Detection device and transport system

Abstract

To provide a detector for detecting an object remaining on a conveyance unit, the detector being attached to a conveyance device with a conveyance part and being used.SOLUTION: A detector 2 is attached to a conveyance device 70 for conveying a target object W1 on a conveyance unit 10 and is used, and detects an object remaining on a conveyance unit. The detector includes: a wave projection unit 31 for irradiating the object with an electromagnetic wave L1; a wave receiving unit 36 for directly detecting the electromagnetic wave irradiated by the wave projection unit or detecting the electromagnetic wave irradiated by the wave projection unit and reflected by the object; and a control unit for detecting a target object remaining on the conveyance unit on the basis of the result of detection by the wave receiving unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0004] ,

[0005] ,

[0001] The present invention relates to a detection device and a conveyance system.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a conveyance system that places an object in a tray and conveys it on a conveyance unit has been known (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 to 3). The conveyance unit is provided with a light projector (wave projecting unit) and a light receiver (wave receiving unit). The optical axis of the light projector intersects the conveyance unit. When there is no object on the conveyance unit, the optical axis is received by the light receiver. On the other hand, when an object is conveyed on the conveyance unit, the optical axis is blocked by the object. The conveyance system determines that an object is present on the conveyance unit.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] For example, there are cases where a beverage can (object) is conveyed by the conveyance unit. Further, there are cases where a plurality of types of cans are conveyed by the conveyance unit for each type. In that case, after the first type of can that has been conveyed by the conveyance unit is removed (dispensed) from the conveyance unit, the second type of can different from the first type is conveyed by the conveyance unit. If the first type of can remains on the conveyance unit, the first type of can will be mixed into the second type of can during the production using the second type of can.

[0005] However, if the transport section is long, or if the object on the transport section is difficult to see from the outside, it is not easy to detect the object remaining on the transport section.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and aims to provide a detection device that is attached to a conveying device having a conveying section and is used to detect an object remaining on the conveying section, and a conveying system having a conveying section and detecting an object remaining on the conveying section. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the aforementioned problems, this invention proposes the following means. The detection device of the present invention is used by being attached to a conveying device that conveys an object on a conveying section, and is a detection device for detecting an object remaining on the conveying section, and is characterized by comprising: a wave projection unit that irradiates the object with electromagnetic waves; a wave receiving unit that directly detects the electromagnetic waves irradiated by the wave projection unit or detects the electromagnetic waves irradiated by the wave projection unit and reflected by the object; and a control unit that detects the object remaining on the conveying section based on the detection result of the wave receiving unit.

[0008] In this invention, if there is no object remaining on the transport unit, for example, if the wave-emitting unit and wave-receiving unit are arranged facing each other with the object in between, the wave-receiving unit directly detects the electromagnetic waves irradiated by the wave-emitting unit. However, if the wave-emitting unit and wave-receiving unit are arranged on the same side with respect to the object, for example, the wave-receiving unit does not detect the electromagnetic waves irradiated by the wave-emitting unit. On the other hand, if an object remains on the transport unit, for example, if the wave-emitting unit and wave-receiving unit are arranged facing each other with the object in between, the wave-receiving unit will not detect the electromagnetic waves emitted by the wave-emitting unit. However, if the wave-emitting unit and wave-receiving unit are arranged on the same side of the object, the wave-receiving unit will detect the electromagnetic waves emitted by the wave-emitting unit and reflected by the object.

[0009] As described above, the receiving unit switches between detecting electromagnetic waves and not detecting them depending on whether or not an object remains on the transport unit. Therefore, the control unit of the detection device used in conjunction with the transport device can detect any objects remaining on the transport unit based on the detection results of the receiving unit.

[0010] Furthermore, in the detection device, the wave-emitting unit and the wave-receiving unit are arranged along a horizontal plane and opposite each other in a direction intersecting the direction of transport of the object by the transport unit, and the wave-receiving unit may directly detect the electromagnetic waves irradiated by the wave-emitting unit. In this invention, when no object remains on the transport unit, the receiving unit can directly detect the electromagnetic waves irradiated by the transmitting unit.

[0011] Furthermore, in the detection device, the wave projection unit may irradiate visible light, which is the electromagnetic wave. In this invention, the visible light emitted by the wave projection unit can be directly observed by the user of the detection device.

