Empty and full switching system and control method

Abstract

The present invention provides an empty-full exchange system, which includes at least an empty-full exchange track, a drive mechanism for driving a hanger to run on the empty-full exchange track, and a control mechanism for controlling the drive mechanism. The empty-full exchange track includes at least a loading track, a first common track, a storage track, and a second common track connected in sequence, and the number of storage tracks is greater than or equal to 2. The empty-full exchange system and control method provided by the present invention ensure that 95% of the equipment construction scale is an effective storage area and 5% is a public conveying area. Without changing the original production and use performance, the equipment investment cost can be reduced by 35%-45%, the floor space can be saved by 40-45%, and indirect costs can be reduced. In addition, since the building area is small, the public conveying stroke is reduced, thereby greatly improving the conveying rhythm and reducing a certain amount of buffer stock caused by rhythm reasons.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of suspension conveying mechanisms, and in particular relates to an empty and full exchange system and a control method. Background Art

[0002] Conventional ordinary power-and-free chain storage track mechanisms can achieve some functions by increasing the number of common tracks or cache tracks, but this also increases the cost of the equipment and the site area also needs to be increased, which is a huge waste in this land-scarce factory environment. When the floor area cannot be increased, the increase in functions also encroaches on the storage area that should be used for storage, reducing the total storage capacity. Currently, the tracks for storing fully loaded hangers and the tracks for storing empty hangers are used separately on the market, and the ratio of their relationship is 1:1, that is, about 45% of the equipment construction scale is the effective storage area, and another 45%-50% is the invalid storage area for wasted empty hangers, and 5%-10% is the public conveying area. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In order to solve the above technical problems, the present invention provides an empty and full switching system and a control method.

[0004] The specific technical solutions of the present invention are as follows:

[0005] The present invention provides an empty-full exchange system, which includes at least an empty-full exchange track, a driving mechanism for driving a hanger to run on the empty-full exchange track, and a control mechanism for controlling the driving mechanism. The empty-full exchange track includes at least a loading track, a first common track, a storage track, and a second common track connected in sequence, and the number of storage tracks is greater than or equal to 2.

[0006] Preferably, the empty and full exchange track also includes a rotating track and a cache track connected to the second common track. The rotating track is connected to the first return-to-empty common track, and the cache track is connected to the lower piece track S2, the second return-to-empty common track and the first return-to-empty common track in sequence. Preferably, the first return-to-empty common track is connected to the first common track through the third return-to-empty common track, and the first return-to-empty common track is also connected to the upper piece track through the empty hanger cache track.

[0007] Preferably, a number of hanger in place signal sensors are provided on the empty and full exchange track, a switch is provided between the first common track and the storage track, a switch is also provided between the storage track and the storage track, a switch cylinder for driving the switch is also provided on the storage track, a switch cylinder in place signal sensor is provided on the switch, the hanger in place signal sensor, the switch cylinder in place signal sensor and the switch cylinder are all connected to the control mechanism, and the hanger in place signal sensor is set on each section of the track.

[0008] Preferably, each of the above tracks has an accumulation function.

[0009] The present invention also provides a control method for the above empty and full switching system, which comprises at least the following steps:

[0010] S1: Storage of fully loaded hangers;

[0011] S2: fully loaded hanger unloading;

[0012] Among them, S1 specifically includes the following steps:

[0013] S11: The driving mechanism receives the instruction of the control mechanism and drives the hanger on the loading track to the first common track;

[0014] S12: The switch cylinder receives the command from the control mechanism to drive the switch, and the drive mechanism receives the command from the control mechanism to drive the hanger to be transferred from the first common rail to the tail of the target storage rail via the switch;

[0015] S2 specifically includes the following steps:

[0016] S21: The switch cylinder receives the instruction from the control mechanism to drive the switch to operate, and the driving mechanism receives the instruction from the control mechanism to drive the designated hanger to be transferred from the head of the storage rail to the second common rail via the switch.

[0017] Preferably, S2 further includes any one of the following steps:

[0018] S22: The driving mechanism receives the instruction of the control mechanism and drives the hanger to be transferred from the second common track to the lower track S2 via the buffer track;

[0019] S23: The driving mechanism receives the instruction from the control mechanism and drives the hanger to be transferred from the second common track to the rotary track, the first empty return common track, and the empty hanger buffer track to the loading track.

[0020] Preferably, the control method further comprises the following steps:

[0021] S3: The driving mechanism receives the instruction from the control mechanism and drives the hanger to be transferred from the second common track to the first common track via the rotary track, the first empty return common track, and the third empty return common track.

[0022] Preferably, the control method further comprises the following steps:

[0023] S4: The driving mechanism receives the instruction of the control structure and drives the hanger to be transferred from the lower track S2 to the upper track via the second empty return common track, the first empty return common track, and the empty hanger buffer track.

