JP7448232B2 - Conveyance device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a conveyance device that conveys articles using a slider that runs on the principle of a linear motor.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known a conveyance device in which an article is conveyed by a slider having a permanent magnet running on a track around which a drive coil is arranged, using the principle of a linear motor. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a conveying device including a plurality of sliders that can independently travel on an endless circular path. Most of these conveyance devices are configured such that a plurality of rollers (wheels) are disposed on a slider, and the slider can travel along a track by rolling these rollers.

Patent No. 6797395

However, the distance that a slider travels on a conveyor line per day can range from several tens of kilometers to several hundred kilometers, and as the cumulative value of travel increases, the rollers wear out and reach their service limits sooner. This will result in If the wear of the rollers reaches its limit, serious problems such as damage to the rails may occur, and the machine may stop, making production impossible for a long period of time. For this reason, it is necessary to carefully inspect each slider before operating the conveyance device every day, but maintenance work such as inspection takes time and effort.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a conveying device that can simplify maintenance work such as abrasion caused by use of a slider that runs on the principle of a linear motor.

In order to solve the above problems, the conveying device of the present invention takes the following measures. First, the invention according to claim 1 has a receiving position (2) for receiving the article (W) conveyed from the previous process, a discharge position (3) for discharging the article (W) toward the subsequent process, and a permanent position. A magnet (4), a plurality of wheels (6), a plurality of sliders (5) provided with supporting means for supporting the article (W), the receiving position (2) and the ejecting position (3) are arranged. an annular first track (10) provided, and a return route (14) downstream from the discharge position (3) in the first track (10), so as to branch from the first track (10). a second track (20) disposed on the second track (20), and a second track (20) arranged to branch from the first track (10), and the slider (5c) for replacing the slider (5). a third track (30), a guide rail (16, 21, 31) disposed along each of the tracks (10, 20, 30), and an electromagnetic coil (15) that emits a magnetic field; A command is issued to switch the magnitude of the magnetic field emitted by the electromagnetic coil (15) so that each of the sliders (5) can run on each of the tracks (10, 20, 30), and the slider (5) control means for controlling the running operation of the slider (5) so that the article (W) supported by the support means at the receiving position (2) is transported to the ejection position (3) by running each of the sliders; 40), the control means (40) includes monitoring information acquisition means (41, 42, 43) for acquiring monitoring information that monitors the usage status of each of the sliders (5); A warning signal for generating a warning signal for the slider (5a, 5b) whose continued use is at risk, based on the monitoring information obtained by the means (41, 42, 43) and a predetermined threshold for determining the usage state. It is characterized by comprising a generating means.

According to the invention according to claim 1, the conveying device moves along the first track (10) while supporting the article (W) being conveyed from the receiving position (2) to the discharging position (3). A slider (5) is provided. The running operation of the slider (5) is controlled by a control means (40). The control means (40) includes monitoring information acquisition means (41, 42, 43) and warning signal generation means. The monitoring information acquisition means (41, 42, 43) periodically monitors changes in the state of the slider (5) running on the first track (10) due to its use, and acquires monitoring information. The warning signal generating means generates a warning signal for the slider (5a, 5b) whose continued use is in doubt, based on the monitoring information and the threshold value by setting a threshold value for determining the usage state in advance. Thereby, it is possible to determine which slider (5) should be moved to the second track (20) and stopped running for maintenance from among the sliders (5) running on the first track (10). Therefore, the effort of carefully inspecting each slider (5) before operating the conveyance device can be reduced, and maintenance work for the slider (5) can be simplified.

Next, the invention according to claim 2 which is dependent on claim 1 is that the warning signal generated by the warning signal generating means is generated based on the monitoring information and a predetermined threshold for abnormality determination. An abnormality signal for the slider (5a) in which an abnormality has occurred and a signal for the slider (5b) in which an abnormality is expected to occur, which is generated based on the monitoring information and a predetermined threshold for determining abnormality notice. an abnormality notice signal, and based on the abnormality signal, move the slider (5a) in which the abnormality has occurred to the second orbit (20), and at the same time move the slider (5a) in which the abnormality has occurred to the second orbit (20) and replace the slider placed on the third orbit (30). The slider (5c) for use is moved to the first track (10).

According to the invention according to claim 2, the warning signal generating means generates an abnormality signal for the slider (5a) in which an abnormality has occurred and an abnormality notice signal for the slider (5b) in which an abnormality is expected to occur. generate. Thereby, among the sliders (5a, 5b) whose continued use is at risk, it is possible to determine which slider (5a) is more worn out and has abnormalities. Based on this abnormality signal, the slider (5a) in which the abnormality has occurred is automatically moved from the first trajectory (10) to the second trajectory (20) by the control means (40). At the same time, the replacement slider (5c) waiting on the third track (30) automatically moves to the first track (10). Therefore, the slider (5) that requires maintenance can be smoothly evacuated from the slider (5) running on the first track (10), and the running slider (5) can be automatically replaced.

