Control device and handling system for vibratory conveying equipment

Abstract

[Objective] To provide a control device for a vibratory conveying device that can continuously drive and control the vibratory conveying device under the most suitable conditions without stopping the operation of the vibratory conveying device. [Technical Content] The control device (1) for the vibratory conveying device controls the drive of the vibratory conveying device (100) to move the conveyed object (M). The control device (1) for the vibration conveying device includes: an operation status data acquisition unit (11) that acquires operation status data of the vibration conveying device (100); an ambient environment data acquisition unit (12) that acquires ambient environment data of the vibration conveying device (100); a data comparison unit (14) that compares: a data memory unit (13) that stores the aforementioned operation status data and the aforementioned ambient environment data, and the data stored in the data memory unit (13) with the operation status data acquired by the operation status data acquisition unit (11) and the ambient environment data acquired by the ambient environment data acquisition unit (12); and a control signal generation unit (15) that generates a control signal to drive the vibration conveying device (100) based on the comparison result of the data comparison unit (14).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a control device for a vibratory conveying device and a conveying object handling system, used to control the drive of the vibratory conveying device to convey the conveyed object. Prior Technology

[0002] Known control devices for vibratory conveying devices control the drive of the vibratory conveying device to move the conveyed object. Vibratory conveying devices controlled by such control devices, such as the control device disclosed in Patent Document 1, are known to control the speed and direction of the items being conveyed by the conveyor.

[0003] The aforementioned vibratory conveyor includes: a conveying surface and a frame that transmits vibrational force toward the conveying surface. Vibrational force is applied to the conveyor surface at a predetermined angle to determine the speed and direction of an item on the conveyor surface. In the aforementioned device, the speed and direction of the item on the conveyor surface are changed by altering the vibrational force.

[0004] In detail, the aforementioned conveyor of the aforementioned device can automatically change the aforementioned vibration force by changing the drive conditions of multiple motors that can generate driving force. [Previous Technical Documents] [Patent Literature]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] US Patent No. 8096406 Summary of the Invention

[0006] [The problem the invention aims to solve]

[0007] Although the vibratory handling device disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a relatively long product lifespan, its performance may change due to factors such as changes over the years. If the vibratory handling device with such changed performance is not controlled in a way that takes into account the changed performance, it may be impossible to achieve the desired performance.

[0008] Furthermore, as mentioned above, in order to ensure efficient operation of the vibratory conveying device without it ceasing operation due to malfunctions, preventative maintenance techniques to prevent abnormalities are important. On the other hand, in vibratory conveying devices with relatively long lifespans, such as those described above, the inheritance of preventative maintenance techniques is difficult. Therefore, it is challenging to continuously drive and control the vibratory conveying device under optimal conditions for extended periods.

[0009] Therefore, the vibration conveying device is required to be able to continuously drive and control the device without stopping its operation, under the most suitable conditions.

[0010] The purpose of this invention is to provide a control device for a vibratory conveying device that can continuously drive and control the aforementioned vibratory conveying device under the most suitable conditions without stopping the operation of the vibratory conveying device. [Technical means used to solve the problem]

[0011] A control device for a vibratory conveying device according to one embodiment of the present invention controls the drive of the vibratory conveying device to move the conveyed object. The aforementioned control device for a vibratory conveying device includes: an operation state data acquisition unit that acquires data related to the operation state of the vibratory conveying device, i.e., operation state data; an ambient environment data acquisition unit that acquires data related to the ambient environment of the vibratory conveying device, i.e., ambient environment data; a data storage unit that stores the operation state data and the ambient environment data; a data comparison unit that compares: the data stored in the data storage unit, the operation state data acquired by the operation state data acquisition unit, and the ambient environment data acquired by the ambient environment data acquisition unit; and a control signal generation unit that generates a control signal to drive the vibratory conveying device (first configuration) based on the comparison result of the data comparison unit.

[0012] Therefore, a control signal to drive the vibratory conveying device can be generated by relating the data related to the operating state of the vibratory conveying device (i.e., operating state data), the data related to the surrounding environment of the vibratory conveying device (i.e., surrounding environment data), and the data stored in the data memory unit. Thus, the aforementioned control signal corresponding to the aforementioned operating state data and the aforementioned surrounding environment data can be generated based on the data stored in the aforementioned data memory unit.