[0024] Preferably, the control method further comprises any one of the following steps:

[0025] S5: The driving mechanism receives the instruction of the control mechanism and drives the hanger to be transferred from the second common track to the rear end of the storage track via the rotary track, the first empty return common track, the empty hanger buffer track, the loading track, and the first common track;

[0026] S6: The driving mechanism receives the instruction from the control mechanism and drives the hanger from the second common track to the cache track, the unloading track, the second return common track, the first return common track, the third return common track, and the first common track to the end of the storage track.

[0027] Preferably, the control method further comprises the following steps:

[0028] S7: Traverse the storage time of the hangers on all tracks, select the track corresponding to the hanger with the longest storage time as the input track, and send an instruction to the drive mechanism to transfer the hanger on the input track to the loading track or the unloading track S2; preferably, the storage time is calculated from the first time the hanger enters the conveying storage system from the loading point after it is full of items.

[0029] Preferably, the control method further comprises the following steps:

[0030] S8: The control mechanism receives the material dispatching instruction for unloading, which includes the type of workpiece, the quantity of workpieces and the order of transmission. The control mechanism sets the order and quantity of unloading for each hanger according to the material dispatching instruction and the storage time of each hanger, and sends instructions to the driving mechanism to drive the transmission of the hangers on each storage track accordingly.

[0031] Preferably, the control method further comprises the following steps:

[0032] S9: The control mechanism receives the data sent by the hanger arrival signal sensor and determines whether the corresponding hanger has reached the specified position. If not, an alarm signal is issued; if reached, no processing is performed.

[0033] Preferably, the control method further comprises the following steps:

[0034] S10: The control mechanism receives the signal sent by the hanger in place signal sensor and determines whether the first hanger at the front end of the accumulation track has left. If so, the driving mechanism drives the second hanger and the last hanger on the accumulation track to move forward the distance of one hanger, and drives the other hangers to the end of the accumulation track. If they have not left, no processing is performed.

[0035] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: the empty and full exchange system and control method provided by the present invention make 95% of the equipment construction scale as effective storage area and 5% as public transportation area; without changing the original production and use performance, the equipment investment cost can be reduced by 35%-45%, the floor area can be saved by 40-45%, and the indirect cost can be reduced. In addition, since the building area is small, the public transportation stroke is reduced, which can greatly improve the transportation rhythm and reduce a certain amount of buffer inventory caused by rhythm reasons. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of the empty and full exchange track in the embodiment;

[0037] Figure 2 This is a display screen diagram of the empty and full switching system in the embodiment;

[0038] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the structure of the empty and full exchange track in the embodiment;

[0039] Figure 4 Flowchart of the control method in the embodiment;

[0040] Figure 5 Flowchart of the control method in the embodiment;

[0041] Figure 6 Flowchart of the control method in the embodiment;

[0042] Figure 7 Schematic diagram of the structure of the empty and full exchange track in the embodiment;

[0043] Figure 8 Schematic diagram of the structure of the empty and full exchange track in the embodiment;

[0044] Figure 9 Flowchart of the control method in the embodiment;

[0045] Figure 10 Flowchart of the control method in the embodiment;

[0046] Figure 11 Flowchart of the control method in the embodiment;

[0047] Figure 12 Flowchart of the control method in the embodiment;

[0048] Figure 13 Flowchart of the control method in the embodiment;

[0049] Figure 14 Flowchart of the control method in the embodiment;

[0050] Figure 15 Flowchart of the control method in the embodiment;

[0051] Figure 16 Schematic diagram of the structure of the empty and full switching system in the embodiment;

[0052] Figure 17 Flowchart of the control method in the embodiment.

[0053] Among them, 1-hanging device in place signal sensor, 2-switch, 3-switch cylinder, S1-loading rail, GS12-first common rail, CC-storage rail, GS3-second common rail, GS5-rotating rail, GS4-cache rail, GH2-first return common rail, S2-unloading rail, GH1-second return common rail, GH4-third return common rail.

[0054] For ease of viewing, the sizes of the drawings may be exaggerated or reduced. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and the following examples.

[0056] This embodiment provides an empty-full exchange system, which includes at least an empty-full exchange track, a driving mechanism for driving the hanger to run on the empty-full exchange track, and a control mechanism for controlling the driving mechanism. Figure 1 As shown, the empty and full exchange track includes at least a loading track S1, a first common track GS12, a storage track CC and a second common track GS3 connected in sequence. In this embodiment, the number of the storage tracks CC is 4. Figure 1 The storage path of the fully loaded hanger is shown in the figure. The running direction of the fully loaded hanger empty and full exchange track is as follows: S1--GS1--GS2-CCm10. In the empty state, m1~m10 show 10 hangers.

