Extended conveyor

Abstract

To provide an extension conveyor that can precisely stop the belt connection section at the extension work position. [Solution] In this stretching conveyor 100, the control unit 4 is configured to control the drive unit 3 so as to stop the joint fitting 2 at the stretching work position P2 by stopping the position detection object 5 at a predetermined position based on the position detection sensor 6 detecting the position detection object 5 when stretching the belt 1.

Description

Technical Field

[0005] , , ,

[0001] The present invention relates to an extensible conveyor.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, an extensible conveyor has been known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] <000​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Although not disclosed in Patent Document 1 mentioned above, when extending a belt, it is necessary to position the belt connection (joint) at the extension work position where the extension work is performed in order to release the connection of the belt connection (joint). For this reason, conventionally, workers would visually confirm the position of the belt connection and stop the belt drive when the belt connection reached the extension work position. However, when workers stop the belt visually, the speed of the conveyor belt is high, so the timing of stopping the belt may not be correct, and the belt may stop after the belt connection has passed the extension work position. For this reason, it has been difficult to stop the belt connection at the extension work position with precision. Therefore, there is a need for an extension conveyor that can stop the belt connection at the extension work position with precision.

[0006] This invention was made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and one of its objectives is to provide an extension conveyor that can accurately stop the belt connection section at the extension work position. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To achieve the above objective, an extendable conveyor according to one aspect of this invention comprises a conveying belt and an extendable belt, a belt that can be extended by connecting the extendable belt to the conveying belt, belt connecting parts provided at the ends of the conveying belt and connecting the ends of the conveying belts, a drive unit for driving the belt, a control unit for controlling the drive unit, a position detection target provided on the conveying belt at a position corresponding to the belt connecting part, and a position detection sensor positioned opposite the belt and detecting the position detection target when it faces the position detection target, wherein the control unit is configured to control the drive unit to stop the belt connecting part at the extension work position by stopping the position detection target at a predetermined position based on the detection of the position detection sensor by the belt extending the belt.

[0008] In one aspect of this invention, the stretching conveyor, as described above, is configured to control the drive unit to stop the belt connection at the stretching work position by stopping the object detected by the position detection sensor at a predetermined position when the belt is being stretched. As a result, by providing a position detection sensor, the position of the belt connection can be accurately obtained even when the belt speed is high, unlike when the belt connection is visually confirmed. Furthermore, by stopping the belt connection at the stretching work position by the control unit, the operation from confirming the position of the belt connection to stopping it can be performed automatically and accurately, unlike when an operator stops the belt, thus preventing the belt from stopping at a position where the belt connection has passed the stretching work position. As a result, the belt connection can be automatically and accurately stopped at the stretching work position.

[0009] In the extension conveyor according to the first aspect described above, preferably, the control unit is configured to control the drive unit to stop the object at a predetermined position based on the movement speed of the object and the distance from the object to a predetermined position when the position detection sensor detects the object. With this configuration, the control unit can obtain the time it takes for the belt connecting unit to reach the extension work position from the detection position based on the movement speed and distance, so that the timing for stopping the drive unit can be accurately obtained and the belt connecting unit can be stopped at the extension work position with greater precision.

[0010] In the stretchable conveyor according to the first aspect described above, preferably, the control unit is configured to control the drive unit to reduce the speed of the belt and then stop it based on the detection of an object by the position detection sensor. With this configuration, unlike when the belt is stopped without decelerating, the load on the drive unit can be reduced.

[0011] In the extension conveyor according to the first aspect described above, preferably, the object to be detected is located near the belt connection section. With this configuration, the distance from the object to be detected to the belt connection section can be reduced, so that the belt connection section can be stopped at the extension work position by stopping when the object to be detected is detected. Note that the vicinity of the belt connection section includes the same position as the belt connection section and a position closer to the belt connection section than the center of the belt.

[0012] In the stretchable conveyor with the first aspect described above, preferably, the object to be detected is made of metal, the belt is made of a non-metallic material, and the position detection sensor is configured to detect the object to be detected, which is made of metal. With this configuration, the position detection sensor can detect the object to be detected without mistakenly detecting the belt, thereby improving detection accuracy.

[0013] In the stretching conveyor according to the first aspect described above, preferably, the belt connecting portion is also provided at the end of the stretching belt, and is configured to connect the end of the transport belt and the end of the stretching belt. Multiple position detection targets are provided on the belt at positions corresponding to the belt connecting portion provided on the transport belt and at positions corresponding to the belt connecting portion provided on the stretching belt. With this configuration, in addition to when a stretching belt is connected to a transport belt, the end of the stretching belt can be accurately positioned at the stretching work location based on the detection results of the position detection sensor, even when a further stretching belt is connected to an existing stretching belt.