[0013] Therefore, it is not necessary to stop the operation of the vibratory conveying device; the vibratory conveying device can be driven and controlled based on the data stored in the aforementioned data memory unit. Thus, a control device for a vibratory conveying device can be provided that allows for continuous drive and control under optimal conditions without stopping the operation of the vibratory conveying device.

[0014] In the aforementioned first configuration, the aforementioned control signal generation unit generates the aforementioned control signal by combining the aforementioned operating status data and the aforementioned surrounding environment data with the data stored in the aforementioned data storage unit (second configuration).

[0015] Therefore, the control signal generation unit is capable of generating control signals by combining operating status data and surrounding environment data with data stored in the data storage unit. Thus, a control device for a vibratory conveying device can be provided that allows continuous drive control without stopping the operation of the vibratory conveying device, under the most suitable conditions.

[0016] In the aforementioned first or second configuration, the aforementioned operating status data also includes the aforementioned abnormal data of the vibration conveying device (third configuration).

[0017] Therefore, abnormalities in the vibratory conveying device can also be considered, generating the aforementioned control signal for the vibratory conveying device. Thus, a control device for a vibratory conveying device can be provided that does not require stopping the operation of the vibratory conveying device, and can continuously drive and control it under the most suitable conditions.

[0018] For any of the aforementioned components 1 to 3, the aforementioned vibrating conveying device is installed on the conveying line and includes a plurality of machines that process the aforementioned conveyed items. The aforementioned ambient environment data acquisition unit acquires data related to the ambient environment of the aforementioned conveying line as the aforementioned ambient environment data (component 4).

[0019] Therefore, control signals for the aforementioned vibratory conveying device can be generated by considering data related to the surrounding environment of the conveying line, which includes the vibratory conveying device and multiple machines handling the conveyed items. Thus, a control device for a vibratory conveying device can be provided that allows for continuous drive and control without stopping the operation of the vibratory conveying device, under the most suitable conditions.

[0020] One embodiment of the present invention provides a handling system for a vibratory handling device having any of the above-described first to fourth configurations. [The effects of the invention]

[0021] A control device for a vibration conveying device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: an operation status data acquisition unit; a surrounding environment data acquisition unit; a data storage unit that stores operation status data of the vibration conveying device and surrounding environment data; a data comparison unit that compares: the data stored in the aforementioned data storage unit, the operation status data acquired by the aforementioned operation status data acquisition unit, and the surrounding environment data acquired by the aforementioned surrounding environment data acquisition unit; and a control signal generation unit that generates a control signal to drive the aforementioned vibration conveying device based on the comparison result of the aforementioned data comparison unit.

[0022] Therefore, the vibration conveying device can be driven and controlled based on the data stored in the data memory unit. Thus, a control device for a vibration conveying device can be provided that allows for continuous drive and control without stopping the operation of the aforementioned vibration conveying device, and can be driven and controlled in the most suitable state. Simple Explanation of the Diagram

[0023] [Figure 1] A diagram showing the schematic configuration of the control device for the vibration conveying device according to the embodiment, displayed by function blocks. [Figure 2] shows a schematic diagram of the structure of the vibratory conveying device. [Figure 3] shows a flowchart of an example of the operation of the control device for a vibratory conveying device. Implementation

[0024] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The same or equivalent symbols used in the drawings will not be repeated.

[0025] (Material handling system) Figure 1 is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of the control device 1 for the vibratory conveying device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, displayed by function blocks. This control device 1 for the vibratory conveying device, for example, controls the drive of the vibratory conveying device 100, which is included in a material handling system S. The material handling system S processes and transports the material M. The material handling system S includes a machine P that processes the material M and the vibratory conveying device 100. The material handling system S has a transport line L formed by the machine P and the vibratory conveying device 100 for processing and transporting the material M. In Figure 1, the arrows in the outer frame indicate the transport direction of the material M.

[0026] Machine P is part of the transport line L and processes the transported item M that is transported by the transport line L. The processing performed by machine P on the transported item M includes, for example, heat treatment, machining, separation, and cleaning of the transported item M. At least one of the plurality of machines P is located upstream of the transport direction of the vibrating transport device 100.

[0027] The material handling system S has an operation status detection unit 2 that detects the operation status of the vibrating conveying device 100 and outputs operation status data, and an ambient environment detection unit 3 that detects ambient environment information of the vibrating conveying device 100 and outputs ambient environment data.

