Simulation device for a conveyor system

Abstract

Provided is a simulation device of a conveying system that verifies the operation of the conveying system, the movement of a conveyed object conveyed by the conveying system, consumed power, and the like. A simulation device of a conveying system (1) according to the present application simulates the behavior of one or more conveyed objects when the conveyed objects are carried in the conveying system and moved, can input information about a drive source of a conveying unit, and can perform simulation taking into account the information about the drive source.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a simulation apparatus for verifying the operation of a conveyor system, the movement of the conveyed object, and power consumption. In particular, this invention relates to an apparatus for simulating a distributed control conveyor system.

[0002] In addition, the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a simulation device.

[0003] In addition, the present invention relates to a computer program capable of verifying the operation of a conveying system, the movement of the conveyed object transported by the conveying system, power consumption, etc. Background Technology

[0004] Many distribution centers, collection stations, and warehouses have conveyor systems installed.

[0005] As a type of conveying system, a distributed control conveying system is known (Patent Document 1). Distributed control involves arranging multiple conveying units, called segment conveyors, in a series or branching configuration to form a series of conveying paths. Each conveying unit has its own independent drive motor (drive device). Additionally, each conveying unit is equipped with a load sensor. The load sensor detects whether there is a conveyed object on the conveying unit. Each conveying unit is attached with a control device called a segment controller. The control device has a built-in CPU and a storage unit, and the storage unit stores a computer program that constitutes the logic circuit (control circuit).

[0006] Computer programs can rewrite part or all of the code.

[0007] In most cases, key data such as the conveyor's travel speed and waiting time are input as parameters to activate the aforementioned conveying unit.

[0008] In a distributed control conveying system, each conveying unit constitutes a segment, and the segments are connected.

[0009] For example, when the specified condition is met that there is a conveyed item in its own section (conveying unit) and there is no conveyed item in the downstream section, the drive motor of its own section (conveying unit) is started to convey the conveyed item to the downstream section.

[0010] In addition, a transport system that includes sections with branching functions is also known (Patent Document 2).

[0011] Sections with branching functions are, for example, composed of conveyor units that can move the conveyed material in a straight line or discharge the conveyed material laterally.

[0012] The overall design and manufacturing of the conveying system are carried out through the following procedures.

[0013] (1) Specifications determine the process

[0014] (2) Design process

[0015] (3) Assembly process

[0016] (4) Adjusting the process

[0017] The specification determination process is the process in which the manufacturer of the conveyor system and the client negotiate and determine the required conditions (required specifications) for the conveyor system.

[0018] For example, the layout of the conveying system, the size and weight of the conveyed items, the conveying speed, and the conveying capacity per unit time are all determined by the specifications and processes. In the prior art, the required specifications are determined by studying drawings on paper and still images from CAD.

[0019] The design process is the process by which the manufacturer creates computer programs for each conveyor unit in a manner consistent with the required specifications. Sometimes, it only determines key data such as parameters.

[0020] Computer programs are generated based on the experience of technical personnel.

[0021] The assembly process is the actual process of combining multiple conveying units to construct a conveying system. Additionally, each conveying unit stores data from a computer program created during the design process.

[0022] The adjustment process involves loading the conveyor onto the conveyor system and actually driving the system to adjust its movement. In other words, it involves test-running the conveyor system and adjusting the actions of each conveying unit.

[0023] At this point, in most cases, the computer program for the delivery unit is modified.

[0024] Existing technical documents

[0025] Patent documents

[0026] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-231745

[0027] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-230914 Summary of the Invention

[0028] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0029] Existing conveyor systems suffer from the problem of requiring numerous correction operations after setup.

[0030] Existing conveyor systems rely on observing drawings on paper or static images on CAD to determine specifications, but clients may not be familiar with the structure and movement of the conveyor system and may find it difficult to understand its operation.

[0031] For example, even if the manufacturer specifies a "conveying speed of 200 meters per minute," the client may find it difficult to understand what that speed actually means. Therefore, during the specification determination phase, inconsistencies can sometimes arise between the client and the manufacturer.

[0032] As mentioned above, in the design process, based on the experience of technicians, the manufacturer creates a computer program in a manner consistent with the required specifications. Alternatively, the parameters (data) required for the action are determined.

[0033] Here, the computer programs and parameters are designed or selected merely to achieve the actions envisioned by the technicians, and it is impossible to actually determine what kind of movement the conveying system will perform.

[0034] In existing technologies, the conveyor system is tested during commissioning to confirm its operation. That is, during commissioning, the overall operation of the conveyor system is determined for the first time.

[0035] As mentioned above, the computer programs and parameters generated during the design process are only designed to achieve the movements envisioned by the technicians. However, during the trial operation of the conveyor system, the movements sometimes differ from those envisioned by the technicians. Furthermore, unexpected malfunctions sometimes occur during actual transport of the conveyed goods. Additionally, as mentioned above, inconsistencies sometimes arise between the client and the manufacturer during the specification determination stage, and there are also cases where the client, observing the trial operation, requests corrections.

[0036] Therefore, based on existing technology, there are many revisions to the procedures after trial operation, and it sometimes takes a considerable amount of time before the product is delivered from the manufacturer to the client.

[0037] In addition, even after delivery to the client, problems may sometimes occur, or even if there are no problems, the client may still request the correction of the motion, which may take a considerable amount of time to make corrections to computer programs and other components.

[0038] In addition, during the stage of determining the process based on specifications, there is a need to re-examine the required conditions, and further research also takes time.

[0039] Furthermore, when implementing large-scale conveyor systems, it is essential to ensure the ease of operation of the power supply equipment that provides power to the system. In this case, distributed control conveyor systems only drive the motors when transporting goods, resulting in more frequent motor downtime. In distributed control conveyor systems, the motors are not constantly running, thus consuming less power per unit time compared to conventional conveyor systems. However, it is difficult to determine the motor downtime during the specification determination phase, making it challenging to predict power consumption per unit time during the specification and design phases.

[0040] Therefore, power supply equipment is selected with a considerable capacity margin. As a result, in distributed transmission systems, the power supply equipment easily becomes redundant. Therefore, it is desirable to develop a method and apparatus for predicting power consumption per unit time when introducing it into a transmission system.

[0041] The present invention addresses the aforementioned problems of the prior art by developing a simulation device for verifying the operation of a conveying system, the movement of the conveyed object, and the power consumption.