[0057] Among them, the loading track can be used for loading or for loading and unloading at the same time. The function of the loading track is different in different usage scenarios. When it is only used for loading, such as Figure 1 The empty and full exchange track shown includes an upper track and a lower track. When in use, the worker hangs the workpiece on the empty hanger on the upper track to obtain a full hanger, and then drives the full hanger through the driving mechanism. In this scenario, there is a lower track or other upper track in the empty and full exchange system. The full hanger can be unloaded through the lower track or other upper track. When it is used for both loading and unloading, such as Figure 1The empty and full exchange track shown in the figure has only one upper track and no lower track (the empty and full exchange system may also have other upper tracks or lower tracks, but it is necessary to load and unload the items on the same upper track. The upper track in this scenario can also be used for loading and unloading at the same time). The upper track can be used for loading and unloading at the same time. When in use, the driving mechanism drives the fully loaded hanger on the storage track to the upper track, and the staff then removes the workpiece on the fully loaded hanger for further processing. The number of upper tracks and lower tracks can be multiple. Preferably, multiple upper tracks are connected in parallel, multiple lower tracks are connected in parallel, and the upper track and lower track are connected in series. The driving mechanism in this embodiment includes but is not limited to any one or more of ramp driving by gravity descent, horizontal driving by a motor, and vertical driving by a vertical lift. Multiple drive mechanisms can be used simultaneously, or only one can be used, depending on the on-site construction conditions and specific usage scenarios. Gravity-driven descent requires use with a blocker (such as the hanger blocking device disclosed in Chinese Patent 214081472U). The specific drive method involves arranging multiple hangers sequentially on a storage track using gravity. Blockers separate the hangers to drive each hanger individually. Horizontal motor drive methods include, but are not limited to, the motor drive method for hangers in the multi-motor synchronous operation control mechanism provided in Chinese Patent 202111606426.8. Vertical drive via a vertical lift can use a commercially available vertical lift. A Siemens servo motor drives a section of track to accurately connect the ground and aerial aluminum rails for material transport, enabling ground-to-air material transport. In the loading area, a material selection panel is located in the ground operation area. The operator can select the corresponding material button, such as [B9IP], by identifying the material type, to achieve human-machine interaction. When the hanger is full of workpieces, the operator selects the [Confirm] button on the button panel again. When the operator triggers the [Confirm] button, the elevator first enters a short search program. When the elevator unit system confirms that the lifting conditions are met, it will automatically start the rise docking after a delay of 2 seconds. At each docking point of the lift, the spatial coordinate point is controlled by the servo CNC to achieve high-precision and accurate track docking. Three sets of SICK proximity switches are installed between the upper and lower strokes of the elevator. The functions are defined as: [upper stroke limit], [lower stroke limit], and [servo correction reference point]. Each proximity switch has an action indicator light. When the [yellow light] is on, it means that the switch is powered on and on standby. When the [green light] is on, it means that the switch senses the elevator slide position signal. On the back of the elevator, there is a touch screen installed. This is the main screen for system control. On the touch screen, there is an animated dynamic picture produced by simulating the track trajectory; this embodiment does not specifically limit the unloading path, and the control method can be implemented in conjunction with any unloading step; such as Figure 2As shown, the control mechanism in this embodiment includes at least a controller (PLC) and a display module, an input module, a communication module, and a power supply module connected to the controller. The display module is used to display specific information such as the operation status of the empty and full exchange tracks, the storage time of the products on each hanger, etc.; the number of storage tracks can be greater than or equal to 2 and is not limited to 4. For the sake of convenience, as shown in FIG. Figure 1 As shown, the first common track GS12 is divided into GS1 and GS2 which are connected to each other. The control method of this embodiment is used for storing items on a fully loaded hanger.

[0058] In certain embodiments, as Figure 1 As shown, the empty-full exchange track also includes a rotary track GS5 connected to the second common track GS3, and the rotary track GS5 is connected to the first empty return common track GH2.

[0059] In certain embodiments, as Figure 3 As shown, the empty-full exchange track also includes a cache track GS4 connected to the second common track GS3, and the cache track GS4 is sequentially connected to the next track S2, the second empty return common track GH1 and the first empty return common track GH2.

[0060] Each track in the present application has an accumulation and release function, which can be achieved through existing technology, such as the accumulation and release conveyor line device disclosed in Chinese patent CN203699238U.

