Conveyor device planning method

Abstract

A planning method for a conveyor arrangement (1) adapted to selectively convey an object (9) from at least one feed station (F1, F2) to a selected one of a plurality of destinations (D1... D16), the conveyor arrangement (1) comprising:-a plurality of conveyor sections (2) adapted to selectively convey objects (9) from at least one feed station (F1, F2) to a selected one of a plurality of destinations (D1... D16); the invention relates to a conveyor system (1) comprising:-a plurality of conveyor sections (2) each adapted to convey objects (9) from an inlet (I) of the conveyor section (2) to an outlet (O) of the conveyor section (2),-a plurality of controllers (11, 12) adapted to control the operation of the conveyor sections (2); wherein the conveyor sections (2) are arranged such that the objects (9) can be conveyed from the outlet (O) of an upstream conveyor section (2), in particular directly the upstream conveyor section (2), to the inlet (I) of the next conveyor section (2); wherein at least one of the conveyor sections (2) is an intersection section (2i... 2s9) having at least two outlets (O1, O2, O3), and wherein the intersection controller (12) is adapted to control the intersection section (2i... 2s9) in such a way that the object (9) is selectively conveyed through a selected outlet (O) of the plurality of outlets (O1, O2, O3) of the intersection section (2i... 2s9); the planning method comprises the following steps: using an IT planning tool (8) by a user; -arranging a schematic diagram (83) of a plurality of conveyor sections (2) by using said IT planning tool (8) in such a way that the inlet (I) of the downstream conveyor section (2) is linked to the outlet (O) of the upstream conveyor section (2); defining a plurality of destinations (D1... D16) within the IT planning tool (8); -performing an automated analysis of the arranged schematic diagram (83); -automatically generating a destination lookup table (17), in particular a plurality of individual destination lookup tables (17), indicating a section (2) and / or a list of destinations located downstream of each said exit (O) of the respective said intersection section (2i... 2s9), based on the performed automated analysis.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a method for planning a conveyor arrangement, in particular a conveyor arrangement for intralogistics. Background Art

[0002] European patent application 22 180 381.0 published after the filing date of the present application discloses a method for controlling a conveyor. The conveyor comprises a plurality of conveyor segments. A specific aspect of the disclosed control method is a lookup table (see EP 22 180 381.0). Figure 4 ), which represents the adjacency relationship between adjacent transmission segments. The application lacks a concept about how these lookup tables are created.

[0003] EP 3 222 564 B1 discloses a conveyor for transporting objects from a starting location to a target location. The conveyor includes a plurality of sections into which the conveyor is divided, and objects are transported between these sections. Each section includes: a linear transport section that transports the object linearly; a transport direction changing section that selects the transport direction of the object and sends the object out in the selected transport direction; a transport destination storage unit configured to temporarily store transport destination information; an information receiving unit configured to receive the transport destination information from an upstream section; and an information transmission unit configured to transmit the transport destination information to a downstream section. The conveyor transmits the transport destination information from the upstream section to the downstream section as the object moves between sections.

[0004] DE 10 2019 135 620 A1 discloses a method for setting a control system for a conveyor system. The conveyor system includes a plurality of conveyor sections. Each conveyor section includes a conveyor drive for conveying goods through the corresponding conveyor section. A controller controls the conveyor drives of the plurality of conveyor sections by: a) placing a configuration object, preferably having a marking, on one of the conveyor sections; b) driving the conveyor drive so that the configuration object is conveyed through the conveyor section to an adjacent conveyor section; c) detecting, by means of a camera, the movement of the configuration object due to the conveying of the configuration object in the field of view in which the configuration object is conveyed; d) creating a segment in the field of view of an image acquisition device that is spanned by the path traversed by the configuration object through the conveyor section when viewed from the perspective of the image acquisition device; e) associating the conveyor drive driven by the configuration object during its movement with the segment in the field of view of the image acquisition device; and f) storing this association in a database.

[0005] WO 2021 / 048042 A1 discloses a virtual layout tool. This tool uses 3D data of individual conveyor modules to create conveyor equipment in a virtual world. The 3D data for the conveyor equipment is arranged in spatial relationships that correspond to the likely relationships of the associated modules in the real world. The conveyor equipment created in the virtual world can be used in simulations to predict efficient conveyor equipment usage and configure sufficient capacity.

