Information processor, and information processing method

Abstract

To provide an information processor and an information processing method that can quantitatively and accurately ascertain changes in the cleaning performance of a belt of a belt conveyor.SOLUTION: The information processor comprises a control device that calculates a vibration effective value representing vibration generated in a scraping section based on a detection value of an acceleration sensor installed in a cleaner having the scraping section configured to scrape off adhesive residue of an endless belt conveyor that rotates in a predetermined direction to convey materials to be conveyed. The control device calculates the vibration effective value based on the detected value of a first axis, which indicates vibration caused by the repulsive force generated against the load acting on the scraping section as the belt conveyor travels, and the detected value of a second axis, which is orthogonal to the first axis and indicates vibration caused by the repulsive force generated by the scraping section contacting the adhered residue.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device and an information processing method related to a belt conveyor. [Background technology]

[0002] Belt conveyors, which use endless conveyor belts to transport objects, are used in a variety of industrial fields. Because these conveyor belts transport objects by placing them on the outer periphery of the belt, residue adhering to the outer periphery of the belt after transport and discharge reduces transport yield. Furthermore, residue falls and accumulates at the bottom of the conveyor line, hindering transport and causing environmental impact through the scattering of fallen powder. For this reason, regular inspection and cleaning are necessary. Cleaning not only reduces productivity by stopping the conveyor line, but also poses safety risks and a heavy workload for workers if done manually.

[0003] Under these circumstances, a belt conveyor cleaning device has been proposed, for example, in Patent Document 1. Patent Document 1 discloses a belt conveyor cleaner in which abrasive chips that contact the surface of the conveyor belt are arranged in the belt width direction, and the abrasive chips scrape off and remove foreign matter adhering to the belt. This cleaner is also configured so that the pressing force of the abrasive chips against the belt surface can be adjusted by adjusting a stand that holds the abrasive chips with a jack bolt. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-252976 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the so-called belt scraping cleaner disclosed in Patent Document 1, if the pressing force of the grinding chips against the belt surface is too weak, the cleaning effect is weak, while if the pressing force is too strong, uneven wear of the cleaner scraping part and wear and damage to the belt surface are likely to occur. Furthermore, in the past, the cleanliness of the belt surface after cleaning and abnormalities such as sudden accumulation of fallen material under the conveyor were inspected visually. Furthermore, to ensure that the pressing force of the cleaner scraping part against the belt surface was appropriate, the pressing force had to be adjusted first, and then the belt surface had to be visually inspected. If the pressing force was not appropriate, fine adjustments had to be made again. This adjustment process required the operator's many years of experience and was time-consuming.

[0006] Furthermore, it is not possible to inspect the wear condition of the grinding chips while the belt conveyor is in operation, and the only way to determine the cleaning status and belt condition is to visually inspect the amount of residue and fallen material, as mentioned above, or the surface of the moving belt, so the current situation is that it is not possible to fully grasp changes or abnormalities on both the cleaner and belt sides, such as peeling or tearing of joints or the presence of foreign objects.As a result, not only is it possible to notice a decline in cleaner performance late, but there is also a high possibility of problems occurring due to damage to the conveyor belt, which is also caused by the installation of the cleaner, making it difficult to install scraping-type belt cleaners, or even to ensure stable cleaning performance over the long term, even after installation.

[0007] In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide an information processing device and an information processing method that are capable of quantitatively and accurately grasping changes in cleaning performance for cleaning a belt of a belt conveyor. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] An information processing device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a control device that calculates an effective vibration value representing vibration generated in a scraping section based on a detection value of an acceleration sensor provided in a cleaner having a scraping section configured to be able to scrape off residue adhering to an endless belt conveyor that rotates in a predetermined direction to transport an object, The control device is configured to calculate the effective vibration value based on the detection value of a first axis that indicates vibration caused by a repulsive force generated in response to a load acting on the scraping section as the belt conveyor moves forward, and the detection value of a second axis that is perpendicular to the first axis and indicates vibration caused by a repulsive force generated when the scraping section comes into contact with the adhering residue (first configuration).

[0009] In addition, in the above-mentioned first configuration, the acceleration sensor can output detection values ​​of not only the first axis and the second axis, but also a third axis that is perpendicular to each of the first axis and the second axis and indicates vibrations that occur in the width direction of the belt conveyor as the belt conveyor moves forward, and the control device may be configured not to use the detection value of the third axis in calculating the vibration effective value (second configuration).

[0010] In the first or second configuration, the cleaner may have a support member that commonly supports the plurality of scraping parts, and the acceleration sensor may be provided on the support member (third configuration).

[0011] In addition, in any of the above first to third configurations, the control device may be configured to output first abnormality information indicating poor scraping of the adhering residue when the vibration effective value deviates from a predetermined first threshold value (fourth configuration).

[0012] In addition, in the above fourth configuration, the control device may be configured to not output the first abnormality information when it detects that the belt conveyor has stopped operating, even if the vibration effective value deviates from the first threshold value (fifth configuration).

[0013] In addition, in the fourth or fifth configuration, the control device may be configured to acquire detection values ​​of the acceleration sensors provided on each of the plurality of belt conveyors, and calculate the effective vibration value for the scraping section provided for each belt conveyor based on each detection value, and to output ranking information indicating the priority of maintenance in addition to the first abnormality information (sixth configuration).

[0014] Furthermore, in any of the above first to sixth configurations, the control device may be configured to be capable of sequentially calculating the slope of the effective vibration value, and to output second abnormality information when the slope of the effective vibration value falls below a predetermined second threshold value (seventh configuration).

