JP2000344334A - Module device and module system - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [PROBLEMS] To eliminate the need for a control panel for collectively controlling the entire system and easily respond to changes in the system. SOLUTION: A module 2 for processing the transport of the transported object.
And the module control unit 3 to form the module device 1. The module control unit 3 includes a storage unit 6 that stores a program, a communication unit 7 that communicates with another module device 1, and a control unit 5 that controls the module 2 according to these programs and communication. The module device 1 itself has an autonomous control function and a communication function, and by combining a plurality of module devices 1, a system for processing a series of conveyance of a conveyed object is configured.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a module device and a module system for processing a transport of a transported object.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, for example, a roller conveyor or a belt conveyor for carrying a conveyed object, a conversion mechanism for changing the conveyed direction of the conveyed object, a diverter mechanism for branching the conveyed object, an elevating mechanism for elevating the conveyed object, and When a system for processing a series of transported objects is configured by combining various transport processing mechanisms (modules) such as a stopper mechanism that stops the transport of the transported object, one drive source for the various transport processing mechanisms is controlled. A so-called decentralized control method in which control is performed collectively by a panel is employed. Detection signals are input to the control panel from detection devices such as switches and sensors of various transport processing mechanisms.

[0003]

However, the distributed control system in which the respective transport processing mechanisms are collectively controlled by a single control panel requires an expensive control panel having a high processing capability capable of performing parallel processing, and is also combined. The problem is that a system-specific program for processing a series of systems that have been used is required.

In addition, in response to a change in the transport line,
When the system is changed, the program of the control panel must be largely changed, and there is a problem that it is not easy to change the system.

Further, each transport processing mechanism detects a standby position or an operating position and controls a driving source. For these detections, a detecting device such as a sensor or a switch is required, and the number of parts is reduced. In many cases, there is a problem that assembly and maintenance are complicated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and the module device itself has an autonomous control function and a communication function, thereby eliminating the need for a control panel for collectively controlling the entire system and making it possible to change the system. It is an object of the present invention to provide a module device and a module system that can be easily handled.

[0007]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a module device for processing a transported object, a storage device storing a program for controlling the module, and a communication device for communicating with another module device. And a module control unit having control means for controlling the module in accordance with these programs and communications.

The module device itself has an autonomous control function and a communication function by combining a module for processing the transfer of a conveyed product with a module control unit. By combining the module devices having such functions, a system for processing a series of conveyance of a conveyed object is configured.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a module device comprising a roller unit, a motor unit built in the roller unit for rotating the roller unit, and a motor roller having a rotation detecting unit for detecting rotation of the roller unit. A module for processing the conveyance of the conveyed object using the rollers as a drive source, a storage unit for storing a program for controlling the module, a communication unit for communicating with another module device, and a detection output of a rotation detection unit of the motor roller. And a module control unit having control means for controlling the motor roller of the module in accordance with the program, communication and detection.

The module device itself has an autonomous control function and a communication function by combining the module for processing the transport of the transported product with the module control unit. By combining the module devices having such functions, a system for processing a series of conveyance of a conveyed object is configured. Further, a motor roller is used as a drive source of the module, and a rotation detecting unit of the motor roller for speed control is used to detect a processing state of the transport of the conveyed article based on a detection output of the rotation detecting unit. .

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the module device according to the first or second aspect, the module has a plurality of motor rollers, and the module control unit includes:
Each motor roller is individually controlled.

[0012] Even when the module has a plurality of motor rollers, each motor roller is individually controlled by the module control unit.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the module device according to any one of the first to third aspects, a common program is stored in the storage means for modules having different processing modes of transporting the transported product. A program corresponding to the module is selected and set from the programs.

In the storage means, a common program is stored for modules having different processing modes for transporting the conveyed articles, and a program corresponding to the module is selected and set from this program, so that it can be connected to other module devices. Even when configuring the system or changing the system, it is possible to respond by simple selection settings.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a module system including a plurality of the module devices according to any one of the first to fourth aspects. They are communicably connected to each other.

[0016] A system for processing the transport of the conveyed articles is constructed by combining the modules so as to be able to transfer the conveyed articles between the modules and communicatively connecting them with each other by the communication means.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the module system according to the fifth aspect, wherein at least a part of the plurality of module devices is different in a processing mode of transporting the transported object.

Further, a system for processing the transport of a conveyed article in a series is configured even when a combination of module devices having different transport modes of the conveyed article is combined.

