Sensor cleaning device and conveyor cleaning device

Abstract

This invention provides a sensor cleaning device that can efficiently clean the sensors of a conveyor system. [Solution] This is a sensor cleaning device 1 for cleaning the sensor 2 of a conveyor device 100. The conveyor device 100 has a conveying means 105 that moves the conveyed object in contact with it, and a sensor 2, the sensor 2 is located below the conveying surface. The sensor cleaning device 1 has a contact member 12 that contacts the conveying means 105 and a cleaning means 11. The sensor cleaning device 1 is installed on the conveyor device 100 with the contact member 12 in contact with the conveying means 105, the sensor cleaning device 1 is placed on the conveyor device 100 by the conveying means 105 and moved, and the sensor 2 is cleaned by the cleaning means 11.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for cleaning sensors of a conveyor device. The present invention also relates to a device for cleaning each part of a conveyor device.

Background Art

[0002] As one form of conveyor devices, a decentralized control type conveyor device is known. Decentralized control means arranging a plurality of zone conveyors in series to form a series of conveying paths, and each zone conveyor has an independent power source (motor). Further, each zone conveyor is provided with an in-load sensor. The in-load sensor is a sensor that detects whether there is an article on the zone conveyor. In a decentralized control type conveyor device, each zone conveyor constitutes one conveying zone. And for example, when predetermined conditions such as an article existing in its own zone and no conveyed object existing in the downstream zone are met, the motor of its own zone is started to send the conveyed object to the downstream zone.

[0003] The applicant of the present application has proposed a zone conveyor equipped with a characteristic sensor (Patent Document 1). The zone conveyor disclosed in Patent Document 1 is a roller conveyor in which a plurality of conveying rollers are arranged in parallel at a certain interval. In the zone conveyor disclosed in Patent Document 1, a rod-shaped sensor is adopted. In the conveyor device disclosed in Patent Document 1, the rod-shaped sensor is installed between the conveying rollers and at a position lower than the conveying surface of the conveying rollers. The rod-shaped sensor disclosed in Patent Document 1 is a plurality of photoelectric sensors arranged in a row.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0005] The sensor disclosed in Patent Document 1 not only functions as a load sensor, but can also detect the orientation of an item on a zone conveyor. However, it was found that the aforementioned sensors and the conveyor systems using them have problems that did not exist in conventional systems. In other words, in the conveyor system described above, the sensor is installed with its sensing surface facing upwards. Therefore, there was a concern that dirt and dust could accumulate on the sensor's sensing surface, leading to false detections.

[0006] For example, in a distribution center, cardboard boxes are transported by a conveyor belt. And if a cardboard box is damaged, a part of it may tear off and fall. In the conveyor system disclosed in Patent Document 1, the rod-shaped sensor is installed between the conveyor rollers, below the conveying surface of the rollers. As a result, torn pieces of cardboard may land on the sensor. Consequently, the sensor may make a false detection. Therefore, in the conveyor system disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to clean the sensors periodically. However, in distribution centers and the like, conveyor systems are often installed close together, making sensor cleaning difficult. In other words, in distribution centers, multiple conveyor systems are installed in parallel, and there may not be a passage for workers to enter between adjacent conveyor systems. In such cases, workers have to stand on the conveyor system to clean the sensors. However, conveyor systems are sometimes arranged in a three-dimensional configuration. That is, conveyor systems may be installed in multiple levels. When such a three-dimensional layout is adopted, there is little vertical space, making it difficult for workers to enter.

[0007] This invention addresses the aforementioned problems of the prior art and provides a sensor cleaning device that can efficiently clean the sensors of a conveyor system. Specifically, the object of this invention is to provide a sensor cleaning device that can effectively remove dust and other debris accumulated on the sensors of a conveyor system. Furthermore, the present invention aims to provide a conveyor cleaning device that can effectively remove dust and other debris accumulated in various parts and the lower part of a conveyor system. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] An embodiment for solving the above-mentioned problems is a sensor cleaning device for cleaning the sensor of a conveyor device, wherein the conveyor device has a conveying means that moves the conveyed object in contact with it, and the sensor is provided at a position below the conveying surface, and the sensor cleaning device has a contact member that contacts the conveying means and a cleaning means, and is installed on the conveyor device with the contact member in contact with the conveying means, the sensor cleaning device is placed on the conveyor device by the conveying means and driven, and the sensor is cleaned by the cleaning means.

[0009] The sensor cleaning device of this embodiment is used in a conveyor system in which the sensor is located below the transport surface to clean the sensor. The sensor cleaning device of this embodiment has a contact member that contacts a conveying means and a cleaning means. The sensor cleaning device of this embodiment is cleaned below by being placed on a conveyor device and driven along.

[0010] In the above-described embodiment, it is desirable that the cleaning means includes a blowing means, and that the blowing means blows air onto the surface of the sensor.

[0011] According to this embodiment, dust and debris on the sensor can be blown away by airflow.

[0012] In each of the above-described aspects, it is desirable to have a slit on the lower surface, and the slit extends in a direction intersecting the conveyance direction of the conveyor device, and it is desirable that air is blown from the slit.

[0013] The sensor cleaning device of this aspect has a slit on the lower surface, and air is blown from the slit. Therefore, the air blowing is not dispersed, and the air can be concentratedly blown onto the sensor. Further, since the slit extends in a direction intersecting the conveyance direction of the conveyor device, it is suitable for cleaning a rod-shaped sensor.