[0042] Technical solutions for solving the problem

[0043] A method for solving the above-mentioned problem is a simulation device for a conveying system that simulates the behavior of moving one or more transported items on the conveying system. The simulation device is characterized in that: the conveying system of the simulated object has one or more input positions and one or more arrival positions, and has a conveying path connecting the input positions and arrival positions. On the conveying path, there is a unit connection area consisting of multiple connected conveying units. Each of the conveying units has a drive source and can be started / stopped independently. Under specified conditions, the drive source drives and transports the transported items. Information about the characteristics of the drive source of the conveying unit can be input, and simulation can be performed based on the information about the drive source.

[0044] Another approach to solving the aforementioned problem is a simulation device for a conveying system that simulates the behavior of moving one or more transported items by loading them onto the system. This simulation device is characterized by: the simulated conveying system having one or more input positions and one or more destination positions, and having a conveying path connecting the input and destination positions, with a unit connection area on the conveying path consisting of multiple connected conveying units, each of which has a drive source capable of independently starting / stopping. Under specified conditions, the drive source drives and transports the transported items. The device allows input of information about the drive source of each conveying unit and enables simulation based on this information.

[0045] The simulation device described above corresponds to a distributed control conveyor system. That is, the conveyor system has multiple conveying units that, under specified conditions, use a drive source such as a motor to convey the conveyed material.

[0046] In the simulation device for the conveying system described above, information about the characteristics of the drive source of the conveying unit and other related information can be input. Therefore, it is possible to accurately predict and control the overall operation of the conveying system and the movement of the conveyed object transported by the system.

[0047] Of the above-described methods, it is preferred that any of the conveying units has an electric motor as a drive source that can be started / stopped independently, the motor drives the conveying of the conveyed object under specified conditions, information about the characteristics of the motor of the conveying unit and / or information about the motor can be input, and simulation can be performed based on information about the motor.

[0048] According to this method, by inputting information about the characteristics of the electric motor and other relevant information, and by simulating the process within the local area, it is possible to more accurately predict and understand the overall operation of the conveying system and the movement of the conveyed objects transported by the system.

[0049] In the above-described manner, it is preferred that any of the conveying units has a motor-embedded roller with a motor built into the roller body, which can input information about the characteristics of the motor-embedded roller and / or information about the motor-embedded roller, and can perform simulation based on the information about the motor-embedded roller.

[0050] According to this method, by inputting information about the motor's built-in rollers and taking this information into account in the simulation, it is possible to more accurately predict and grasp the overall operation of the conveying system and the movement of the conveyed objects transported by the conveying system.

[0051] In the above-described manner, it is preferred that any of the conveying units is a segment conveyor device that conveys the transported material along a straight or curved path, capable of inputting information about the segment conveyor device, and capable of performing simulations based on information about the segment conveyor device.

[0052] According to this method, by inputting information about the section conveyor device and taking that information into account inland simulation, it is possible to more accurately predict and grasp the overall operation of the conveyor system and the movement of the conveyed objects transported by the conveyor system.

[0053] In the above-described embodiments, it is preferred that any of the conveying units has multiple conveying rollers, at least one of which is a motor-embedded roller with an electric motor built into the roller body, and has a power transmission mechanism that transmits the rotational force of the motor-embedded roller to other conveying rollers. Power is transmitted from the motor-embedded roller to other conveying rollers through the power transmission mechanism, and information about the power transmission mechanism can be input, and simulation can be performed based on the information about the power transmission mechanism.

[0054] According to this method, by inputting information about the power transmission mechanism and taking into account sliding and conveying efficiency in the simulation, it is possible to more accurately predict and grasp the overall operation of the conveying system and the movement of the conveyed objects transported by the conveying system.

[0055] Of the above methods, it is preferred that any of the conveying units can change the conveying speed, can change the conveying speed of the conveying unit to adjust the distance between the conveyed items, can input information on adjusting the distance between the conveyed items, and can perform simulation based on the information on adjusting the distance between the conveyed items.

[0056] According to this method, by inputting information about specific actions and taking that information into account in a simulation within the mainland, it is possible to more accurately predict and grasp the overall actions of the conveying system and the movement of the conveyed objects transported by the conveying system.

[0057] Of the above methods, it is preferable to be able to input information about the structure of the conveying unit, and to be able to perform simulations based on information about the structure of the conveying unit.

[0058] According to this method, by inputting information about the structure of the conveying unit and taking that information into account in the simulation, it is possible to more accurately predict and grasp the overall operation of the conveying system and the movement of the conveyed objects transported by the conveying system.

[0059] Of the above methods, it is preferable to be able to input information about the transported object and to be able to perform simulation based on the information about the transported object.

[0060] According to this method, by inputting information about the transported goods and taking that information into account for simulation in the mainland, it is possible to more accurately predict and grasp the overall operation of the transport system and the movement of the transported goods transported by the system.

[0061] Of the methods described above, the preferred method is one that can calculate the power consumption of the transmission system.

[0062] This method allows for accurate prediction and control of the power consumption of the transmission system.

[0063] It is preferable to input any of the above conditions.

[0064] The method for manufacturing a simulation device for a conveying system is characterized by actually conveying the conveyed object using an experimental conveying device composed of multiple conveying units connected together, obtaining information recorded by any of the above using the data at that time, and inputting that information.

[0065] Another approach to solving the same problem is a simulation computer program that simulates the behavior of a conveyor system when one or more transported items are loaded onto it and moved. This simulation computer program is characterized by: the simulated conveyor system having one or more input positions and one or more destination positions, and a conveying path connecting the input and destination positions; a unit connection area on the conveying path consisting of multiple connected conveying units; each of the conveying units having its own motor capable of independent start / stop; and the motor driving the transported items under specified conditions.

[0066] It is possible to input information about the characteristics of the motor of the conveying unit and / or information about the motor, and to perform simulations based on information about the characteristics of the motor and / or information about the motor.

[0067] The computer program used in this simulation corresponds to a distributed control conveyor system. That is, the conveyor system has multiple conveying units that, under specified conditions, use drive sources such as electric motors to transport the conveyed items.

[0068] In the simulation computer program of this method, information about the drive source of the conveying unit can be input. Therefore, it is possible to accurately predict and control the overall operation of the conveying system and the movement of the conveyed objects transported by the system.

[0069] Invention Effects

[0070] According to the present invention, it is possible to predict and verify the operation of the conveying system, the movement of the conveyed object transported by the conveying system, power consumption, etc. Attached Figure Description

[0071] Figure 1 It refers to the layout of the conveying system and the display screen of the display device, which serves as the object for action confirmation.