[0014] In this case, preferably, each of the multiple objects to be detected is assigned different identification information, the position detection sensor is configured to read the identification information assigned to the multiple objects to be detected, and the control unit is configured to acquire the position of the target object among the multiple objects to be detected, which are provided at positions corresponding to the belt connection points on the conveyor belt and the belt connection points on the extension belt, respectively, based on the identification information read by the position detection sensor, and to control the drive unit to stop the belt connection points at the position where the belt extension work is performed by stopping the target object at a predetermined position. With this configuration, based on the identification information, the target belt connection point among the belt connection points provided on the conveyor belt or the belt connection points provided on the extension belt can be automatically stopped at the extension work position, so that the belt can be stopped at the target position with high accuracy, unlike when stopping a belt with multiple belt connection points by visual inspection.

[0015] In the extension conveyor with the above-described aspect, preferably, the object to be detected is embedded in the belt. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the object to be detected from coming into contact with the object being transported on the belt and causing damage to the object.

[0016] In the stretchable conveyor with the above-described aspect ratio, the position detection sensor is preferably configured to detect the object to be detected by non-contact. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the object being placed on the belt from coming into contact with the position detection sensor and causing contamination of the sensor, and it is also possible to detect the object to be detected even when the object is on the belt. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to the present invention, as described above, it is possible to provide an extension conveyor that can accurately stop the belt connection portion at the extension work position. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0018] [Figure 1] It is a block diagram showing the configuration of the stretching conveyor according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a side view of the stretching conveyor according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a cross-sectional view of the conveyor belt according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] It is a perspective view showing the conveyor belt provided with the detection object according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] It is a perspective view showing the state where the stretching belt is connected to the conveyor belt according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing the flow from detecting the position detection object to stopping at a predetermined position in the first embodiment. FIG. 6(a) shows the moving state, FIG. 6(b) shows the state where the detection object is detected, and FIG. 6(c) shows the state where the detection object is stopped at a predetermined position. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing an example of the belt clip according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] It is a flowchart of the process for stopping the driving of the belt according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] It is a perspective view showing the conveyor belt provided with the detection object according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] It is a diagram showing the flow from detecting the position detection object to stopping at a predetermined position in the second embodiment. FIG. 10(a) shows the moving state, FIG. 10(b) shows the state where the detection object is detected, and FIG. 10(c) shows the state where the detection object is stopped at a predetermined position. [Figure 11] It is a flowchart of the process for stopping the driving of the belt according to the second embodiment. [Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention]

[0019] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described based on the drawings.

[0020] [First Embodiment] The configuration of the extension conveyor 100 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 8.

[0021] As shown in Figure 1, the extendable conveyor 100 includes a belt 1, a coupling fitting 2, a drive unit 3, a control unit 4, a position detection target object 5, and a position detection sensor 6. The extendable conveyor 100 is a conveying device for long transport materials (excavated spoil) installed inside a tunnel, and is configured to transport materials generated during tunnel excavation by placing them on the belt 1 and transporting them from the tunnel face to near the tunnel entrance. Excavated spoil refers to rock fragments, soil, etc., excavated from the ground during tunnel excavation. The coupling fitting 2 is an example of the "belt connecting part" described in the claims. In this embodiment, the transport direction is the X direction, the vertical direction is the Z direction, and the left-right direction perpendicular to the X and Z directions is the Y direction. In addition, the tunnel entrance side is the X1 side and the tunnel face side is the X2 side. The tunnel entrance is the entrance side of the tunnel, and the tunnel face side is the excavation surface side.

[0022] Figure 2 shows the tunnel entrance side of the extension conveyor 100. The extension conveyor 100 further comprises a head pulley 20, a bent pulley, a belt connecting frame 40, and a pair of belt clips 50.

[0023] The head pulley 20 is provided for releasing the conveyed material. The vent pulleys include the first vent pulley 30a to the fourth vent pulley 30d and change the direction of movement of the belt 1. The belt connecting frame 40 includes the belt connection section 40a and is used for extending the belt 1. A pair of belt clips 50 are provided on the X1 side and the X2 side of the belt connecting frame 40. The pair of belt clips 50 are provided sandwiching the belt connection section 40a in the X direction. The pair of belt clips 50 grip the belt 1 from above and below.

[0024] In the extension conveyor 100, belt 1 moves as a carrier belt from the X2 side (work face side) to the X1 side (pit entrance side), and the head pulley 20 releases the conveyed material (not shown). The conveyed material is either left in the open or transported to its destination by a separately provided belt conveyor (not shown).

[0025] After releasing the conveyed material, belt 1 is cleaned of any attached material by a cleaning system and then sent as a return belt to the drive pulley 3a of the drive unit 3 via the first vent pulley 30a. After passing through the drive unit 3, belt 1 is guided by the second vent pulley 30b and the third vent pulley 30c and passes through the belt connection section 40a installed on the belt connecting frame 40. Subsequently, it moves towards the face via the fourth vent pulley 30d. The return belt is located below the carrier belt.

