CA2511062C - Conveyor monitoring systems and method - Google Patents
Conveyor monitoring systems and method Download PDFInfo
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- CA2511062C CA2511062C CA 2511062 CA2511062A CA2511062C CA 2511062 C CA2511062 C CA 2511062C CA 2511062 CA2511062 CA 2511062 CA 2511062 A CA2511062 A CA 2511062A CA 2511062 C CA2511062 C CA 2511062C
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- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- travel
- conveyor
- monitoring
- pathway
- sensing
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Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
- B65G43/00—Control devices, e.g. for safety, warning or fault-correcting
- B65G43/02—Control devices, e.g. for safety, warning or fault-correcting detecting dangerous physical condition of load carriers, e.g. for interrupting the drive in the event of overheating
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- Control Of Conveyors (AREA)
Abstract
A conveyor system has a conveyor track having at least one pathway, a number of undercarriage units for travel along the conveyor track, each with a plurality of travel elements confined for travel along the pathway, the conveyor track having at least one sensing location, at least one sensing portion for each sensing location the detecting the presence of a travel element et the sensing location, a monitoring portion for monitoring an operative frequency at which successive travel elements pass the sensing location, a signalling portion responsive to the monitoring portion for issuing a signal on a change in the operative frequency indicative of a corresponding change is the condition of one or more than one affected travel element, the conveyor track including art access site for accessing the affected travel element, and a drive portion for driving the undercarriage units along the conveyor, the drive portion being responsive to the monitoring portion for bringing the conveyor to a temporary halt with the affected travel element at the access site for subsequent replacement and/or repair.
Description
CONVEYOR MONITORING SYSTEMS AND METHOD
BACKGROUND OF TM WVENTION
1. FIELD OF TEIE INVBTITION
Tha present invention relates to conveyor systenu and more particular to methods of monitoring travel elements therein for remedial repai,r attd/or replacement.
BACKGROUND OF TM WVENTION
1. FIELD OF TEIE INVBTITION
Tha present invention relates to conveyor systenu and more particular to methods of monitoring travel elements therein for remedial repai,r attd/or replacement.
2. DESCItIFTION OF TIM RELATED ART
Conveyor systems are widely used to convey articles from one location in a manufactming faciGty to another. Conveyor systems have undercarriages which travel oo, travel elements which are confined to a pathway. Usually, the pathway is located within a frame making it difficult to access the travel elements.
Moreover, it is diffiault to monitor the integrity oftiie travel elements. It is not uncommon for defbctive travel elements to go undetected, causing damage to the conveyor that can oatly be repaired by a manual line shutdown, causing siga.iteant delays at significant expense.
It would thus be dcsiirable to provide Improvements to conveyox xp,onitoring.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Briefly stated, the invention involves a conveyor system coznprising a cottveyor track havimg at least one pathway, a number of undercmriage nnits for travel along the conveyor track, each with a plutality of travel elements confined fbr ttavel along the pathway, the conveyor track having at lcast omc settai,ttg location, at least one sewing pordon for each sensing location for detecting the presence of a travel element at the sensing location, a Ao,oAitQring portion fbr inouanitoxisxg an operative &eqttemcy at which successive travel elements pass the sensiutg location, a signalling portion responsive to the monitoring portion foz issuing a HONCCWCDAAppPiael 1,a.St priated 28l060005 3:29:00 PM
signal on a change in the operative frequency iodicative of a corresponding change in the condition of one or more than one affected travel element, the conveyor track including an access site for accessing the affected travel element, s.nid a drive portion for driving the undercarriage units along the conveyor, the drive poxtion being responsive to the naonitoring portion for bringing the conveyor to a temporary balt with the affected travel element= at the access site for subsequent replacement and/or repair.
In an embodiment, the travel elements include one or more than one wheel, roller, rotatable or rollable member, or a combimatiiott'khoreof.
im an eRnbadiment, the conveyor track includes a pair of pathways and each undercarriage unit includes one or more groups of travel elements, each of which travels along a cozxesponding pathway.
In an embodiment; the undercanciage unit imcludes a first group with four travel elements.
In an embodiment, the undercarriage uo,it i.mcludes a second group of two travel elements_ In an embodiment, the conveyor track inchides a guide rs. ,te atrangement to render tbe patbways substantially inaccessible other tim at selected locations including the access site.
In an embod'unent, each sensing portion includes a bracket fi-abae mountable adjacent the pathway and a sensor element mounted on the bracket frame in operable proximity to the pathway to detect the presence of a travel element and/or an absence thereo In an ernbodirnent, the sensor element iucludes a proximity switcb..
In an embodiment, the monitoring unit includes aPI.C and a display portion to issue the signal thercon_ In an embodiment, the drive unit includes a drive station with a safety zone which is accessible by one or HONCCWCAA.AApFinal Last prirAed 28/0612005 3~29:00 PIvJ
more removable safety barriers, the sensin g portion being located within the safety zone.
In an embodiment, the access site is located within kba safetyzone.
In an embodiment, the conveyor includes a pair of pathways and a corresponding pair of proximity switches.
An embodiment fiuther comprises a control panel, the control panel including at least one fault lamp and at least one reset button.
] 0 In au embodiment, the graphic user interface includes afiast main screen providing an indicator function for alerting an operator to advance to a conveyoT monitoring procedure, and a switch function for advancing to the conveyor monitoring procedure.
In an embodiment, the graphic user interface is operable to present a second screen providing a fiu-st status indicator function for notifying an operator of a fault condition on a Srst pathway, and a second status indicator function for notifying an opexator of a fault condition on a secomd pathway and a switch In an embodiment, the graphic user interface is operable to pzesent a third screen for acknowledging the procedure for halting the conveyor, the third screen presenting at least one confirmation switch function to confirm the procedure for haltiDg the conveyor.