[0014] In each of the above-described aspects, it is desirable to have a box body, and it is desirable to have an air intake and an air outlet on the lower surface of the box body.

[0015] According to this aspect, dust and the like lifted by blowing air from the air outlet can be sucked by the air intake. Therefore, dust and dirt do not spread.

[0016] In each of the above-described aspects, it is desirable to blow air in an oblique direction.

[0017] According to this aspect, air can be blown along the longitudinal direction with respect to the rod-shaped sensor, so that cleaning can be performed efficiently.

[0018] In each of the above-described aspects, the cleaning means is a concavo-convex member having concavities and convexities, and it is desirable that the concavo-convex member is provided on the lower surface.

[0019] According to this aspect, the convex portion of the cleaning member contacts the sensor, and the surface of the sensor can be wiped.

[0020] In each of the above-described aspects, it is desirable that the cleaning member is a brush.

[0021] According to this aspect, dust and the like can be physically removed by contacting the sensor.

[0022] In each of the above-described aspects, it is desirable that the cleaning means has deformability.

[0023] According to this aspect, the cleaning member can closely contact the surface of the sensor and wipe the surface of the sensor.

[0024] In each of the above-described aspects, it is desirable to have biasing means for biasing the cleaning means toward the surface side of the conveyor device.

[0025] According to this aspect, the cleaning means hits the surface of the sensor, and the sensor can be efficiently cleaned.

[0026] In each of the above-described aspects, it is desirable to provide a mechanism for raising and lowering or protruding and retracting the cleaning means.

[0027] According to this aspect, the surface of the sensor can be efficiently cleaned.

[0028] In each of the above-described aspects, it is desirable that the cleaning member has at least one function of rotation, swinging, or linear movement.

[0029] According to this aspect, dust and the like can be physically removed by contacting the sensor.

[0030] In each of the above-described aspects, it is desirable to provide charge removal means.

[0031] According to this aspect, static electricity can be removed to facilitate the detachment of dust and the like from the sensor.

[0032] An aspect regarding the method for cleaning a sensor is a sensor cleaning method for cleaning a sensor of a conveyor device. The conveyor device has conveyor rollers arranged in parallel for contacting a conveyed object and moving the conveyed object, and the sensor is provided at a position below the conveying surface between some adjacent conveyor rollers. The sensor cleaning method is characterized in that the sensor cleaning device described in any of the above is placed on the conveyor device and run, and the sensor is cleaned by the cleaning means.

[0033] In each of the above embodiments, it is desirable that the total length of the sensor is 50 percent or more of the length of the area that contributes to the transport of the transport roller, and that it is arranged parallel to the transport roller.

[0034] Another embodiment for solving the above-mentioned problems is a conveyor cleaning device for cleaning a conveyor system, wherein the conveyor system has a conveying means that contacts and moves conveyed objects, and the conveyor cleaning device has a contact member that contacts the conveying means and a cleaning means, and is installed on the conveyor system with the contact member in contact with the conveying means, the conveyor cleaning device is placed on the conveyor system by the conveying means and driven, and the conveyor system is cleaned by the cleaning means. [Effects of the Invention]

