, when the article is conveyed to the zone Zd-1 and the in-stock sensor 15d-1 detects the article, the control unit 40d-1 of the zone Zd-1 transmits a "Zd low speed conveyance" signal. Therefore, the high speed drive of the drive source 20d-1 is switched to the low speed drive, and the conveyance is continued.

  Note that the control unit 40d-1 of the zone Zd-1 sends a "first drive request" to the adjacent most downstream zone Zd. In the zone Zd, since the “Zd acceptable” signal is transmitted and the “Zd low-speed conveyance” signal is also transmitted, the drive source 20d is driven by the low-speed conveyance. Since driving at low speed conveyance is started by the “second driving request” from the zone Zd-2 further upstream than Zd-1, the low speed conveyance driving state is continued. (Step 203)

  Further, when the article is conveyed to the zone Zd and the in-stock sensor 15d detects the article, the driving of the zone Zd is stopped. When the driving of the zone Zd is stopped, the control unit 40d of the zone Zd stops the transmission of the “Zd acceptable” signal.

  Then, since the zone Zd-1 is in an unacceptable state, the control unit 40d-1 of the zone Zd-1 further accepts "Zd-1 acceptance" and "Zd-1 low speed conveyance" to the upstream zone Zd-2. Send a signal. (Step 204)

  In this state, when the next article is conveyed to the zone Zd-3 and the in-stock sensor 15d-3 detects the article, a “first drive request” is issued to the zone Zd-2, and the zone Zd-2 is driven at high speed. The zone Zd-1 issues a “second drive request” to the zone Zd-1, and the zone Zd-1 transmits a “Zd-1 low speed conveyance” signal. (Step 205)

  When the article is conveyed to the zone Zd-2 and the in-stock sensor 15d-2 detects the article, if the zone Zd-2 receives the “Zd-1 low-speed conveyance” signal, the high-speed conveyance is changed to the low-speed conveyance. Switch and continue conveyance. (Step 206)

  Further, when the article is conveyed to the zone Zd-1 and the in-stock sensor 15d-1 detects the article, the driving of the zone Zd-1 is stopped, and when the driving of the zone Zd-1 is stopped, the control of the zone Zd-1 is performed. The unit 40d-1 stops transmitting the “Zd-1 acceptable” signal, and the control unit 40d-2 of the zone Zd-2 further increases the upstream when the zone Zd-1 is in an unacceptable state. A “Zd-1 low speed conveyance” signal is transmitted together with “Zd-1 acceptance” to the zone Zd-2. (Step 207)

  In this manner, the operation of sequentially switching the article from the high speed conveyance to the low speed conveyance state in each upstream zone from the most downstream zone Zd and then stopping is repeated.

  As a result, the articles to be stopped can be accumulated efficiently without a gradual decrease in speed, without having an empty zone, and without colliding with the preceding article P.

A series of operations is represented by the following waveform. Here, an example in which the signals of the first drive request and the second drive request are individually input / output is described.
Or

<Stop accumulation>
FIG. 5 is an operation explanatory diagram when the roller conveyor device according to the first embodiment of the present invention is stopped. An external device such as another conveyor (not shown) or a sorting device that receives articles from the roller conveyor device 1 is connected to the most downstream side of the roller conveyor device 1.

  Here, the state of the external device downstream of the roller conveyor device 1 is a state in which the article cannot be received, and the information is transferred from the external device or the upper control system to the control unit 20d in the most downstream zone Zd. Has been communicated.

  Further, there is a case in which no article exists in the most downstream zone Zd, the adjacent upstream zone Zd-1, and the upstream zone Zd-2 (the in-stock sensors 15d, 15d-1, and 15d-2 do not detect the article). Think.

  Since the zone Zd does not detect an article in the zone, it issues a “Zd acceptance” signal. However, when the external device cannot accept the article, it also issues a “Zd low-speed transport” signal. .

  Here, in the conveyance from the zone Zd-3 to the zone Zd-2, the article is conveyed in accordance with the conveyance procedure described above. That is, when the in-stock sensor 15d-3 in the zone Zd-3 detects an article, the control unit 40d-3 in the zone Zd-3 instructs to drive the zone Zd-3, and further instructs the zone Zd-2 to “first”. “Drive request” and “second drive request” are issued to the zone Zd−1, and each starts high-speed drive. However, when the conveyance from the upstream is continued, the zones Zd-3 and Zd-2 are already driven at a high speed, so that the driving is continued, and only the high speed driving of the zone Zd-1 is performed. It will start anew. (Step 201)