[0072] Figure 2 It is a three-dimensional diagram of the conveying units that make up the linear conveying section.

[0073] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional view of the area near the conveyor direction conversion section, which is composed of a conveyor direction conversion device.

[0074] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the roller built into the electric motor.

[0075] Figure 5 This is a block diagram of the simulation device of this embodiment.

[0076] Figure 6 It is a structural diagram of a computer program used for simulation. Detailed Implementation

[0077] The embodiments of the present invention will be described below.

[0078] First, let me briefly describe an example of a transport system 100 that serves as a simulated object.

[0079] As a simulated object, the transport system 100, such as Figure 1 As shown, the straight section of the conveying path is divided into several shorter control sections. The conveying system 100 is a distributed control device, having a higher-level control unit 101 that centrally controls the operation of the conveying system 100 and section controllers (independent control units) 102 that control each section. Figure 1 (Not shown in the image).

[0080] The upper-level control device 101 communicates with each section controller 102 through a communication unit (not shown) to exchange information.

[0081] In the simulated object conveying system 100, the upper-level control device 101 instructs the overall start / stop of the conveying system 100 and the start / stop of the individual section controllers 102. Additionally, the upper-level control device 101 instructs the conveying destination of each conveyed item M.

[0082] In the simulated object conveying system 100, multiple straight conveying sections are connected in series to form the straight portion of the conveying path. Additionally, the conveying system 100 includes multiple conveying direction switching sections with multiple branches, forming branched conveying paths. Furthermore, there are multiple arrival positions for the conveyed object M.

[0083] Each control section is equipped with a conveyor unit 110 and 120. The conveyor units 110 and 120 are integrated with the section controller 102. The section controller 102 is an independent control device with its own control circuit for controlling the conveyor units 110 and 120. In addition, the section controller (independent control device) 10 can communicate with the upper-level control device 101 and also operate according to the instructions of the upper-level control device 101.

[0084] The conveyor unit 110, located in the linear conveying section, is a representative conveyor unit. Figure 2 The illustrated section conveyor system. The conveyor unit 120, located at the conveyor direction switching section (branch), is... Figure 3The transfer device shown. Conveying unit 120 is also one of the conveying units.

[0085] The conveying unit (section conveyor device) 110 is a short-sized roller conveyor, in which multiple conveying rollers 112 are axially supported at predetermined intervals between a pair of parallel left and right side frames 111, 111. Each conveying roller 112 consists of a freely rotating driven roller 112b and a motor-embedded roller 112a. In this embodiment, there is only one motor-embedded roller 112a, and all others are driven rollers 112b.

[0086] The built-in roller 112a of the electric motor is well known, such as Figure 4 As shown, the roller body 130 has a cylindrical shape and a motor 131 and a reducer 132 are built inside it. The roller body 130 rotates by rotating the motor 131.

[0087] The built-in roller 112a of the electric motor has a component that can change the speed.

[0088] There are various types of built-in rollers 112a in electric motors, with differences in roller body length, thickness, and other characteristics. Regarding the electric motor 131, besides the differences between DC and AC motors, there are motors with different outputs and characteristics.

[0089] In addition, the number of stages and other parameters of the reducer 132 are also different.

[0090] like Figure 2 As shown, adjacent conveyor rollers 112 within the conveyor unit 110 are wound with a drive belt 115. Therefore, the rotational driving force of the motor-built roller 112a can be transmitted to all the driven rollers 112b.

[0091] In this way, the conveying unit 110 transmits the rotational force of the motor-built roller 112a to other conveying rollers 112 through the power transmission mechanism 116 of the transmission belt 115.

[0092] The power transmission mechanism 116 shown in the diagram of the conveyor unit 110 uses friction transmission with a circular belt, but there are several types of power transmission mechanisms.

[0093] Power transmission mechanisms can be broadly classified into friction transmission and meshing transmission.

[0094] In addition, friction drives can be implemented using either belts or friction wheels.

[0095] Friction drives utilize both round belts (without core wires) and V-belts (with core wires). Additionally, toothed belts are typically used for meshing drives, but are sometimes used in conveyor units as belts for friction drives.

[0096] Meshing transmissions include chain drives, toothed belt drives, and gear drives.

[0097] In addition, such as Figure 3 As shown, a load sensor S is provided in the conveying unit 110. The load sensor S is mounted on the side frame 111. Furthermore, the load sensor S is located near the downstream end.

[0098] The load sensor S detects whether the conveyed object is located on the conveying unit 110.

[0099] As a load sensor S, a photoelectric sensor can be used, and light-emitting elements such as light-emitting diodes and infrared diodes (not shown) are provided on the opposite side frame 111.

[0100] The conveying unit 110 is essentially driven by the motor-embedded roller 112a. In addition, the original drive source of the conveying unit 110 is the motor 131 built into the motor-embedded roller 112a.

[0101] Next, the conveying direction switching section will be described. The conveying unit 120 located in the conveying direction switching section is... Figure 3 The transfer device is as shown. The conveying unit 120 has a direction switching mechanism for switching the conveying direction or the feeding direction.

[0102] like Figure 4 As shown, the conveying unit 120 consists of a main conveyor 121, an auxiliary conveyor 122, and a lifting device (not shown).

[0103] The main conveyor 121 of the conveying unit 120 is a belt conveyor with multiple thin belts 125 arranged at certain intervals. The main conveyor 121 is driven by a motor-driven built-in roller 126 located at the end.

[0104] The auxiliary conveyor 122 of the conveying unit 120 is a roller conveyor. The auxiliary conveyor 122 is substantially the same as the conveying unit 110 described above, with multiple conveying rollers 127 arranged in parallel and linked by a belt 128. In the auxiliary conveyor 122, one of the conveying rollers 127 is also a motor-driven roller.

[0105] like Figure 4 As shown, the auxiliary conveyor 122 is configured such that conveyor rollers 127 are between the belts 125 of the main conveyor 121.

[0106] When the conveyor M placed in the conveyor unit 120 is moving straight, the main conveyor 121 is protruded upward from the auxiliary conveyor 122 by the lifting device (not shown), and the motor-driven roller 126 of the main conveyor 121 is driven to move the belt 125.

[0107] When the conveyed material M placed in the conveying unit 120 is discharged laterally, after the conveyed material is introduced into the main conveyor 121, the auxiliary conveyor 122 is raised by a lifting device (not shown) and the main conveyor 121 is lowered, so that the auxiliary conveyor 122 protrudes upwards from the main conveyor 121, and the motor-driven rollers of the auxiliary conveyor 122 are driven to rotate each conveying roller 127.

