Track status indication unit and overhead crane travel device

Abstract

The present invention discloses a track state indicating unit and an overhead traveling device, comprising a dimming part, a reflecting part and a position detecting part, wherein the position detecting part comprises a transmitting part and a receiving part located on the same side of the dimming part, and the reflecting part is located on the side of the dimming part away from the position detecting part, wherein the dimming part has two states: light-transmitting and light-shielding. When the dimming part is in the light-transmitting state, the receiving part can receive the light emitted from the transmitting part reflected by the reflecting part, and the track is in an impassable state; when the dimming part is in the light-shielding state, the receiving part cannot receive the light emitted from the transmitting part, and the track is in a passable state. By utilizing the adjustable transmittance of the dimming part and coordinating with whether the position detecting part can receive the light emitted by the transmitting part to indicate the passable and impassable states of the track, the structure is simple and maintenance is convenient, which can greatly reduce the workload of daily maintenance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of wafer transport systems, and in particular to a track status indicating unit overhead traveling device. Background Art

[0002] As semiconductor technology continues to advance, material transport systems within semiconductor processing plants are becoming increasingly complex. These systems typically consist of fixed overhead tracks and overhead cranes that travel along them. Because multiple wafer cassettes must be transported simultaneously to different or identical locations, the material transport system's tracks intersect, with numerous overhead cranes operating simultaneously. When two or more intersecting tracks merge into one, overhead cranes can easily collide, or rear-end each other when turning.

[0003] In existing material transportation systems, distance sensors are typically installed between overhead cranes, or position sensors are installed on the tracks. The information collected by these sensors controls the movement and stopping of the overhead cranes. Distance sensors typically use laser or infrared sensors, but these sensors can be inaccurate when the overhead crane travels on curved tracks. Position sensors typically use through-beam sensors, which determine the position of the overhead crane by detecting when their incident light is blocked. However, these through-beam sensors typically require the coordination of light shields and other control devices, making them complex, space-consuming, and expensive to maintain. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In order to overcome the above shortcomings, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a track status indication unit, which adjusts the transmittance of the dimming part and cooperates with the position detection part to send different instructions. It has a simple structure and is easy to maintain, which can greatly reduce the workload of daily maintenance.

[0005] In order to achieve the above purpose, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is: a track status indication unit, used to indicate the passage status of the track, including a dimming part, a reflecting part and a position detection part, the position detection part includes a transmitting part and a receiving part located on the same side of the dimming part, the reflecting part is located on the side of the dimming part away from the position detection part, wherein the dimming part has two states: light transmitting and light blocking.

[0006] When the dimming part is in a light-transmitting state, the receiving component can receive the light emitted from the emitting component through the reflection part, and the track is in an inaccessible state; when the dimming part is in a light-blocking state, the receiving component cannot receive the light emitted from the emitting component through the reflection part, and the track is in a passable state.

[0007] The beneficial effect of the present invention is that by controlling the transmittance of the dimming part and coordinating the different signals generated by the transmitting component and the receiving component at different transmittances to indicate the passage status of the track, the passage status of the track can be switched quickly, which is more accurate and sensitive.

[0008] Specifically, when the track is in an impassable state, the overhead travelling vehicle on the track is maintained or switched to a stopped state; when the track is in a passable state, the overhead travelling vehicle on the track is maintained or switched to a moving state.

[0009] Furthermore, the dimming unit utilizes an electrochromic material, such as an electroluminescent film, and its transmittance can be adjusted when different voltages are applied. The position detection unit is a retro-reflective sensor that integrates a transmitting component and a receiving component, which are fixed in a housing.

[0010] Furthermore, the reflecting portion has a reflecting surface capable of reflecting light, and the reflecting surface is arranged toward the dimming portion, so that the light passing through the dimming portion can be reflected by the reflecting surface.

[0011] Furthermore, the reflective portion is directly attached to the side of the dimming portion away from the position detection portion, or a light-transmitting portion is provided between the reflective portion and the dimming portion, and the light-transmitting portion is made of a hard material with a light-transmitting effect. Because both the reflective portion and the dimming portion are flexible structures, the light-transmitting portion is added to facilitate the fixing of the reflective portion and the dimming portion, and the reflective portion and the dimming portion are directly attached to two opposite sides of the light-transmitting portion.

[0012] The present invention also discloses an overhead crane travel device, comprising a track and an overhead crane capable of traveling along the track, wherein the above-mentioned position detection unit is fixed on the overhead crane, and the position detection unit moves synchronously with the overhead crane, and the above-mentioned dimming unit and reflecting unit are fixed on the track, and the outgoing light of the emitting component of the position detection unit is directed toward the dimming unit, and the dimming unit is located between the reflecting unit and the position detection unit.