[0035] The sensor cleaning device of the present invention can effectively remove dust and other debris accumulated on the sensors of a conveyor system. Furthermore, the conveyor cleaning device of the present invention can effectively remove dust and other debris accumulated on various parts of a conveyor system. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0036] [Figure 1] (a) is a perspective view of a distributed control conveyor system equipped with sensors, and (b) is a perspective view of its zone conveyor. [Figure 2] (a) is a perspective view showing the sensor cleaning device of the first embodiment of the present invention mounted on the conveyor device shown in Figure 1, and (b) is a perspective view showing the sensor cleaning device of the first embodiment of the present invention mounted on the zone conveyor shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the sensor used in the conveyor system. [Figure 4] The first embodiment of the present invention is shown, where (a) is a perspective view of the sensor cleaning device in its operating position, and (b) is a perspective view of the sensor cleaning device in its inverted position. [Figure 5] Figure 4 shows the sensor cleaning device placed on a conveyor system and running, with the slit reaching the sensor unit. (a) is a cross-sectional view taken in that state by cutting along a plane along the conveying direction of the conveyor system, and (b) is a cross-sectional view taken in that state by cutting along a plane perpendicular to the conveying direction of the conveyor system. [Figure 6] The image shows a sensor cleaning device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is a perspective view of the sensor cleaning device in the orientation used for operation, (b) is a perspective view of the sensor cleaning device in an inverted orientation, and (c) is a cross-sectional view taken in a plane along the conveying direction of the conveyor device with the sensor cleaning device placed on the conveyor device and the slit reaching the sensor unit. [Figure 7] The third embodiment of the present invention is shown, where (a) is a perspective view of the sensor cleaning device in its operating position, (b) and (c) show the sensor cleaning device placed on a conveyor system and moved, with the slit reaching the sensor unit, (b) is a cross-sectional view taken in that state by cutting along a plane along the conveying direction of the conveyor system, and (c) is a cross-sectional view taken in that state by cutting along a plane perpendicular to the conveying direction of the conveyor system. [Figure 8] The fourth embodiment of the present invention is shown, where (a) is a perspective view of the sensor cleaning device in its operating position, (b) and (c) show the sensor cleaning device placed on a conveyor system and running, with the slit reaching the sensor unit, where (b) is a cross-sectional view taken in that state by cutting along a plane along the transport direction of the conveyor system, and (c) is a cross-sectional view taken in that state by cutting along a plane perpendicular to the transport direction of the conveyor system. [Figure 9]The fifth embodiment of the present invention is shown, where (a) is a perspective view of the sensor cleaning device in its operating position, and (b), (c), and (d) are cross-sectional views obtained by cutting the sensor cleaning device in a plane along the transport direction of the conveyor device while it is placed on the conveyor device, showing the sensor cleaning device moving along the conveyor device. [Figure 10] The sixth embodiment of the present invention is shown, where (a) is a perspective view of the sensor cleaning device in the orientation used for operation, (b) is a perspective view of the sensor cleaning device in an inverted orientation, and (c) is a cross-sectional view of the sensor cleaning device shown in (b). [Figure 11] The seventh embodiment of the present invention is shown, where (a) is a perspective view of the sensor cleaning device in its operating position, and (b) is a perspective view of the sensor cleaning device in its inverted position. [Figure 12] (a), (b), and (c) are cross-sectional views obtained by cutting the sensor cleaning device shown in Figure 11 in a plane along the conveying direction of the conveyor system while it is placed on the conveyor system, showing the sensor cleaning device moving along the conveyor system. [Figure 13] The eighth embodiment of the present invention is shown, where (a) is a perspective view of the sensor cleaning device in its operating position, and (b) is a perspective view of the sensor cleaning device in its inverted position. [Figure 14] (a) is a cross-sectional view AA of the cleaning member of the sensor cleaning device shown in Figure 13, (b) is a cross-sectional view BB of the cleaning member of the sensor cleaning device shown in Figure 13, and (c) and (d) are cross-sectional views taken by cutting the sensor cleaning device shown in Figure 13 in a plane along the conveying direction of the conveyor device with the device placed on the conveyor device, showing how the sensor is cleaned by the cleaning means. [Figure 15] The ninth embodiment of the present invention is shown, where (a) is a perspective view of the sensor cleaning device in its operating position, and (b) is a perspective view of the sensor cleaning device in its inverted position. [Figure 16](a), (b), and (c) are cross-sectional views of the sensor cleaning device shown in Figure 15, when it is placed on the conveyor system, cut along a plane parallel to the conveying direction of the conveyor system, illustrating how the sensor is cleaned by the cleaning means. [Figure 17] (a) is a perspective view of a sensor cleaning device according to the 10th embodiment of the present invention, and (b) is a perspective view of a sensor cleaning device according to the 11th embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] (a), (b), and (c) are cross-sectional views obtained by cutting the sensor cleaning device of the 12th embodiment of the present invention in a plane along the conveying direction of the conveyor device while the device is placed on the conveyor device, showing how the sensor is cleaned by the cleaning means. [Figure 19] (a), (b), and (c) are cross-sectional views obtained by cutting the sensor cleaning device of the 13th embodiment of the present invention in a plane along the conveying direction of the conveyor device while the device is placed on the conveyor device, showing how the sensor is cleaned by the cleaning means. [Figure 20] The 14th embodiment of the present invention is shown, where (a) is a perspective view of the sensor cleaning device in its operating position, and (b) and (c) are cross-sectional views obtained by cutting the sensor cleaning device on a conveyor system with the conveyor system in place along a plane parallel to the conveying direction of the conveyor system, showing how the sensor is cleaned by the cleaning means. [Figure 21] The image shows a sensor cleaning device according to the 15th embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is a perspective view of the sensor cleaning device in its operating position, and (b) is a perspective view of the sensor cleaning device in its inverted position. [Figure 22] (a) is a perspective view showing the sensor cleaning device of the 15th embodiment of the present invention mounted on the conveyor device shown in Figure 1, and (b) is a perspective view showing the sensor cleaning device of the 15th embodiment of the present invention mounted on the zone conveyor shown in Figure 1. [Figure 23] (a) is a perspective view of a sensor cleaning device according to the 16th embodiment of the present invention, (b) is a perspective view of a sensor cleaning device according to the 17th embodiment of the present invention, and (c) is a perspective view of a sensor cleaning device according to the 18th embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0037] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. The invention as described in the claims is not limited to the embodiments described below. [Conveyor system] The sensor cleaning device 1 of this embodiment cleans the sensors of the conveyor system 100. Before describing the sensor cleaning device (conveyor cleaning device) 1, the conveyor system 100 to be cleaned will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. The conveyor device 100 of this embodiment is a conveyor that uses transport rollers 105 as the transport means. The conveyor device 100 is divided into a number of short zones as shown in Figures 1(a) and 2(a).

[0038] Each zone has one zone conveyor 101, as shown in Figures 1(b) and 2(b). The zone conveyor 101 consists of a frame 102 to which conveying rollers (conveying means) 105 are attached. The frame 102 of the zone conveyor 101 has parallel-arranged frame pieces 106, and multiple conveying rollers (conveying means) 105 are mounted parallel to each other between the frame pieces 106.

