Method of planning a conveyor device

Abstract

A method of planning a conveyor device (1) adapted to convey objects (9) from at least one first position (F) to at least one second position (D); wherein, in the intended operational use, the operator interacts within the human workspace (SA) with an object (9) located in the conveyor device (1); the method comprises a step of providing an IT planning tool (8) for use by a user; wherein a representation (83) of a plurality of conveyor components, in particular conveyor segments (2), is arranged to form a representation of the conveyor device (1) by using an IT planning tool (8); wherein the IT planning tool (8) is adapted to differentiate areas (C, D, F) in the conveyor device (1) between the non-human workspace and the human workspace (SA).

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] 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 conveyor section that linearly transports the object; 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.

[0003] WO 2021 / 048042 A1 (also published as EP 3 792 206 A1) discloses a virtual layout tool. This tool uses 3D data of individual conveyor modules to create conveyor systems 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 systems created in the virtual world can be used in simulations to predict efficient use of the conveyor system and configure adequate capacity.

[0004] In the virtual layout tool described in WO 2021 / 048042 A1 / EP 3 792 206 A1, the tool machine is surrounded by a fence designed to keep people away from the machine. Several human workspaces, separated by the fence, are visible, where humans come into direct contact with objects being transported by the conveyor system. Any human interaction with the conveyed objects, such as loading or unloading objects on the conveyor, occurs outside the fenced section. The fence does not provide any safety related to human interaction with objects on the conveyor.

[0005] WO 2018 / 191122 A1 relates to the field of conveyor guards that provide a smooth transition to support objects traveling across a gap between two conveyor surfaces (e.g., the pulleys of two separate belts) and prevent objects from falling into the gap. Any subject matter related to user interaction during normal operation is not part of this disclosure.

[0006] US2022 / 009722A1 discloses a roller having a drive unit, the roller being provided with a roller body and being adapted to generate a torque between an axis element and the roller body. A sensor function unit is disposed within the roller body and is designed to detect a conveyed material for conveyance by an electrically operated conveyor roller. A control unit is connected to the sensor function unit, wherein the control unit is designed to receive a sensor signal from the sensor function unit and transmit a control signal to the drive unit in a manner dependent on the sensor signal, wherein, in a conveying operating mode, the control signal includes data for driving a motor to drive a conveyor roller, the characteristic profile of which is predetermined by the control signal. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The object of the invention is to improve the safety of humans handling objects on a conveyor in a human workspace. The invention comprises a method and a conveyor arrangement according to the independent claims; specific embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims and the description.

[0008] The conveyor device planned using the method of the present invention is adapted to transport objects from at least one first location to at least one second location. The first location may be a loading station; the second location may be a destination. A user may interact with the objects being transported.

[0009] The method of the present invention comprises the steps of providing an IT planning tool for use by a user; wherein, by using the IT planning tool, representations of a plurality of conveyor components (in particular conveyor sections) are arranged to form a representation of the conveyor device; the IT planning tool is adapted to divide areas of the conveyor device into non-human workspaces and human workspaces.

[0010] Thereby, the IT planning tool may be adapted to add human workspace definitions to a conveyor area and / or remove said human workspace definitions from a conveyor area.

[0011] This method automates several steps in the planning process that depend on subsequent use. In particular, subsequent use involves operators interacting with objects within the human workspace. This interaction increases the risk of operator contact with the conveyor's moving parts. Using this definition, IT planning tools can assist users in planning safe conveyor installations.

[0012] In an embodiment, based on input (particularly user interaction), the IT planning tool adds or removes the human workspace definition from the conveyor area. The term "user interaction" should be understood broadly. As an alternative to user interaction, the IT planning tool can deduce this fact from any other suitable information. For example, some components inherently require operator interaction, such as terminal chutes or manual picking locations. In this case, explicit user interaction is not required; the component itself is simply considered a triggering input.

[0013] In this application, a distinction is made between users and operators. Users are the people who operate IT tools during the planning phase. Operators are the people who interact with the objects to be conveyed when the planned conveyor system is put into its intended use.

[0014] The claimed conveyor apparatus includes a motorized roller that can be operated based on setpoints that limit the maximum drive torque that the motorized roller can provide. By limiting the maximum torque, squeezing forces can be reduced, thereby reducing the risk of injury.

