Travel-type tube conveyor

The mobile tube conveyor system addresses the issues of false detection and high costs in conventional systems by employing pair arrival detection units and mechanical switches for synchronized movement, enhancing durability and reducing costs.

WO2026126642A1PCT designated stage Publication Date: 2026-06-18UNOZAWA ENGINEERING SERVICE CO LTD

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
UNOZAWA ENGINEERING SERVICE CO LTD
Filing Date
2025-10-17
Publication Date
2026-06-18

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Conventional self-synchronizers in mobile tube conveyors are prone to heat and vibration, leading to false detection and high costs due to their precision components and electrical circuits, necessitating a more durable and cost-effective solution.

Method used

A mobile tube conveyor system with pair arrival detection units and control mechanisms using limit switches or optical/magnetic switches to synchronize the movement of traveling sections, preventing slanting and malfunctions, and reducing the need for precise electrical control.

🎯Benefits of technology

The system is durable, less prone to false detections, and cost-effective by using mechanical switches resistant to harsh environments, ensuring precise synchronization without continuous high-precision control.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

Provided is a travel-type tube conveyor which is difficult to break, less likely to malfunction, and is inexpensive. The travel-type tube conveyor comprises a feeder tube 10, travel devices 20, paired arrival detection units 30, and a control unit 40. The paired arrival detection units 30 comprise first detection units 31 and second detection units 32 that are configured to be able to detect arrival of a first travel unit 21 and a second travel unit 22 and are arranged at corresponding positions at prescribed intervals not exceeding the limit value of the travel-distance difference between the first travel unit 21 and the second travel unit 22 in the traveling direction of the travel devices 20. Upon detection of arrival of the first travel unit 21 by a given first detection unit 31N, the control unit 40 stops the traveling of the first travel unit 21 until a given second detection unit 32N which is arranged at a corresponding position detects arrival of the second travel unit 22, and performs travel control on the travel devices 20 so that the travel-distance difference between the first travel unit 21 and the second travel unit 22 does not exceed the limit value.
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Description