[0006] US2005 / 0065642 A1 discloses a fully installed and operational airport baggage transport system for transporting items to destinations along a predetermined transport route. The system has multiple branch locations and includes a master controller that sets a destination and a transport route associated with each transport item; and slave controllers that receive forwarding directions for each destination at the branch location from the master controller. The slave controllers identify an identification number associated with each transport item and transmit the identification number to the master controller, which then provides the destination associated with the identification number to the slave controllers. Based on the forwarding directions stored in the slave controllers, the slave controllers forward the items without querying the master controller. The feature of US2005 / 0065642 A1 that "the master controller sets a destination and a transport route associated with each transport item" is particularly important. First, the terms "route" and "destination" have different meanings and are not synonymous. Furthermore, the master controller sets a route and destination for each transport item separately; each slave controller then receives both routes and destinations, effectively the controllers that set the transport paths within the transport hardware. Therefore, the switching table is set during operation of the transport system, rather than during planning of the transport system. Details of planning such a transport system are not disclosed.

[0007] US 2018 / 0162652 A1 discloses a control system for a conveyor system, the control system comprising: a data storage device that maintains configuration data describing the configuration of the conveyor system; and a design component configured to enable a user to design a layout and configuration of the conveyor system, wherein the configuration data includes one or more devices and relationships between the one or more devices. In this regard, US 2018 / 0162652 A1 describes the use of a relational database (

[0019] ), but does not provide any details on the contents of the relational database. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide an improved method for setting up a conveyor arrangement, in particular a configuration control.

[0009] The invention comprises a method according to the independent claim; specific embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims and the description.

[0010] The present invention is particularly directed to a conveyor arrangement adapted to selectively convey objects from at least one feed station to a selected destination among a plurality of destinations. The conveyor arrangement comprises: a plurality of conveyor sections, each of the conveyor sections being adapted to convey objects from an entrance of the conveyor section to an exit of the conveyor section; and a plurality of controllers adapted to control the operation of the conveyor sections; wherein the conveyor sections are arranged so that the objects can be transferred from the exit of the previous conveyor section to the entrance of the next conveyor section. At least one of the conveyor sections is an intersection section having at least two exits. The intersection controller is adapted to control the intersection section in such a way that the objects are selectively conveyed through a selected exit among the plurality of exits of the intersection section.

[0011] The planning method comprises the following steps: using an IT planning tool (also referred to herein as a "layout tool") by a user; arranging a schematic diagram of a plurality of conveyor segments by using the IT planning tool in such a way that the entrance of a downstream conveyor segment is linked to the exit of an upstream conveyor segment; defining a plurality of destinations within the planning tool; performing an automated analysis of the arranged schematic diagram; and automatically generating a destination lookup table, in particular a plurality of separate destination lookup tables, indicating a list of segments and / or destinations located downstream of each of said exits of the corresponding intersection segment based on the automated analysis performed.

[0012] In an embodiment, a destination lookup table includes a list of destinations, each of which is linked to an exit and indicates that an object conveyed through the linked exit can be conveyed to the linked destination. In particular, the destination lookup table provides a database that supports local navigation at each intersection segment. Thus, with the help of the destination lookup table, directions to a desired destination at that particular intersection can be queried at each intersection. In an embodiment, multiple destination lookup tables are provided, each of which is linked to another intersection segment. In an embodiment, the destination lookup table is established at a very early stage, in particular, before the operation and / or installation of the conveyor device. Therefore, the destination lookup table is independent of the operation of the conveyor device and remains unchanged during operation. In particular, the same destination lookup table is valid for all objects conveyed at the relevant intersection. This differs significantly from the operation of US2005 / 0065642 A1, in which the switch table is adjusted for specific items. Providing a destination lookup table based on planning data simplifies the initial startup of the conveyor device by eliminating the need to program individual routes in the PLC.

[0013] In particular, the present invention is applicable to a conveyor arrangement (and also to the planning of such a conveyor arrangement) in which there are at least two intersection segments on a path between a feed station and a destination, and destination lookup tables are generated for the two intersection segments. In this case, the destination lookup table associated with the upstream intersection segment indicates a path to a downstream intersection segment, wherein the downstream intersection segment is on the path to the destination mentioned in the destination lookup table associated with the first intersection.