[0108] A load sensor (not shown) is also installed in the conveying unit 120. Additionally, a section controller (not shown) is also installed in the conveying unit 120.

[0109] The conveying unit 120 is essentially driven by a motor-driven roller 126 or similar mechanism. Furthermore, the original drive source for the conveying unit 120 is a motor integrated into the motor-driven roller.

[0110] The section controller 102 has a built-in storage device (not shown) that stores the control logic for the section it is responsible for controlling.

[0111] The section controller 102 inputs the parameters required for the specific action as one of the data.

[0112] For example, parameters such as conveying speed, start time of drive, and stop time of drive can be input as one of the above data.

[0113] The conveying system 100, which serves as the model, is a system formed by interconnecting the aforementioned conveying units 110 and 120. That is, the conveying system 100 is a unit connection area composed of multiple conveying units 110 and 120.

[0114] Of course, there are also layouts where the unit connection area exists locally.

[0115] The simulated transport system 100 has multiple input positions (control section numbers 1, 6, 8) and multiple arrival positions (control section numbers 30, 27, 90, etc.). Additionally, there are cases where either the input or arrival position is the same.

[0116] The conveyor system 100, which serves as the simulation object, can select multiple operating modes. There are also cases where an entire section of the conveyor system 100 operates in the same operating mode. Additionally, sometimes it operates in different operating modes for each section.

[0117] The operating modes typically include the following patterns.

[0118] (Synchronous delivery mode)

[0119] Synchronous transport mode is an operation mode in which, if there are continuous control sections for transporting materials, the materials are synchronously transported downstream without any gaps between them. In synchronous transport mode, if there are control sections without transported materials mixed among the control sections where materials are transported, they are synchronously transported downstream (transported together) while maintaining their arrangement.

[0120] (Separate conveying mode)

[0121] The separation transport mode is an operation mode in which a predetermined number of control sections without transported items are formed between control sections where transported items are present, and the transported items are transported downstream in a separated state.

[0122] In the separate conveying mode, when there is a conveyed item in the downstream control section, and there is no conveyed item in its own control section but the conveyed item exists in the upstream control section, the drive roller of its own control section is driven.

[0123] In addition, in the separate conveying mode, if there is no conveyed material in the downstream control section, the drive roller of the self-control section is driven if there is conveyed material in at least one of the self-control section or the upstream control section.

[0124] In addition, as a method of conveying materials, there are interval adjustment modes that maintain a certain interval between conveyed materials and close-to-close conveying modes.

[0125] (Interval Adjustment Mode)

[0126] The interval adjustment mode is an operating mode that adjusts the interval between the preceding conveyor and the following conveyor to a certain value. Specifically, the interval between the conveyors is detected based on the time interval of the load sensor S, which is installed across the control section. If the interval between the preceding and following conveyors is larger than the set value, the speed of the subsequent conveyor arriving at the control section is temporarily increased to shorten the distance between it and the preceding conveyor.

[0127] (Proximity delivery mode)

[0128] Proximity transport mode is an operating mode in which the distance between the preceding and following transport items is minimized. Based on proximity transport mode, the preceding and following transport items are transported downstream while being in substantial contact.

[0129] Figure 1The conveyor system 100 shown is only one example; the simulation device 1 described later can handle various conveyor systems. For example, there are also layouts with curved sections. The section conveyor device used in curved paths is a device that supports multiple conveyor rollers at predetermined intervals between a pair of left and right side frames arranged parallel to each other along the curve.

[0130] In addition, the conveying units used in the branch section also include conveying units with rollers that rotate around two axes, a horizontal axis and a vertical axis, and branching devices with guide rods that swing to guide items in the branching direction.

[0131] Next, the simulation device 1 of this embodiment will be described. The simulation device 1 is, for example, a device that predicts and simulates the behavior of the conveyor system 100 as described above. Specifically, it can verify the movement of the transported object conveyed by the conveyor system 100, power consumption, etc. Regarding power consumption, it can verify both the overall power consumption of the conveyor system 100 and the power consumption of each region. Furthermore, it can display the movement of the transported object on the conveyor system 100 in dynamic images.

[0132] like Figure 5 As shown, the simulation device 1 has a main device 2 and a display device 3, which displays the layout of the conveying system 100 and represents the operation of the conveying system 100 in dynamic images.

[0133] The main device 2 is a known computer, which includes a CPU 10 and a memory 11. In this embodiment, a personal computer is used as the main device 2. In this embodiment, a computer simulation program 20 is stored in a personal computer.

[0134] like Figure 6 As shown, the simulation computer program 20 functionally includes an information accumulation unit 21, an information input function unit 22, and a virtual action confirmation computer program 23. Furthermore, the simulation computer program 20 includes a power consumption calculation program 25.

[0135] The information accumulation unit 21 stores and accumulates information that constitutes a general conveying system, its equipment, components, functions, etc.

[0136] The information accumulation unit 21 functionally includes a motor information storage unit 30, a motor built-in roller information storage unit 31, a section conveyor information storage unit 32, a power transmission mechanism information storage unit 33, an operation mode storage unit 35, and a conveyor unit structure information storage unit 36. These will be explained below.

[0137] (Motor Information Storage Unit 30)

[0138] The electric motors are the primary drive sources for each conveying unit 110, 120, etc. The electric motor information storage unit 30 stores information about electric motors that may be used in the conveying system. That is, it stores information about the electric motors of the conveying units that may be used. Furthermore, the conveying units are not limited to the units described above; in practice, more units are used.

[0139] For example, in the case of the aforementioned conveying unit 110, information about the motor 131 built into the motor-integrated roller 112a is stored in the motor information storage unit 30. Similarly, in the case of the aforementioned conveying unit 120, information about the motors of the motors built into the motor-integrated roller 126 of the main drive conveyor 121 and the motors of the motor-integrated rollers of the auxiliary drive conveyor 122 are stored in the motor information storage unit 30. Furthermore, information about the motors driving the lifting device is also stored in the motor information storage unit 30.

[0140] The information about the motor stored in the motor information storage unit 30 includes the following information.

[0141] motor model

[0142] Construction of an electric motor

[0143] Categories of AC motors and DC motors

[0144] Electric motor size

[0145] Characteristics of electric motors

[0146] The characteristics of the electric motor stored in the electric motor information storage unit 30 include the characteristics shown below.