[0061] In certain embodiments, as Figure 4 As shown, the control method of the empty and full switching system in the above embodiment is as follows Figure 2 As shown, the following steps are included:

[0062] S1: Storage of fully loaded hangers;

[0063] S2: fully loaded hanger unloading;

[0064] Among them, S1 specifically includes the following steps:

[0065] S11: The driving mechanism receives the instruction of the control mechanism and drives the hanger on the loading track S1 to the first common track GS12;

[0066] S12: The switch cylinder receives the command of the control mechanism to drive the switch, and the driving mechanism receives the command of the control mechanism to drive the hanger from the first common track GS12 to the tail of the target storage track CC via the switch ( Figure 1 m10 in );

[0067] S2 specifically includes the following steps:

[0068] S21: The switch cylinder receives the instruction of the control mechanism to drive the switch action, and the driving mechanism receives the instruction of the control mechanism to drive the designated hanger from the head of the storage rail CC ( Figure 1 m1) is transferred to the second common track GS3 via the switch;

[0069] In certain embodiments, as Figure 5 As shown, after S21, the following steps are further performed:

[0070] S23: The driving mechanism receives the instruction from the control mechanism and drives the hanger to be transferred from the second common track GS3 to the rotary track GS5, the first empty return common track GH2, and the empty hanger buffer track GH3 to the loading track S1.

[0071] By adding S23 in this embodiment, it is possible to load the fully loaded hanger onto the upper track and then unload the hanger from the upper track.

[0072] like Figure 1 As shown, the unloading path of the fully loaded hanger is CC-GS3-GS5-GH2-GH3-S1. The control method of this embodiment is applicable to the scenario where the fully loaded hanger is stored on the storage track for a sufficient time (for example, some workpieces need to stay for more than 24 hours or 72 hours to dissipate odor after being hung on the hanger after gluing and being transferred to the storage track). The driving mechanism drives the fully loaded hanger to the upper track to unload the workpiece, so that the workpiece can be further processed, that is, the position of the workpiece is the same for the two processing times.

[0073] In certain embodiments, as Figure 6 As shown, after S21, the following steps are further performed:

[0074] S22: The driving mechanism receives the instruction from the control mechanism and drives the hanger to be transferred from the second common track GS3 to the lower track S2 via the buffer track GS4.

[0075] In this embodiment, Figure 3 As shown, the lower path L2 of the fully loaded hanger is CC-GS3-GS4-S2. The control method of this embodiment is applicable to the scenario where the fully loaded hanger needs to be transported to another work point (lower track) via the storage track for processing, that is, the staff hangs the preliminarily processed workpiece from the upper track on the empty hanger to obtain a fully loaded hanger, and then transports the fully loaded hanger to the lower track for further processing through the driving mechanism, that is, the positions of the workpiece are different during the two processing times.

[0076] In certain embodiments, as Figure 7 As shown, the first empty return common track GH2 is connected to the first common track GS12 through the third empty return common track GH4, and the first empty return common track GH2 is also connected to the loading track S1 through the empty hanger buffer track GH3.

[0077] The empty and full exchange track of the present invention can be designed according to the on-site construction conditions and specific needs, such as Figure 8 The three-dimensional diagram shown includes 7 storage tracks. When the system is running, the various steps in the present invention can be performed alternately due to different production or storage needs. For example, there are multiple varieties of products stored on the storage track. Some products need to be transferred to the unloading track S2 via the cache track GS4 for unloading. Some products are transferred to the loading track S1 via the rotary track GS5, the first return-to-empty common track GH2, etc. for unloading after the hanging time meets the set time. The empty hanger may be transferred to other storage tracks via the third return-to-empty common track GH4 according to specific needs. Preferably, two storage tracks can be reserved for each variety of product when in use. For example, for products of material type B9IP, the first storage track There are 10 empty hangers on one track and 10 fully loaded hangers on the second track. During production, if the first full hanger is needed to unload, the first full hanger on the second track can be moved to the lower track for unloading. If the loading track needs an empty hanger, the first empty hanger on the first track can be moved to the upper track for loading. The first hangers on the first track and the second track are kept one empty hanger and one fully loaded hanger, so that loading and unloading can be carried out at the same time in an orderly manner. When all fully loaded hangers need to be stored, both tracks are used to store fully loaded hangers, or both tracks can be used to store empty hangers. The above are all adjusted according to actual production needs.

[0078] In certain embodiments, as Figure 9 As shown, the control method of this embodiment further includes the following steps based on S1 and S2:

[0079] S3: The driving mechanism receives the instruction from the control mechanism and drives the hanger to be transferred from the second common track GS3 to the first common track GS12 via the rotary track GS5, the first empty return common track GH2, and the third empty return common track GH4.