In another of its aspects, the present invention provides device for corttxoftg a conveyor system of a type including conveyor track having at Ieast one pathway, a number of undercarriage units for travel along the conveyor, each with a plurality oftravel elements confined for travel along the pathway and a drive portion for driving the undercarniage units along the pathway, the device comprising a sensor for sensing the presence of travel elements passing a sensing location, at least one sensixAg portion for each sensing location for detecting ths presence of a travel eleAqeut at the sensing location, an access site for accessing the travel elements, a monitoring portion for monitoring successive travel elements passing the sensing location and HONCCWCDA,AppFinal Last printed 28/06/2005 3:29:00 Pbi for detecting a fault condition characterized by the presence of an af;fected travel eletne ot or the absence thereof, a signalling poxtion responsive to the monitoring portion for issuing a notificatjon signal of the fault condition, the no.onitoring portion being operable to conwonvnicate with the drive poztion for bringing the conveyor to a ternporary halt with the affected travel element, or a portioxa of the underearriage at which a missing travel element is normally mounted, at the access site for subsequent replacement and/or repair.
In yet another of its aspects, the present invention provides a Au,etbod for monitoring a conveyor systezn comprising the steps of - providing a conveyor track having at least one pathway and a number of undercazriage units for travel along the conveyor, eackr with a plurality ox'travel elements confined for travel along the pathway;
providing a sensor at a sansing lomti.oni along the pathway for sensing the pzesence of travel elements;
providing an access site for accessing the travel elenoents, providing a monitoring portion for monitoring successive travel elements passing the sensing location and for detecting a fault condition characterized by the presence of an affected travel element or the absence thereof, - providing a si.gq aUiatg portion to be responsive to the monitoring portion for issuing a notification signal of tlxe I'ault condition, - providing a drive portion for driving the undercarriage units along the conveyor, and k10NCCWCDAAppFitul i.ast printed 2S/D612005 3:29:00 PM
~ ,_ , arran,ging the drive portion beiag to be responsive to the monitoring portion for bringing the conveyor to a temporary halt with the affected travel element, or a portion of the undercarriage at which a missing travel element is normally mounted, at the access site for subsequent replacemem and/or repair.
In yet another of its aspects, the present iuventioo provides a computer implemented method fbr operating a conveyor system comprising the steps of:
activating the conveyor system to cause a number of undercarriages units, each ] 0 with a pawrauity of travel elements, to travel along a conveyor track with the travel elements travelling in one or more pathways and sensing the presence of travel elements at a sep,sing location along the pathways;
- monitoring successive travel elements passing the sensing location and for detecting a fault eondxtiio7s characterized by the presence of an affeeted travel element or the absence thereoj~
issuing a notification signa] in t.bx evemt of a fault condition; and - temporarily halting the conveyor system In a;manner to cause the afffected travel element, or a portion of the tmdercatniage at wbich a missing travel element is normaUy mounted, to appear at an access site along the pathway for subsequent replacebnettt and/or repair.
In yet another of its aspects, the present invention provides a computer implemented method for opcratiztg a conveyor system comprising the steps of activating the conveyor system to cause a number of un:dercamiages u:aits, each HoNCCWCpAAppFine!
Last ptimted 28/06P2o05 3!29:00 PM
~ .. , with a plurality of travel elements, to travel along a conveyor track with the travel elements travelling in one or mnore pathways and semsiiag the presence of travel elements at a sensing location along, the pathways;
- mooitoring successive travel elements passiaag the sensing location and for detecting a fault condition characterized by the presence of an affected travel element or the absence thereo&
presenting a notification signal function in the event of a fault condition on a graphical user interface or on a coM'ol panel or both;
- presenting a first ttser acJcttowledge function, to aclcaowledge the notification signal;
- presenting a status function to provide operative details of the fault conditiota;
presettting a second user acknowledge function to aclaoiowledge the operative details of the fault condition; and - presemtiuqg a user enable function to temporarily halting the conveyor system in a manner to cause the afxted travel elexxtent, or a portion of the undercarriage at which amiss#tIg travel element is normally mounted, to appear at the access site for subsequent replacernent and/or repair.
In yet another of its aspects, the pxesent invention provides a method for operatiuag a conveyor system comprising the steps of - activating the conveyor system to cause a number of uudercatxiages units, each b E30NCCwcoAAppFinal Last printed 2E/0612005 3_2500 PM
~ ...
with a plurality of travel elements, to travel along a conveyor trac3c with the travel elements travelling in one or mord pathways, system to sense the presence of travel elements at at least one sensing - enabling the location along the pathway and monitoring successive travel elements passing the seasing location and for detecting a fault condition eharacterized by the presence of an affected travel element or the absence thereof, - monitoriag a graphical user intethce or on a control panel or both for a notification signal function in the event of a fault condition;
enabling a first user aclmowledge function on the graphical uscr interface or on the control panel or both, to acknowledge the notification signal;
- reviewing a status udctiop on the graphical user interface or control panel for operative details of the fault condition;
enabling a second user acknowledge function on the graphical user naterface or on the control panel or both, to ackttowledge the operative details of the fault condition; aad - enabling a halt function to temporarily halt the conveyor system in a manner to cause the affected travel elelu eut, or a portion of the undercarriage at which a missing travel element is normally mounted, to appear at the access site for subsequent replacement and/or repair.
u7, yet another of its aspocts, thC present invention provides a conveyor system comprising a conveyor track means at least one pathway, a number of uwoiderearriage means for travel along the conveyor track naeans, each with a plurality of travel naeaas eotzfined for travel along the pathway, the conveyor track means '1 HONCCWCAA,AppFinal Last printed 281062005 3;29:00 PM
~. ..
having at least one sensing location, at least one sensing means for each sensing location ;For detecting the presence of a travel means at the sensing location, monitoting means for monitoring an operative frequency at which successive travel means pass the sensing location, signalling means responsive to the rnonitorang portion for issuing a signal oD a change in the operatave frequency indicative of a corresponding change in the condition of one or more than one affected travel means, the conveyor track means including an access means for accessing the affected travel means, and a drive means for driving the undercarriage means along the conveyor, the drive means being responsive to the monitoring means for bringing the conveyor to a temporary halt with the affected travel means accessible by the access means for subsequent replacement and/or repair.