[0028] In this embodiment, the aforementioned operating state includes: the presence or absence of abnormalities in the vibratory conveying device 100, the throughput of the machine P and the conveyed items in the vibratory conveying device 100, and the throughput speed of the machine P and the conveyed items in the vibratory conveying device 100. The aforementioned environmental information includes the temperature, humidity, air pressure, and weather conditions around the vibratory conveying device 100.

[0029] The operation status detection unit 2 includes, for example, an anomaly detection sensor, a sensor for detecting the transported object M, and a sensor for detecting parameters related to the operation of the vibration transport device 100. The ambient environment detection unit 3 includes, for example, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, and a barometric pressure sensor.

[0030] The operation status detection unit 2 is installed in the vibrating conveying device 100. The operation status detection unit 2 may also be installed in the machine P.

[0031] The surrounding environment detection unit 3 is installed near the vibrating conveying device 100. Alternatively, the surrounding environment detection unit 3 may be installed near the conveying line L of the conveying system S. That is, the surrounding environment detection unit 3 may detect data related to the surrounding environment of the conveying line L as the aforementioned surrounding environment data. Multiple surrounding environment detection units 3 may be installed at multiple locations along the conveying line L of the conveying system S.

[0032] The data detected by the operating status detection unit 2 and the surrounding environment detection unit 3 are input to the control device 1 for the vibration conveying device via wired or wireless means. Wireless means can be communication via communication lines such as the Internet and telephone lines, or communication via wireless LAN (local area network) and short-range wireless communication.

[0033] The control device 1 for the vibration conveying device generates a control signal for driving the vibration conveying device 100 in response to the operating state of the vibration conveying device 100 and the surrounding environment of the vibration conveying device 100. In detail, the control device 1 for the vibration conveying device compares: the data stored in the data storage unit 13, the operating state data detected by the operating state detection unit 2, and the surrounding environment data detected by the surrounding environment detection unit 3, and generates a control signal based on the comparison result.

[0034] Specifically, the control device 1 for the vibration conveying device includes: an operating status data acquisition unit 11, a surrounding environment data acquisition unit 12, a data memory unit 13, a data comparison unit 14, and a control signal generation unit 15.

[0035] Furthermore, in this embodiment, unlike the control device 1 for the vibration conveying device, both the machine P and the vibration conveying device 100 have separate drive control devices (not shown). The drive control device installed on the machine P controls the drive of the machine P in response to the control signals generated by the control device 1 for the vibration conveying device. The drive control device installed on the vibration conveying device 100 controls the drive of the vibration conveying device 100 in response to the control signals generated by the control device 1 for the vibration conveying device.

[0036] The operation status data acquisition unit 11 acquires operation status data related to the operation status detected by the operation status detection unit 2.

[0037] The surrounding environment data acquisition unit 12 acquires surrounding environment data related to the surrounding environment detected by the surrounding environment detection unit 3.

[0038] The data storage unit 13 is a device capable of storing any data, such as a hard disk (HDD) or memory. The data storage unit 13 may be located inside or outside the control device 1 for the vibration conveying device. The data storage unit 13 stores data based on the aforementioned operating state data and the aforementioned ambient environment data. For example, the data storage unit 13 stores operating state data and ambient environment data when the vibration conveying device 100 is driven in its most suitable state.

[0039] Furthermore, the data storage unit 13 may contain data other than the operating status data and surrounding environment data of the vibration transport device 100 when it is driven in its most suitable state. Also, the data storage unit 13 may contain operating status data and surrounding environment data of other states of the vibration transport device 100, not the operating status data and surrounding environment data of the vibration transport device 100 when it is driven in its most suitable state. The data storage unit 13 may also contain the operating status data and surrounding environment data of the vibration transport device 100 at predetermined points in time.

[0040] The data comparison unit 14 compares: the operating status data obtained by the operating status data acquisition unit 11, the ambient environment data obtained by the ambient environment data acquisition unit 12, and the data stored in the data memory unit 13. For example, if the aforementioned data stored in the data memory unit 13 is the operating status data and ambient environment data when the vibrating conveying device 100 is driven in the most suitable state, the data comparison unit 14 compares: the operating status data obtained by the operating status data acquisition unit 11, the ambient environment data obtained by the ambient environment data acquisition unit 12, and the operating status data and ambient environment data when the vibrating conveying device 100 is driven in the most suitable state.