[0013] The dimming part can be in two states: light-transmitting and light-blocking. When the dimming part is in the light-transmitting state, the light emitted by the emitting component can pass through the dimming part and be reflected by the reflecting part to the receiving component, so that the overhead crane maintains or switches to the stopped state. The light emitted by the emitting component cannot be reflected by the reflecting part to the receiving component, so that the overhead crane maintains or switches to the moving state.

[0014] Furthermore, the composite part formed by the dimming part and the reflecting part includes a collection section and a detection section arranged in sequence along the traveling direction of the overhead crane. During the synchronous movement, the position detection part can only detect the transmittance change of the dimming part of the collection section when passing through the collection section. The detection section and the dimming part of the collection section are a whole. A testing part capable of testing the transmittance of the dimming part of the detection section is fixed on the track, and the structure of the testing part is the same as that of the position detection part.

[0015] The acquisition section is used to control the movement of the overhead crane. The position detection unit can only detect the transmittance of the acquisition section's dimming unit, not the detection section's. Therefore, the detection section does not affect the position detection unit. Because the detection section and the acquisition section's dimming unit are integrated, the test unit detects damage to the detection section's dimming unit, effectively checking for damage to the acquisition section's dimming unit.

[0016] Furthermore, the position detection unit's emitting component is located a certain distance from the dimming unit, so the emitted light has a certain diffusion angle when projected onto the dimming unit. Therefore, within the acquisition segment, the dimming unit's orthographic projection on the reflective unit coincides with the reflective surface of the reflective unit. That is, within the acquisition segment, the dimming unit and the reflective unit are identical in length and height. This ensures that the light emitted by the position detection unit's emitting component passes through the dimming unit and the reflective unit sequentially within the detection segment, preventing the dimming unit from adjusting transmittance or the reflective unit from reflecting light. This also ensures that the light emitted by the position detection unit's emitting component is reflected by the reflective unit, preventing it from affecting overhead traveling vehicles on other tracks.

[0017] Specifically, the acquisition section is bent along the direction of travel of the overhead crane to form a detection section. Light emitted from the testing unit is directed toward the detection section and parallel to the direction of travel of the overhead crane. A light shielding portion is provided between the reflective portion and the dimming portion of the detection section. This light shielding portion has a notch, and the transmitting and receiving components of the testing unit face the notch. While the detection section is bent, light cannot pass through the light shielding portion, reducing the range of light reflected from the testing section and preventing interference with the overhead crane. Light reflected from the detection section will not affect the movement of the overhead crane on the track.

[0018] Specifically, the detection section is an arc structure, and the notch is located on the line connecting the center of the arc structure and the center of the testing unit. The light shielding portion blocks most of the arc structure, leaving only a partial notch at the center of the arc structure. This prevents light emitted by the testing unit from being widely reflected by the reflective portion of the detection section's arc structure and being received by the position detection unit on a passing overhead crane, causing signal interference.

[0019] Specifically, the dimming unit and the reflecting unit are positioned opposite each other in the detection and collection sections. The dimming unit in the collection section is integrated with the dimming unit in the detection section. Within the detection section, the emitting unit is located between the position detection unit and the dimming unit, and the testing unit is located on the side of the dimming unit in the detection section away from the reflecting unit. The reflecting surface of the reflecting unit in the detection section is located on the side of the reflecting unit away from the overhead travelling crane, and the light emitted by the testing unit cannot pass through the reflecting unit in the detection section, thereby not affecting the overhead travelling crane.

[0020] Furthermore, a first sensor and a second sensor are disposed at intervals on the track along the direction of travel of the overhead crane. Both the first and second sensors are through-beam sensors fixed to the track. A shielding plate is fixed to the overhead crane to block light incident on the through-beam sensors. The position detection unit and the shielding plate are disposed at intervals along the direction of travel of the overhead crane. A control zone is defined between the first and second sensors. When the overhead crane enters the control zone, the state of the overhead crane needs to be switched.

[0021] When the light shielding plate moves between the first sensor and the second sensor, the position detection unit always moves in the acquisition section. In the control area, the acquisition section can control the switching of the travel state of the overhead crane.

[0022] Furthermore, the length D of the acquisition section along the direction of travel of the overhead crane is equal to the distance L between the first sensor and the second sensor in the direction of travel of the overhead crane, and the distance between the light shielding sheet and the position detection part in the direction of travel of the overhead crane is not greater than the distance between the first sensor and the end of the overhead crane entering the acquisition section in the direction of travel of the overhead crane.

[0023] Specifically, the track can be a straight track or a curved track. When the dimming unit and the reflector are fixed to the curved track, the curvature radius of the dimming unit and the reflector remains consistent with the curvature radius of the curved track and is concentric. Due to their highly adaptable structure, the dimming unit and the reflector are suitable not only for conventional straight tracks but also for curved tracks. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of the light-transmitting state of the dimming portion of the indicator unit in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 2 A schematic structural diagram of the light-shielding state of the dimming portion of the indicator unit in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 3 This is a schematic structural diagram of an overhead traveling device in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 4 This is a structural diagram of a test unit detecting a detection section in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 5 This is a schematic structural diagram of a test section in another embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 6 This is a structural diagram of an embodiment of the present invention when the overhead travelling crane triggers the first sensor;

[0030] Figure 7 This is a structural diagram of an embodiment of the present invention when the overhead travelling crane triggers the second sensor;

[0031] Figure 8 This is a schematic structural diagram of a curved track in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 9 1 is a system block diagram of an overhead traveling device in one embodiment.