[0019]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the module device and the module system according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a module device. The module device 1 has a module (transportation processing mechanism) 2 for processing the transport of a transported object and a module control unit 3 for controlling the module 2. The module device 1 itself has an autonomous control function and a communication function.

The module 2 processes the conveyance of the conveyed article. For example, a roller conveyor (basic module) for conveying the conveyed article, a converter module for changing the conveying direction of the conveyed article, and a conveyer for conveying the conveyed article. A stopper module that temporarily stops, a sleeve conveyor module that conveys a conveyed object to another convey line or conveys a conveyed object that is branched off from another convey line, or branches a conveyed object from a convey line to another convey line. It is composed of various transport mechanisms, such as a diverter module, that handle transported objects. A specific example and structure of the module 2 will be described later.

The module 2 has at least one (one or more) motor rollers 4 as a driving source. The motor rollers 4 are provided with a motor unit 14 and a rotation detecting unit 16 described later.
have. The structure of the motor roller 4 will be described later.

The module control unit 3 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) having functions of control means and detection means.
5, a memory 6 as a storage unit in which a program for controlling the module 2 is stored, and another module device 1
It has a communication means 7 for communicating with. These, CPU
5, the memory 6, and the communication means 7 are mounted on a board (not shown) to form a control board.

The CPU 5 executes the autonomous control of the module 2 based on the program stored in the memory 6, and has a communication function of communicating with another module device 1 by the communication means 7, a rotation detecting unit 16 of the motor roller 4. Has a function of a detecting means for detecting the processing state of the conveyed object based on the detection output of the above, and a function of a control means for controlling the motor roller 4 of the module 2 in accordance with these programs, communication and detection. The communication function is configured to communicate with each other based on a communication protocol stored in the memory 6 so that when a system to be described later is assembled with another module device 1, the conveyance of the conveyed objects can be controlled in series. I have. The function of the detecting means is to monitor the rotation amount of the motor roller 4 from the detection output of the rotation detection unit 16 of the motor roller 4, and to determine the movement amount of the conveyed object according to the rotation amount of the motor roller 4 and the rotation amount of the motor roller 4. The operating state of the operating part operated by driving is confirmed.

The memory 6 stores a program common to the various modules 2 having different processing modes for transporting the conveyed articles, and is configured to select and set a program corresponding to the module 2 to be combined from the programs. I have. In the selection setting of the program, a program corresponding to the function of the module 2 and an attribute (property) such as a conveyor speed are set. Further, in the memory 6,
A communication protocol that defines a communication procedure for communicating with another module device 1 or the like is stored.

Therefore, the module control section 3 is configured in common for various types of module devices 1 having different processing modes for transporting the transported article, and is adapted to the function and attribute selection setting of the module 2 to be combined.

Next, FIG. 2 shows a configuration diagram of a module system, in which a plurality of module devices 1 are combined,
A system for processing the transport of the transported object in a series is configured. In the module device 1, the same or different processing modes for transporting the transported articles are used and combined.
These module devices 1 are combined so as to be able to transfer goods between the modules 2 and are communicably connected to each other by communication means 7.

The selection setting of the function of each module device 1 is performed by, for example, connecting a setting means such as a portable personal computer to the module control unit 3 (communication means 7) and selecting a selection element displayed on the screen of the setting means. Can be easily set by selecting. The setting of the module control unit 3 of each module device 1 can be performed by communication in a state where the setting unit is connected to the module control unit 3 of one module device 1. The settings can also be made individually by connecting to the control unit 3.

In the transport processing of the transported goods by the module system, the transport of the transported goods is processed by each module 2 while communicating with other module apparatuses 1 by the autonomous control of each module apparatus 1, and the adjacent modules are processed. The transported object is delivered to the device 1. That is, by communicating with each other between the autonomously controlled module devices 1, the transport of the transported goods is processed in a series as a whole system.

Further, when the system is changed by changing the transport line, even if the arrangement of the module device 1 is changed, simple selection items such as functions and attributes of the module device 1 to be changed in the system are changed. Just select and set
Can be easily handled. That is, since each module device 1 performs autonomous control, it is possible to easily cope with a system change.

Next, FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the motor roller 4. The motor roller 4 has a cylindrical roller portion 11, and a shaft body protruding from both ends of the roller portion 11 and rotatably supporting the roller portion 11. 12, 13, a motor unit 14 attached to the shaft 12 at one end in the roller unit 11, a reduction gear unit 15 for transmitting the rotational driving force of the motor unit 14 to the roller unit 11, and the roller unit 11 (motor unit 14). It has a rotation detection unit 16 for detecting the rotation of.