[0026] As shown in Figure 1, the belt 1 has a conveying belt 1a and a stretching belt 1b. The belt 1 is also configured to be stretchable by connecting the stretching belt 1b to the conveying belt 1a. The belt 1 is made of a non-metallic material. For example, the belt 1 is made of rubber.

[0027] As shown in Figure 3, the belt 1 includes a core canvas layer 10a and a core cover layer 10b.

[0028] The core canvas layer 10a is made of canvas. The core canvas layer 10a is a layer that reinforces the belt 1 by increasing its tensile strength. The core canvas layer 10a is formed in a rectangular shape. The core canvas layer 10a has a single-layer structure.

[0029] The core cover layer 10b is made of rubber. The core cover layer 10b is provided on the Z1 and Z2 sides of the core canvas layer 10a, covering and protecting the core canvas layer 10a. In other words, the core cover layer 10b sandwiches the core canvas layer 10a. The core cover layer 10b is formed in the same rectangular shape. Furthermore, the position detection target object 5 is embedded in the core cover layer 10b on the Z1 side, and a protective plug 10c is provided on the Z1 side of the position detection target object 5. In other words, an opening is provided in the core cover layer 10b on the Z1 side, the position detection target object 5 is placed in the opening, and the opening is closed with the protective plug 10c. The protective plug 10c is made of the same material as the core cover layer 10b. The protective plug 10c is made of a material with excellent wear resistance, which can prevent wear of the position detection target object 5 by the transported object.

[0030] As shown in Figure 4, the conveyor belt 1a is detachably connected at both ends by connecting fittings 2. When conveying an object, the conveyor belt 1a is formed in a ring shape, and both ends are detached when connecting the extension belt 1b. The conveyor belt 1a is rotated by the drive unit 3 (see Figure 1) and is configured to convey the object.

[0031] As shown in Figure 5, the extension belt 1b is detachably connected at both ends. The extension belt 1b is fitted with the same joint fittings 2 as the conveyor belt 1a.

[0032] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the connecting fittings 2 are provided at both ends of the conveyor belt 1a. The connecting fittings 2 are also provided at both ends of the extension belt 1b. The connecting fittings 2 detachably connect the ends of the conveyor belt 1a. Furthermore, the connecting fittings 2 detachably connect the end of the conveyor belt 1a to the end of the extension belt 1b. In the first embodiment, the connecting fittings 2 are integrally provided on the conveyor belt 1a and the extension belt 1b and cannot be removed from them. By connecting using the connecting fittings 2, the connecting work during belt extension can be simplified. On the conveyor belt 1a, the position of the connecting fittings 2 (connecting position) indicates the position where the extension belt 1b is already connected, and as the number of extension cycles increases, the number of connecting positions also increases.

[0033] The joint fitting 2 includes a pair of comb-shaped connecting parts 2a and a connecting pin 2b. The pair of comb-shaped connecting parts 2a are provided at both ends of the conveyor belt 1a. Specifically, the pair of comb-shaped connecting parts 2a are provided at both ends on the X side of the conveyor belt 1a and face each other. The comb-shaped parts of the pair of comb-shaped connecting parts 2a are arranged alternately at the X1 end and the X2 end. The connecting pin 2b is inserted into both ends on the Y side of the conveyor belt 1a when the comb-shaped connecting parts 2a provided at both ends of the conveyor belt 1a are aligned, connecting both ends on the X side of the conveyor belt 1a. Furthermore, a pair of comb-shaped connecting parts 2a are also provided at both ends of the stretching belt 1b, and the connecting pin 2b is inserted into the ends of the conveying belt 1a and the stretching belt 1b when the comb-shaped connecting parts 2a provided at the ends of the conveying belt 1a and the stretching belt 1b are aligned with each other, thereby connecting the conveying belt 1a and the stretching belt 1b.

[0034] As shown in Figure 2, the drive unit 3 includes a drive pulley 3a and a drive source 3b. The drive unit 3 drives the belt 1. The drive pulley 3a is composed of several adjacent pulleys, and when the pulley connected to the drive source 3b rotates, the pulley adjacent to the pulley connected to the drive source 3b and to which the belt 1 is attached rotates. This drives the belt 1.

[0035] As shown in Figure 2, the control unit 4 is configured to control the drive unit 3 to drive the belt 1. The control unit 4 drives the drive unit 3 based on input from an operating unit provided on the stretchable conveyor 100. The control unit 4 is provided separately from the main body of the stretchable conveyor 100. The control unit 4 includes a processing unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and memory such as RAM. The control unit 4 may also include an operating unit. For example, the control unit 4 is the operating panel of the stretchable conveyor 100.