[0033] In the picture:

[0034] 100, track; 200, overhead crane;

[0035] 1. Dimming unit; 2. Reflecting unit; 3. Position detecting unit; 31. Transmitting unit; 32. Receiving unit; 4. Transmitting unit; 5. Light shielding unit; 51. Notch; 6. Testing unit; 71. First sensor; 73. Second sensor; 81. First fixing bracket; 82. Second fixing bracket; 83. Third fixing bracket; 9. Light shielding sheet;

[0036] 1a, acquisition section; 1b, detection section. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] The preferred embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings so that the advantages and features of the present invention can be more easily understood by those skilled in the art, thereby making a clearer and more precise definition of the protection scope of the present invention.

[0038] See attached Figure 1 and attached Figure 2 As shown, a track state indicator unit of the present invention is used to indicate the traffic status of a track 100. It includes a dimming unit 1, a reflecting unit 2, and a position detection unit 3. The position detection unit 3 includes a transmitting component 31 and a receiving component 32 located on the same side of the dimming unit 1. The reflecting unit 2 is located on the side of the dimming unit 1 away from the position detection unit 3. The transmittance of the dimming unit 1 is adjustable, and it has two states: light-transmitting and light-blocking. When the dimming unit 1 is in the light-transmitting state, the light emitted by the transmitting component 31 can pass through the dimming unit 1 and is reflected by the reflecting unit 2 to the receiving component 32 to generate a reflection signal. The track 100 is in the first state. When the dimming unit 1 is in the light-blocking state, the light emitted by the transmitting component 31 cannot be reflected by the reflecting unit 2 to the receiving component 32. The track 100 is in the second state.

[0039] The first and second states are different, meaning that the track 100 is in different passable states depending on the light transmittance of the dimming unit 1. In one embodiment, the first state is a non-passable state, meaning that when the dimming unit 1 transmits light, the track 100 is not passable. The second state is a passable state, meaning that when the dimming unit 1 blocks light, the track 100 is passable. Of course, the first and second states can also be reversed, as long as the two states are different.

[0040] When the track 100 is in an impassable state, the overhead travelling vehicle on the track maintains or switches to a stopped state; when the track is in a passable state, the overhead travelling vehicle on the track maintains or switches to a moving state.

[0041] In one embodiment, the dimming unit 1 is a variable transmittance film whose light transmission characteristics change when a predetermined voltage is applied. In this embodiment, an electroluminescent film is used, which is made of an electrochromic material. The electroluminescent film has different light transmittances when powered on and off, that is, it is in a light-blocking and light-transmitting state when powered on and off, respectively.

[0042] See attached Figure 2 As shown in FIG, when the electroluminescent film is not powered, it is in a fogged and blurred state. At this time, the electroluminescent film has a low light transmittance and weak light transmittance, and is in a light-shielding state. The light emitted by the emitting component 31 cannot pass through the electroluminescent film and enter the reflecting part 2. Even if it passes through the electroluminescent film and enters the reflecting part 2, the reflected light reflected by the reflecting part 2 cannot pass through the electroluminescent film again. The light is doubly attenuated, and the receiving component 32 naturally cannot receive the reflected light. Therefore, the position detecting part 3 will not generate a reflection signal. See the attached FIG. Figure 1 As shown, when the electroluminescent film is powered, it is fully transparent. At this point, the film has high light transmittance and strong light transmission, indicating a light-transmitting state. Light emitted by emitting component 31 passes through the electroluminescent film and is incident on reflective component 2. After being reflected by reflective component 2, the reflected light passes through the electroluminescent film and is received by receiving component 32, generating a reflected light signal in position detection component 3.

[0043] In one embodiment, the position detection unit 3 is a retro-reflective sensor, which integrates a transmitting component 31 and a receiving component 32 and is fixed in a housing. The transmitting component 31 can emit light of a specific wavelength, which is reflected by the reflecting unit 2 and received by the receiving component 32, generating a reflection signal. When the incident light is completely blocked by the dimming unit 1, the receiving component 32 cannot receive the light and cannot generate an emission signal. The transmitting component 31 and the receiving component 32 are both facing the dimming unit 1. The light emitted by the transmitting component 31 is directed toward the dimming unit 1, and the reflected light reflected by the reflecting unit 2 passes through the dimming unit 1 and returns to the receiving component 32 again.