The roller portion 11 is rotatably supported at one end and near the other end by a shaft body 12 at one end via bearings 17 and 18, and has the other end at the other end via a bearing 19. It is rotatably supported by the shaft 13.

The shafts 12 and 13 are divided in the axial direction, and are arranged coaxially with each other via a roller portion 11. Shaft at one end
Reference numeral 12 denotes a hollow space in which a wiring space (not shown) through which wiring passes is formed. The shaft 13 at the other end is located at a position protruding from the end of the roller portion 11 with respect to the bearing 19 and the roller portion 11.
The roller 21 can be moved in the axial direction between the position of the roller 11 and the spring receiving member 20 on the roller portion 11 side.

The motor section 14 is, for example, a DC motor powered by 24 V DC.
The stator 22 is fixed to the
Both ends of a cylindrical rotor 23 arranged opposite to the outer periphery of the cylindrical rotor 23 are rotatably supported via bearings 24. The stator 22 has a stator core and a stator winding, and a lead wire connected to the stator winding is drawn out through the shaft 12.

The reduction gear portion 15 reduces the rotational force of the rotor 23 and transmits the reduced rotation force to the roller portion 11. The reduction gear portion 15 applies a planetary gear mechanism 26 to an internal gear 25 mounted on the inner periphery of the roller portion 11. The rotational force of the rotor 23 is configured to be transmitted in a reduced speed via the rotor.

A hall sensor is used for the rotation detecting unit 16. The hall sensor is an annular magnet 27 mounted concentrically on the rotor 23, and is mounted on the shaft 12 side in close proximity to the magnet 27. It has a Hall element 28. The lead wire connected to the Hall element 28 is drawn out through the shaft 12. In the magnet 27, the S pole and the N pole are alternately magnetized every 90 degrees along the circumferential direction. One rotation of the rotor 23 outputs two pulses from the Hall element 28. For example, when the reduction ratio of the reduction gear unit 15 is 1/43, one rotation of the roller unit 11 causes the Hall element 28 to output 86 pulses. A pulse is output.

Based on the detection output of the rotation detection unit 16 of the motor roller 4 used as a drive source of the module 2, for example, a conveyance position of a conveyed object according to the rotation amount of the roller unit 11 is detected, It is possible to detect the operation starting point position and the operation position of the operation body moved by the drive of No. 4.

The module device 1 configured as described above
According to the above, since the module control unit 3 is combined with the module 2 that processes the transport of the conveyed article, and the module device 1 itself has the autonomous control function and the communication function, the module device 1 having such functions is combined. This makes it possible to easily configure a system for processing a series of articles to be conveyed, eliminate the need for a conventional control panel for collectively controlling the entire system, and easily respond to system changes.

Further, the motor roller 4 is used as a driving source of the module 2, and the rotation detecting unit 16 of the motor roller 4 for controlling the speed is used.
Since the processing status of the conveyed article can be detected based on the 16 detection outputs, no special detection equipment is required, and assembly and maintenance can be facilitated.

Further, even when one module 2 is provided with a plurality of motor rollers 4, each motor roller 4 can be individually controlled by the module control section 3.

A common program is stored in the memory 6 for the module 2 having a different processing mode for transporting the transported product, and a program corresponding to the module 2 is selectively set from this program. Even when the system is configured with 1 or when the system is changed, it can be easily handled by simple selection and setting.

By using the motor roller 4 as a drive source of the module 2, as described above, the rotation detection unit 16 of the motor roller 4 for speed control is used, and the detection output of the rotation detection unit 16 is used. It can detect the processing state of the transport of the conveyed object, does not require special detection equipment, and can easily assemble and maintain. However, it may be configured using a general-purpose motor and various sensors. Can be autonomously controlled.

Next, the structure of each module 2 will be described.

First, the roller conveyor module (basic module) 31 will be described with reference to FIG.

The roller conveyor module (basic module) 31 is an accumulating conveyor of a roller conveyor system. A plurality of motor rollers 4 and a plurality of free rollers 34 are provided between the side frames 33 on both sides of the conveyor frame 32 in the transport direction. The plurality of motor rollers 4 and the plurality of free rollers 34 constitute a transport surface for transporting the transported object.

The transport surface is divided into a plurality of transport areas along the transport direction, and at least one motor roller 4 and a plurality (two) of free rollers 34 are provided for each transport area. That is, a plurality of motor rollers 4 are arranged at a predetermined pitch (every two pitches), and a plurality of (two) free rollers 34 are arranged between these motor rollers 4.