[0015] In addition, in any of the above first to seventh configurations, the control device may be configured to calculate the slope of the effective vibration value when the effective vibration value deviates from a predetermined third threshold value, and to output third abnormality information when the calculated value exceeds an upper limit value (eighth configuration).

[0016] Furthermore, in any of the above first to eighth configurations, the control device may be configured to sequentially calculate, based on the effective vibration value, coefficients of an approximation equation in which elapsed time is an explanatory variable and the effective vibration value is a target variable, and to predict, based on the approximation equation of the calculated coefficients, the elapsed time at which the effective vibration value becomes a fourth threshold value (ninth configuration).

[0017] In addition, in the above ninth configuration, the control device may be configured to calculate the coefficients of multiple types of approximation formulas, calculate an index value indicating the degree of fit of the approximation formula to the actual measurement data when calculating the coefficients, select the approximation formula based on the index value, and predict the elapsed time based on the selected approximation formula (tenth configuration).

[0018] Furthermore, in any of the above first to tenth configurations, the control device may be configured to calculate the slope of the effective vibration value each time it determines that an adjustment has been made to the pressing force of the scraping section against the belt conveyor, predict the slope of the next effective vibration value based on the calculated slope of the effective vibration value, and if the predicted slope of the effective vibration value exceeds an upper limit value, predict the elapsed time at which the effective vibration value will reach a fifth threshold value based on the predicted slope of the effective vibration value (eleventh configuration).

[0019] Another aspect of the present invention is an information processing method executed by an information processing device including a control device, 1. An information processing method for calculating an effective vibration value representing vibration generated in a scraping section based on a detection value of an acceleration sensor provided in a cleaner having a scraping section configured to be able to scrape off residue adhering to an endless belt conveyor that rotates in a predetermined direction to transport an object, the method comprising: acquiring the detection value of a first axis indicating vibration caused by a repulsive force generated in response to a load acting on the scraping unit as the belt conveyor advances, and the detection value of a second axis perpendicular to the first axis indicating vibration caused by a repulsive force generated when the scraping unit comes into contact with the adhering residue; and calculating the effective vibration value using the detected value of the first axis and the detected value of the second axis (twelfth configuration). [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] According to the present invention, it is possible to quantitatively and accurately grasp the change in cleaning performance for cleaning the belt of a belt conveyor. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a belt conveyor according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2A is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a head cleaner. [Figure 2B]FIG. 2B is a schematic side view of the head cleaner. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the push-up cleaner. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of each of the sensor units and the gateway unit. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a PC. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the vibration direction of the scraping part. [Figure 8A] FIG. 8A is a schematic diagram showing a state in which a three-axis acceleration sensor is installed on an arm. [Figure 8B] FIG. 8B is a diagram showing the analysis results for the case of FIG. 8A. [Figure 9A] FIG. 9A is a schematic diagram showing a state in which a three-axis acceleration sensor is installed on a support member. [Figure 9B] FIG. 9B is a diagram showing the analysis results for the case of FIG. 9A. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of trend data of the vibration effective value during actual operation. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart relating to the first warning control. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram for specifically explaining the first and second alarm controls. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a flowchart relating to the second warning control. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a flowchart relating to the third warning control. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram for specifically explaining the third warning control. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a flowchart relating to the first prediction process. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram specifically illustrating the first prediction process. [Figure 18]FIG. 18 is a flowchart relating to the second prediction process. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a diagram specifically illustrating the second prediction process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0023] <Outline of the belt conveyor> Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a belt conveyor 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In Fig. 1 and other drawings, the X direction (X-axis direction) is shown as the up-down direction, the Y direction (Y-axis direction) is shown as the direction in which the rotation axes around which various pulleys described below rotate extend, and the Z direction (Z-axis direction) is shown as being perpendicular to both the X and Y directions. The X direction, Y direction, and Z direction are perpendicular to each other.

[0024] In steelworks and other places, belt conveyors are often used as a mass transport means for transporting various raw materials and other materials. Belt conveyor 1 has an endless belt 2, a drive pulley 3 that rotates belt 2, a driven pulley 4 that rotates together with drive pulley 3 to rotate belt 2, and a return roller 5 that moves belt 2 in the appropriate direction and prevents deviation.

[0025] When an object 100 placed on the surface of the belt 2 is conveyed to a predetermined position by the belt conveyor 1 along the Z direction, the belt 2 is reversed by the drive pulley 3 that rotates the belt 2, and the object 100 is dispensed. In this embodiment, the drive pulley 3 and the belt 2 are in contact. The belt 2 is reversed by the drive pulley 3, and a cleaner (head cleaner) 6 is installed at a position where the surface of the belt 2 on which the object 100 was placed faces downward. The cleaner 6 cleans the belt 2 by scraping off residue adhering to the surface of the belt 2 after the object 100 has been dispensed. In addition, a cleaner (push-up cleaner) 7 is installed at a position further forward in the direction in which the belt 2 advances from the position of the cleaner 6 (downstream of the cleaner 6 in the direction in which the belt 2 advances). The cleaner 7 scrapes off residue that the cleaner 6 was unable to remove.

[0026] As shown in Figure 1, residues that are not removed by the cleaners 6 and 7 fall downward from the surface of the belt 2 as debris 105 and accumulate as deposits 110. The deposits 110 are costly to clean and also place a burden on the environment. Therefore, it is necessary to maintain the cleaning performance of the cleaners 6 and 7 as much as possible and suppress the generation of deposits 110.