[0012] Furthermore, the detection device may include a plurality of wave receiving units, the plurality of wave receiving units being connected in series with respect to each other, and both ends of the plurality of wave receiving units connected in series being connected to the control unit, respectively. In this invention, for example, if any one of the multiple wave receiving units breaks, current stops flowing between the ends of the multiple wave receiving units connected in series. Therefore, it is easy to detect that any one of the multiple wave receiving units has broken.

[0013] Furthermore, in the detection device, the wave receiving unit may be an element that converts the intensity of the electromagnetic wave into an electrical resistance value. In this invention, the intensity of electromagnetic waves can be detected as a change in the electrical resistance value at the wave receiving section.

[0014] Furthermore, the detection device may be provided with multiple sets of the wave-emitting unit and wave-receiving unit in the direction of transport of the object by the transport unit, and the control unit may, when irradiating visible light, which is an electromagnetic wave, from the multiple wave-emitting units, continue irradiating the visible light from the wave-emitting unit at the position in the transport direction where the object is detected, and stop irradiating the visible light from the wave-emitting unit at the position in the transport direction where the object is not detected. In this invention, since the visible light emitted by the wave projection unit can be seen by the user of the detection device, the user can easily recognize the position in the transport direction where the object was detected.

[0015] Furthermore, the transport system of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a transport unit that transports an object on itself; a wave projection unit that irradiates the object with electromagnetic waves; a wave receiving unit that either directly detects the electromagnetic waves irradiated by the wave projection unit or detects the electromagnetic waves irradiated by the wave projection unit and reflected by the object; and a control unit that detects the object remaining on the transport unit based on the detection result of the wave receiving unit.

[0016] In this invention, if there is no object remaining on the transport unit, for example, if the wave-emitting unit and wave-receiving unit are arranged facing each other with the object in between, the wave-receiving unit directly detects the electromagnetic waves irradiated by the wave-emitting unit. However, if the wave-emitting unit and wave-receiving unit are arranged on the same side with respect to the object, for example, the wave-receiving unit does not detect the electromagnetic waves irradiated by the wave-emitting unit. On the other hand, if an object remains on the transport unit, for example, if the wave-emitting unit and wave-receiving unit are arranged facing each other with the object in between, the wave-receiving unit will not detect the electromagnetic waves emitted by the wave-emitting unit. However, if the wave-emitting unit and wave-receiving unit are arranged on the same side of the object, the wave-receiving unit will detect the electromagnetic waves emitted by the wave-emitting unit and reflected by the object.

[0017] As described above, the receiving unit switches between detecting electromagnetic waves and not detecting them depending on whether or not an object remains on the transport unit. Therefore, the control unit of a transport system having a transport unit can detect any objects remaining on the transport unit based on the detection results of the receiving unit.

Advantages of the Invention

[0018] In the detection device and the transport system of the present invention, it is possible to detect an object remaining on the transport unit.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019] [Figure 1] It is a cross-sectional view of a main part in a transport system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a diagram showing an outline of a control unit of the transport system. [Figure 3] It is a plan view with a part broken in a transport unit of the transport system. [Figure 4] It is a plan view for explaining a plurality of light projecting units and light receiving units in the transport system. [Figure 5] It is a front view of a support member used for mounting a light receiving unit of the transport system. [Figure 6] It is a plan view showing an example of a state in which visible light irradiated from a light projecting unit is reflected by a can for explaining the operation of the transport system. [Figure 7] It is a plan view showing an example of a state in which infrared light irradiated from a wave projecting unit is reflected by a can for explaining the operation of a modified transport system. [Figure 8] It is a cross-sectional view of a main part in a detection device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0020] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a transport system according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the transport system 1 of the present embodiment includes a transport unit 10, a guide 20, a light projecting unit 30, a light receiving unit 35, and a control unit 50. As shown in Figure 1, the conveying unit 10 is a so-called airflow conveyor. The conveying unit 10 conveys the can (object) W1 on its own. In this example, for example, the can W1 is a 350 mL can. The can W1 is formed in a cylindrical shape and is positioned so that its axis extends in the vertical direction. The conveying unit 10 includes a conveying plate 11 and an air supply source (not shown).

