Conveying device, detection device, and phase shift determination method

Abstract

An article transport device is provided with: a rotating electric machine having a drive shaft; a rotating body which includes a driven shaft connected to the driving shaft and conveys an article; a phase detection unit that detects the phase of the periodic rotational motion of the rotating body; and a control unit that controls rotational driving of the rotating electrical machine, the control unit determining a phase shift of the rotating body by comparing first phase information relating to the rotational driving acquired from the rotating electrical machine with second phase information relating to the rotational motion of the rotating body acquired from the phase detection unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for delivering and receiving articles using a rotating conveyor. Background Art

[0002] There are many examples of using a circular worktable rotated by a rotary motor to transport objects along an arc-shaped trajectory while performing various treatments. This rotating conveyor has the advantage of being able to continuously transport objects at high speed in a relatively narrow space. When processing objects in the rotating conveyor, in order to properly perform the required treatment on the objects, it is necessary to avoid phase shift of the objects.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 proposes an information writing device that can prevent the deviation of the information writing position in a device that writes information on a label that is continuously transported using a rotating conveyor. The information writing device of Patent Document 1 includes: a reflective sensor that outputs a light receiving signal by detecting a mark (dog, target) installed on a rotating worktable; and a label delivery detector that outputs a label supply signal when a label storage device (Label Magazine) is in an operating state. If the information writing device of Patent Document 1 inputs a light receiving signal when inputting a label supply signal, it outputs a printing signal to a laser transmitter and prints.

[0004] As another application of using a rotating conveyor, a beverage filling machine is known. The beverage filling machine includes: a loading section that receives beverage containers from the upstream side and supplies them continuously; a filling section that receives the supplied containers and fills them with beverages; and a discharge section that receives the containers filled with beverages from the filling section and sends them downstream. In the case where the loading section, the filling section, and the discharge section all use a rotating conveyor, the loading section, the filling section, and the discharge section may all be provided with a plurality of apparatuses called grippers that grasp the container on the periphery. For example, a container held by the loading section corresponding to the upstream side is handed over to the filling section corresponding to the downstream side and held. When the container is handed over and received, if a position (phase) offset occurs between the apparatus of the rotating conveyor on the upstream side and the apparatus of the rotating conveyor on the downstream side, the rotating conveyor on the upstream side interferes with the rotating conveyor on the downstream side, and thus an undesirable situation in which the container cannot be handed over and received may occur.

[0005] Previous technical literature

[0006] Patent Literature

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-77017 Summary of the invention

[0008] Technical issues to be solved by the invention

[0009] As described above, the phase shift between the rotating conveyor (conveyor section) on the upstream side and the rotating conveyor (filling section) on the downstream side is caused by the phase shift on at least one of the rotating conveyors on the upstream side and the downstream side. The phase shift generated on at least one of the rotating conveyors can be cited as a case where the position of the actual clamp is offset relative to the expected rotational position and the rotational motion is performed. As a cause of this phase shift, in addition to damage and deterioration of the mechanical elements constituting the rotating conveyor, there is also a position shift between the mechanical elements. In addition, the poor delivery and reception of containers is not limited to the rotating conveyor with a clamp, for example, it may also occur in a rotating conveyor having a plurality of semicircular arc-shaped depressions formed on the outer circumference for conveying a tank as a container.

[0010] Patent Document 1 discloses a device that outputs a printing signal Pa and performs printing when a mark light receiving signal Pc is inputted when a label supply signal Pb is inputted. This disclosure does not mention phase shift caused by damage or degradation of mechanical elements constituting a rotating conveyor.

[0011] In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide a conveying device having a rotating body capable of detecting a phase shift caused by, for example, an increase in a mechanical load or damage or degradation of a mechanical element.

[0012] Means for solving technical problems

[0013] The article conveying device according to the present invention comprises: a rotary motor having a drive shaft; a rotary body including a driven shaft connected to the drive shaft and conveying articles; a phase detection unit detecting the phase of the periodic rotary motion of the rotary body; and a control unit controlling the rotary drive of the rotary motor. The control unit determines the phase shift of the rotary body by comparing first phase information on the rotary drive obtained from the rotary motor with second phase information on the rotary motion of the rotary body obtained from the phase detection unit.