[0027] <Cleaner configuration> Fig. 2A is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of cleaner (head cleaner) 6. Fig. 2B is a schematic side view of cleaner 6. Fig. 2B is a view seen in the direction of the rotation axis (axis extending in the Y direction in Fig. 2A) about which support member 63 rotates.

[0028] The cleaner 6 has a plurality of scraping portions 61 arranged in the width direction (Y direction) of the belt 2, an arm 62, a support member 63, a spring member 64, a connecting portion 65, and a support base 66.

[0029] The scraping units 61 are also referred to as tips. A plurality of arms 62 are provided and connected to each of the scraping units 61. Like the scraping units 61, the arms 62 are also arranged in the width direction of the belt 2. The plurality of arms 62 are fixed to a support member 63. The support member 63 is rotatable around a rotation axis extending in the width direction of the belt 2 and has a pipe extending in the width direction of the belt 2. The support member 63 is rotatably supported on a support base 66. A pair of spring members 64 are connected to both ends of the support member 63 via a pair of connecting members 65. The elastic force of the spring members 64 rotates the support member 63 via the connecting members 65, and the scraping units 61 are pressed against the surface of the belt 2 by the arms 62. This allows the scraping units 61 to scrape off residue adhering to the surface of the belt 2, thereby performing cleaning.

[0030] By providing multiple scraping portions 61, even if there is a widthwise distribution in the amount of wear of the belt 2, the corresponding scraping portion 61 can be pressed against the worn area and made to conform to the surface shape of the belt 2.

[0031] Furthermore, by providing the spring members 64, even if the scraping portions 61 are repelled by the belt 2 or residue on the belt 2, the restoring force of the spring members 64 allows the scraping portions 61 to return to their original positions pressed against the belt 2. Furthermore, even if the belt 2 is worn, the spring members 64 allow the scraping portions 61 to follow and press against the surface of the belt 2. Note that, by adjusting the spring members 64 as described below, the pressing force of the multiple scraping portions 61 against the belt 2 can be adjusted.

[0032] 3 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the cleaner (push-up cleaner) 7. The cleaner 7 has a plurality of scraping parts 71 arranged in the width direction (Y direction) of the belt 2, an arm 72, a support member 73, and a spring member 74.

[0033] Each of the multiple scraping portions 71 is connected to a corresponding one of the multiple arms 72. The multiple arms 72 are fixed to a support member 73 extending in the width direction of the belt 2. Both ends of the support member 73 are supported by a pair of spring members 74. The elastic force of the spring members 74 presses the scraping portions 71 against the underside of the belt 2 from below. This allows the scraping portions 71 to scrape off residue that cannot be removed by the cleaner 6, thereby performing auxiliary cleaning. The effects of providing multiple scraping portions 71 and spring members 74 in the cleaner 7 are similar to those of the cleaner 6 described above.

[0034] Although the following description will be given with respect to the cleaner 6, it may be applied to the cleaner 7 in the same manner.

[0035] <Information Processing System> 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The information processing system 13 illustrated in FIG. 4 includes a sensor unit 8, a gateway unit 9, a base station 10, a data management server 11, and a PC (personal computer) 12.

[0036] 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the sensor unit 8 and the gateway unit 9. The sensor unit 8 has a triaxial acceleration sensor 81, a temperature sensor 82, a control device 83, and a communication IC 84. The triaxial acceleration sensor 81 is attached to the cleaner 6 and detects vibrations caused by contact between the scraping part 61 and the belt 2 or residue. Of the data in the X, Y, and Z directions detected by the triaxial acceleration sensor 81, the data in the Y direction is not used as an indicator of vibrations, for reasons described below. The specific location where the triaxial acceleration sensor 81 is attached to the cleaner 6 will also be described later.

[0037] The temperature sensor 82 is a sensor that detects the temperature of the sensor unit 8. When the temperature sensor 82 detects an overheating state, for example, the power supply to the sensor unit 8 is shut down.

[0038] The control device 83 is configured by a microcomputer and performs overall control of the sensor unit 8. The communication IC 84 is a circuit that communicates with the gateway unit 9, which will be described later, via a wire.

[0039] 5, the gateway unit 9 includes an LTE router 91, a control device 92, a communication IC 93, and an AC / DC power supply 94. The LTE router 91 communicates with the base station 10, for example, via ZETA wireless communication. The control device 92 is configured with a microcomputer and performs overall control of the gateway unit 9. The control device 92 calculates an effective vibration value (described later) based on data received by the communication IC 93 from the communication IC 84 via communication. The calculated effective vibration value data is sent to the base station 10 by the LTE router 91. The AC / DC power supply 94 is a circuit that performs AC / DC conversion to generate power for the gateway unit 9.

[0040] 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the PC 12. The PC 12 has a control device 121, a display unit 122, an audio output unit 123, an operation input unit 124, and a communication unit 125. The PC 12 is installed in, for example, an office in a steelworks.

[0041] The control device 121 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and the like, and performs overall control of the PC 12. The display unit 122 is configured, for example, by a liquid crystal display unit, and displays various information. The audio output unit 123 is configured, for example, by a speaker, and outputs various sounds. The operation input unit 124 is configured, for example, by a keyboard and a mouse, and performs various operation inputs to the PC 12. The communication unit 125 communicates with the data management server 11.