[0041] The control signal generation unit 15 generates a control signal for driving the vibration conveying device 100 based on the comparison result of the data comparison unit 14. Specifically, the control signal generation unit 15 uses the comparison result of the data comparison unit 14 to generate a control signal for driving the vibration conveying device 100 in a manner that makes the operating state data and the surrounding environment data close to the data stored in the data storage unit 13. For example, the control signal generation unit 15 generates the control signal such that the difference between the operating state data and the surrounding environment data stored in the data storage unit 13 is zero or below a predetermined value.

[0042] If the aforementioned surrounding environmental data changes, for example, the natural frequency of the vibration conveying device 100 will also change. Therefore, the control signal generation unit 15 generates, for example, correction data for the operating state data in a manner that changes the driving conditions of the vibration conveying device 100 in accordance with the change of the natural frequency, and generates the aforementioned control signal based on the correction data.

[0043] (Vibration conveying device) Next, the vibration conveying device 100 will be briefly described below. Figure 2 is a diagram showing the general configuration of the vibration conveying device 100.

[0044] The vibratory conveying device 100 moves and dries a transported object M by means of vibration. Specifically, the vibratory conveying device 100 includes: a funnel 101, a supply-side feeder 102, a device body 103, a discharge-side feeder 104, a vibration generating unit 105, a hot air supply unit 106, and a cold air supply unit 107. The transported object M is, for example, materials such as food, fertilizer, feed, and rubber.

[0045] The funnel 101 stores the transported material M inside. The supply-side feeder 102 supplies the transported material M stored in the funnel 101 to the upstream side of the device body 103 in the transport direction. The funnel 101 and the supply-side feeder 102 are located above the device body 103. Therefore, the transported material M is supplied to the device body 103 from above by the supply-side feeder 102.

[0046] The discharge-side feeder 104 transports the transported item M, which is being transported downstream in the transport direction of the device body 103, outward from the vibrating transport device 100. The discharge-side feeder 104 is located below the device body 103. Therefore, the transported item M, which is being transported by the device body 103, is discharged from above by the discharge-side feeder 104.

[0047] Although not specifically illustrated, the funnel 101, the supply-side feeder 102, and the discharge-side feeder 104, for example, transport the transported object M by vibration. In this case, the funnel 101, the supply-side feeder 102, and the discharge-side feeder 104 each have a vibration generating unit.

[0048] The device body 103 has: a groove 111, a rectifier plate 121, and a cover 131.

[0049] The groove 111 has a pair of sidewalls 112 and 113 extending in the transport direction, a pair of end walls 114 and 115 connecting the pair of sidewalls at their respective ends in the transport direction, and a bottom wall 116. That is, the groove 111 is a beam-shaped groove extending in the transport direction. The groove 111 has an air supply chamber 111a inside. The air supply chamber 111a is formed by the pair of sidewalls 112 and 113, the pair of end walls 114 and 115, and the bottom wall 116.

[0050] The groove 111 has a plurality of air inlets 111b and 111c arranged side-by-side in the transport direction on one side wall 112. Hot air is supplied to air inlet 111b from the hot air supply section 106 (drying section). Cold air is supplied to air inlet 111c from the cold air supply section 107. Air inlet 111c is located downstream in the transport direction from the side wall 112 of the groove 111. Furthermore, the groove 111 has an outlet 111d for discharging the transported material M downstream in the transport direction from the bottom wall 116. The air supply chamber 111a, air inlets 111b and 111c, and outlet 111d are connected in the groove 111.

[0051] The rectifier plate 121 is a flat, perforated metal plate with numerous openings. The rectifier plate 121 covers the upper side of the groove 111. The openings in the perforated metal plate of the rectifier plate 121 allow gas to pass through from below to above. The rectifier plate 121 constitutes the transport path for the transported object M.

[0052] Cover 131 covers the upper side of rectifier plate 121. Cover 131 is connected to groove 111 through a component not shown. Cover 131 has a supply port 131a on its upper upstream side in the transport direction, through which the transported material M is supplied from the supply-side feeder 102. Furthermore, cover 131 has a plurality of exhaust ports 131b on its upper surface.

