Conveyor control system

Abstract

The invention relates to a conveyor control system. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a transport device control system includes: a linear transport device including a plurality of transport modules of a linear motion guide type; a slave computer that sets a transfer path for the carrier or the logistics item by checking an arrangement structure of the plurality of transfer modules, and controls a transfer operation of the carrier or the logistics item in real time for each of the plurality of transfer modules by checking an operation state of each of the plurality of transfer modules; and a master facility server that supplies arrangement information of the plurality of transfer modules and logistics scheduling information for each logistics transfer period to the slave computer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a control system for a transfer device. Background Art

[0002] With the development of multimedia, the importance of display devices is increasing. Accordingly, various types of display devices, such as organic light emitting displays (OLEDs) or liquid crystal displays (LCDs), are being used.

[0003] As a device for displaying an image, a display device includes a display panel such as a light emitting display panel or a liquid crystal display panel. Among them, the light emitting display panel may include light emitting diodes (LEDs). Examples of the light emitting diodes include organic light emitting diodes using an organic material as a fluorescent material or inorganic light emitting diodes using an inorganic material as a fluorescent material.

[0004] In the case of manufacturing a light emitting diode display panel using an inorganic light emitting diode or an organic light emitting diode as a light emitting diode, a transfer device such as a linear motion guiding device is used to transfer various logistics parts. For example, in the case of manufacturing a display panel, a plurality of transfer devices are used to transfer carriers containing photoresist, organic materials, inorganic materials, etc. and a transparent insulating substrate to various manufacturing devices.

[0005] Since a conventional transfer device controls the operation of the transfer device only through a logic preset in a facility operation server or a main control device of the transfer device, there is a problem that the logistics transfer route of the transfer device cannot be changed or the transfer device cannot be increased. There is also a problem that it is complicated to change various control logics of the transfer device. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Aspects of the present disclosure provide a transfer device control system that can easily control a plurality of transfer devices using a computer, a slave control board, etc. according to a logistics transfer schedule, transfer nodes, and transfer sections.

[0007] Aspects of the present disclosure also provide a transfer device control system that can easily change the transfer route and control logic of a transfer device by selecting a preset control function and program to control driving operations such as the logistics transfer direction and transfer speed of the transfer device.

[0008] However, the aspects of the present disclosure are not limited to the aspects described herein. Through reference to the detailed description of the present disclosure given below, the above aspects and other aspects of the present disclosure will become more apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains.

[0009] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a control system for a conveying device may include: a linear conveying device including a first to an nth conveying module of a linear motion guiding type, where n is a positive integer; a slave computer that sets a conveying path for a carrier or a logistics item by checking the arrangement structure of the first to the nth conveying module, and controls the conveying operation of the carrier or the logistics item in real time for each of the first to the nth conveying module by checking the operation state of each of the first to the nth conveying module; and a main facility server that supplies the arrangement information of the first to the nth conveying module and the logistics scheduling information for each logistics conveying period to the slave computer.

[0010] In an embodiment, the main facility server may include: a logistics scheduling management unit that supplies the logistics scheduling information for each logistics conveying period, which is input or updated in real time by an administrator, to the slave computer; and a transfer node management unit that supplies the arrangement information of the first to the nth conveying module arranged and connected in a series structure, a parallel structure, or a mesh structure in which a series structure and a parallel structure are combined to the slave computer.

[0011] In an embodiment, the main facility server may further include: a transfer path management unit that calculates a transfer path based on the arrangement information of the first to the nth conveying module and supplies information about the calculated transfer path to the slave computer, through which the carrier or the logistics item is conveyed, and the transfer node management unit checks the arrangement position information of the transfer node based on the arrangement information of the first to the nth conveying module and supplies the arrangement position information to the slave computer, where at least three or more conveying modules are connected or branched at the transfer node.

[0012] In an embodiment, the slave computer may include: a module control unit that sequentially calculates first to nth transfer paths by reflecting the arrangement information of the first to nth transfer modules and the arrangement position information of the transfer nodes, and sets the driving characteristics of each of the first to nth transfer modules using at least one command function among the first to nth command functions, and the carrier or the logistics item is transferred through the first to nth transfer paths; a first command function setting unit that sets and stores a first command function including a first instruction, and supplies the first command function to the module control unit; a second command function setting unit that sets and stores a second command function including a second instruction, and supplies the second command function to the module control unit; and an nth command function setting unit that sets and stores a third command function including a third instruction, and supplies the third command function to the module control unit.

[0013] In an embodiment, the module control unit may include: a transfer path setting unit that detects the arrangement position information of the transfer nodes by checking the arrangement information of the first to nth transfer modules in real time, and sequentially calculates first to nth transfer sections and first to nth transfer paths by reflecting the arrangement information of the first to nth transfer modules and the arrangement position information of the transfer nodes, at least three or more transfer modules are connected or branched at the transfer nodes, and the carrier or the logistics item is transferred through the first to nth transfer sections and the first to nth transfer paths; and a command function selection unit that receives and checks the status information of the first to nth transfer modules included in the first to nth transfer paths by sequentially sending the first command function to the first to nth transfer modules included in the first to nth transfer paths, and sets the driving characteristics including driving timing, logistics transfer direction, and logistics transfer speed of each of the first to nth transfer modules included in the first to nth transfer paths by sequentially sending the second command function to the first to nth transfer modules included in the first to nth transfer paths.

[0014] In an embodiment, the command function selection unit may set the driving characteristics including driving timing, direction change, direction change operation, direction change speed, and logistics transfer speed of each of the first to nth transfer modules arranged at the transfer nodes by sending the third command function to each of the first to nth transfer modules arranged at the transfer nodes among the first to nth transfer modules included in the first to nth transfer paths.

[0015] In an embodiment, the first command function setting unit may store the first command function and send the first command function to the module control unit according to the selection of the module control unit. The first command function includes a status information check instruction, a drive standby check instruction, and a transfer check instruction. The status information check instruction requests to send the status information for each of the first transfer module to the nth transfer module. The drive standby check instruction requests to send the drive standby status information for each of the first transfer module to the nth transfer module. The transfer check instruction requests to send the logistics transfer completion status information for each of the first transfer module to the nth transfer module.

