Method of manufacturing a conveying device

Abstract

To develop a method of manufacturing a carrier device that is capable of completing a carrier device imaged by a client accurately and in relatively short time.SOLUTION: A method of manufacturing a carrier device includes a specification checking step of using one or more operation checking devices for visually checking the operation of the carrier device and checking a required operation of the carrier device by rendering a desired operation of the carrier device as a moving image via the operation checking device, a virtual operation checking step of inputting data for realizing the required operation or realizing an operation close to the required operation to the operation checking device and rendering the operation of the carrier device as a moving image based on the inputted data, and a data input step of inputting the data to an individual control device of an actual carrier unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a conveying device such as a conveyor device. [Background Art]

[0002] Conveying devices are often installed in distribution yards, collection yards, warehouses and the like. As one form of conveying device, a distributed control type conveying device is known (Patent Document 1). Distributed control refers to forming a series of conveying paths by arranging a plurality of conveying units called zone conveyors in series or in a branched configuration, and each conveying unit has an independent drive motor (drive device). Each conveying unit is also provided with a presence sensor. The presence sensor is a sensor that detects whether there is an article on the conveying unit. Each conveying unit is attached with a control device called a zone controller. A CPU and a storage means are built in the control device, and a computer program (data) constituting a logic circuit (control circuit) is stored in the storage means.

[0003] Part or all of the computer program can be rewritten. In many cases, main data such as the traveling speed of the conveyor and waiting time are input as one of the parameters, and the conveying unit is operated. In a distributed control type conveying device, each conveying unit constitutes one zone, and the zones are connected to each other. Then, for example, when a predetermined condition is satisfied such that an article exists in the own zone (conveying unit) and no article (conveyed object) exists in the downstream zone, the drive motor of the own zone (conveying unit) is activated to send the article to the downstream zone. A conveying device including a zone having a branching function is also known (Patent Document 2). The zone having a branching function is constituted by a conveying unit having a function of, for example, making articles travel straight or discharging articles in the lateral direction.

[0004] The overall design and manufacturing of the conveying equipment is carried out through the following processes. (1) Specification determination process (2)Design process (3) Assembly process (4) Adjustment process

[0005] The specification determination process is the stage in which the manufacturer of the conveying equipment and the client consult with each other to determine the required conditions (required specifications) for the conveying equipment. For example, the layout of the conveying equipment, the size and weight of the conveyed objects, the conveying speed, and the amount of material conveyed per unit time are determined in the specification determination process. In conventional technology, the required specifications are determined by reviewing drawings on paper or still images from CAD.

[0006] The design process involves the manufacturer creating computer programs (data) for each transport unit to meet the required specifications. Sometimes, only key data such as parameters are determined during this process. Computer programs are created based on the experience of the engineers.

[0007] The assembly process involves actually combining multiple transport units to construct the transport system. Each transport unit also stores data from the computer program created during the design phase. The conveying equipment may be assembled at the installation site specified by the client, or it may be temporarily installed at the manufacturer's factory.

[0008] The adjustment process involves placing the objects to be transported onto the transport device, actually driving the transport device, and adjusting its movement. In other words, the transport device is test-driven to adjust the operation of each transport unit. In most cases, the computer program of the transport unit is modified at this time. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2005-231745 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2013-230914 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0010] Conventional manufacturing methods for conveying devices have the problem of requiring frequent modifications after the device has been installed. In conventional manufacturing methods for conveying devices, specifications are determined by looking at drawings on paper or still images on CAD. However, clients do not necessarily have a thorough understanding of the structure and movement of the conveying device, making it difficult to understand how it works. For example, even if a manufacturer explains that the transport speed is "200 meters per minute," it can be difficult for the client to understand what that speed actually means. As a result, discrepancies in understanding can arise between the client and the manufacturer during the specification determination stage.

[0011] As mentioned above, in the design process, computer programs (data) were created by manufacturers based on the engineers' experience to meet the required specifications. Alternatively, the parameters (data) required for operation were determined. Here, the computer programs and parameters designed are merely designed and selected to achieve the behavior envisioned by the engineers, and it is not possible to know how the conveying device will actually move.

[0012] In conventional technology, the conveying device is test-driven to verify its operation. In other words, the overall operation of the conveying device becomes clear only during the test run. As mentioned above, the computer programs (data) and parameters (data) created during the design process are merely designed to realize the operation envisioned by the engineers, and when the conveying device is test-driven, it may move differently than the engineers envisioned. Furthermore, when the conveyed objects are actually transported, unexpected problems may occur. Moreover, as mentioned above, discrepancies may arise between the client and the manufacturer at the specification determination stage, and the client may request modifications after observing the operation during the test run.

[0013] Therefore, with conventional manufacturing methods for transport devices, there were often many modifications to the program and other components after trial operation, which sometimes resulted in a considerable amount of time being required before the device could be delivered from the manufacturer to the client. Furthermore, even after handing over the product to the client, malfunctions may occur, or even if there are no malfunctions, the client may request corrections to its operation, which may require a considerable amount of time to modify the computer program, etc.

[0014] This invention addresses the aforementioned problems of the prior art and aims to develop a method for manufacturing a conveying device that can accurately and relatively quickly complete the conveying device envisioned by the client. [Means for solving the problem]

[0015] An embodiment for solving the above-mentioned problems is a method for manufacturing a conveying device, wherein the conveying device comprises a higher-level control device and a plurality of conveying units, each conveying unit has an individual control device for controlling the conveying unit, each individual control device has a control circuit capable of inputting control-related data and a communication means for communicating with the higher-level control device, and the method for manufacturing a conveying device is characterized by comprising: a specification confirmation step for visually confirming the operation of the conveying device by using one or more operation confirmation devices to display the desired operation of the conveying device as a video using the operation confirmation devices; a virtual operation confirmation step for inputting data to the operation confirmation device in order to realize the requested operation or to realize an operation close to the requested operation, and displaying the operation of the conveying device as a video based on the input data; and a data input step for inputting the data to the individual control device of the actual conveying unit. A specific embodiment for solving the above-mentioned problems is a method for manufacturing a conveying device, wherein the conveying device comprises a higher-level control device and a plurality of conveying units, each conveying unit comprises a load sensor that detects whether or not there is an item on the conveying unit, a drive device that drives the conveying unit, and an individual control device that controls the conveying unit, each individual control device comprises a control circuit that can input control-related data and a communication means that communicates with the higher-level control device, and the method for manufacturing a conveying device is characterized by using one or more operation confirmation devices to visually confirm the operation of the conveying device, displaying the desired operation of the conveying device as a video using the operation confirmation device, a specification confirmation step to confirm the requested operation of the conveying device, inputting data to the operation confirmation device to realize the requested operation or to realize an operation close to the requested operation, and displaying the operation of the conveying device as a video based on the input data, and a data input step to input the data to the individual control device of the actual conveying unit.