[0053] The hot air supply unit 106 is a device that blows out hot air, the temperature of which is regulated by a heating device such as a heater, using a fan or similar air supply device. The temperature of the hot air blown out from the hot air supply unit 106 is regulated according to the type and quantity of the transported object M, the outside air temperature, etc. The cold air supply unit 107 is a device that blows out air using a fan or similar air supply device.

[0054] With the above configuration, the hot air supplied from the hot air supply section 106 through the air supply port 111b to the air supply chamber 111a of the groove 111 passes from bottom to top through the rectifier plate 121, drying the transported object M that is being transported on the rectifier plate 121. On the other hand, the cold air supplied from the cold air supply section 107 through the air supply port 111c to the air supply chamber 111a of the groove 111 passes from bottom to top through the rectifier plate 121, cooling the transported object M that is being transported on the rectifier plate 121.

[0055] Hot and cold air gases flow out of the exhaust port 131b after passing through the rectifier plate 121, and are concentrated in the dust collector 108. In this dust collector 108, the dust contained in the hot and cold air gases is removed.

[0056] The vibration generating unit 105 includes: multiple springs 141, a counterweight 142, a motor 143, and a crank mechanism 144.

[0057] The counterweight 142 is a cuboid component extending in the direction of transport. The counterweight 142 is suspended in the groove 111 by means of a spring 141 and a connecting member not shown.

[0058] The crank mechanism 144 rotates in response to the rotation of the motor 143 located on the counterweight 142, thereby reciprocating the groove 111 obliquely upward in the transport direction. Since the configuration of the crank mechanism 144 is the same as that of conventional mechanisms, detailed descriptions of the crank mechanism 144 are omitted.

[0059] With the above configuration, the vibration generating unit 105 can vibrate the groove 111. As a result, since the vibration is also applied to the rectifier plate 121, the transported object M can be transported in the transport direction on the rectifier plate 121.

[0060] With the above configuration, the vibration generating unit 105 can vibrate the groove 111. As a result, since the vibration is also applied to the rectifier plate 121, the transported object M can be transported in the transport direction on the rectifier plate 121.

[0061] Furthermore, although not specifically illustrated in Figure 2, the vibratory conveying device 100 includes an operating status detection unit 2 on the downstream side in the conveying direction. This unit is a moisture detection sensor for detecting the moisture content of the dried conveyed item M. The moisture detection sensor is, for example, a non-contact moisture meter using infrared light. However, the moisture detection sensor is not limited to a non-contact moisture meter using infrared light; any sensor can be used if it has a configuration that can detect the moisture content of the dried conveyed item M.

[0062] Although not specifically illustrated, the vibration conveying device 100 is also equipped with an operation status detection unit 2, which is a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the hot air blown out from the hot air supply unit 106, a wind speed sensor that detects the wind speed of the aforementioned hot air, and a displacement sensor that detects the vibration generated by the vibration generating unit 105.

[0063] The data detected by the sensors installed in the vibratory conveying device 100 is used as operating status data, for example, in the drive control of the vibratory conveying device 100. Furthermore, the data detected by the aforementioned sensors can also be used in the drive control of the machine P in the material handling system S.

[0064] The control signal generation unit 15 of the control device 1 for the vibratory conveying device calculates the amount of the conveyed object M fed into the vibratory conveying device 100 based on the operating status data of the vibratory conveying device 100 and the surrounding environment data. The control signal generation unit 15 uses the calculated amount of the fed object, the operating status data of the vibratory conveying device 100, and the surrounding environment data to calculate the processing time in the vibratory conveying device 100, and generates a control signal related to the vibration force generated by the vibration generating unit 105 based on this processing time.

[0065] The driving conditions of the vibratory conveying device 100 are determined based on three factors: the type of conveyed item M, the processing time of conveyed item M, and the discharge volume of conveyed item M. That is, in the vibratory conveying device 100, because it is required to process the conveyed item M in a manner that makes the input and discharge volumes equal within a specified time, it is required to process all conveyed items M in a manner that maintains a constant quality within a specified time. Therefore, the control signal generation unit 15 generates a first control signal based on the processing time obtained from the aforementioned calculated input volume.

[0066] The control signal generation unit 15 obtains the aforementioned control signal by modifying the first control signal based on the comparison results of the operating status data of the vibrating conveying device 100, the surrounding environment data, and the data stored in the data storage unit 13. Therefore, the aforementioned control signal takes into account not only the amount of material being conveyed by the vibrating conveying device 100, but also the aforementioned comparison results.