[0014] Traditionally, conveyor systems are typically planned using a layouter. Traditionally, the purpose of such a layouter has been solely to generate a bill of materials and establish the overall space requirements for the planned system. According to the present invention, the layouter is used to generate a table that is subsequently used by a cross-section controller to control the operation of the cross-section. Thus, the final topographic map of the system provided in the layouter is used to generate a destination lookup table that can be used to control the operation of the cross-section controller according to European Patent Application 22 180 381.0 (in European Patent Application 22 180 381.0, these cross-section controllers are referred to as "sorting controllers").

[0015] The planning method is used in a method for manufacturing a conveyor device. To this end, a plurality of intersection controllers are provided, each of which stores a respective destination lookup table. Specifically, the stored destination lookup table includes a list of destinations that are linked to an exit and indicate that objects conveyed through the linked exit can be conveyed to the linked destination. The intersection controller is adapted to control the operation of the associated intersection section based on the stored destination lookup table.

[0016] In an embodiment, the method comprises the step of linking a plurality of local controllers, in particular crossover controllers, to a schematic diagram of arranged conveyor sections, in particular crossover sections, in particular wherein each schematic diagram of arranged conveyor sections is linked to at least one local controller.

[0017] In an embodiment, in the analyzing step, a segment table is created based on the schematic diagram of the arrangement. The segment table includes adjacency relationships between conveyors.

[0018] In particular, the adjacency relation comprises a data set having at least: a first identification of a first conveyor segment; a second identification of a second conveyor segment; and information indicating whether the second conveyor segment is located directly downstream or upstream of the first conveyor segment.

[0019] In an embodiment, in the analysis step, a cross-tabulation is created based on the arranged schematic diagram. The cross-tabulation includes cross-relationships of the intersection segments. For example, the cross-relationships include a data set that includes at least: in particular, a cross-identification of the intersection segment; in particular, a first identification of a first conveyor segment located downstream of a first exit of the intersection segment; a second identification of a second conveyor segment located downstream of a second exit of the intersection segment; and optionally, a third identification of a third conveyor segment located downstream of a third exit of the intersection segment. The cross-relationships also include: information indicating that the first conveyor segment is located downstream of the first exit; information indicating that the second conveyor segment is located downstream of the second exit; and optionally, information indicating that the third conveyor segment is located downstream of the third exit.

[0020] In an embodiment, the destination lookup table is generated based on the information provided in the intersection table and optionally augmented with information in the segment table.

[0021] In an embodiment, the schematic diagram comprises a graphical schematic diagram of a conveyor section.

[0022] Unless otherwise stated, each step can be performed by user input using the IT planning tool and / or automatically (in particular by the IT planning tool); the "and" option enables, for example, the IT planning tool to provide a suggestion in the first step, which the user can choose to modify through user input.

[0023] The invention is particularly suitable for conveying devices which are operated in such a way that at most one conveying object is conveyed in each conveying section (in normal operation) and the conveyed material is conveyed from an upstream conveying section to a downstream conveying section. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings;

[0025] Figure 1 It is a three-dimensional diagram of the transmission section;

[0026] Figure 2 It is a basic conveyor device;

[0027] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of different conveyor sections;

[0028] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the conveyor device;

[0029] Figure 5 A personal computer where the layouter is running during the initial planning phase;

[0030] Figure 6 for Figure 5 The PC is in the subsequent planning steps;

[0031] Figure 7 for Figure 6 The PC is in the subsequent planning steps;

[0032] Figure 8 for Figure 7 The PC is in the subsequent planning steps;

[0033] Figure 9 A "build region" for subsequent planning steps of the layouter;

[0034] Figure 10 A "build region" for subsequent planning steps of the layouter;

[0035] Figure 11 The destination lookup table indicates Figure 10 The destinations between the segments in the planning device are summarized in the tables:

[0036] a) Segment table and

[0037] b) Cross-tabulation;

[0038] Figure 12 Based on Figure 10 Plan the relationships between the various sections of the device. These relationships are summarized as follows:

[0039] a) Destination lookup table for intersection 2r1,

[0040] b) Destination lookup table for intersection 2i. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] Figure 1 An exemplary conveyor section 2 is shown, comprising a plurality of conveyor rollers 3 that are driven together. To this end, one conveyor roller 3 is designed as a motor-driven conveyor roller 3M, specifically a roller 3M with a built-in motor. Specifically, the motor-driven conveyor roller 3M is driven by a three-phase motor mounted within the conveyor roller. The conveyor rollers 3 within the conveyor section 2 are drivingly connected to one another via one or more drive connectors 4 (e.g., drive belts) and are collectively driven by the motor-driven conveyor roller 3M. Objects 9 are linearly conveyed along a conveying direction d from an inlet I to an outlet O.