[0147] Starting current of electric motor

[0148] Rated current of the motor

[0149] The relationship between the rotational speed of an electric motor and its power consumption

[0150] Relationship between rotational speed and torque (T / N characteristic)

[0151] The increase in motor speed during startup

[0152] The decrease in speed when the motor stops

[0153] The degree of speed variation caused by the load on the motor

[0154] Speed ​​variations caused by the load on an electric motor are known as overshoot or undershoot.

[0155] Overshoot or undershoot occurs more frequently when conveying materials from the upstream conveying unit 110a to the downstream conveying unit 110b.

[0156] That is, sometimes overshoot or undershoot occurs in the upstream conveyor unit 110a when the conveyed goods are handed over. In addition, sometimes overshoot or undershoot also occurs in the downstream conveyor unit 110b when the conveyed goods are handed over.

[0157] For example, when the conveying unit 110 continuously conveys the conveyed material from the upstream conveying unit 110a to the downstream conveying unit 110b, the upstream conveying unit 110a may sometimes overshoot when the conveyed material is heavy.

[0158] That is, when the conveyed object is heavy, sometimes a signal to increase the supply current is sent from the section controller (independent control device) 102 in order to maintain the specified conveying speed. A larger current than usual is supplied to the upstream conveying unit 110a to maintain the specified conveying speed.

[0159] If, in this state, the conveyed material is sent downstream while there is no conveyed material on the upstream conveyor unit 110a, the load on the upstream conveyor unit 110a suddenly becomes lighter, and according to the relationship between rotational speed and torque (T / N characteristic), the motor speed temporarily increases. That is, the upstream conveyor unit 110a experiences overshoot.

[0160] Furthermore, for example, when the conveying unit 110 continuously conveys the transported material from the upstream conveying unit 110a to the downstream conveying unit 110b, if the downstream conveying unit 110b stops or just starts, and the travel speed of the downstream conveying unit 110b is slower than that of the upstream conveying unit 110a, the downstream conveying unit 110b is subjected to force from the transported material, and the motor rotates faster than usual. As a result, the downstream conveying unit 110b experiences overshoot.

[0161] Undershoot is the opposite phenomenon. When a conveyor unit 110, which is driven at normal speed, conveys a heavier load than usual, the motor speed may temporarily decrease, causing undershoot.

[0162] In addition, undershoot can also occur when the conveyed object is heavy, the upstream conveying unit 110a travels at a slow speed, and the conveyed object is handed over to the downstream conveying unit 110b driven at a standard rotation speed.

[0163] In these cases, the motor of the downstream conveying unit 110b rotates at its rated speed, but is slowed down due to the load on the conveyed material.

[0164] (Motor built-in roller information storage unit 31)

[0165] The motor-driven rollers are the actual drive source for each conveying unit 110, 120, etc. The motor-driven roller information storage unit 31 stores information about motor-driven rollers that may be used in the conveying system. Furthermore, as mentioned above, the conveying units are not limited to the aforementioned units; in practice, more units are used.

[0166] For example, in the case of the aforementioned conveying unit 110, information about the motor-embedded roller 112a is stored in the motor-embedded roller information storage unit 31. Similarly, in the case of the aforementioned conveying unit 120, information about the motor-embedded roller 126 driving the main conveyor 121 and information about the motor-embedded roller driving the auxiliary conveyor 122 are stored in the motor-embedded roller information storage unit 31.

[0167] The information regarding the motor's built-in roller includes the following.

[0168] Model of the motor with built-in roller

[0169] Size of the motor's built-in roller

[0170] Construction of the motor-embedded roller

[0171] Information about the built-in electric motor

[0172] Dimensions of the roller body

[0173] Material and surface shape of the roller body

[0174] The speed reducer's model, structure, number of stages, reduction ratio, and efficiency.

[0175] Characteristics of the built-in roller in the electric motor

[0176] The characteristics of the motor-embedded roller stored in the motor-embedded roller information storage unit 31 include the characteristics described below.

[0177] Starting current of the motor's built-in roller

[0178] Rated current of the motor's built-in roller

[0179] The relationship between the rotational speed of the built-in roller in the electric motor and the power consumption

[0180] The relationship between the rotational speed and torque of the built-in roller in the electric motor (T / N characteristic)

[0181] The increase in speed when the motor's built-in roller starts.

[0182] The decrease in speed when the built-in roller of the motor stops

[0183] The degree of speed variation caused by the load on the motor's built-in roller

[0184] The speed variation caused by the load on the motor's built-in roller is the same as the speed variation caused by the load on the aforementioned motor, and is a phenomenon known as overshoot or undershoot.

[0185] For example, when conveying material continuously from upstream conveying unit 110a to downstream conveying unit 110b, if downstream conveying unit 110b stops or just starts, and its travel speed is slower than upstream conveying unit 110a, downstream conveying unit 110b is subjected to force from the conveyed material, causing the motor-driven built-in roller to rotate faster than usual. This phenomenon is called overshoot of the motor-driven built-in roller.

[0186] Undershoot is the opposite phenomenon, for example, when the conveyed object is heavy, the upstream conveyor unit 110a travels at a slow speed, and the conveyed object is handed over to the downstream conveyor unit 110b driven at a standard rotational speed.

[0187] In this case, the motor-driven roller of the downstream conveying unit 110b rotates at its rated speed, but is slowed down due to the load on the conveyed material.

[0188] (Section Conveyor Information Storage Unit 32)

[0189] In actual conveying systems, segmented conveyor devices such as conveyor unit 110 are widely used. The segmented conveyor information storage unit 32 stores information about segmented conveyors that may be used in the conveying system.

[0190] The section conveyor information includes the information described below.

[0191] Section conveyor model

[0192] Construction of section conveyor

[0193] Number of conveyor rollers

[0194] Dimensions of section conveyor

[0195] Structure of power transmission mechanism

[0196] The type of motor used (with built-in roller)

[0197] Starting current under no-load conditions

[0198] Starting current when mounted on a stationary object

[0199] Rated current of section conveyor

[0200] Relationship between transmission speed and power consumption

[0201] Increase in rotational speed at startup

[0202] Relationship between the acceleration of the conveyed object and the weight of the conveyed object at startup

[0203] Relationship between the speed change of the conveyed object and the weight of the conveyed object during speed change

[0204] The relationship between the speed of the adjacent preceding conveyor, the weight of the conveyor, and the stopping distance during braking.