Then, the motor roller 4 is controlled by the module control unit 3, the conveyed object on the conveying surface is conveyed in the conveying direction by the rotation drive of the motor roller 4, and the detection output of the rotation detecting unit 16 of the motor roller 4 is detected. Thus, the transported object is detected.

To detect a conveyed object conveyed from the upstream side by the motor roller 4, the motor roller 4 is rotated at a speed lower than a predetermined conveying speed, and is conveyed from the upstream side at a predetermined conveying speed. When the incoming conveyance reaches the motor roller 4 rotating at a low speed, the rotation of the motor roller 4 is temporarily increased. At this time, the pulse interval (or the number of pulses per unit time) generated from the rotation detection unit 16 of the motor roller 4 rotating at a low speed changes, and this change is detected by the function of the detection unit of the module control unit 3, that is, Then, it is detected that the conveyed article has reached the position of the motor roller 4. Based on this detection, the motor roller 4 is increased to a predetermined conveying speed to convey the conveyed object, or the rotation of the motor roller 4 is stopped to brake and stop the conveyed object.

As described above, the rotation detecting unit 16 of the motor roller 14 for controlling the speed is
The transport state of the transported object can be detected based on the 16 detection outputs. Therefore, it is possible to configure an accumulating conveyor that sequentially conveys articles without contacting each other.

Next, the converter module 41 will be described with reference to FIGS.

The converter module 41 includes a first roller conveyor 42 for transporting a conveyed object and the first roller conveyor 42.
The first roller conveyor is disposed at an intersection with a second roller conveyor 43 that conveys the goods in a direction orthogonal to the first roller conveyor.
The transported material is transferred from 42 to the second roller conveyor 43 or from the second roller conveyor 43 to the first roller conveyor 42 to change the transport direction to a substantially right angle.

Each of the roller conveyors 42, 43 has a conveyor frame 44, 45, and a plurality of rollers 46, 47 are provided between the side frames 44a, 45a on both sides of the conveyor frames 44, 45 in the transport direction (the direction of the arrow). Are arranged in parallel with each other, and a transport surface on which the transported material is transported by the rollers 46 and 47 is configured. Note that the motor roller 4 described above may be used for the plurality of rollers 46 and 47. In FIG. 5, a part of the roller 46 of the first roller conveyor 42 is omitted.

The converter module 41 has a conversion conveyor 51, an elevating body 52 for elevating the elevating conveyor 51, and an elevating mechanism 53 for driving the elevating body 52 up and down.

The conversion conveyor 51 is a first roller conveyor.
42, a pair of guide rails 54 which are arranged between the adjacent rollers 46 so as to be able to move up and down at a distance from each other in the conveyance direction. Attached to. At one end of each guide rail 54 (on the second roller conveyor 43 side),
A support piece 56 is attached, and a motor roller 57 (having the same structure as that of the motor roller 4 and denoted by reference numeral 57 in the converter module 41) is attached between the support pieces 56 via shafts 12 and 13 at both ends. A sprocket 58 that rotates integrally with the roller unit 11 is fixed to both ends of the motor roller 57 with screws. The other end of the guide rail 54 (the side opposite to the second roller conveyor 43) is connected to a sprocket 60 via a support piece 59.
A sprocket 62 is rotatably supported below the guide rail 54 via a support plate 61. A chain 63 is stretched over the sprockets 58, 60, 62 and the upper edge of the guide rail 54.

The elevating body 52 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape, is disposed below the rollers 46 of the first roller conveyor 42, and is provided inside the side frames 44a on both sides of the conveyor frame 44. A guide groove 65 is formed in the portion 64 so as to be vertically movable and is provided so as to be able to move up and down with respect to the conveyor frame 44.

The elevating mechanism 53 has a motor roller 66 (same structure as the motor roller 4 and is indicated by a reference numeral 66 in the converter module 41) disposed along the inside of the side frames 44a on both sides of the conveyor frame 44. These motor rollers 66 are disposed on both sides of the conveyor frame 44 outside the four corners of the elevating body 52 via the shafts 12 and 13 at both ends.
It is attached to attachment pieces 67 provided inside 44a, respectively. A lever 68 is fixed to both ends of the roller portion 11 of the motor roller 66, and a support roller 69 that is in contact with and supports the lower surface of the elevating body 52 is rotatably attached to the lever 68. One of the levers 68 at both ends of each motor roller 66 is connected to each other by a rod 70 so as to integrally rotate.