[0016] The conveying device is, for example, a conveyor system. The conveying device may have, for example, conveyors installed in multiple levels, and a lifting device that transfers goods between them. Additionally, devices that convey articles in the vertical direction, such as elevators, are also included in conveying devices. In the method for manufacturing a conveying device according to this aspect, an operation checking device is used in the specification confirmation step, and the desired operation of the conveying device is expressed as a moving image. Therefore, the client can visually recognize the movement of the conveying device, and discrepancies in recognition between the manufacturer and the client are resolved. An engineer will create the computer program (data) for each conveying unit in accordance with the requested specifications. In addition, parameters (data) are selected to match the requested specifications. The computer program (data) and parameters (data) may each be considered and created individually by an engineer, or may be automatically created or selected by making full use of a computer. In the method for manufacturing a conveying device according to this aspect, a virtual operation confirmation step is performed. In the virtual operation confirmation step, data created by an engineer or automatically created data is input to the operation checking device, and the operation of the conveying device is expressed as a moving image based on the input data. Therefore, the operation of the conveying device can be checked before a test operation is performed, and the computer program can be corrected.

[0017] In the above-described aspect, it is preferable to include an actual operation confirmation step in which the conveying device is actually operated with the data input, log data of the individual control device of each conveying unit is acquired, the log data is input to the operation checking device, and the operation of the conveying device is reproduced.

[0018] In the method for manufacturing a conveying device according to this aspect, there is provided an actual operation confirmation step in which log data of the individual control device of each conveying unit is acquired during test operation or operation of the conveying device, the log data is input to the operation checking device, and the operation of the conveying device is reproduced. As a result, malfunctions of the conveying device can be reproduced. An engineer can correct the computer program or the like with reference to the reproduced malfunction.

[0019] In the above-described aspect, it is preferable to include a correction step of confirming a malfunction in the actual operation confirmation step and correcting the data.

[0020] According to this embodiment, computer programs and the like become more complete.

[0021] In each of the above embodiments, it is desirable that the data be modified in the virtual operation verification step to approximate the requested operation.

[0022] When data to achieve the required operation is input into the operation verification device, and the operation of the conveying device is displayed as a video based on the input data, there are cases where the various parts do not move as expected. In addition, unexpected malfunctions may occur. In this embodiment, during the virtual operation verification step, the data is modified to approximate the requested operation.

[0023] In each of the embodiments described above, it is desirable that a final document creation device is used, the final document creation device stores a plurality of pre-set standard phrases and display fields corresponding to the standard phrases, and that information regarding the layout of the transport device to be manufactured and the data entered in the input step and / or the data modified in the modification step are entered into the final document creation device, and that a document is created in which the layout and a description based on the data are fitted into the predetermined display fields.

[0024] According to this embodiment, the completed documents to be submitted to the client can be easily prepared.

[0025] In each of the embodiments described above, the individual control device stores a basic control circuit, and it is desirable that parameters required for specific operation be input as one of the data, and that the parameters for executing the operation of the transport device revealed in the specification confirmation step are acquired, and that these parameters are input to the operation confirmation device when performing the virtual operation confirmation step.

[0026] According to this embodiment, a virtual operation verification process can be easily performed. In each of the embodiments described above, the individual control device stores a basic control circuit, and it is desirable that parameters required for specific operation be input as one of the data, and that parameters are obtained from the data used in the virtual operation verification step, and that the obtained parameters are input to the individual control device in the data input step. The specification confirmation step is preferably one that confirms the required operation of the conveying device without considering the state of the load sensor or the control method of the individual control devices. [Effects of the Invention]

[0027] According to the manufacturing method of the conveying device of the present invention, it is possible to accurately and relatively quickly complete the conveying device envisioned by the client. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0028] [Figure 1] This flowchart shows the work process for the manufacturing method of a conveying device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This shows the layout of the conveying device and the display screen of the display device, which are the subjects of the operational verification. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view of the transport units that make up the linear transport zone. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view of the vicinity of the transport direction changing zone, which is composed of a transport direction changing device. [Figure 5] This is a block diagram of the operational verification device. [Figure 6] This is a block diagram of the specification verification device. [Figure 7] This is a block diagram of a virtual operation verification device. [Figure 8] This is a conceptual diagram of a conveyor system including an operation verification device for a transport device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This is a block diagram of the zone controller and a circuit diagram showing the relationship between each zone controller and the log data creation means. [Figure 10] These are explanatory diagrams showing the video displayed on the screen, with (a), (b), and (c) illustrating how the state changes over time. [Figure 11] The sequence circuit for Zone 12 displayed on the display screen shows (a), (b), and (c) respectively, indicating the energized state at the same time as (a), (b), and (c) in Figure 10. [Figure 12] This is a display screen of the layout section of the final book creation device; (a) shows the screen before data input, and (b) shows the screen after data input. [Figure 13]This is a display screen showing the logic of the final document creation device; (a) shows the state before data input, and (b) shows the state after data input. [Figure 14] This is a display screen showing the motor specifications of the final document creation device; (a) shows the display before data input, and (b) shows the display after data input. [Figure 15] This is a display screen showing the various specifications of the final document creation device, before data input. [Figure 16] This is a display screen showing the various specifications of the final document creation device, after data input. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0029] The following describes further embodiments of the present invention. The manufacturing method for the conveying device of this embodiment involves completing the conveying device through the following steps (see Figure 1). (1) Specification confirmation process a: Layout creation process b: Operation confirmation process (2) Virtual operation verification process a: Layout acquisition process b: Layout input process c: Parameter acquisition process d: Parameter input process e: Operation verification process f: Parameter correction process (3) Data entry process a: Parameter output process b: Parameter input process c: Unit assembly process (4) Actual operation verification process a: Log data acquisition process b: Log data entry process c: Operation reproduction process d: Parameter correction process (5) Data correction process a: Parameter update process

[0030] The next step is then performed. (6) Final book creation process a: Layout input process b: Control logic identification process c: Parameter input process

[0031] In other words, (1) Simulate the layout and movement of transported items on the screen and show it to the customer to determine the specifications. (2) Using computer software that simulates the movement of the individual control devices in each zone, a more realistic operation is displayed on the screen to embody the development logic. (3) Store each logic in each zone controller, (4) Obtain log data from the actual conveyor system to verify its actual operation. (5) Modify each logic. Control specifications are also created as needed.