[0014] The present invention provides a device, which includes a driven shaft connected to a driving shaft of a rotating motor, and detects the phase deviation of a rotating body that conveys articles. The detection device includes a phase detection unit that detects the phase of the periodic rotational motion of the rotating body, and a control unit that controls the rotational drive of the rotating motor. The control unit determines the phase deviation of the rotating body by comparing first phase information about the rotational drive obtained from the rotating motor and second phase information about the rotational motion of the rotating body obtained from the phase detection unit.

[0015] The present invention provides a method for determining a phase offset, comprising the following steps: a first step of obtaining first phase information about the rotational motion of a rotating motor having a driving shaft; a second step of obtaining second phase information about the rotational motion of a rotating body, wherein the rotating body comprises a driven shaft connected to the driving shaft and conveys an article; and determining the phase offset of the rotating body by comparing the first phase information with the second phase information.

[0016] Effects of the Invention

[0017] According to the present invention, by comparing the first phase information on the rotational motion acquired from the rotating electric machine with the second phase information on the rotational motion of the rotating body acquired from the phase detection unit, the phase shift of the driven shaft can be determined. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 It is a figure which shows schematically the beverage production line which concerns on embodiment.

[0019] Figure 2 It is a top view schematically showing a filling machine constituting a beverage production line.

[0020] Figure 3 is a simplified representation applied to Figure 2 Side view of the rotary conveyor of a filling machine.

[0021] Figure 4 It means used for Figure 3 A top view of the test object of the rotating conveyor device.

[0022] Figure 5 This is a graph showing sensor signals and encoder signals at a constant speed.

[0023] Figure 6 This is a graph showing sensor signals and encoder signals during acceleration.

[0024] Figure 7 This is a graph showing sensor signals and encoder signals during deceleration.

[0025] Figure 8 It means detection Figure 4 Flow chart of the sequence of phase shifting in a rotary conveyor.

[0026] Fig. 9 It is a top view showing an example of a rotating conveyor body for delivering / receiving tank containers. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0028] [Overall structure of beverage production line 1: Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 ]

[0029] The present embodiment relates to a beverage manufacturing line 1 for obtaining a beverage product by filling a resin container with a beverage product, and the beverage manufacturing line 1 includes: a rinser 2 for washing the container; a filler 3 for filling the container with a beverage as a content; and a capping machine 4 for installing a cap on the container filled with the beverage. The rinser 2, the filler 3, and the capping machine 4 each include a rotary conveying device. The beverage manufacturing line 1 is arranged inside a chamber not shown in the figure. The chamber is maintained at a positive pressure relative to the external atmospheric pressure to prevent the intrusion of dust and the like, and the filling and cap installation are performed in a sterile state in the chamber.

[0030] The beverage production line 1 includes, in addition to the rinser 2, the filler 3 and the capper 4, a plurality of rotating conveying bodies, namely, star wheels 101 to 104, which constitute a rotating conveying device. Figure 1 In the figure, the direction in which the container is transported is indicated by the white arrow.

[0031] The beverage manufacturing line 1 conveys containers supplied from a container supply source (not shown), performs cleaning and sterilization by a rinser 2, filling by a filler 3, and installation of a cap by a capping machine 4, and discharges the containers to a post-process such as boxing. Specifically, the container (not shown) supplied from the container supply source is delivered to the rinser 2 from the star wheel 101, and the container rinsed by the rinser 2 is delivered to the star wheel 102 and delivered to the filling machine 3 located on the downstream side. The container filled with the beverage by the filling machine 3 is delivered to the star wheel 103 located on the downstream side and delivered to the capping machine 4 located on the downstream side. The container with the cap installed by the capping machine 4 is delivered to the star wheel 104 located on the downstream side and further delivered to the equipment on the downstream side. Here, for example, if a phase shift occurs in the rotary conveying device in the filling machine 3, it may be impossible to deliver and receive the container between the star wheel 102. Therefore, in this embodiment, as an example, a method for effectively detecting and determining the phase shift of the filling machine 3 is described. A phase refers to a specific situation in a cycle of a repetitive phenomenon.