[0067] The control signal generation unit 15 generates, for example, correction data of the operating state data of the vibration transport device 100 by changing the driving conditions of the vibration transport device 100 in accordance with the change of the natural frequency of the vibration transport device 100 in response to changes in the surrounding environmental data, and generates the aforementioned control signal based on the correction data.

[0068] As described above, the control signal generation unit 15 generates a control signal for driving the vibration conveying device 100 by also using the aforementioned comparison results, so that the vibration conveying device 100 can be continuously driven and controlled in the most suitable state.

[0069] (Action of the control device) Next, the operation of the control device 1 for the vibration conveying device having the above-described configuration will be explained using the process shown in FIG3 as follows.

[0070] If the process shown in Figure 3 is started (START), the operation status data acquisition unit 11 acquires operation status data related to the operation status of the vibration conveying device 100 detected by the operation status detection unit 2 (step S1).

[0071] The surrounding environment data acquisition unit 12 acquires surrounding environment data related to the surrounding environment of the vibration conveying device 100 detected by the surrounding environment detection unit 3 (step S2). Furthermore, the surrounding environment data can be acquired by the surrounding environment data acquisition unit 12 before or simultaneously with the acquisition of the aforementioned operating status data generated by the operating status data acquisition unit 11.

[0072] The data comparison unit 14 compares: the operating status data detected by the operating status detection unit 2, the surrounding environment data detected by the surrounding environment detection unit 3, and the data stored in the data memory unit 13 (step S3).

[0073] The control signal generation unit 15 generates a first control signal (step S4) based on the operating status data of the vibrating conveying device 100 and the surrounding environment data. Specifically, the control signal generation unit 15 calculates the amount of the conveyed object M fed into the vibrating conveying device 100 based on the operating status data of the vibrating conveying device 100 and the surrounding environment data, and generates the aforementioned first control signal based on the processing time of the conveyed object M in the vibrating conveying device 100 obtained from the calculated amount of feed.

[0074] The control signal generation unit 15 corrects the aforementioned first control signal based on the data comparison result generated by the data comparison unit 14 (step S5). That is, the control signal generation unit 15 generates a control signal in a manner that makes the operating state data and the surrounding environment data close to the data stored in the data storage unit 13 (step S6). For example, the control signal generation unit 15 generates the aforementioned control signal in a manner that makes the difference between the aforementioned operating state data, the aforementioned surrounding environment data, and the data in the data storage unit 13 zero, or below a predetermined value. Subsequently, the vibration conveying device control device 1 outputs the aforementioned control signal to the vibration conveying device 100, ending this process (END).

[0075] Here, if the aforementioned environmental data changes, for example, the natural frequency of the vibrating conveyor 100 will also change. Therefore, the control signal generation unit 15 generates correction data for the operating state data by changing the driving conditions of the vibrating conveyor 100 in accordance with the change in the natural frequency, and generates the aforementioned control signal based on the correction data. In the data memory unit 13, for example, the relationship between the physical quantities of the aforementioned environmental data and the change in the natural frequency of the vibrating conveyor 100 is stored in data tables and formulas. The control signal generation unit 15 uses the aforementioned relationship to generate the aforementioned correction data. Thus, the control signal generation unit 15 can generate the aforementioned control signal in a way that the aforementioned operating state data and the aforementioned environmental data are in accordance with the data stored in the data memory unit 13.

[0076] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control signal generation unit 15 generates a control signal for driving and controlling the vibrating conveying device 100. However, the control signal generation unit may also generate a control signal for driving and controlling the machine P of the conveying and handling system S.

[0077] From the above, the control device 1 for the vibration conveying device of this embodiment can control the drive of the vibration conveying device 100 to move the conveyed object M. The control device 1 for the vibration conveying device includes: an operation status data acquisition unit 11, which acquires data related to the operation status of the vibration conveying device 100, i.e., operation status data; an ambient environment data acquisition unit 12, which acquires data related to the ambient environment of the vibration conveying device 100, i.e., ambient environment data; a data memory unit 13, which stores the aforementioned operation status data and the aforementioned ambient environment data; a data comparison unit 14, which compares: the data stored in the data memory unit 13, the operation status data acquired by the operation status data acquisition unit 11, and the ambient environment data acquired by the ambient environment data acquisition unit 12; and a control signal generation unit 15, which generates a control signal to drive the vibration conveying device 100 based on the comparison result of the data comparison unit 14.