Then, the conveyed material conveyed from the upstream side of the first roller conveyor 42 is transferred to the second roller conveyor 43.
When the sheet is conveyed to the downstream side of the first roller conveyor 42 without being changed to the first position, as shown in FIGS.
As a result, the elevating body 52 is lowered, and the conversion conveyor 51 is positioned below the conveying surface of the first roller conveyor 42. In the elevating mechanism 53, as shown in FIG. 7, when each roller motor 66 is rotated clockwise, each support roller 69 is lowered, and the elevating body 52 is lowered. Whether the elevating body 52 has been lowered to the predetermined lowering position is detected based on the detection output of the rotation detecting unit 16 of the motor roller 66.

As a result, the conveyed material conveyed from the upstream side of the first roller conveyor 42 passes above the conversion conveyor 51 and is conveyed to the downstream side of the first roller conveyor 42.

When the conveyed material conveyed from the upstream side of the first roller conveyor 42 is converted to the second roller conveyor 43, the elevating body 52 is lowered by the elevating mechanism 53 as described above. Then, the conversion conveyor 51 is positioned below the conveying surface of the first roller conveyor 42. After the conveyed object reaches above the conversion conveyor 51 and is stopped by a stopper (not shown), the elevating body 52 is raised by the elevating mechanism 53, and the conversion conveyor 51 is raised above the conveyance surface of the first roller conveyor 42 and conveyed. The object is lifted on the chain 63 of the conversion conveyor 51. In the elevating mechanism 53, in FIG. 7, each roller motor 66 is rotated in the counterclockwise direction, so that each support roller 69 is raised, and the elevating body 52 is raised. Lifting body
Whether or not 52 has been raised to the predetermined raised position is detected based on the detection output of the rotation detection unit 16 of the motor roller 66.

After the conveyed article is raised from the conveying surface of the first roller conveyor 42, in FIG. 7, the motor roller 57 is turned clockwise, and the chain 63 is turned in the same direction. The conveyed object moves and is discharged to the second roller conveyor 43. Then, whether or not the conveyed material has been delivered to the second roller conveyor 43 is detected based on the detection output of the rotation detection unit 16 of the motor roller 57.

Therefore, the transported material is transferred from the first roller conveyor 42 to the second roller conveyor 43, and the transport direction of the transported material is changed to a substantially right angle.

By the reverse operation, the transported material is transferred from the second roller conveyor 43 to the first roller conveyor 42, and the transport direction of the transported material is changed to a substantially right angle.

Next, the stopper module 71 will be described with reference to FIGS.

The stopper module 71 is a roller conveyor.
Arranged below the roller conveyor 72, the conveyed objects conveyed by the roller conveyor 72 are stopped.

The roller conveyor 72 has a conveyor frame 73.
And the side frames on both sides of this conveyor frame 73
A plurality of rollers 75 are arranged in parallel along the transport direction (the direction of the arrow) between the rollers 74, and a transport surface for transporting the transported material by these rollers 75 is configured. The above-described motor roller 4 may be used as the plurality of rollers 75.

The stopper module 71 has a plate-like stopper 76 which is vertically movable between the adjacent rollers 75 of the roller conveyor 72. Both ends of the stopper 76 are provided on both sides of the conveyor frame 73. It is vertically movably supported via a guide mechanism 77 provided on the frame 74. Each guide mechanism 77 has a guide portion 78 that regulates an end surface position of the stopper 76, and a plurality of rotatable guide rollers 79 that regulates the position of both side surfaces of the stopper 76.

On the side surface of the stopper 76, a motor roller 80 (having the same structure as the motor roller 4 and denoted by reference numeral 80 in the stopper module 71) is disposed orthogonally to the roller 75. The motor roller 80 has shafts 12 at both ends,
13 through the side frames on both sides of the conveyor frame 73
It is attached to a support plate 81 erected between 74. A crank-shaped lever 82 is attached to the roller portion 11 of the motor roller 80, and a roller 83 is rotatably supported at the tip of the lever 82. The rollers 83 are rotatably engaged between guide plates 84 mounted on the side surface of the stopper 76 in a vertically parallel manner.

When the conveyed material conveyed from the upstream side of the roller conveyor 72 is conveyed to the downstream side without being stopped by the stopper 76, as shown by the solid line position in FIGS. The roller 83 is lowered via the lever 82 by the rotation of the roller 80 in the counterclockwise direction in FIG. 10, the stopper 76 is lowered via the guide plate 84 which engages with the roller 83, and the upper edge of the stopper 76 is It is lowered from the conveyor surface of the conveyor 72. Thus, the conveyed material conveyed from the upstream side of the roller conveyor 72 is not stopped by the stopper 76, but is conveyed to the downstream side.