[0044] See attached Figure 9As shown, the track state indication unit further includes a first control unit, which is in communication with the overhead crane 200 and the position detection unit 3. The first control unit receives the transmission signal of the position detection unit 3 and sends a corresponding instruction to the overhead crane 200 according to the reflection signal of the position detection unit 3 to instruct the overhead crane 200 to switch or maintain between the stop state and the moving state.

[0045] The instructions include a first instruction and a second instruction corresponding to the stop state and the advance state. When overhead crane 200 receives the first instruction, it adjusts to the stop state. When overhead crane 200 receives the second instruction, it adjusts to the advance state. Alternatively, the instructions may be the first instruction only, with the second instruction blank. This means that when overhead crane 200 receives the first instruction, it adjusts to the stop state. When overhead crane 200 does not receive the first instruction, it remains in the advance state. The instructions sent by the first control unit only need to instruct overhead crane 200 to switch between different states. In this embodiment, the first instruction is a stop instruction, and the second instruction is blank.

[0046] In one embodiment, the track state indication unit further includes a second control unit in communication with the dimming unit 1. The second control unit can control the on / off of the power supply to the dimming unit 1, thereby controlling the dimming unit 1 to switch between the light-transmitting and light-blocking states. When the second control unit controls the dimming unit 1 to be powered off, the dimming unit 1 is in the light-blocking state, the position detection unit never transmits a reflected signal to the first control unit, the first control unit sends a second instruction (null instruction) to the overhead travelling crane 200, and the overhead travelling crane 200 continues to move. When the second control unit powers on the dimming unit 1, the dimming unit 1 is in the light-transmitting state, the reflected signal from the detection unit is always fed back to the first control unit, the first control unit sends a first instruction (stop instruction) to the overhead travelling crane 200, and the overhead travelling crane 200 stops. The second control unit can send a power-on instruction to the power supply of the dimming unit 1. When the power supply receives the power-on instruction, it is connected to the dimming unit 1. Otherwise, the power supply and the dimming unit 1 are always powered off.

[0047] The first control unit and the second control unit may be integrated into one control system, or may be divided into different control systems.

[0048] In one embodiment, the dimming unit 1 has the characteristic of being able to be arbitrarily cut into different shapes. However, because the dimming unit 1 needs to be powered, a conductive layer is provided inside it. In order to prevent the conductive layer from being exposed and the power voltage from affecting the operator, insulating tape is affixed to the cut edge of the dimming unit 1 as leakage protection.

[0049] The reflective portion 2 has a reflective surface that faces the dimming portion 1. In one embodiment, the dimming portion 1 and the reflective portion 2 are directly attached to each other. The reflective portion 2 is a highly reflective flexible sheet that is directly attached to the side of the dimming portion 1 away from the position detection portion 3.

[0050] In one embodiment, since both the reflective portion 2 and the dimming portion 1 are flexible structures, in order to facilitate the fixing of the reflective portion 2 and the dimming portion 1, see the attached Figure 1 As shown, a translucent portion 4 is disposed between the reflective portion 2 and the dimming portion 1. This portion is constructed of a hard, light-transmitting material to increase the strength of the composite layer formed by the reflective portion 2, the dimming portion 1, and the translucent portion 4, facilitating installation and securement of the composite layer. The reflective portion 2 and the dimming portion 1 are directly attached to opposing side surfaces of the translucent portion 4.

[0051] In one embodiment, the light-transmitting portion 4 is a transparent acrylic plate, which can also be transparent glass as long as it has a hardness that does not affect the light passing through it. However, in this application, a transparent acrylic plate is used because it is not easily broken.

[0052] In this embodiment, the light-adjusting unit 1 with a variable light-transmitting portion 4 and the position detecting unit 3 cooperate to generate different signals to place the overhead travelling crane 200 in different states, with compact positioning and high precision.

[0053] In one embodiment, the present invention further discloses a track status indication method, comprising the following steps:

[0054] The light transmittance of the dimming unit 1 is adjusted so that the dimming unit 1 can be directly switched between the light transmitting state and the light shielding state.

[0055] The emitting component 31 emits light toward the dimming part 1. When the dimming part 1 is in a light-transmitting state, the light emitted by the emitting component 31 can pass through the dimming part 1 and be reflected by the reflecting part 2 to the receiving component 32, and the receiving component 32 generates a reflection signal; when the dimming part 1 is in a light-blocking state, the light emitted by the emitting component 31 cannot be reflected by the reflecting part 2 to the receiving component 32, and the receiving component 32 does not generate a reflection signal.

[0056] The track receives the transmitted signal and is in a first state (i.e., an impassable state) when a reflected signal is received, and is in a second state (i.e., a passable state) when no reflected signal is received.

[0057] When the track is in an impassable state, the overhead crane on the track is maintained or switched to a stopped state; when the track is in a passable state, the overhead crane on the track is maintained or switched to a moving state.