Mobile tube conveyor 【0001】 The present invention relates to a mobile tube conveyor, and more particularly to a mobile tube conveyor that discharges bulk material while running a feeder tube beneath a silo. 【0002】 For example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, a mobile tube conveyor has been known for some time. Such a mobile tube conveyor comprises a cylindrical tube with multiple intake ports distributed along its longitudinal direction, a screw arranged coaxially with the tube inside the tube, a rotating means for rotating the tube and the screw relative to each other, and a mobile device for moving the feeder tube consisting of these components laterally. The mobile device is positioned at both ends of the feeder tube and is configured to move laterally relative to the silo on the underside of the silo. 【0003】 The traveling devices positioned at both ends of the feeder tube operate independently. Therefore, when the feeder tube is moved laterally relative to the silo, each traveling device is operated synchronously to ensure that the feeder tube moves straight without slanting. A self-synchronizer (synchronized motor) is generally used as a control device for synchronous operation. A self-synchronizer electrically connects two motors, allowing the shaft of one motor to rotate in accordance with the rotation of the other motor's shaft. By controlling the rotational position of the rotating shafts of the traveling devices at both ends using such a self-synchronizer, differences in travel distance are eliminated, thereby preventing slanting. 【0004】 Special table 2016-514660 publication 【0005】 Conventional self-synchronizers, the control devices for the travel mechanism used in conventional self-traveling tube conveyors, were susceptible to heat and vibration due to their precision components. Furthermore, because self-synchronizers electrically synchronize rotational operation with respect to the rotating shaft, they differed from the actual travel distance, raising concerns about false detection. In addition, self-synchronizers themselves were expensive, and electrical circuits for travel control were also required. Therefore, there was a need for the development of an inexpensive self-traveling tube conveyor that was less prone to breakage and false detection. 【0006】 In view of such circumstances, the present invention aims to provide a traveling tube conveyor that is difficult to break, has little risk of false detection, and is inexpensive. 【0007】 In order to achieve the above object of the present invention, the traveling tube conveyor according to the present invention includes a tube having a plurality of inlets for taking in bulk materials, a screw disposed coaxially with the tube inside the tube, a rotating mechanism for relatively rotating the tube and the screw about the axis, a feeder tube composed of these, and a traveling device for traveling the feeder tube across the lower opening of the silo, the traveling device including a first traveling part and a second traveling part provided at both ends of the tube respectively, and a plurality of pair arrival detection parts configured to be able to detect that the first traveling part and the second traveling part of the traveling device have respectively arrived, the plurality of pair arrival detection parts each including a first detection part and a second detection part disposed at corresponding positions at a predetermined interval not exceeding the limit value of the travel distance difference between the first traveling part and the second traveling part in the traveling direction of the traveling device, and a control part that stops the travel of the first traveling part until a certain second detection part disposed at a position corresponding to a certain first detection part detects the arrival of the second traveling part when the certain first detection part of the plurality of pair arrival detection parts detects the arrival of the first traveling part, and performs travel control of the traveling device so as not to exceed the limit value of the travel distance difference between the first traveling part and the second traveling part. 【0008】 Here, the control part may perform travel control of the traveling device such that after stopping the travel of the second traveling part when a certain second detection part detects the arrival of the second traveling part, it resumes travel together with the first traveling part that has already stopped traveling. 【0009】 Further, the control part may perform travel control of the traveling device such that when a certain second detection part detects the arrival of the second traveling part, it continues the travel of the second traveling part and resumes the travel of the first traveling part that has already stopped traveling. 【0010】Furthermore, the first and second detection units of the multiple pair arrival detection units each consist of limit switches, and the first and second traveling units of the traveling device each have strikers that contact the limit switches when they reach them. 【0011】 Furthermore, the system includes a plurality of paired malfunction prevention units, each consisting of a first malfunction detection unit and a second malfunction detection unit, which are configured to detect when the first and second running sections of the running device have reached their respective destinations. The plurality of paired malfunction prevention units are positioned at predetermined intervals between the plurality of paired arrival detection units. The control unit determines that a paired arrival detection unit is malfunctioning and controls the running device to stop its movement if the next paired malfunction prevention unit in the direction of travel detects the running device's arrival before a previous paired arrival detection unit detects its arrival. 【0012】 Furthermore, the pair malfunction prevention unit may be configured using a pair arrival detection unit. 【0013】 Furthermore, the first and second detection units of the multiple pair arrival detection units may each consist of a striker, and the first and second traveling units of the traveling device may each have limit switches that contact the striker when they reach it. 