[0039] One of the multiple conveying rollers 105 is a motor-integrated roller, in which a motor and a reduction gear are built into the roller body. The motor-integrated roller rotates when the built-in motor is driven. The other conveying rollers 105 are rollers that rotate freely. The conveying rollers 105 that make up the zone conveyor 101 are engaged with each other by a belt 110. Therefore, when a motor-equipped roller rotates, all the conveying rollers 105 belonging to that zone conveyor 101 rotate.

[0040] In the conveyor device 100, a conveying surface is formed by the upper parts of multiple conveying rollers 105. The "conveying surface" is the part on which conveyed objects are placed when conveyed by the conveyor device 100.

[0041] The zone conveyor 101 is equipped with a zone controller (not shown). The zone controller controls the drive of the motors in the motor-integrated rollers of the zone conveyor 101.

[0042] As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the zone conveyor 101 is also equipped with a sensor unit (sensor) 2. The sensor unit 2 has an outer casing member 3 and multiple sensor members 5. In this sensor unit 2, the multiple sensor members 5 are fixed to the outer casing member 3 and integrated (unitized). The overall shape of the sensor unit 2 in this embodiment is that of a rod extending outwards.

[0043] Sensor member 5 is a sensor capable of detecting the presence of an object, and in this embodiment, a reflective photoelectric sensor is employed. Sensor member 5 has a light-emitting unit and a light-receiving unit, and when light emitted from the light-emitting unit is reflected by the object to be detected and reaches the light-receiving unit, it detects that the object to be detected is present at a predetermined location. Sensor member 5 performs a detection operation to detect the presence or absence of the object to be detected at a predetermined location without contact. In this embodiment, a photodiode is used as the sensor element constituting the light-receiving unit.

[0044] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the sensor unit 2 is mounted in a position between the two transport rollers 105 in a plan view. The longitudinal direction of the sensor unit 2 is the same as the longitudinal direction (axial direction) of the transport rollers 105. In other words, the sensor unit 2 and the transport rollers 105 are arranged parallel to each other. The total length of the sensor unit 2 is approximately equal to the length of the roller portion of the transport roller 105. In other words, in this embodiment, the total length of the sensor unit 2 is the same as the length of the area that contributes to the transport of the transport roller. The total length of the sensor unit 2 is not limited, but it is desirable that it be 50 percent or more of the area that contributes to the transport of the transport roller 105 for the purpose of detecting the orientation of the transported object. In other words, it is desirable that the total length of the sensor unit 2 be 50 percent or more of the length of the roller body of the transport roller 105.

[0045] The sensor unit 2 is mounted at a height below the conveying surface of the conveyor device 100. That is, the height of the upper surface 7 of the sensor unit 2 is below the height of the upper surface of the conveying roller 105. In this embodiment, the upper surface 7 of the sensor unit 2 is located several millimeters lower than the conveying surface. The sensor unit 2 is mounted such that the light emission direction of each sensor member 5 is directed upward.

[0046] [First Embodiment] Next, the sensor cleaning device 1 of the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 4 and 5. The sensor cleaning device 1 removes dust and dirt from the sensor unit (sensor) 2 of the conveyor device 100 described above. Furthermore, the sensor cleaning device 1 of the first embodiment of the present invention can remove not only dust and dirt from the sensor unit (sensor) 2, but also dust and dirt that has fallen on the conveying surface of the conveyor device 100 and between the conveying rollers (conveying means) 105. It can also clean the accessories of the conveyor device 100. For example, a reflector, an imaging device, a code reader or other information reading device may be installed below the conveying surface, and these can also be cleaned. In other words, the sensor cleaning device 1 of the first embodiment also functions as a conveyor cleaning device. The same applies to the sensor cleaning devices of other embodiments, and they can also be used as conveyor cleaning devices.

[0047] As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the sensor cleaning device (conveyor cleaning device) 1 of this embodiment has blowers 11a and 11b attached to the main body box 10. In other words, the sensor cleaning device 1 of the first embodiment uses the blowers 11a and 11b as cleaning means. The main box 10 is a rectangular box with a width W that is approximately equal to the inner width of the frame 102 of the conveyor device 100, as shown in Figure 2. As shown in Figure 4, the main body 10 is covered on its bottom surface 12, top surface 13, and four sides 15a, 15b, 15c, and 15d. In other words, the main body 10 is covered on six sides by walls. A slit 16 is provided in the bottom surface 12 of the main body 10. The length L of the slit 16 is approximately equal to the total length of the sensor unit 2.

[0048] The blowers (cleaning means) 11a and 11b are mounted on the top surface 13 of the main body box 10. The blowers 11a and 11b are located directly above the slit 16. The blowers 11a and 11b are axial fans and are mounted in a direction that draws air from the outside and introduces it into the main body box 10. A storage battery 17 is mounted on the top of the main unit box 10, and the blowers (cleaning means) 11a and 11b are powered and driven by the storage battery 17. The air introduced into the main body box 10 by the blowers 11a and 11b is discharged from the slits 16 on the bottom surface 12. An ionizer (static elimination device) 18 is installed inside the main unit box 10.