[0032] [Structure of filling machine 3: Reference Figure 2 , Figure 3 ]

[0033] The filling machine 3 can fill any of a beverage composed of a single type of liquid, a beverage composed of two types of liquids, and a beverage containing solids such as pulp in a liquid into a container. Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the filling machine 3 includes: a rotating conveying unit 10; a phase detection unit 30 for detecting the phase shift in the rotation direction of the rotating conveying unit 10; and a control unit 50 for determining the phase shift in addition to controlling the operation of each unit of the filling machine 3. In addition, the filling machine 3 includes: a star wheel 102 for transferring the container from the rinser 2 ( Figure 1 and the star wheel 103, receiving the container PB from the rotating conveying unit 10, and to the capping machine 4 ( Figure 1 ) handover. Figure 2 Only a part of the gripper 17 is shown in FIG. 5 . The control unit 50 may be a part of a control device for controlling the entire beverage production line 1. The gripper 17 corresponds to an example of a holding element for an article in the present invention.

[0034] like Figure 3 As shown, the rotary conveying unit 10 includes a rotary motor 11 as a driving source, a driven shaft 13 connected to a driving shaft 12 of the rotary motor 11, a star wheel 15 as a rotating body fixed to the driven shaft 13, and a plurality of grippers 17 provided on the outer periphery of the star wheel 15. Although not shown in the figure, the plurality of grippers 17 are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the star wheel 15. The rotary conveying unit 10 drives the rotary motor 11 to rotate, thereby rotating the star wheel 15. As the star wheel 15 rotates, the gripper 17 receives the container PB from the gripper 16 of the star wheel 102 on the upstream side, and the beverage is filled into the container PB grasped by the gripper 17 from a filling device not shown in the figure.

[0035] The container PB filled with the beverage is delivered to the gripper 18 of the star wheel 103. The rotary conveyor 10 monitors the phase shift of each of the plurality of grippers 17 provided on the star wheel 15 so that the gripper 17 can reliably receive the container PB from the gripper 16 and deliver the container PB from the gripper 17 to the gripper 18.

[0036] As an example, the rotary motor 11 is composed of a servo motor, especially an AC (alternating current) servo motor, which is provided with a rotor encoder (hereinafter referred to as an encoder). The rotary motor 11 is driven to rotate with acceleration and deceleration according to the instruction from the control unit 50. The rotary motor 11 measures the number of revolutions, rotation angle, rotation position, etc. of the servo motor through the encoder, and the measurement information is transferred to the control unit 50. As encoders, there are known incremental encoders and absolute encoders, and any encoder can be applied to the rotary motor 11. Here, the incremental encoder outputs a pulse of a frequency corresponding to the rotation speed of the servo motor as measurement information. And, the absolute encoder outputs the absolute value of the rotation angle of the servo motor as measurement information. The measurement information related to the servo motor output from the rotary motor 11 is sent to the control unit 50, and is used in the control unit 50 to determine the phase shift of each of the plurality of clamps 17. In addition, the information output from the encoder is absolute information that does not include the phase shift, and therefore becomes the reference information for determining the phase shift of the clamp 17.

[0037] The driving shaft 12 and the driven shaft 13 of the rotating electric machine 11 are connected by a coupling 14. Although not shown in the figure, a speed reducer is sometimes provided between the driving shaft 12 and the driven shaft 13. The driven shaft 13 that fixes and supports the star wheel 15 is connected via the coupling 14, but ideally rotates synchronously with the rotation of the driving shaft 12. However, if the load applied to the star wheel 15 having the clamp 17 becomes large, the actual phase of the clamp 17 may be offset from the predetermined phase, for example, due to the phase shift of the driving shaft 12 and the driven shaft 13 connected by the coupling 14. The phase mentioned here refers to the position of the clamp 17 in the rotation direction accompanying the rotation of the star wheel 15.

[0038] The clamp 17 has a pair of holding pieces, and the clamp 17 is equivalent to the driven joint of the cam, and a mechanism equivalent to the prime mover joint of the cam is provided around the star wheel 15. The clamp 17 is interfered with the mechanism equivalent to the prime mover joint to open and close the pair of holding pieces, thereby holding or releasing the container PB. The interference between the clamp 17 and the mechanism equivalent to the prime mover joint is accompanied by a considerable load, so the phase of the clamp 17 may be offset due to the load. In order to reduce the load of opening and closing the clamp 17, a lubricant, especially lubricating water, can be applied to the cam mechanism. However, in the application of filling the product liquid in a dry atmosphere to avoid moisture, water lubrication cannot be applied. In addition, in the necessary application of sterilization treatment that needs to be maintained at a specified temperature, water lubrication cannot be applied to avoid temperature reduction. Therefore, in the filling of the product liquid in a dry atmosphere, the possibility of phase shift in the clamp 17 becomes greater. Therefore, in the filling machine 3 of the beverage manufacturing line 1, a phase detection unit 30 is provided to monitor the phase shift of the clamp 17.