[0042] The presence sensor 5 can be used to determine whether a conveyed object 9 is placed on the conveyor section 2. The presence sensor 5 does not have to cover the entire conveyor section 2; it is sufficient to detect the presence of an object 9 within a portion of the conveyor section 2. The presence sensor 5 then generates a sensor signal S5, which is connected via a signal line (not shown) to a local section controller 11, which will be described in detail below. Presence detection can also be performed without explicit sensors, but rather by inferring it from other raw data. For example, methods already exist for inferring the presence of conveyed material on the conveyor section 2 from other data, such as the curve of the current intensity in the conveyor section 2.

[0043] The conveyor rollers 3 and the presence sensors 5 are fixed on a common support frame 6. The conveyor rollers 3 of a plurality of conveyor sections 2 can also be fixed on a common support frame 6.

[0044] The motor-driven conveyor rollers 3M are controlled by at least one or more local section controllers 11. A single section controller 11 can control the motor-driven conveyor rollers 3M of multiple conveyor sections 2. Multiple section controllers 11 are arranged on the conveyor device 1 ( Figure 2 ) and communicate with each other via bus connection 13.

[0045] Figure 2 A basic conveyor arrangement 1 is shown in which the previously described conveyor segments 2 are used. A number of segment controllers 11 control the operation of the conveyor segments 2. A PLC 14 (Programmable Logic Controller) may be provided to control the overall operation of the conveyor arrangement 1.

[0046] Scanners (not shown) can be arranged along the sections and provide identification data about objects 9a...c that pass through the scanners within the section. This identification data is sent to the PLC 14 via the bus connection 13. The PLC 14 can access an object database (not shown) that provides destination data based on the identification of the object 9. Based on the acquired data, the PLC 14 provides operating instructions to the local section controller 11, indicating how to handle the object 9, that is, to which exit O the object 9 should be conveyed.

[0047] In an alternative embodiment (as described in European Patent Application 22 180 381.0), a PLC or similar device is not required. Instead of a PLC, the segment controllers are connected to a common, higher-level object data agent, in particular via a bus, through which the segment controllers are also interconnected. The data agent provides destination data associated with the identified objects, and the segment controllers are adapted to control the operation of the segments based on the provided destination data. For the purposes of the present invention, the provision of a PLC is not essential.

[0048] Specifically, the segment controller 11 controls the motor driving the conveyor rollers 3M so that successively approaching conveyed objects 9 do not collide with each other, which is generally referred to as "zero pressure accumulation." This control ensures that each conveyor segment 2 essentially has only one conveyed object 9. However, slight overlap may occur. For example, even if a downstream conveyed object 9a has not yet completely left the downstream conveyor segment 2d, an upstream conveyed object 9b located on the upstream conveyor segment 2c may have already entered the downstream conveyor segment 2d. Although this ensures that the two conveyed objects 9 do not come into contact and thus do not damage each other, the sensor signal S5 of the presence sensor 5 is used as an input variable.

[0049] In the subsequent description of the present invention, the following will be used Figure 3 The conveyor section is described with reference to the schematic diagram of the conveyor section shown in FIG. Figure 3 a schematically represents Figure 1 The conveyor section 2 in FIG. 1 has a first inlet I1 and a first outlet O1 . No further inlets and outlets are provided. The conveyor section 2 may also be curved or have other shapes.

[0050] Figure 3 b shows a schematic diagram of another conveyor section 2 with an extended operating range. Figure 3 In addition to the conveyor section 2 of FIG. a, the conveyor section 2 has an additional second outlet O2. Objects 9 can be selectively conveyed from the first inlet I1 to either the first outlet O1 or the second outlet O2. Optionally, the conveyor section 2 has an additional third outlet O3. In this option, objects 9 can be selectively conveyed from the first inlet I1 to one of the first outlet O1, the second outlet O2, or the third outlet O3.

[0051] For example, Figure 3 The conveyor section 2 of b may be composed of Figure 1 The conveyor section 2 shown is formed and is also equipped with a conveyor according to EP 3 222 564 B1. Figure 5 The transmission device described in (in this document and the figures, the transmission device has the reference number 20).

[0052] Figure 3 c shows a schematic diagram of a conveyor section 2 with an extended operating range. Figure 3 In addition to the conveyor section 2 of FIG. 1 , the conveyor section 2 has an additional second inlet I2. Objects 9 can be conveyed from one of the first inlet I1 and the second inlet I2 to the first outlet O1.