[0021] As shown in Figure 3, for example, the conveying plate 11 is formed in a V-shape in plan view. Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view taken along the cutting line A1-A1 in Figure 3. The shape of the conveying plate 11 is not particularly limited. For example, the conveying plate 11 extends along a horizontal plane. The conveying plate 11 is formed from a stainless steel plate or the like. The conveying plate 11 has a first straight section 14, a curved section 15, and a second straight section 16. The first straight section 14 and the second straight section 16 extend in a predetermined direction in a plan view. The curved section 15 is an arc shape with a central angle of 90°. The first straight section 14 is connected to the first end of the curved section 15. The second straight section 16 is connected to the second end of the curved section 15, which is opposite to the first end. The first straight section 14, the curved section 15, and the second straight section 16 are supported on a support member (not shown) positioned on the support surface F.

[0022] As shown in Figure 1, the conveying plate 11 has multiple through holes 11a formed therein. For example, the conveying plate 11 is made of a stainless steel plate or the like. The supply source is positioned below the conveying plate 11. The air supplied from the supply source is blown out upwards above the conveying plate 11 through a plurality of through holes 11a. The supply source may also blow air downstream in the conveying direction that conveys the can W1 through a plurality of through holes 11a. The conveying unit 10 conveys the can W1 in the conveying direction.

[0023] For example, the guide 20 includes a first side wall 21, a second side wall 22, a first guide 23, a second guide 24, and an upper guide 25. Here, the direction that aligns with the horizontal plane and is perpendicular (intersecting) to the conveying direction is referred to as the width direction. The first side wall 21 extends upward from the first end in the width direction of the conveying plate 11. The second side wall 22 extends upward from the second end in the width direction of the conveying plate 11, which is opposite to the first end. The side walls 21 and 22 are arranged to face each other in the width direction.

[0024] The first guide 23 is positioned on the surface of the first side wall 21 facing the second side wall 22. A pair of first guides 23 are positioned on the first side wall 21. The pair of first guides 23 are spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction and protrude from the first side wall 21 toward the second side wall 22. The second guide 24 is positioned on the surface of the second side wall 22 facing the first side wall 21. A pair of second guides 24 are positioned on the second side wall 22. The pair of second guides 24 are spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction and protrude from the second side wall 22 toward the first side wall 21. For example, the distance in the width direction between the pair of first guides 23 and the pair of second guides 24 is more than twice the diameter of the can W1.

[0025] The upper guide 25 extends along the horizontal plane. The upper guide 25 is located between the first side wall 21 and the second side wall 22, slightly above the can W1. The upper guide 25 is supported so as to be movable in the vertical direction by a lifting mechanism (not shown). For example, the side walls 21, 22 and the upper guide 25 are formed from stainless steel plate material or the like. The guide 20 prevents the can W1 being transported on the transport section 10 from tipping over.

[0026] In Figure 1, a 500 mL can W2 is shown by a dashed line. By positioning the upper guide 25 slightly above the can W2, the transport section 10 and guide 20 can be made to accommodate the transport of the can W2.

[0027] The light-emitting unit 30 has multiple light-emitting sections (wave-emitting sections) 31, which are multiple LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes). As shown in Figure 4, the multiple light-emitting sections 31 irradiate the can W1 with visible light (electromagnetic waves) L1. The multiple light-emitting sections 31 are arranged in a line with gaps between them along the transport direction (transport section 10). Note that the light-emitting unit 30 may have only one light-emitting section 31. In this embodiment, the transport system 1 is equipped with multiple light-emitting units 30 along the transport direction. Hereinafter, when referring to the multiple light-emitting units 30 separately, we will focus on the three light-emitting units 30 arranged from upstream to downstream along the transport direction and refer to them, in order, as light-emitting units 30A, 30B, and 30C. Note that the number of light-emitting units 30 equipped in the transport system 1 is not limited and may be as few as one.

[0028] For example, as shown in Figure 1, the multiple light-emitting units 30 are positioned between a pair of first guides 23 on the first side wall 21. The pair of first guides 23 protrude further toward the second side wall 22 than the multiple light-emitting units 30. The multiple light-emitting units 30 are positioned above the first end in the width direction of the transport plate 11.