[0039] [Phase detection unit 30: reference Figure 3 , Figure 4 ]

[0040] The phase detection unit 30 outputs phase information corresponding to each of the plurality of clampers 17 mounted on the star wheel 15. The output phase information is compared with phase information related to the rotation angle of the servo motor output from the encoder constituting the rotary electric machine 11. Based on the result of the comparison, the phase shift of the clamper 17 is determined. This determination is performed in the control unit 50.

[0041] like Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , the phase detection unit 30 includes a photoelectric sensor 31 and a detection body 33 that blocks or allows the inspection light emitted from the photoelectric sensor 31 to pass.

[0042] Here, as an example, a transmission type photoelectric sensor 31 is used, which includes: a light projector 31A that emits inspection light as an example of an inspection signal; and a light receiver 31B that receives the inspection light emitted from the light projector 31A and outputs a light receiving signal. The light receiving signal output from the light receiver 31B is sent to the control unit 50 and is used to detect the phase shift of the plurality of clamps 17 supported by the star wheel 15. The light projector 31A and the light receiver 31B are arranged at a position where the detection object 33 is clamped therebetween and the light receiver 31B can detect the inspection light emitted from the light projector 31A. The light projector 31A is an example of a transmitter of the present invention, and the light receiver 31B is an example of a receiver of the present invention.

[0043] like Figure 4 As shown, the detection body 33 includes: a circular shielding plate 33A; and a plurality of light paths 33B, which are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the shielding plate 33A with the driven shaft 13 as the center, and penetrate the front and back sides of the shielding plate 33A. The detection body 33 rotates synchronously with the star wheel 15 based on the rotation of the rotating motor 11. During the operation of the detection body 33, if the inspection light from the light projector 31A is irradiated to the shielding plate 33A, the light receiver 31B cannot receive the inspection light, and therefore does not output a light receiving signal. If the inspection light from the light projector 31A passes through the light path 33B, the light receiver 31B outputs a light receiving signal. In this way, if the detection body 33 continues to rotate and the inspection light continues to be emitted from the light projector 31A, the light receiving signal corresponding to the inspection light sequentially passing through the plurality of light paths 33B is intermittently output from the light receiver 31B toward the control unit 50. The details will be described later. The control unit 50 compares the light receiving signal obtained from the light receiver 31B with the rotation angle signal obtained from the encoder provided in the rotary motor 11, thereby detecting the phase shift of the clamper 17. The optical path 33B is an example of the detection element of the present invention. In addition, the light receiving signal is an example of the second phase information of the present invention, and the rotation angle signal is an example of the first phase information of the present invention.

[0044] The plurality of light paths 33B in the detection body 33 are provided corresponding to the number and intervals of the plurality of clamps 17 provided on the outer periphery of the star wheel 15. As a preferred example, 24 light paths 33B are formed in the detection body 33, which correspond to each of the 24 clamps 17 provided on the star wheel 15. Therefore, if a phase shift occurs in the light path 33B, it can be considered that a phase shift also occurs in the corresponding clamp 17. However, the phase shift of the light path 33B, that is, the phase shift of the clamp 17, cannot be detected by only monitoring the light receiving signal obtained from the light receiver 31B. Therefore, the control unit 50 monitors the phase shift of the clamp 17 by comparing the rotation angle signal obtained from the encoder with the light receiving signal.

[0045] [Control unit 50: Reference Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 ]

[0046] refer to Figure 5 , the constant speed when the servo motor constituting the rotary motor 11 rotates at a constant speed is described. Figure 5 In FIG. 1 , a solid line indicates a light receiving signal SS from the light receiver 31B, a short dashed line indicates an angle EA of the encoder, and a dashed line indicates a motor current value EC of the servo motor. Figure 5 In the embodiment, since the servo motor is driven at a constant speed, the motor current value EC is constant. Here, the encoder angle EA is an example of the first phase information of the present invention, and the light receiving signal SS is an example of the second phase information of the present invention.