When the conveyed object conveyed from the upstream side of the roller conveyor 72 is stopped by the stopper 76, the motor roller 80 is moved to the position indicated by the two-dot chain line in FIGS. Rotated clockwise, lever
The roller 83 is raised via the roller 82, the stopper 76 is raised via a guide plate 84 which engages with the roller 83, and the upper edge of the stopper 76 is protruded above the conveying surface of the roller conveyor 72. As a result, the conveyed object conveyed from the upstream side of the roller conveyor 72 comes into contact with the stopper 76 and is stopped.

The conveyance of the conveyed product is resumed by the lowering of the stopper 76.

Next, the sleeve conveyor module 91 will be described with reference to FIGS.

The sleeve conveyor module 91 is disposed so as to be connected to the roller conveyor 92 at a predetermined angle so that the conveyed object merges with the roller conveyor 92 from a predetermined angle direction.

The roller conveyor 92 has a conveyor frame 93.
Side frames on both sides of this conveyor frame 93
A plurality of rollers 95 are arranged in parallel along the transport direction (the direction of the arrow) between the rollers 94, and a transport surface for transporting the transported article by these rollers 95 is configured. Note that the motor roller 4 described above may be used as the plurality of rollers 95.

The sleeve conveyor module 91 has a conveyor frame 96. Side frames 97, 98 are provided on both sides of the conveyor frame 96, and the side frames 97 on one side of the roller conveyor 92 are separated from the other side frames 97. An inclined frame 99 which is inclined along the side frame 94 of the roller conveyor 92 is provided over the side frame 98 on the side. A plurality of bearing members 100 are mounted on the upper surface of the inclined frame 99. A plurality of rollers 101 are arranged in parallel along the transport direction (arrow direction) between the side frames 97 and 98 on both sides, and between each bearing member 100 of the inclined frame 99 and the side frame 98 on the other side. The bearing members 100 of the inclined frame 99
Roller 10 according to the distance between the side frame 98 on the other side.
1 have different axial lengths. That is, as the distance between the inclined frame 99 and the other side frame 98 is reduced, the axial length of the roller 101 is reduced.

The plurality of rollers 101 have concave grooves 11a formed on the peripheral surface of the roller portion 11, and a belt 102 is stretched between the concave grooves 11a of the adjacent rollers 101 so as to rotate integrally and interlockedly. And a transport area constituted by the rollers 101 which rotate integrally and interlockingly is divided into three in the transport direction. The transport area is a first transport area from the upstream side in the transport direction,
A second transport area and a third transport area.

Of the three transport areas, the first and second transport areas (areas in which the motor rollers can be arranged) where the length of the roller 101 in the axial direction can be long are the third transport area at the end of the sleeve conveyor module 91. Except for the transport area, there are two rollers. One of the rollers 101 in the first and second transport areas has motor rollers 103 and 104 (having the same structure as the motor roller 4; 103, 10
4) is used.

The third transport area on the leading end side of the sleeve conveyor module 91 is an area where the length of the roller 101 in the axial direction is short (an area where motor rollers cannot be arranged). Roller at the bottom of 101
A motor roller 105 (having the same structure as the motor roller 4 and denoted by reference numeral 105 in the sleeve conveyor module 91) disposed in a direction intersecting with the motor 101 is used as a drive source. The motor roller 105 is mounted on a support plate 106 provided between the inclined frame 99 and the side frame 98 on the other side via shafts 12 and 13 at both ends. At the end of the roller portion 11 of the motor roller 105, a pulley 10 that rotates integrally
The belt 10 is mounted between the pulley 107 and the concave groove 11a of one roller 101 located in the third conveyance area.
8 are installed.

At the foremost end of the sleeve conveyor module 91, a roller 109 is rotatably disposed.

The driving of the motor rollers 103 and 104 causes the roller portion 11 of each of the motor rollers 103 and 104 to rotate, and all the rollers located in the first and second transport areas via the belt 102. 101 is rotated interlockingly.

When the motor roller 105 is driven, the roller section 11 and the pulley 107 are rotated, and all the rollers 101 located in the third transport area are interlocked and rotated via the belts 108 and 102.

For this reason, all the rollers 101 of the sleeve conveyor module 91 are rotated, and the conveyed material conveyed from the upstream side is carried into the roller conveyor 92 obliquely. At this time, since the rollers 95 of the roller conveyor 92 are also rotating, the conveyed articles carried in from the sleeve conveyor module 91 are received on the roller conveyor 92 and merged.