[0029] As shown in Figure 4, the multiple light-emitting units 31 of the light-emitting unit 30A are connected in series with respect to each other by light-emitting wiring 32A. Similarly, the multiple light-emitting units 31 of the light-emitting unit 30B and the multiple light-emitting units 31 of the light-emitting unit 30C are also connected in series with respect to each other by light-emitting wiring 32B and 32C. When referring to the light-emitting wirings 32A, 32B, and 32C without distinction, they are simply called light-emitting wiring 32. Each of the multiple light-emitting wirings 32 is connected to the control unit 50. The multiple light-emitting units 31 of the light-emitting unit 30A may be connected in parallel to each other by the light-emitting wiring 32A.

[0030] The light-receiving unit 35 has multiple light-receiving sections (wave-receiving sections) 36. Each light-receiving section 36 is an element that converts the intensity of visible light L1 into an electrical resistance value. In this example, a cadmium sulfide (CdS) cell is used as the light-receiving section 36. Although not shown in the diagram, the light-receiving unit 36 ​​has an element body and a pair of legs. The element body directly detects the visible light L1 irradiated by the light-emitting unit 31. For example, in the light-receiving unit 36, the electrical resistance between the pair of legs decreases as the intensity of the visible light L1 hitting the element body increases. Note that the light-receiving unit 35 may have one light-receiving unit 36. In this embodiment, the transport system 1 is equipped with multiple light receiving units 35 along the transport direction. Hereinafter, when referring to the multiple light receiving units 35 separately, we will focus on the three light receiving units 35 arranged from upstream to downstream along the transport direction and refer to them, in order, as light receiving units 35A, 35B, and 35C. Note that the number of light receiving units 35 equipped in the transport system 1 is not limited and may be as few as one.

[0031] The light-emitting sections 31 of the light-emitting units 30A, 30B, and 30C are positioned opposite the light-receiving sections 36 of the light-receiving units 35A, 35B, and 35C in the width direction, with the can W1 in between. The light-emitting unit 30A and the light-receiving unit 35A are used as a set. The same applies to the light-emitting units 30B, 30C and the light-receiving units 35B, 35C. In other words, the transport system 1 is equipped with multiple sets of light-emitting units 30 and light-receiving units 35 in the transport direction.

[0032] The light-receiving unit 36 ​​is used by being attached to the support member 37 shown in Figure 5. In Figure 5, the light-receiving unit 36 ​​is shown by a dashed line. The support member 37 has a support body 40, a first connecting part 41, and a second connecting part 42. The support body 40 is formed in a plate shape that is rectangular when viewed from the front. The support body 40 extends along the conveying direction. A pair of through holes 40a are formed in the center of the support body 40 in the conveying direction, spaced apart from each other in the conveying direction. The first connecting portion 41 is a protrusion formed on the first end of the support body 40 in the transport direction. The second connecting portion 42 is a recess formed on the second end of the support body 40, opposite to the first end in the transport direction. The support member 37 consists of a support body 40, a first connecting portion 41, and a second connecting portion 42, all integrally formed from synthetic resin or the like.

[0033] A pair of legs of the light-receiving unit 36 ​​are positioned in a pair of through holes 40a of the support body 40. The light-receiving unit 36 ​​is fixed to the support body 40 by bending the pair of legs as appropriate. Multiple support members 37 are arranged in a row in the transport direction. In pairs of adjacent support members 37 in the transport direction, the first connecting portion 41 of one support member 37 and the second connecting portion 42 of the other support member 37 are fitted together. In this way, multiple support members 37, to which the light receiving portion 36 is fixed, are connected in the transport direction. As shown in Figure 1, the multiple light receiving units 35 are positioned above the second end in the width direction of the transport plate 11.

[0034] As shown in Figure 4, the multiple light-receiving units 36 of the light-receiving unit 35A are connected in series with respect to each other by light-receiving wiring 44A. Similarly, the multiple light-receiving units 36 of the light-receiving unit 35B and the multiple light-receiving units 36 of the light-receiving unit 35C are also connected in series with respect to each other by light-receiving wiring 44B and 44C. In other words, the multiple light-receiving units 36 are connected in series with each other. When referring to the light receiving wires 44A, 44B, and 44C without distinction, they are simply called light receiving wire 44. Each of the multiple light receiving wires 44 is connected to the control unit 50.