[0042] As described above, the data of the effective vibration value sent to the base station 10 is sent to the communication unit 125 via the data management server 11 and received by the communication unit 125. This allows the control device 121 to perform various warning controls or prediction processes using the effective vibration value, as will be described later. For example, the warning can be displayed on the display unit 122 or issued by voice from the voice output unit 123. Note that the data of the effective vibration value may be made displayable on the display unit 122.

[0043] At least two of the sensor unit 8, the gateway unit 9 and the PC 12 can be regarded as one "information processing device", and at least two of the control devices 83, 92, 121 can be regarded as one "control device".

[0044] <3-axis acceleration sensor> In this embodiment, the triaxial acceleration sensor 81 is attached to the cleaner 6 shown in FIG. 7 and can detect acceleration in each of the X, Y, and Z directions. However, the inventors of the present application have discovered the following. Specifically, vibrations generated when the scraping portion 61 of the cleaner 6 is repelled by the belt 2 are caused by a repulsive force generated in response to a load acting on the scraping portion 61 as the belt 2 moves forward, and occur in a vibration direction A1 shown in FIG. 7. The vibration direction A1 includes a Z-direction component but mainly an X-direction component. Furthermore, vibrations generated in the cleaner 6 due to a repulsive force generated when residue passes between the scraping portion 61 of the cleaner 6 and the belt 2 occur in a vibration direction A2 shown in FIG. 7. The vibration direction A2 is the Z direction. On the other hand, the vibrations that occur in the Y direction, i.e., in the direction of the rotation axis of the drive pulley 3 (width direction of the belt 2) as the belt 2 moves forward, are disturbances (noise), and it has been found that accuracy can be improved by using only the X direction acceleration (X axis detection value) and the Z direction acceleration (Z axis detection value) as indicators of the vibration of the scraping section 61, rather than using the Y direction acceleration (Y axis detection value) detected by the three-axis acceleration sensor 81.

[0045] Here, as an index representing the vibration of the cleaner 6, the following vibration effective value σ XZ is calculated. σXZ =√(σ X 2 +σ Z 2 ) However, σ X is the acceleration in the X direction detected by the 3-axis acceleration sensor, σ Z is the acceleration in the Z direction detected by the triaxial acceleration sensor. By using the vibration effective value obtained in this way, it is possible to quantitatively and accurately grasp the change in the cleaning performance of the cleaner 6.

[0046] In this embodiment, the effective vibration value σ XZ is calculated by the control device 92 in the gateway unit 9, but is not limited to this and may be calculated by the control device 83 in the sensor unit 8 or the control device 121 in the PC 12.

[0047] Furthermore, instead of a three-axis acceleration sensor, a two-axis acceleration sensor that detects acceleration in both the X and Z directions may be used, or two one-axis acceleration sensors may be used to detect acceleration in both the X and Z directions.

[0048] <Installation location of acceleration sensor> Next, the installation position of the triaxial acceleration sensor 81 in the cleaner 6 will be described. The inventors of the present application conducted the following study to determine an appropriate installation position for the triaxial acceleration sensor 81. Here, the installation position of the triaxial acceleration sensor 81 in the cleaner 6 was changed, and patterns were created in which the number of scraping parts 61 attached and detached was different, and the behavior of the vibration effective value was analyzed.

[0049] Fig. 8A is a schematic diagram showing a state in which a triaxial acceleration sensor 81 is installed on one arm 62 corresponding to one scraping portion 61 in the cleaner 6. The results of an analysis performed in this state are shown in Fig. 8B. Meanwhile, Fig. 9A is a schematic diagram showing a state in which a triaxial acceleration sensor 81 is installed on a support member 63 in the cleaner 6. The results of an analysis performed in this state are shown in Fig. 9B.

[0050] In this test example, the number of scraping parts 61 (number of chips placed) = 5 was used as the reference pattern 1, and patterns obtained by reducing the number of scraping parts 61 by one were used as pattern 3, by reducing the number of scraping parts 61 by four, and by reducing the number of scraping parts 61 by five were used as pattern 4. The desired behavior is one in which the effective vibration value decreases as the number of scraping parts 61 decreases. As shown in Figures 8B and 9B, the desired behavior is seen in Figure 9B, where the triaxial acceleration sensor 81 is installed on a support member 63 that commonly supports multiple scraping parts 61 (here, five). Therefore, it was found that installing the triaxial acceleration sensor 81 on the support member 63 is more appropriate.

[0051] When the number of triaxial acceleration sensors 81 is one, it is desirable to install them on the support member 63 as described above, but when the number of triaxial acceleration sensors 81 is equal to the number of scraping parts 61, for example, it is sufficient to install a triaxial acceleration sensor 81 on each of the multiple arms 62. This makes it possible to grasp the vibration state of each scraping part 61.

[0052] <Examination of data from actual operation> Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of trend data (time-series data) of the effective vibration value during actual operation. As shown in Fig. 10, the effective vibration value begins to decrease at timing TM1, and thereafter decreases over time. This is because wear of the scraping part 61 of the cleaner 6 or wear of the belt 2 progresses, reducing the pressing force of the scraping part 61 against the belt 2. Fig. 10 shows timing TM2 when an operator visually determined the occurrence of an abnormal state without grasping such data on the effective vibration value and adjusted the spring member 64 of the cleaner 6. The pressing force of the scraping part 61 was adjusted by adjusting the spring member 64, and the effective vibration value increased.