[0032] In the manufacturing method of the conveying device of this embodiment, a function confirmation device 90 is used as a characteristic device. As shown in Figure 5, the function confirmation device 90 has a main unit 200 and a display device 53, and the display device 53 displays the layout of the conveying device 1 and also displays the operation of the conveying device 1 as a video. The main unit 200 is a well-known computer equipped with a CPU 201 and memory 202. In this embodiment, a personal computer is used as the main unit 200. In this embodiment, a personal computer containing a computer program 203 for the specification verification process, a computer program 205 for the virtual operation verification process, and a computer program 206 for the actual operation verification process is used as the operation verification device 90, but each computer program may be stored in a separate personal computer.

[0033] The conveyor system (transport device) 1 to be manufactured has a straight section of the transport path divided into several short zones, as shown in Figure 2. The conveyor system 1 is a distributed control system and has a higher-level control device 46 that comprehensively controls the operation of the conveyor system and zone controllers (individual control devices) 10 that control each zone (not shown in Figure 2).

[0034] As shown in Figures 2 and 9, the higher-level control device 46 has a log data creation means 51 (described later), as well as a communication means 63, an operation instruction means 210, a transport destination instruction means 211, a status monitoring means 212, and a data output means 213. The higher-level control device 46 also includes a display device 215. The higher-level control unit 46 communicates with each zone controller 10 via the communication means 63, and information is exchanged between them.

[0035] The operation instruction means 210 instructs the starting and stopping of the entire conveyor system 1, as well as the starting and stopping of individual zone controllers 10. The destination indication means 211 indicates the destination for each item M. The status monitoring means 212 monitors the current operating status of the conveyor device 1. In this embodiment, the status monitoring means 212 displays the layout of the conveyor device 1 on the display device 215, and also displays which zone the item M is in. In addition, the movement status of the item M is displayed as a video on the display device 215. The data output means 213 stores the parameters of the control logic of each zone controller 10 and outputs the parameters to each zone controller 10 via the communication means 63.

[0036] In conveyor system 1, multiple linear conveying zones are connected in series to form the straight portion of the conveying path. Furthermore, conveyor system 1 includes multiple conveying direction changing zones, forming a branched conveying path. There are also multiple destination locations for conveying the item M.

[0037] Each zone is equipped with one transport unit 2 or 20. Each transport unit 2 or 20 integrates its mechanical structure with the zone controller 10. As shown in Figure 9, the zone controller 10 is an individual control device that has a control circuit 40 for individually controlling the transport units 2 or 20. The zone controller (individual control device) 10 also has a built-in transceiver (communication means) 41 that communicates with the higher-level control device 46, and operates according to commands from the higher-level control device 46. The transport unit 2 installed in the straight transport zone is a typical transport unit, a zone conveyor as shown in Figure 3. The transport unit 20 installed in the transport direction changing zone is a transfer device as shown in Figure 4. Transport unit 20 is also a type of transport unit.

[0038] The conveying unit 2 is a short roller conveyor in which multiple conveying rollers 5 are pivotally supported at predetermined intervals between a pair of parallel left and right side frames 3, 3. The conveying rollers 5 consist of freely rotating driven rollers 5b and motor-integrated rollers 5a. In this embodiment, there is only one motor-integrated roller 5a, and all the others are driven rollers 5b. A drive motor (not shown) is built into the motor-integrated roller 5a as a drive device. The built-in drive motor has the function of outputting a pulse signal in accordance with its rotation. The same applies to the drive motors of the other motor-integrated rollers. The pulse signal is an example of "information regarding rotation when the drive motor is driven".

[0039] Within the conveying unit 2, a transmission belt 6 is wound around adjacent conveying rollers 5. Therefore, the rotational driving force of the motor-equipped roller 5a can be transmitted to all the driven rollers 5b.

[0040] As shown in Figure 3, the transport unit 2 is equipped with a load sensor S. The load sensor S is located on the side frame 3. The position of the load sensor S is near the downstream end.

[0041] The cargo sensor S detects whether or not an item is on the transport unit 2. A photoelectric sensor can be used as the load sensor-S, and light-emitting elements such as light-emitting diodes or infrared diodes (not shown) are provided on the opposing side frames 3.

[0042] Next, the transport direction changing zone will be described. The transport unit 20 installed in the transport direction changing zone is a transfer device as shown in Figure 4. The transport unit 20 has a direction changing mechanism that switches between the transport direction and the loading direction. As shown in Figure 4, the transport unit 20 is composed of a main transport conveyor 21, a secondary transport conveyor 22, and a lifting device (not shown). The main conveyor belt 21 of the transport unit 20 is a belt conveyor in which multiple thin belts 25 are arranged at regular intervals. The main conveyor belt 21 is driven by motor-equipped rollers 28 provided at its ends.

[0043] The auxiliary conveyor 22 of the conveying unit 20 is a roller conveyor. The auxiliary conveyor 22 has multiple rollers 26 arranged in parallel, and these are linked together by a belt 27. One of the multiple rollers 26 that make up the auxiliary conveyor 22 is a motor-equipped roller, and all the rollers 26 rotate by driving the motor-equipped roller. As shown in Figure 4, the auxiliary conveyor 22 is arranged such that rollers 26 are located between the belts 25 of the main conveyor 21.

[0044] When moving an item M placed on the transport unit 20 in a straight line, the main transport conveyor 21 is raised above the sub-transport conveyor 22 by a lifting device (not shown), and the motor-driven rollers 28 of the main transport conveyor 21 are driven to move the belt 25. When discharging an item M placed on the transport unit 20 in a lateral direction, after the item is drawn into the main transport conveyor 21, the auxiliary transport conveyor 22 is raised by a lifting device (not shown) and the main transport conveyor 21 is lowered, causing the auxiliary transport conveyor 22 to protrude above the main transport conveyor 21, and the motor-equipped rollers of the auxiliary transport conveyor 22 are driven to rotate each roller 26. The transport unit 20 is also equipped with a load sensor (not shown). Furthermore, the transport unit 20 is also fitted with a zone controller (not shown).

[0045] The zone controller 10 has a built-in storage device (not shown), which stores control logic (specifically, a control program) for controlling the zone it is responsible for. Furthermore, the zone controller 10 can input parameters required for specific operations as one of its data points. For example, parameters such as transport speed, start timing of drive, and stop timing of drive can be input as one of the aforementioned data.

[0046] The conveyor system (transport device) 1 to be manufactured is made by connecting the aforementioned transport units 2 and 20 together.

[0047] In the manufacturing method of the conveying device of this embodiment, a specification confirmation step is performed first. The specification confirmation step is a process in which the manufacturer and the client determine the specifications of the conveying device 1 to be manufactured. The specification confirmation step includes a layout creation step and an operation confirmation step. In the specification verification process, the manufacturer listens to the client's instructions and uses the computer program 203 for the specification verification process of the operational verification device 90 to schematically display the layout of the conveyor device 1 on the display device 53, as shown in Figure 2 (Step 1). In most cases, the image of the higher-level control device 46 is not displayed. The figure displayed on the display device 53 is an overview figure that mimics the conveyor device 1, and is made up of connected rectangular figures that mimic the transport units 2 and 20. The client and the manufacturer consult with each other and first determine the layout of the conveyor system 1 (Step 2). The determined layout of the conveyor system 1 is displayed on the display device 53.