【0014】 Furthermore, the system may include a pair malfunction prevention unit comprising a first malfunction detection unit and a second malfunction detection unit, each configured to detect when the first and second running sections of the running device have reached their respective destinations. The pair malfunction prevention unit is positioned at a distance narrower than the predetermined interval at which multiple pair arrival detection units are arranged, from the limit switches of the first and second running sections of the running device. The control unit may determine that the limit switches are malfunctioning and control the running device to stop its movement if the pair malfunction prevention unit detects that the running device has reached the pair arrival detection unit before the limit switches of the first and second running sections detect that the running device has reached the pair arrival detection unit. 【0015】Furthermore, the first and second detection units of the multiple pair arrival detection units may consist of optical switches or magnetic switches capable of detecting when the first and second traveling units of the traveling device have arrived, respectively. 【0016】 The mobile tube conveyor of the present invention has the advantages of being durable, less prone to false detections, and inexpensive. 【0017】 Figure 1 is a schematic top view illustrating the mobile tube conveyor of the present invention. Figure 2 is a schematic side view illustrating the mobile tube conveyor of the present invention. Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating the control unit of the mobile tube conveyor of the present invention. Figure 4 is a block diagram illustrating another control unit of the mobile tube conveyor of the present invention. Figure 5 is a schematic side view illustrating another example of the mobile tube conveyor of the present invention. Figure 6 is a schematic side view illustrating yet another example of the mobile tube conveyor of the present invention. 【0018】 The embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the illustrations. Figure 1 is a schematic top view illustrating the mobile tube conveyor of the present invention. Figure 2 is a schematic side view illustrating the mobile tube conveyor of the present invention. In the figures, parts with the same reference numerals as in Figure 1 represent the same parts. Note that the illustrations are merely schematic explanatory diagrams, and the aspect ratio and the ratio of the size of each part are not accurate. The mobile tube conveyor of the present invention is for discharging bulk material from a silo 1. Here, bulk material can be any granular material that is the raw material for a finished product, such as wood chips, coal, paper pulp, peat, sand, cement, ash, grains, pellets, etc. By discharging while the mobile tube conveyor is driven across the lower opening 2 of the silo 1, it is possible to evenly discharge the bulk material accumulated in the silo 1 from the bottom. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the mobile tube conveyor of the present invention mainly consists of a feeder tube 10, a mobile device 20, a pair arrival detection unit 30, and a control unit 40. 【0019】The feeder tube 10 consists of a tube 11, a screw 12, and rotating mechanisms 13 and 13'. The tube 11 has multiple intake ports 14 for taking in bulk material. The screw 12 is positioned coaxially with the tube 11 inside the tube 11. The rotating mechanisms 13 and 13' rotate the tube 11 and the screw 12 relative to each other around their axis. In the illustrated example, the rotating mechanism 13 rotates the tube 11, and the rotating mechanism 13' rotates the screw 12. The bulk material accumulated in the silo 1 is taken into the tube 11 through the intake ports 14 of the rotating tube 11. The bulk material is then moved longitudinally by the screw 12 rotating inside the tube 11 and discharged from the end of the tube 11. In the mobile tube conveyor of the present invention, the feeder tube 10 itself can be any existing or future developed structure. 【0020】 The traveling device 20 consists of a first traveling section 21 and a second traveling section 22. The traveling device 20 is for moving the feeder tube 10 across the lower opening 2 of the silo 1. The first traveling section 21 and the second traveling section 22 are provided at both ends of the tube 11, respectively. More specifically, the traveling device 20 has the function of supporting both ends of the shaft of the feeder tube 10 and the function of moving the feeder tube 10. The traveling device 20 should rotatably support the tube 11 and screw 12 of the feeder tube 10, and rotating mechanisms 13 and 13' should be arranged therein. The first traveling section 21 and the second traveling section 22 may be appropriately configured with electric motors. The first traveling section 21 and the second traveling section 22 should be configured so that their operation can be turned on / off by the control unit 40 described later. For example, the first and second running units 21 and 22 can be controlled to move by controlling the power supplied to them by turning the power on and off. 【0021】 The multiple pair arrival detection units 30 consist of multiple switches configured to detect when the first travel unit 21 and the second travel unit 22 of the travel device 20 have arrived. Specifically, the pair arrival detection unit 30 consists of the first detection unit 31 N and second detection unit 32N It consists of the first detection unit 31 N and the second detection unit 32 N are arranged at corresponding positions at a predetermined interval that does not exceed the limit value of the travel distance difference between the first traveling unit 21 and the second traveling unit 22 in the traveling direction of the traveling device 20. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the first detection unit 31 N and the second detection unit 32 N are arranged along the lane 3 on which the first traveling unit 21 and the second traveling unit 22 of the traveling device 20 travel respectively. For example, the first detection unit 31 1 is paired with the second detection unit 32 1 to form the pair arrival detection unit 30 1 The first detection unit 31 1 and the second detection unit 32 1 may be arranged along a perpendicular line to the lane 3. And the arrangement interval between the first detection unit 31 1 and the first detection unit 31 2 is set to an interval that does not exceed the limit value of the travel distance difference between the first traveling unit 21 and the second traveling unit 22. That is, the inclination of the line connecting the first detection unit 31 1 and the second detection unit 32 2 is such that the first detection unit 31 N and the second detection unit 32 N may be arranged at an interval that does not exceed the allowable skew range of the feeder tube 10. 【0022】 Here, the first detection unit 31 N and the second detection unit 32 N may each be a limit switch. The limit switch is a contact type sensor that turns on the switch by contacting an object. In order to detect that the traveling device 20 has arrived using this limit switch, the first traveling unit 21 of the traveling device 20 has a striker 23, and the second traveling unit 22 has a striker 24. When the striker 23 and the striker 24 contact the first detection unit 31 N and the second detection unit 32 N respectively, the first detection unit 31 N and the second detection unit 32 NWhen the device is turned on, it can detect that the first travel unit 21 and the second travel unit 22 have reached their respective positions. 【0023】 Furthermore, the limit switch and striker may be arranged in reverse. That is, the first detection unit 31 of the multiple pair arrival detection units 30 N and second detection unit 32 N However, each may consist of a striker, and the first running section 21 and the second running section 22 may be configured to each have limit switches that contact the striker when they reach it. This makes it possible to reduce the number of switches. 【0024】 Furthermore, the first detection unit 31 and the second detection unit 32 used in the pair arrival detection unit 30 of the traveling tube conveyor of the present invention are not limited to limit switches, and may be any other highly durable switch that can be used even in harsh environments. Also, they do not necessarily have to be contact switches, and the first detection unit 31 and the second detection unit 32 may consist of optical switches, magnetic switches, etc., as long as they are capable of detecting when the first traveling unit 21 and the second traveling unit 22 of the traveling device 20 have arrived. 【0025】 The control unit 40 controls the movement of the travel device 20. Specifically, a first detection unit 31 N When the first travel unit 21 is detected to have arrived, a certain first detection unit 31 N A second detection unit 32 is located at the position corresponding to N The movement of the first travel unit 21 is stopped until the arrival of the second travel unit 22 is detected. For example, the first detection unit 31 1 When the first travel unit 21 is detected to have arrived, the first detection unit 31 1 The second detection unit 32 is positioned at the corresponding location. 1The first travel unit 21 is kept stopped until the arrival of the second travel unit 22 is detected. This makes it possible to synchronize the movement of the first travel unit 21 and the second travel unit 22 at intervals of multiple pair arrival detection units 30. By performing this control by the control unit 40, it is possible to control the travel device 20 so as not to exceed the limit value of the difference in travel distance between the first travel unit 21 and the second travel unit 22. The control unit 40 should be configured to appropriately receive signals from each switch of the multiple pair arrival detection units 30. It should also be configured to transmit control signals to the travel device 20 for travel control. 【0026】 The control of the control unit 40 will be explained in more detail using Figure 3. Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating the control unit of the traveling tube conveyor of the present invention. In the figure, parts with the same reference numerals as in Figures 1 and 2 represent the same components. Note that the steps necessary to start a general traveling device, such as the start conditions, have been omitted. The control unit 40 in the illustrated example includes a first detection unit 31 N When the first travel unit 21 is detected to have arrived, a certain first detection unit 31 N A second detection unit 32 is located at the position corresponding to N The travel device 20 is controlled to stop the travel of the first travel unit 21 until it detects the arrival of the second travel unit 22. N When the system detects the arrival of the second travel unit 22, it stops the travel of the second travel unit 22 and then controls the travel of the travel device 20 so that it resumes travel together with the first travel unit 21, which has already stopped traveling. In other words, in the illustrated control example, the first travel unit 21 and the second travel unit 22 are both turned off each time they reach the pair arrival detection unit 30, and then turned on in unison to restart. 【0027】 Specifically, first, the control unit 40 sends a start command to the traveling device 20. Based on this command, the first traveling unit 21 and the second traveling unit 22 turn on and start traveling. Then, the AND block 41 checks if the first traveling unit 21 is on and the first detection unit 31 N When it turns on, the first driving unit 21 is turned off. Similarly, the AND block 42 checks if the second driving unit 22 is on and the second detection unit 32N When it turns on, the second driving unit 22 is turned off. Then, when both the first driving unit 21 and the second driving unit 22 are turned off by the AND block 43, the first driving unit 21 and the second driving unit 22 are turned on again and driving resumes. Then, the first detection unit 31 N and second detection unit 32 N The N is set to N+1, and the next pair arrival detection unit 30 is detected to turn on. These controls are repeated until the last pair arrival detection unit 30 is reached. Once the last pair arrival detection unit 30 is reached, the travel device 20 may be made to move in reverse. In that case, the first detection unit 31 N and second detection unit 32 N The process involves repeatedly changing N to N-1 and detecting when the next pair arrival detection unit 30 turns on. 