[0047] exist Figure 5 In the comparison between the encoder angle EA and the light receiving signal SS, when the encoder angle EA is 180°, which is a process with an increasing tendency, the light receiving signal SS rises. This indicates that the encoder angle EA and the light receiving signal SS are in phase, and the control unit 50 determines that no phase shift occurs in the clamp 17. Figure 5 In the example of the light receiving signal SS that generates a phase shift, a long dashed line indicates that the encoder angle EA shifts from 180° and the light receiving signal SS rises. In this case, the control unit 50 determines that a phase shift has occurred in the clamper 17. In addition, as described above, even if a large load is generated on the star wheel 15 via the clamper 17, the encoder angle EA is not affected by the load and is output stably. Therefore, if the encoder angle EA is compared with the light receiving signal SS, the phase shift of the clamper 17 can be detected and determined through the phase shift of the light receiving signal SS.

[0048] Next, refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7, the determination of the phase shift in the control unit 50 when the rotating electric machine 11 is accelerated and decelerated will be described.

[0049] During acceleration and deceleration, in addition to comparing the encoder angle EA with the light receiving signal SS, the motor current value EC is also used to predict the phase shift. That is, during acceleration and deceleration of the rotary electric machine 11, the motor current value EC varies greatly, and a phase shift is likely to occur. Therefore, an upper limit value ECmax is set for the motor current value EC, and if the measured motor current value EC reaches the upper limit value ECmax, it is considered that a phase shift has occurred on the side of the driven shaft 13.

[0050] For example, Figure 6 The motor current value EC continuously increases in proportion to the acceleration, indicating that the rotary electric machine 11 is accelerating. If the motor current value EC exceeds the upper limit value ECmax, the control unit 50 determines that a phase shift has occurred. Figure 6 2 shows that the motor current value EC decreases and transitions to constant speed operation after exceeding the upper limit value ECmax, but the control unit 50 can regard that a phase shift occurs at the point in time when the motor current value EC exceeds the upper limit value ECmax and instruct the subsequent processing.

[0051] Figure 7 2 shows an example of the rotating electric machine 11 decelerating from a constant speed operation state. When the rotating electric machine 11 is decelerating, the constant value of the motor current value EC rises before continuously decreasing and exceeds the upper limit value ECmax. The control unit 50 can regard that a phase shift occurs at the point in time when the motor current value EC exceeds the upper limit value ECmax and instruct the subsequent processing.

[0052] Next, refer to Figure 8 , an example of the steps of the determination of the phase shift by the control unit 50 and the processing after the determination of the phase shift will be described.

[0053] According to the instruction from the control unit 50, the rotary electric machine 11 starts to operate, and the light projector 31A in the phase detection unit 30 continuously emits the inspection light ( Figure 8 S101). Then, the control unit 50 continuously obtains the light receiving signal SS from the phase detection unit 30, and continuously obtains information related to the encoder angle EA and the motor current value EC of the servo motor from the encoder of the rotary electric machine 11 (S103). In this way, the phase shift in the driven shaft 13 can be determined. The control unit 50 stores information related to the upper limit value ECmax of the motor current value EC.

[0054] The control unit 50 determines whether the rotating electric machine 11 is accelerating or decelerating (S105). If the rotating electric machine 11 is accelerating or decelerating (S105 Yes), the control unit 50 determines the magnitude relationship between the stored upper limit value ECmax and the continuously acquired motor current value EC (S107). If the motor current value EC is greater than the upper limit value, the control unit 50 regards that a phase shift has occurred in the driven shaft 13 (S107 Yes). Then, the control unit 50 instructs to forcibly end the operation of the rotating electric machine 11 (S111).

[0055] If the control unit 50 determines that the rotary electric machine 11 is not accelerating or decelerating (S105 No) but is running at a constant speed, the encoder angle EA is compared with the light receiving signal SS to determine the offset of the light receiving signal SS (S109). When the control unit 50 compares the encoder angle EA with the light receiving signal SS and determines that the light receiving signal SS is offset from the encoder angle EA, it is considered that a phase offset has occurred in the driven shaft 13 (S109 Yes). Then, the control unit 50 instructs to forcibly end the operation of the rotary electric machine 11 (S111).

[0056] When the control unit 50 determines that the driven shaft 13 has not undergone phase shift (No in S107 , No in S109 ), the control unit 50 repeats the above-described steps.