Further, if the transfer timing of the conveyed article to the sleeve conveyor module 91 is known, it is determined whether the conveyed article from the sleeve conveyor module 91 to the roller conveyor 92 is detected by the rotation detecting unit 16 of the motor rollers 103, 104, 105. It is detected based on the detection output.

Next, the diverter module 111 will be described with reference to FIGS.

The diverter module 111 transfers the conveyed object from the upstream side to the sleeve conveyor module 91 on the side.
Is configured to be selectively branched with respect to.

The sleeve conveyor module 91 is the same as that shown in FIG.
1 and FIG. 12, but the transport direction is reversed.

The diverter module 111 has a conveyor frame 112, which is formed by connecting side frames 113 on both sides by a plurality of horizontal connecting frames 114. Sleeve conveyor module 91
Are connected except for a branch area to which the side frames 113 are connected.
A plurality of rollers 115 are arranged in parallel along the transport direction, and the rollers 115 constitute a transport surface.

The plurality of rollers 115 have grooves 11a formed on the peripheral surface of the roller portion 11, and a belt 116 is stretched between the grooves 11a of the adjacent rollers 115 so that the rollers 115 rotate integrally and cooperatively. And a transport area constituted by rollers 115 which rotate integrally and interlockingly is divided into a plurality in the transport direction. The motor roller 4 described above may be used in each transport area.

In the branch area of the diverter module 111, a turning link 118 is rotatably supported on a plurality of horizontal connecting frames 114 via a support shaft 117 so as to be rotatable in parallel with the transfer surface. A parallel link 120 is rotatably supported via a connecting shaft 119 so as to connect the ends.

A plurality of roller receiving members 121 are rotatably disposed on each of the parallel links 120, and a plurality of rollers 122 are rotatably disposed between the roller receiving members 121 opposed to each other between the two parallel links 120. ing. On each parallel link 120, a roller receiving member 123 is rotatably disposed between adjacent roller receiving members 121, and a roller 124 is rotatably disposed between the opposing roller receiving members 123 between the two parallel links 120. Have been. The motor rollers 4 described above may be used for the rollers 122 and 124.

On the lower side of the conveyor frame 112, rollers
A plurality of motor rollers 125 (having the same structure as motor roller 4)
In the figure, a reference numeral 125 is provided. Motor roller
125 is attached to support plates 126 and 127 attached to the lower side of the horizontal connecting frame 114 and the side frame 113,
Attached via 12,13. Motor roller 125
A lever 128 is attached to one end of the roller portion 11 of the
The lever 128 and a connecting member 129 attached to the turning link 118 are connected via a rod 130.

The roller 115a facing the branch area is formed short to allow the roller 122 to rotate.

Then, the conveyed material conveyed from the upstream side of the diverter module 111 is
In the state shown in FIG. 13, the lever 128 is rotated by driving the motor rollers 125 in the state shown in FIG.
8 is turned clockwise in FIG.
Are moved in parallel so that the rollers 122, 124 supported by the roller receiving members 121, 123 of the parallel link 120 are turned clockwise in FIG. 13, respectively. Lined up in parallel with 115. Whether or not each of the rollers 122 and 124 has been turned in a state of being arranged in parallel with the roller 115 is detected based on the detection output of the rotation detection unit 16 of the motor roller 125.

Therefore, the conveyed article conveyed from the upstream side of the diverter module 111 passes through the branch area while the conveying direction is kept constant, and is conveyed to the downstream side of the diverter module 111.

Further, the articles conveyed from the upstream side of the diverter module 111 are transferred to the sleeve conveyor module 91.
13, the lever 128 is rotated by the driving of each motor roller 125, as shown in FIG.
The pivot link 118 is pivoted counterclockwise through the rod 130 as shown in FIG. 13, and the respective parallel links 120 are moved in opposite directions, so that the roller receiving members 121 and 123 of the parallel links 120 are used. Each supported roller 122,12
4 are respectively turned in the counterclockwise direction as shown in FIG. 13, and the respective rollers 122 and 124 are directed toward the sleeve conveyor module 91. Whether or not each of the rollers 122 and 124 has turned toward the sleeve conveyor module 91 is detected based on the detection output of the rotation detection unit 16 of the motor roller 125.