[0053] From FIG. 10, it can be seen that there is a loss period Tloss between timing TM1, when the spring member 64 should be adjusted, and timing TM2, when the operator makes a decision. If a threshold value THv as shown in FIG. 10 is set and it is detected that the RMS vibration value has fallen below the threshold value THv, it is possible to detect timing TM1. This makes it possible to adjust the spring member 64 earlier by the loss period Tloss. Note that, as shown in FIG. 10, at timing STM when the operation of the belt conveyor 1 is stopped, the belt 2 stops, causing the RMS vibration value to drop sharply and fall below the threshold value THv. Therefore, it is necessary to take into account this drop in the RMS vibration value when operation is stopped.

[0054] <First alarm control> Next, a first alarm control performed by the information processing device according to this embodiment will be described. In the following, it is assumed that the control device 121 in the PC 12 receives the vibration effective value calculated by the control device 92 in the gateway unit 9 and performs alarm control. Fig. 11 is a flowchart relating to the first alarm control.

[0055] First, in step S1, the control device 121 determines whether the effective vibration value is below a predetermined threshold value Th1. If it is not below that threshold value (N in step S1), the process returns to step S1. On the other hand, if it is below that threshold value (Y in step S1), the process proceeds to step S2.

[0056] In step S2, the control device 121 determines whether the belt conveyor 1 has stopped operating. Here, the control device 121 makes this determination based on the drive current of the motor that drives the drive pulley 3. For example, the control device 121 determines that the belt conveyor 1 has stopped operating because the drive current is nearly zero. If it is determined in step S2 that the belt conveyor 1 has stopped operating (Y in step S2), the process returns to step S1. On the other hand, if it is determined that the belt conveyor 1 has not stopped operating (N in step S2), the process proceeds to step S3.

[0057] In step S3, the control device 121 starts measuring time. Next, in step S4, the control device 121 determines whether the effective vibration value is below a predetermined threshold value Th1. If it is not below (N in step S4), the process returns to step S1. On the other hand, if it is below (Y in step S4), the process proceeds to step S5. In step S5, the control device 121 determines whether the belt conveyor 1 has stopped operating. If it is determined that the belt conveyor 1 has stopped operating (Y in step S5), the process returns to step S1. On the other hand, if it is determined that the belt conveyor 1 has not stopped operating (N in step S5), the process proceeds to step S6.

[0058] In step S6, the control device 121 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of time measurement. If the predetermined time has not elapsed (N in step S6), the process returns to step S4. On the other hand, if the predetermined time has elapsed (Y in step S6), the process proceeds to step S7. In step S7, the control device 121 issues a first warning using the display unit 122 or the audio output unit 123. The warning is issued by the control device 121 outputting abnormality information to the display unit 122 or the audio output unit 123.

[0059] By detecting that the vibration effective value has fallen below the threshold value Th1 through this first alarm control, the first alarm is issued, thereby informing the operator that a decrease in the pressing force of the scraping unit 61 against the belt 2 is causing poor residue scraping, i.e., that adjustment of the spring member 64 is necessary. This allows adjustment of the spring member 64 at an appropriate time, thereby maintaining the cleaning performance of the cleaner 6 as much as possible. This prevents the generation of deposits 110 due to fallen materials 105, thereby reducing the cost and environmental impact of cleaning.

[0060] In addition, since the first alarm is issued when the vibration effective value remains below the threshold value Th1 for a predetermined period of time, it is possible to exclude cases where the vibration effective value falls below the threshold value Th1 due to noise. In addition, the first alarm can be set not to be issued when the belt conveyor 1 is stopped.

[0061] An example of the trend of the effective vibration value is shown in Fig. 12. Here, the effective vibration value remains below the threshold value Th1 for a predetermined time T1 from the time t1 when the effective vibration value fell below the threshold value Th1, so the first warning is issued at the time t2 when the predetermined time T1 has elapsed.

[0062] <Second alarm control> Next, the second warning control performed by the information processing device according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0063] Here, the control device 121 sequentially calculates the gradient of the effective vibration value based on the acquired effective vibration value. For example, every time the effective vibration value is acquired, a linear approximation is performed based on the effective vibration value from the present to a predetermined period ago, and the gradient of the obtained approximated straight line is set as the gradient of the effective vibration value.

[0064] In step S11, it is determined whether the slope of the vibration effective value is below a predetermined threshold value Th2. If it is not below that threshold value (N in step S11), the process returns to step S11. On the other hand, if it is below that threshold value (Y in step S11), the process proceeds to step S12. In step S12, the control device 121 starts measuring time.

[0065] Next, in step S13, the control device 121 determines whether the effective vibration value is below the threshold value Th2. If it is not below the threshold value Th2 (N in step S13), the process returns to step S11. On the other hand, if it is below the threshold value Th2 (Y in step S13), the process proceeds to step S14. In step S14, the control device 121 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of time measurement. If it has not elapsed (N in step S14), the process returns to step S13. On the other hand, if it has elapsed (Y in step S14), the process proceeds to step S15. In step S15, the control device 121 issues a second warning using the display unit 122 or the audio output unit 123.

[0066] For example, as shown in Fig. 12, when the effective vibration value does not fall below threshold value Th1 and remains at a certain value (dashed line in Fig. 12), the slope ΔV of the effective vibration value decreases over time. Therefore, in such a case, according to the process shown in Fig. 13, it is possible to detect that the slope of the effective vibration value has fallen below threshold value Th2 and issue a second alarm. The second alarm makes it possible to notify an abnormal state when the effective vibration value does not fall below threshold value Th1. Furthermore, according to the process in Fig. 13, the second alarm is issued when the slope of the effective vibration value falls below threshold value Th2 continuously for a predetermined time, so it is possible to exclude cases where the threshold value Th2 has fallen below due to noise.