[0053] Reference Figure 3 b) The transmission device described is also suitable for providing the additional second inlet I2.

[0054] Figure 3 d shows a schematic diagram of a conveyor section 2 with an extended operating range. Figure 1 The conveyor section 2 has an additional second inlet I2 and an additional second outlet O2, and is Figure 3 b and Figure 3 c. Examples of combinations of embodiments.

[0055] All conveyor sections 2 consist of Figure 1 The operation of the sectors 2 is controlled by the sector controller 11 shown in FIG. 2 , in particular, one sector controller 11 can be adapted to control the operation of more than one sector 2 .

[0056] from Figure 4 Initially, planning of the conveyor 1 is performed by an individual, herein referred to as a planner.

[0057] Figure 4 A principle sketch of what an exemplary conveying device 1 should ultimately look like is shown.

[0058] The exemplary conveyor arrangement 1 according to the sketch has two feed stations F, where a user can input objects 9 to be conveyed. The objects 9 are conveyed from the feed stations F to a plurality of destinations D via a plurality of conveyors C. A plurality of intersection points J are provided, at which the objects 9 are selectively transferred to one of a plurality of routes along the conveyors C. Such a sketch may exist only in the planner's mind.

[0059] Now refer to Figure 5 For detailed planning, the planner uses an IT tool 8, which is an application running on a personal computer 7, the term personal computer also including tablet computers or similar devices. The IT tool 8 is also referred to here as a "layouter".

[0060] The layouter 8 provides a construction area 81 in which a planner can create a digital schematic diagram of the conveyor 1. The layouter 8 also provides a selection area 82 in which components are provided for the planner to select. Through the user interaction UI, the user can select a graphical schematic diagram 83 of a specific component and transfer the selected component to the construction area 81 by dragging and dropping.

[0061] After several repetitions, a small conveying device 1 comprising a linear roller conveyor C has been created in the building area 81 .

[0062] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the conveyor device 1 further developed in the building area 81 is shown. Figure 5In addition to the situation in FIG, the conveyor device 1 now also includes an intersection J and a plurality of merging points M branching out at the intersection J.

[0063] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the conveyor device 1 further developed in the building area 81 is shown. Figure 6 In addition to the situation in , the conveyor arrangement 1 now also comprises an additional conveyor C downstream of the junction M. Also provided are a feed station F and connecting conveyors C, which are connected to the preceding conveyors C, in particular via crossing points.

[0064] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the conveyor device 1 further developed in the building area 81 is shown. Figure 7 In addition to the case in FIG. 1 , the conveyor arrangement 1 further comprises a destination D branching off from the conveyor C downstream of the junction M. At the destination D branching off from the conveyor C, an additional intersection J is provided.

[0065] By comparison Figure 8 and Figure 7 It can be seen that the planner can change the focus and view direction of the build area.

[0066] The intersection J can be realized by various embodiments. As a common embodiment, the intersection J can be implemented by a transmission device (such as European Patent EP 3 222 564 B1). Figure 5 The roller conveyor is composed of a roller conveyor (as shown).

[0067] Now, according to Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the main components of the conveyor device 1 within the building area 81 of the embodiment is provided, which perform the conveying and sorting operations when intended to be used.

[0068] Next, additional tasks are performed with the help of layout 8. For better visibility, Figure 9 In FIG, the focus is set on a small area of ​​the schematic diagram of the conveyor arrangement 1 and only the building area 81 is shown; however, the following steps are also applicable to other areas of the conveyor arrangement 1.

[0069] As previously mentioned, the selection of the conveyor C already defines the positions of the individual conveyor segments 2 as well as the segment boundaries B between the conveyor segments 2 . Figure 9 A selection of conveyor segments 2a...2s9 and corresponding segment boundary lines B (of which only a few are depicted) are shown, which are also visible to the planner 9 in the build area 81 by means of dashed lines etc. The planner also indicates destinations D1...D16 by user interaction.

[0070] The visualization of the section 2 provides a good starting point for planning the control system for controlling the conveyor device 1. Figure 9 ), the planner can select local segment controllers 11 which are then associated with the hardware displayed in the build area 81 .