For this reason, the conveyed material conveyed from the upstream side of the diverter module 111 is transmitted to each of the rollers 122, 124.
When it reaches the upper side, it is sent to the sleeve conveyor module 91, branched to the sleeve conveyor module 91, and transferred onto the sleeve conveyor module 91 to be conveyed.

The module 2 includes a roller conveyor module (basic module) 31, a converter module
Although examples of the 41, the stopper module 71, the sleeve conveyor module 91, and the diverter module 111 have been described, the present invention is not limited to these, and the same applies to various transport devices such as an elevator module and a traverser module.

[0097]

According to the module device of the first aspect, the module for processing the transfer of the conveyed object is combined with the module control section, and the module device itself has the autonomous control function and the communication function. By combining the module devices equipped with, it is possible to easily configure a system that processes the transport of conveyed goods in a series, so that a control panel that controls the entire system as in the past can be dispensed with and the system can be changed. Can be easily handled.

According to the module device of the second aspect,
Combining a module control unit with a module that handles the transport of conveyed goods, and the module device itself has autonomous control and communication functions. System can be easily configured,
The conventional control panel for collectively controlling the entire system can be dispensed with, and the system can be easily changed. Moreover, using a motor roller as the drive source of the module,
This motor roller uses the rotation detection unit for speed control and can detect the processing status of the transport of the conveyed object based on the detection output of the rotation detection unit. Can be easily done.

According to the module device of the third aspect,
In addition to the effects of the module device according to the first or second aspect, even when the module includes a plurality of motor rollers, each motor roller can be individually controlled by the module control unit.

According to the module device of the fourth aspect,
In addition to the effects of the module device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, a common program is stored in the storage means for modules having different transport processing modes, and a program corresponding to the module is stored from this program. Since selection and setting are performed, even when the system is configured with another module device or when the system is changed, it can be easily handled by simple selection and setting.

According to the module system of the fifth aspect, the module devices according to any one of the first to fourth aspects are combined so as to be able to transfer a conveyed product between the modules, and are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other by communication means. This makes it possible to easily configure a system for sequentially processing the transport of the transported object.

According to the module system of the sixth aspect, in addition to the effect of the module system of the fifth aspect, even in the case of combining module devices having different processing modes of transporting the transported article, the transport of the transported article is performed in series. The processing system can be easily configured.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a module device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of the same module system.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the same motor roller.

FIG. 4A is a plan view of the roller conveyor module, and FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the roller conveyor module.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of the converter module.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the converter module.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the converter module.

FIG. 8 is a plan view of the stopper module.

FIG. 9 is a side view of the same stopper module.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the same stopper module.

FIG. 11 is a plan view of the upper sleeve conveyor module.

FIG. 12 is a side view of the upper sleeve conveyor module.

FIG. 13 is a plan view of the diverter module.

FIG. 14 is a side view of the diverter module.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Module device 2 Module 3 Module control part 4 Motor roller 5 CPU having the function of control means and detection means 6 Memory as storage means 7 Communication means 11 Roller part 14 Motor part 16 Rotation detection part

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuing from the front page (72) Inventor Masahiro Hayashida 900 Konouchi, Noguchi-cho, Kakogawa-shi, Hyogo F-term in Okura Transport Equipment Co., Ltd. (reference) 3F027 AA03 DA01 DA04 DA08 DA15 EA04 EA05 FA03 FA04 FA12

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A module for processing the conveyance of a conveyed article, a storage unit for storing a program for controlling the module, a communication unit for communicating with another module device, and controlling the module in accordance with the program and the communication. A module device comprising: a module control unit having control means. A roller unit, a motor unit built in the roller unit for rotating the roller unit, and a motor roller having a rotation detecting unit for detecting the rotation of the roller unit. Module for processing the conveyance of the module, storage means for storing a program for controlling the module, communication means for communicating with other module devices, and processing status of the conveyed article based on the detection output of the rotation detection unit of the motor roller. A module device comprising: a detection unit for detecting; a module control unit having a control unit for controlling a motor roller of the module in accordance with the program, the communication, and the detection. 3. The module device according to claim 1, wherein the module has a plurality of motor rollers, and the module control unit controls each motor roller individually. 4. A storage means stores a common program for modules having different processing modes for transporting a transported object,
4. The module device according to claim 1, wherein a program corresponding to a module is selectively set from the program. 5. A plurality of module devices according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the module devices are combined so as to be able to transfer a conveyed product between the modules and are communicably connected to each other by communication means. A modular system, characterized by: 6. The module system according to claim 5, wherein at least some of the plurality of module devices have different processing modes for transporting the transported object.