[0067] When calculating the slope of the effective vibration value, it is desirable not to use the effective vibration value when the belt conveyor 1 is stopped. Furthermore, when calculating the slope of the effective vibration value by linear approximation, if the effective vibration value predicted by the obtained approximation line differs significantly from the actual measured value of the effective vibration, it is desirable not to use the actual measured value in the linear approximation or to reduce the weight of the actual measured value in order to increase the accuracy of the approximation.

[0068] <Third alarm control> Next, the third warning control performed by the information processing device according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0069] First, in step S21, the control device 121 determines whether the first warning described above (step S7 in FIG. 11) has been issued. If the first warning has not been issued (N in step S21), the process returns to step S21. On the other hand, if the first warning has been issued (Y in step S21), the process proceeds to step S22. In step S22, the control device 121 calculates the slope of the effective vibration value.

[0070] Next, in step S23, it is determined whether the slope of the calculated effective vibration value exceeds a predetermined upper limit. If it does not exceed it (N in step S23), the process returns to step S21. On the other hand, if it exceeds it (Y in step S23), the process proceeds to step S24. In step S24, the control device 121 issues a third warning using the display unit 122 or the audio output unit 123.

[0071] This third warning control will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 15. Fig. 15 shows an example of trend data for the effective vibration value. First, the effective vibration value decreases as time passes from timing t11, when the effective vibration value reaches its initial value, and when the effective vibration value continues to fall below threshold value Th1 for a predetermined time, the first warning is issued at timing t12. Therefore, by the third warning control, the slope of the effective vibration value is calculated at timing t12 (step S22). Here, the slope ΔV1 of the effective vibration value is calculated from the amount of change from the initial value of the effective vibration value to the effective vibration value at timing t12 and the period between timings t11 and t12. Here, the slope ΔV1 of the effective vibration value does not exceed the upper limit, so the third warning is not issued.

[0072] At timing t12, the operator receives the first warning and adjusts the spring member 64 in the cleaner 6, causing the effective vibration value to rise. The effective vibration value then decreases again over time, and when the effective vibration value remains below threshold value Th1 for a predetermined period of time, the first warning is issued at timing t13. Therefore, the slope of the effective vibration value is calculated at timing t13 by the third warning control. Here, the slope ΔV2 of the effective vibration value is calculated from the amount of change from the effective vibration value after the increase at timing t12 to the effective vibration value at timing t13, and the period between timings t12 and t13. Here, the slope ΔV2 of the effective vibration value does not exceed the upper limit, so the third warning is not issued.

[0073] Upon receiving the first warning at time t13, the operator adjusts the spring member 64 in the cleaner 6, causing the effective vibration value to increase. The effective vibration value then decreases again over time. When the effective vibration value remains below the threshold value Th1 for a predetermined period of time, the first warning is issued at time t14. Therefore, the slope of the effective vibration value is calculated at time t14 by the third warning control. Here, the slope ΔV3 of the effective vibration value is calculated based on the amount of change from the effective vibration value after the increase at time t13 to the effective vibration value at time t14 and the period between times t13 and t14. Here, the slope ΔV3 of the effective vibration value exceeds the upper limit, so the third warning is issued. The third warning indicates that the scraping unit 61 is nearing the end of its life, allowing the operator to replace the scraping unit 61.

[0074] In this way, if the cleaner 6 is continued to be used while adjusting the spring member 64, the speed of wear of the scraping part 61 gradually increases, and the slope of the vibration effective value increases. By utilizing this, it is possible to notify the user that the scraping part 61 has reached the end of its life, i.e., that it is time to replace it.

[0075] <Alarm priority> The first, second, and third alarm controls described above can be performed for each of the multiple belt conveyors 1. In this case, a sensor unit 8 and a gateway unit 9 are provided for each of the multiple belt conveyors 1. Data detected by the three-axis acceleration sensor 81 in each sensor unit 8 is sent to each gateway unit 9, and each gateway unit 9 calculates an effective vibration value. The calculated effective vibration value is sent to a common PC 12. Alarm control is then performed by a control device 121 in the PC 12. If alarms are issued for multiple belt conveyors 1 at the same time, it is desirable for the control device 121 to also notify the maintenance priority. The notification of the priority is performed by the control device 121 outputting ranking information indicating the priority to a display unit 122 or an audio output unit 123.

[0076] For example, belt conveyors that do not have spare belt conveyors in the manufacturing process or that are at risk of being stopped for a long time will be ranked A (highest priority), while other belt conveyors that have less impact will be ranked B.

[0077] <First prediction process> Next, a first prediction process performed by the information processing device according to this embodiment will be described. Fig. 16 is a flowchart relating to the first prediction process. In the first prediction process, the timing for adjusting the spring member 64 of the cleaner 6 is predicted. The prediction process is performed by the control device 121 in the PC 12.

[0078] First, in step S31, the control device 12 acquires the effective vibration value. Then, in step S32, the control device 12 calculates the coefficients of an approximation formula based on the effective vibration values ​​acquired up to now. The approximation formula is a formula with elapsed time as an explanatory variable and the effective vibration value as a target variable, and an approximation curve or an approximation line can be used. The elapsed time is the time elapsed from the timing of the initial value of the effective vibration value or the timing when the spring member 64 is adjusted. Also, For example, the coefficients are calculated by the least squares method.