[0016] In an embodiment, the second command function setting unit may store the second command function and send the second command function to the module control unit according to the selection of the module control unit. The second command function includes a transfer direction setting instruction, a transfer speed and transfer position setting instruction for each of the first transfer module to the nth transfer module, and a transfer start and end instruction for each of the first transfer module to the nth transfer module. The transfer direction setting instruction sets the transfer direction for each of the first transfer module to the nth transfer module included in the first transfer path to the nth transfer path.

[0017] In an embodiment, the nth command function setting unit may store the third command function and send the third command function to the module control unit according to the selection of the module control unit. The third command function includes a direction change instruction, a change direction setting instruction, a direction change speed setting instruction, a direction change and transfer position instruction, and a direction change start and end instruction for each of the multiple transfer modules arranged at the transfer nodes among the first transfer module to the nth transfer module included in the first transfer path to the nth transfer path.

[0018] In an embodiment, each of the first transfer module to the nth transfer module may include: at least one linear transfer core module that transfers and delivers a carrier or a logistics item along a preset path according to the arrangement direction; an input / output communication unit that sends the status information of the at least one linear transfer core module to the slave computer in response to the first command function input from the slave computer, receives the second command function input from the slave computer, and stores and shares the received second command function; and a module drive control unit that sets the logistics transfer and delivery position for each of the at least one linear transfer core module in response to the second command function including the second instruction, and real-time controls the drive characteristics including the logistics transfer direction and the logistics transfer speed.

[0019] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a control system for a conveying device may include: a linear conveying device including a first conveying module to an nth conveying module of a linear motion guiding type, where n is a positive integer; a slave computer that sets a conveying path for a carrier or a logistics item by checking the layout structure of the first conveying module to the nth conveying module, and controls the conveying operation of the carrier or the logistics item in real time for each of the first conveying module to the nth conveying module by checking the operation state of each of the first conveying module to the nth conveying module; and a main facility server that supplies layout information of the first conveying module to the nth conveying module and logistics scheduling information for each logistics conveying period to the slave computer, where the slave computer sequentially calculates the conveying path according to the layout information of the first conveying module to the nth conveying module, and controls the logistics conveying operation of the first conveying module to the nth conveying module for each of the plurality of conveying paths, and the carrier or the logistics item is conveyed through the conveying path.

[0020] According to an embodiment, by selecting a preset control function or program according to a logistics movement route or a conveying section and controlling the conveying device by using the selected control function or program, the operation of the conveying device can be easily controlled by a computer or a slave control board.

[0021] Even if a conveying device is added or the logistics conveying route of the conveying device is changed, the logistics conveying efficiency and management efficiency of the manufacturing device can be improved by easily controlling the conveying operation of the conveying device according to logistics conveying scheduling, conveying nodes, and conveying sections.

[0022] However, the effects of the embodiments are not limited to the effects described herein. By referring to the claims, the above and other effects of the embodiments will become more apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art related to the embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] The above and other aspects and features of the present disclosure will become more apparent by describing embodiments of the present disclosure in detail with reference to the drawings, in which:

[0024] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view schematically illustrating a control system for a conveying device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 2 is specifically illustrated Figure 1 of the block diagram of the control system for the conveying device;

[0026] Figure 3 is illustrated Figure 2 of the block diagram of the process of the logical control process of the main facility server illustrated in;

[0027] Figure 4 is a diagram Figure 2 showing a block diagram of the process of logical control processing of the slave computer illustrated therein;

[0028] Figure 5 is a diagram Figure 4 showing a block diagram of an example of the logical control program and function settings of the slave computer illustrated therein;

[0029] Figure 6 is a diagram Figure 4 showing a block diagram of an example of the logical control program and function settings of the slave computer illustrated therein; and

[0030] Figure 7 is a waveform diagram showing the timing of transmission and reception of control signals and data transmitted and received between the slave computer and the transmission device. Detailed implementation manners

[0031] In the following description, for purposes of illustration, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments or implementations of the present disclosure. As used herein, "embodiment" and "implementation" are interchangeable terms that serve as non-limiting examples of the devices or methods disclosed herein. However, it is obvious that the various embodiments can be practiced without these specific details or with one or more equivalent arrangements. Here, the various embodiments need not be mutually exclusive nor limit the present disclosure. For example, the specific shapes, configurations, and characteristics of an embodiment can be used in or implemented in another embodiment.

[0032] Unless otherwise specified, the illustrated embodiments are to be understood as providing features of the present disclosure. Thus, unless otherwise specified, the features, components, modules, layers, films, panels, regions, and / or aspects, etc. (hereinafter individually or collectively referred to as "elements") of the various embodiments can be combined, separated, interchanged, and / or rearranged in other ways without departing from the inventive concept.

[0033] The use of cross-hatching and / or shading in the drawings is generally provided to make the boundaries between adjacent elements clear. Thus, unless otherwise specified, the presence or absence of cross-hatching or shading does not express or indicate any preference or requirement for a specific material, material property, size, ratio, commonality between the illustrated elements, and / or any other characteristics, attributes, properties, etc. of the elements. In addition, in the drawings, for clarity and / or descriptive purposes, the sizes and relative sizes of the elements may be exaggerated. When an embodiment can be implemented differently, the specific process sequence may be performed differently from the described sequence. For example, two consecutively described processes may be performed substantially simultaneously or in a sequence opposite to the described sequence. In addition, like reference numerals and / or reference characters denote like elements.