[0080] This embodiment specifically defines the above steps. When a storage track needs to store full hangers, empty hangers can be exported and full hangers can be stored at the same time. Conversely, full hangers can also be exported and stored in empty hangers. Through such functional design, the system reduces the number of storage tracks by half, and also saves half of the area occupied by the construction site. When it is necessary to exchange an empty hanger on a storage track for a full hanger or to replace a full hanger on a storage track with an empty hanger, the control mechanism can control the drive mechanism to drive the hanger at position m1 on a storage track from the second common track via the rotary track GS5, the first return empty common track GH2, and the third return empty common track GH4 to the first common track GS12, and then control the drive mechanism to drive the hanger to position m10 on the storage track. For example, when a storage track CC has some empty hangers and some full hangers, if S1 and S2 are not in production and use, the path for the hanger to be exchanged between empty and full is as follows:

[0081] (1) The front part of the storage track m1-m5 is empty hangers, and the back part m6-m10 is full hangers. The exchange path L20: CC (m1) empty hanger--GS3 empty hanger--GS5 empty hanger--GH2 empty hanger--GH4 empty hanger--GS2 empty hanger--CC (m10) empty hanger, cycle in sequence until the full hanger of m6 is moved to the m1 position;

[0082] (2) The front part of the storage track m1-m5 is full hangers, and the back part m6-m10 is empty hangers. The exchange path L21: CC (m1) full hanger--GS3 full hanger--GS5 full hanger--GH2 full hanger--GH4 full hanger--GS2 full hanger--CC (m10) full hanger, cycle in sequence until the empty hanger of m6 is moved to the m1 position.

[0083] In certain embodiments, as Figure 10 As shown, the control method of this embodiment further includes the following steps based on S22:

[0084] S4: The driving mechanism receives the instruction of the control structure and drives the hanger to be transferred from the lower track S2 to the upper track S1 via the second empty return common track GH1, the first empty return common track GH2, and the empty hanger buffer track GH3.

[0085] The above control method is the operation path of the empty hanger. The hanger after the staff removes the workpiece on the hanger from the lower track is an empty hanger. The driving mechanism drives the empty hanger from the lower track S2 through the second return empty common track GH1, the first return empty common track GH2, and the empty hanger cache track GH3 to return to the upper track S1 for the staff to further use the empty hanger.

[0086] In certain embodiments, as Figure 11As shown, when S2 is not producing, the control method of this embodiment further includes the following steps based on S1 and S2:

[0087] S5: The driving mechanism receives the instruction from the control mechanism and drives the hanger from the second common track GS3 via the rotary track GS5, the first empty return common track GH2, the empty hanger buffer track GH3, the loading track S1, and the first common track GS12 to the end of the storage track CC.

[0088] When S2 is not producing and there are empty hangers on the storage track, the loading path L6 is: CCm1 empty hanger--GS3 empty hanger--GS5 empty hanger--GH2 empty hanger--GH3 empty hanger--S1 full hanger--GS1 full hanger--GS2 full hanger--CCm10 full hanger. When there are no empty hangers on the storage track, the system is full and the loading point corresponding to the S1 loading track must stop production.

[0089] In certain embodiments, as Figure 12 As shown, when S1 is not producing, the control method of this embodiment further includes the following steps based on S1 and S2:

[0090] S6: The driving mechanism receives the instruction from the control mechanism to drive the hanger from the second common track GS3 through the cache track GS4, the lower track S2, the second return common track GH1, the first return common track GH2, the third return common track GH4, and the first common track GS12 to the tail of the storage track CC.

[0091] When S1 is not in production and there are full hangers on the storage track, the unloading path L5 is: CCm1 full hanger--GS3 full hanger--GS4 full hanger--S2 empty hanger--GH1 empty hanger--GH2 empty hanger--GH4 empty hanger--GS2 empty hanger--CCm10 empty hanger; when there are no full hangers on the storage track, the system is completely empty and no parts can be shipped out. The unloading point corresponding to the S2 unloading track must stop production.

[0092] In certain embodiments, as Figure 13 As shown, there is a scenario where the fully loaded hangers hanging on each track need to be hung for a certain period of time before being processed. In this scenario, the control method of this embodiment further includes the following steps based on S1 and S2:

[0093] S7: Traverse the storage time of the hangers on all tracks, select the track corresponding to the hanger with the longest storage time as the input track, and send a command to the drive mechanism to transfer the hanger on the input track to the upper track S1 or the lower track S2;

[0094] In some embodiments, the storage time is calculated from the first time the hanger enters the conveying storage system from the loading point after it is fully loaded with pieces.

[0095] By adding S7, this embodiment can realize the automatic operation of the hanger, so that the empty and full exchange system has a first-in-first-out function, that is, each hanger can be controlled to be automatically transported to the corresponding unloading track or loading track in sequence for unloading when the storage time meets the conditions, without the need for human manipulation.