  Next, when the article is conveyed to the zone Zd-2 and detected by the stock sensor 15d-2 in the zone Zd-2, the control unit 40d-2 in the zone Zd-2 is controlled by the control unit 40d in the zone Zd-1. -1 issues a “first drive request”, and the control unit 40d-1 determines that the zone Zd-1 is “Zd-1 acceptable” (that is, the in-stock sensor 15d-1 has not detected an article). In other words, the drive source 20d-1 in the zone Zd-1 is instructed to drive at high speed, whereby the drive source 20d-1 is driven at high speed and the group of rollers 10d-1 is driven at high speed. Rotation is started and an article from the zone Zd-2 is received in the zone Zd-1. As described above, since the zone Zd-1 has already started the high speed drive by the “second drive request” from the zone Zd-3 further upstream than the zone Zd-2, the high speed drive is performed. The state will continue.

  Further, the control unit 40d-1 of the zone Zd-1 sends a “second drive request” to the most downstream zone Zd. In the zone Zd, since the “Zd acceptance acceptable” signal is transmitted, the drive source 20d is driven in the low-speed high-speed conveyance state. (Step 202)

  Thereafter, when the article is conveyed to the zone Zd-1 and the in-stock sensor 15d-1 detects the article, the control unit 40d-1 of the zone Zd-1 "Drive request" is sent out. In the zone Zd, since the “Zd acceptable” signal is transmitted and the “Zd low-speed conveyance” signal is also transmitted, the high-speed driving of the drive source 20d is switched to the low-speed driving and the conveyance is continued. (Step 203)

  Further, when the article is conveyed to the zone Zd and the in-stock sensor 15d detects the article, the driving of the zone Zd is stopped. When the driving of the zone Zd is stopped, the control unit 40d of the zone Zd stops the transmission of the “Zd acceptable” signal.

  Then, since the zone Zd-1 is in an unacceptable state, the control unit 40d-1 of the zone Zd-1 further accepts "Zd-1 acceptance" and "Zd-1 low speed conveyance" to the upstream zone Zd-2. Send a signal. (Step 204)

  In this state, when the next article is conveyed to the zone Zd-3 and the in-stock sensor 15d-3 detects the article, a “first drive request” is issued to the zone Zd-2, and the zone Zd-2 is driven at high speed. And a “second drive request” is issued to the zone Zd-1, and the zone Zd-1 starts driving at high speed conveyance. (Step 205)

  When the article is conveyed to the zone Zd-2 and the in-stock sensor 15d-2 detects the article, if the zone Zd-2 receives the “Zd-1 low speed conveyance” signal, the Zn-1 is conveyed at high speed. Is switched to low-speed transport and transport continues. (Step 206)

  Further, when the article is conveyed to the zone Zd-1 and the in-stock sensor 15d-1 detects the article, the driving of the zone Zd-1 is stopped, and when the driving of the zone Zd-1 is stopped, the control of the zone Zd-1 is performed. The unit 40d-1 stops transmitting the “Zd-1 acceptable” signal, and the control unit 40d-2 of the zone Zd-2 further increases the upstream when the zone Zd-1 is in an unacceptable state. A “Zd-1 low speed conveyance” signal is transmitted together with “Zd-1 acceptance” to the zone Zd-2. (Step 207)

  In this manner, the operation of sequentially switching the article from the high speed conveyance to the low speed conveyance state in each upstream zone from the most downstream zone Zd and then stopping is repeated.

  As a result, the articles to be stopped can be accumulated efficiently without a gradual decrease in speed, without having an empty zone, and without colliding with the preceding article P.

A series of operations is represented by the following waveform. Here, an example in which the signals of the first drive request and the second drive request are individually input / output is described.
Or

<Continuous transport>
In the first embodiment of the present invention, a control method for a case where articles are continuously conveyed without empty zones will be described.

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of an operation during continuous conveyance of articles in the roller conveyor device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Here, the process up to step 112 is the same as the process up to step 102.

  In the zone Zu + 1, an article is detected, but since an acceptance signal is received from the downstream zone Zu + 2, the zone Zu + 1 is also in an acceptable state. Therefore, even in the zone Zu, high-speed driving is continued, Further, the “first drive request” is transmitted to the zone Zu + 1. The “first drive request” to the zone Zu + 2 does not need to be transmitted repeatedly in the state where the “first drive request” has already been transmitted. (Step 113)

  Next, when the article is detected by proceeding to zones Zu + 3 and Zu + 2, respectively, and when an article is newly detected by Zu + 3, high-speed conveyance is similarly continued. (Step 114)

  In this way, even if articles are continuously conveyed, they can be efficiently conveyed without creating an empty zone.

A series of operations is represented by the following waveform. Here, an example in which the signals of the first drive request and the second drive request are individually input / output is described.
Or

<Conveying and stopping long items>
In the first embodiment of the present invention, a control method when the article is long, that is, longer than the length of the zone Z will be described.