Next, the invention according to claim 3, which is dependent on claim 1, is that the warning signal generated by the warning signal generating means is generated based on the monitoring information and a predetermined threshold for abnormality determination. An abnormality signal for the slider (5a) in which an abnormality has occurred and a signal for the slider (5b) in which an abnormality is expected to occur, which is generated based on the monitoring information and a predetermined threshold for determining abnormality notice. an abnormality notice signal, and displays the usage status of each of the sliders (5a, 5b) in a state in which continuation of use is at risk based on the abnormality signal or the abnormality notice signal generated by the warning signal generation means ( 47) and move the sliders (5a, 5b) whose continued use is in doubt to the second trajectory (20) according to the usage status displayed on the display section (47), and and an operating means (48) capable of issuing a command to move the replacement slider (5c) placed on the orbit (30) of the slider to the first orbit (10). .

According to the invention according to claim 3, the warning signal generating means generates an abnormality signal for the slider (5a) in which an abnormality has occurred and an abnormality notice signal for the slider (5b) in which an abnormality is expected to occur. generate. Thereby, among the sliders (5a, 5b) whose continued use is at risk, it is possible to determine which slider (5a) is more worn out and has abnormalities. Based on this abnormality signal or abnormality notice signal, the usage status of each of the sliders (5a, 5b) whose continued use is in doubt is displayed on the display section (47). Therefore, the operator selects the slider (5) that requires maintenance from among the sliders (5) running on the first track (10) according to the displayed usage status of the slider (5), and operates the slider (5). It can be evacuated to the second track (20) via means (48). At the same time, the replacement slider (5c) waiting on the third track (30) can be moved to the first track (10).

Next, the invention according to claim 4, which is dependent on any one of claims 1 to 3, is such that the control means (40) controls the use of the slider (5a, 5b) in a state where the continuation of use is at risk. A notification means (45) for notifying the state is connected, and the notification means (45) is characterized in that it issues an alarm based on the warning signal generated by the warning signal generation means.

According to the invention according to claim 4, based on the warning signal generated by the warning signal generating means, the notifying means (45) notifies the use state of the slider (5a, 5b) in which continued use is at risk. . This makes it easier to recognize the existence of sliders (5a, 5b) whose continued use is at risk.

Next, the invention according to claim 5, which is dependent on any one of claims 1 to 4, provides that the monitoring information acquisition means (41, 42, 43) accumulates the running distance of the slider (5). It is characterized by acquiring mileage information.

According to the invention according to claim 5, the cumulative travel distance of the slider (5) traveling on the first track (10) is monitored, and the travel distance information is used to determine the usage state of the slider (5). can be obtained. The warning signal generation means generates a warning signal for the slider (5a, 5b) whose continued use is at risk, based on this mileage information and a predetermined threshold value for use condition determination regarding the mileage. Therefore, it is possible to determine which slider (5) requires maintenance from the accumulated mileage information of the slider (5).

Next, the invention according to claim 6, which is dependent on any one of claims 1 to 5, provides that the monitoring information acquisition means (41, 42, 43) In (6), the slider distance information is obtained by calculating the distance (L3) to the side surface of the main body in the vicinity of the wheel (6), which is prone to wear.

According to the invention according to claim 6, for the slider (5) running on the first track (10), the distance (L3) to the side surface of the main body near the wheel (6) that is easily worn is calculated. Slider distance information can be obtained. This makes it possible to determine which slider (5) is tilted or out of position due to worn wheels (6). The warning signal generating means generates a warning signal for the slider (5a, 5b) whose continued use is in danger, based on this slider distance information and a predetermined threshold value for determining the state of use. In this way, the wear state of the wheels (6) of the slider (5) can be determined from the slider distance information, and the slider (5) that requires maintenance can be determined.

Next, the invention according to claim 7, which is dependent on any one of claims 1 to 6, provides that the monitoring information acquisition means (41, 42, 43) comprises the wheels of the slider (5). (6) is characterized in that wheel measurement information is acquired that calculates the change in the diameter (D) of the wheel (6) that is prone to wear.

According to the invention according to claim 7, the diameter (D) of the wheel (6) that is easily worn out is measured for the slider (5) running on the first track (10). This makes it possible to obtain wheel measurement information that calculates changes in the diameter (D) of the wheels (6) as the vehicle travels. The warning signal generating means generates a warning signal for the slider (5a, 5b) whose continued use is in doubt, based on this wheel measurement information and a predetermined threshold value for determining the usage state. In this way, the wear state of the wheels (6) of the slider (5) can be determined from the wheel measurement information, and the slider (5) that requires maintenance can be determined.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION This invention can provide the conveyance apparatus which can simplify maintenance work, such as abrasion accompanying the use, about the slider which runs on the principle of a linear motor.

FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of a conveyance device according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram of the slider viewed from the running direction. FIG. 3 is a diagram of the slider viewed from left and right. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between the wheels of the slider and the outer diameter sensor. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between a slider and a distance sensor. It is a figure which shows the processing flow by slider travel distance. It is a figure which shows the process flow by the outer diameter of the wheel of a slider. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a processing flow depending on the distance to the side surface of the slider body.

This embodiment will be described using FIGS. 1 to 8. The conveying device according to this embodiment is a device for supporting and conveying an article W by a slider 5 that travels on a predetermined travel trajectory based on the principle of a linear motor.