In yet another of its aspects, the present imvention provides a computer implemented method for operating a conveyor system comprising the steps of - a step for activati o.g the conveyor system to cause a number of undercarriages units, each with a plurality of travel elements, to travel along a conveyor track with the travel elements travelling in oxie or m.oze pathways and sensing the presence of travel elements at a sensing location along the pathways;
a step for aaobatoxittg successive travel elements passing the sensing location and for detecting a fault condition characterized by the presence of an affected travel element or the absence thereof, a step for issuing a notification signal in the event of a fault condition;
and - a step fbr temporarily halting the conveyor systexn in a ftwner to cause the affected itavel element, or a portion of the undercarriage at which a missing travel element is nonnally mounted, to appear at an access site along the pathway for subsequent replacement and/or repair.
HONCCWCDAAppFinal Last printed 28r06r405 3:29:00 PM
~. W _, BRIEF DESCZi1P'Z'lON OF TIHE 17RAWZNGS
Several preferred embodiments of the presenR invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the appended drawings in w}tich:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a conveyor system;
Fig re 2 is a ftagnoentary perspective view of a portion of the system of figure 1;
Figure 3 is another fragmentary perspective view of a portion of tbe system of figure 1;
Figure 4 is a sectional view taken on line 4-4 of figure 3;
Figure 5 is a fragrnentary perspecbive partly schematic view of a portian of the system of figure 1;
Figure 6 is a schematac view of anoChet' portion ofthe system of figure 1;
Figures 7, 8 and 9 are scb,enxatic views of screens presented by the system of tgure 1 in three cotresponding operating modes;
Figure 10 is a flow diagram of a method associated with operating a conveyot;
Figure 11 is a schematic view o1'alternative conveyor anraugeme:ats; and Figures 12 and 13 are fragmentary perspective and side views, respectively, of a portion of another conveyor.
DESCB.IPTTON OF 7'l-)E MFER1t1rD EMBODIMENTS
HONCCWCDAAppFirta!
t,ast print.ed 28/06/2A05 3:29:00 Pvl ~ .., Referring to the figures, there is shown a system 10 for monitoring a conveyor 12 having a conveyor txacak 14 with having at least one, in this case two, patb.ways 16a, and 16b.
ltefetrirtg to figures 2 and 3, a number of undercarriage units 18 travel along the conveyor track 14, each with a plurality of travel elements 20 confined for travel along the pathways 16a, 16b. In this example, each undercarriage unit 18 includes four travel elements 20, each of which travels along a correspondiaag pathway. The travel elements are sho.vo as wheels but may be provided as rollers, rotatable or rollable tio entbers, or a combination thereof. Each undereatriage 18 is latowtt as a pitch and adjacent pitches are joined together to form a conveyor drive chain. The term "pitch" is a.lso known to include a conveyor "dog" togetheT with tbLe links of chain following the conveyor dog which joins to a subsequent conveyor dog.
Refezing to Sigure 1, the conveyor track 14 is provided with an access site 24 fbr accessing the travel elements 20. In this case, the access site 24 is located within a drive station shown at 26 for driving the undercarriage units 18 aloiag the conveyor 12. The drive station 26 includes a drive unit 26a which is coupled with the conveyor drive chain in a mauner not shown for the sake of brevity. The access site 24 has protective screening 28 provided by a number of saety barrier screens 30, one or more of which are removable to pernnit access to the access site 24.
Referring to 6gure 2, the conveyor track 14 includes a guide fnme wangement 34 to render the pathways 16a, 16b substantially inaccessible other than at the access site 24. The guide frame arrangement 34 is provided, in this case, as a one piece steel chattnel having a pair of channel walls 36,38 joined to a base 40. The channel walls 36, 38 and base 40 are supported by stands 42 located at spaeed itttervals along the conveyor 12. Referring to figure 1, a guide cover 44 is provided for a portion of the conveyor 12 in the inaznediate vicinity of the access site 24, but does not cover an operative region of the conveyor. The guide cover 44 is elatxtped to the channel walls 36, 38 by way of bolts 44a against clamp member 44b. It will be understood that the guide cover 44 or odw guards and covers may be used in those regions where the conveyor is not actively driving a dolly, for example where the power rail and chain return to the drive HONCCWCD.A!#ppFinaf Iast primed ZS/06J2003 3:29:00 PM
~ _ ..,.. ..
unit 26 or where the conveyor 14 has a transfer point from one chain to another, or where the conveyor track 14 has a section which hangs from a ceiling. The operative region is characterized by an open passage in which pusher dogs (or also known as conveyor dogs) 46 extend upwardly from within the guide frame arrangement 34 to displace dollies shown in dashed lines at 48 in figure 2 which in turn displace conveyed articles along the conveyor path, such as vehicles, partially assembled vehicles, or components therefor (not shown) along a conveyor path shown at "P" in fignre 1, from left to right as viewed therein.
Referring to figure 3, at the access site 24, the conveyor track 14 has at least one, in this case two, sensing locations 50, 52. The channel wa1136 is cut down as shown by the upper peripheral region at 36a, to 10, permit access to the travel elements 20 as they roll along the base 40. At least one sensing unit 54 is located at each respective sensing location, for detecting the presence of a travel element at the sensing location. Each sensing unit 54. includes a bracket frame 56 braced against the channel wall 36 by way of a fastener shown at '58. The bracket frame 56 is positioned adjacent the corresponding pathway and a sensor element 60 is mounted on the bracket frame 56 over the corresponding pathway and fixed thereto by way of a fastener shown at 62.
Referring to figures 3 and 4, the bracket frame 56 has a remote_end region 56a to carry the sensor element 60 so that it is in operable proximity to the corresponding pathway to detect the presence of a travel element 20 and/or the absence thereof. The sensor element 60 includes a proxiniity switch 64, such as an 18mm OMRONT"' 24VDC proximity switch, which passes through a passage 56b formed in the remote end region 56a and held in place by the fastener 62. Thus, the proximity switch 64 is clamped to the conveyor rail inside the protective screening of the conveyor drive station 26. The proximity switch 64 in this case may be adjusted to within 2mm of the tops of the travel elements 20, though other settings may also be used, as de'sired, depending on the operating characteristics of the proximity switch 64. Thus, it will be seen that proximity switches 64 are provided at sensing locations 50, 52 to monitor the left and right hand pathways 16a, 16b as viewed in figure 2.