[0205] Power and regenerative current required for braking

[0206] Conveying efficiency

[0207] slip ratio

[0208] Information from auxiliary sensors

[0209] Information about the auxiliary sensors includes the sensor's structure, working principle, and location.

[0210] (Power Transmission Mechanism Information Storage Unit 33)

[0211] Most conveying units have a power transmission mechanism that transmits power from a drive source to conveyor rollers, etc. In actual conveying systems, there are numerous power transmission mechanisms. The power transmission mechanism information storage unit 33 primarily stores information about the power transmission mechanisms used in the conveying unit.

[0212] The power transmission mechanism information includes the following information.

[0213] Structure of power transmission mechanism

[0214] The shape of the belt used

[0215] The model of the chain used

[0216] Number of belts and chains

[0217] slip ratio

[0218] Power transmission mechanisms other than belts or chains

[0219] In power transmission mechanisms other than belts and chains, there are transmission mechanisms that utilize gears and transmission mechanisms that utilize friction wheels.

[0220] (Operation Mode Storage Unit 35)

[0221] The conveying system transports goods in the conveying mode described above. All conveying modes are stored in the operation mode storage unit 35.

[0222] (Information storage unit 36 ​​of the conveying unit)

[0223] Various types of conveyor units are widely used in the conveyor system. The conveyor unit construction information storage unit 36 ​​stores information related to the construction of conveyor units that may be used in the conveyor system.

[0224] The information stored in the conveyor unit structure information storage unit 36 ​​contains information about the types of conveyor units. For example, the types of conveyor units include the following.

[0225] Linear conveyor unit

[0226] Curved conveyor unit

[0227] Transfer unit

[0228] Branch unit

[0229] Lifting unit

[0230] Stop

[0231] Conveyor unit that functions in fire and other emergencies

[0232] Information about the bootloader

[0233] In conveying units, guides are sometimes provided to adjust the posture of the conveyed material or to guide it in a certain direction. Information about the guides includes their presence, type, and degree of friction.

[0234] Next, the information input function unit 22 will be explained.

[0235] The information input function unit 22 is the part that inputs information about the transmission system 100 to be simulated.

[0236] The information input function unit 22 includes a layout input unit 40, a motor information input unit 41, a motor built-in roller information input unit 42, a section conveyor information input unit 43, a power transmission mechanism information input unit 45, an operation mode information input unit 46, a distance adjustment information input unit 47, a conveyor unit structure information input unit 48, a conveyed material information input unit 50, and a parameter input unit 51.

[0237] The information input function unit 22 can input specific information or select information stored in the information accumulation unit 21 mentioned above.

[0238] Furthermore, there are many instances where the information input from the aforementioned input units is the same as the information required for the simulation. Therefore, in such cases, input from any one of the input units is sufficient. For example, there are many instances where the information obtained from the motor information input unit 41 and the information obtained from the motor built-in roller information input unit 42 are the same as the information required for the simulation. Therefore, in such cases, input from any one of the input units is sufficient. Similarly, there are many instances where the information obtained from the section conveyor information input unit 43 and the information obtained from the power transmission mechanism information input unit 45 are the same as the information required for the simulation. Therefore, in such cases, input from any one of the input units is sufficient.

[0239] The layout input unit 40 is a component that inputs the layout of the conveyor system to be simulated. Specifically, it combines conveyor units to create the overall layout. The layout defines one or more feed locations and one or more arrival locations.

[0240] In the motor information input unit 41, information about the motors that actually serve as drive sources in the simulated conveyor system is input for each control segment. That is, information about the control segment number and the motor used as the drive source for that control segment is input separately and in association. Furthermore, the input items do not need to be all the items stored in the information accumulation unit 21.

[0241] In the motor-embedded roller information input unit 42, information about the motor-embedded roller that actually serves as the drive source in the conveyor system to be simulated is input for each control segment. That is, information about the control segment number and the motor-embedded roller used as the drive source for that control segment is input separately and in association. In addition, the input items do not need to be all the items stored in the motor-embedded roller information storage unit 31.

[0242] In the section conveyor information input unit 43, information about the section conveyors actually used in the conveyor system to be simulated is input for each control section. That is, information about the control section number and the section conveyor used for that control section number is input separately and in association. In addition, the input items do not need to be all the items stored in the section conveyor information storage unit 32.

[0243] In the power transmission mechanism information input unit 45, information about the power transmission mechanism actually used in the actual conveying system to be simulated is input for each control segment. That is, information about the control segment number and the power transmission mechanism in the control segment for that control number is input separately.

[0244] In the operation mode information input unit 46, the operation mode used in the actual transport system to be simulated is input by dividing the control section into intervals. That is, the area where the transport mode is applied is divided and input by using control section numbers 3 to 17.

[0245] In the distance adjustment information input unit 47, the distance adjustment mode used in the actual transport system to be simulated is input by dividing the control section into intervals. That is, the area where this transport mode is applied is divided and input by numbering control section 3 to 17.

[0246] In the conveyor unit construction information input unit 48, information about the construction of the conveyor units actually used in the conveyor system to be simulated is input for each control segment. That is, information about the control segment number and the construction of the conveyor units used in the control segment of that control number are input in association.

[0247] Input the information of the transported items to be transported in the transport system to be simulated into the transport information input unit 50. For example, input information about the size and weight of the transported items. To further understand the ease of sliding, input information such as packaging materials. For example, input information such as whether it is a corrugated cardboard box, a resin pallet, or a wooden pallet from the transport information input unit 50. Input information about the bottom and sides of the packaging material in the packaging material information section.

[0248] The bottom surface of the packaging material is the part that comes into contact with conveyor rollers, conveyor belts, etc., and is related to sliding and friction. The sides of the packaging material sometimes come into contact with guides, etc., and are related to sliding and friction relative to the guides.

[0249] In addition, the position of the center of gravity and the range of movement of the center of gravity are preferably also input into the transport information input unit 50.

[0250] In order to make the conveying system operate virtually, the parameter input unit 51 separately inputs the parameters that should be input to the section controller 102 of the control section.

[0251] As described above, a section controller 102 is installed in each control section, and the equipment in each control section is controlled by the respective section controller 102.

[0252] Furthermore, as described above, the section controller 102 inputs parameters required for specific operations as one of its data inputs. For example, parameters such as conveyor speed, start time of drive, and stop time of drive are input.

[0253] The parameter input unit 51 inputs the parameters required to make the conveyor system to be simulated operate for each control segment. That is, the control segment number and the parameters input to the segment controller 102 of the control segment with that control number are respectively associated with the input.