[0036] As shown in Figures 2 and 6, the control unit 4 is configured to control the drive unit 3 to stop the joint fitting 2 at the extension work position P2 by stopping the position detection object 5 at a predetermined position P1, based on the detection of the position detection object 5 by the position detection sensor 6 when the belt 1 is extended. The extension work position P2 is the position where the belt connection portion 40a and the joint fitting 2 overlap in a top view. The predetermined position P1 is a position where the joint fitting 2 can be stopped at the extension work position P2, for example, near the belt connecting frame 40. The distance between the predetermined position P1 and the extension work position P2 is the same as the distance between the joint fitting 2 and the position detection object 5. The control unit 4 is configured to stop the drive unit 3 so that the joint fitting 2 is stopped at the extension work position P2 by stopping the object 5 at a predetermined position P1, based on the detection of the object 5 by the position detection sensor 6 when an operation input to stop the belt 1 (an operation to switch from the transport mode, which transports the transported object, to the stop mode, which stops the belt 1) is received by an operation unit (not shown). In this case, when an operation input to stop the belt 1 has not been received (transport mode), even if the position detection sensor 6 has detected the object 5, the control unit 4 does not perform control to stop the belt 1. Furthermore, once the extension of the belt 1 is complete, an operation to switch from the stop mode to the transport mode is performed, and even if the position detection sensor 6 has detected the object 5, the control unit 4 is configured not to perform control to stop the belt 1.

[0037] As shown in Figure 6(a), if the object to be detected 5 is not located below the position detection sensor 6, the object to be detected 5 is not detected, and the belt 1 remains in a driving state. Then, as shown in Figure 6(b), if the object to be detected 5 is located below the position detection sensor 6, the object to be detected 5 is detected, and the detected information is transmitted to the control unit 4. Then, as shown in Figure 6(c), the control unit 4 controls the drive unit 3 to stop the belt 1 so that the object to be detected 5 is located at a predetermined position P1. As a result, the joint fitting 2 stops at the extension work position P2. Note that the predetermined position P1 and extension work position P2 in Figure 6 are just examples and may be shifted towards the X1 side or the X2 side.

[0038] The control unit 4 is configured to control the drive unit 3 to stop the object 5 at a predetermined position P1 based on the movement speed of the object 5 and the distance from the object 5 to a predetermined position P1 when the position detection sensor 6 detects the object 5. More specifically, the control unit 4 is configured to control the drive unit 3 to reduce the speed of the belt 1 and then stop it based on the detection of the object 5 by the position detection sensor 6. The movement speed of the belt 1 is acquired by the control unit 4 based on a preset movement speed. The control unit 4 has the distance between the position detection sensor 6 and the predetermined position P1 set as the distance from the object 5 to the predetermined position P1. In other words, the distance from the object 5 to the predetermined position P1 is the distance from the object 5 to the predetermined position P1 after the position detection sensor 6 detects the object 5.

[0039] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the position detection objects 5 are provided on the belt 1 at positions corresponding to the joint fittings 2 provided on the conveyor belt 1a and on the extension belt 1b. More specifically, the position detection objects 5 are located near the joint fittings 2. The position detection objects 5 are provided at one end and the other end of the conveyor belt 1a. They are also provided at one end and the other end of the extension belt 1b. Multiple position detection objects 5 are embedded in the belt 1. Multiple position detection objects 5 are made of metal. In Figures 4 and 5, the shape of the position detection objects 5 is shown as circular, but they may also be polygonal.

[0040] As shown in Figure 3, the position detection sensor 6 is positioned opposite the belt 1 (return belt). The position detection sensor 6 is configured to detect the object to be detected 5 from the Z1 side of the belt 1. That is, the position detection sensor 6 is positioned between the carrier belt and the return belt in the vertical direction. The position detection sensor 6 is configured to detect the object to be detected 5 when it is facing the object to be detected 5. The position detection sensor 6 is configured to detect the object to be detected 5 by non-contact. The position detection sensor 6 is a metal sensor. A metal sensor is, for example, a sensor that generates a magnetic field and detects an object by a change in the magnetic field. The detection range of the position detection sensor 6 may widen as it moves toward the Z2 side, as shown in Figure 3, or it may remain constant. The detection result of the position detection sensor 6 is transmitted to the control unit 4. The position detection sensor 6 is installed on the second vent pulley 30b (see Figure 2). The position detection sensor 6 is configured to detect the object to be detected 5 when the object to be detected 5 embedded in the belt 1 passes the position detection sensor 6. In Figure 4, the position detection sensor 6 is shown as cylindrical, but it may also be a polyhedron that matches the shape of the object 5 whose position is to be detected.

[0041] As shown in Figure 2, belt clips 50 are provided on the X1 and X2 sides of the belt connecting frame 40. The conveying belt 1a and the extension belt 1b are connected on the belt connecting frame 40. The belt clips 50 prevent the cut conveying belt 1a from being pulled back by the remaining belt tension when the extension belt 1b is connected to the conveying belt 1a during the extension operation. The pair of belt clips 50 are configured to fix both ends of the removed conveying belt 1a when the extension belt 1b is connected to the conveying belt 1a.