The proximity switch 64 may be replaced or supplemented by a number of other sensing means to sense ~l the presenoe of the travel element 20. For example, the setasie,g unit 54 may sense the travel elements 20 by way of a chaiuge in a megnetic Seld, a change in a sigaal, be it ultrasonic, RF or some other ftvquency or frequcnry range or frequency range pettern_ The seasing unit 54 may be sensitive to a reflectiora of light, sound, an echo signal or the like.
As can be seen in figures 5 md 6, a momitorioug wtit 70 is provided for monitori,ng an oporative frequency or pattem at which suceessive travel elements 20 pass the sensing locatio a 52. A signalling portion 72 is responsive to the moniEodng unit 70 for issuing a siguel sbiown graphically at "S" on a change in the operative frequency indicative of a corresponding change in the condition of one or more than one affccted travel olement 20. Meamwhile, the drive stafion 26 is responsive to the monitoring unit 70 for bringing the conveyor 12 to a tetxtporaxy balt witb the affeeted travel element 20 at the access site for subsecluent replacement and/or repair.
The monitoring unit 70 includes a conveyor couiroi panel shown at 74 which is provided witb one or more switches 76, status indicators 78 and cables 80 joiniag the proximity svritches 64 thereto It will be understood that the conveyor cotttrel panel 74 way also be provided with other controls and indiicator lights and the like to monitor and control the other operating procedures for the conveyor 12 such as normal conveyor line speed and the lilae.
Referring to figure 6, the monitoring unit 70 includes a PLC 82 and a display poztion 84 to issue the signal thereon (As can be seeo in figures 1 and 5, a eable 80a is also provided to detiver eontrol ipstractions lxom the PLC to the drive unit 26a.) In this case, the aei3 and right proximity switches 64 are wired to an input card 86 ofthe PLC 82, in this case a Mitsubishi A3U CPU programmable Logic Controiler (PLC) located in the conveyor control pane174. The PLC 82 has a nwnber of monitoring and control unotioas for monitorfng, flagging lbuhs and stopping the conveyor to repair missing wheele at the access site 24 on the instnaction of an operator, as will be described.
R,eferring to figure 5, the display portion 84 inehides a graphic user interface 88, such as a Mitsubislui A985 HONCCWCDAAAppFinal Lest prieted 28/06J2005 3:29:00 PM
Graphic Operation Terminal, to provide a number of screens for various fiznctions for controlling and maintaining the conveyor, as well as a number of monitoring screens discussed below. The status indicat.ors include a fault lamp 90 (which may, if desired, be labelled "GO TO
CONVEYOR
NIONITORING") and the conveyor control panel 74 includes a reset button 92 to reset a conveyor coxWol procedure as explained bel;ow. ltefcrXiAg to Fgure 7, the graphic user iuteri;'aee 88 is provided with a first toaa.ia screen 100 with a number of status indicator fiutcbions 102 for indicating the status of various fimctions of the conveyor, including, for exaznple, conveyor speed and the Ii1ce. Selected ones of these Rtnctions may also be provided on subsequent screens including those discussed below, along with other functions sucb as routitte menu funotions including functions to move to other screens or to return to the main screen, as desired.The main screen includes a redundant indicator function 104 labelled "GO TO
CONVEYOR MONITORING" as well as a switch function 106 labelled "CONVEYOR
MOIYITOIUNG".
In this case, the graphic user interface 88 has a`43ouch screen" format, so that the switch function 106 represents the equivalent of a discrete trigger switch to implement a step to move to a conveyor monitoring menu.
Titus, tb e;fault lamp 90 and redundant indicator function 104 on the fxrst main screen 100 are operable to flash, blink or simply light solidly, such as in a"red" or other suitable colour, when a m,issing or affeeted wheel is sensed.
In response to the "CONVEYOR MONITORING" switch foctiott 106, the graphic user intezface 88 provides a second "CONVEXOR MONITORING" screen 110 shown, in figure 8ltaving two flash or status indicator iitnctions, one shown at 112 and labelled LEk"1' SIDE WHEEL
MISSING" and the other shown at 114 and labelled "RIGHT SIDE WHEEL MISSING", both indicating a correspond'uug missing wheel when flashing. The second "CONVEYOR MONITORING" screen I 10 is also provided with a switch function 1161abelled "ENABLE MISSING WHBEL STOP PROCEDURE".
In response to the "ENABLE MISSING WHEEL STOP PROCEDURE" switch function 116.
the gtaphic user interface 88 also provides a third "ENABLE MISSING WHEEL STOP l'ROCEpURE"
HONCCwCDAApvF'vnal Last printed 28106J2005 3:29:00 PNt t . , acknowledgement screen I 18, shown in figure 9, having two switch fuactions, a first switch function 120 labelled "YES" and a second switch fitn,ction 122 labelled "NO". The third screen 118 is also provided with the notice warning the user not to enable this funcdion during production, and warning the user that the conveyor will stop when the missing wheel is sensed. The third screen is also provided with a notice adjacent the `YES" switch fwaction that the "ENABLE MISSING WHEEI. STOP
PROCEDURE" should be disabled after the conveyor stops or when the wheel has been replaced to avoid another unexpected stop in the conveyor funotion.
Thus, the system 10 opt;7rdtes as follows, as shown in figure 10. First, the conveyor drive station 26 is activated and the wheel monitoring function enabled. This enables proximity switches 64 to operate normally to irldieate each time a wheel 20 passes a sensing locatiiou or zone 50, 52 immediately adjacent the corresponding proximity switch 64. The proxinvty switch 64 sends a regular stream or periodic train or pattern of data pulses to the monitoring unit 70 indicating the normal appearance of successive wheels 20 at the conEspondung sensing zones 50. In this case, the monitoring unit may count the signals iuu combinations of one, two or three or iato[e regar+ding on the configuration of the conveyor, particularly the number of wheels per pitch. Once a missing wheel is sensed, the monitoring unit wiii detect the absence of a regular signal, thus prompting the "GO TO CONVEYOR MONITOR[NG" fault lamp 90 and redundant indicator function 104 to flash. The opetator then proceeds to the first main screen 100 and depresses the "CONVEYOR MONITORING" switch function 106. The operator is then presented wSth the second "CONVEYOR MONITORING" screen 110 in whickl either or both "LEFT SIDE W"HEEL
MISSING" or "RIGHT SIDE WEILEI. MISSING" 11ash indicator functions 112, 114 indicate one or two specific ntissing wheel fault condition(s) as the case may be. The operator then depresses the RFsSET BUITON 92 brielly, say for about one second (or another duration, as desired) to acknowledge the alarm and waits for an appropriate time for fixing the missing wheel(s) 20, for example when ap, assembly shift is about to end.