[0034] When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, the one element or layer can be directly on, directly connected to, or directly coupled to the other element or layer, or there can be intervening elements or layers. However, when an element or layer is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers. For this reason, the term “connected” can refer to physical connection, electrical connection, and / or fluid connection with or without intervening elements. In addition, the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are not limited to the three axes of a rectangular coordinate system (such as the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis), and can be interpreted in a broader sense. For example, the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis can be perpendicular to each other, or can represent different directions that are not perpendicular to each other. For the purposes of the present disclosure, “at least one of A and B” can be interpreted as only A, only B, or any combination of A and B. In addition, “at least one of X, Y, and Z” and “at least one selected from the group consisting of X, Y, and Z” can be interpreted as only X, only Y, only Z, or any combination of two or more of X, Y, and Z. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0035] Although the terms “first,” “second,” etc. may be used herein to describe various types of elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element from another. Thus, the first element discussed below can be referred to as the second element without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0036] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and are not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In addition, when the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” and / or “including” are used in this specification, they specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. It is also noted that, as used herein, the terms “substantially,” “about,” and other similar terms are used as approximate terms and not as terms of degree, and are thus used to account for the inherent deviations in measured, calculated, and / or provided values as would be recognized by a person of ordinary skill in the art.

[0037] In this document, various embodiments are described with reference to cross-sectional views and / or exploded views that schematically illustrate the embodiments and / or intermediate structures. Accordingly, variations in the shapes of the illustrations due to, for example, manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances are expected. Thus, the embodiments disclosed herein should not be construed as limited to the specific shapes of the illustrated regions, but will include deviations in shape caused by, for example, manufacturing. In this manner, the regions illustrated in the drawings may in fact be schematic, and the shapes of these regions may not reflect the actual shapes of the regions of the device, and thus are not necessarily intended to be limiting.

[0038] As is customary in the art, some embodiments may be described and illustrated in the drawings in terms of functional blocks, units, and / or modules. Those skilled in the art will understand that these blocks, units, and / or modules are physically implemented by electronic (or optical) circuits, such as logic circuits, discrete components, microprocessors, hardwired circuits, memory elements, wiring connections, etc., which may be formed using semiconductor-based manufacturing techniques or other manufacturing techniques. In cases where the blocks, units, and / or modules are implemented by a microprocessor or other similar hardware, the blocks, units, and / or modules may be programmed and controlled using software (e.g., microcode) to perform the various functions discussed herein, and the blocks, units, and / or modules may optionally be driven by firmware and / or software. It is also contemplated that each block, unit, and / or module may be implemented by dedicated hardware, or as a combination of dedicated hardware and a processor (e.g., one or more programmed microprocessors and associated circuitry) that performs some functions. Additionally, each block, unit, and / or module of some embodiments may be physically divided into two or more interacting and discrete blocks, units, and / or modules without departing from the scope of the inventive concept. Further, the blocks, units, and / or modules of some embodiments may be physically combined into more complex blocks, units, and / or modules without departing from the scope of the inventive concept.

[0039] Unless otherwise defined or implied herein, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) are used with the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. It will also be understood that terms (such as those defined in a common dictionary) should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined in the specification.

[0040] The various features of the embodiments of the present disclosure may be partially or wholly combined or combined with each other, and various interlocks and drives are possible technically. The multiple embodiments may be implemented independently of each other or may be implemented in association with each other.

[0041] Hereinafter, specific embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0042] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view schematically illustrating a control system of a conveying device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 FIG. 2 is a detailed illustration Figure 1 of a block diagram of a control system of a conveying device.

[0043] Referring Figure 1 to Figure 2 FIGS. 1 and 2, the control system of the conveying device according to the embodiment may include a linear conveying device 100, a slave computer 200, and a master facility server 300.

[0044] The linear conveying device 100 may include a conveying module of a linear motion guiding type, for example, a first conveying module 100(1) to an nth conveying module 100(n). Here, n is a positive integer.

[0045] The first conveying module 100(1) to the nth conveying module 100(n) may be arranged and connected in a series structure, a parallel structure, or a network structure in which a series structure and a parallel structure are combined, respectively. In the case where the first conveying module 100(1) to the nth conveying module 100(n) are connected in a parallel structure or a network structure, a conveying node may be formed at which three or more of the first conveying module 100(1) to the nth conveying module 100(n) are connected or branched.

[0046] Each of the first conveying module 100(1) to the nth conveying module 100(n) may include an input / output communication unit 110, a module drive control unit 120, and a linear conveying core module 130.

[0047] At least one linear conveying core module 130 may convey and deliver a carrier 10 or a logistics item along a preset path according to the arrangement direction of each linear conveying core module 130. Each linear conveying core module 130 may include a loading plate on which the carrier 10 or the logistics item is placed, a coiled track forming a conveying shaft of the loading plate, a conveyor belt for conveying the loading plate, and a drive motor for applying power to the coiled track and the conveyor belt.

[0048] The input / output communication unit 110 may include at least one short-range wired / wireless communication module that performs Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or ZigBee communication or a long-range wired / wireless communication module that performs long-range communication such as LTE or 5G and a microprocessor.

[0049] In the case where a first command function including a first instruction is input from the slave computer 200, the input / output communication unit 110 transmits the status information of each linear transfer core module 130 to the slave computer 200. The input / output communication unit 110 receives a second command function including a second instruction from the slave computer 200, stores the second command function until the next second command function is received, and shares the second command function with the module drive control unit 120.

[0050] The module drive control unit 120 can set the logistics transfer and delivery positions for each linear transfer core module 130 in response to the second instruction of the second command function received through the input / output communication unit 110. The module drive control unit 120 can control in real time the drive characteristics such as the logistics transfer direction and the logistics transfer speed for each linear transfer core module 130. Specifically, the module drive control unit 120 can repeatedly control the drive timing and the drive speed for each drive motor of the linear transfer core module 130 in response to the second instruction of the second command function.

[0051] The main facility server 300 can store the layout information of the first transfer module 100(1) to the nth transfer module 100(n) upgraded by the administrator and the logistics scheduling information for each logistics transfer period. The main facility server 300 can supply the layout information of the first transfer module 100(1) to the nth transfer module 100(n) and the logistics scheduling information for each logistics transfer period to the slave computer 200.

[0052] Specifically, the main facility server 300 can supply the layout information of the first transfer module 100(1) to the nth transfer module 100(n) arranged and connected in a series structure, a parallel structure, or a mesh structure in which a series structure and a parallel structure are combined, etc. to the slave computer 200. The main facility server 300 can check the position information of the transfer nodes where at least three or more transfer modules are connected or branched according to the layout information of the first transfer module 100(1) to the nth transfer module 100(n) (for example, the layout position information of the transfer nodes), and supply the position information to the slave computer 200.