[0015] A set value limiting the maximum torque is provided to the motor roller from outside the motor roller, enabling the motor roller to switch between different operating modes. These operating modes differ from each other in the size of the set value or in that one operating mode does not take such a torque limiter into account at all.

[0016] Unless otherwise stated, the terms upstream and downstream refer to the direction of travel. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described in more detail with the aid of the accompanying drawings;

[0018] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a conventional conveyor section;

[0019] Figure 2 It is a traditional basic conveyor device;

[0020] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of different conveyor sections;

[0021] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the conveyor device;

[0022] Figure 5 A personal computer on which the IT planning tool is being run during the initial planning phase;

[0023] Figures 6 to 11 for Figure 5 of personal computers are in subsequent planning steps;

[0024] Figure 12is a longitudinal section of a motorized conveyor roller according to the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Figure 1 An exemplary conveyor section 2 is shown, which comprises a plurality of conveyor rollers 3 mounted on a common support frame 4. The conveyor rollers 3 are driven together by a common motor. For this purpose, one of the conveyor rollers 3 is designed as a motorized conveyor roller 3M. In particular, the motorized conveyor roller 3M is driven by a three-phase electric motor arranged inside the conveyor roller. The conveyor rollers 3 of the conveyor section 2 are drive-connected to one another via one or more drive connectors 31 (e.g. drive belts) and are driven together by the motorized conveyor roller 3M. The upper sides of the rollers form a conveyor surface Sc, on which objects 9 are conveyed linearly from an inlet I to an outlet O, in particular along a conveying direction d.

[0026] In another embodiment, a conveyor belt is used instead of rollers; accordingly, the conveyor surface Sc is formed by the conveyor belt ( Figure 1 and Figure 2 The upper side of the PCB is formed (not shown).

[0027] The presence of a conveyed object 9 on the conveyor section 2 can be determined by the presence sensor 5 as soon as the object enters the field of view of the sensor 5 .

[0028] The motorized conveyor rollers 3M are each controlled by at least one or more local section controllers 11 ( Figure 2 ) control. The local section controller 11 can control the motorized conveyor rollers 3M of a plurality of conveyor sections 2. A plurality of section controllers 11 are arranged in the conveyor arrangement 1 and communicate with each other via a bus connection 13.

[0029] Figure 2 A basic conveyor arrangement 1 is shown in which the previously described conveyor segments 2a...2e are used. A number of segment controllers 11 control the operation of the conveyor segments 2. A PLC 12 (Programmable Logic Controller) may be provided to control the overall operation of the conveyor arrangement 1.

[0030] Scanners (not shown) can be arranged along the segments and provide identification data about objects 9a...9c that pass through the scanners within the segment. This identification data is sent to the PLC 12 via the bus connection 13. The PLC 12 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 12 provides operating instructions to the local segment controller 11, indicating how to handle the object 9, that is, to which exit O the object 9 should be conveyed.

[0031] In an alternative embodiment (as described in WO 2023 / 247237 A1), no PLC or similar device is required. Instead, the segment controllers are connected to a common, higher-level object data agent, typically via a bus connection, with the segment controllers also being connected to one another via this bus. 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.

[0032] In particular, the segment controller 11 controls the motorized conveyor rollers 3M so that successively approaching conveyed objects 9 do not collide with each other, a process often referred to as "zero pressure buildup." This control ensures that each conveyor segment 2 contains essentially only one conveyed object 9. However, slight overlap may occur. For example, an upstream object 9b located in an upstream conveyor segment 2c may have already entered a downstream conveyor segment 2d even though a downstream object 9a has not yet completely left the downstream conveyor segment 2d. While ensuring that two conveyed objects 9 do not come into contact and thus damage each other, the sensor signal of the presence sensor 5 serves as an input variable.

[0033] In the subsequent description of the present invention, the following will be used Figure 3 The conveyor section 2 is described with reference to the schematic diagram of the conveyor section 2 shown in FIG. Figure 3 a schematically represents Figure 1 The conveyor section 2 has a first inlet I1 and a first outlet O1. No further inlets and outlets are provided. The conveyor section 2 can also be curved or have other shapes.

[0034] 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. 1 , the conveyor section 2 further includes a second outlet O2. Objects 9 can be selectively conveyed from the first inlet I1 to one of the first outlet O1 and the second outlet O2. Optionally, the conveyor section 2 further includes a 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, and the third outlet O3.