[0042] As shown in Figure 2, a pair of belt clips 50 are provided to secure one end (X2 side) and the other end (X1 side) of the conveyor belt 1a, respectively.

[0043] As shown in Figure 7, a pair of belt clips 50 includes a pair of belt fixing members 50a aligned in the Y direction, a pair of belt fixing moving members 50b aligned in the Y direction, a pair of guide threaded rods 50c aligned in the Y direction, and a pair of fixing nuts 50d aligned in the Y direction. The belt fixing members 50a are configured to be located above (on the Z1 side) the conveyor belt 1a. The belt fixing moving members 50b are configured to be located below (on the Z2 side) the conveyor belt 1a. The belt fixing members 50a and belt fixing moving members 50b are, for example, made of H-beams and are configured to fix the conveyor belt 1a with a flat portion extending along the X direction.

[0044] When fixing the conveyor belt 1a, at least one of the belt fixing member 50a and the belt fixing movable member 50b is movable in the vertical direction, and the belt fixing member 50a and the belt fixing movable member 50b are configured to sandwich the conveyor belt 1a from above and below.

[0045] The guide threaded rod 50c is attached to the belt fixing member 50a and the belt fixing movable member 50b. Specifically, the guide threaded rod 50c is inserted through both ends of the belt fixing member 50a and the belt fixing movable member 50b on the Y-direction side. The belt fixing member 50a and the belt fixing movable member 50b move vertically along the guide threaded rod 50c. The guide threaded rod 50c is a rod-shaped member with a threaded surface.

[0046] The fixing nut 50d is configured to fasten the belt fixing member 50a and the belt fixing moving member 50b to the guide thread rod 50c. The fixing nut 50d is configured to clamp and fix the belt fixing member 50a and the belt fixing moving member 50b from above and below, respectively. Specifically, the belt fixing member 50a and the belt fixing moving member 50b for clamping the conveyor belt 1a are installed on guide thread rods 50c installed on both sides in the Y direction so that they can slide up and down, respectively, and are fixed to each other with the fixing nut 50d. When fixing the conveyor belt 1a, the fastening state of the fixing nut 50d is released, and at least one of the belt fixing member 50a and the belt fixing moving member 50b moves up and down along the guide thread rod 50c, so that the belt fixing member 50a and the belt fixing moving member 50b clamp the conveyor belt 1a from above and below.

[0047] Based on Figure 8, the process by which the control unit 4 stops the drive unit 3 will be explained.

[0048] In step S1, the control unit 4 receives an operation to stop the drive of the belt 1. Specifically, the control unit 4 receives an operation to stop the drive of the belt 1 when an operating unit (not shown) is operated.

[0049] In step S2, the position detection sensor 6 acquires that it has detected the object to be detected 5. In step S3, the control unit 4 performs calculations based on speed and distance. Specifically, it calculates the time it takes for the object to be detected 5 to reach the predetermined position P1, based on the set driving speed of the belt 1 and the distance from the object to be detected 5 to the predetermined position P1.

[0050] In step S4, the control unit 4 is configured to control the drive unit 3 to reduce its speed. Specifically, the control unit 4 gradually reduces the speed based on the results calculated in step S3. In step S5, the control unit 4 controls the drive unit 3 to stop the belt 1. Specifically, it controls the drive unit 3 to stop the joint fitting 2 at the extension work position P2 by stopping the position detection target object 5 at a predetermined position P1. After the belt 1 is stopped, the belt 1 is extended.

[0051] (Effects of the first embodiment) The extension conveyor 100 of the first embodiment can provide the following effects.

[0052] In the first embodiment of the stretchable conveyor 100, as described above, the control unit 4 is configured to control the drive unit 3 to stop the joint fitting 2 at the stretching work position P2 by stopping the position detection object 5 at a predetermined position P1 based on the detection of the position detection object 5 by the position detection sensor 6 when stretching the belt 1. As a result, by providing the position detection sensor 6, the position of the joint fitting 2 can be accurately obtained even when the belt 1 is moving at a high speed, unlike when the joint fitting 2 is visually confirmed. Furthermore, by stopping the joint fitting 2 at the stretching work position P2 by the control unit 4, the operation from confirming the position of the joint fitting 2 to stopping it can be performed automatically and accurately, unlike when an operator stops the belt 1, thus preventing the belt 1 from stopping at a position where the joint fitting 2 has passed the stretching work position P2. As a result, the joint fitting 2 can be automatically and accurately stopped at the stretching work position P2.

[0053] Furthermore, in the extension conveyor 100 of the first embodiment, as described above, the control unit 4 is configured to control the drive unit 3 to stop the object 5 at a predetermined position P1 based on the movement speed of the object 5 and the distance from the object 5 to a predetermined position P1 when the position detection sensor 6 detects the object 5. As a result, the control unit 4 can obtain the time it takes for the joint fitting 2 to reach the extension work position P2 from the detection position based on the movement speed and distance, and can accurately obtain the timing to stop the drive unit 3, thereby stopping the joint fitting 2 at the extension work position P2 with greater precision.