【0028】 Figure 4 is a block diagram illustrating another control unit of the traveling tube conveyor of the present invention. In the figure, parts with the same reference numerals as in Figures 1 and 2 represent the same components. Note that the steps necessary to start a typical traveling device, such as startup conditions, have been omitted. The control unit 40 in the illustrated example is a second detection unit 32 N When the system detects the arrival of the second running unit 22, it controls the running of the running device 20 to continue the running of the second running unit 22 and to restart the running of the first running unit 21, which has already stopped running. In other words, in the illustrated control example, the first running unit 21 and the second running unit 22 are turned off by the one that reaches the pair arrival detection unit 30 first, and then the other running unit is turned on in sync with the timing when the other reaches the pair arrival detection unit 30, and they restart in unison. 【0029】 Specifically, first, the control unit 40 sends a start command to the traveling device 20. Based on this command, the first traveling unit 21 and the second traveling unit 22 turn on and start traveling. Then, the AND block 41 checks if the first traveling unit 21 is on and the first detection unit 31 N When it turns on, the first driving unit 21 is turned off. Similarly, the AND block 42 checks if the second driving unit 22 is on and the second detection unit 32 NWhen it is turned on, the second driving unit 22 is turned off. Here, before turning off the first driving unit 21 or the second driving unit 22, the comparison block 44 checks a certain first detection unit 31 N The timing at which it turns on, and the first detection unit 31 N A second detection unit 32 is located at the position corresponding to N This is compared with the timing when it turns on. For example, the first detection unit 31 N If the first unit turns on first, the first driving unit 21 stops moving. Then, the second detection unit 32 is activated by the AND block 45. N Even if the second driving unit 22 is turned on, the driving will continue with the second driving unit 22 turned on, and the driving of the first driving unit 21, which has already stopped, will be restarted. Similarly, in the comparison block 44, for example, the second detection unit 32 N If the first unit turns on first, the second drive unit 22 stops moving. Then, the AND block 46 activates the first detection unit 31 N Even if the first drive unit 21 is turned on, the first drive unit 21 is kept on and the second drive unit 22, which has already stopped, is restarted. These controls should be repeated until the last pair arrival detection unit 30 is reached. 【0030】 Thus, in the traveling tube conveyor of the present invention, the pair arrival detection unit 30 can physically detect when the traveling device 20 has reached the position of the pair arrival detection unit 30, thus reducing the risk of malfunction. Therefore, the skew of the feeder tube 10 can be reliably prevented. In addition, since the switch is a simple mechanical part, it is resistant to heat and vibration. Furthermore, since no special control is required until the traveling device 20 reaches the next pair arrival detection unit 30, there is no need to continuously control the first traveling unit 21 and the second traveling unit 22 with high precision. Therefore, it can be manufactured at low cost. 【0031】Next, another example of the mobile tube conveyor of the present invention will be described using Figure 5. Figure 5 is a schematic side view illustrating another example of the mobile tube conveyor of the present invention. In the figure, parts with the same reference numerals as in Figure 1 represent the same components. The illustrated example is an example of a mobile tube conveyor configured to prevent malfunctions. As shown in the illustration, the mobile tube conveyor of the present invention has a plurality of paired malfunction prevention units 35 in addition to the configurations in Figures 1 and 2. The paired malfunction prevention units 35 include a first malfunction detection unit 36 N and second malfunction detection unit 37 N The pair malfunction prevention unit 35 is configured to detect when the first travel unit 21 and the second travel unit 22 have reached their respective destinations. Specifically, the first malfunction detection unit 36 N The first travel unit 21 is configured to detect when it has reached its destination. Also, the second malfunction detection unit 37 N The second travel unit 22 is configured to detect when it has arrived. As shown in Figure 5, the pair malfunction prevention unit 35 configured in this way is positioned at a predetermined interval between the multiple pair arrival detection units 30. Specifically, for example, the second detection unit 32 1 and second detection unit 32 2 During this time, the second malfunction detection unit 37 1 They are placed. 【0032】 Then, if the control unit 40 detects the arrival of the next pair in the direction of travel before the arrival of the travel device 20 by the arrival of the travel device 20 by the arrival of the next pair in the direction of travel by the malfunction prevention unit 35, the control unit 40 determines that the arrival of the pair 30 is malfunctioning and controls the travel of the travel device 20 to stop its movement. Specifically, for example, the second detection unit 32 2 Before the arrival of the second travel unit 22 is detected, the next second malfunction detection unit 37 2 If the second travel unit 22 is detected to have arrived, the second detection unit 32 2 It determines that it is malfunctioning. For example, if it is working normally, the second detection unit 32 2 It is supposed to receive an arrival detection signal from, but in the event of a malfunction, it does not receive an arrival detection signal. And the second detection unit 32 2 Without receiving the arrival detection signal from the next second malfunction detection unit 37 2The control unit 40 will receive an arrival detection signal from the second detection unit 32. 