[0071] In the planning step, each segment is associated with at least one segment controller 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, 112, 11f, 11g, 11h, 11i. For example, multiple segments 2 can be assigned to one segment controller 11. This assignment can be done via a user interface UI, for example by drawing a connection line L between the segment controller 11a and the conveyor segment 2a3. The aforementioned steps are repeated for all other conveyor segments 2 and segment controllers 11. Figure 9 For better visibility in FIG, only such connection lines are shown for the segment controller 11a. The controller positions shown in the construction area 81 may differ from the positions in the actual conveyor arrangement 1. Alternatively, such an assignment may be done automatically by an IT planning tool.

[0072] exist Figure 9 The table shows the assignment of segments to individual controllers. It also shows which pairs (specifically segments) are adjacent to the assigned segments in the upstream and downstream directions. Here, in the upstream direction, feed station F1 is upstream of upstream assignment segment 2a0; segment 2e is downstream of downstream assignment segment 2a3.

[0073] The overall result of this distribution of the entire conveyor device 1 can be seen in Figure 11 This can be seen in the segment table 16a shown in Figure a. Segment table 16a provides information about all segment controllers 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, 112, 11f, 11g, 11h, 11i, and 11j. In the first column, the individual segment controllers 11a...11j are identified. In the second column, all conveyor segments 2 controlled by the individual segment controllers 11 mentioned in the same row in the first column are defined. According to the first row, a single controller 11a controls conveyor devices 2a0 (first position in the conveying direction), 2a1 (second position), 2a2 (third position), and 2a3 (fourth position).

[0074] Also provided in the segment table is information about the order of the conveyor segments assigned to a common segment controller in the conveying direction d; for example, the conveyor segments are listed according to their position in the conveying direction, so that the conveyor segment furthest upstream is listed first and the conveyor segment furthest downstream is listed last.

[0075] The third column contains the segment identifiers that are upstream of the most upstream conveyor segment 2a0. In this case, the feed position F1 is upstream. The fourth column contains the segment identifiers that are downstream of the most downstream conveyor segment 2a3. In this case, the conveyor segment 2e is downstream. For all other segment controllers and segments, similar Figure 11 The same type of information is also provided in the individual segment table 16a shown in FIG. It goes without saying that the information need not be provided in the exact tabular form shown here. There are a variety of possible embodiments that may include this information. Any suitable database containing relevant information may be sufficient and should be considered a segment table within the meaning of the present invention.

[0076] Therefore, the segments show a variety of adjacency relationships. As an exemplary adjacency relationship, there is segment 2a0 (the first segment) and segment 2a1 (the second segment, both controlled by the same segment controller 11a), where the second segment 2a1 is directly downstream of the first segment 2a0. As another exemplary adjacency relationship, there is segment 2a3 (the first segment) and segment 2e (the second segment, both controlled by different segment controllers, here segment controllers 11a and 11c), where the second segment 2e is directly downstream of the first segment 2a3 (see Figure 11 underlined positions in a).

[0077] In another planning step, each intersection J is associated with at least one intersection controller 12i, 12n, 12r1, ..., 12s9, Figure 10 Only a small selection of these is shown in FIG. This assignment can be done via a user interaction UI, for example, by drawing a line L between an intersection controller 12i and a conveyor segment intersection 2i in a segment 2i. The steps described above are repeated for all other intersection segments and intersection controllers 12. Figure 10 For better visibility in FIG, only such link lines L are shown for the cross-controllers 12i. The controller positions shown in the construction area 81 may differ from the positions in the actual conveyor arrangement 1. Alternatively, the allocation can also be done automatically by an IT planning tool.

[0078] The results of this distribution are summarized in Figure 11In the cross table 16b shown in b. The relevant information of all cross controllers 12i, 12n, 12r1, ..., 12s9 is provided here. In the first column, the individual cross controllers 12i, 12n, 12r1, ..., 12s9 are identified. In the second column, the cross segments 2i, 2n, 2r1...2s9 controlled by the individual cross controllers listed in the same row in the first column are defined. According to the first row, a single cross controller 12i controls the intersection in the segment 2i. For ease of understanding, in this example, the reference numerals of the individual cross controllers 12 have the same index as the reference numerals of the assigned segments (also called cross segments), in which there are intersections controlled by the cross controllers.

[0079] The third, fourth and fifth columns contain the intersection relationships. This provides the identification of the various sections located downstream of the intersection section identified in the first column, which are located at the corresponding outlets O1, O2, O3 (see Figure 3 b). Thus, the third column defines segment 2j as being downstream of the first exit O1 (straight ahead) of the intersection segment 2i. Thus, the fourth column defines segment 2r0 as being downstream of the second exit O2 (left turn) of the intersection segment 2i. The fifth column defines segment 2r5 as being downstream of the third exit O3 (right turn) of the intersection segment 2i.