When the appropriate time artives, the operator depresses the "EN.ABLE MISSING
WHEEL STOP
PROCEDURE" switch function 116 on the second CONVEYOR MONTTORING screen 110-In response to the "ENABLE MISSING WHEEL STOP PI2OCEDLIRE" switch fancGion 116, the graphic HONCCWCDAA.ppFinal i.ast printed 28I06/2005 3:29:00 PM
r _ . _ ..,.. ,_ user interface 88 presents the third "ENABLE MISSING WBErEI, STOI' PROCEDURE"
acknowledgement screen 118, in which case the operator follows through and coA'iirrns the procedure by depressing the "YES" switch fimction 120. The operator is then advised by the additional screen based notices that the operator slaould not enable this function during production, and waxniag the user that the conveyor will stop when the missiag wheel is sensed and to disable the "ENABLE
MISSING WHEEL
STOP PROCEDURE" Cunction once the conveyor stops or when the wheel has beeA, rep)aeed to avoid another unexpected stop in the conveyor fuoa4iom.
In response to the "YES" first switch function 120, the PLC 82' waits for the next signal or Iack t,hereof froxn the corresponding proximity switch 64, including that the missing wheel is sensed and the PLC 64 issues a stop command to the drive station 26 which stops or temporarily halts the coo,veyor 12. The timing of the stop function is sufFiciently prompt that the imissing wheel is positioned just past the sensing zone 50 of the correspottdimtg proximity switch 64.
With the conveyor 12 stalled, the operator implements a manual lockout or temporaiy power shut off ofthe conveyor drive station 26 to prevent an inadvertent start-np of the conveyor and removes the protective screening and then repairs aud/or replaces the missing wheeL The operator then resets the missing wheel fault by pushing in and holding the RESET BUTFON 92 for tluee seconds (or another suitable duration, as desired). This system is now ready to monitor the wheels again.
Thus, the system or other parts or functions associated thetewith may include one or more programmed logic controllers or some other form of controller. It may be included in a software program coDfZgured to nm on a general purpose computer, such as pexsonal computer, or on a more substantial computer mainframe, which is operable to work within a networlc, for data to be uploaded to a central database. The network may thus involve several general purpose computers, for example those sold under the trade names APPLE ' or IBM 0 , or clones thereof, which are progra.aumed with operating systems known by the trade names WINDOWS n, LINUX or other well known or lesser koowo equivalents of these. The systera puay involve pre-prograntmed soflware using a number of possible languages or a custom designed version of a HONCCWCO,A.A.ppFiW
Last printed 28106I2005 3:29:00 PM
r _,.....
programming software sold under the trade name ACCESS 01 or similar progra[nming software. The computer network may be a wired local area network, or a wide area network such as the Internet, or a combination of the two, with or without added security, authentication protocoLs, or under "peer-to-peer" or "cliemt-server" or other networking architectures. The network may also be a wireless network or a combination ofwired and wireless networks. The wireless metwotlc may operate under fl'ecpaencies such as those dubbed `radio frecluency' or "RF" using protocols such as the 802.11, TCP/IP, BLUE TOOTH aad the like, or other well lmown Internet, wireless, satellite or cell packet protocols. The systetn may, altematively, include a single customx built computer wbieb is dedicated to the function of the system alone.
For example, each proximity switch 64 toay be equipped with an l2F transceiver for dispatching data over a wireless data link to the monitoiing unit 70_ The system, in one example, is thus operable to monitor the conveyor for missing travel elenaents 20, in this particular case wheels, that cannot otherwise be seen because of their enclosed environment provided by the guide frame arraztgement. It is not uncommon for conveyors of this type to be active for extended periods of time and the monitoring function provided herein is intended to operate continuously during those extended perlods, though they may be configured to operate for relatively shorter monitoring periods as desired, or alt.ernatively during scheduled or on demand monitoring procedures. A particular benefit of the system 10 is that it can provide an advance warning of a change in an operative condition of a travel element that could cause or promote more signif'iicattt damage thereto if left tmrepaired, possibly leading to an overall shutdown of the conveyor system and the manufactnring andlor assembly operation it supports, for example. That being said, the presep,t system may also be useful in cases where the wheels or other travel elements are not necessarily rendered inaccessible as in the present exaxnple. Inisbcad, the travel elements may, in other applications, indeed be accassible along one or more locations or regions of the conveyor or, fnr that rnatter, fully accessible for the length of the conveyor and still benefit from the monaitotimg functiotts herein where manual monitoring of an operating conveyor is less desirable.
In one example, during normal operation of the conveyor, the conveyor chain and wb eels pass tbrough and under the proximity switches at a constant speed, though the wheels may travel at non consmt-t speeds, HONCCWCDAAppFinal T_.ast prinaed 28/06/2005 3:29:00 PM
~. _ , . .. _ . .
depending on the operating patterns of the coztveyor. The sensor is thus, in this case, operable to verify that each side of each pitch has, in this case, two wheels. If only one wheel is seen, then a fault is geuerated.
