Transfer Apparatus Controller Wiring Simplification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional conveying systems require multiple motor control devices, leading to complex and labor-intensive wiring and installation processes, particularly in transfer apparatuses where three motors need to be independently controlled for conveying and switching operations.

Innovation Solution

A single transfer apparatus controller is developed to manage the main conveying motor, auxiliary conveying motor, and lifting and lowering motor, sharing CPU resources and reducing the number of signal terminals and power feed terminals, allowing for simultaneous control of all motors with a simplified wiring configuration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple motor control devices are used to control each motor independently, then each motor can be controlled precisely, but the wiring becomes complex and installation becomes labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotor control precisionVSAvoidwiring complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple motor control devices into a single integrated controller that manages all motors (conveying motor, switching motor, and auxiliary motor) through a unified control architecture. This merging reduces the number of separate control units and simplifies the overall wiring structure while maintaining precise control capabilities through internal signal routing and control logic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated controller is designed to perform multiple functions: it controls the conveying motor for object transport, the switching motor for passage selection, and the auxiliary motor for lifting operations. This multi-functional controller reduces the need for separate dedicated control devices for each motor, thereby simplifying wiring and installation while preserving precise control over all motor functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple independent motor control devices are used, then each control function can be optimized, but the number of components increases and installation work becomes more labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol function optimizationVSAvoidinstallation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple independent motor control devices into a single integrated controller unit that handles all motor control functions. This consolidation reduces the total number of components that need to be installed and wired, making installation less labor-intensive while maintaining the ability to optimize each control function through dedicated control circuits and algorithms within the unified controller.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated controller is designed with universal control capabilities that can adapt to different motor types and control requirements. It incorporates multiple control channels and output terminals that can be configured to control the conveying motor, switching motor, and auxiliary motor with optimized control parameters for each function, all within a single device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If three separate motor control devices are used for the three motors, then each motor can be controlled independently, but the wiring and signal transmission become more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent motor controlVSAvoidsignal transmission complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the control functions for all three motors into a single integrated controller that processes control signals and generates motor drive signals in one unified system. This merging reduces the complexity of signal transmission by eliminating the need for separate control circuits and wiring harnesses for each motor, while maintaining independent control capability through internal signal routing and control logic for each motor channel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3053861B1Transfer device controller and transport device
Publication Date: 2023.04.12 ITOH ELECTRIC COMPANY LIMITED
  • EP3053861B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3053861B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3053861B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present invention aims to develop a dedicated control device for a transfer apparatus and a transfer apparatus controller that enables labor-saving wiring work, and to provide a conveying apparatus that switches a destination to which a conveyed object is to be conveyed by way of the transfer apparatus controller. A transfer apparatus includes a main conveying passage (101) that conveys a conveyed object (125) in one direction, an auxiliary conveying passage (102) for conveying a conveyed object (125) in a direction crossing the main conveying passage (101), and a lifting and lowering unit (115) that generates a height difference between both conveying passages (101 and 102) by lifting or lowering at least one of the conveying passages (101 and 102). A transfer apparatus controller (50) is provided with a main conveying power transmission terminal (55), an auxiliary conveying power transmission terminal (56), a lifting and lowering power transmission terminal (57), a power feed terminal (76) to which power is fed, a signal input unit (70), and one or more drive power generation circuits (52). A discharge direction of the conveyed object (125) can be designated based on a signal input to the signal input unit (70), and when the discharge direction instruction signal is input, the conveying passage (101 or 102) located on top is driven.