[0053] The main facility server 300 can calculate a transfer path through which a carrier 10 or a logistics item can be transferred according to the layout information of the first transfer module 100(1) to the nth transfer module 100(n), and supply the calculated transfer path information to the slave computer 200. Subsequently, the main facility server 300 can supply the logistics scheduling information for each logistics transfer period input or upgraded in real time by the administrator to the slave computer 200.

[0054] Reference Figure 2, the main facility server 300 may include a logistics scheduling management unit 301, a transfer node management unit 302, and a transfer path management unit 303.

[0055] The logistics scheduling management unit 301 may supply logistics scheduling information for each logistics transfer period, which is input or updated in real time by an administrator, to the slave computer 200. The logistics scheduling management unit 301 may check the logistics transfer volume in real time and divide the logistics transfer periods according to the logistics transfer volume. The logistics scheduling management unit 301 may sequentially check the logistics transfer paths (e.g., the number of logistics transfer paths, transfer locations, and transfer distances), and allocate and set the logistics transfer schedules for each logistics transfer period. The logistics scheduling management unit 301 may supply the logistics transfer schedule information for each logistics transfer period to the slave computer 200 in real time.

[0056] The transfer node management unit 302 may supply the arrangement information of the first transfer module 100(1) to the nth transfer module 100(n), which are arranged and connected in a series structure, a parallel structure, or a mesh structure in which a series structure and a parallel structure are combined, etc., to the slave computer 200.

[0057] The transfer node management unit 302 may check the location information of the transfer nodes where at least three or more transfer modules are connected or branched according to the arrangement information of the first transfer module 100(1) to the nth transfer module 100(n) (e.g., the arrangement location information of the transfer nodes), and supply the location information to the slave computer 200.

[0058] The transfer path management unit 303 may calculate the transfer paths through which the carrier 10 or the logistics item can be transferred according to the arrangement information of the first transfer module 100(1) to the nth transfer module 100(n), and supply the calculated transfer path information to the slave computer 200.

[0059] The transfer path management unit 303 can sequentially calculate the transfer sections and transfer paths at which the carrier 10 or the logistics item can be transferred by checking the arrangement position information of the transfer nodes and reflecting the arrangement information of the first transfer module 100(1) to the nth transfer module 100(n) and the arrangement position information of the transfer nodes. For example, the transfer path management unit 303 can set the transfer section and transfer path from the first transfer module 100(1) to the tenth transfer module 100(10) through which the carrier 10 or the logistics item can be transferred by reflecting the arrangement position information of the first transfer module 100(1) to the nth transfer module 100(n) and the arrangement position information of the transfer nodes. The transfer path management unit 303 can also set the transfer section and transfer path from the eleventh transfer module 100(11) to the nth transfer module 100(n). The transfer path management unit 303 can supply the information about the transfer section and transfer path through which the carrier 10 or the logistics item can be transferred to the subordinate computer 200.

[0060] The subordinate computer 200 can set the transfer path for the carrier 10 or the logistics item by checking the arrangement structure of the first transfer module 100(1) to the nth transfer module 100(n), and control the transfer operation of the carrier 10 or the logistics item for each of the first transfer module 100(1) to the nth transfer module 100(n) by checking the operation state for each of the first transfer module 100(1) to the nth transfer module 100(n).

[0061] Specifically, the subordinate computer 200 separate from the main facility server 300 can calculate the transfer path through which the carrier 10 or the logistics item can be transferred according to the arrangement information of the first transfer module 100(1) to the nth transfer module 100(n). For example, the subordinate computer 200 can calculate the transfer path through which the carrier 10 or the logistics item can be transferred by checking in real time the arrangement information of the first transfer module 100(1) to the nth transfer module 100(n) received from the main facility server 300.

[0062] The slave computer 200 can sequentially calculate the transfer sections and transfer paths at which the carrier 10 or the logistics item can be transferred by checking the layout position information of the transfer nodes and reflecting the layout information of the first transfer module 100(1) to the nth transfer module 100(n) and the layout position information of the transfer nodes. For example, the slave computer 200 can set the first transfer section and the first transfer path from the first transfer module (the first transfer module 100(1)) at the start position where the carrier 10 or the logistics item is received and placed to the last transfer module (the tenth transfer module) from which the carrier 10 or the logistics item is released. In another example, the slave computer 200 can set the nth transfer section and the nth transfer path from the first transfer module (the eleventh transfer module) at a different start position to the last transfer module (the nth transfer module 100(n)).

[0063] The slave computer 200 can receive and check the status information of the first transfer module 100(1) to the nth transfer module 100(n) included in the first transfer path to the nth transfer path by sequentially sending a first command function including a first instruction to the first transfer module 100(1) to the nth transfer module 100(n) included in the corresponding transfer section or transfer path (for example, the first transfer section to the nth transfer section or the first transfer path to the nth transfer path) set in real time.

[0064] The slave computer 200 can set the driving characteristics such as driving timing, logistics transfer direction, and logistics transfer speed of each of the first transfer module 100(1) to the nth transfer module 100(n) by sending a second command function including a second instruction to the first transfer module 100(1) to the nth transfer module 100(n) included in the first transfer path to the nth transfer path according to the result of checking the status information of the first transfer module 100(1) to the nth transfer module 100(n) included in the first transfer path to the nth transfer path.

[0065] The slave computer 200 can set the driving characteristics such as driving timing, direction change, direction change operation, direction change speed, and logistics transfer speed of each of the multiple transfer modules arranged at the transfer nodes among the first transfer module 100(1) to the nth transfer module 100(n) included in the first transfer path to the nth transfer path by sending a third command function including a third instruction to each of the multiple transfer modules arranged at the transfer nodes.

[0066] Reference Figure 2 , the slave computer 200 may include a module control unit 210 and a first command function setting unit 220, a second command function setting unit 230 to an nth command function setting unit 250.