[0058] In this embodiment, by controlling the transmittance of the dimming unit 1 and coordinating the different signals generated by the emitting component 31 and the receiving component 32 at different transmittances, the track 100 can be switched or maintained between different states, thereby quickly controlling the stopping and moving of the overhead crane 200.

[0059] In one embodiment, the present invention further discloses an overhead traveling device, see the attached Figure 3As shown, the traveling device of the overhead crane 200 includes a track 100 and the overhead crane 200 that can travel along the track 100 . The above-mentioned position detection unit 3 is fixed on the overhead crane 200 . The position detection unit 3 moves synchronously with the overhead crane 200 . The above-mentioned dimming unit 1 and reflecting unit 2 are fixed on the track 100 .

[0060] The light emitted by the emitting component 31 of the position detection unit 3 is directed toward the dimming unit 1, which is located between the reflecting unit 2 and the position detection unit 3. The dimming unit 1 can be in two states: light-transmitting and light-blocking. When the dimming unit 1 is in the light-transmitting state, the light emitted by the emitting component 31 can pass through the dimming unit 1 and be reflected by the reflecting unit 2 to the receiving component 32, causing the overhead crane 200 to remain in or switch to a stopped state, that is, the track 100 is in a state in which the overhead crane 200 is not passable. When the dimming unit 1 is in the light-blocking state, the light emitted by the emitting component 31 cannot be reflected by the reflecting unit 2 to the receiving component 32, causing the overhead crane 200 to remain in or switch to a moving state, that is, the track 100 is in a state in which the overhead crane 200 is passable.

[0061] In one embodiment, see the attached Figure 3 As shown, the composite unit formed by the dimming unit 1 and the reflecting unit 2 includes a collection section 1a and a detection section 1b, which are sequentially arranged along the travel direction of the overhead crane 200. The collection section 1a and the detection section 1b are interchangeable in their positions along the travel direction of the overhead crane 200. That is, the overhead crane 200 can pass through the collection section 1a first and then the detection section 1b, or it can pass through the detection section 1b first and then the collection section 1a. During the movement of the overhead crane 200, the position detection unit 3 can only detect changes in the transmittance of the dimming unit 1 in this section when it passes through the range of the collection section 1a, thereby switching the travel state of the overhead crane 200. In other words, the position detection unit 3 cannot detect changes in the dimming unit 1 in the detection section 1b. The dimming unit 1 of the detection section 1b and the collection section 1a is integrated. A testing unit 6 is fixed to the track 100 to test the transmittance of the dimming unit 1 in the detection section 1b.

[0062] The emitting component 31 of the position detection part 3 is at a certain distance from the dimming part 1, so the emitted light has a certain diffusion angle when projected onto the dimming part 1. Therefore, in the collection section 1a, the positive projection of the dimming part 1 on the reflecting part 2 coincides with the reflecting surface of the reflecting part, that is, in the collection section 1a, the dimming part 1 and the reflecting part are the same in length (travel direction of the overhead crane 200) and height (vertical direction). This ensures that the emitted light of the emitting component 31 of the position detection part 3 can pass through the dimming part 1 and the reflecting part 2 in sequence in the detection section 1b, and there will be no situation where the dimming part 1 does not adjust the transmittance or the reflecting part 2 does not reflect the light. It also ensures that the emitted light of the emitting component 31 of the position detection part 3 can be reflected by the reflecting part 2, and will not affect the overhead cranes 200 on other tracks 100.

[0063] The position detection unit 3 is fixed to the overhead traveling vehicle 200, and the reflector is fixed to the track 100. Therefore, a spacing greater than 0 is left between the position detection unit 3 and the transmitter, and this spacing needs to be smaller than the receiving distance of the position detection unit 3. The receiving distance of the regression-reflective sensor in this embodiment is within 200 mm, and the spacing between the position detection unit 3 and the reflector is typically set to 20-200 mm.

[0064] Testing section 6 is positioned in correspondence with detection section 1b. Detection section 1b is bent or reversed relative to acquisition section 1a to ensure that reflected light from detection section 1b is not received by position detection section 3, thereby preventing interference with the position detection unit. Testing section 6 is a regressive reflective sensor, similar to position detection section 3. It is located on the side of detection section 1b's dimming section 1 away from reflective section 2.

[0065] Since the dimming section 1 of the detection section 1b and the acquisition section 1a are integrated, the test section 6 detects whether the dimming section 1 of the detection section 1b is damaged, that is, whether the dimming section 1 of the acquisition section 1a is damaged. Figure 9 As shown, the test unit 6 is in communication with the second control unit, and the reflected signal generated by the reflected light received by the detection unit is fed back to the second control unit in real time. When the second control unit does not issue a power-on command to the dimming unit, the dimming unit 1 is in a light-shielding state, and the test unit 6 never reflects a signal. When the second control unit issues a power-on command to the dimming unit 1, the dimming unit 1 is in a light-transmitting state, and the reflected signal from the test unit 6 is fed back to the second control unit. The second control unit then determines whether the dimming unit is in a normal state by analyzing the command issued to the dimming unit and the reflected signal received from the test unit 6.