  FIG. 7 is an operation explanatory view of the roller conveyor device according to the first embodiment of the present invention when a long article is conveyed. Here, the process up to step 122 is the same as the process up to step 102.

  Even when the sensors 15u and 15u + 1 in both the zone Zu and the zone Zu + 1 detect the long article at the same time, the zone Zu + 1 is also in an acceptable state because it receives an acceptance signal from the downstream zone Zu + 2. Further, the zone Zu is also in an acceptable state, the high speed driving is continued, and a “first driving request” is transmitted to the zone Zu + 1. The “first drive request” to the zone Zu + 2 does not need to be transmitted repeatedly in the state where the “first drive request” has already been transmitted. (Step 123)

  Next, even if the long article advances and is detected by Zu + 1 and Zu + 2, high-speed conveyance is continued similarly. (Step 124)

A series of operations is represented by the following waveform. Here, an example in which the signals of the first drive request and the second drive request are individually input / output is described.
Or

  FIG. 8 is an operation explanatory view when the long article of the roller conveyor device according to the first embodiment of the present invention is stopped. Here, step 211 is the same as step 201.

  Next, it is assumed that the head of the long article is detected by the sensor 15d-2 of the zone Zd-2, and is detected continuously by the sensor 15d-3 of the zone Zd-3 with a slight delay. That is, when the sensor 15d-2 is turned on without the sensor 15d-3 being turned off and the "Zd low speed conveyance" signal is received, the Zd-1 conveyance speed is switched to a low speed. At the same time, the transport speed of Zd-2 is also switched to a low speed. (Step 213)

  Further, when the head is detected by the sensor 15d in the zone Zd in the low-speed conveyance state, the drive source 20d in the zone Zd stops, and at the same time, the drive source 20d-1 in the zone Zd-1 also stops. Further, the zone Zd-1 issues a “Zd-2 unacceptable” signal to the zone Zd-2, and the zone Zd-2 receives the “Zd-3 acceptable” and “Zd-3” to the zone Zd-3. -3 low speed conveyance "and waits for the next article to be conveyed. (Step 214)

  In this way, even if a long article is transported, it can be transported efficiently as in the normal case, and even in the case of a stop, it is stopped after being smoothly decelerated.

<Short goods conveyance / stop>
In the first embodiment of the present invention, a control method in the case where the article is short, that is, shorter than the length of the zone Z and a plurality of articles can be accommodated in one zone Z will be described.

  In the description so far, it is assumed that the article is continuously conveyed. Here, it is assumed that the leading article of the group of short articles is detected by the sensor 15 in the zone Z. If the conveyance is continued as it is, the short article will be undetected by the sensor 15, but if the downstream zone is acceptable, then the next short article will be detected by the sensor 15 immediately, If it is shorter than the predetermined time until the driving source 20 is stopped, the driving is continued.

  In the case of stopping short articles, the drive source is stopped because the leading article of the group of short articles is detected and the downstream zone is unacceptable, and the group of short articles is considered as one article. It can also be stopped.

<Withdrawal>
Next, in the first embodiment of the present invention, a control method when paying out an article from an accumulation stop state to a downstream external device will be described.

  FIG. 9 is an explanatory view of the operation at the time of sequentially discharging the articles of the roller conveyor device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. When the control unit 40d in the zone Zd receives a signal indicating that the downstream external device is acceptable and the sensor 15d is on, the drive source 20d starts high-speed driving. (Step 131)

  When the article is paid out to the external device and the sensor 15d in the zone Zd is turned off, a signal indicating that the zone Zd can be received is issued. In the zone Zd-1, the sensor 15d-1 is on, so the drive source 20d-1 Is driven at high speed. (Step 132)

  In this way, after the downstream article is dispensed, one upstream zone starts high-speed driving, and Zd, Zd-1, Zd-2, Zd-3, and high-speed driving are sequentially started. Articles are paid out one by one to the external device. (Steps 133-134)

  The payout method is not such a sequential payout, and all the zones Zd, d-1,... In the range where the articles are accumulated and stopped from the most downstream as shown in FIG. A method of starting out and paying out all at once is suitable for the embodiment of the present invention.

  That is, it is acceptable and only when all the zones are driven all at once when the sensor is ON, it is regarded as acceptable even if the downstream sensor 15n + 1 is not turned off, and the drive source 20n of the zone Zn Is set so as to be driven at high speed, high-speed conveyance of articles can be started simultaneously in all zones Zd, Zd-1,. (Steps 141-145)

  In the above description, signal transmission (for example, the second drive request) to two zones away from each other is supposed to be performed by the adjacent zone, but this may be directly transmitted. . Similarly, it may be transmitted directly to zones that are three or more away.