The system 10 bas been described for use with the conveyor 12 having a pitcb with four travel elements each, as shown schematically in the upper imoage of ligtue 11. HoweVer, otheir e=ples of the system 10 may also be used for coAveyors having other pitch arrangements. For instance, there may be cases where conveyor chains have a pitch of four, siat, eight, or other combinations of wheels or wheel groups. For instance, conveyor "dogs" on oven conveyor chains are farther apat't than conveyor dogs far assembly conveyor chains. Consider, as amotber example, att oven conveyor chain in which each pitch ineIudes a conveyor dog, which itself is supporGed'by Srst group of four wheels 20, followed by a second group of two ehain support wheels 20a, for a total of six wbeels, as shown by the lower image of figure 11. ln tbis example, the systero.10 may be prognwated to recognize the pattern of signals brom the sensor unit signifying the normal passing of a patten of two wJaeels and then one wheel for each passing pitch.
Another conveyor is shown at 130 in figures 12 and 13, as another exanuple of a conveyor oA' wWeh the system 10 can be used. In this case, the conveyor 130 bas a conveyor dog 132 which is integrally fornaed with a body 134 which is joined by way of chain links 136 to wheel supports 138.
While the conveyor system disclosed herein has been shown to include a chain joiaing adjacent portions of the conveyor together, including the coaveyor dogs and the travel elenaep,ts, it will be understood that the system may be suited in some cases to other conveyor systems which do not employ interconnecting elements considered to be chains. lnsttad, portions of the conveyor may be eoAo,ect.ed or articulated using other techniques that may include cable arrangements or the Ulce_ S'till further, the travel elements may be supported by joimiing conveyor portions which thenaselves ao-e iuterconnected togmher without the tleed for internnediate links or the like.
While the system 10 is operable to sense the travel elernent at a sensing location which itself is located in or near the access site, it will be understood that the sezlsing location may be at another location upstteam of HONCCWCDAAppFiaal Last prinRed 28/06r2005 3:29:00 PM
~. ..., ...
the access sitc. Ua this case, the drive ponion may be operable to diisplaae the affbcted travel element (or the location on the undercanriage where a travel element is missiiug) to the access site dowrnstt+eam. This may be achieved by calcutatimg a roquired time of displacement, given the travel rate of the coaveyor, for examplc. Whila the system makes use of seDsors at one location along each pathway, it m,ay be desirable in other case to provide a number of sensors ac a n,umber of locadons along eacb pathway, as desired.
While the present invention has been described for what are presently considered the pxeferred mxboditpenis, the invention is not so limited. To the cotttrery, the inverRioa is intended to cover vadous modifications and equivalent arrangementa included wMiut the spirlt and scope of the appended claims.
The scope of the following claims ts to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modific. tions and equivalent strucnues and flmctions.
ls HONCCWCUAAppFinW
Last printed 28lOCJ2005 3:29:00 PM
r ,.... ,. .
Conveyor systems are widely used to convey articles from one location in a manufactming faciGty to another. Conveyor systems have undercarriages which travel oo, travel elements which are confined to a pathway. Usually, the pathway is located within a frame making it difficult to access the travel elements.
Moreover, it is diffiault to monitor the integrity oftiie travel elements. It is not uncommon for defbctive travel elements to go undetected, causing damage to the conveyor that can oatly be repaired by a manual line shutdown, causing siga.iteant delays at significant expense.
It would thus be dcsiirable to provide Improvements to conveyox xp,onitoring.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Briefly stated, the invention involves a conveyor system coznprising a cottveyor track havimg at least one pathway, a number of undercmriage nnits for travel along the conveyor track, each with a plutality of travel elements confined fbr ttavel along the pathway, the conveyor track having at lcast omc settai,ttg location, at least one sewing pordon for each sensing location for detecting the presence of a travel element at the sensing location, a Ao,oAitQring portion fbr inouanitoxisxg an operative &eqttemcy at which successive travel elements pass the sensiutg location, a signalling portion responsive to the monitoring portion foz issuing a HONCCWCDAAppPiael 1,a.St priated 28l060005 3:29:00 PM
signal on a change in the operative frequency iodicative of a corresponding change in the condition of one or more than one affected travel element, the conveyor track including an access site for accessing the affected travel element, s.nid a drive portion for driving the undercarriage units along the conveyor, the drive poxtion being responsive to the naonitoring portion for bringing the conveyor to a temporary balt with the affected travel element= at the access site for subsequent replacement and/or repair.
In an embodiment, the travel elements include one or more than one wheel, roller, rotatable or rollable member, or a combimatiiott'khoreof.
im an eRnbadiment, the conveyor track includes a pair of pathways and each undercarriage unit includes one or more groups of travel elements, each of which travels along a cozxesponding pathway.
In an embodiment; the undercanciage unit imcludes a first group with four travel elements.
In an embodiment, the undercarriage uo,it i.mcludes a second group of two travel elements_ In an embodiment, the conveyor track inchides a guide rs. ,te atrangement to render tbe patbways substantially inaccessible other tim at selected locations including the access site.
In an embod'unent, each sensing portion includes a bracket fi-abae mountable adjacent the pathway and a sensor element mounted on the bracket frame in operable proximity to the pathway to detect the presence of a travel element and/or an absence thereo In an ernbodirnent, the sensor element iucludes a proximity switcb..
In an embodiment, the monitoring unit includes aPI.C and a display portion to issue the signal thercon_ In an embodiment, the drive unit includes a drive station with a safety zone which is accessible by one or HONCCWCAA.AApFinal Last prirAed 28/0612005 3~29:00 PIvJ
more removable safety barriers, the sensin g portion being located within the safety zone.
In an embodiment, the access site is located within kba safetyzone.
In an embodiment, the conveyor includes a pair of pathways and a corresponding pair of proximity switches.
An embodiment fiuther comprises a control panel, the control panel including at least one fault lamp and at least one reset button.
] 0 In au embodiment, the graphic user interface includes afiast main screen providing an indicator function for alerting an operator to advance to a conveyoT monitoring procedure, and a switch function for advancing to the conveyor monitoring procedure.
In an embodiment, the graphic user interface is operable to present a second screen providing a fiu-st status indicator function for notifying an operator of a fault condition on a Srst pathway, and a second status indicator function for notifying an opexator of a fault condition on a secomd pathway and a switch In an embodiment, the graphic user interface is operable to pzesent a third screen for acknowledging the procedure for halting the conveyor, the third screen presenting at least one confirmation switch function to confirm the procedure for haltiDg the conveyor.