[0254] The virtual motion confirmation computer program 23 is a program that displays the animation of the actions of each conveying unit 110 and 120 according to the control logic of each section controller 102. That is, the virtual motion confirmation computer program 23 contains circuits that are equivalent to the basic control circuits and independent control logic circuits of each section controller 102.

[0255] Furthermore, based on the parameters required for the specific actions of each conveying unit 110, 120 input from the parameter input unit 51, the motion according to these parameters can be dynamically displayed on the screen of the display device 3. For example, parameters such as conveying speed, start time of drive, and stop time of drive can be input into the simulation device 1, and the motion according to these parameters can be dynamically displayed on the screen of the display device 3.

[0256] Furthermore, in Simulation 1 of this embodiment, the characteristics of each device are input from the information input function unit 22 as information to be taken into account in the simulation. The virtual motion verification computer program 23 of this embodiment takes into account the various information input from the information input function unit 22 to simulate the movement of each conveying unit and the conveyed object. That is, it displays a dynamic image that takes into account sliding conditions and inertia.

[0257] The power consumption calculation program 25 calculates the power consumption under a simulated scenario where the required transported items are transported in the required quantity. The power consumption calculation program 25 of this embodiment can calculate the power consumption of the entire transport system 100. Furthermore, it can also divide the system into regions to calculate the power consumption of each region.

[0258] Next, the functions of the simulation device 1 in this embodiment will be explained according to the usage steps.

[0259] First, input the required information into the simulation device 1. That is, input the layout of the conveyor system to be simulated using the layout input unit 40. In other words, set in the virtual space where to place which conveyor unit and from which direction the conveyed items will be transported. The virtual layout is displayed on the display device 3.

[0260] In addition, the information of the conveying units at each location is input into the simulation device 1 in as much detail as possible.

[0261] That is, information about the drive source of each conveying unit is input from the motor information input unit 41 or the motor built-in roller information input unit 42.

[0262] In addition, the section conveyor information input unit 43 inputs information about the section conveyor used in reality in the conveyor system to be simulated for each control section.

[0263] Input the information of the power transmission mechanism used in the actual conveying system in the simulation from the power transmission mechanism information input unit 45, according to each control section.

[0264] The operating mode is input into the actual operating mode of the conveying system to be simulated by dividing the control zone into intervals through the operation mode information input unit 46.

[0265] The distance adjustment information input unit 47 divides the control zone into intervals and inputs the distance adjustment mode used in reality in the simulated conveyor system.

[0266] The information input unit 48 is used to input information about the construction of the conveyor units used in reality in the conveyor system to be simulated, according to each control section.

[0267] The conveyor information input unit 50 allows users to input information about the size and weight of the conveyor to be transported in the simulated conveyor system. Information such as packaging materials can also be input. For example, the conveyor information input unit 50 may input information such as whether it is a corrugated cardboard box, a resin pallet, or a wooden pallet.

[0268] The parameters that should be input to the section controller 102 of the control section are input separately through the parameter input unit 51.

[0269] Then, the virtual motion confirmation computer program 23 is started. As a result, the actions of each conveying unit 110, 120 are dynamically displayed according to the control logic of each section controller 102. That is, the virtual motion confirmation computer program 23 stores circuits equivalent to the basic control circuits of each section controller 102, including control circuits with individual control logic.

[0270] Furthermore, based on the parameters required for the specific actions of each conveying unit 110 and 120 input from the parameter input unit 51, dynamic images can be displayed on the screen of the display device 3 according to the movement of the parameters. For example, parameters such as conveying speed, start time of drive, and stop time of drive can be input into the simulation device 1, and dynamic images can be displayed on the screen according to the movement of the parameters. In addition, the operating mode of each section is reflected in the dynamic images.

[0271] In addition, in the simulation device 1 of this embodiment, regarding the electric motor, information about the rising edge of the rotational speed when the electric motor starts is input. Regarding the motor-mounted roller, information about the rising edge of the rotational speed when the motor-mounted roller starts is also input. Regarding the section conveyor, information about the rising edge of the rotational speed at startup, the relationship between the acceleration of the conveyed object and its weight at startup, the relationship between the speed change of the conveyed object and its weight during speed changes, the relationship between the speed and weight of the conveyed object and the stopping distance when braking, conveying efficiency, slippage rate, etc., are also input. Furthermore, regarding the conveying unit, the shape, number, and slippage rate of the belt used are input.

[0272] Furthermore, in the simulation device of this embodiment, information about the weight and material of the conveyed object to be conveyed in the conveying system is input.

[0273] Therefore, in the simulation, this information is taken into account, and a dynamic image display that reflects the motion of this information is conceived.

[0274] Therefore, it is possible to more accurately visualize the movement and sliding of a conveyor placed on a conveyor system when the conveyor rollers are suddenly driven and rapidly accelerated, and to display these movements dynamically. Similarly, it is possible to more accurately visualize the stopping situation and overshoot when the conveyor rollers are suddenly stopped, and to display these movements dynamically.

[0275] Furthermore, in the simulation device of this embodiment, regarding the electric motor, the inputs include the motor's starting current, rated current, the relationship between the motor's speed and power consumption, and the relationship between load and power consumption. Regarding the motor's built-in roller, the inputs include the motor's built-in roller's starting current, rated current, rotational speed, and power consumption, as well as the relationship between load and power consumption. Regarding the section conveyor, the inputs include the starting current under no-load conditions, the starting current when carrying a stationary object, the section conveyor's rated current, the relationship between conveying speed and power consumption, and the relationship between load and power consumption.

[0276] Furthermore, it can simulate the driving and stopping of the electric motor and the built-in roller of the electric motor. According to this embodiment, the stopping time of the electric motor and the built-in roller of the electric motor can be determined.

[0277] Therefore, the simulation device 1 according to this embodiment can accurately predict the overall power consumption of the system when the conveying system is used to transport the transported object. Thus, power supply equipment with appropriate capacity can be set based on the power consumption obtained through simulation.

[0278] Next, the information accumulated in the information accumulation unit 21 and the information directly input into the information input function unit 22 will be explained.

[0279] In the simulation device 1 of this embodiment, this information is obtained through experiments. Alternatively, an approximation formula can be generated based on the data obtained through experiments, and this approximation formula can be stored in the information accumulation unit 21, and the required information can be generated through calculation.

[0280] For example, an experimental conveying device consisting of multiple connected conveying units is constructed to carry and transport various materials. Additionally, an experimental conveying device using motor-driven rollers of various shapes and structures is constructed to carry and transport various materials.