2 It becomes possible to detect if any malfunction has occurred. By using such a pair of malfunction prevention units 35, the mobile tube conveyor of the present invention can further prevent malfunctions. 【0033】 Furthermore, each switch in the pair malfunction prevention unit 35 may be the same type of switch as the switches in the pair arrival detection unit 30, for example, a limit switch. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the first detection unit 31 N or second detection unit 32 N It is also acceptable to use switches of a different type. For example, by using switches of a different type, they will have different durability and performance in the same environment, and can therefore function as a means of preventing malfunctions. 【0034】 Furthermore, the multiple pair malfunction prevention unit 35 may be configured using multiple pair arrival detection units 30. By arranging the multiple pair arrival detection units 30 with a narrow spacing between them, even if one switch is passed and the next switch is reached, the configuration can be ensured so that the allowable oblique range of the feeder tube 10 is not exceeded. Specifically, for example, the second detection unit 32 1 and second detection unit 32 3 The spacing between the switches is arranged so that it does not exceed the allowable slanting range of the feeder tube 10. In other words, the spacing between one switch and the next switch (skipping one switch) should not exceed the slanting range. 【0035】 Furthermore, another example of the mobile tube conveyor of the present invention will be described using Figure 6. Figure 6 is a schematic side view illustrating yet another example of the mobile tube conveyor of the present invention. In the figure, parts with the same reference numerals as in Figure 5 represent the same components. The illustrated example is another example of a mobile tube conveyor configured to prevent malfunctions. As shown in the figure, the first detection unit 31 and the second detection unit 32 of the multiple pair arrival detection units 30 are each made up of strikers. The first mobile unit 21 is the first detection unit 31 N When it reaches the first detection unit 31 NIt has a first limit switch 26 that makes contact with the second limit switch 32. N When it reaches the second detection unit 32 N It has a second limit switch 27 that makes contact with the [unclear]. 【0036】 In the traveling tube conveyor of the present invention configured in this way, the control unit 40 can control the movement of the traveling device 20, similar to the illustrated example described above. Specifically, for example, the first limit switch 26 controls the movement of the first detection unit 31 where the first traveling unit 21 is located. N When it is detected that the second limit has been reached, the second limit switch 27 activates the first detection unit 31 where the second travel unit 22 is located. N A second detection unit 32 is located at the position corresponding to N The first running unit 21 is kept stopped until it is detected that it has reached the target. This makes it possible to synchronize the movement of the first running unit 21 and the second running unit 22 at intervals between multiple pair arrival detection units 30. 【0037】 Furthermore, the mobile tube conveyor of the present invention shown in Figure 6 may be configured to further include a pair malfunction prevention unit 25. The pair malfunction prevention unit 25 consists of a first malfunction detection unit 28 located on the first mobile unit 21 and a second malfunction detection unit 29 located on the second mobile unit 22. The pair malfunction prevention unit 25 is configured to detect when the first mobile unit 21 and the second mobile unit 22 have reached a pair arrival detection unit 30. Specifically, the first malfunction detection unit 28 and the second malfunction detection unit 29 may consist of limit switches. The first malfunction detection unit 28 is located at a distance from the first limit switch 26 that is narrower than the predetermined interval at which the multiple pair arrival detection units 30 are located. Similarly, the second malfunction detection unit 29 is located at a distance from the second limit switch 27 that is narrower than the predetermined interval at which the multiple pair arrival detection units 30 are located. 【0038】Then, if the control unit 40 detects that the traveling device 20 has reached the pair arrival detection unit 30 before the first limit switch 26 and second limit switch 27 of the first traveling unit 21 and the second traveling unit 22 detect that the traveling device 20 has reached the pair arrival detection unit 30, the control unit 40 determines that the first limit switch 26 or the second limit switch 27 has malfunctioned. Then, the control unit 40 controls the traveling device 20 to stop its movement. Specifically, for example, the second limit switch 27 causes the second traveling unit 22 to stop the second detection unit 32 2 Before detecting that it has reached the second malfunction detection unit 29, the second travel unit 22 will move to the second detection unit 32 2 If it is detected that the limit has been reached, it is determined that the second limit switch 27 is malfunctioning. For example, under normal circumstances, the system should receive a signal from the second limit switch 27 to detect its arrival, but in the event of a malfunction, it will not receive the signal. As a result, the system will receive a signal from the second malfunction detection unit 29 without receiving a signal from the second limit switch 27. Therefore, the control unit 40 can detect that some kind of malfunction has occurred in the second limit switch 27. With this configuration, the control unit 40 only needs to be connected to the traveling device 20, thus simplifying the overall structure. 【0039】 (Embodiments) The embodiments described above are specific examples of the following embodiments. 