In another of its aspects, the present invention provides device for corttxoftg a conveyor system of a type including conveyor track having at Ieast one pathway, a number of undercarriage units for travel along the conveyor, each with a plurality oftravel elements confined for travel along the pathway and a drive portion for driving the undercarniage units along the pathway, the device comprising a sensor for sensing the presence of travel elements passing a sensing location, at least one sensixAg portion for each sensing location for detecting ths presence of a travel eleAqeut at the sensing location, an access site for accessing the travel elements, a monitoring portion for monitoring successive travel elements passing the sensing location and HONCCWCDA,AppFinal Last printed 28/06/2005 3:29:00 Pbi for detecting a fault condition characterized by the presence of an af;fected travel eletne ot or the absence thereof, a signalling poxtion responsive to the monitoring portion for issuing a notificatjon signal of the fault condition, the no.onitoring portion being operable to conwonvnicate with the drive poztion for bringing the conveyor to a ternporary halt with the affected travel element, or a portioxa of the underearriage at which a missing travel element is normally mounted, at the access site for subsequent replacement and/or repair.
In yet another of its aspects, the present invention provides a Au,etbod for monitoring a conveyor systezn comprising the steps of - providing a conveyor track having at least one pathway and a number of undercazriage units for travel along the conveyor, eackr with a plurality ox'travel elements confined for travel along the pathway;
providing a sensor at a sansing lomti.oni along the pathway for sensing the pzesence of travel elements;
providing an access site for accessing the travel elenoents, providing a monitoring portion for monitoring successive travel elements passing the sensing location and for detecting a fault condition characterized by the presence of an affected travel element or the absence thereof, - providing a si.gq aUiatg portion to be responsive to the monitoring portion for issuing a notification signal of tlxe I'ault condition, - providing a drive portion for driving the undercarriage units along the conveyor, and k10NCCWCDAAppFitul i.ast printed 2S/D612005 3:29:00 PM
~ ,_ , arran,ging the drive portion beiag to be responsive to the monitoring portion for bringing the conveyor to a temporary halt with the affected travel element, or a portion of the undercarriage at which a missing travel element is normally mounted, at the access site for subsequent replacemem and/or repair.
In yet another of its aspects, the present iuventioo provides a computer implemented method fbr operating a conveyor system comprising the steps of:
activating the conveyor system to cause a number of undercarriages units, each ] 0 with a pawrauity of travel elements, to travel along a conveyor track with the travel elements travelling in one or more pathways and sensing the presence of travel elements at a sep,sing location along the pathways;
- monitoring successive travel elements passing the sensing location and for detecting a fault eondxtiio7s characterized by the presence of an affeeted travel element or the absence thereoj~
issuing a notification signa] in t.bx evemt of a fault condition; and - temporarily halting the conveyor system In a;manner to cause the afffected travel element, or a portion of the tmdercatniage at wbich a missing travel element is normaUy mounted, to appear at an access site along the pathway for subsequent replacebnettt and/or repair.
In yet another of its aspects, the present invention provides a computer implemented method for opcratiztg a conveyor system comprising the steps of activating the conveyor system to cause a number of un:dercamiages u:aits, each HoNCCWCpAAppFine!
Last ptimted 28/06P2o05 3!29:00 PM
~ .. , with a plurality of travel elements, to travel along a conveyor track with the travel elements travelling in one or mnore pathways and semsiiag the presence of travel elements at a sensing location along, the pathways;
- mooitoring successive travel elements passiaag the sensing location and for detecting a fault condition characterized by the presence of an affected travel element or the absence thereo&
presenting a notification signal function in the event of a fault condition on a graphical user interface or on a coM'ol panel or both;
- presenting a first ttser acJcttowledge function, to aclcaowledge the notification signal;
- presenting a status function to provide operative details of the fault conditiota;
presettting a second user acknowledge function to aclaoiowledge the operative details of the fault condition; and - presemtiuqg a user enable function to temporarily halting the conveyor system in a manner to cause the afxted travel elexxtent, or a portion of the undercarriage at which amiss#tIg travel element is normally mounted, to appear at the access site for subsequent replacernent and/or repair.
In yet another of its aspects, the pxesent invention provides a method for operatiuag a conveyor system comprising the steps of - activating the conveyor system to cause a number of uudercatxiages units, each b E30NCCwcoAAppFinal Last printed 2E/0612005 3_2500 PM
~ ...
with a plurality of travel elements, to travel along a conveyor trac3c with the travel elements travelling in one or mord pathways, system to sense the presence of travel elements at at least one sensing - enabling the location along the pathway and monitoring successive travel elements passing the seasing location and for detecting a fault condition eharacterized by the presence of an affected travel element or the absence thereof, - monitoriag a graphical user intethce or on a control panel or both for a notification signal function in the event of a fault condition;
enabling a first user aclmowledge function on the graphical uscr interface or on the control panel or both, to acknowledge the notification signal;
- reviewing a status udctiop on the graphical user interface or control panel for operative details of the fault condition;
enabling a second user acknowledge function on the graphical user naterface or on the control panel or both, to ackttowledge the operative details of the fault condition; aad - enabling a halt function to temporarily halt the conveyor system in a manner to cause the affected travel elelu eut, or a portion of the undercarriage at which a missing travel element is normally mounted, to appear at the access site for subsequent replacement and/or repair.
u7, yet another of its aspocts, thC present invention provides a conveyor system comprising a conveyor track means at least one pathway, a number of uwoiderearriage means for travel along the conveyor track naeans, each with a plurality of travel naeaas eotzfined for travel along the pathway, the conveyor track means '1 HONCCWCAA,AppFinal Last printed 281062005 3;29:00 PM
~. ..
having at least one sensing location, at least one sensing means for each sensing location ;For detecting the presence of a travel means at the sensing location, monitoting means for monitoring an operative frequency at which successive travel means pass the sensing location, signalling means responsive to the rnonitorang portion for issuing a signal oD a change in the operatave frequency indicative of a corresponding change in the condition of one or more than one affected travel means, the conveyor track means including an access means for accessing the affected travel means, and a drive means for driving the undercarriage means along the conveyor, the drive means being responsive to the monitoring means for bringing the conveyor to a temporary halt with the affected travel means accessible by the access means for subsequent replacement and/or repair.