[0281] Furthermore, it enables the built-in roller of the motor to start and stop in an emergency, obtaining information about the behavior of the conveyed object, its sliding condition, and its power consumption.

[0282] This information is used as information accumulated in the information accumulation unit 21 and directly input into the information input function unit 22.

[0283] In the above-described embodiment, the main device 2 of the simulation device 1 is a known computer, but it can also be a cloud computing device. That is, the simulation computer program 20 can also be stored on a cloud computer. In this case, the cloud computer is connected to the user's terminal device via a network, and the cloud computer performs calculations according to the requirements of the terminal device.

[0284] Additionally, some functions and programs of the simulation device 1 can also be cloud servers. For example, the information storage unit 21 can be a cloud server. The virtual action confirmation computer program 23 can also be on a cloud server.

[0285] Furthermore, the upper-level control device 101 that communicates with the section controller (independent control device) 10 can also be located in the cloud.

[0286] The embodiments described above can be substituted or combined as long as they do not create contradictions. Furthermore, as long as the above embodiments are included within the technical scope of this invention, the constituent components can be freely substituted or added between the various embodiments.

[0287] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0288] 1 Simulation device

[0289] 20 Simulation Computer Programs

[0290] 21 Information Accumulation Department

[0291] 22 Information Input Function Section

[0292] 23 Virtual Action Confirmation Computer Program

[0293] 25 Power Consumption Calculation Program

[0294] 30 Electric Motor Information Storage Department

[0295] 31 Electric motor built-in roller information storage unit

[0296] Information storage unit for section 32 conveyor

[0297] 33 Power Transmission Mechanism Information Storage Department

[0298] 35 Operation Mode Storage Unit

[0299] 36. Information storage unit for conveying units

[0300] 40 Layout Input Units

[0301] 41 Motor Information Input Unit

[0302] 42 motors with built-in roller information input unit

[0303] 43 Section Conveyor Information Input Unit

[0304] 45 Power Transmission Mechanism Information Input Unit

[0305] 46 Operation Mode Information Input Unit

[0306] 47 Distance Adjustment Information Input Unit

[0307] 48. Conveying unit construction information input unit

[0308] 50 Transported Material Information Input Unit

[0309] 51 Parameter Input Unit

[0310] 100 Conveying System

[0311] 102 Section Controller

[0312] 110 Conveyor Unit

[0313] 112a motor with built-in roller

[0314] 115 transmission belt

[0315] 116 Power Transmission Mechanism

[0316] 120 conveyor unit

[0317] 125 belt

[0318] 126 motor built-in roller

[0319] 128 belt

[0320] 130 roll body

[0321] 131 Electric motor.

Claims

1. A simulation device for a conveying system, which simulates the behavior of moving one or more transported items by loading them onto the conveying system, characterized in that: The simulated object conveying system has one or more input positions and one or more destination positions, and has a conveying path connecting the input and destination positions. Along the conveying path are unit connection areas consisting of multiple connected conveying units. Each conveying unit has a drive source and can be independently started / stopped. Under specified conditions, the drive source drives the conveying of the object. It is possible to input information about the characteristics of the drive source of the conveying unit, and to perform simulations based on information about the drive source.

2. A simulation device for a conveying system, which simulates the behavior of moving one or more transported items by loading them onto the conveying system, characterized in that: The simulated object conveying system has one or more input positions and one or more destination positions, and has a conveying path connecting the input and destination positions. Along the conveying path are unit connection areas consisting of multiple connected conveying units. Each conveying unit has a drive source and can be independently started / stopped. Under specified conditions, the drive source drives the conveying of the object. It is possible to input information about the drive source of the conveying unit and to perform simulations based on information about the drive source.

3. The simulation device for the conveying system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: Each of the conveying units has an electric motor as a drive source, enabling it to start / stop independently. Under specified conditions, the electric motor drives the conveying of the conveyed item. It is possible to input information about the characteristics of the motor of the conveying unit and / or information about the motor, and to perform simulations based on information about the motor.

4. The simulation device for the conveying system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: Each of the conveying units has a motor-embedded roller with a motor built into the roller body, and is able to input information about the characteristics of the motor-embedded roller and / or information about the motor-embedded roller, and is able to perform simulations based on information about the motor-embedded roller.

5. The simulation device for the conveying system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: Each of the conveying units is a segment conveyor device that transports materials along a straight or curved path, is capable of inputting information about the segment conveyor device, and is capable of performing simulations based on information about the segment conveyor device.

6. The simulation device for the conveying system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: Each of the conveying units has multiple conveying rollers, at least one of which is a motor-integrated roller with an electric motor built into the roller body. It has a power transmission mechanism that transmits the rotational force of the motor-built roller to other conveyor rollers, and the power is transmitted from the motor-built roller to the other conveyor rollers through the power transmission mechanism. It is possible to input information about the power transmission mechanism and to perform simulations based on information about the power transmission mechanism.

7. The simulation device for the conveying system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: Any of the conveying units can change the conveying speed, thereby adjusting the distance between the conveyed items. It can input information about adjusting the distance between conveyed items, and can perform simulations based on the information about adjusting the distance between the conveyed items.

8. The simulation device for the conveying system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: It is possible to input information about the structure of the conveying unit and to perform simulations based on information about the structure of the conveying unit.

9. The simulation device for the conveying system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: It can input information about the transported object and can perform simulations based on that information.

10. The simulation device for the conveying system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: It can calculate the power consumption of the transmission system.

11. A simulation device for a conveying system, characterized in that: The simulation device of the conveying system is input with the information described in claim 1 or 2.

12. A method for manufacturing a simulation device for a conveying system, characterized in that: The experimental conveying device, which consists of multiple connected conveying units, is used to actually convey the conveyed material. The data obtained at this time is used to obtain the information described in claim 1 or 2, and the information is input.

13. A computer program for simulation that simulates the behavior of a conveying system when one or more transported items are mounted on it and moved, characterized in that: The simulated object conveying system has one or more input positions and one or more destination positions, and has a conveying path connecting the input and destination positions. Along the conveying path are unit connection areas consisting of multiple interconnected conveying units. Each conveying unit has a motor capable of independently starting and stopping. Under specified conditions, the motor drives the conveying of the object. It is possible to input information about the characteristics of the motor of the conveying unit and / or information about the motor, and to perform simulations based on information about the characteristics of the motor and / or information about the motor.

Images