[0079] Then, in step S33, the control device 121 determines whether the value is within the mask range. The mask range is, for example, a range of a predetermined mask period from the timing of the initial value of the effective vibration value or the timing of adjusting the spring member 64. Alternatively, the mask range is a range in which the effective vibration value is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

[0080] If it is within the mask range (Y in step S33), the process returns to step S31. On the other hand, if it is outside the mask range (N in step S33), the process proceeds to step S34. In step S34, the control device 121 calculates the elapsed time at which the effective vibration value reaches the threshold value Th1 based on the approximation formula using the coefficients calculated in step S32. In other words, the timing at which the spring member 64 should be adjusted is predicted. After step S34, the process returns to step S31.

[0081] This first prediction process will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 17. Fig. 17 is a diagram showing an example of trend data of the effective vibration value. Timing t20 in Fig. 17 is the timing of the initial value of the effective vibration value or the timing at which the spring member 64 is adjusted. Acquisition of the effective vibration value starts from timing t20, and the coefficients of the approximation formula are calculated each time the effective vibration value is acquired. The coefficients are calculated based on the effective vibration values ​​acquired from timing t20 to the present.

[0082] However, prediction is not performed within the mask range, which is the range Vmsk from timing t20 to a predetermined mask period Tmsk (between timing t20 and t21) or above a predetermined effective vibration value (60 mG, for example). Once outside the mask range, prediction is performed based on an approximation equation using calculated coefficients. In FIG. 17, timing t22 is set as the present, for example, and an approximation curve AC is shown as an approximation equation of coefficients calculated based on the effective vibration value from timing t20 to t22. For example, the approximation curve AC is a logarithmic approximation equation as shown below. y=a·ln(x)+b where x is the elapsed time from timing t20, y is the effective vibration value, and a and b are coefficients.

[0083] Based on the approximation curve AC, the elapsed time at which the effective vibration value reaches the threshold value Th1, i.e., timing 23, is calculated. Therefore, timing t23 is predicted as the timing at which the spring member 64 should be adjusted. This allows the operator to know in advance the timing at which the spring member 64 should be adjusted.

[0084] In addition, it is desirable to not use or to give a small weight to actual measured values ​​of the effective vibration that deviate significantly from the effective vibration value calculated by the approximation formula when calculating the coefficients of the approximation formula in order to improve the accuracy of the approximation formula.

[0085] 16 may be further modified as follows: Specifically, a plurality of approximate expressions may be prepared, and the calculation of the coefficients of the approximate expressions in step S32 may be performed for each of the approximate expressions, and a coefficient of determination R 2 Calculate the coefficient of determination R 2 is an index that indicates the degree of fit of the predicted data of the approximation formula to the measured data, and the closer the value is to 1, the better the degree of fit.

[0086] Therefore, the coefficient of determination R 2 The approximation formula that maximizes the value of , may be selected, and the prediction in step S34 may be performed using the selected approximation formula. This allows prediction using an approximation formula with higher accuracy.

[0087] <Second prediction process> Next, the second prediction process performed by the information processing device according to this embodiment will be described. Fig. 18 is a flowchart relating to the second prediction process. In the second prediction process, the timing for replacing the scraping unit 61 is predicted.

[0088] First, in step S41, the control device 121 determines whether or not adjustment of the spring member 64 has been performed. If adjustment has not been performed (N in step S41), the process returns to step S41. On the other hand, if adjustment has been performed (Y in step S41), the process proceeds to step S42. In step S42, the control device 121 calculates the slope of the effective vibration value. Then, proceeding to step S43, the control device 121 determines whether or not the slope of the next effective vibration value is predictable based on the slope of the effective vibration value that has already been calculated. For example, if there is only one slope of the currently calculated effective vibration value, the control device 121 determines that the slope is unpredictable. If the slope is unpredictable (N in step S43), the process returns to step S41. On the other hand, if the slope is predictable (Y in step S43), the process proceeds to step S44.

[0089] In step S44, the control device 121 predicts the slope of the next effective vibration value based on the slope of the already calculated effective vibration value. Here, the prediction is made using, for example, an approximation formula. Then, in step S45, the control device 121 determines whether the slope of the predicted effective vibration value exceeds the upper limit value. If it does not exceed the upper limit value (N in step S45), the process proceeds to step S41. On the other hand, if it exceeds the upper limit value (Y in step S45), the process proceeds to step S46. In step S46, the control device 121 calculates the elapsed time at which the effective vibration value will reach the threshold value Th1 based on the effective vibration value after it has increased due to adjustment of the spring member 64 and the slope of the effective vibration value predicted in step S44. In other words, the timing to replace the scraping unit 61 is predicted.

[0090] This second prediction process will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 19. Fig. 19 shows an example of trend data for the effective vibration value. First, the effective vibration value decreases as time passes from timing t30, when the effective vibration value reaches its initial value, and when the effective vibration value continues to fall below threshold value Th1 for a predetermined time, a first warning is issued at timing t31. At this point, adjustment of spring member 64 is performed (Y in step S41). Control device 121 calculates a slope ΔV1 of the effective vibration value based on the amount of change from the initial value of the effective vibration value to the effective vibration value immediately before adjustment and the period between timings t30 and t31 (step S42). Here, prediction of the next effective vibration value is not possible, so no prediction is performed.