[0035] The control unit 50 shown in Figure 2 detects the cans W1 remaining on the transport unit 10 based on the detection results of multiple light receiving units 35 (light receiving section 36). The control unit 50 includes a control circuit (not shown), memory, light emission output section, light receiving output section, input section, and power supply section 51. For example, the light-emitting output unit and the light-receiving output unit output a DC voltage of a predetermined magnitude. The light output unit is connected to the light output wiring 32 of each light output unit 30. In this embodiment, the multiple light-receiving sections 36 of each light-receiving unit 35 are connected in series with a resistive element 46 by a light-receiving wire 44. Both ends of each light-receiving wire 44 are connected to terminals 53a and 53b provided on the light-receiving output section, respectively. In other words, both ends of the multiple light-receiving sections 36 and the resistive element 46 connected in series are connected to the control unit 50, respectively. A predetermined DC voltage, output by the light-receiving output unit, is applied to both ends of the multiple light-receiving units 36 and the resistive element 46 as a whole. Note that the multiple light-receiving units 36 do not necessarily have to be connected to the resistive element 46.

[0036] A resistor wire 47 is connected to the resistor element 46. A resistor wire 47 is connected to terminals 54a and 54b provided in the input section. The input section detects the potential difference between terminals 54a and 54b. When the visible light L1 is reflected by the can W1 and the intensity of the visible light L1 hitting the element body of the light receiving section 36 weakens, the potential difference between the two ends of the resistor wire 47 increases. It is preferable that terminals 54a and 54b are provided for each of the multiple light receiving units 35. That is, it is preferable that the input section detects the potential difference of the resistor wiring 47 for each of the multiple light receiving units 35.

[0037] The control circuit includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), etc. Based on the detection result of the potential difference from the input unit, the control circuit controls the light emission output unit and the light reception output unit. The memory stores control programs for controlling the control circuit, as well as predetermined potential difference thresholds, etc. The control circuit, memory, light emission output unit, light receiving output unit, and input unit are connected to each other by a bus (not shown). The power supply unit 51 is connected to a commercial power supply (not shown) of a standard such as AC100V. The power supply unit 51 converts the commercial power supply into a DC voltage such as DC5V. The DC voltage converted by the power supply unit 51 is supplied to the control circuit.

[0038] Next, the operation of the transport system 1 configured as described above will be explained. The user of the conveying system 1 supplies air from a supply source and conveys the cans W1 on the conveying section 10. The cans W1 conveyed by the conveying system 1 are subjected to predetermined processing. When switching the object being transported on the transport unit 10 from can W1 to can W2, can W1 is dispensed from the transport unit 10. Specifically, the transport unit 10 is driven without supplying can W1 onto the transport unit 10 from the upstream side in the transport direction. In this case, for example, let's assume that the can W1 remains in the portion between the light-emitting unit 30B and the light-receiving unit 35B on the transport section 10, as shown in Figure 4.

[0039] The control unit 50 supplies DC voltage to the multiple light-emitting units 30 and the multiple light-receiving units 35. The control unit 50 causes the multiple light-emitting sections 31 of the multiple light-emitting units 30 to illuminate the multiple light-receiving sections 36 of the paired light-receiving units 35 with visible light L1. The visible light L1 emitted from multiple light-emitting sections 31 in the light-emitting units 30A and 30C to the second side in the width direction is detected by the light-receiving section 36 of the light-receiving units 35A and 35C without being reflected by the can W1. The electrical resistance between the ends of the light-receiving wiring 44B and 44C of the light-receiving units 35A and 35C decreases. Due to the voltage division law, the potential difference between the ends of the resistive element 46 corresponding to the light-receiving units 35A and 35C becomes relatively large.

[0040] On the other hand, a portion of the visible light L1 irradiated from the multiple light-emitting sections 31 of the light-emitting unit 30B to the second side in the width direction is reflected by the can W1. At this time, as shown in Figure 6, the inventors have found that the area of ​​the light-receiving section 36 in which the intensity of the visible light L1 that hits is weakened due to the reflection of the visible light L1 by the can W1 spreads out in a fan shape as it moves toward the second side in the width direction relative to the can W1. Generally, the diameter of the can W1 is approximately 66 mm. As described above, the area expands, so the pitch P1 in the transport direction of the light receiving unit 36 ​​can be made longer than the diameter of the can W1.