[0057] [Effects of beverage production line 1]

[0058] As described above, according to the beverage manufacturing line 1, the encoder angle EA, which is one of the operation information of the rotating motor 11, is compared with the light receiving signal SS, which is the operation information of the driven shaft 13. The light receiving signal SS contains an offset relative to the encoder angle EA, which does not contain an offset. Therefore, if the encoder angle EA is compared with the light receiving signal SS, it is possible to detect and determine whether a phase offset has occurred in the clamp 17 due to the offset of the light receiving signal SS. If the control unit 50 can detect that a phase offset has occurred in the clamp 17, the operation of the rotating motor 11 can be forcibly stopped, thereby avoiding interference between the clamp 17 and the clamp 16 on the upstream side and interference between the clamp 17 and the clamp 18 on the downstream side.

[0059] According to the beverage production line 1, when the rotary motor 11 is accelerated or decelerated, the motor current value EC can be used to predict the occurrence of phase shift of the clamper 17. Therefore, according to the beverage production line 1, even if the load applied to the driven shaft 13 is increased, the phase shift of the clamper 17 can be prevented in advance.

[0060] According to the beverage production line 1, as a preferred embodiment, an optical path 33B as a detection element is provided corresponding to each of the plurality of clamps 17. Therefore, the phase shift caused by applying an excessive load to any clamp 17 by the action as a cam can be quickly grasped, so the delay in the end of the subsequent forced operation can be suppressed to a minimum.

[0061] As mentioned above, although the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described, in addition to the above, the configurations cited in the above embodiment can be selected or omitted, or can be appropriately changed to other configurations.

[0062] For example, the filling machine 3 is described above, but the phase shift detection method of the present invention is applied to the rinser 2 and the capping machine 4 including a star wheel provided with a gripper.

[0063] Furthermore, in the above, an example of a star wheel with a clamp is shown mainly for the purpose of avoiding interference with the clamp, but the phase shift detection method of the present invention is also applicable to a star wheel without a clamp. Fig. 9 , the star wheels 107 and 109 used for the delivery of the tank container CA are equivalent thereto. In the star wheels 107 and 109, a plurality of grooves 107A and 109A that are recessed radially inwardly of the tank container CA are provided on the outer periphery. The tank container CA is transported in a state where about half of the circumference is accommodated in the grooves 107A and 109A. With regard to the star wheels 107 and 109, the phase shift that may occur in the driven shaft and the star wheels 107 and 109 fixed to the driven shaft can also be detected and determined by applying the present invention. The grooves 107A and 109A are equivalent to an example of a retaining element for an article in the present invention.

[0064] The phase detection unit 30 of the present embodiment uses the transmission type photoelectric sensor 31 , but the present invention may also use a reflection type or a regression reflection type photoelectric sensor.

[0065] Furthermore, the photoelectric sensor 31 is only an example of a sensor that can detect a position that is periodically reached in the detection body 33 that is performing a rotating body motion, and a sensor that can perform the same detection can be applied. For example, a proximity sensor, an optical fiber sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a photoelectric microsensor, etc. can be used as a substitute for the photoelectric sensor. In addition to the detection element having an optical path 33B like the detection body 33, in the case of a proximity sensor, for example, it is sufficient to use a circular plate-shaped component with concave and convex alternately formed in the circumferential direction so that the proximity sensor can detect the convex part as the detection element. For other sensors, it is also sufficient to set the form of the detection element corresponding to its characteristics.

[0066] The detector 33 of the present embodiment preferably has an optical path 33B corresponding to each of the plurality of clamps 17, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Even if there is only one optical path 33B as a detection element, the phase shift detection method of the present invention can still function. However, the greater the number of optical paths 33B, the shorter the time interval in which the phase shift can be detected. For example, if there is only one optical path 33B, the detector 33 needs to rotate 1 circle in order to detect the phase shift. In contrast, if there are two optical paths 33B, the detector 33 only needs to rotate 0.5 circles in order to detect the phase shift. Therefore, in order to quickly detect the phase shift, it is desirable to increase the number of optical paths 33B, and it is also possible to set optical paths 33B that exceed the number of clamps 17.

[0067] The phase detection unit 30 of this embodiment is provided at a position away from the star wheel 15, but this is only an example of the present invention. The phase detection unit 30 can be provided at any position where the phase shift of the star wheel 15 can be detected, such as a position close to the star wheel 15. In addition, the phase detection unit 30 includes a detection body 33, but for example, the star wheel 15 can be provided with the function of the detection body 33, so the independent detection body 33 can be omitted in the present invention.