【0040】(Aspect 1) A mobile tube conveyor for discharging bulk material from a silo, the mobile tube conveyor comprising: a feeder tube comprising a tube having a plurality of intake ports for taking in bulk material, a screw arranged coaxially with the tube inside the tube, and a rotation mechanism for rotating the tube and the screw relative to each other around an axis; a mobile device for moving the feeder tube across the lower opening of the silo, the mobile device comprising a first mobile section and a second mobile section provided at both ends of the tube, respectively; a plurality of paired arrival detection units configured to detect when the first mobile section and the second mobile section of the mobile device have reached their respective destinations, the paired arrival detection units comprising a first detection unit and a second detection unit, respectively, arranged at corresponding positions at a predetermined interval that does not exceed a limit value of the difference in travel distance between the first mobile section and the second mobile section in the direction of travel of the mobile device; A moving tube conveyor characterized by comprising: a control unit which, when a first detection unit having a plurality of pair arrival detection units detects the arrival of a first moving unit, stops the movement of the first moving unit until a second detection unit located at a position corresponding to a certain first detection unit detects the arrival of a second moving unit, and controls the movement of the moving device so as not to exceed a limit value for the difference in travel distance between the first moving unit and the second moving unit; 【0041】 (Aspect 2) A traveling tube conveyor according to Aspect 1, wherein the control unit controls the travel of the traveling device such that when a second detection unit detects the arrival of the second traveling unit, the second traveling unit stops traveling and then resumes traveling together with the first traveling unit which has already stopped traveling. 【0042】 (Aspect 3) A traveling tube conveyor according to Aspect 1, wherein the control unit controls the travel of the traveling device so that when a second detection unit detects the arrival of the second traveling unit, the second traveling unit continues to travel and the first traveling unit, which has already stopped traveling, resumes traveling. 【0043】(Aspect 4) A traveling tube conveyor according to either aspect 1 or aspect 3, wherein the first detection unit and the second detection unit of the plurality of pair arrival detection units each consist of a limit switch, and the first traveling unit and the second traveling unit of the traveling device each have a striker that contacts the limit switch when it reaches the limit switch. 【0044】 (Aspect 5) A traveling tube conveyor according to Aspect 4, further comprising a plurality of pair malfunction prevention units, each consisting of a first malfunction detection unit and a second malfunction detection unit, which are configured to detect when the first traveling unit and the second traveling unit of the traveling device have reached their respective destinations, wherein the plurality of pair malfunction prevention units are arranged at predetermined intervals between which the plurality of pair arrival detection units are arranged, and the control unit determines that a pair arrival detection unit is malfunctioning and controls the travel of the traveling device to stop its movement if the next pair malfunction prevention unit in the travel direction detects the arrival of the traveling device before a certain pair arrival detection unit detects the arrival of the traveling device. 【0045】 (Aspect 6) A traveling tube conveyor according to aspect 4 or aspect 5, characterized in that the pair malfunction prevention unit is configured using a pair arrival detection unit. 【0046】 (Aspect 7) A traveling tube conveyor according to any one of aspects 1 to 6, wherein the first detection unit and the second detection unit of the plurality of pair arrival detection units each consist of a striker, and the first traveling unit and the second traveling unit of the traveling device each have limit switches that contact the striker when they reach the striker. 【0047】(Aspect 8) A traveling tube conveyor according to aspect 7, further comprising a pair malfunction prevention unit consisting of a first malfunction detection unit and a second malfunction detection unit, each configured to detect when the first traveling unit and the second traveling unit of the traveling device have reached the destination, wherein the pair malfunction prevention unit is positioned at a distance narrower than a predetermined interval at which a plurality of pair arrival detection units are positioned from the limit switches of the first traveling unit and the second traveling unit of the traveling device, and the control unit, if it detects that the traveling device has reached the pair arrival detection unit by the pair malfunction prevention unit before the limit switches of the first traveling unit and the second traveling unit detect that the traveling device has reached the pair arrival detection unit, determines that the limit switches are malfunctioning and controls the travel of the traveling device to stop its movement. 【0048】 (Aspect 9) A traveling tube conveyor according to any one of aspects 1 to 6, characterized in that the first detection unit and the second detection unit of the plurality of pair arrival detection units consist of optical switches or magnetic switches capable of detecting when the first traveling unit and the second traveling unit of the traveling device have arrived. 【0049】 It should be noted that the mobile tube conveyor of the present invention is not limited to the illustrated example described above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. 【0050】1 Silo 2 Lower opening 3 Lane 10 Feeder tube 11 Tube 12 Screw 13 Rotating mechanism (for tube) 13' Rotating mechanism (for screw) 14 Inlet 20 Traveling device 21 First travel section 22 Second travel section 23, 24 Striker 25 Pair malfunction prevention section 26 First limit switch 27 Second limit switch 28 First malfunction detection section 29 Second malfunction detection section 30 Pair arrival detection section 31 First detection section 32 Second detection section 35 Pair malfunction prevention section 36 First malfunction detection section 37 Second malfunction detection section 40 Control section 41, 42, 43, 45, 46 AND block 44 Comparison block