[0054] Furthermore, in the first embodiment of the stretchable conveyor 100, as described above, the control unit 4 is configured to control the drive unit 3 to reduce the speed of the belt 1 and then stop it based on the detection of the object 5 by the position detection sensor 6. This reduces the load on the drive unit 3, unlike when the belt 1 is stopped without decelerating.

[0055] Furthermore, in the extension conveyor 100 of the first embodiment, as described above, the object to be detected 5 is positioned near the joint fitting 2. This reduces the distance from the object to be detected 5 to the joint fitting 2, and by stopping the conveyor when the object to be detected 5 is detected, the joint fitting 2 can be stopped at the extension work position P2.

[0056] Furthermore, in the first embodiment of the stretchable conveyor 100, as described above, the object to be detected 5 is made of metal, the belt 1 is made of non-metal, and the position detection sensor 6 is configured to detect the object to be detected 5, which is made of metal. As a result, the position detection sensor 6 can detect the object to be detected 5 without mistakenly detecting the belt 1, thereby improving detection accuracy.

[0057] Furthermore, in the extension conveyor 100 of the first embodiment, as described above, the joint fittings 2 are also provided at the end of the extension belt 1b, and are configured to connect the end of the transport belt 1a and the end of the extension belt 1b. Multiple position detection targets 5 are provided on the belt 1 at positions corresponding to the joint fittings 2 provided on the transport belt 1a and at positions corresponding to the joint fittings 2 provided on the extension belt 1b. As a result, in addition to when the extension belt 1b is connected to the transport belt 1a, the end of the extension belt 1b can be accurately positioned at the extension work position P2 based on the detection results of the position detection sensor 6, even when another extension belt 1b is connected to the extension belt 1b.

[0058] Furthermore, in the extension conveyor 100 of the first embodiment, as described above, the object to be detected 5 is embedded in the belt 1. This prevents the object to be detected from coming into contact with the object to be detected 5 as it is being transported on the belt 1, thus preventing the object to be detected 5 from being soiled.

[0059] Furthermore, in the extension conveyor 100 of the first embodiment, as described above, the position detection sensor 6 is configured to detect the object to be detected 5 without contact. This prevents the object being placed on the belt 1 from coming into contact with the position detection sensor 6 and causing contamination of the position detection sensor 6, and also allows the object to be detected 5 even when the object is on the belt 1.

[0060] [Second Embodiment] Next, the configuration of the extension conveyor 200 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 3, Figure 6, and Figures 9 to 11. In the second embodiment, the object to be detected 205 is equipped with identification information.

[0061] In the second embodiment, the multiple position detection objects 205 are ID chips. Each of the multiple position detection objects 205 is assigned different identification information. The identification information includes, for example, information that identifies the transport belt 1a and the extension belt 1b, and information that identifies multiple extension belts 1b, such as information indicating the nth extension belt 1b. Although the shape of the position detection object 205 is shown as rectangular, it is not limited to a rectangular shape.

[0062] As shown in Figure 9, the position detection sensor 206 is a reader for RFID (radio frequency identification), etc. The position detection sensor 206 is configured to read identification information attached to multiple objects 5 whose positions are to be detected. Note that the shape of the position detection sensor 206 is not limited to a circle, but may also be polygonal.

[0063] The control unit 4 is configured to acquire the position of the target position detection object 205 from among a plurality of position detection objects 5 provided on the belt 1, corresponding to the joint fittings 2 on the conveyor belt 1a and the joint fittings 2 on the extension belt 1b, based on the identification information read by the position detection sensor 206. The control unit 4 is configured to control the drive unit 3 to stop the joint fittings 2 at the position where the belt extension work of the belt 1 is performed by stopping the target position detection object 205 at a predetermined position P1. Specifically, when a plurality of extension belts 1b are connected to the conveyor belt 1a, a plurality of joint fittings 2 are also provided, making it unclear which of the plurality of joint fittings 2 between the conveyor belt 1a and the extension belt 1b is the target joint fitting 2. In such cases, the control unit 4 accepts an operation to select the position of the joint fitting 2 to be detected, and controls the drive unit 3 to stop the selected target joint fitting 2 at the extension work position P2.

[0064] The control unit 4 receives detection results, including identification information, from the position detection sensor 206. The control unit 4 identifies whether or not it is the target joint fitting 2 based on the content of the identification information. If it is the target joint fitting 2, the control unit 4 is configured to control the drive unit 3 to stop the target joint fitting 2 at the extension work position P2 by stopping the position detection target object 205 at a predetermined position P1.