[0068] [Note]

[0069] <Note 1>

[0070] The article conveying device involved in the present invention comprises: a rotating motor (11) having a driving shaft (12); a rotating body (15) including a driven shaft (13) connected to the driving shaft (12) and conveying articles; a phase detection unit (30) for detecting the phase of the periodic rotational motion of the rotating body (15); and a control unit (50) for controlling the rotational drive of the rotating motor (11).

[0071] The control unit (50) determines the phase shift of the rotating body (15) by comparing first phase information (EA) about the rotation drive obtained from the rotating electric machine (11) and second phase information (SS) about the rotation movement of the rotating body obtained from the phase detection unit (30).

[0072] <Note 2>

[0073] The phase detection unit (30) preferably comprises: a detection body (33) fixed to the driven shaft (13) and having a detection element (33B); and a sensor (31) detecting the detection element (33B) of the detection body (33).

[0074] The phase shift of the rotating body (15) is reflected on the driven shaft (13), so if a phase detection unit (30) is provided on the driven shaft (13), the phase shift of the rotating body (15) can be detected and determined.

[0075] <Note 3>

[0076] In Supplementary Note 1 or Supplementary Note 2, the detection body (33) preferably includes a plurality of detection elements (33B) arranged on a circumference centered on the driven shaft (13).

[0077] Even if a single detection element (33B) is provided, the phase shift can be detected. However, if a plurality of detection elements (33B) are provided, the phase shift detection speed can be increased accordingly.

[0078] <Note 4>

[0079] In any one of Notes 1 to 3, the rotating body (15) preferably has retaining elements (17, 107A, 109A) for a plurality of objects (PB, CA) arranged on a circle centered on a driven shaft (13), and the detection elements (33B) are arranged corresponding to the number and intervals of the retaining elements (17, 107A, 109A).

[0080] If the detection elements (33B) are provided in a number and at intervals corresponding to the holding elements (17, 107A, 109A), the phase shift can be detected for each holding element (17, 107A, 109A), thereby preventing interference of the holding elements (17, 107A, 109A) more quickly and accurately.

[0081] <Note 5>

[0082] In any one of Notes 1 to 4, the rotating body (15) preferably has holding elements (17, 107A, 109A) for a plurality of objects (PB, CA) arranged on a circle centered on a driven shaft (13), and a plurality of detection elements (33B) are provided in a number exceeding the number of the holding elements (17, 107A, 109A).

[0083] If a plurality of detection elements (33B) exceeding the number of holding elements (17, 107A, 109A) are provided, it is possible to more quickly detect and determine the phase shift of the holding elements (17, 107A, 109A).

[0084] <Note 6>

[0085] In any one of Notes 1 to 5, the detection element (33B) is preferably a signal path (33B) that passes through the front and back sides of the detection body (33), and the sensor (31) has a transmitter (31A) for the inspection signal and a receiver (31B) for the inspection signal that passes through the signal path (33B).

[0086] A signal path (33B) penetrating the front and back surfaces of the detection body (33) can be easily formed by punching the detection body (33).

[0087] <Note 7>

[0088] In any one of Appendix 1 to Appendix 6, the control unit (50) preferably determines the phase shift of the rotating body (15) by comparing the current value (EC) of the rotating electric machine (11) with a predetermined upper limit value (ECmax) during the acceleration operation or deceleration operation of the rotating electric machine (11).

[0089] By determining the phase shift of a rotating body (15) based on the current value (EC) of a rotating electric machine (11), interference of holding elements (17, 107A, 109A) and poor delivery of articles during acceleration or deceleration can be prevented.

[0090] <Note 8>

[0091] In any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 7, the control unit (50) preferably terminates the rotational drive of the rotary motor (11) when determining that the phase of the rotating body (15) is shifted. This can prevent interference of the holding elements (17, 107A, 109A) and poor delivery of articles.

[0092] <Note 9>

[0093] A device, comprising a driven shaft (13) connected to a driving shaft (12) of a rotary motor (11) according to the present invention, and detecting a phase shift of a rotating body (15) for conveying articles, the device comprising: a phase detection unit (30) for detecting the phase of the periodic rotary motion of the rotating body (15); and a control unit (50) for controlling the rotary drive of the rotary motor (11). The control unit (50) determines the phase shift of the rotating body (15) by comparing first phase information on the rotary drive obtained from the rotary motor (11) with second phase information on the rotary motion of the rotating body (15) obtained from the phase detection unit (30).