As shown in FIG. 1, the conveyance device includes an annular traveling path 10 as a first track. The circular traveling path 10 is arranged in an elliptical shape. Therefore, the circular running path 10 is formed in an endless shape by a straight running track arranged in parallel with a predetermined interval in the horizontal direction, and a curved running track connected to an end of the straight running track. A transport path 12 for the article W is set on one of the straight paths. The conveyance path 12 has a receiving position 2 that receives articles W conveyed at irregular intervals from a pre-processing process (front process) and a discharge position 3 that discharges the received articles W toward a post-processing process (post-process). It is set. A plurality of sliders 5 each having a permanent magnet 4 are disposed on the circulating path 10 so as to be able to circulate in one direction.

On the return path 14 downstream from the discharge position 3 in the circuit path 10, a retreat path 20 for the slider 5 is provided as a second track so as to branch from the circuit path 10. Furthermore, a waiting track 30 is provided as a third track between the branch point to the evacuation track 20 in the circular track 10 and the receiving position 2 so as to branch from the circular track 10. Furthermore, electromagnetic coils 15 that generate a magnetic field are arranged along the circuit path 10, the evacuation path 20, and the standby path 30.

The conveyance device includes a control unit 40 as a control means for controlling the running operation (running timing, running speed, running distance) of the slider 5. The control unit 40 constantly grasps the position of each slider 5 by detecting, via the electromagnetic coil 15, a change in the magnetic flux generated by the permanent magnet 4 embedded in the slider 5. The control unit 40 issues a command to switch the magnitude of the magnetic field generated by the electromagnetic coil 15 so that the slider 5 can travel independently on the circumferential path 10, the evacuation path 20, and the standby path 30. In addition to this command, the running operation of the sliders 5 is controlled so that each running slider 5 conveys the article W supported by a supporting means, which will be described later, at the receiving position 2 to the discharging position 3.

The slider 5 has a permanent magnet 4, a plurality of wheels 6, and support means for supporting the article W. Here, the front and back direction of the slider 5 is defined as a direction along the running direction of the slider 5, and the up, down, right and left directions are determined as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 for explanation. The slider 5 has four wheels 6 that are rotatably supported, and two of these wheels 6 are provided on the upper and lower sides of the main body of the slider 5. The two wheels 6 on the upper side of the main body are arranged so that their heights are different from each other, and the two wheels 6 on the lower side of the main body are also arranged so that their heights are different from each other. Further, permanent magnets 4 are embedded in both left and right sides of the main body of the slider 5.

Above the main body of the slider 5, a stand on which the article W to be transported is placed is provided as a support means. Note that the supporting means may include a gripping means for gripping the article W, a pushing means for pushing the article W by contacting the rear of the article W, and the like. Each slider 5 can place an article W one by one and convey the article W to the discharge position 3 each time the article W arrives at the receiving position 2 on the conveyance path 12 of the circular traveling path 10 .

As shown in FIG. 1, the conveyance device includes first guide rails 16 that support and guide each slider 5. The first guide rails 16 are disposed in pairs on the inner circumferential side of the circuit path 10 along the circuit path 10 (see FIG. 2). An electromagnetic coil unit (electromagnetic coil 15) is disposed between the upper rail and the lower rail in the pair of upper and lower first guide rails 16. In response to a command from the control unit 40, the power supply to the electromagnetic coil 15 is switched, and the magnetic field generated by the electromagnetic coil 15 changes. The slider 5 travels along the first guide rail 16 as the magnitude of the attractive force generated between the changed magnetic field and the permanent magnet 4 of the slider 5 changes.

In the electromagnetic coil unit, the side of the electromagnetic coil 15 facing the circuit path 10 is covered with a ferromagnetic material. Thereby, even if the power supply is turned off, a magnetic force acts between the permanent magnet 4 embedded in the slider 5 and the ferromagnetic material, so that the slider 5 does not fall. Furthermore, when the slider 5 travels on the circuit path 10, the four wheels 6 contact only the first guide rail 16. The slider 5 is formed so as to be spaced apart from the electromagnetic coil unit by a certain distance, albeit slightly.

The escape route 20 is arranged so as to branch from the circular route 10 on the return route 14 downstream from the discharge position 3 in the circular route 10 . Further, a second guide rail 21 is arranged along the evacuation path 20. The second guide rail 21 is provided on the outer circumferential side of the first guide rail 16, and the second guide rail 21 is provided with respect to the first guide rail 16 between the ejection position 3 of the circumferential traveling path 10 and the return to the receiving position 2. The rails 21 are arranged such that one end side thereof faces each other. The second guide rail 21 extends linearly from one end, and a retraction area 22 for retracting the slider 5 is provided at the other end.

The standby lane 30 is arranged so as to branch from the circuit path 10 between the branching point of the circuit path 10 to the evacuation path 20 and the reception position 2 . On the standby track 30, a spare slider 5c for replacing the slider 5 is arranged. Further, a third guide rail 31 is arranged along the standby track 30. The third guide rail 31 is provided on the outer peripheral side of the first guide rail 16, and the third guide rail 31 are arranged so that one end side of the two faces each other. The third guide rail 31 extends linearly from one end, and a standby area 32 in which the preliminary slider 5c is kept on standby is provided at the other end.