[0035] As an example, Figure 3 The conveyor section 2 of b may be composed of Figure 1 The conveyor section 2 shown is formed, which is additionally equipped with a conveyor according to EP 3 222 564 B1 Figure 5 The transmission device described in (in this document and the drawings, the transmission device has the reference number 20).

[0036] Figure 3c 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.

[0037] Reference Figure 3 b) The transmission device described is also suitable for providing the additional second inlet I2.

[0038] 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 Example of a combination of embodiments of c.

[0039] All conveyor sections 2 consist of Figure 1 or Figure 2 The segment controllers 11 shown control, in particular one segment controller 11 may be adapted to control the operation of more than one segment 2 .

[0040] from Figure 4 Initially, planning of the conveyor arrangement 1 is performed by an individual, herein referred to as a planner.

[0041] Figure 4 A principle sketch is shown of what an exemplary conveyor arrangement 1 should ultimately look like.

[0042] 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 onto one of a plurality of routes along the conveyors C. Such a sketch may exist only in the planner's mind.

[0043] 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 (PCs) or similar devices. The IT planning tool 8 is also referred to here as a "layout".

[0044] The layouter 8 provides a construction area 81 in which a planner can create a digital schematic diagram of the conveyor device 1. The layouter 8 also provides a selection area 82 in which components are provided for selection by the planner. 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.

[0045] After several iterations, a small conveyor arrangement 1 comprising a linear roller conveyor C has been created in the building area 81 .

[0046] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the conveyor device 1 further developed in the building area 81 is shown. Figure 5 In 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.

[0047] 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 FIG, the conveyor arrangement 1 now also comprises an additional conveyor C downstream of the junction M. A feed station F and connecting conveyors C are also provided, which are connected to the preceding conveyors C via intersections J.

[0048] 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. 4 , the conveyor arrangement 1 further comprises a destination D branching off from the conveyor C downstream of the junction M. An additional intersection point J is provided at the destination D branching off from the preceding conveyor C. Here, the destination D is in the form of a roller conveyor.

[0049] By comparison Figure 8 and Figure 7 It can be seen that planners can change the focus of the built area.

[0050] The intersection J can be implemented by various embodiments. As a common embodiment, the intersection J can be provided by a transmission device (such as European Patent EP 3 222 564B1) Figure 5 The roller conveyor shown in FIG.

[0051] Figure 9 and Figure 10A representation of a destination D is displayed within the build area 81. This destination D is an exemplary area where an operator interacts directly with an object 9 located on the roller 3. Specifically, the operator picks up the object 9 by hand and removes it from the conveyor C. Due to the direct interaction with the object 9 on the conveyor, the possibility of the user coming into contact with the roller 3 increases. As a result, the user's finger f may reach into the gap G between the two rollers 3 or come into contact with the poly-V belt 31. Therefore, the destination is an example of a human workspace where a user interacts with an object located on the conveyor by hand. Another exemplary interaction is that a human places an object on the conveyor, or a user modifies an object located on the conveyor (e.g., adding or removing equipment to or from the object, labeling the object, etc.).

[0052] The layout device 8 now offers the possibility of defining any area of ​​the conveyor arrangement 1 (in particular a part of the conveyor area 2 or the entire conveyor section 2) as a human workspace / safety area SA. In this example, the destination D constitutes the conveyor area that should be defined as the human workspace SA. In the same way, the loading station F ( Figure 7 ) and / or any other conveyors C may also constitute a conveyor area that will be defined as a human workspace / safe area SA.

[0053] To define the human workspace / SA, the layouter 81 provides a human workspace definition box 84 .

[0054] exist Figure 9 In the , the Human Workspace Definition box 84 is unchecked; Figure 10 , the human workspace definition box 84 is selected through the user interaction UI.

[0055] The definition of a human workspace SA can be added to or removed from a conveyor area by changing the selection state between “unchecked” and “checked” via the user interaction UI. It should be noted that there are also various other possibilities for defining the human workspace state.

[0056] A consequence of defining the conveyor area as a human workspace SA is that, in an embodiment, the layouter 8 automatically performs design changes by equipping said conveyor area with safety features 61 , 62 , 63 .