[0080] according to Figure 11 The information contained in the segment table 16a and the cross table 16b can be used to calculate the path information from each segment to all destinations. Figure 11 Position P0 in b):

[0081] Position P1( Figure 11 b) shows that in section 2r1, exit O2 leads directly to destination D1. This information can be directly transmitted to Figure 12 The first row of the destination lookup table 17 shown in a (see Figure 12 The "y" at position Q1 in a means "yes"). Unless otherwise stated, it is clear from this information that destination D1 cannot be reached via exit O1. This information can also be added to Figure 12 The destination lookup table 17 shown in a (see Figure 12 "n" at position Q2 in a means "no").

[0082] Figure 11 Position P2 in b shows that exit O1 of segment 2r1 leads to segment 2r2. This does not directly indicate the destination that can be reached through exit O1. However, it provides a basis for other queries. In particular, Figure 11The position P3 in the intersection table in b shows that the destination D2 can be reached through the segment 2r2. Therefore, the destination D2 can be reached indirectly through the exit O1 of the segment 2r1 and the exit O2 of the segment 2r2. Figure 12 Insert a "y" into the destination lookup table for segment 2r1 to reach destination D2 via exit O1 (see Figure 12 position Q3 in a). Figure 11 The information about the downstream segments in the segment table of a can also be used to generate the destination lookup table 17 .

[0083] The above description only shows Figure 11 Analysis of the data contained in Section Table 16a and Cross Table 16b and how this information can be used to generate Figure 12 The steps described result in the generation of a complete set of lookup tables, such as Figure 12 a. Figure 12 As shown in b. Obviously, Figure 12 The generation ratio of the lookup table in b Figure 12 The lookup table in a is more complex because more intersections are arranged consecutively in a row, but the analysis is essentially the same.

[0084] like Figure 12 As shown in the lookup table in b, not all destinations need to be explicitly provided with information in the destination lookup table. The "else" condition can also provide the required information for the remaining destinations that are not explicitly listed.

[0085] The destination lookup table described above can be used as the destination lookup table in EP22180381.0 Figure 4 The lookup table shown in FIG. 1 can be created for each intersection / segment and cross controller. The destination lookup table is then transferred to the actual cross controller to support sorting operations in the corresponding cross controller.

[0086] Reference Signs List

[0087] 1 Conveyor device

[0088] 2 conveyor sections

[0089] 3 conveyor rollers

[0090] 3M motor driven conveyor rollers

[0091] 4 drive connector

[0092] 5 Presence Sensor

[0093] 6 Support frame

[0094] 7 personal computers

[0095] 8 IT Tools / Layouters

[0096] 9 Objects to be transported

[0097] 11 Local section controller

[0098] 12 Local Crossbar Controller

[0099] 13 Bus connection

[0100] 14PLC

[0101] 16a Segment Table

[0102] 16b Crosstab

[0103] 17 Destination Lookup Table

[0104] 81 Build Area

[0105] 82 Select Area

[0106] 83 Graphical diagram of components

[0107] Boundary line of section B

[0108] C conveyor

[0109] D Destination

[0110] F Feeding Station

[0111] I entrance

[0112] J-junction

[0113] L Line

[0114] M Junction

[0115] O Exit

[0116] S5 sensor signal (presence sensor)