[0067] The module control unit 210 can sequentially calculate the first to nth transfer paths through which the carrier 10 or the logistics item can be transferred by reflecting the layout information of the first to nth transfer modules 100(1) to 100(n) and the layout position information of the transfer nodes. The module control unit 210 can use at least one of the first to nth instructions to set the driving characteristics for each of the first to nth transfer modules 100(1) to 100(n).

[0068] The module control unit 210 may include a transfer path setting unit 211 and a command function selection unit 212.

[0069] The transfer path setting unit 211 can detect the position information of the transfer nodes where at least three or more transfer modules are connected or branched by checking the layout information of the first to nth transfer modules 100(1) to 100(n) in real time, for example, the layout position information of the transfer nodes. The transfer path setting unit 211 can sequentially calculate the first to nth transfer sections and the first to nth transfer paths through which the carrier 10 or the logistics item can be transferred by reflecting the layout information of the first to nth transfer modules 100(1) to 100(n) and the layout position information of the transfer nodes.

[0070] For example, the transfer path setting unit 211 can set the transfer sections and transfer paths from the first transfer module 100(1) to the tenth transfer module through which the carrier 10 or the logistics item can be transferred by reflecting the layout position information of the first to nth transfer modules 100(1) to 100(n) and the layout position information of the transfer nodes. The transfer path setting unit 211 can also set the transfer sections and transfer paths from the eleventh transfer module to the nth transfer module 100(n).

[0071] The command function selection unit 212 can receive and check the status information of the first to nth transfer modules 100(1) to 100(n) included in the first to nth transfer paths by sequentially sending a first command function including the first instruction to the first to nth transfer modules 100(1) to 100(n) included in the first to nth transfer sections or the first to nth transfer paths.

[0072] The command function selection unit 212 can set the driving characteristics such as driving timing, material flow transfer direction, and material flow transfer speed of each of the first transfer modules 100(1) to 100(n) included in the first transfer path to the nth transfer path by sending a second command function including a second instruction to the first transfer modules 100(1) to 100(n) included in the first transfer path to the nth transfer path according to the result of checking the status information of the first transfer modules 100(1) to 100(n) included in the first transfer path to the nth transfer path.

[0073] The command function selection unit 212 can set the driving characteristics such as driving timing, changing direction, direction change operation, direction change speed, and material flow transfer speed of each of the plurality of transfer modules arranged at the transfer node among the first transfer modules 100(1) to 100(n) included in the first transfer path to the nth transfer path by sending a third command function including a third instruction to each of the plurality of transfer modules arranged at the transfer node.

[0074] The first command function setting unit 220 can set and store a first command function including a first instruction and supply the first command function to the module control unit 210. Here, the first command function setting unit 220 can store the first command function, which includes a status information check instruction, a drive standby check instruction, and a transfer check instruction. The status information check instruction requests to send the status information for each of the first transfer modules 100(1) to 100(n), the drive standby check instruction requests to send the drive standby status information for each of the first transfer modules 100(1) to 100(n), and the transfer check instruction requests to send the material flow transfer completion status information for each of the first transfer modules 100(1) to 100(n). The first command function setting unit 220 can send the first command function to the module control unit 210 according to the selection of the module control unit 210. The first command function can be generated and set by an administrator or a preset program and stored in the first command function setting unit 220.

[0075] The second command function setting unit 230 may set and store a second command function including a second instruction and supply the second command function to the module control unit 210. Here, the second command function setting unit 230 may store the second command function, which includes a transfer direction setting instruction, a transfer speed and transfer position setting instruction for each of the first transfer module 100(1) to the nth transfer module 100(n), and a transfer start and end instruction for each of the first transfer module 100(1) to the nth transfer module 100(n). The transfer direction setting instruction sets the transfer direction of each of the first transfer module 100(1) to the nth transfer module 100(n) included in the first transfer path to the nth transfer path. The second command function setting unit 230 may send the second command function to the module control unit 210 according to the selection of the module control unit 210. The second command function may be generated and set by an administrator or a preset program and stored in the second command function setting unit 230.

[0076] The nth command function setting unit 250 may set and store a third command function including a third instruction and supply the third command function to the module control unit 210. Specifically, the nth command function setting unit 250 may store the third command function, which includes a direction change instruction, a change direction setting instruction, a direction change speed setting instruction, a direction change and transfer position instruction, and a direction change start and end instruction for each of the plurality of transfer modules arranged at transfer nodes among the transfer modules included in the first transfer path to the nth transfer path. The nth command function setting unit 250 may send the third command function to the module control unit 210 according to the selection of the module control unit 210. The third command function may be generated and set by an administrator or a preset program and stored in the nth command function setting unit 250.

[0077] Figure 3 is a diagram Figure 2 a block diagram of the process of the logical control process of the main facility server illustrated in

[0078] Reference Figure 3 , the transfer path management unit 303 of the main facility server 300 may sequentially calculate the transfer sections and transfer paths at which the carrier 10 or the logistics item can be transferred by checking the arrangement position information of the transfer nodes and reflecting the arrangement information of the first transfer module 100(1) to the nth transfer module 100(n) and the arrangement position information of the transfer nodes.

[0079] For example, the transfer path management unit 303 may set the transfer sections and transfer paths from the first transfer module 100(1) to the tenth transfer module through which the carrier 10 or the logistics item may be transferred by reflecting the layout position information of the first transfer module 100(1) to the nth transfer module 100(n) and the layout position information of the transfer nodes. The transfer path management unit 303 may also set the transfer sections and transfer paths from the eleventh transfer module to the nth transfer module 100(n). The transfer path management unit 303 may supply information on the transfer sections and transfer paths through which the carrier 10 or the logistics item may be transferred to the subordinate computer 200.

[0080] The logistics scheduling management unit 301 of the main facility server 300 may supply the logistics scheduling information for each logistics transfer period input or updated in real time by the administrator to the subordinate computer 200. The logistics scheduling management unit 301 may check the logistics transfer volume in real time and divide the logistics transfer periods according to the logistics transfer volume. The logistics scheduling management unit 301 may sequentially check the logistics transfer paths (e.g., the number, transfer position, and transfer distance of the logistics transfer paths), and allocate and set the logistics transfer schedules for each logistics transfer period.