[0041] In contrast, the transport system 1A, a modified example shown in Figure 7, will be explained. The transport system 1A includes, for example, a plurality of projection units 61, which are multiple LEDs that emit infrared (electromagnetic) waves L3, and a plurality of receiving units 66, which are a plurality of LEDs that detect the infrared waves L3, and a receiving unit 65. In this case, the area of ​​the receiving unit 66 where the intensity of the incoming infrared L3 is weakened due to reflection of the infrared L3 by the can W1 becomes narrower than the area of ​​the light receiving unit 36. Therefore, the pitch P3 of the receiving unit 66 in the transport direction becomes shorter than the pitch P1.

[0042] As shown in Figure 4, for example, suppose that can W1 remains between light-emitting unit 30B and light-receiving unit 35B. When the control unit 50 detects that the potential difference between the ends of the resistor wiring 47 corresponding to light-receiving unit 35B has become relatively small, for example, smaller than the potential difference threshold (based on the detection result of the light-receiving unit 36), the control unit 50 recognizes that can W1 remains between light-emitting unit 30B and light-receiving unit 35B. In other words, the control unit 50 detects can W1 at the position where light-emitting unit 30B and light-receiving unit 35B are located in the transport direction. At this time, as shown in Figure 8, the control unit 50 performs detection position irradiation continuation control, which continues to irradiate with visible light L1 from the light emitting unit 30B (light emitting section 31) at the position in the transport direction where the can W1 was detected. On the other hand, the control unit 50 performs non-detection position irradiation stop control, which stops the irradiation of visible light L1 from the light emitting units 30A and 30C (light emitting sections 31) at positions in the transport direction where the can W1 is not detected.

[0043] Furthermore, the control unit 50 does not need to perform these detection position irradiation continuation control and non-detection position irradiation stop control.

[0044] Once can W1 is dispensed from the conveying unit 10, the position of the upper guide 25 is adjusted by the lifting mechanism for can W2. The user then conveys can W2 on the conveying unit 10.

[0045] As described above, in the transport system 1 of this embodiment, the light-emitting sections 31 of the light-emitting units 30A, 30B, and 30C and the light-receiving sections 36 of the light-receiving units 35A, 35B, and 35C are arranged to face each other with the can W1 in between. Therefore, if the can W1 is not present on the transport unit 10, the light-receiving section 36 directly detects the visible light L1 irradiated by the light-emitting section 31. On the other hand, if the can W1 is present on the transport unit 10, a portion of the light-receiving section 36 of the light-receiving unit 35B does not detect the visible light L1 irradiated by the light-emitting section 31 of the light-emitting unit 30B. As described above, the light receiving unit 36 ​​switches whether or not to detect visible light L1 depending on whether or not a can W1 remains on the transport unit 10. Therefore, the control unit 50 of the transport system 1 having the transport unit 10 can detect the can W1 remaining on the transport unit 10 based on the detection result of the light receiving unit 36.

[0046] Therefore, the detection of can W1 can be automated, saving labor. The time required for dispensing is reduced, and the total production volume of cans W1 and W2 can be increased.

[0047] The light-emitting unit 31 and the light-receiving unit 36 ​​are arranged to face each other in a direction that is parallel to the horizontal plane and intersects the transport direction, and the light-receiving unit 36 ​​directly detects the visible light L1 irradiated by the light-emitting unit 31. Therefore, when there are no cans W1 remaining on the transport unit 10, the light-receiving unit 36 ​​can directly detect the visible light L1 irradiated by the light-emitting unit 31. The light-emitting unit 31 emits visible light L1, which is an electromagnetic wave. Therefore, the user of the transport system 1 (detection device 2, described later) can directly see the visible light L1 emitted by the light-emitting unit 31.

[0048] Multiple light-receiving units 36 are connected in series with each other, and both ends of the series-connected light-receiving units 36 are connected to the control unit 50. Therefore, when any one of the multiple light-receiving units 36 is disconnected, current stops flowing between the ends of the series-connected light-receiving units 36. Thus, it is easy to detect when any one of the multiple light-receiving units 36 is disconnected. Compared to connecting multiple light-receiving units 36 in parallel, this method reduces wiring time and other related costs. The light-receiving unit 36 ​​is an element that converts the intensity of visible light L1 into an electrical resistance value. Therefore, the intensity of visible light L1 can be detected as a change in the electrical resistance value in the light-receiving unit 36.

[0049] The control unit 50 performs control to continue illumination at detected positions and control to stop illumination at non-detected positions. Since the visible light L1 emitted by the light-emitting unit 31 can be seen by the user of the transport system 1, the user can easily recognize the position in the transport direction where the can W1 was detected.