[0066] In one embodiment, see the attached Figure 4 As shown, the detection section 1b is bent relative to the collection section 1a, that is, the collection section 1a is bent along the travel direction of the overhead traveling vehicle 200 to form the detection section 1b. Light emitted by the testing unit 6 is directed toward the bent detection section 1b and is parallel to the travel direction of the overhead traveling vehicle 200. Light reflected from the detection section 1b does not affect the movement of the overhead traveling vehicle 200 on the track 100.

[0067] To prevent excessive light reflected from the reflective portion 2 of detection section 1b from being received by the position detection portion 3 on the passing overhead crane 200 and causing signal interference, a light shielding portion 5 is provided between the reflective portion 2 of detection section 1b and the dimming portion 1. The light shielding portion 5 is directly attached to the reflective surface of the reflective portion 2 of detection section 1b and has a notch 51. The emitting component 31 and receiving component 32 of the testing unit 6 are positioned toward the notch 51. Light cannot pass through the light shielding portion 5, reducing the range of light reflected from the testing unit 6 and preventing interference with the overhead crane 200.

[0068] In one embodiment, see the attached Figure 4As shown, the detection section 1b is an arc structure. That is, the acquisition section 1a is bent along the direction of travel of the overhead crane 200 to form an arc-shaped detection section 1b. A notch 51 is provided on the line connecting the center of the arc structure and the center of the testing unit 6. The light shielding portion 5 blocks most of the arc structure, leaving only a partial notch 51 at the center of the arc structure. This prevents the light emitted by the testing unit 6 from being widely reflected by the reflective portion of the arc structure of the detection section 1b and being received by the position detection unit 3 on the passing overhead crane 200, causing signal interference.

[0069] In one embodiment, see the attached Figure 5 As shown, the detection segment 1b is arranged opposite to the acquisition segment 1a. That is, the dimming section 1 and the reflecting section 2 are arranged oppositely in the detection segment 1b and the acquisition segment 1a. The dimming section 1 of the acquisition segment 1a and the dimming section 1 of the detection segment 1b are integrally formed. Within the detection segment 1b, the reflecting section 2 is located between the overhead travelling crane 200 (position detection section 3) and the dimming section 1. The testing section 6 is located on the side of the dimming section 1 of the detection segment 1b away from the reflecting section 2. The reflecting surface of the reflecting section 2 of the detection segment 1b faces the dimming section 1 of the detection segment 1b. That is, the reflecting surface of the reflecting section 2 of the detection segment 1b is located on the side of the reflecting section 2 away from the overhead travelling crane 200. Therefore, light emitted by the testing section 6 cannot pass through the reflecting section 2 of the detection segment 1b, thus preventing it from affecting the overhead travelling crane 200. Furthermore, there is no gap between the fixing brackets on either side of the detection segment 1b and the detection segment. That is, no light can escape between the detection segment and its fixing brackets at either end, thus preventing it from interfering with the overhead travelling crane 200.

[0070] In this embodiment, the detection section 1b is directly reversed. This allows the reflective portion 2 of the detection section 1b to block the light emitted by the test section 6, preventing it from affecting the position detection section 3 on the overhead crane 200. In this case, the detection section 1b does not require an additional blackout curtain; the reflective portion 2 can be used directly. The length (in the direction of travel of the overhead crane 200) and height (in the vertical direction) of the reflective portion 2 are sufficient to reflect all light emitted by the detection section. In other words, no light emitted by the detection section can pass through the reflective portion 2 of the detection section 1b.

[0071] See attached Figure 3 As shown, a first sensor 71 and a second sensor 73 are arranged at intervals on the track 100 along the traveling direction of the overhead crane 200. The first sensor 71 and the second sensor 73 are both through-beam sensors fixed on the track 100. A shielding plate that can block the incident light of the through-beam sensor is fixed on the overhead crane 200. The shielding plate moves synchronously with the overhead crane 200, and the position detection part 3 and the light shielding plate 9 are arranged at intervals along the traveling direction of the overhead crane 200.

[0072] See attached Figure 7As shown, a control zone is defined between the first sensor 71 and the second sensor 73. When the overhead crane 200 enters the control zone, it is necessary to switch the state of the overhead crane 200. In other words, when the light shielding plate 9 moves between the first sensor 71 and the second sensor 73, the position detection unit 3 always moves in the acquisition section 1a. Therefore, the length D of the acquisition section 1a along the direction of travel of the overhead crane 200 is equal to the distance L between the first sensor 71 and the second sensor 73 in the direction of travel of the overhead crane 200.