The second guide rails 21 are disposed in pairs along the evacuation path 20 (see FIG. 2). An electromagnetic coil unit (electromagnetic coil 15) is disposed between the upper rail and the lower rail in the pair of upper and lower second guide rails 21. The third guide rails 31 are disposed in pairs along the standby track 30 (see FIG. 2). An electromagnetic coil unit is disposed between the upper rail and the lower rail in the pair of upper and lower third guide rails 31.

The control unit 40 includes monitoring information acquisition means for acquiring monitoring information that monitors the usage status of each slider 5. The monitoring information is information on the usage history, wear state, shape change, etc. of the slider 5, and includes mileage information, slider distance information, and wheel measurement information, which will be described later. As monitoring information acquisition means, an outer diameter sensor 41, a distance sensor 42, and a barcode reader 43 are disposed on the outer circumferential side of the return route 14 of the circuit route 10. After the slider 5 discharges the article W at the discharge position 3, when the slider 5 travels on the return route 14 on the circular traveling path 10, the monitoring information acquired by the outer diameter sensor 41, distance sensor 42, and barcode reader 43 is inputted, Monitoring information obtained by calculation for each slider 5 is stored and updated.

The control unit 40 includes warning signal generation means. The warning signal generation means generates a warning signal for the sliders 5a and 5b whose continued use is in doubt, based on the monitoring information and a predetermined threshold value for determining the usage state. The warning signal generated by the warning signal generating means includes an abnormality signal for the slider 5a where an abnormality has occurred and an abnormality notice signal for the slider 5b where an abnormality is expected to occur. Note that the abnormality signal is generated based on monitoring information and a predetermined threshold for determining an abnormality, and the abnormality warning signal is generated based on monitoring information and a predetermined threshold for abnormality notification determination. It is something that will be done.

Based on the abnormality signal, the control unit 40 moves the slider 5a in which the abnormality has occurred to the evacuation path 20, and also moves the slider 5 for replacement placed on the standby path 30 to the circumferential path 10. In order to switch the track on which the slider 5 travels from the orbiting route 10 to the evacuation route 20, when the slider 5 reaches the area where the first guide rail 16 and the second guide rail 21 face each other, the orbiting route 10 side The power supply to the electromagnetic coil 15 on the evacuation lane 20 side is stopped, and power supply to the electromagnetic coil 15 on the evacuation lane 20 side is started. As a result, the permanent magnet 4 receives a magnetic field from the electromagnetic coil 15 on the side of the escape route 20, and changes the trajectory on which the slider 5 travels.

A notification means 45 is connected to the control unit 40 to notify the user of the status of use of the sliders 5a, 5b in which continued use is at risk. The notification means 45 issues an alarm based on the warning signal generated by the warning signal generation means. Examples of the notification means 45 include a lamp, a touch panel, and the like. For example, the lamp may be set to turn on in yellow based on the abnormality warning signal and turn on in red based on the abnormality signal. Alternatively, the touch panel may be set to blink based on the abnormality signal or abnormality notice signal.

Each slider 5 is provided with an identification number, and a two-dimensional barcode 8 from which the identification number can be read by a barcode reader 43 is attached to its main body (see FIG. 3). Since the position information of the slider 5 that the control unit 40 has grasped will be lost when the power supply of the conveyance device is reset, the identification number of the slider 5 is registered in the control unit 40 in advance, and this identification number and monitoring information are used as identification information. be memorized as Identification information of all the sliders 5 including the spare slider 5c is stored in the control unit 40 in advance. Moreover, the identification number of the slider 5 is attached so that it can be visually recognized, so that when the operator sees the warning display, he can recognize which slider 5 is being displayed.

The control unit 40 includes a barcode reader 43 that acquires mileage information that is the cumulative mileage of the slider 5. Specifically, when the slider 5 travels on the return route 14 on the circuit route 10, the barcode reader 43 reads the identification number and captures the identification information of the slider 5. The value of the travel distance for one revolution of the slider 5, which is stored in advance in the control unit 40, is added to the cumulative value, and the value is stored and updated. A travel distance limit value L1 (threshold value for determining abnormality) and a limit advance notice value L2 (threshold value for determining abnormality notice) are input in advance to the control section 40 via the setting operation section 46. The control unit 40 integrates the daily mileage of the slider 5 based on the internal data of the control unit 40, and compares it with a threshold input in advance to determine the usage state of the slider 5.

The control unit 40 aggregates and averages the travel distance until the slider 5 is retracted, and replaces this numerical value with a limit value, thereby enabling highly accurate predictive maintenance from the next replacement date and time.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the control unit 40 includes an outer diameter sensor 41 that obtains wheel measurement information that calculates a change in the diameter of the wheel 6 of the slider 5. Specifically, when the slider 5 travels on the return path 14 in the circumferential traveling path 10, the outer diameter D of the wheel 6 that is easily worn among the plurality of wheels 6 on the slider 5 is periodically measured by the outer diameter sensor 41. and obtain information on shape changes (diameter reduction due to wear).