[0081] Figure 4 is a diagram Figure 2 The block diagram of the process of the logical control process of the subordinate computer illustrated in the figure.

[0082] Reference Figure 4 As shown in, the transfer path setting unit 211 of the subordinate computer 200 may detect the position information of the transfer nodes where at least three or more transfer modules are connected or branched by checking the layout information of the first transfer module 100(1) to the nth transfer module 100(n) in real time, e.g., the layout position information of the transfer nodes. The transfer path setting unit 211 may sequentially calculate the first transfer section to the nth transfer section and the first transfer path to the nth transfer path through which the carrier 10 or the logistics item may be transferred by reflecting the layout information of the first transfer module 100(1) to the nth transfer module 100(n) and the layout position information of the transfer nodes.

[0083] The command function selection unit 212 of the slave computer 200 can receive and check the status information of the first transfer module 100(1) to the nth transfer module 100(n) included in the first transfer path to the nth transfer path by sequentially sending a first command function including a first instruction to the first transfer module 100(1) to the nth transfer module 100(n) included in the first transfer section to the nth transfer section or the first transfer path to the nth transfer path. The command function selection unit 212 can set the driving characteristics such as driving timing, material flow transfer direction, and material flow transfer speed of each of the first transfer module 100(1) to the nth transfer module 100(n) by sending a second command function including a second instruction to the first transfer module 100(1) to the nth transfer module 100(n) included in the first transfer path to the nth transfer path according to the result of checking the status information of the first transfer module 100(1) to the nth transfer module 100(n) included in the first transfer path to the nth transfer path.

[0084] The first command function of the first command function setting unit 220 may include a status information check instruction, a drive standby check instruction, and a transfer check instruction. The status information check instruction requests to send the status information for each of the first transfer module 100(1) to the nth transfer module 100(n). The drive standby check instruction requests to send the drive standby status information for each of the first transfer module 100(1) to the nth transfer module 100(n). The transfer check instruction requests to send the material flow transfer completion status information for each of the first transfer module 100(1) to the nth transfer module 100(n).

[0085] The second command function of the second command function setting unit 230 may include a transfer direction setting instruction, a transfer speed and transfer position setting instruction for each of the first transfer module 100(1) to the nth transfer module 100(n), and a transfer start and end instruction for each of the first transfer module 100(1) to the nth transfer module 100(n). The transfer direction setting instruction sets the transfer direction of each of the first transfer module 100(1) to the nth transfer module 100(n) included in the first transfer path to the nth transfer path.

[0086] The third command function of the nth command function setting unit 250 may include a direction change instruction, a change direction setting instruction, a direction change speed setting instruction, a direction change and transfer position instruction, and a direction change start and end instruction for each of the multiple transfer modules arranged at the transfer nodes among the transfer modules included in the first transfer path to the nth transfer path.

[0087] Figure 5 Is a diagram Figure 4Block diagram of an example of the logical control program and function settings of the slave computer shown in the figure.

[0088] Reference Figure 5 , the transfer path setting unit 211 of the slave computer 200 can set the transfer sections and transfer paths from the first transfer module 100(1) to the tenth transfer module through which the carrier 10 or the logistics item can be transferred by reflecting the layout position information of the first transfer module 100(1) to the nth transfer module 100(n) and the layout position information of the transfer nodes. The carrier 10 or the logistics item can be transferred through the transfer sections and transfer paths. The transfer path setting unit 211 can also set the transfer sections and transfer paths from the eleventh transfer module to the nth transfer module 100(n). For example, the transfer path setting unit 211 can set and count the entire transfer path (e.g., the first transfer path to the tenth transfer path) through which the carrier 10 or the logistics item can be transferred. Each of the multiple transfer paths can include multiple transfer nodes.

[0089] The transfer path setting unit 211 can set the first transfer section and the first transfer path from the first transfer module (e.g., the first transfer module 100(1)) at the start position where the carrier 10 or the logistics item is received and placed for each transfer path to the last transfer module (e.g., the tenth transfer module) from which the carrier 10 or the logistics item is released. The transfer path setting unit 211 can also set the nth transfer section and the nth transfer path from the first transfer module (e.g., the eleventh transfer module) at a different start position to the last transfer module (e.g., the nth transfer module 100(n)).

[0090] The command function selection unit 212 of the slave computer 200 can search for the first transfer module 100(1) to the nth transfer module 100(n) included in the first transfer section to the nth transfer section or the first transfer path to the nth transfer path. The command function selection unit 212 can receive and check the status information of the first transfer module 100(1) to the nth transfer module 100(n) included in the first transfer path to the nth transfer path by sequentially sending the first command function including the first instruction to the first transfer module 100(1) to the nth transfer module 100(n) included in the first transfer section to the nth transfer section or the first transfer path to the nth transfer path.

[0091] As described above, the first command function may include a status information check instruction, a drive standby check instruction, and a transfer check instruction. The status information check instruction requests to send the status information for each of the first transfer module 100(1) to the nth transfer module 100(n). The drive standby check instruction requests to send the drive standby status information for each of the first transfer module 100(1) to the nth transfer module 100(n). The transfer check instruction requests to send the logistics transfer completion status information for each of the first transfer module 100(1) to the nth transfer module 100(n).

[0092] In the case where the first command function including the first instruction is input from the slave computer 200, the input / output communication unit 110 of each of the first transfer module 100(1) to the nth transfer module 100(n) sends the status information of each linear transfer core module 130 to the slave computer 200.

[0093] Figure 6 is a diagram Figure 4 a block diagram of an example of the logical control program and function settings of the slave computer shown in the figure.

[0094] Reference Figure 6 , the command function selection unit 212 of the slave computer 200 can set the drive characteristics such as drive timing, logistics transfer direction, and logistics transfer speed of each of the first transfer module 100(1) to the nth transfer module 100(n) by sending the second command function including the second instruction to the first transfer module 100(1) to the nth transfer module 100(n) included in the first transfer path to the nth transfer path according to the result of checking the status information of the first transfer module 100(1) to the nth transfer module 100(n) included in the first transfer path to the nth transfer path.