[0049] In this embodiment, the sensor cleaning device 1 is positioned with its bottom surface 12 resting on the conveyor roller (conveying means) 105 of the conveyor device 100, as shown in Figure 2, while the blowers (cleaning means) 11a and 11b are driven. That is, the bottom surface 12 of the main body box 10 functions as a contact member that comes into contact with the conveyor roller (conveying means) 105. The orientation of the sensor cleaning device 1 is as shown in Figure 2, with the slit 16 parallel to the conveyor roller (conveying means) 105 and the sensor unit (sensor) 2. Then, the conveyor system 100 is driven to place the sensor cleaning device 1 on the conveyor system 100 and move it along. As shown in Figure 2, the main box 10 is a rectangular box with a width W that is approximately equal to the inner width of the frame 102 of the conveyor device 100. Therefore, the sensor cleaning device 1 moves along the conveyor device 100 while maintaining a posture in which the slit 16 is parallel to the conveyor roller (conveying means) 105 and the sensor unit (sensor) 2.

[0050] The relationship between the sensor cleaning device 1 and the conveyor device 100 at this time is as shown in Figure 5. Specifically, the bottom surface (contact member) 12 of the main body box 10 is biased by contact with the conveying roller (conveying means) 105 and moves along the conveyor device 100. When the sensor cleaning device 1 moves and the slit 16 in the bottom surface 12 reaches the sensor unit (sensor) 2, air is blown from the slit 16 onto the sensor unit (sensor) 2, removing dust and other debris from the sensor unit (sensor) 2. Dust and debris that have fallen on the conveying surface of the conveyor device 100 and between the conveying rollers (conveying means) 105 are also removed. If a reflector, imaging device, code reader or other information reading device is installed between the conveying rollers (conveying means) 105, dust and debris accumulated on these are also removed.

[0051] As shown in Figure 5(b), the slit 16 has the same length as the sensor unit (sensor) 2, is parallel to the sensor unit (sensor) 2, and is positioned facing the sensor unit (sensor) 2. Therefore, the air blown out from the slit 16 hits the entire upper surface of the sensor unit (sensor) 2, efficiently removing dust and other debris. Furthermore, in this embodiment, since an ionizer (static removal means) 18 is installed inside the main body box 10, the air blown out from the slit 16 has a static electricity removal function. In this embodiment, since the air blown with the static electricity removal function is blown onto the detection surface of the sensor unit (sensor) 2, static electricity charged on dust and the like is removed, and the detachment of dust and the like from the sensor unit (sensor) 2 is promoted.

[0052] [Second Embodiment] Next, a sensor cleaning device (conveyor cleaning device) 20 of the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 6. In the following description of the embodiments, redundant explanations will be omitted for components that are the same as those in the previous embodiment or that perform the same function, by assigning them the same numbers in the drawings as in the previous embodiment.

[0053] In the sensor cleaning device 20 of the second embodiment, blowers (cleaning means) 11a, 11b and an ionizer (static removal means) 18 are attached to the main body box 10. In addition, a slit 16 is provided in the bottom surface 12 of the main body box 10 of the sensor cleaning device 20. In the sensor cleaning device 20 of the second embodiment, the blowers (cleaning means) 11a, 11b are used as cleaning means. In the sensor cleaning device 20 of this embodiment, blowers (cleaning means) 11a and 11b are attached to the bottom surface 12 of the main body box 10, and air is drawn in from the bottom side of the main body box 10 and exhausted from the slit 16. Therefore, dust and other particles stirred up by the air blown out through the slit 16 are sucked into the blowers (cleaning means) 11a and 11b and enter the main body box 10. Inside the main body box 10 is a filter (not shown), and the sucked-in dust and other particles are captured by the filter.

[0054] [Third Embodiment] Next, a sensor cleaning device (conveyor cleaning device) 25 according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 7. In the third embodiment of the sensor cleaning device 25, blowers (cleaning means) 27a, 27b and an ionizer (static removal means) 18 are attached to the main body box 26. In addition, a slit 16 is provided in the bottom surface 12 of the main body box 26 of the sensor cleaning device 25. In the third embodiment of the sensor cleaning device 25, the blowers (cleaning means) 27a, 27b are used as cleaning means. The main body box 26 used in this embodiment has an open top. The blowers (cleaning means) 27a and 27b used in this embodiment are centrifugal fans such as blowers. That is, the blowers (cleaning means) 27a and 27b have a roughly circular housing 28, and an impeller 30 is built into the housing 28. In the blowers (cleaning means) 27a and 27b, there is an intake port 31 in the center of the housing 28, and an exhaust port 32 on a part of the outer circumference of the housing 28. In the blowers (cleaning means) 27a and 27b, air is drawn in from the intake port 31 in the center of the housing 28 and blown out from the exhaust port 32.

[0055] In the sensor cleaning device 25 of this embodiment, the blowers (cleaning means) 27a and 27b are positioned to one side within the main body box 26. The exhaust ports 32 of the blowers (cleaning means) 27a and 27b are both directed diagonally with respect to the slit 16. In this embodiment, the exhaust ports 32 of the blowers (cleaning means) 27a and 27b are both directed in the same direction. In other words, in this embodiment, the exhaust ports 32 of the blowers (cleaning means) 27a and 27b are located directly above the slit 16 and both open diagonally downward to the right in the drawing. Therefore, the airflow is directed diagonally to the top surface of the sensor unit (sensor) 2, sweeping the surface of the sensor unit (sensor) 2 and lifting dust and other debris.