[0117] UI user interaction

[0118] dTransmission direction

Claims

1. A planning method for a conveyor device (1), The conveyor device (1) is adapted to selectively convey objects (9) from at least one feed station (F1, F2) to a selected destination among a plurality of destinations (D1 . . . D16), The conveyor device (1) comprises, a plurality of conveyor sections (2), each of said conveyor sections being adapted to convey objects (9) from an inlet (I) of said conveyor section (2) to an outlet (O) of said conveyor section (2), - a plurality of controllers (11, 12) adapted to control the operation of the conveyor sections (2); in, The conveyor sections (2) are arranged such that the objects (9) can be transferred from the outlet (O) of an upstream conveyor section (2), in particular the directly adjacent upstream conveyor section (2), to the inlet (I) of the next conveyor section (2); wherein at least one of the conveyor sections (2) is a crossover section (2i . . . 2s9) having at least two outlets (O1, O2, O3), wherein the intersection controller (12) is adapted to control the intersection section (2i ... 2s9) in such a manner that the object (9) is selectively conveyed through a selected outlet (O) among the plurality of outlets (O1, O2, O3) of the intersection section (2i ... 2s9); The planning method comprises the following steps: - Use of IT planning tools by users (8); - by using the IT planning tool (8), arranging a schematic diagram (83) of a plurality of conveyor segments (2) in such a way that the inlet (I) of a downstream conveyor segment (2) is linked to the outlet (O) of an upstream conveyor segment (2); - defining a plurality of destinations (D1 . . . D16) within the IT planning tool (8); - performing an automated analysis of said arranged schematic diagram (83); - Based on the automated analysis performed, a destination lookup table (17), in particular a plurality of separate destination lookup tables (17), is automatically generated indicating a list of segments (2) and / or destinations located downstream of each of said exits (O) of the respective said intersection segments (2i..2s9).

2. The method according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The destination lookup table (17) includes a list of destinations, each destination being linked to one of the outlets and indicating that an object transferred through the linked outlet can be transferred to the linked destination.

3. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized by the following steps: A plurality of separate destination lookup tables (17) are automatically generated, each separate destination lookup table being associated with a separate respective intersection segment.

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized by Automatic generation of the destination lookup table is performed prior to operation and / or installation of the conveying device.

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized by The same said destination look-up table is valid for any object (9) being transferred at the relevant intersection.

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, The following steps are included - linking a plurality of local controllers (11, 12), in particular a crossover controller (12), to said schematic diagram (83) of said arranged conveyor sections, in particular crossover sections (2i . . . 2s9), - Especially among them, The schematic diagram (83) of each arranged conveyor section (2) is linked to at least one of the local controllers (11, 12).

7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in the analysis step, a section table (16a) is created based on the arranged schematic diagram (83), in, The segment table (16a) includes the adjacency relationship of the conveyor segments (2), In particular, the adjacency relationship includes a data set, said data set including at least - a first identification of a first conveyor section, - a second identification of a second conveyor section, - Information indicating whether the second conveyor section is located directly downstream or upstream of the first conveyor section.

8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in the analysis step, a cross table (16b) is created based on the arranged schematic diagram (83), in, The intersection table (16b) includes the intersection relationship of the intersection segments (2i...2s9), In particular, the cross-relationship comprises a data set comprising at least - in particular the intersection identification (2i) of said intersection section, - a first identification (2j) of a first conveyor section situated downstream of a first outlet (O1) of said intersection section (2i), - a second identification (2r0) of a second conveyor section situated downstream of a second outlet (O2) of said intersection section (2i), - optionally, a third identification (2r5) of a third conveyor section situated downstream of a third outlet (O3) of said intersection section (2i), - information indicating that the first conveyor section (2j) is located downstream of the first outlet (O1), - information indicating that the second conveyor section (2r0) is located downstream of the second outlet (O2), - Optionally, information indicating that said third conveyor section (2r5) is located downstream of said third outlet (O3).

9. The method according to claim 8, in, The destination lookup table (17) is generated based on the information provided in the intersection table (16b).

10. The method according to claims 8 and 9, in, The destination lookup table (17) is generated based on the information provided in the intersection table (16b) and augmented with information included in the segment table (16a).

11. A method according to any one of the preceding claims; in, The schematic diagram (83) comprises a graphical representation of the conveyor section (2).

12. A method for manufacturing a conveyor device (1), The method comprises a planning method according to any one of the preceding claims.

13. A method for manufacturing a conveyor device (1) according to claim 12, It is characterized by The following steps Prior to operation of the conveyor device: the generated individual destination lookup tables (17) are transmitted to relevant segment controllers, in particular relevant segment controllers controlling the crossover segments (2i...2s9) associated with the lookup tables.

14. The method according to claim 12 or 13, It is characterized by providing a plurality of crossbar controllers (12), wherein a separate destination lookup table (17) is stored in each of the crossbar controllers (12i...12s9), In particular, the stored destination lookup table (17) comprises a list of destinations (D1 . . . D16) linked to one of the outlets (O1, O2, O3) and indicating that an object (8) conveyed via the linked outlet (O) can be conveyed to the linked destination (D).

15. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 14, It is characterized by The intersection controller (12) is adapted to control the operation of an associated intersection segment (2i...2s9) based on the stored destination lookup table (17) associated with the intersection segment (2).

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