[0095] As described above, the second command function may include a transfer direction setting instruction, a transfer speed and transfer position setting instruction for each of the first transfer module 100(1) to the nth transfer module 100(n), and a transfer start and end instruction for each of the first transfer module 100(1) to the nth transfer module 100(n). The transfer direction setting instruction sets the transfer direction of each of the first transfer module 100(1) to the nth transfer module 100(n) included in the first transfer path to the nth transfer path.

[0096] The module drive control unit 120 of each of the first transfer module 100(1) to the nth transfer module 100(n) can set the logistics transfer and delivery positions for each linear transfer core module 130 in response to the second instruction of the second command function received through the input / output communication unit 110. The module drive control unit 120 can control in real time the drive characteristics such as the logistics transfer direction and the logistics transfer speed for each linear transfer core module 130. Specifically, the module drive control unit 120 can repeatedly control the drive timing and the drive speed for each drive motor of the linear transfer core module 130 in response to the second instruction of the second command function.

[0097] Figure 7 is a waveform diagram showing the timing of transmission and reception of control signals and data transmitted and received between the slave computer and the transfer device.

[0098] Reference Figure 7 , the main facility server 300 can supply the logistics transfer enable signal ENS to the slave computer 200 and the first transfer module 100(1) to the nth transfer module 100(n) for each of the first logistics transfer period l_TRS to the nth logistics transfer period n_TRS.

[0099] The slave computer 200 and the first transfer module 100(1) to the nth transfer module 100(n) can be kept in an enabled state in response to the logistics transfer enable signal ENS.

[0100] The main facility server 300 can send the first data transmission signal NOS to the slave computer 200 to cause the slave computer 200 to switch to the data reception state. The main facility server 300 can supply the logistics scheduling information NData to the slave computer 200 for each of the first logistics transfer period 1_TRS to the nth logistics transfer period n_TRS.

[0101] The command function selection unit 212 of the slave computer 200 can search for the first transfer module 100(1) to the nth transfer module 100(n) included in the first transfer section to the nth transfer section or the first transfer path to the nth transfer path. The command function selection unit 212 can send the second data transmission signal MIS to the first transfer module 100(1) to the nth transfer module 100(n). During the transmission period of the second data transmission signal MIS, the command function selection unit 212 can sequentially send the first command function 1Data including the first instruction to the first transfer module 100(1) to the nth transfer module 100(n) included in the first transfer path to the nth transfer path.

[0102] In the case where a first command function including a first instruction is input from the slave computer 200, the input / output communication unit 110 of each of the first transfer module 100(1) to the nth transfer module 100(n) transmits the status information of each linear transfer core module 130 to the slave computer 200. The input / output communication unit 110 can receive and check the status information of the first transfer module 100(1) to the nth transfer module 100(n) included in the first transfer path to the nth transfer path.

[0103] The command function selection unit 212 of the slave computer 200 can send the third data transmission signal MOS to the first transfer module 100(1) to the nth transfer module 100(n) according to the check result of the status information of the first transfer module 100(1) to the nth transfer module 100(n) included in the first transfer path to the nth transfer path. During the transmission period of the third data transmission signal MOS, the command function selection unit 212 can set the driving characteristics such as driving timing, material flow transfer direction, and material flow transfer speed of each of the first transfer module 100(1) to the nth transfer module 100(n) by sending the second command function 2Data including the second instruction to the first transfer module 100(1) to the nth transfer module 100(n) included in the first transfer path to the nth transfer path.

[0104] The command function selection unit 212 of the slave computer 200 can additionally supply the material flow transfer operation signal LDS to the first transfer module 100(1) to the nth transfer module 100(n) included in the first transfer path to the nth transfer path.

[0105] During the supply period of the material flow transfer operation signal LDS, the module drive control unit 120 of each of the first transfer module 100(1) to the nth transfer module 100(n) can set the material flow transfer and delivery positions for each linear transfer core module 130 in response to the second instruction of the second command function 2Data received through the input / output communication unit 110. The module drive control unit 120 can control the driving characteristics such as the material flow transfer direction and the material flow transfer speed in real time for each linear transfer core module 130. Specifically, the module drive control unit 120 can repeatedly control the driving timing and the driving speed for each drive motor of the linear transfer core module 130 in response to the second instruction of the second command function 2Data.

[0106] According to the embodiment described above, by selecting a preset control function or program according to the material flow movement route or the transfer section and controlling the transfer device using the selected control function or program, the operation of the transfer device can be easily controlled using a computer or a slave control board.

[0107] Even if a conveying device is added or the logistics conveying route of the conveying device is changed, the conveying operation of the conveying device can be easily controlled according to the logistics conveying schedule, the conveying nodes, and the conveying sections, thereby improving the logistics conveying efficiency and management efficiency of the manufacturing device.

[0108] In the concluding portion of the detailed description, those skilled in the art will understand that many changes and modifications can be made to the embodiments without materially departing from the principles, spirit, and scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the embodiments of the present disclosure are disclosed for general and descriptive purposes only and not for limiting purposes.

[0109] The above description is an example of the technical features of the present disclosure, and those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains will be able to make various modifications and changes. Therefore, the multiple embodiments of the present disclosure described above can be implemented individually or in combination with each other.

[0110] The embodiments disclosed in the present disclosure are not intended to limit the technical spirit of the present disclosure but are intended to describe the technical spirit of the present disclosure, and the scope of the technical spirit of the present disclosure is not limited by these embodiments. The protection scope of the present disclosure should be interpreted by the appended claims and should be interpreted to include all technical spirits within the equivalent scope in the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A conveyor control system, comprising: A linear conveyor device, the linear conveyor device comprising a first conveyor module to an nth conveyor module of a linear motion guiding type, wherein n is a positive integer; a slave computer that sets a conveying path for a carrier or a logistic item by checking the arrangement structure of the first to nth conveying modules, and controls the conveying operation of the carrier or the logistic item in real time for each of the first to nth conveying modules by checking the operation status of each of the first to nth conveying modules; and A master facility server supplies arrangement information of the first to nth transport modules and logistics scheduling information for each logistics transport period to the slave computer.