[0057] The first exemplary safety feature is a filler plate 61. The filler plate 61 is adapted to fill the gap G ( Figure 9 ) is reduced to a smaller gap g between the conveyor roller 3 and the filling plate 61 ( Figure 9 ). In particular, the larger gap G between the rollers ( Figure 9 ) is greater than 5 mm. The remaining smaller gap g( Figure 10 ) is designed to be so small that no finger can fit between them. In particular, the width of the small gap does not exceed 5 mm.

[0058] A variety of other safety features are also possible. As a second example, a closed side guide 62 ( Figure 10 ) to prevent any fingers from entering the conventional side guides ( Figure 9 ) below (for details and advantages of the closed side guide, see also the applicant's previous patent application PCT / EP2024 / 051888).

[0059] The first and second safety features are mechanical safety devices.

[0060] A third exemplary safety feature is an operating parameter, in this case, "drive torque limit" 63. This safety feature limits the torque of the conveyor drive within the human workspace SA to a safe maximum torque Tmax (a threshold value, also referred to as a safe maximum value). This third safety feature can be implemented in two different ways.

[0061] In the first approach, fixed operating parameters are used. The motorized roller 3M is used here, but its structure inherently limits it from generating a torque exceeding the safe maximum value Tmax.

[0062] In the second mode, variable operating parameters are used. Here, the structure of the motorized roller 3M allows it to generate a torque exceeding the safe maximum value Tmax; however, the motorized roller 3M is controlled in such a way that the torque it generates during operation does not actually exceed the safe maximum value Tmax.

[0063] The reduced torque reduces the risk of injury from an operator's hand being pinched between the object 9 and an item (eg, another object 9).

[0064] In the examples (see Figure 10 ), if the conveyor area is defined as a human workspace SA, the layouter 8 can perform a design change by automatically introducing at least one safety feature 61, 62, 63 into the representation of the conveyor arrangement 1 within the build area 81.

[0065] In another embodiment (see Figure 11 ), the layout 8 may propose a design change by providing a security feature selection box 85 in which at least one security feature is provided for selection and / or deselection. Based on the user's selection, the layout 8 introduces at least one security feature 61, 62 into the representation of the conveyor arrangement 1 (partially shown) within the build area 81.

[0066] Once the user deselects a security feature (here exemplified by filler panel 61 ), the unselected feature disappears from the representation of the conveyor within the build area 81 .

[0067] The third safety feature 63, "Drive Torque Limit," is included in the safety feature selection box 85. By selecting this safety feature 63, the torque of the conveyor drive within the human workspace SA is reduced to a safe maximum value Tmax. This reduced torque reduces the risk of injury from the operator's hand being pinched between the object 9 and another object (e.g., another object 9).

[0068] Figure 12 Shown Figure 1 A schematic partial longitudinal half-section of a motorized roller 3 in a middle conveyor section. The roller 3 comprises a cylindrical roller shell 39. End caps 32 are secured to both axial ends of the roller shell 39. The end caps 32 house bearings 33 supported on a shaft 34. The roller shaft 34 may comprise two separate stub shafts, one located at each end of the roller shell 39.

[0069] The motorized roller 3M may include a drive connector 31 (see Figure 1 ) The connector 37 that cooperates with the end cap 32. For example, the connector 37 is an integral part of the end cap 32.

[0070] The motorized roller 354 has a drive unit 35, in particular an electric motor, located inside a roller 39. A clutch 36 (in particular of a non-switchable type) connects the output shaft of the drive unit 35 to the roller 39. The drive unit 35 may comprise a gear transmission.

[0071] The control unit 310 comprises a frequency converter 312 and is adapted to provide a motor current IM to the drive unit 35 depending on operating conditions.

[0072] Now refer to Figure 13 , which shows a simplified control loop. Typically, the control unit 310 is adapted to regulate the operation of the drive unit so that the drive unit 35 drives the roller 39 at a specific rotational speed, for example by providing a speed setpoint for the conveying speed (target speed vt). Therefore, the regulation of the drive unit 35 is based on the target speed vt. If there is a mechanical load acting on the drive unit, the actual speed v may decrease relative to the target speed vt. The control unit activates the drive unit via the regulator R to provide an increased torque in order to keep the roller at a rotational speed according to the target speed vt, thereby keeping the speed difference dv=vt–v as low as possible, ideally to zero.