For example, a photo sensor is applied to the outer diameter sensor 41. The wheel 6 to be measured is the wheel 6 on which the most load is applied among the four wheels 6 of the slider 5. A wheel wear warning value (threshold value for abnormality notice determination) and a wheel wear limit value (threshold value for abnormality determination) are input into the control unit 40 in advance via the setting operation unit 46. The control unit 40 associates the identification number of the slider 5 read by the barcode reader 43 with the slider identification information, and compares the obtained wheel measurement information with a pre-input threshold value to determine the usage state of the slider 5. do.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, the control unit 40 includes a distance sensor 42 that obtains slider distance information that calculates the distance L3 to the side surface of the main body of the slider 5. Specifically, when the slider 5 travels on the return path 14 on the circumferential traveling path 10, the distance L3 to the side surface of the main body near the wheel 6 that is easily worn among the plurality of wheels 6 on the slider 5 is periodically measured. The distance sensor 42 measures the distance. As a result, information on changes in the position of the slider 5 in a state where the posture is tilted or the position is shifted due to the worn wheels 6 is obtained.

For example, a photo sensor is applied to the distance sensor 42. The measurement position is determined by specifying and measuring the vicinity of the wheel 6 of the slider 5 where the most load is applied. The vicinity of the wheel 6 is, for example, a side surface of the main body that is 50 mm away in the vertical direction from the wheel 6, which bears the most load. A slider displacement warning value (threshold value for abnormality notice determination) and a slider displacement limit value (threshold value for abnormality determination) are input into the control unit 40 in advance via the setting operation unit 46 . The control unit 40 associates the identification number of the slider 5 read by the barcode reader 43 with the slider identification information, and compares the obtained slider distance information with a pre-input threshold value to determine the usage state of the slider 5. do.

The slider 5 that has been evacuated to the evacuation area 22 is manually removed and maintenance is performed. During the evacuation operation, the preliminary slider 5c, which has been placed in advance on the standby track 30, is automatically merged into the circular track 10. Thereby, the slider 5 can be automatically replaced without stopping the conveyance of the article W.

The movement of the slider 5 to the evacuation path 20 is not limited to automatic evacuation by the control unit 40, and a specific slider 5 may be retracted by an operator's operation. A display section 47 and operating means 48 are connected to the control section 40 . The display section 47 displays the use status of each of the sliders 5a and 5b in a state where continued use is at risk, based on the abnormality signal or abnormality notice signal generated by the warning signal generation means. The operating means 48 moves the sliders 5a and 5b whose continued use is in doubt to the evacuation path 20 according to the usage status displayed on the display unit 47, and also moves the sliders 5a and 5b that are placed in the standby area 32 (standby path 30). It is possible to operate a command to move the slider 5 for replacement to the circular traveling path 10.

A touch panel or the like is used as the display section 47 and the operation means 48. For example, an operator may only notify the touch panel that there is an abnormality regarding a specific slider 5, and after confirming the notification information, moves the specific slider 5 to the evacuation path 20 through an operation on the touch panel. You may also let them do so.

<Processing flow based on slider travel distance>
Next, a process of determining the usage status of the slider 5 by acquiring mileage information of the slider 5 will be described using FIG. 6 . As the mileage thresholds, for example, the limit value L1 is set to 30,000 km (manufacturer's guaranteed value), and the limit value L2 is set to 24,000 km (80% of the guaranteed value), which are stored in advance in the control unit 40. . Further, the value of the travel distance for one revolution of the slider 5 is stored in advance in the control unit 40.

The control unit 40 uses the barcode reader 43 to read the identification number of the slider 5 traveling on the return path 14 of the circuit path 10, and captures the identification information (step S1). The acquired identification information is linked to the cumulative value of the travel distance of the slider 5 stored in the control unit 40. The value of the travel distance for one revolution of the slider 5 stored in the control unit 40 is added to the cumulative value, and the value is stored and updated as travel distance information (step S2). If the updated value A is below the limit value L1 (step S3: No) and exceeds the limit notice value L2 (step S4: Yes), it is determined that the slider 5b is expected to experience an abnormality, and an abnormality notice signal is sent. generate. Then, based on the abnormality warning signal, a warning is displayed by lighting the lamp in yellow (step S5).

If the updated value A exceeds the limit value L1 (step S3: Yes), it is determined that the slider 5a is abnormal, and an abnormality signal is generated. Based on the abnormality signal, the lamp is lit in red to display a warning, and the slider 5a in which the abnormality has occurred is forcibly evacuated to the evacuation track 20 (steps S6 and S7), and the preliminary slider 5c is caused to start from the standby area 32. (Step S8).

Note that a touch panel or the like may be provided that predicts and displays the replacement date and time of the slider 5 from the slider mileage information. For example, if the mileage per day is 100 km, the remaining number of days until replacement is 300 days.

<Processing flow based on the outer diameter of the slider wheel>
Next, a process of determining the usage state of the slider 5 by acquiring wheel measurement information of the slider 5 will be described using FIG. 7 . The control unit 40 stores in advance a threshold value of the outer diameter reduction value B for determining the wheel wear state.