[0050] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and modifications, combinations, deletions, etc., of the configuration are also included without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, the detection device 2 may be attached to a conveying device 70 that conveys cans W1 on the conveying section 10 and detects cans W1 remaining on the conveying section 10. The detection device 2 of this embodiment comprises the guide 20, the plurality of light-emitting units 30 (light-emitting sections 31), the plurality of light-receiving units 35 (light-receiving sections 36), and the control unit 50.

[0051] For this detection device 2 as well, if no can W1 remains on the transport unit 10, the light receiving unit 36 ​​directly detects the visible light L1 irradiated by the light emitting unit 31. On the other hand, if the can W1 remains on the transport unit 10, a portion of the light receiving unit 36 ​​of the light receiving unit 35B does not detect the electromagnetic waves irradiated by the light emitting unit 31 of the light emitting unit 30B. As described above, the receiving unit 36 ​​switches whether or not to detect visible light L1 depending on whether or not a can W1 remains on the transport unit 10. Therefore, the control unit 50 of the detection device 2 used in conjunction with the transport device 70 can detect the can W1 remaining on the transport unit 10 based on the detection result of the light receiving unit 36.

[0052] Multiple light-emitting units 31 and multiple light-receiving units 36 may be arranged above the first (second) end in the width direction of the transport plate 11. In this case, the multiple light-receiving units 36 detect the visible light L1 that has been irradiated by the multiple light-emitting units 31 and reflected by the can W1. The transport system 1 and the detection device 2 do not necessarily need to be equipped with a guide 20. Although the object in question is described as can W2, the object is not limited to this and may include canned goods, boxes, etc. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0053] 1.1A Conveyor System 2. Detection device 10 Conveying section 31. Light-emitting unit (wave projection unit) 36 Light receiving section (wave receiving section) 50 Control Unit 61 Wave projection part 66 Receiver section 70 Conveying device L1 visible light (electromagnetic wave) L3 Infrared (Electromagnetic Waves) W1, W2 Cans (Target Objects)

Claims

1. A detection device that is attached to a conveying device that conveys an object on a conveying section, and detects the object remaining on the conveying section, A wave projection unit that irradiates the aforementioned object with electromagnetic waves, A wave receiving unit that either directly detects the electromagnetic waves irradiated by the wave transmitting unit or detects the electromagnetic waves irradiated by the wave transmitting unit and reflected by the object, A control unit that detects the object remaining on the transport unit based on the detection result of the wave receiving unit, Equipped with, Multiple sets of the aforementioned wave-emitting unit and wave-receiving unit are provided in the direction of transport of the object by the transport unit, The control unit is a detection device that, when the plurality of projection units irradiate visible light, which is an electromagnetic wave, with visible light, continues to irradiate the object with visible light at the position in the transport direction where the object is detected, and stops irradiating the object with visible light at the position in the transport direction where the object is not detected.

2. The wave-emitting unit and the wave-receiving unit are arranged along the horizontal plane and opposite each other in a direction intersecting the direction in which the object is transported by the transport unit. The detection device according to claim 1, wherein the wave receiving unit directly detects the electromagnetic waves irradiated by the wave transmitting unit.

3. The plurality of wave receiving units are connected in series with each other, The detection device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein both ends of the plurality of wave receiving units connected in series are each connected to the control unit.

4. The detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the wave receiving unit is an element that converts the intensity of the electromagnetic wave into an electrical resistance value.

5. A transport unit that transports the object on its own, A wave projection unit that irradiates the aforementioned object with electromagnetic waves, A wave receiving unit that either directly detects the electromagnetic waves irradiated by the wave transmitting unit or detects the electromagnetic waves irradiated by the wave transmitting unit and reflected by the object, A control unit that detects the object remaining on the transport unit based on the detection result of the wave receiving unit, Equipped with, Multiple sets of the aforementioned wave-emitting unit and wave-receiving unit are provided in the direction of transport of the object by the transport unit, A transport system in which, when the control unit irradiates visible light, which is an electromagnetic wave, from the plurality of projection units, the projection unit continues to irradiate the object with visible light at the position in the transport direction where the object is detected, and stops irradiating the object with visible light at the position in the transport direction where the object is not detected.

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