[0096] In certain embodiments, as Figure 14 As shown, the control method also has the function of scheduling and calling for materials. The control method of this embodiment further includes the following steps based on S1 and S2:

[0097] S8: The control mechanism receives the material dispatching instruction for unloading, which includes the type of workpiece, the quantity of workpieces and the order of transmission. The control mechanism sets the order and quantity of unloading for each hanger according to the material dispatching instruction and the storage time of each hanger, and sends instructions to the driving mechanism to drive the transmission of the hangers on each storage track CC accordingly.

[0098] This embodiment adds a scheduling and material request function by adding S8. For example, as shown in Table 1, the scheduling and material request table (this table is prepared by staff based on production needs. The resulting scheduling and material request instructions are sent to the control mechanism, which sets the order and quantity of each hanger to be unloaded and sends instructions to the drive mechanism. Alternatively, staff can directly send the order and quantity of each hanger to the control mechanism, which then sends instructions to the drive mechanism) indicates that a total of 100 hangers are required for product A, 150 hangers are required for product B, and 50 hangers are required for product C. If a drop point requires all three types of parts to be shipped simultaneously during production, these three types of parts are shipped in the following order: 2 for product A, 3 for product B, and 1 for product C, and so on, repeating until all required parts have been shipped. During the scheduled shipment process, staff can modify the schedule at any time due to production needs.

[0099] Table 1. Scheduling material list.

[0100]

[0101] In certain embodiments, as Figure 16As shown, several hanger in position signal sensors 1 are provided on the empty and full exchange track, a switch 2 is provided between the first common track GS12 and the storage track CC, and a switch 2 is also provided between the storage track CC and the storage track CC. A switch cylinder 3 for driving the switch is also provided on the storage track CC, and a switch cylinder in position signal sensor is provided on the switch 2. The hanger in position signal sensor 1, the switch cylinder in position signal sensor and the switch cylinder 3 are all connected to the control mechanism, and the hanger in position signal sensor 1 is provided on each section of the track.

[0102] like Figure 16 As shown, the driving mechanism is also shown, such as the climbing mechanism and the horizontal driving mechanism, the track buffer accumulation device, etc., wherein the number and position of the hanger in place signal sensors set on each track can be adjusted according to actual needs. For example, a hanger in place signal sensor must be set at the front and end of the storage track. If the storage track needs to be segmented (such as Figure 1 As shown, there are two blockers in the middle of the storage track, that is, for segmentation), then a hanger in place signal sensor needs to be set on the blocker at the segmentation, and a hanger in place signal sensor also needs to be set at the front end of the switch. The setting position of the hanger in place signal sensor on the buffer track is based on the number of hangers that need to be buffered. For example, if 3 hangers need to be buffered, the distance between the two hanger in place signal sensors is greater than the total length of the two hangers and less than the total length of 3 hangers. This embodiment does not make specific limitations.

[0103] In certain embodiments, as Figure 15 As shown, the control method further includes the following steps:

[0104] S9: The control mechanism receives the data sent by the hanger arrival signal sensor and determines whether the corresponding hanger has reached the specified position. If not, an alarm signal is issued; if reached, no processing is performed.

[0105] By setting S9, this embodiment can automatically check whether the driving mechanism drives the hanger to the specified position. If the hanger or the driving mechanism is damaged and cannot reach the specified position, the system automatically sends an alarm signal to notify the staff to repair the damaged parts.

[0106] In certain embodiments, as Figure 17 As shown, the control method further includes the following steps:

[0107] S10: The control mechanism receives the signal sent by the hanger in place signal sensor and determines whether the first hanger at the front end of the accumulation track has left. If so, the driving mechanism drives the second hanger and the last hanger on the accumulation track to move forward the distance of one hanger, and drives the other hangers to the end of the accumulation track. If they have not left, no processing is performed.

[0108] The accumulation track includes the storage track and the common track with multiple cache hangers in each section (including the first common track GS12, the second common track GS3, the first return common track GH2, the second return common track GH1, and the third return common track GH4). On the track where multiple hangers are stored continuously (referring to the storage track and the common track with multiple cache hangers in each section), when the first hanger at the front of the track leaves, the hanger at the last hanger storage position of this track will move forward and leave the last position empty. Only then can a new hanger be released into this position. When a hanger is released from the first position of this track, a new hanger must be added to the last position, otherwise the second hanger cannot be released.

[0109] A computer program (which may also be referred to or described as a program, software, software application, module, software module, script, or code) may be written in any form of programming language, including compiled or interpreted languages or declarative or procedural languages, and the computer program may be deployed in any form, including as a stand-alone program or as a module, component, subroutine, or other unit suitable for use in a computing environment. A computer program may, but need not, correspond to a file in a file system. A program may be stored as part of a file that holds other programs or data, for example, as one or more scripts in a markup language document, in a single file dedicated to the program in question, or in multiple collaborative files, for example, files that store one or more modules, subroutines, or portions of code. A computer program may be deployed to execute on one computer or on multiple computers, the computers being located in one place or distributed across multiple locations and interconnected by a communications network.