The control unit 40 uses the barcode reader 43 to read the identification number of the slider 5 traveling on the return path 14 of the circuit path 10, and captures the identification information (step T1). Further, wheel measurement information measured by the outer diameter sensor 41 is taken in (step T2). The outer diameter reduction value B of the wheel 6 is calculated from the acquired wheel measurement information (step T3), and the slider 5 is identified by comparing it with the identification information (step T4). When the outer diameter reduction value B is less than the threshold value (step T5: Yes), the count value N of the number of determinations is reset to the initial value=0 (step T6). If the outer diameter reduction value B is equal to or greater than the threshold value (step T5: No), a warning signal for displaying a warning is generated, the number of determinations is counted, and 1 is added to the count value N. (Step T7). Further, based on the warning signal, a warning is displayed by flashing the lamp in orange (step T8).

The count value N is set in advance to a prescribed number of times, and the set value is stored in the control unit 40. If the count value N exceeds the set value (step T9: Yes), it is determined that the slider 5a is abnormal, and an abnormality signal for retracting the slider 5 is generated. Then, based on the abnormality signal, the slider 5a in which the abnormality has occurred is forced to retreat to the escape track 20 (step T10), and the preliminary slider 5c is caused to run from the standby area 32 (step T11). Note that there is a possibility of erroneous measurement if the outer diameter sensor 41 measures only once, so if the outer diameter reduction value B is determined to be equal to or greater than the threshold value a certain number of times in a row, the slider 5 is It is set to be evacuated.

In the process of acquiring wheel measurement information and determining the usage state of the slider 5, two types of threshold values for the outer diameter reduction value B may be set, and the usage state may be determined in two stages. For example, if the wheel wear warning value is 0.8 mm and the wheel wear limit value is 1 mm, and the outer diameter reduction value B exceeds only the warning value, a warning is displayed. When the outer diameter reduction value B exceeds the limit value, a warning is displayed and the slider 5a in which the abnormality has occurred is forcibly retracted.

<Processing flow based on the distance to the side of the slider body>
Next, a process of determining the usage status of the slider 5 by acquiring slider distance information will be described using FIG. 8. The control unit 40 stores in advance the distance to the slider 5, the threshold value of the displacement amount C, and the set value of the count value N for determining the wheel wear state.

The control unit 40 uses the barcode reader 43 to read the identification number of the slider 5 traveling on the return path 14 of the circuit path 10, and captures the identification information (step U1). Further, the slider distance information measured by the distance sensor 42 is taken in (step U2). The displacement amount C is calculated from the acquired slider distance information (step U3), and the slider 5 is identified by comparing it with the identification information (step U4). When the displacement amount C is less than the threshold value (step U5: Yes), the count value N of the number of determinations is reset to the initial value=0 (step U6). If the displacement amount C is greater than or equal to the threshold value (step U5: No), a warning signal for displaying a warning is generated, the number of determinations is counted, and 1 is added to the count value N, which is stored as N. (Step U7). Also, based on the warning signal, a warning is displayed by flashing the lamp in brown (step U8).

If the count value N exceeds the set value (step U9: Yes), it is determined that the slider 5a is abnormal, and an abnormality signal for retracting the slider 5 is generated. Then, based on the abnormality signal, the slider 5a in which the abnormality has occurred is forced to retreat to the escape track 20 (step U10), and the preliminary slider 5c is caused to run from the standby area 32 (step U11). Note that since there is a possibility of erroneous measurement if the distance sensor 42 measures only once, the slider 5 is set to be retracted when the displacement amount C is determined to be equal to or greater than the threshold value a certain number of times in succession. It becomes.

In the process of acquiring slider distance information and determining the usage state of the slider 5, two types of threshold values for the displacement amount C may be set, and the usage state may be determined in two stages. For example, if the slider displacement warning value is 0.4 mm and the slider displacement limit value is 0.5 mm, and the displacement amount C exceeds only the warning value, a warning is displayed. If the displacement amount C exceeds the limit value, a warning is displayed and the slider 5a with the abnormality is forcibly evacuated.