[0048] Next, the movement of the conveyor device 1 is determined through the operational verification process. Specifically, as shown in Figure 2, an item M is virtually placed on the display device 53, and the item is moved on the screen. In the operational verification process, the receiving location of the goods, the transport speed, the conditions for determining the transport destination, and other factors are discussed, and the movement is virtually displayed on the display device 53 (step 3). Thus, the specifications of conveyor device 1 are determined (Step 4).

[0049] Next, a virtual operation verification process is performed. The virtual operation verification process is performed by an engineer and is carried out using the computer program 205 for the virtual operation verification process of the operation verification device 90. The computer program 205 for the virtual operation verification process of the operation verification device 90 includes a program that can display the operation of each transport unit 2, 20 in video format according to the control logic of each zone controller 10. In other words, the computer program 205 for the virtual operation verification process stores circuits equivalent to the control circuit 40, which includes the basic control circuits and individual control logic of each zone controller 10. Furthermore, parameters required for the specific operation of each transport unit 2, 20 can be input, and the movement according to those parameters can be displayed as a video on the screen of the display device 53. For example, parameters such as transport speed, start timing of drive, and stop timing of drive can be input to the operation confirmation device 90, and the movement according to those parameters can be displayed as a video on the screen.

[0050] The virtual operation verification process includes a layout acquisition process, a parameter acquisition process, a layout input process, a parameter input process, an operation verification process, and a parameter modification process. In the layout acquisition process, the layout information determined in the previous specification confirmation process is acquired (step 5) and input into the computer program 205 for the virtual operation verification process (step 7). In other words, the layout determined in the specification confirmation process is copied to the computer program 205 for the virtual operation verification process.

[0051] In the parameter acquisition step, parameters necessary to operate each transport unit 2, 20 as determined in the virtual operation verification step are acquired (step 6) and copied to the computer program 205 for the virtual operation verification step. The copied parameters are then assigned to each zone controller 10 in the virtual operation verification process computer program 205 (step 8). The computer program 205 for the virtual operation verification process receives other parameters such as the size, weight, and friction coefficient of the object being transported.

[0052] In the operation verification process, the operation of each transport unit 2, 20 is displayed on the screen as a video according to the control logic and parameters (step 9). Specifically, an item M is virtually placed on the display device 53, and the item M is moved on the screen. At this time, each zone controller 10 is made to move according to the input control logic and parameters. The operation determined in the previous specification confirmation process is the desired operation, and does not take into account factors such as the weight of item M, the coefficient of friction, the time required for each transport unit 2 and 20 from startup to steady operation, the time required for stopping, the state of the sensors, or the control method of each zone controller 10. In contrast, the operation verification process specifically shows the movement of each transport unit 2, 20. Therefore, even if the control logic and parameters obtained in the virtual operation verification process are input and displayed as a video, in many cases it is not possible to reproduce the operation determined in the specification verification process.

[0053] Therefore, the parameter modification process adjusts the parameters to approximate the operation determined in the previous specification confirmation process (steps 10 and 11).

[0054] Next, the data input process is performed. The data input process includes a parameter output process (step 12), a parameter input process (step 13), and a unit combination process (step 14). The parameter output process is the process of extracting the corrected parameter data from the operation verification device 90, and the parameter input process is the process of inputting that data into each individual zone controller 10. In other words, the parameter output process and the parameter input process copy the parameter data from the operation verification device 90 to each zone controller 10. In parallel with this, a unit assembly process is carried out, in which each transport unit 2, 20 is connected according to a predetermined layout, and the conveyor system is mechanically assembled. The assembly of conveyor system 1 may be carried out at a location specified by the client, or it may be carried out at the manufacturer's factory.

[0055] The parameter input step described above may be performed before the unit combination step or after the unit combination step. For example, at a manufacturer's factory, parameters may be input one by one into each of the disassembled transport units 2 and 20, and then the transport units 2 and 20 may be combined to mechanically assemble the conveyor system 1. Alternatively, the conveyor system 1 may be mechanically assembled by first combining the transport units 2 and 20, and then the parameter data may be input to each zone controller 10 in this state. When inputting parameter data into each zone controller 10 after mechanically assembling the conveyor system 1, it is desirable to use the data output means 213 of the higher-level control device 46. In other words, it is desirable to store the parameters of the control logic of each zone controller 10 in the upper-level control device 46, output the parameters to each zone controller 10 via the communication means 63, and input the parameter data to each zone controller 10.

[0056] Next, the operational verification process is carried out. The operational verification process is performed by an engineer and is carried out using the computer program 206 for the operational verification process of the operational verification device 90. The computer program 206 for the actual operation verification process of the operation verification device 90 includes a program that can display the operation of each zone controller 10 as a video. In other words, the computer program 206 for the actual operation verification process contains circuits equivalent to the basic control circuits of each zone controller 10.

[0057] Furthermore, the operation of the conveyor system 1 can be schematically reproduced based on the log data. In addition, the operating status of each drive motor and the operating status of the load sensor S can be represented in video. In other words, the computer program 206 for the actual operation verification process includes a computer program for creating operation reproduction video data and a computer program for creating power-on condition reproduction video data.

[0058] The actual operation verification process includes a log data acquisition process, a log data input process, an operation reproduction process, and a parameter correction process. In the log data acquisition process, an item is actually placed on the conveyor device 1 and the conveyor device 1 is driven to actually transport the item M. Log data is then acquired at that time (step 15). Specifically, information is acquired regarding the on / off status of the drive motors 15 of the transport units 2 and 20, the rotation speed of the drive motors 15, the power supply status of the control circuit, and the on / off status of the switches that constitute the sequence circuit at the same time. The log data acquisition process is carried out over several tens of hours or even several days. In some cases, the log data acquisition process continues even after the conveyor system 1 has been handed over from the manufacturer to the client.

[0059] The preceding virtual operation verification process displays a video of movements that closely resemble the actual operation. However, when the conveyor system is actually assembled and goods are transported, the movements often differ from what was expected. In this embodiment, the log data acquisition process acquires information regarding the on / off status of the drive motors 15 of individual transport units 2 and 20, the rotation speed of the drive motors 15, the power supply status of the control circuit, and the on / off status of the switches constituting the sequence circuit, all while the conveyor device 1 is in actual operation. The acquired log data is input to the operation verification device 90 (step 16).