[0110] The processes and logic flows described in this specification can be performed by one or more programmable computers executing one or more computer programs to perform functions by operating on input data and generating output. The processes and logic flows can also be performed by, and devices can be implemented as, special purpose logic circuitry, such as an FPGA (field programmable gate array) or an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit).

[0111] The computer that is suitable for carrying out computer program comprises and can be based on general-purpose microprocessor or special-purpose microprocessor or above-mentioned processor both, or any other kind of central processing unit.Usually, central processing unit will receive instruction and data from read-only memory or random access memory or both.The main element of computer is the central processing unit for running or executing instruction and one or more memory devices for storing instruction and data.Usually, computer will also comprise or be operatively coupled, to receive data from one or more large-capacity storage devices for storing data or transfer data to large-capacity storage devices, or receive and transfer both, and this large-capacity storage is for example magnetic disk, magneto-optical disk or optical disk.However, computer does not necessarily have such device.In addition, computer can be embedded in another device, for example, mobile phone, personal digital assistant (PDA), mobile audio or video player, game console, global positioning system GPS receiver or removable storage device, for example, universal serial bus (USB) flash drive etc.

[0112] Computer-readable media suitable for storing computer program instructions and data include all forms of nonvolatile memory, media, and storage devices, including, by way of example: semiconductor memory devices, such as EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks, such as internal hard disks or removable disks; magneto-optical disks; CD-ROM and DVD-ROM disks. The processor and memory may be supplemented by, or incorporated in, special purpose logic circuitry.

[0113] To transmit interactions with a visitor, embodiments of the subject matter described in this specification may be implemented on a computer having: a display device, such as a CRT (cathode ray tube) or LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor, or a touch-sensitive human-machine interface (touch screen); or an intelligent industrial touch-sensitive integrated machine, for displaying information to the visitor; and a keyboard and a pointing device, such as a mouse or a trackball, with which the visitor can transmit input to the computer. Other types of devices may also be used to transmit interactions with the visitor; for example, the feedback provided to the visitor may be any form of sensory feedback, such as visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback; and the input from the visitor may be received in any form, including acoustic input, voice input, or tactile input. In addition, the computer may interact with the visitor by transmitting documents to a device used by the visitor and receiving documents from the device; for example, by transmitting a web page to a web browser on the visitor's client device in response to a request received from the web browser.

[0114] The embodiment of the subject matter described in this specification can be implemented in a computing system, and this computing system includes a back-end component such as a data server, or includes an intermediate component such as an application server, or includes a front-end component such as a client computer, and this client computer has a graphical guest interface or a web browser, and a visitor can interact with the implementation of the subject matter described in this specification through a graphical guest interface or a web browser, or this computer system includes any combination of one or more such back-end components, intermediate components or front-end components. The components in the system can be interconnected by digital data communication of any form or medium such as a communication network. Examples of communication networks include local area networks ("LANs") and wide area networks ("WANs"), for example, the Internet. The computing system can include a client and a server. The client and the server are usually far away from each other and usually interact through a communication network. The relationship between the client and the server is generated by computer programs running on respective computers and having a client-server relationship between each other.

[0115] Although this specification contains many specific implementation details, these should not be interpreted as limitations on the scope of any invention or on the scope of what can be claimed, but rather as illustrations of features that can concretize a particular embodiment of a particular invention. Specific features described in this specification in the context of independent embodiments can also be implemented in combination with a single embodiment. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented independently in multiple embodiments, or in any suitable sub-combination. In addition, although features may be described above as acting in combination and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination may in some cases be removed from the combination, and a claimed combination may be turned into a sub-combination or a variation of a sub-combination.

[0116] Similarly, although operations are described in the drawings in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, in order to achieve desired results. In certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous.

Claims

1. An empty and full switching system, characterized in that: The empty and full exchange system comprises at least an empty and full exchange track, a driving mechanism for driving the hanger to run on the empty and full exchange track, and a control mechanism for controlling the driving mechanism. The empty and full exchange track comprises at least a loading track (S1), a first common track (GS12), a storage track (CC), and a second common track (GS3) connected in sequence. The number of the storage tracks (CC) is greater than or equal to 2. The loading track (S1) is used for loading and unloading items at the same time. The empty and full exchange track further comprises a rotary track (GS5) and a cache track (GS4) connected to the second common track (GS3). The rotary track (GS5) is connected to the first empty return common track (GH2). The cache track (GS4) is connected to the unloading track (S2), the second empty return common track (GH1), and the first empty return common track (GH2) in sequence. The first empty return common track (G H2) is connected to the first common track (GS12) through a third return-to-empty common track (GH4), the first return-to-empty common track (GH2) is also connected to the loading track (S1) through an empty hanger buffer track (GH3), a plurality of hanger in-place signal sensors (1) are provided on the empty and full exchange track, a switch (2) is provided between the first common track (GS12) and the storage track (CC), a switch (2) is also provided between the storage track (CC) and the storage track (CC), a switch cylinder (3) for driving the switch (2) is also provided on the storage track (CC), a switch cylinder in-place signal sensor is provided on the switch (2), the hanger in-place signal sensor (1), the switch cylinder in-place signal sensor and the switch cylinder (3) are all connected to the control mechanism, and the hanger in-place signal sensor (1) is provided on each section of the track.