[0056] [Fourth Embodiment] Next, a sensor cleaning device (conveyor cleaning device) 35 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 8. The sensor cleaning device 35 of the fourth embodiment also has a main body box 26 to which blowers (cleaning means) 27a and 27b and an ionizer (static removal means) 18 are attached. In addition, the sensor cleaning device 35 also has a slit 16 on the bottom surface 12 of the main body box 26. The blowers (cleaning means) 27a and 27b are centrifugal fans such as blowers. In the sensor cleaning device 35 of the fourth embodiment, the blowers (cleaning means) 27a and 27b are used as cleaning means. In the sensor cleaning device 35 of the fourth embodiment, as shown in Figure 8, the two blowers (cleaning means) 27a and 27b are positioned near both ends of the main body box 26. The exhaust ports 32 of the blowers (cleaning means) 27a and 27b are both directed diagonally with respect to the slit 16. In this embodiment, the exhaust ports 32 of the two blowers (cleaning means) 27a and 27b face each other. Therefore, the airflow collides with the upper surface of the sensor unit (sensor) 2, creating turbulence that strips dust and other debris from the surface of the sensor unit (sensor) 2.

[0057] [Fifth Embodiment] Next, a sensor cleaning device (conveyor cleaning device) 40 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 9. In this embodiment, the sensor cleaning device 40 has a brush (cleaning means) 41 attached to the front end of the main body box 10. The sensor cleaning device 40 in this embodiment uses the brush 41 as the cleaning means. The brush (cleaning means) 41 is brush-shaped and is located on the front end wall 42 of the main body box 10 with its bristles pointing downwards. The total length of the brush (cleaning means) 41 is equal to the width of the front end wall 42 of the main body box 10.

[0058] As the sensor cleaning device 40 moves, the brush (cleaning means) 41 crosses the sensor unit (sensor) 2 and sweeps the top surface of the sensor unit (sensor) 2, as shown in Figures 9(b), (c), and (d). As a result, dust and other debris on the sensor unit (sensor) 2 are removed.

[0059] [Sixth Embodiment] Next, a sensor cleaning device (conveyor cleaning device) 45 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 10. The sensor cleaning device 45 of this embodiment has a plate-shaped brush (cleaning means) 43 attached to the bottom surface 12 of the main body box 10. The other components are the same as those of the sensor cleaning device 40 in the fifth embodiment.

[0060] [Seventh Embodiment] Next, the sensor cleaning device (conveyor cleaning device) 50 of the seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 11 and 12. In this embodiment, the sensor cleaning device 50 has a cylindrical brush (cleaning means) 51 attached to the bottom surface 12 of the main body box 10. In this embodiment, the sensor cleaning device 50 uses the brush 51 as the cleaning means. The brush (cleaning means) 51 has deformation capabilities. The brush (cleaning means) 51 is also rotated by a motor (not shown).

[0061] As the sensor cleaning device 50 moves, the brush (cleaning means) 51 crosses the sensor unit (sensor) 2 and sweeps the top surface of the sensor unit (sensor) 2, as shown in Figures 12(a), (b), and (c). As a result, dust and other debris on the sensor unit (sensor) 2 are removed. In other words, since the brush (cleaning means) 51 has the ability to deform, when the brush (cleaning means) 51 is on the conveyor roller 105, a part of the brush (cleaning means) 51 is recessed as shown in Figure 12(a) and passes over the conveyor roller 105. When the brush (cleaning means) 51 is on the sensor unit (sensor) 2, the surface of the sensor unit (sensor) 2 is rubbed by the brush (cleaning means) 51. In other words, since the brush (cleaning means) 51 is rotated by the motor, the surface of the brush (cleaning means) 51 rubs against the surface of the sensor unit (sensor) 2, and dust and other debris are removed.

[0062] [Eighth Embodiment] Next, the sensor cleaning device (conveyor cleaning device) 55 of the eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 13 and 14. In this embodiment, the sensor cleaning device 55 has a sponge plate (cleaning means) 56 with irregularities attached to the bottom surface 12 of the main body box 10. In this embodiment, the sensor cleaning device 55 uses the sponge plate 56 as the cleaning means. In this embodiment, the sponge plate (cleaning means) 56 also functions as a contact member that comes into contact with the transport means 105. The sponge plate (cleaning means) 56 has a certain thickness and is deformable. The sponge plate (cleaning means) 56 has recesses 57 and protrusions 58 distributed in a planar manner. As the sensor cleaning device 55 moves, the recesses 57 and protrusions 58 of the sponge plate (cleaning means) 56 successively pass over the upper surface of the sensor unit (sensor) 2. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 14(c), when the recess 57 of the sponge plate (cleaning means) 56 is on the sensor unit (sensor) 2, the sponge plate (cleaning means) 56 does not come into contact with the sensor unit (sensor) 2. As the sensor cleaning device 55 moves, the protrusion 58 behind the recess 57 wipes the surface of the sensor unit (sensor) 2. As a result, dust and other debris on the sensor unit (sensor) 2 are removed.