The transport device according to the above embodiment has the following effects.
(1) The conveyance device includes a slider 5 that runs on a circular path 10 (first track) while supporting the article W being conveyed from the receiving position 2 to the discharge position 3. The running operation (running timing, running speed, running distance) of the slider 5 is controlled by a control unit 40 (control means). The control unit 40 includes an outer diameter sensor 41, a distance sensor 42, a barcode reader 43 (monitoring information acquisition means), and a warning signal generation means. The outer diameter sensor 41, the distance sensor 42, and the barcode reader 43 periodically monitor changes in the state of the slider 5 while it is running on the circuit path 10 due to its use, and obtain monitoring information. The warning signal generating means generates a warning signal for the sliders 5a and 5b whose continued use is at risk by setting a threshold value for determining the usage state in advance, based on the monitoring information and the threshold value. Thereby, it is possible to determine which slider 5 should be moved to the evacuation track 20 (second track) and stopped running for maintenance from among the sliders 5 running on the circular track 10. Therefore, the effort of carefully inspecting each slider 5 before operating the transport device can be reduced, and maintenance work for the slider 5 can be simplified.
(2) The warning signal generating means generates an abnormality signal for the slider 5a where an abnormality has occurred and an abnormality notice signal for the slider 5b where an abnormality is expected to occur. As a result, it is possible to determine which slider 5a has become more worn out and has abnormalities among the sliders 5a and 5b whose continued use is at risk. Based on this abnormality signal, the slider 5a in which the abnormality has occurred is automatically moved from the circuit path 10 to the escape path 20. At the same time, the replacement slider 5 waiting in the standby area 32 is automatically moved to the circuit path 10. Therefore, it is possible to smoothly evacuate the slider 5 that requires maintenance from the slider 5 that is running on the circuit path 10, and to automatically replace the slider 5 that is running.
(3) The warning signal generation means generates an abnormality signal for the slider 5a where an abnormality has occurred and an abnormality notice signal for the slider 5b where an abnormality is expected to occur. As a result, it is possible to determine which slider 5a has become more worn out and has abnormalities among the sliders 5a and 5b whose continued use is at risk. Based on this abnormality signal or abnormality notice signal, the usage status of each of the sliders 5a and 5b, which is in a state where continued use is in doubt, is displayed on the display section 47. Therefore, the operator selects the slider 5 that requires maintenance from among the sliders 5 running on the circumferential path 10 according to the displayed usage status of the slider 5, and moves it to the evacuation path 20 via the operating means 48. It can be evacuated. At the same time, the spare slider 5c for replacement, which is waiting in the standby area 32, can be moved to the circuit path 10.
(4) Based on the warning signal generated by the warning signal generating means, the notifying means 45 notifies the use status of the sliders 5a, 5b in a state where continued use is at risk. This makes it easier to recognize the presence of sliders 5a and 5b whose continued use is at risk.
(5) The control unit 40 includes a barcode reader 43 that can read the identification number of the slider 5, and can link it to the stored identification information of the slider 5. As a result, it is possible to monitor the accumulated travel distance of the slider 5 while it is traveling on the circular travel path 10, and to obtain travel distance information for determining the state of use. The warning signal generating means generates a warning signal for the sliders 5a and 5b whose continued use is at risk, based on this travel distance information and a predetermined threshold value for use state determination regarding the travel distance. Therefore, it is possible to determine which slider 5 requires maintenance based on the accumulated mileage information of the slider 5.
(6) The distance sensor 42 included in the control unit 40 can acquire slider distance information, which is the calculated distance L3 to the main body of the slider 5 near the wheels 6, which are prone to wear, with respect to the slider 5 running on the circuit path 10. Thereby, it is possible to determine whether the slider 5 is tilted or misaligned due to the worn wheels 6. The warning signal generating means generates a warning signal for the sliders 5a and 5b whose continued use is in danger, based on this slider distance information and a predetermined threshold value for determining the state of use. In this way, the wear state of the wheels 6 of the slider 5 can be determined from the slider distance information, and the slider 5 that requires maintenance can be determined.
(7) The outer diameter sensor 41 included in the control unit 40 measures the outer diameter D of the wheel 6, which is likely to wear out, on the slider 5 running on the circuit path 10. This makes it possible to obtain wheel measurement information that calculates changes in the outer diameter D of the wheels 6 as the vehicle travels. The warning signal generation means generates a warning signal for the sliders 5a and 5b whose continued use is in doubt, based on this wheel measurement information and a predetermined threshold value for determining the usage state. In this way, the wear state of the wheels 6 of the slider 5 can be determined from the wheel measurement information, and the slider 5 that requires maintenance can be determined.
(8) By defining two types of threshold values for determining the usage status of the slider 5: a limit value and a limit warning value that stays at a warning level slightly before the limit value, it is possible to determine whether the slider is about to become abnormal or not. The state of use can be determined based on the two levels of the slider where the error occurs.

<Example of change>
The present invention is not limited to the configuration described in the embodiments described above, and various changes, additions, and deletions can be made without changing the gist.
(1) In the above embodiment, when the slider 5 travels linearly on the circumferential route 10 (first track), each lane is changed so that the slider 5 changes lanes to the evacuation route 20 (second track). Although an example in which the guide rails 16 and 21 are provided is shown, the present invention is not limited to this, and the slider 5 may change lanes to the second track when the slider 5 travels in a curve on the first track. .
(2) The position where the evacuation area 22 is arranged is preferably the return path 14 after the article W is discharged, and is not specified in the above embodiment.
(3) The order in which the outer diameter sensor 41, distance sensor 42, and barcode reader 43 are arranged can be set arbitrarily, and the order in which they are arranged may be changed.
(4) Although an example has been shown in which the outer diameter D of the wheel 6 of the slider 5 that is running is measured using a photo sensor, the present invention is not limited to this. Various measurement methods can be adopted, such as measuring the outer diameter D of No. 6. Similarly, various measurement methods can be adopted for measuring the distance from the distance sensor 42 to the slider 5.
(5) On the downstream side of the discharge position 3, various packaging machines such as a bag making and filling machine, a cartoner/caser packaging machine, a bag feeding packaging machine, etc. can be arranged.
(6) Although an example is shown in which the articles W are received in one line at the receiving position 2, the present invention is not limited to this, and various article delivery methods may be used, such as placing articles W delivered in multiple lines on multiple sliders 5 at the same time. It may be configured to correspond to the following.
(7) The annular first trajectory means that even if the slider 5 that receives the article W at the article W receiving position 2 is selected from a plurality of destinations and moves each time, the first trajectory is a circular one. It includes a structure for returning to the receiving position 2.
(8) In the first track, the receiving position 2 and the discharging position 3 can be arranged at various positions as necessary. Alternatively, a plurality of receiving positions 2 and a plurality of discharge positions 3 may be provided.
(9) A pushing body for pushing the article W from behind and a support means for supporting the article W, such as a chucking means, are arranged with respect to the slider 5 so that the article W moves along the trajectory along which the slider 5 travels. You can also set it up.
(10) The control unit 40 may have a learning function that can update and set a threshold value for determining the usage state from the next time onwards based on the accumulated monitoring information of the slider 5. This makes it possible to predict the arrival of an abnormality in the slider 5 with higher accuracy.