[0060] Then, through the motion reproduction process, the actual movement of the conveyor device 1 is reproduced on the screen as a video. The display M, which simulates an item, is based on the operating status of the load sensor S included in the log data. Specifically, if the load sensor S of the actual conveyor device 1 detected the presence of an item at a specific time, and that record exists in the log data, then the display M, which simulates an item M, is displayed in the virtual zone shown on the display device 53 (step 17). Furthermore, the zones that were energized by the drive motor 15 of the actual conveyor system 1 are represented in the virtual zones as moving video displays, for example, a wave-like motion. If the drive motor 15 in the zone where the goods are placed on the actual conveyor system 1 were powered, a video would appear showing the virtual display M moving. The speed and distance of movement are determined by the interval and total number of pulses emitted by the drive motor 15. Furthermore, by clicking on a specific zone, the power status of the transport units 2 and 20 that make up that zone will be displayed as a video. Furthermore, the moment-by-moment power supply status of each transport unit 2, 20 is displayed on the display device 53.

[0061] Even if there is a malfunction in the actual conveyor system 1, the log data records the status of the load sensor S and the drive motor 15 at that time. Therefore, it is possible to recreate the circumstances under which the malfunction occurred in a virtual environment. Furthermore, the state of the electrical circuit at that time can be checked. As a result, the cause of the malfunction can be easily identified. During the trial run, some kind of malfunction is often found. If the reproduced operation is unacceptable due to the found malfunction or other reasons (Step 18), check the electrical circuit of the zone controller and adjust the parameters (Step 19).

[0062] Then, the parameters of each zone controller 10 are rewritten with the parameters modified in the parameter modification process (step 20). Then, through the motion reproduction process, the actual movement of the conveyor device 1 is reproduced as a video on the screen of the display device 53. If the reproduced motion is acceptable (step 18), the work is terminated.

[0063] The final document creation process involves preparing control specifications and other documents to be handed over to the client. The final document creation process involves incorporating the data created in the aforementioned specification verification and virtual operation verification processes to create control specifications and supporting documents for creating those specifications.

[0064] The following describes the equipment used in the specification verification process, operation verification process, virtual operation verification process, and final document creation process.

[0065] Specification confirmation process The specification verification process is carried out using a specification verification device 106 as shown in Figure 6. The specification verification device 106 is a part of the operation verification device 90 described above, and Figure 6 shows the necessary software and memory 202 extracted from the operation verification device 90 in a slightly more detailed manner. The aforementioned computer program 203 for the specification verification process includes a layout creation program 220 and a video creation program 221, as shown in Figure 6. The specification verification device 106 also has a unit model storage means 222 and a layout / operation storage means 223. The unit model storage means 222 stores diagrams (hereinafter referred to as model diagrams) that represent the transport units 2 and 20, as well as model diagrams that represent the item loading section and the item unloading section. In this embodiment, a rectangular shape is stored as the model diagram that represents the transport units 2 and 20. The shape of the model diagram is arbitrary; for example, the model diagram representing a straight transport path may be different from the model diagram representing a branching section.

[0066] The layout creation program 220 is a drawing program that creates the layout of the conveyor device 1 using a known mouse and keyboard. Layout creation is done by copying the aforementioned model diagram to any position and drawing it. The layout of the conveyor system 1 that was created is then displayed on the display device 53.

[0067] The operation verification process involves using the video creation program 221 to virtually place the item M on the display device 53's drawing, moving the item M on the screen to visually check the transport speed, etc., and then the client and manufacturer consult to determine the layout and movement of the conveyor device 1. The determined layout and operation are stored in the layout / operation storage means 223.

[0068] Virtual operation verification process and data correction process The virtual operation verification process and data correction process are performed using a virtual operation verification device 107 as shown in Figure 7. The virtual operation verification device 107 is a part of the operation verification device 90 described above, and Figure 7 shows the necessary software and memory 202 extracted from the operation verification device 90 in a slightly more detailed manner. The aforementioned computer program 205 for the virtual operation verification process includes an automatic parameter assignment program 230, a parameter correction program 231, and a video creation program 232. The automatic parameter assignment program 230 further includes an appropriate parameter selection program 235 and a parameter assignment program 236. The virtual operation verification device 107 has a transport unit circuit storage means 237 and a determination parameter storage means 238. The virtual operation verification device 107 has a layout input means 240, a transport speed input means 241, and a transported object information input means 242 as input means, and a parameter output means 243 as output means.

[0069] The transport unit circuit storage means 237 stores the control circuits (actually control programs) built into each zone controller 10. The layout input means 240 receives the layout information determined by the layout / operation storage means 223 of the specification confirmation device 106 described above. The transport speed input means 241 receives the required transport speed from the layout and operation memory means 223 of the specification confirmation device 106 to each transport unit 2, 20. Furthermore, the transported object information input means 242 inputs the size, weight, friction coefficient, etc., of the transported object.

[0070] In the virtual operation verification device 107, each transport unit 2, 20 is virtually arranged according to the layout input by the layout input means. The actual circuits of each transport unit 2, 20 are then virtually stored in each transport unit 2, 20. The automatic parameter assignment program 230 is a program that implements the parameter acquisition process. The appropriate parameter selection program 235 included in the automatic parameter assignment program 230 selects or calculates appropriate parameters to be input to each unit based on the inputted transport speed for each transport unit 2, 20, and the size, weight, friction coefficient, etc. of the transported object. Then, the parameter assignment program 236 assigns the selected parameters to the circuits of each virtually arranged transport unit 2, 20. The virtual operation verification device 107 then displays in detail, as a video, the movement of each transport unit 2, 20 under the conditions in which the selected parameters have been applied.

[0071] As described above, even if the parameters obtained in the virtual operation verification process are input and displayed as a video, in many cases the operation determined in the specification verification process cannot be reproduced. The virtual operation verification device of this embodiment has a parameter correction program 231, and the parameters can be manually corrected using the parameter correction program 231. The modified parameters are stored in the determination parameter storage means 238. Then, if necessary, the parameters are output to each actual zone controller 10 by the parameter output means 243.

[0072] Actual operation verification process The actual operation verification process is performed using the actual operation verification device 50 shown in Figure 8. Figure 8 is a conceptual diagram of a conveyor system 100 consisting of the actual operation verification device 50 of the conveying device and the conveyor device 1 to be verified. As shown in Figure 8, the actual operation verification device 50 of this embodiment is composed of a log data creation means 51 and an external device 48. In this embodiment, the log data creation means 51 is built into the higher-level control device 46 of the conveyor device 1. The external device 48 is a part of the operation verification device 90 described above, and the external device 48 in Figure 8 is a slightly more detailed display of the necessary software and memory 202 extracted from the operation verification device 90. In other words, the external device 48 is a well-known personal computer or mobile terminal, and has a control device 52 and a display device 53. Furthermore, the control device 52 incorporates a storage means 70, a communication means 72, and an operation reproduction means 71. The actual operation verification device 50 of this embodiment creates log data that individually records the operating state of each transport unit 2, 20 in the actual conveyor system 1, and when each transport unit is operated according to the log data, the movement of the goods and the state of the electrical circuit at that time can be displayed on the display device 53 for verification.