[0063] [Ninth Embodiment] Next, the ninth embodiment of the present invention, a sensor cleaning device (conveyor cleaning device) 60, will be described with reference to Figures 15 and 16. The sensor cleaning device 60 of this embodiment has a small brush (cleaning means) 61, and the small brush 61 moves in a straight line. The sensor cleaning device 60 of this embodiment uses the small brush 61 as the cleaning means. In other words, the sensor cleaning device 60 of this embodiment has a main body box 10, and a slit 16 is provided on the bottom surface 12 of the main body box 10. Inside the main body box 10 is a belt 63 suspended from a pair of pulleys 62, with a small brush (cleaning means) 61 attached to a portion of the belt 63. One of the pair of pulleys 62 is rotated by a motor (not shown). As the motor rotates, the belt 63 moves, and the small brush (cleaning means) 61 attached to the belt 63 moves in a straight line. When the motor rotates while the slit 16 is directly above the sensor unit (sensor) 2, the small brush (cleaning means) 61 moves linearly to clean the surface of the sensor unit (sensor) 2.

[0064] The pulley 62 may rotate continuously, but the position of the lower sensor unit (sensor) 2 may be detected by a sensor (not shown), and the motor may be driven to move the small brush (cleaning means) 61 when the slit 16 is directly above the sensor unit (sensor) 2. Alternatively, the motor may be driven to move the small brush (cleaning means) 61 by wireless or wired operation. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 16(a), when the small brush (cleaning means) 61 is on the upper side of the belt 63, the small brush (cleaning means) 61 is housed inside the main body box 10 and does not protrude from the slit 16. When the belt 63 moves and the small brush (cleaning means) 61 reaches the lower side of the belt 63 as shown in Figure 16(b), the small brush (cleaning means) 61 protrudes from the slit 16 of the main body box 10. Then, when the sensor unit (sensor) 2 is cleaned by the small brush (cleaning means) 61, the small brush (cleaning means) 61 returns to the inside of the main body box 10 as shown in Figure 16(c).

[0065] By adopting a configuration in which the motor is driven only when the slit 16 is directly above the sensor unit (sensor) 2, the small brush (cleaning means) 61 can be housed inside the main body box 10 and pass over the transport roller (transporting means) 105, thus preventing the sensor cleaning device 60 from rattling.

[0066] [Other embodiments] When using cleaning members that physically wipe away dust, such as brushes or bristles, a structure may be adopted in which the cleaning member is pressed against the conveyor device 100. Figure 17(a) shows a configuration in which a spring 70 is used as a biasing member, and the spring 70 biases the brush (cleaning means) 41 toward the surface side of the conveyor device 100. It may also have a function to raise and lower the cleaning member. Figure 17(b) shows a pantograph mechanism 77 raising and lowering the brush (cleaning means) 41.

[0067] The cleaning component may also be of a pivoting type. The sensor cleaning device (conveyor cleaning device) 72 shown in Figure 18 has multiple small brushes (cleaning means) 73. Each of the small brushes (cleaning means) 73 is attached to a pivot shaft 75 and is oscillated by a motor (not shown), that is, it performs a swiveling motion. In the sensor cleaning device 72 shown in Figure 18, as shown in (a) to (c), a plurality of small brushes (cleaning means) 73 swing to sweep the surface of the sensor unit (sensor) 2.

[0068] The sensor cleaning device (conveyor cleaning device) 80 shown in Figure 19 has multiple centrifugal blowers (cleaning means) 81. Each centrifugal blower (cleaning means) 81 is attached to a pivot shaft (not shown) and is oscillated by a motor (not shown). That is, it performs an oscillating motion. In the sensor cleaning device 80 shown in Figure 19, as shown in (a) to (c), multiple centrifugal blowers (cleaning means) 81 oscillate to change the direction of the airflow, blowing away dust and other debris from the surface of the sensor unit (sensor) 2.

[0069] The sensor cleaning device (conveyor cleaning device) 82 shown in Figure 20 has a cleaning agent spraying means 83. The sensor cleaning device (conveyor cleaning device) 82 shown in Figure 20 is the sensor cleaning device 55 of the eighth embodiment with the cleaning agent spraying means 83 attached. As shown in Figures 20(a) and (b), the sensor cleaning device (conveyor cleaning device) 82 moves while spraying the cleaning agent spraying means 83, and cleans the sensor unit (sensor) 2 etc. with a sponge plate (cleaning means) 56.

[0070] The sensor cleaning devices (conveyor cleaning devices) described above are primarily intended to clean the sensor unit 2 installed between two conveyor rollers 105. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration and can also be used to clean the sensor 90 installed on the frame piece 106, as shown in Figures 21 and 22. The sensor cleaning device (conveyor cleaning device) 85 shown in Figures 21 and 22 is a modified example of the sensor cleaning device 1 of the first embodiment, and air outlets 86 are provided on the sides 15b and 15d of the main body box 10. In the sensor cleaning device 85 shown in Figures 21 and 22, air is blown onto the sensor 90 from the sides 15b and 15d of the main body box 10, thereby cleaning the sensor 90.

[0071] The sensor cleaning device 87 shown in Figure 23(a) has brushes (cleaning means) 91 provided on the sides 15b and 15d of the main body box 10. The brushes (cleaning means) 91 are fixed and do not move. When the sensor cleaning device 87 moves, the brushes (cleaning means) 91 cross the sensor 90 and sweep the surface of the sensor 90. As a result, the sensor 90 is cleaned.