[0078] Therefore, a control signal for driving the vibration conveying device 100 can be generated by relating the data related to the operating state of the vibration conveying device 100 (i.e., operating state data), the data related to the surrounding environment of the vibration conveying device 100 (i.e., surrounding environment data), and the data stored in the data memory unit 13. Thus, the aforementioned control signal corresponding to the aforementioned operating state data and the aforementioned surrounding environment data can be generated based on the data stored in the data memory unit 13.

[0079] Therefore, the vibration conveying device 100 can be driven and controlled based on the data stored in the data memory unit 13. Thus, a control device 1 for the vibration conveying device can be provided, which can continuously drive and control the vibration conveying device 100 in the most suitable state without stopping its operation.

[0080] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control signal generation unit 15 generates the aforementioned control signal by combining the aforementioned operating status data and the aforementioned surrounding environment data with the data stored in the data storage unit 13.

[0081] Therefore, the control signal generation unit 15 can generate a control signal by combining the operating status data and the surrounding environment data with the data stored in the data storage unit 13. Thus, a control device for a vibratory conveying device can be provided that allows continuous drive control 1 under the most suitable conditions without stopping the operation of the vibratory conveying device.

[0082] In this embodiment, the vibrating conveying device 100 is installed on the conveying line L, which includes a plurality of machines that process the conveyed object M. The surrounding environment data acquisition unit 12 acquires data related to the surrounding environment of the conveying line L as the aforementioned surrounding environment data.

[0083] Therefore, control signals for the vibratory conveying device 100 can be generated by considering data related to the surrounding environment of the conveying line L, which includes multiple machines P that process the vibratory conveying device 100 and the conveyed object M. Thus, a control device 1 for the vibratory conveying device can be provided, which can continuously drive and control the vibratory conveying device 100 in the most suitable state without stopping its operation.

[0084] [Other implementation methods] While embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are merely illustrative examples for implementing the present invention. Therefore, the invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and the above embodiments can be adapted and modified without departing from its spirit.

[0085] In the aforementioned embodiments, the control device 1 for the vibration conveying device may comprise multiple devices or may be constituted as a single unit. That is, some of the operating status data acquisition unit, ambient environment data acquisition unit, data memory unit, data comparison unit, and control signal generation unit may be constituted by different devices. Furthermore, the operating status data acquisition unit, ambient environment data acquisition unit, data memory unit, data comparison unit, and control signal generation unit may be housed within a single device.

[0086] In the foregoing embodiments, one example of a vibratory conveying device is described as vibratory conveying device 100. However, a vibratory conveying device may have a configuration that allows it to convey objects by vibrating them, or it may have a configuration other than vibratory conveying device 100. A vibratory conveying device may not even have the function of drying the objects it conveys.

[0087] In the aforementioned embodiment, the control signal generation unit 15 generates a first control signal based on the operating status data of the vibration conveying device 100 and the surrounding environment data, and then modifies the first control signal according to the data comparison result generated by the data comparison unit 14 to generate a control signal. However, the control signal generation unit may also generate the aforementioned control signal without generating the first control signal based on the aforementioned operating status data, the aforementioned surrounding environment data, and the aforementioned data comparison result.

[0088] The aforementioned operating status data may include abnormal data. Abnormal data refers to data that differs from the normal operating status of the vibratory conveying device, indicating an abnormality when the vibratory conveying device is driven. The aforementioned abnormal data may include data regarding the degree of abnormality of the vibratory conveying device, and may also include data identified as abnormal.

[0089] Therefore, abnormalities in the vibratory conveying device can also be considered, and a control signal for the vibratory conveying device can be generated. Thus, a control device 1 for a vibratory conveying device can be provided that does not require stopping the operation of the vibratory conveying device and can continuously drive and control it under the most suitable conditions. [Industry availability]

[0090] This invention can be used as a control device for a vibratory conveying device, which can control the drive of the vibratory conveying device to move the conveyed object.