[0091] Then, the effective vibration value that increased due to the adjustment decreases again over time, and when the effective vibration value remains below threshold value Th1 for a predetermined time, a first warning is issued at timing t32. At this point, adjustment of spring member 64 is performed (Y in step S41). Control device 121 calculates a slope ΔV2 of the effective vibration value based on the amount of change from the effective vibration value after the increase at timing t31 to the effective vibration value immediately before adjustment, and the period between timings t31 and t32 (step S42).

[0092] Here, the slope ΔV3 of the next effective vibration value is predicted based on the slopes ΔV1 and ΔV2 of the effective vibration value (step S44). Because the slope ΔV3 of the effective vibration value exceeds the upper limit value (Y in step S45), the elapsed time TP from timing t32 until the next time the effective vibration value decreases and reaches threshold value Th1 is predicted. Here, the prediction is made based on the effective vibration value after the increase at timing t32 and the predicted slope ΔV3 of the effective vibration value. The prediction of the elapsed time TP predicts the timing t33 ​​when the scraping unit 61 should be replaced. This allows the operator to know in advance the timing when the scraping unit 61 should be replaced. [Explanation of symbols]

[0093] 1 conveyor belt 2 Belt 3 Drive pulley 4 driven pulley 5 Return roller 6,7 Cleaner 8 Sensor Unit 9 Gateway Unit 10 base station 11 Data Management Server 12 Control device 13 Information Processing Systems 23 Timing 61 scraping section 62 Arm 63 Support member 64 Spring member 65 Connecting part 66 Support stand 71 scraping section 72 Arm 73 Support member 74 Spring member 81 3-axis acceleration sensor 82 Temperature Sensor 83 Control Device 91 LTE Router 92 Control Device 94 AC / DC power supply 100 items transported 105 Fallen timber 110 Sediment 121 Control device 122 Display section 123 Audio output section 124 Operation input section 125 Communications Department

Claims

1. a control device that calculates an effective vibration value representing vibration generated in a scraping section based on a detection value of an acceleration sensor provided in a cleaner having a scraping section configured to scrape off residue adhering to an endless belt conveyor that rotates in a predetermined direction to transport an object; The control device is an information processing device that calculates the effective vibration value based on the detection value of a first axis that indicates vibration caused by a repulsive force generated in response to a load acting on the scraping section as the belt conveyor progresses, and the detection value of a second axis that is perpendicular to the first axis and indicates vibration caused by a repulsive force generated when the scraping section comes into contact with the adhering residue.

2. the acceleration sensor is capable of outputting detection values ​​of the first axis, the second axis, and a third axis that is perpendicular to the first axis and the second axis and indicates vibrations occurring in the width direction of the belt conveyor as the belt conveyor moves, The information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the control device does not use the detected value of the third axis in calculating the effective vibration value.

3. the cleaner has a support member that commonly supports the plurality of scraping units, The information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the acceleration sensor is provided on the support member.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the control device outputs first abnormality information indicating a failure in scraping off the adhering residue when the vibration effective value deviates from a predetermined first threshold value.

5. 5. The information processing device according to claim 4, wherein the control device is capable of not outputting the first abnormality information when it detects a stop of operation of the belt conveyor even if the effective vibration value deviates from the first threshold value.

6. the control device is capable of acquiring detection values ​​of the acceleration sensors provided on each of the plurality of belt conveyors, and calculating the vibration effective value for the scraping unit provided for each belt conveyor based on each detection value, The information processing apparatus according to claim 4 , further comprising: a first abnormality information outputting, in addition to the first abnormality information, ranking information indicating a priority order for maintenance.

7. 2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the control device is capable of sequentially calculating a gradient of the effective vibration value, and outputs second abnormality information when the gradient of the effective vibration value falls below a predetermined second threshold value.

8. 2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the control device calculates a slope of the vibration effective value when the vibration effective value deviates from a predetermined third threshold value, and outputs third abnormality information when the calculated value exceeds an upper limit value.

9. 2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the control device sequentially calculates coefficients of an approximation equation having elapsed time as an explanatory variable and the effective vibration value as a target variable based on the effective vibration value, and predicts the elapsed time at which the effective vibration value becomes a fourth threshold value based on the approximation equation of the calculated coefficients.

10. 10. The information processing device according to claim 9, wherein the control device calculates the coefficients of a plurality of types of the approximation formulas, calculates an index value indicating a degree of fit of the approximation formula to the actual measurement data when calculating the coefficients, selects the approximation formula based on the index value, and predicts the elapsed time based on the selected approximation formula.

11. 2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the control device calculates the slope of the effective vibration value each time it determines that an adjustment of the pressing force of the scraping section against the belt conveyor has been performed, predicts the slope of the next effective vibration value based on the calculated slope of the effective vibration value, and if the predicted slope of the effective vibration value exceeds an upper limit value, predicts the elapsed time at which the effective vibration value will reach a fifth threshold value based on the predicted slope of the effective vibration value.

12. An information processing method executed by an information processing device including a control device, 1. An information processing method for calculating an effective vibration value representing vibration generated in a scraping section based on a detection value of an acceleration sensor provided in a cleaner having a scraping section configured to be able to scrape off residue adhering to an endless belt conveyor that rotates in a predetermined direction to transport an object, the method comprising: acquiring the detection value of a first axis indicating vibration caused by a repulsive force generated in response to a load acting on the scraping unit as the belt conveyor advances, and the detection value of a second axis perpendicular to the first axis indicating vibration caused by a repulsive force generated when the scraping unit comes into contact with the adhering residue; calculating the effective vibration value using the detected value of the first axis and the detected value of the second axis; An information processing method comprising:

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