[0073] To provide further details about the conveyor system 1, each zone of the conveyor system 1 to be manufactured is assigned a unique address. For convenience, let's assume that the addresses are numbered 1 through 88, as shown in Figure 2. In this embodiment, the address of the first zone is 1, the address of the second zone is 2, and so on. The address of each zone is stored in the zone controller (individual control device) 10 for each zone.

[0074] As described above, each zone has a zone controller 10 and a load sensor S. The zone controller 10 supplies power to the drive motors 15 of the transport units 2 and 20 in each zone, and drives and stops the drive motors 15 of the transport units 2 and 20 in each zone. That is, the zone controller 10 has a control circuit 40 that controls the drive motors 15 as shown in Figure 9, and the control circuit 40 includes a drive circuit 42. Part or all of the control circuit 40 is a sequence circuit. The zone controller 10 also has a built-in transmitting / receiving unit (communication means) 41.

[0075] The zone controller 10 is an individual control device that controls each transport unit individually. Zone controllers 10 are provided in all zones, and adjacent zone controllers 10 are interconnected by signal lines 43. In addition, each zone controller 10 receives signals from the load sensors S of its respective zone. The conveyor system 1 has a higher-level control device 46, which is also connected to the zone controller 10 by a signal line.

[0076] In this embodiment, each zone controller 10 and the higher-level control device 46 communicate with each other using a communication means. Through this communication means, each zone controller 10 inputs information from the load sensor S and information regarding the driving status of the zone to the higher-level control device 46. Specifically, the on / off status of the drive motors 15 of each transport unit 2, 20, the rotation speed of the drive motors 15, and the power supply status of the control circuit 40 are input to the higher-level control device 46. In this embodiment, since the zone controller 10 has a sequence circuit, the on / off status of switches, timers, and other components within the circuit, as well as the power supply status, are input to the higher-level control device 46 one by one. In addition, pulse signals generated in accordance with the rotation of the drive motors 15 are also input to the higher-level control device 46 one by one.

[0077] The higher-level control device 46 receives information regarding the on / off status of the drive motors 15 of the transport units 2 and 20, the rotational speed of the drive motors 15, the power supply status of the control circuit 40, and the on / off status of the switches constituting the sequence circuit, all at the same time. In other words, all the information from each zone at the same time is input to the higher-level control device 46.

[0078] Next, the actual operation verification device 50 will be described. The actual operation verification device 50 of this embodiment consists of a log data creation means 51 built into the higher-level control device 46 and an external device 48 installed at another location.

[0079] The log data creation means 51 includes an information acquisition means 60, a time determination means 61, a storage means 62, and a communication means 63. The time-determining means 61 is a clock. The information acquisition means 60 is implemented by a computer program and acquires all the information from the load sensor S transmitted from the zone controller 10 of each transport unit 2, 20 to the higher-level control device 46, as well as the driving status of each zone.

[0080] The information acquisition means 60 acquires information regarding the on / off status of the drive motors 15 of the transport units 2 and 20, the rotational speed of the drive motors 15, the energization status of the control circuit 40, and the on / off status of the switches constituting the sequence circuit at the same time.

[0081] The information acquired by the information acquisition means 60 is then stored in the storage means 62 as log data, along with the time of acquisition. The information in the memory means 62 is continuously accumulated. It is also organized and stored according to the operating period of the conveyor system 1. For example, it is stored in separate files such as "Information about conveyor system 1 on May 20, 2020" and "Information about conveyor system 1 on May 21, 2020". When memory capacity becomes insufficient, past information is automatically deleted. The information stored in the storage means 62 is transmitted to the external device 48 via the communication means 63. The communication means 63 may, for example, use an internet connection.

[0082] Next, the external device 48 will be described. In this embodiment, the operation confirmation device 90 also serves as the external device 48. The external device 48 shown in Figure 8 is the part of the operation confirmation device 90 that functions as the external device 48 of the actual operation confirmation device 50. The external device 48 includes a control device 52 and a display device 53. The control device 52 includes a storage means 70, an operation reproduction means 71, and a communication means 72. The communication means 72 communicates with the communication means 63 of the log data creation means 51, and the log data stored in the storage means 62 of the log data creation means 51 is acquired by the external device 48. The log data acquired by the communication means 72 is stored in the storage means 70.

[0083] The operation reproduction means 71 is implemented by a program and storage means including a computer program 206 for the actual operation verification process, and creates operation reproduction video data that schematically reproduces the operation of the conveyor device 1 based on log data, and power supply status reproduction video data that shows the moment-by-moment operating status of each drive motor and the operating status of the load sensor S in video. In other words, the operation reproduction means 71 includes a computer program 206 for the actual operation verification process, which is a computer program that is an operation video creation means 80 for creating operation reproduction video data, and a computer program that is a circuit video creation means 81 for creating power supply status reproduction video data.

[0084] In addition, the operation reproduction means 71 includes a shape memory means 73 and a circuit memory means 75. The shape memory means 73 stores the configuration of the transport units 2 and 20 that make up the conveyor device 1, and the connections between each of the transport units 2 and 20. The shape memory means 73 is a memory that stores the layout of the conveyor device 1 as shown in Figure 2, and what each zone's transport unit 2, 20 is. Furthermore, the circuit memory means 75 stores the control circuits 40 built into each transport unit 2, 20. At least some or all of the sequence circuits included in the control circuits 40 of each transport unit 2, 20 are stored.

[0085] Next, the functions of the operational verification device 50 of this embodiment will be described. For the sake of explanation, the actual conveyor system 1 will be referred to as "actual conveyor system 1," and events that occur in the actual conveyor system 1 will be preceded by the adjective "actual." Matters that are reproduced by the actual operation verification device 50 will be distinguished by the adjective "virtual."

[0086] In the actual operation verification device 50 of this embodiment, operation reproduction video data and power supply status reproduction video data are created by the operation reproduction means 71 based on the log data input from the log data creation means 51 to the external device 48, and the videos are displayed on the display device 53. The video can be paused, stepped forward, fast forward, rewinded, played in slow motion, zoomed in, and more. The display device 53 schematically displays the layout of the actual conveyor system 1, as shown in Figure 2. The figure displayed on the display device 53 is an overview figure that mimics the conveyor device 1, and is made up of connected rectangular figures that mimic the transport units 2 and 20.