[0072] The sensor cleaning device 88 shown in Figure 23(b) has rotating brushes (cleaning means) 93 provided on the sides 15b and 15d of the main body box 10. The rotating brushes (cleaning means) 93 are rotated by a motor (not shown). As the sensor cleaning device 88 moves, the rotating brushes (cleaning means) 93 come into contact with the surface of the sensor 90 and wipe the surface of the sensor 90.

[0073] The sensor cleaning device 96 shown in Figure 23(c) is equipped with an ultrasonic vibration device 95. In the sensor cleaning device 96 shown in Figure 23(c), ultrasonic vibrations are transmitted to the conveyor device 100 to loosen dirt and dust.

[0074] The inventions according to the embodiments described above can be substituted or combined, as long as no contradictions arise. For example, both a brush and a blower may be provided. Both a sponge and a blower may be provided. Furthermore, an ultrasonic vibrator or an ionizer (static removal means) may be added. If the system is equipped with electrical devices such as blowers, rotating brushes, or detergent sprayers, it may be possible to incorporate communication equipment to enable remote control. Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, the constituent members can be freely substituted or added between each embodiment, as long as they fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0075] The embodiments described above all involve cleaning a rod-shaped sensor, but the shape of the sensor is not limited to a rod shape. [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] 1: Sensor cleaning device (conveyor cleaning device), 2: Sensor unit, 5: Sensor component, 10: Main body box, 11a: Blower (cleaning means), 11b: Blower (cleaning means), 12: Bottom surface (contact member), 16: Slit, 18: Idionizer (static elimination means), 20: Sensor cleaning device (conveyor cleaning device), 25: Sensor cleaning device (conveyor cleaning device), 26: Main unit box, 27a: Blower (cleaning means), 27b: Blower (cleaning means), 32: Exhaust port, 35: Sensor cleaning device (conveyor cleaning device) 40: Sensor cleaning device (conveyor cleaning device), 41: Brush (cleaning means), 43: Brush (cleaning means) 45: Sensor cleaning device (conveyor cleaning device) 50: Sensor cleaning device (conveyor cleaning device) 51: Brush (cleaning means), 55: Sensor cleaning device (conveyor cleaning device), 56: Sponge plate (cleaning means), 57: Recess, 58: Protrusion, 60: Sensor cleaning device (conveyor cleaning device), 61: Small brush (cleaning means), 70: Spring (biasing means), 72: Sensor cleaning device (conveyor cleaning device), 73: Small brush (cleaning means), 75: Oscillating shaft, 80: Sensor cleaning device (conveyor cleaning device), 82: Sensor cleaning device (conveyor cleaning device) 85: Sensor cleaning device (conveyor cleaning device) 87: Sensor cleaning device (conveyor cleaning device) 88: Sensor cleaning device (conveyor cleaning device), 90: Sensor 96: Sensor cleaning device (conveyor cleaning device) 100: Conveyor device, 101: Zone conveyor, 102: Frame, 105: Conveyor roller (conveyor means), 106: Frame piece

Claims

1. A sensor cleaning device for cleaning the sensor of a conveyor system, wherein the conveyor system has a conveying means that contacts and moves a conveyed object, and the sensor is located below the conveying surface. The sensor cleaning device comprises a contact member that contacts a transport means and a cleaning means, and is installed on a conveyor system with the contact member in contact with the transport means, the sensor cleaning device is placed on the conveyor system by the transport means and moved along, and the sensor is cleaned by the cleaning means.

2. The sensor cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that the cleaning means includes a blowing means, and the blowing means blows air onto the surface of the sensor.

3. The sensor cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that it has a slit on its lower surface, the slit extends in a direction intersecting the conveying direction of the conveyor device, and air is blown from the slit.

4. The sensor cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that it has a box-shaped body and an air intake and an air outlet on the lower surface of the box-shaped body.

5. The sensor cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized by blowing air in an oblique direction.

6. The sensor cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning means is an uneven member having irregularities, and the uneven member is provided on the lower surface.

7. The sensor cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that the cleaning member is a brush.

8. The sensor cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that the cleaning means has deformation capability.

9. The sensor cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that it has a biasing means for biasing the cleaning means toward the surface side of the conveyor device.

10. The sensor cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized by comprising a mechanism for raising and lowering or extending and retracting a cleaning means.

11. The sensor cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that the cleaning member has at least one function among rotation, oscillation, and linear movement.

12. The sensor cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized by being equipped with an anti-static means.

13. A sensor cleaning method for cleaning a sensor in a conveyor system, wherein the conveyor system has conveying rollers arranged in parallel to contact and move a conveyed object, and the sensor is provided between several adjacent conveying rollers at a position below the conveying surface. A sensor cleaning method characterized by placing the sensor cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 12 on a conveyor device and moving it, and cleaning the sensor with the cleaning means.

14. The sensor cleaning method according to claim 13, characterized in that the total length of the sensor is 50 percent or more of the length of the area that contributes to the transport of the transport roller, and is arranged parallel to the transport roller.

15. A conveyor cleaning device for cleaning a conveyor device, wherein the conveyor device has conveying means that move the conveyed object in contact with the conveyed object, The conveyor cleaning device comprises a contact member that contacts a conveying means and a cleaning means, and is installed on the conveyor device with the contact member in contact with the conveying means, the conveying means carries the conveyor cleaning device on the conveyor device and moves it, and the cleaning means cleans the conveyor device.

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