[0073] Figure 14 shows that during normal operation, the drive unit responds to Figure 13The torque provided for a specific speed difference in the control loop. If the speed difference increases, the motor current and, consequently, the motor torque T, also increase until the component reaches its design-related maximum value (see Figure 13 This is the second operating mode M2, which is the normal operating mode for most rollers.

[0074] The torque T provided by the drive unit is mainly proportional to the motor current provided by the inverter 312 .

[0075] During operation, a set of operating parameters 311 is provided to the control unit 310 from outside the roller 39 via a data connection 38 (eg a wired data connection).

[0076] The set of operating parameters 311 may include the start / stop signal and the set value for the drive speed.

[0077] According to the invention, the set of operating parameters 311 also comprises a setpoint for a maximum torque, which is associated with a first operating mode M1 , also called a safe operating mode.

[0078] The control unit is adapted to control the drive unit 35 in such a way that, for safety reasons, the torque provided by the roller must not exceed the set value Tmax. It is important from a design-related point of view that the motorized roller 3M can generally provide a greater power, as long as it is not limited by the set value Tmax. As the speed difference dv increases, the torque t provided by the motor controlled by the control loop also increases until it reaches point P1, at which point the torque reaches the set value Tmax, which is lower than the torque possible in the second operating mode M2 ​​(see Figure 15 ).

[0079] This enables the motorized roller to be operated in at least two different operating modes M1, M2. In a first operating mode, the drive unit 35 operates in a limited mode. The torque provided by the motorized roller is limited to a first set value Tmax.

[0080] In the second operating mode, the torque provided can be greater than the first set value Tmax. The motorized roller 3M is adapted to switch between these two operating modes. When a parameter setting is changed to a previous value, the switching command can be a set of parameters 311. Once the control unit receives the modified values, the motorized roller switches from one operating mode to the other.

[0081] Reference Signs List

[0082] 1 Conveyor device

[0083] 2 conveyor sections

[0084] 3 conveyor rollers

[0085] 3M Motorized Conveyor Rollers

[0086] 4 Support frame

[0087] 5 Presence Sensor

[0088] 61 First Safety Feature / Filler Panel

[0089] 62 Secondary safety feature / enclosed side guides

[0090] 63 Third safety feature / drive torque limitation

[0091] 7PC, personal computer

[0092] 8 IT Tools / Layouters

[0093] 9 Objects to be transported

[0094] 11 Local section controller

[0095] 12PLC (Programmable Logic Controller)

[0096] 13 Bus connection

[0097] 31 drive connector

[0098] 32 end cap

[0099] 33 bearings

[0100] 34 axes

[0101] 35 motor

[0102] 36 clutch

[0103] 37 Connecting piece for driving connector

[0104] 38 wires

[0105] 39 rollers

[0106] 310 control unit

[0107] 311 operating parameters

[0108] 312 inverter

[0109] 81 Construction Area

[0110] 82Select Area

[0111] Graphical representation of 83 components

[0112] 84 Human Workspace Definition Box

[0113] 85 Security feature selection box

[0114] C Conveyor (as an example of a conveyor area)

[0115] d Transmission direction

[0116] D Destination (as an example of a teleporter area)

[0117] F Loading station (as an example of a conveyor area)

[0118] I entrance

[0119] J-junction

[0120] M Junction

[0121] O Exit

[0122] UI user interaction

[0123] f finger

[0124] G Gap between two rollers

[0125] g Small gap between roller and filler plate

[0126] T driving torque

[0127] Tmax maximum torque

[0128] IM motor current

[0129] SA Safe Area / Human Workspace

[0130] Sc conveyor surface

[0131] M1, M2 First operating mode, second operating mode

[0132] v Speed

[0133] vt target speed

[0134] dv Speed ​​difference between target speed and actual speed

Claims

1. A method for planning a conveyor device (1), The conveyor device is adapted to convey objects (9) from at least one first location (F) to at least one second location (D); in, In intended operational use, an operator interacts with said object (9) located in said conveyor apparatus (1) within a human workspace (SA); The method comprises the step of providing an IT planning tool (8) for use by a user; wherein, by using the IT planning tool (8), representations (83) of a plurality of conveyor components, in particular conveyor segments (2), are arranged to form a representation of the conveyor arrangement (1); It is characterized in that The IT planning tool (8) is adapted to differentiate areas (C, D, F) in the conveyor arrangement (1) between non-human workspaces and the human workspace (SA).