  Further, although the control unit 40 is provided for each zone Z, the sensor 15 and the drive source 20 of each zone Z are connected to the remote central control unit by wire or wirelessly, and the central control unit The functions of the control unit may be shared and executed.

  The drive source 20 is also provided for each zone Z. However, the drive source 20 has a common drive source for a plurality of zones Z, and the drive power transmission path is connected or disconnected to connect the drive source for each zone. You may make it fulfill | perform an equivalent function.

  Moreover, although the conveyor apparatus was demonstrated as a roller conveyor, the belt conveyor which covered the wide belt so that the outer periphery of a some roller might be covered for every zone may be sufficient.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Roller conveyor apparatus 10 Roller 15 Stock sensor 20 Drive source 30 Endless belt 40 Control part

Claims (3)

A roller type conveyor device configured by connecting a plurality of zones including a basic roller and a follower roller arranged substantially parallel to the basic roller from a conveyance upstream to a conveyance downstream,
The zone includes a drive unit for rotating the basic roller, a transmission belt for transmitting the rotational movement of the basic roller to the follower roller, and a control unit for controlling the number of rotations by the drive unit. And
The figure visualizing the control signal to the basic roller by the control unit, the horizontal axis is the passage of time, the vertical axis is the signal (ON: there is a signal, OFF: there is no signal), the driving operation state display waveform on the top, When the sensor load status display waveform is displayed below and arranged on the same time axis, a ridge shape covered with the upper ridge waveform is formed in the lower tier corresponding to the location related to the upper ridge waveform in each zone. ,
The waveform of each zone is formed on the time lapse side sequentially from the upstream zone (n−1) to the downstream zone (n + 1, n + 2, n + 3, n + 4,...), Where n is a specific zone, and ,
The roller-type conveyor apparatus characterized in that the rise time of the lower ridge waveform related to the specific zone n and the rise time of the upper ridge waveform related to the downstream zone n + 2 are substantially the same time. . A roller type conveyor device configured by connecting a plurality of zones including a basic roller and a follower roller arranged substantially parallel to the basic roller from a conveyance upstream to a conveyance downstream,
The zone includes a drive unit for rotating the basic roller, a transmission belt for transmitting the rotational movement of the basic roller to the follower roller, and a control unit for controlling the number of rotations by the drive unit. And
When the figure visualizing the control of the basic roller by the control unit is expressed by arranging on the same time axis with the horizontal axis as the passage of time and the vertical axis as a signal (ON: signal present, OFF: no signal) ,
(1) The rise time of the second drive request (OUT) signal in the (n-1) th zone, the rise time of the second drive request (IN) signal in the nth zone, and the operation in the nth zone (OUT: self The time when the signal rises from the zone control unit to the drive source of the own zone) is substantially the same time.
(2) (n-1) th zone sensor: uplift waveform of the signal (IN Rousset capacitors presence signal against the controller of its own zone from the sensor of its own zone) is operating in that zone (OUT: control of its own zone From the part, it is covered with the rising waveform of the drive instruction signal to the drive source of its own zone) signal,
(3) and the fall time of the (n-1) zone first drive request (OUT) signal, the (n-1) zone of the sensor (IN: against the control unit of its own zone from the sensor of its own zone a fall time of the sensor presence signal) signal, and the fall time of the first drive request (iN) signal of the n zone is substantially same time,
Formed as
Waveforms of the respective zones formed so as to form (1) to (3) have a specific zone as n, and the upstream zone (n−1) to the downstream zone (n + 1, n + 2, n + 3, n + 4, The roller type conveyor apparatus is characterized in that it is formed sequentially on the time passage side. A roller type conveyor device configured by connecting a plurality of zones including a basic roller and a follower roller arranged substantially parallel to the basic roller from a conveyance upstream to a conveyance downstream,
The zone includes a drive unit for rotating the basic roller, a transmission belt for transmitting the rotational movement of the basic roller to the follower roller, and a control unit for controlling the number of rotations by the drive unit. And
When the figure that visualizes the control of the basic roller by the control unit is expressed by arranging the time on the horizontal axis and the signal on the vertical axis (ON: signal present, OFF: no signal) arranged on the same time axis In addition,
(1) The first falling start time point related to the last raised portion of the driving operation signal in the (d-1) zone and the rising time point of the sensor (stock) signal in the (d-1) zone are substantially the same. At the same time,
(2) a rise start time of the raised portion of the drive operation signal of the d zone over emissions, and the first rising point of the (d-2) zone of the sensor (load presence) signal is at substantially the same time ,
A roller type conveyor device, characterized in that it is formed as described above.