[0073] The collection section 1a includes a first end and a second end, wherein the end where the overhead crane 200 enters the collection section 1a is the first end, and the end where the overhead crane 200 exits the collection section 1a is the second end. The dimming unit 1 and the reflecting unit 2 are flush at the first end, and the dimming unit 1 extends from the reflecting unit 2 to form the detection section 1b. Because there is a certain distance between the light shielding sheet 9 and the position detection unit 3, see the attached Figure 6 As shown, when the shading sheet 9 just triggers the first sensor 71, the position detection unit 3 needs to have just entered or not yet entered the acquisition section 1a (that is, the first end), so the distance between the shading sheet 9 and the position detection unit 3 in the direction of travel of the overhead traveling vehicle 200 is not greater than the distance between the first sensor 71 and the first end. Figure 7 As shown, when the shading sheet 9 triggers the second sensor 73, the position detection part 3 should have or is just about to leave the acquisition section 1a, that is, the distance between the shading sheet 9 and the position detection part 3 should not be less than the distance between the second sensor 73 and the second end.

[0074] In this embodiment, the distance between the shading plate 9 and the detection part in the direction of travel of the overhead crane 200 is equal to the distance between the first sensor 71 and the first end, that is, when the shading plate 9 just triggers the first sensor 71, the position detection part 3 just enters the collection section 1a, and the distance between the shading plate 9 and the position detection part 3 should be equal to the distance between the second sensor 73 and the second end, that is, when the shading plate 9 just triggers the second sensor 73, the position detection part 3 just drives out of the collection section 1a.

[0075] After the overhead crane 200 triggers the first sensor 71, the overhead crane 200 begins to stop and comes to a complete stop. During this process, the overhead crane 200 does not slide out of the acquisition section 1a. During this process, the dimming portion of the acquisition section 1a is always in a light-transmitting state. The position detection portion 3 on the overhead crane 200 generates a reflection signal, and the control portion sends a stop command to the overhead crane 200.

[0076] In one embodiment, after the dimming unit 1 and the reflective unit 2 are attached to each other, they are secured to the track 100 via a fixing bracket. The fixing bracket includes a first fixing bracket 81 at the first end, a second fixing bracket 82 at the second end, and a third fixing bracket 83 at the end of the detection segment 1b away from the collection segment 1a. The area between the first fixing bracket 81 and the second fixing bracket 82 defines the collection segment 1a, while the area between the second fixing bracket 82 and the third fixing bracket 83 defines the detection segment 1b. Furthermore, the first fixing bracket 81 and the second fixing bracket 82 allow for rapid positioning and determination of the length of the collection segment 1a. The distance between the first fixing bracket 81 and the second fixing bracket 82 represents the length D of the collection segment 1a along the travel direction of the overhead travelling vehicle 200.

[0077] Since both the dimming unit 1 and the reflective unit 2 are made of flexible materials, a transparent unit 4 is fixed between them to facilitate their attachment. The transparent unit 4 has a certain degree of rigidity and is made of a transparent material, such as a transparent acrylic sheet. This rigid transparent unit 4 facilitates attachment to the mounting bracket, thereby enhancing the ease of attachment of the dimming unit 1 and the reflective unit 2.

[0078] The track 100 can be a straight track 100 or a curved track 100. Since the dimming part 1 and the reflecting part 2 are made of flexible materials, the composite layer formed by the dimming part 1 and the reflecting part can be fixed on either the straight track 100 or the curved track 100. Figure 8 As shown, when used in a curved track 100 , the curvature radius of the dimming part 1 and the reflecting part 2 should be consistent with the curvature radius of the curved track 100 and be concentric.

[0079] If a light-transmitting portion 4 is provided, when used for the curved track 100 , the light-transmitting portion 4 may also be processed and manufactured to have a specific curvature, and the curvature radius of the light-transmitting portion 4 and the curvature radius of the curved track 100 are consistent and concentric.

[0080] The overhead crane 200 travel device of this embodiment utilizes a light modulating unit 1, a reflective unit 2, and a position detection unit 3 to control the travel state of the overhead crane 200. This simple structure and ease of maintenance significantly reduce the workload of routine maintenance. Furthermore, a detection section 1b and a test unit 6 are added to monitor the operating status of the light modulating unit 1, ensuring that the entire device is operating normally.

[0081] In this embodiment, when the overhead crane 200 travel device is in operation, when the overhead crane 200 enters the control zone, i.e., when the light shield triggers the first sensor 71, the position detection unit 3 of the overhead crane 200 enters the acquisition section 1a. At this point, the second control unit adjusts the light transmittance of the light-transmitting portion 4 as needed. When the overhead crane 200 needs to continue traveling, the second control unit de-energizes the dimming unit 1, placing it in a light-shielding state. The receiving component 32 of the position detection unit 3 never transmits a reflected signal to the first control unit, and the first control unit does not issue a stop command to the overhead crane 200, causing the overhead crane 200 to continue traveling. When the overhead crane 200 needs to stop, the second control unit energizes the dimming unit 1, placing it in a light-transmitting state. The receiving component 32 of the position detection unit 3 generates a reflected signal and transmits it to the first control unit, which then issues a stop command to the overhead crane 200, causing the overhead crane 200 to stop. During this process, the emitting component 31 of the test unit 6 emits light to the dimming unit 1 of the detection segment 1b, and the receiving component 32 of the test unit 6 feeds back the received reflection signal to the second control unit. The second control unit determines whether the dimming unit 1 switches the transmittance normally according to the voltage based on the reflection signal fed back by the test unit 6. When the second control unit determines that the dimming unit 1 is abnormal, it issues an alarm.