2. The method according to claim 1, Its characteristics are: The IT planning tool (8) is adapted to add a human workspace (SA) definition to a conveyor section (C, D, F) and / or to remove the human workspace (SA) definition.

3. The method according to the preceding claim, It is characterized in that Based on input, in particular user interaction (UI), the IT planning tool (8) adds the human workspace definition to the conveyor section (C, D, F) or removes the human workspace definition from the conveyor section (C, D, F).

4. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 3, It is characterized in that Based on the human workspace (SA) definition, the IT planning tool (8) initiates design changes to the conveyor sections (C, D, F) defined as human workspaces.

5. The method according to the preceding claim, It is characterized in that Startup means that based on the definition, the IT Planning Tool (8): - performing a design change on the representation (83) of the conveyor device (1) in the area defined as the human workspace, and / or - providing design change suggestions for selection / deselection by the user, and performing design changes on the representation (83) of the conveyor device (1) in the area defined as the human workspace according to the selection / deselection; In particular, the design changes can be displayed in the build area (81) of the IT planning tool (8).

6. The method according to the preceding claim, It is characterized in that The design change comprises introducing at least one safety feature into the conveyor arrangement (1) in the conveyor section defined as a human workspace (SA).

7. The method according to the preceding claim, It is characterized in that The safety features include mechanical safety devices, in particular finger protection devices, such as gap-filling plates (61) or closed side guides (62).

8. The method according to claim 6 or 7, It is characterized in that The safety features include operating parameters (63), in particular threshold values.

9. The method according to claim 8, It is characterized in that The operating parameters (63) are fixed operating parameters, for example, based on configuration-based limit values.

10. The method according to claim 8, It is characterized by: The operating parameters (63) are variable operating parameters, such as control parameters.

11. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The human workspace is the area within the conveyor arrangement where: - an area where humans load and / or unload objects conveyed to / from the conveyor means, and / or - an area where humans modify objects located on said conveyor; Particularly wherein loading, unloading and / or modification is performed by manual contact between a human being and said objects on said conveyor.

12. A conveyor device (1) The conveyor device (1) is adapted to convey objects (9) from at least one first location (F) to at least one second location (D); In particular, in intended operational use, an operator interacts with the object (9) located in the conveyor device (1); The conveyor device (1) comprises at least one roller conveyor section (2) having a plurality of conveyor rollers (3), wherein the plurality of conveyor rollers (3) comprises at least one conveyor roller (3M) which is a motorized conveyor roller, in, The electric roller (3M) has a roller (39) and an electric drive unit (35) located in the roller (39). wherein the roller (39) has an outer surface which forms part of the conveying surface (SC) of the conveyor section (2), wherein the roller comprises a frequency converter (312), the frequency converter outputting a motor current (IM) to the electric drive unit (35), wherein the drive unit (35) generates a mechanical drive torque (T) according to the current; wherein the amount of current (T) is determined by a regulator (R) which compares the actual speed (v) of the drive unit with a target speed (vt), wherein based on the comparison, the frequency converter adjusts the amount of current output to the drive unit (35), It is characterized by: The frequency converter (312) is adapted as required to selectively limit the motor current supplied to the drive unit (35) based on a set value (Tmax), thereby limiting the maximum torque provided by the motorized roller (3M).

13. Conveyor device (1) according to the preceding claim, It is characterized by: The motorized roller (3M) is adapted to switch between a first operating mode (M1) and a second operating mode (M2); wherein, in the first operating mode (M1), the drive unit (35) operates in a limited mode, and the torque provided by the motorized roller is limited to a first set value (Tmax); In the second operating mode (M2), the drive unit (35) is adapted to operate such that the maximum torque provided by the motorized roller is greater than the first set value (Tmax).

14. Conveyor device (1) according to the preceding claim, It is characterized by: In the second operating mode, the drive unit (35) is adapted to: - operating in another limited mode, wherein the maximum torque provided by the motorized roller is limited to a second set value, the second set value being greater than the first set value; or - Operating in an unrestricted mode, wherein the torque provided by the motorized roller is not limited by a set value.

15. Conveyor device (1) according to claim 13 or 14, It is characterized by: The motorized roller (3M) is adapted to receive a switching signal (311) from outside the motorized roller (3M) via a data connection (38); Based on the switching signal, the motorized roller is adapted to switch between the first operating mode and the second operating mode.

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