2. A control method for the empty and full switching system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control method comprises at least the following steps: S1: Storage of fully loaded hangers; S2: fully loaded hanger unloading; Among them, S1 specifically includes the following steps: S11: The driving mechanism receives an instruction from the control mechanism to drive the hanger on the loading track (S1) to the first common track (GS12); S12: the switch cylinder (3) receives the instruction from the control mechanism to drive the switch (2) to operate, and the drive mechanism receives the instruction from the control mechanism to drive the hanger to be transferred from the first common track (GS12) to the tail of the target storage track (CC) via the switch (2); S2 specifically includes the following steps: S21: The switch cylinder (3) receives the instruction from the control mechanism to drive the switch (2) to operate, and the drive mechanism receives the instruction from the control mechanism to drive the designated hanger to be transferred from the head of the storage track (CC) to the second common track (GS3) via the switch (2).

3. The control method according to claim 2, wherein: Step S2 further includes any one of the following steps: S22: the driving mechanism receives the instruction from the control mechanism and drives the hanger to be transferred from the second common track (GS3) to the unloading track (S2) via the buffer track (GS4); S23: The driving mechanism receives the instruction from the control mechanism and drives the hanger to be transferred from the second common track (GS3) via the rotary track (GS5), the first empty return common track (GH2), and the empty hanger buffer track (GH3) to the loading track (S1).

4. The control method according to claim 2, wherein: The control method further comprises the following steps: S3: The driving mechanism receives the instruction from the control mechanism to drive the hanger from the second common track (GS3) via the rotating track (GS5), the first return common track (GH2), and the third return common track (GH4) to the first common track (GS12).

5. The control method according to claim 3, wherein: The control method further comprises the following steps: S4: The driving mechanism receives the instruction from the control mechanism and drives the hanger to be transferred from the lower track (S2) to the upper track (S1) via the second empty return common track (GH1), the first empty return common track (GH2), and the empty hanger buffer track (GH3).

6. The control method according to claim 2, wherein: The control method further comprises any one of the following steps: S5: The driving mechanism receives the instruction from the control mechanism and drives the hanger to be transferred from the second common track (GS3) to the rear end of the storage track (CC) via the rotary track (GS5), the first empty return common track (GH2), the empty hanger buffer track (GH3), the loading track (S1), and the first common track (GS12); S6: The driving mechanism receives the instruction from the control mechanism to drive the hanger from the second common track (GS3) via the cache track (GS4), the unloading track (S2), the second return common track (GH1), the first return common track (GH2), the third return common track (GH4), and the first common track (GS12) to the tail of the storage track (CC).

7. The control method according to claim 2, wherein: The control method further comprises the following steps: S7: Traverse the storage time of the hangers on all tracks, select the track corresponding to the hanger with the longest storage time as the loading track, and send an instruction to the drive mechanism to transfer the hanger on the loading track to the loading track (S1) or the unloading track (S2); the storage time is calculated from the first time the hanger enters the conveying and storage system from the loading point after it is fully loaded.

8. The control method according to claim 2, wherein: The control method further comprises the following steps: S8: The control mechanism receives a material-calling instruction for unloading a piece, and the material-calling instruction for unloading a piece includes the type of workpiece, the quantity of workpieces and the order of transmission. The control mechanism sets the order and quantity of unloading of each hanger according to the material-calling instruction for unloading a piece and the storage time of each hanger, and sends an instruction to the driving mechanism to drive the transmission of each hanger on the storage track (CC) accordingly.

9. The control method according to claim 2, wherein: The control method further comprises the following steps: S9: The control mechanism receives the data sent by the hanger arrival signal sensor (1), and determines whether the corresponding hanger has reached the designated position. If not, an alarm signal is issued; if reached, no processing is performed.

10. The control method according to claim 2, wherein: The control method further comprises the following steps: S10: The control mechanism receives the signal sent by the hanger in place signal sensor and determines whether the first hanger at the front end of the accumulation track has left. If it has left, the driving mechanism drives the second hanger and the last hanger on the accumulation track to move forward the distance of one hanger, and drives the other hangers to the end of the accumulation track. If they have not left, no processing is performed.

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