W: Article D: Outer diameter L3: Distance to the side of the slider main body 2: Receiving position 3: Ejecting position 4: Permanent magnet 5: Slider 5a: Slider with an abnormality (slider whose continued use is in doubt) )
5b: Slider where an abnormality is expected to occur (slider whose continued use is at risk)
5c: Spare slider (slider for replacement) 6: Wheel 10: Circumferential path (first track) 12: Conveyance path 14: Return path 15: Electromagnetic coil 16: First guide rail 20: Evacuation path (second path) track) 21: Second guide rail 22: Evacuation area 30: Standby track (third track) 31: Third guide rail 32: Standby area 40: Control section (control means) 41: Outer diameter sensor (monitoring information acquisition means )
42: Distance sensor (monitoring information acquisition means) 43: Barcode reader (monitoring information acquisition means)
45: Notification means 46: Setting operation section 47: Display section 48: Operation means

Claims (7)

A receiving position for receiving goods conveyed from the previous process;
a discharge position for discharging the article toward a subsequent process;
a plurality of sliders provided with permanent magnets, a plurality of wheels, and support means for supporting the article;
an annular first track in which the receiving position and the discharging position are arranged;
a second track arranged to branch from the first track on a return route downstream from the discharge position on the first track;
a third track arranged to branch from the first track and on which the slider for replacement of the slider is placed;
a guide rail disposed along each of the tracks and an electromagnetic coil that emits a magnetic field;
A command is given to switch the magnitude of the magnetic field emitted by the electromagnetic coil so that each of the sliders can travel on each of the tracks, and each of the sliders is caused to travel and supported by the support means at the receiving position. comprising a control means for controlling the running operation of the slider so as to convey the article to the discharge position,
The control means includes:
monitoring information acquisition means for acquiring monitoring information that monitors the usage status of each of the sliders;
A warning signal generation means for generating a warning signal for a slider whose continued use is in danger based on the monitoring information obtained by the monitoring information acquisition means and a predetermined threshold value for determining the state of use. Characteristic conveyance device. The warning signal generated by the warning signal generating means is:
an abnormality signal regarding the slider in which the abnormality has occurred, which is generated based on the monitoring information and a predetermined threshold for abnormality determination;
an abnormality notice signal for a slider in which an abnormality is expected to occur, which is generated based on the monitoring information and a predetermined threshold for determining abnormality notice;
Based on the abnormality signal, the slider in which the abnormality has occurred is moved to a second orbit, and the slider for replacement placed on the third orbit is moved to the first orbit. The conveying device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The warning signal generated by the warning signal generating means is:
an abnormality signal regarding the slider in which the abnormality has occurred, which is generated based on the monitoring information and a predetermined threshold for abnormality determination;
an abnormality notice signal for a slider in which an abnormality is expected to occur, which is generated based on the monitoring information and a predetermined threshold for determining abnormality notice;
a display unit that displays the usage status of each slider in a state where continued use is at risk, based on the abnormality signal or the abnormality notice signal generated by the warning signal generation means;
In accordance with the usage status displayed on the display unit, the slider whose continued use is at risk is moved to the second trajectory, and the slider placed on the third trajectory for replacement is moved to the second trajectory. 2. The conveying device according to claim 1, further comprising an operating means that can issue a command to move the device to the first trajectory. The control means is connected to a notification means for notifying a state of use of the slider in which continuation of use is at risk;
The conveyance device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the notification means issues an alarm based on the warning signal generated by the warning signal generation means. The conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the monitoring information acquisition means acquires travel distance information obtained by accumulating travel distances of the slider. The monitoring information acquisition means acquires slider distance information obtained by calculating a distance to a side surface of the main body near a wheel of the slider that is easily worn among the plurality of wheels. The conveyance device according to any one of Item 5. Any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the monitoring information acquisition means acquires wheel measurement information that calculates a change in the diameter of a wheel that is likely to wear out among the plurality of wheels of the slider. The conveyance device according to item 1.

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