[0091] 1: Control device for vibration conveying equipment 2: Operational Status Detection Unit 3: Surrounding Environment Detection Department 11: Operational Status Data Acquisition Department 12: Surrounding Environment Data Acquisition Department 13: Data Memory Department 14: Comparison of Data 15: Control Signal Generation Unit 100: Vibration conveying device 101: Funnel 102: Supply-side feeder 103:Device body 104: Discharge side feeder 105: Vibration Generating Unit 106: Hot air supply section 107: Air Conditioning Unit 108: Dust Collector 111: Trench 111a: Gas supply chamber 111b, 111c: Air inlets 111d: Discharge outlet 112, 113: Sidewalls 114,115: End wall 116: Bottom wall 121: Rectifier 131: Cover 131a: Supply Port 131b: Exhaust port 141: Base 142: Leaf Spring 143: RV Motor 143a: Electric motor 143b, 143c: Unbalanced weights S: Material handling system L: Transport line M: Transported Goods P: Machine

Claims

1. A control device for a vibrating conveying apparatus, which controls the drive of the vibrating conveying apparatus, wherein the vibrating conveying apparatus conveys an object and includes at least one of a hot air supply section for drying and cooling the object and a cold air supply section, and is provided with at least one of: a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the hot air blown from the hot air supply section, a wind speed sensor for detecting the wind speed of the hot air, and a moisture content detection sensor for detecting the moisture content of the dried object; the control device for the vibrating conveying apparatus further comprises: The system comprises: an operation status data acquisition unit, which acquires operation status data (i.e., data related to the operation status of the vibrating conveying device) from at least one of the temperature sensor, wind speed sensor, and moisture detection sensor when the transported object is dried or cooled by the hot air supply unit or the cold air supply unit; an ambient environment data acquisition unit, which acquires ambient environment data (i.e., data related to the ambient environment of the vibrating conveying device); a data memory unit, which stores the operation status data and the ambient environment data; a data comparison unit, which compares the data stored in the data memory unit with the operation status data acquired by the operation status data acquisition unit and the ambient environment data acquired by the ambient environment data acquisition unit; and a control signal generation unit, which generates a control signal to drive the vibrating conveying device based on the comparison result of the data comparison unit.

2. A control device for the vibratory conveying device as requested in item 1, wherein, The aforementioned control signal generation unit generates the aforementioned control signal by combining the aforementioned operating status data and the aforementioned surrounding environment data with the data stored in the aforementioned data storage unit.

3. A control device for the vibratory conveying device as requested in item 1 or 2, wherein, The aforementioned operational status data also includes abnormal data of the aforementioned vibration conveying device.

4. A control device for the vibratory conveying device as requested in item 1 or 2, wherein, The aforementioned vibrating conveying device is installed on the conveying line and includes a plurality of machines that process the aforementioned conveyed items. The aforementioned ambient environment data acquisition unit acquires data related to the ambient environment of the aforementioned conveying line as the aforementioned ambient environment data.

5. A material handling system comprising: a vibratory conveying device for conveying materials, a control device for driving and controlling the vibratory conveying device, a machine disposed upstream of the vibratory conveying device for handling and conveying the materials, and an environmental data acquisition unit for acquiring environmental data related to the surrounding environment of the vibratory conveying device, wherein the vibratory conveying device includes at least one of a hot air supply unit for drying and cooling the materials and a cold air supply unit, and is provided with at least one of: a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the hot air blown from the hot air supply unit, an air velocity sensor for detecting the air velocity of the hot air, and a moisture content detection sensor for detecting the moisture content of the dried materials, and an operation status detection unit for detecting the operation status by means of at least one of the temperature sensor, the air velocity sensor, and the moisture content detection sensor and outputting it as operation status data; the control device for the vibratory conveying device includes: The system comprises: an operation status data acquisition unit, which acquires operation status data related to the operation status of the aforementioned vibrating conveying device; a surrounding environment data acquisition unit, which acquires surrounding environment data related to the surrounding environment of the aforementioned vibrating conveying device; a data memory unit, which stores the aforementioned operation status data and the aforementioned surrounding environment data; a data comparison unit, which compares: the data stored in the aforementioned data memory unit, the operation status data acquired by the aforementioned operation status data acquisition unit, and the surrounding environment data acquired by the aforementioned surrounding environment data acquisition unit; and a control signal generation unit, which generates a control signal to drive the aforementioned vibrating conveying device based on the comparison result of the aforementioned data comparison unit.

Images