[0065] As shown in Figure 10(a), if the object to be detected 205 is not located below the position detection sensor 206, the object to be detected 205 is not detected, and the belt 1 remains in a driving state. Then, as shown in Figure 10(b), if the object to be detected 205 is located below the position detection sensor 206, the object to be detected 205 is detected, and the detected information is transmitted to the control unit 4. At this time, if it is not the target object to be detected 205, the process returns to Figure 10(a). Then, repeating Figures 10(a) and 10(b), when the position detection sensor 206 detects the target object to be detected 205, the control unit 4 controls the drive unit 3 to stop the belt 1 so that the object to be detected 205 is located at the predetermined position P1, as shown in Figure 10(c). As a result, the joint fitting 2 stops at the extension work position P2. Note that the predetermined position P1 and extension work position P2 in Figure 10 are just examples and may be shifted towards the X1 side or the X2 side.

[0066] Based on Figure 11, the process by which the control unit 4 stops the drive unit 3 will be explained.

[0067] In step S11, the control unit 4 receives an operation to stop the drive of the belt 1. Specifically, the control unit 4 receives an operation to stop the drive of the belt 1 when an operating unit (not shown) is operated.

[0068] In step S12, the position detection sensor 206 acquires that it has detected the object to be detected 205. In step S13, the step to be taken depends on whether the object to be detected 205 detected in step S12 is the target object 205. If it is the target object 5 (step S13, YES), the process proceeds to step S14; otherwise (step S13, NO), the process returns to step S12. In step S14, the control unit 4 performs calculations based on speed and distance. Specifically, it calculates the time it takes for the object to be detected 205 to reach the predetermined position P1 based on the set driving speed of the belt 1 and the distance from the object to be detected 5 to the predetermined position P1.

[0069] In step S15, the control unit 4 is configured to control the drive unit 3 to reduce its speed. Specifically, the control unit 4 gradually reduces the speed based on the results calculated in step S14. In step S16, the control unit 4 controls the drive unit 3 to stop the belt 1. Specifically, it controls the drive unit 3 to stop the joint fitting 2 at the extension work position P2 by stopping the position detection target object 205 at a predetermined position P1. After the belt 1 is stopped, the belt 1 is extended.

[0070] The other configurations of the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment described above.

[0071] (Effects of the second embodiment) The extension conveyor 200 of the second embodiment can provide the following effects.

[0072] In the second embodiment of the extendable conveyor 200, as described above, the control unit 4 is configured to control the drive unit 3 to stop the joint fitting 2 at the extension work position P2 by stopping the position detection object 5 at a predetermined position P1 based on the detection of the position detection object 5 by the position detection sensor 6 when extending the belt 1. As a result, by providing the position detection sensor 6, the position of the joint fitting 2 can be accurately obtained even when the belt 1 is moving at a high speed, unlike when the joint fitting 2 is visually confirmed. Furthermore, by stopping the joint fitting 2 at the extension work position P2 by the control unit 4, the operation from confirming the position of the joint fitting 2 to stopping it can be performed automatically and accurately, unlike when an operator stops the belt 1, thus preventing the belt 1 from stopping at a position where the joint fitting 2 has passed the extension work position P2. As a result, the joint fitting 2 can be automatically and accurately stopped at the extension work position P2.

[0073] Furthermore, in the extension conveyor 200 of the second embodiment, as described above, each of the multiple position detection target objects 205 is assigned different identification information, the position detection sensor 206 is configured to read the identification information assigned to the multiple position detection target objects 205, and the control unit 4 is configured to acquire the position of the target position detection target object 205 from among the multiple position detection target objects 205 that are provided at positions corresponding to the joint fittings 2 provided on the conveying belt 1a and the extension belt 1b of the belt 1, based on the identification information read by the position detection sensor 206, and to control the drive unit 3 to stop the joint fittings 2 at the position where the belt 1 extension work is performed by stopping the target position detection target object 205 at a predetermined position P1. As a result, based on the identification information, the desired joint fitting 2 on either the conveyor belt 1a or the extension belt 1b of the belt 1 can be automatically stopped at the extension work position P2. Therefore, unlike when stopping a belt 1 with multiple joint fittings 2 by visual inspection, it is possible to stop it at the desired position with high precision.

[0074] Furthermore, the other effects of the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0075] [Differentiation] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than the description of the embodiments above, and further includes all modifications (modifications) within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0076] For example, in the first and second embodiments described above, the belt connecting portion was shown to be a joint fitting, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the belt connecting portion may be formed by folding back the end of the conveyor belt and shaping it into a comb-like member. Alternatively, the belt connecting portion may not be formed into a comb-like member. Furthermore, the belt connecting portion may be the part where the belts are vulcanized and joined together.

[0077] Furthermore, while the first and second embodiments described above show examples in which the belt connecting portion is integrally provided with the conveying belt and the stretching belt, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the belt connecting portion may be constructed separately from the conveying belt and the stretching belt, and may be configured to be detachable from the conveying belt and the stretching belt.