2. The conveyor control system according to claim 1, wherein: The main facility server comprises: a logistics scheduling management unit, which supplies the logistics scheduling information for each logistics transmission period input or updated by an administrator in real time to the slave computer; and A transmission node management unit supplies the arrangement information of the first to nth transmission modules arranged and connected in a series structure, a parallel structure, or a mesh structure combining the series structure and the parallel structure to the slave computer.

3. The conveyor control system according to claim 2, wherein: The main facility server also includes: a conveying path management unit that calculates a conveying path through which the carrier or the logistic item is conveyed based on the arrangement information of the first conveying module to the nth conveying module and supplies information about the calculated conveying path to the slave computer, and The transmission node management unit checks arrangement position information of a transmission node at which at least three or more transmission modules are connected or branched based on the arrangement information of the first to nth transmission modules, and supplies the arrangement position information to the slave computer.

4. The conveyor control system according to claim 2, wherein: The slave computer comprises: a module control unit, wherein the module control unit sequentially calculates a first conveying path to an nth conveying path by reflecting the arrangement information of the first conveying module to the nth conveying module and the arrangement position information of the conveying node, and uses at least one command function from among the first command function to the nth command function to set the driving characteristics of each of the first conveying module to the nth conveying module, and the carrier or the logistic object is conveyed through the first conveying path to the nth conveying path; a first command function setting unit that sets and stores a first command function including a first instruction and supplies the first command function to the module control unit; a second command function setting unit that sets and stores a second command function including a second instruction and supplies the second command function to the module control unit; and an nth command function setting unit that sets and stores a third command function including a third instruction and supplies the third command function to the module control unit, Wherein, the module control unit comprises: a conveying path setting unit, wherein the conveying path setting unit detects the arrangement position information of the conveying node by checking the arrangement information of the first conveying module to the nth conveying module in real time, and sequentially calculates a first conveying section to an nth conveying section and a first conveying path to an nth conveying path by reflecting the arrangement information of the first conveying module to the nth conveying module and the arrangement position information of the conveying node, at least three or more conveying modules are connected or branched at the conveying node, and the carrier or the logistic item is conveyed through the first conveying section to the nth conveying section and the first conveying path to the nth conveying path; and A command function selection unit, which receives and checks status information of the first to nth conveying modules included in the first to nth conveying paths by sending the first command function to the first to nth conveying modules included in the first to nth conveying paths in sequence, and sets driving characteristics including driving timing, logistics conveying direction and logistics conveying speed of each of the first to nth conveying modules included in the first to nth conveying paths by sending the second command function to the first to nth conveying modules included in the first to nth conveying paths in sequence.

5. The conveyor control system according to claim 4, wherein: The command function selection unit sets the driving characteristics including the driving timing, direction change, direction change operation, direction change speed and the logistics conveying speed of each of the first to nth conveying modules arranged at the conveying node among the first to nth conveying modules included in the first to nth conveying paths by sending the third command function to each of the first to nth conveying modules arranged at the conveying node.

6. The conveyor control system according to claim 4, wherein: The first command function setting unit stores a first command function, and according to the selection of the module control unit, sends the first command function to the module control unit, the first command function includes a status information check instruction, a drive standby check instruction and a transmission check instruction, the status information check instruction requests sending status information for each of the first transmission module to the nth transmission module, the drive standby check instruction requests sending drive standby status information for each of the first transmission module to the nth transmission module, and the transmission check instruction requests sending logistics transmission completion status information for each of the first transmission module to the nth transmission module.

7. The conveyor control system according to claim 4, wherein: The second command function setting unit stores a second command function and sends the second command function to the module control unit according to the selection of the module control unit, the second command function including a conveying direction setting instruction, a conveying speed and conveying position setting instruction of each of the first conveying module to the nth conveying module, and a conveying start and end instruction of each of the first conveying module to the nth conveying module, the conveying direction setting instruction sets the conveying direction of each of the first conveying module to the nth conveying module contained in the first conveying path to the nth conveying path.

8. The conveyor control system according to claim 4, wherein: The nth command function setting unit stores a third command function and sends the third command function to the module control unit according to the selection of the module control unit. The third command function includes a direction change instruction, a direction change setting instruction, a direction change speed setting instruction, a direction change and transmission position instruction, and a direction change start and end instruction for each of the multiple transmission modules arranged at the transmission node among the first transmission module to the nth transmission module included in the first transmission path to the nth transmission path.

9. The conveyor control system according to claim 2, wherein: Each of the first transmission module to the nth transmission module comprises: At least one linear transport core module, the at least one linear transport core module transports and delivers the carrier or the logistic object along a preset path according to an arrangement direction; an input / output communication unit that transmits state information of the at least one linear transfer core module to the slave computer in response to a first command function input from the slave computer, receives a second command function input from the slave computer, and stores and shares the received second command function; and A module drive control unit, which sets the logistics transfer and delivery position for each of the at least one linear transfer core modules in response to the second command function including the second instruction, and controls the driving characteristics including the logistics transfer direction and the logistics transfer speed in real time.

10. A conveyor control system, comprising: A linear conveyor device, the linear conveyor device comprising a first conveyor module to an nth conveyor module of a linear motion guiding type, wherein n is a positive integer; a slave computer that sets a conveying path for a carrier or a logistic item by checking the arrangement structure of the first to nth conveying modules, and controls the conveying operation of the carrier or the logistic item in real time for each of the first to nth conveying modules by checking the operation status of each of the first to nth conveying modules; and a master facility server, the master facility server supplies the slave computer with arrangement information of the first to nth transport modules and logistics scheduling information for each logistics transport period, Wherein, the slave computer calculates the conveying paths in sequence according to the layout information of the first conveying module to the nth conveying module, and controls the logistics conveying operation of the first conveying module to the nth conveying module for each of the multiple conveying paths, and the carrier or the logistics item is conveyed through the conveying path.

Images