[0087] The virtual layout can be enlarged at any point, as shown in Figure 10. Furthermore, in the zones where items were located on the actual conveyor system 1, a display M representing the items is shown in the virtual layout. Figure 10(a) illustrates the state where items were located at addresses 10 and 11. The display screen shows the date and time, clearly indicating the point in time at which the image was captured.

[0088] The display M, which mimics an item, is based on the operating status of the cargo sensor S included in the log data. Specifically, if the cargo sensor S of the actual conveyor system 1 detects the presence of an item at a specific time, and this record exists in the log data, then the display M, which mimics an item, will be displayed in the virtual zone. Furthermore, the zones that were energized by the drive motors of the actual conveyor system 1 are represented in the virtual zones as moving video displays, for example, a wave-like motion. If the drive motor 15 in the zone where the goods are placed on the actual conveyor system 1 were powered, a video would appear showing the virtual display M moving. The speed and distance of movement are determined by the interval and total number of pulses emitted by the drive motor 15. Furthermore, by clicking on a specific zone, the power status of the transport units 2 and 20 that make up that zone will be displayed as a video.

[0089] For example, if, at a specific time when the actual conveyor system 1 was operating, there were items in zones 10 and 11, and the inventory sensor S10 and inventory sensor S11 were turned on, that fact is recorded in the log data. The operation video creation means 80 of the operation reproduction means 71 displays display M in virtual zones 10 and 11, as shown in Figure 10(a), if there is a record that the cargo sensor S10 and cargo sensor S11 are ON.

[0090] Furthermore, in the actual conveyor system 1, when items from zone 10 and zone 11 are transported to zone 12, the log data records that the drive motors 15 for zones 10, 11, and 12 are turned on and powered. The operation video creation means 80 of the operation reproduction means 71 moves the display M of the virtual zones 10 and 11, as shown in Figure 10(b), if there is a record that the load sensor S10 and load sensor S11 were ON and the drive motor of the zone was ON and powered.

[0091] In the actual conveyor system 1, once the items M that were in zone 10 and zone 11 have completed their movement to zone 11 and zone 12, respectively, the log data will record that the cargo sensor S11 and cargo sensor S12 were turned on. If the operation video creation means 80 has a record that the cargo sensor S11 and cargo sensor S12 are ON, it displays display M in the virtual zones 11 and 12, as shown in Figure 10(c).

[0092] Furthermore, in the operational verification device 50 of this embodiment, the moment-by-moment power supply status of each transport unit 2, 20 is displayed on the display device 53. The display can be shown on the same screen as the layout described above, or it can be displayed by switching screens. Furthermore, the actual operation verification device 50 can perform individual playback, which reproduces the operation of the sequence circuit of the control circuit 40 that controls a zone controller (transport unit) by specifying a zone, and multiple playback, which simultaneously reproduces the operation of the sequence circuit of the control circuit 40 that controls each of multiple zones by specifying multiple zones.

[0093] Figure 11 is a video showing the power supply status of transport unit 2 in zone 12. According to the example described above, at a specific time, in the actual conveyor system 1, there are items M in zones 10 and 11, but there are no items M in zone 12, which is the zone to be displayed.

[0094] Therefore, the load sensor S12 was off. Also, the drive motor 15 of the transport unit 2 in zone 12 was off and stopped, and no power was supplied to the drive motor 15. These facts are recorded in the log data. Figure 11(a) corresponds to Figure 10(a), and in the virtually displayed circuit, the load sensor S12 is off and the drive motor 15 is also off.

[0095] According to the example described above, in the actual conveyor system 1, when items from zone 10 and zone 11 are transported to zone 12, the log data will show that the drive motor 15 of zone 12 was energized. Figure 11(b) corresponds to Figure 10(b), and the circuit displayed on the display device 53 shows that the load sensor S12 is off and the drive motor 15 is on.

[0096] In the actual conveyor system 1, once the movement of items from zone 11 to zone 12 is complete, the log data records that the load sensor S12 was on, and the drive motor 15 was off and power was stopped. Figure 11(c) corresponds to Figure 10(c), and the circuit displayed on the display device 53 shows that the load sensor S12 is ON and the drive motor 15 is OFF.

[0097] Even if there is a malfunction in the actual conveyor system 1, the log data will record the status of the load sensor S and the drive motor at that time. Therefore, it is possible to virtually reproduce the circumstances under which the malfunction occurred. Furthermore, the state of the electrical circuit at that time can be checked. As a result, the cause of the malfunction or other issues can be easily identified.

[0098] Final book creation process The final document creation process is carried out using a final document creation device. This device is equipped with computer software that can capture and process graphics, and also allows for text input. As shown in Figures 12(a), 13(a), 14(a), and 15, the final book creation device stores a number of pre-set standard phrases and corresponding display fields 300, 301, 303, and 305. Standard phrases could include, for example, descriptions of the device's layout, such as "layout," descriptions of communication lines, such as "network configuration," and descriptions of the zone's location, such as "IP address settings." As shown in Figure 12(a), the word "Layout" and a display area 300 for placing the shape are reserved. Furthermore, a table containing text such as "Logic Name," "Third Octet," and "Node Number," as shown in Figure 13(a), is stored. The "Node Number" is the identification number of the zone controller 10, and in this embodiment, it is the same as the zone number. The specific logic name is stored. There is a display field 301 in the table where text is inserted.

[0099] Figure 14(a) shows an example of how the motor's set speed is recorded in the final document creation device. In Figure 14(a), a table containing text such as "Speed," "Set Speed ​​1, 2, 3, 4," and "Node Number" is stored. Within the table, there is a display field 303 where text is inserted. In this embodiment, the speed of each motor can be changed in four stages, and the set speed for each stage is displayed on the final document creation device. For example, the rotation speed may be switched depending on the situation, such as rotating at a low speed immediately after startup and then at a high speed after a certain period of time, and the set speed for each stage is displayed on the final document creation device.

[0100] Figure 15 shows an example of how various settings and component types are recorded in the final document creation device, and a table with "Node Number" and "Item" columns is stored. In Figure 15, the "Item" column contains text such as "Sensor Setting," "Sensor Alarm Setting," "Motor Type," "Rotation Direction Switching," "Special Function," "Gear Stage," "Mechanical Brake," "Brake," "Motor / Motor Port Setting Switching," "Motor Lock Timeout," "Servo Brake Current Limit," "Motor Current Limit," "Board Thermal Occurrence Temperature," and "Board Thermal Release Temperature." The table in Figure 15 also stores a table containing text such as "Node Number." Within the table, there is a display field 305 for inserting text.