Claims

1. A mobile tube conveyor for discharging bulk material from a silo, the mobile tube conveyor comprising: a feeder tube comprising a tube having a plurality of intake ports for taking in bulk material, a screw arranged coaxially with the tube inside the tube, and a rotation mechanism for rotating the tube and the screw relative to each other around an axis; a mobile device for moving the feeder tube across the lower opening of the silo, the mobile device comprising a first mobile section and a second mobile section provided at both ends of the tube, respectively; a plurality of pair arrival detection units configured to detect when the first mobile section and the second mobile section of the mobile device have reached their respective destinations, each consisting of a first detection unit and a second detection unit, respectively, arranged at corresponding positions at predetermined intervals in the direction of travel of the mobile device that do not exceed a limit value of the difference in travel distance between the first mobile section and the second mobile section; A moving tube conveyor characterized by comprising: a control unit which, when a first detection unit having a plurality of pair arrival detection units detects the arrival of a first moving unit, stops the movement of the first moving unit until a second detection unit located at a position corresponding to a certain first detection unit detects the arrival of a second moving unit, and controls the movement of the moving device so as not to exceed a limit value for the difference in travel distance between the first moving unit and the second moving unit; 2. A traveling tube conveyor according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit controls the travel of the traveling device such that when a second detection unit detects the arrival of the second traveling unit, it stops the travel of the second traveling unit and then restarts its travel together with the first traveling unit which has already stopped traveling.

3. A traveling tube conveyor according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the travel device so that when a second detection unit detects the arrival of the second traveling unit, the second traveling unit continues to travel, and the first traveling unit, which has already stopped traveling, resumes traveling.

4. A traveling tube conveyor according to claim 1, wherein the first detection unit and the second detection unit of the plurality of pair arrival detection units each consist of a limit switch, and the first traveling unit and the second traveling unit of the traveling device each have a striker that contacts the limit switch when it reaches the limit switch.

5. A traveling tube conveyor according to claim 4, further comprising a plurality of pair malfunction prevention units, each consisting of a first malfunction detection unit and a second malfunction detection unit, which are configured to detect when the first traveling unit and the second traveling unit of the traveling device have reached their respective destinations, wherein the plurality of pair malfunction prevention units are arranged at predetermined intervals between which the plurality of pair arrival detection units are arranged, and the control unit determines that a pair arrival detection unit is malfunctioning and controls the travel of the traveling device to stop its movement if the next pair malfunction prevention unit in the traveling direction detects the arrival of the traveling device before a certain pair arrival detection unit detects the arrival of the traveling device.

6. A traveling tube conveyor according to claim 4 or claim 5, characterized in that the pair malfunction prevention unit is configured using a pair arrival detection unit.

7. A traveling tube conveyor according to claim 1, wherein the first detection unit and the second detection unit of the plurality of pair arrival detection units each consist of a striker, and the first traveling unit and the second traveling unit of the traveling device each have limit switches that contact the striker when they reach the striker.

8. A traveling tube conveyor according to claim 7, further comprising a pair malfunction prevention unit consisting of a first malfunction detection unit and a second malfunction detection unit, each configured to detect when the first traveling unit and the second traveling unit of the traveling device have reached a certain point, wherein the pair malfunction prevention unit is positioned at a distance narrower than a predetermined interval at which a plurality of pair arrival detection units are positioned from the limit switches of the first traveling unit and the second traveling unit of the traveling device, and the control unit, if it detects that the traveling device has reached a pair arrival detection unit by the pair malfunction prevention unit before the limit switches of the first traveling unit and the second traveling unit detect that the traveling device has reached a pair arrival detection unit, determines that the limit switches are malfunctioning and controls the travel of the traveling device to stop its movement.

9. A traveling tube conveyor according to claim 1, characterized in that the first detection unit and the second detection unit of the plurality of pair arrival detection units each consist of an optical switch or a magnetic switch capable of detecting that the first traveling unit and the second traveling unit of the traveling device have arrived.