[0082] The above embodiments are only for illustrating the technical concept and features of the present invention. Its purpose is to enable people familiar with this technology to understand the content of the present invention and implement it. It cannot be used to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Any equivalent changes or modifications made according to the spirit of the present invention should be included in the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A traveling device for an overhead crane, characterized in that: The invention comprises a track and an overhead crane capable of traveling along the track, wherein a position detection unit is fixed to the overhead crane and moves synchronously with the overhead crane, a dimming unit and a reflecting unit are fixed to the track, the position detection unit comprises a transmitting component and a receiving component located on the same side of the dimming unit, the reflecting unit is located on a side of the dimming unit away from the position detection unit, wherein the dimming unit has two states, light-transmitting and light-blocking, the light emitted by the transmitting component of the position detection unit is directed toward the dimming unit, and the dimming unit is located between the reflecting unit and the position detection unit; When the dimming portion is in a light-transmitting state, the receiving component can receive the light emitted by the emitting component and reflected by the reflecting portion, and the track is in an impassable state; when the dimming portion is in a light-blocking state, the receiving component cannot receive the light emitted by the emitting component and reflected by the reflecting portion, and the track is in a passable state. The composite part formed by the dimming part and the reflecting part includes a collection section and a detection section arranged in sequence along the traveling direction of the overhead crane. During the synchronous movement, the position detection part can only detect the light transmittance change of the dimming part of the collection section when passing through the collection section. The dimming parts of the detection section and the collection section are integrated into one. A testing part capable of testing the light transmittance of the dimming part of the detection section is fixed on the track. The testing part has the same structure as the position detection part.

2. The overhead traveling device according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the track is in an impassable state, the overhead travelling vehicle on the track is maintained or switched to a stopped state; when the track is in a passable state, the overhead travelling vehicle on the track is maintained or switched to a moving state.

3. The overhead traveling device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The light modulating unit can change its light transmittance when a voltage is applied.

4. The overhead traveling device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The reflecting portion has a reflecting surface capable of reflecting light, and the reflecting surface is arranged toward the dimming portion.

5. The overhead traveling device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The reflecting part is directly attached to the side of the dimming part away from the position detecting part, or a light-transmitting part is further provided between the reflecting part and the dimming part, and the light-transmitting part is made of a hard material with a light-transmitting effect.

6. The overhead traveling device according to claim 1, characterized in that: In the collection section, the orthographic projection of the light modulating portion on the reflecting portion coincides with the reflecting surface of the reflecting portion.

7. The overhead traveling device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The collection section is bent along the traveling direction of the overhead crane to form a detection section, and the outgoing light of the testing portion is directed toward the detection section and is parallel to the traveling direction of the overhead crane; A light shielding portion is provided between the reflecting portion and the dimming portion of the detection section, a notch is left on the light shielding portion, and the emitting component and the receiving component of the testing portion face the notch.

8. The overhead traveling device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The detection section is an arc structure, and the notch is arranged on the line connecting the center of the arc structure and the center of the testing portion.

9. The overhead traveling device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The dimming part and the reflecting part are arranged oppositely in the detection section and the collection section. In the detection section, the emitting part is located between the position detection part and the dimming part, and the testing part is located on the side of the dimming part of the detection section away from the reflecting part.

10. The overhead traveling device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: A first sensor and a second sensor are arranged at intervals on the track along the direction of travel of the overhead crane. The first sensor and the second sensor are both through-beam sensors fixed on the track. A shielding sheet capable of shielding the incident light of the through-beam sensor is fixed on the overhead crane, and the position detection unit and the shielding sheet are arranged at intervals along the direction of travel of the overhead crane. When the light shielding plate moves between the first sensor and the second sensor, the position detecting portion always moves in the collecting section.

11. The overhead traveling device according to claim 10, characterized in that: The length D of the collection section along the direction of travel of the overhead crane is equal to the distance L between the first sensor and the second sensor in the direction of travel of the overhead crane, and the distance between the light shielding sheet and the position detection part in the direction of travel of the overhead crane is not greater than the distance between the first sensor and the end of the overhead crane entering the collection section in the direction of travel of the overhead crane.

12. The overhead traveling device according to any one of claims 1 to 9 or claim 11, characterized in that: The track is a straight track or a curved track. When the dimming part and the reflecting part are fixed on the curved track, the curvature radius of the dimming part and the reflecting part is consistent with the curvature radius of the curved track and is concentric with the center of the circle.

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