[0094] <Note 10>

[0095] The phase shift determination method of the present invention comprises the following steps: a first step of acquiring first phase information (EA) about the rotational motion of the rotating motor (11) from a rotating motor (11) having a drive shaft (12); a second step of acquiring second phase information (SS) about the rotational motion of a rotating body (15), wherein the rotating body (15) comprises a driven shaft (13) connected to the drive shaft (12) and conveys an article; and a third step of determining the phase shift of the rotating body (15) by comparing the first phase information (EA) with the second phase information (SS).

[0096] <Note 11>

[0097] In Supplementary Note 9, the article is preferably a container filled with a beverage.

[0098] Explanation of symbols

[0099] 1-beverage manufacturing line, 2-rinsing machine, 3-filling machine, 4-capping machine, 10-rotating conveying part, 11-rotating motor, 12-driving shaft, 13-driven shaft, 14-coupling, 15-star wheel, 16, 17, 18-clamp, 30-phase detection part, 31-photoelectric sensor, 31A-light projector, 31B-light receiver, 33-detection body, 33A-shielding plate, 33B-light path, 50-control part, 101, 102, 103, 104, 107, 109-star wheel, SS-light receiving signal, EA-encoder angle, EC-current value, ECmax-upper limit, PB-container, CA-can container.

Claims

1. A device for conveying articles, comprising: a rotating electric machine having a drive shaft; a rotating body, including a driven shaft connected to the driving shaft and conveying articles; a phase detection unit for detecting the phase of the periodic rotational motion of the rotating body; and a control unit for controlling the rotation drive of the rotating motor, The control unit performs the following control: By comparing first phase information on the rotational drive acquired from the rotating electric machine with second phase information on the rotational motion of the rotating body acquired from the phase detection section, a phase shift of the rotating body is determined.

2. The conveying device according to claim 1, wherein: The phase detection unit comprises: A detection body, fixed to the driven shaft and having a detection element; and A sensor detects the detection element of the detection object.

3. The conveying device according to claim 2, wherein: The detection body includes a plurality of the detection elements arranged on a circumference centered on the driven shaft.

4. The conveying device according to claim 3, wherein: The rotating body includes a plurality of holding elements for the article arranged on a circumference centered on the driven shaft. The detection elements are provided in a manner corresponding to the number and intervals of the holding elements.

5. The conveying device according to claim 3, wherein: The rotating body includes a plurality of holding elements for the article arranged on a circumference centered on the driven shaft. A plurality of the detection elements are provided so as to exceed the number of the holding elements.

6. The conveying device according to claim 2, wherein: The detection element is a signal path that passes through the front and back of the detection body. The sensor has: Check the transmitter of the signal; and A receiver of the inspection signal passing through the signal path.

7. The conveying device according to claim 1, wherein: The control unit controls the rotating electrical machine to perform an acceleration operation or a deceleration operation. By comparing the current value of the rotating electrical machine with a predetermined upper limit value, the phase shift of the rotating body is determined.

8. The conveying device according to claim 1 or 7, wherein: The control unit terminates the rotational drive of the rotating electrical machine when determining that the phase of the rotating body is shifted.

9. A detection device comprising a driven shaft connected to a driving shaft of a rotating motor and detecting a phase shift of a rotating body conveying an article, the device comprising: a phase detection unit for detecting the phase of the periodic rotational motion of the rotating body; and a control unit for controlling the rotation drive of the rotating motor, The control unit performs the following control: By comparing first phase information on the rotational drive acquired from the rotating electric machine with second phase information on the rotational motion of the rotating body acquired from the phase detection section, a phase shift of the rotating body is determined.

10. A method for determining a phase shift, comprising the following steps: In a first step, first phase information about a rotational motion of a rotating electric machine having a drive shaft is obtained; The second step is to obtain second phase information about the rotational motion of a rotating body, wherein the rotating body includes a driven shaft connected to the driving shaft and conveys an article; and By comparing the first phase information and the second phase information, a phase shift of the rotating body is determined.

11. The method for determining phase shift according to claim 10, wherein: The object is a container filled with a beverage.

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