[0101] "Sensor Settings" and "Sensor Alarm Settings" indicate the relationship between the detection status of the load sensor S, etc., and the output signal. "Dark On" is a setting where an H signal is output when the light sensor does not detect light. "Gear stages" refers to the number of stages in the reduction gear of the motor-integrated roller. "Brake" refers to the type of brake on the motor-integrated roller. "Motor lock timeout" is the period of time during which power is cut off when a motor is forcibly stopped by an external force. "Servo brake current limit" is the upper limit of the current applied to the servo brake, and "motor current limit" is the upper limit of the current applied to the motor-driven roller. The "board thermal overload temperature" is the temperature at which power is shut off if the board temperature rises excessively. The "board thermal overload release temperature" is the temperature at which power is restored.

[0102] Then, the final document creation device receives information regarding the layout of the transport device 1 to be manufactured, as well as data entered in the input process and data corrected in the correction process. In addition, the type of control logic and various setting values ​​of the zone controller 10 for each zone, and information identifying the zone controller 10 are entered. Information regarding the layout of the transport device 1 is obtained from data output from the computer used in the specification confirmation process and the virtual operation confirmation process described above. Then, as shown in Figure 12(b), the layout shapes are fitted into their designated positions. Explanations and other information will be added as needed.

[0103] The data entered during the input process, the data modified during the correction process, the type of control logic for each zone's zone controller, and information identifying the zone controller are obtained from the data output from the computer used in the virtual operation verification process. Then, as shown in Figures 13(b), 14(b), and 16, the necessary information is written in the designated areas.

[0104] The content and items included in the final document are optional. In addition to the standard layout, it may include diagrams showing the destination of transported items, diagrams showing the locations of sensors and switches, diagrams showing communication paths, and diagrams showing IP addresses. The data entered is stored and printed out as needed.

[0105] In the embodiments described above, two representative transport units were shown as examples, but the structure and form of the transport unit are not limited to these two types. For example, it could be a conveying unit that forms a curved track or uses bars or the like to guide the path of goods. The above explanation uses a simple control circuit 40 as an example to facilitate understanding. However, the actual control circuit 40 is more complex. Furthermore, while some actual conveyor systems have zones without load sensors or other similar features, or zones that are constantly in operation, the present invention does not exclude conveyor systems that include these features. The circuit displayed on the display device 53 may be a still image. In the embodiments described above, the cargo sensor S was described as turning on when it detects an item, but it may also be a sensor that turns off when it detects an item.

[0106] In the embodiments described above, the parameter acquisition process was performed in the virtual operation verification process. That is, although the virtual operation verification device 107 has the appropriate parameter selection program 235, the specification verification device 106 may also have the appropriate parameter selection program 235. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0107] 1. Conveyor device 2 Conveyor Units 10-zone controller 20 transport units 40 Control circuits 46 Higher-level control unit 48 External device 50 Actual Operation Verification Device 51 Log data creation method 52 Control device 53 Display device 71 Means for reproducing the operation 72. Means of communication 80. Method for creating motion videos 81 Circuit video creation method 90 Operation Confirmation Device 100 Conveyor System 106 Specification Verification Device 107 Virtual Operation Verification Device 203 Computer program for specification verification process 205 Computer program for virtual operation verification process 206 Computer program for the actual operation verification process 210 Operation instruction means 211 Destination indication means 212 Status monitoring means 220 Layout Creation Program 221 Video Creation Program 230 Parameter Automatic Assignment Program 231 Parameter Correction Program 235 Optimal Parameter Selection Program 236 Parameter Assignment Program 242 Transported object information input means 300 display field 301 indicates column 303 indicates column 305 indicates column

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a conveying device, The transport device comprises a higher-level control device and a plurality of transport units, and the transport units are The transport unit includes a load sensor that detects whether or not there is an item on the transport unit, a drive device that drives the transport unit, and an individual control device that controls the transport unit, the individual control device having a control circuit that can input control-related data and communication means for communicating with the higher-level control device, Using one or more operational verification devices to visually confirm the operation of the conveying device, The operation of the desired conveying device is displayed as a video using an operation verification device, and the specification verification process confirms the required operation of the conveying device. A virtual operation verification process involves inputting data into an operation verification device to realize the requested operation, or an operation close to the requested operation, and displaying the operation of the transport device in video based on the input data. A method for manufacturing a transport device, characterized by having a data input step of inputting the aforementioned data into the individual control device of the actual transport unit.

2. The method for manufacturing a conveying device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the specification confirmation step confirms the required operation of the conveying device without considering the state of the load sensor and the control method of the individual control device.

3. A method for manufacturing a conveying device, The transport device comprises a higher-level control device and a plurality of transport units, and the transport units are The transport unit includes a load sensor that detects whether or not there is an item on the transport unit, a drive device that drives the transport unit, and an individual control device that controls the transport unit, the individual control device having a control circuit that can input control-related data and communication means for communicating with the higher-level control device, Using one or more operational verification devices to visually confirm the operation of the conveying device, The operation of the desired conveying device is displayed as a video using an operation verification device, and the specification verification process confirms the required operation of the conveying device. A virtual operation verification process involves inputting data into an operation verification device to realize the requested operation, or an operation close to the requested operation, and displaying the operation of the transport device in video based on the input data. The system includes a data input step in which the aforementioned data is input to the individual control devices of the actual transport unit, A method for manufacturing a conveying device, characterized by having a step of actually operating the conveying device with the aforementioned data input, acquiring log data from the individual control devices of each conveying unit, and inputting the log data into an operation verification device to reproduce the operation of the conveying device.

4. The method for manufacturing a conveying device according to claim 3, characterized in that it includes a correction step for confirming a defect in the actual operation verification step and correcting the data.

5. A method for manufacturing a transport device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that in the virtual operation verification step, data is modified to approach the requested operation.

6. A final book creation device is used, and this final book creation device stores a number of pre-set standard phrases and display fields corresponding to the said standard phrases. The final document creation device receives information regarding the layout of the transport device to be manufactured and the data entered in the data input process. A method for manufacturing a conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that a document is created in which the layout and a description based on the data are fitted into a predetermined display field.

7. A final book creation device is used, and the final book creation device stores a plurality of pre-set standard phrases and a display field corresponding to the standard phrases. The final document creation device receives information regarding the layout of the transport device to be manufactured and the data corrected in the correction process. The method for manufacturing a conveying device according to claim 4, characterized in that a document is created in which the layout and a description based on the data are fitted into a predetermined display field.

8. The individual control device contains a basic control circuit, and allows input of parameters required for specific operation as one of the data. A method for manufacturing a conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that parameters for executing the operation of the conveying device revealed in the specification confirmation step are acquired, and said parameters are input to an operation confirmation device when performing a virtual operation confirmation step.

9. The individual control device contains a basic control circuit, and allows input of parameters required for specific operation as one of the data. A method for manufacturing a transport device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that parameters are obtained from the data used in the virtual operation verification step, and the obtained parameters are input to individual control devices in the data input step.

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