[0078] Furthermore, while the first and second embodiments described above show examples in which the object to be detected is embedded in the belt, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the object to be detected may be attached to the surface of the belt.

[0079] Furthermore, while the first and second embodiments described above show examples where the control unit is provided separately from the main body of the stretchable conveyor, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the control unit may be provided integrally with the main body of the stretchable conveyor.

[0080] Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments described above, the control unit was shown to control the drive unit to stop the object at a predetermined position based on the movement speed of the object to be detected and the distance from the object to a predetermined position, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the control unit may control the drive unit to stop the object at a predetermined position based on the distance from the object to a predetermined position.

[0081] Furthermore, while the first and second embodiments described above show examples in which the control unit is configured to control the drive unit to stop the belt after reducing its speed, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the control unit may control the drive unit to stop the belt without further reducing its speed if the belt speed is already low.

[0082] Furthermore, while the first and second embodiments described above show examples where the object to be detected is located near the belt connection, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in the present invention, the object to be detected does not have to be located near the belt connection.

[0083] Furthermore, while the first embodiment described above shows an example where the object to be detected is made of metal, and the second embodiment shows an example where it is made of an IC chip, the present invention is not limited thereto. In the present invention, the object to be detected may emit light or the like. In this case, the position detection sensor is set according to the object to be detected.

[0084] Furthermore, while the first and second embodiments described above show examples in which the position detection sensor is configured to detect an object by non-contact, the present invention is not limited thereto. In the present invention, the position detection sensor may be configured to detect an object by contact.

[0085] Furthermore, while the first and second embodiments described above show examples where the belt is made of rubber, the present invention is not limited thereto. In the present invention, the belt does not have to be made of rubber; for example, it may be made of a resin that does not elastically deform.

[0086] Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments described above, for the sake of explanation, the processing of the control unit was described using a flow-driven type of flow in which the processing is performed sequentially according to the processing flow, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In the present invention, the processing of the control unit may be performed by event-driven processing, which executes processing on an event-by-event basis. In this case, it may be performed as a completely event-driven type, or a combination of event-driven and flow-driven processing may be performed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0087] 1 belt 1a Conveyor belt 1b Stretching belt 2. Joint fittings (belt connection part) 2a Connecting part 3. Drive Unit 4. Control Unit 5,205 Objects to be detected 6,206 Position detection sensors 100, 200 extension conveyor P1 Designated position P2 Stretching work position

Claims

1. A belt comprising a conveying belt and an extending belt, wherein the extending belt can be extended by connecting the extending belt to the conveying belt, A belt connecting portion is provided at each end of the conveying belt to connect the ends of the conveying belts together, A drive unit for driving the aforementioned belt, A control unit that controls the drive unit, Of the aforementioned conveying belt, the object to be detected is provided at a position corresponding to the belt connection portion, The system includes a position detection sensor positioned opposite the belt, which detects the object to be detected when it is facing the object to be detected, An extendable conveyor, wherein the control unit is configured to control the drive unit to stop the belt connecting portion at the extendable position by stopping the object at a predetermined position based on the detection of the object by the position detection sensor when the belt is extended.

2. The extendable conveyor according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to control the drive unit to stop the object at the predetermined position based on the moving speed of the object and the distance from the object to the predetermined position when the position detection sensor detects the object.

3. The stretchable conveyor according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to control the drive unit to reduce the speed of the belt and then stop it based on the detection of the position detection object by the position detection sensor.

4. The extension conveyor according to claim 1, wherein the object to be detected is located near the belt connection portion.

5. The object to be detected is made of metal, The aforementioned belt is made of a nonmetal, The stretchable conveyor according to claim 1, wherein the position detection sensor is configured to detect the object to be detected, which is metal.

6. The belt connecting portion is also provided at the end of the stretching belt and is configured to connect the end of the conveying belt and the end of the stretching belt. The stretching conveyor according to claim 1, wherein the multiple objects to be detected are provided on the belt at positions corresponding to the belt connecting portions provided on the conveying belt and at positions corresponding to the belt connecting portions provided on the stretching belt.

7. Each of the multiple objects whose position is to be detected is assigned different identification information. The position detection sensor is configured to read the identification information attached to the plurality of objects whose positions are to be detected. The extension conveyor according to claim 6, wherein the control unit is configured to acquire the position of a target position detection target from among the plurality of position detection targets provided on the belt, corresponding to the position of the belt connection portion provided on the conveying belt and the position of the belt connection portion provided on the extension belt, based on the identification information read by the position detection sensor, and to control the drive unit to stop the belt connection portion at the position where the belt extension work is performed by stopping the target position detection target at a predetermined position.

8. The object to be positioned is embedded in the belt, as described in claim 1 of the extendable conveyor.

9. The stretchable conveyor according to claim 1, wherein the position detection sensor is configured to detect the object to be detected by non-contact.

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