In yet another of its aspects, the present imvention provides a computer implemented method for operating a conveyor system comprising the steps of - a step for activati o.g the conveyor system to cause a number of undercarriages units, each with a plurality of travel elements, to travel along a conveyor track with the travel elements travelling in oxie or m.oze pathways and sensing the presence of travel elements at a sensing location along the pathways;
a step for aaobatoxittg successive travel elements passing the sensing location and for detecting a fault condition characterized by the presence of an affected travel element or the absence thereof, a step for issuing a notification signal in the event of a fault condition;
and - a step fbr temporarily halting the conveyor systexn in a ftwner to cause the affected itavel element, or a portion of the undercarriage at which a missing travel element is nonnally mounted, to appear at an access site along the pathway for subsequent replacement and/or repair.
HONCCWCDAAppFinal Last printed 28r06r405 3:29:00 PM
~. W _, BRIEF DESCZi1P'Z'lON OF TIHE 17RAWZNGS
Several preferred embodiments of the presenR invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the appended drawings in w}tich:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a conveyor system;
Fig re 2 is a ftagnoentary perspective view of a portion of the system of figure 1;
Figure 3 is another fragmentary perspective view of a portion of tbe system of figure 1;
Figure 4 is a sectional view taken on line 4-4 of figure 3;
Figure 5 is a fragrnentary perspecbive partly schematic view of a portian of the system of figure 1;
Figure 6 is a schematac view of anoChet' portion ofthe system of figure 1;
Figures 7, 8 and 9 are scb,enxatic views of screens presented by the system of tgure 1 in three cotresponding operating modes;
Figure 10 is a flow diagram of a method associated with operating a conveyot;
Figure 11 is a schematic view o1'alternative conveyor anraugeme:ats; and Figures 12 and 13 are fragmentary perspective and side views, respectively, of a portion of another conveyor.
DESCB.IPTTON OF 7'l-)E MFER1t1rD EMBODIMENTS
HONCCWCDAAppFirta!
t,ast print.ed 28/06/2A05 3:29:00 Pvl ~ .., Referring to the figures, there is shown a system 10 for monitoring a conveyor 12 having a conveyor txacak 14 with having at least one, in this case two, patb.ways 16a, and 16b.
ltefetrirtg to figures 2 and 3, a number of undercarriage units 18 travel along the conveyor track 14, each with a plurality of travel elements 20 confined for travel along the pathways 16a, 16b. In this example, each undercarriage unit 18 includes four travel elements 20, each of which travels along a correspondiaag pathway. The travel elements are sho.vo as wheels but may be provided as rollers, rotatable or rollable tio entbers, or a combination thereof. Each undereatriage 18 is latowtt as a pitch and adjacent pitches are joined together to form a conveyor drive chain. The term "pitch" is a.lso known to include a conveyor "dog" togetheT with tbLe links of chain following the conveyor dog which joins to a subsequent conveyor dog.
Refezing to Sigure 1, the conveyor track 14 is provided with an access site 24 fbr accessing the travel elements 20. In this case, the access site 24 is located within a drive station shown at 26 for driving the undercarriage units 18 aloiag the conveyor 12. The drive station 26 includes a drive unit 26a which is coupled with the conveyor drive chain in a mauner not shown for the sake of brevity. The access site 24 has protective screening 28 provided by a number of saety barrier screens 30, one or more of which are removable to pernnit access to the access site 24.
Referring to 6gure 2, the conveyor track 14 includes a guide fnme wangement 34 to render the pathways 16a, 16b substantially inaccessible other than at the access site 24. The guide frame arrangement 34 is provided, in this case, as a one piece steel chattnel having a pair of channel walls 36,38 joined to a base 40. The channel walls 36, 38 and base 40 are supported by stands 42 located at spaeed itttervals along the conveyor 12. Referring to figure 1, a guide cover 44 is provided for a portion of the conveyor 12 in the inaznediate vicinity of the access site 24, but does not cover an operative region of the conveyor. The guide cover 44 is elatxtped to the channel walls 36, 38 by way of bolts 44a against clamp member 44b. It will be understood that the guide cover 44 or odw guards and covers may be used in those regions where the conveyor is not actively driving a dolly, for example where the power rail and chain return to the drive HONCCWCD.A!#ppFinaf Iast primed ZS/06J2003 3:29:00 PM
~ _ ..,.. ..
unit 26 or where the conveyor 14 has a transfer point from one chain to another, or where the conveyor track 14 has a section which hangs from a ceiling. The operative region is characterized by an open passage in which pusher dogs (or also known as conveyor dogs) 46 extend upwardly from within the guide frame arrangement 34 to displace dollies shown in dashed lines at 48 in figure 2 which in turn displace conveyed articles along the conveyor path, such as vehicles, partially assembled vehicles, or components therefor (not shown) along a conveyor path shown at "P" in fignre 1, from left to right as viewed therein.
Referring to figure 3, at the access site 24, the conveyor track 14 has at least one, in this case two, sensing locations 50, 52. The channel wa1136 is cut down as shown by the upper peripheral region at 36a, to 10, permit access to the travel elements 20 as they roll along the base 40. At least one sensing unit 54 is located at each respective sensing location, for detecting the presence of a travel element at the sensing location. Each sensing unit 54. includes a bracket frame 56 braced against the channel wall 36 by way of a fastener shown at '58. The bracket frame 56 is positioned adjacent the corresponding pathway and a sensor element 60 is mounted on the bracket frame 56 over the corresponding pathway and fixed thereto by way of a fastener shown at 62.
Referring to figures 3 and 4, the bracket frame 56 has a remote_end region 56a to carry the sensor element 60 so that it is in operable proximity to the corresponding pathway to detect the presence of a travel element 20 and/or the absence thereof. The sensor element 60 includes a proxiniity switch 64, such as an 18mm OMRONT"' 24VDC proximity switch, which passes through a passage 56b formed in the remote end region 56a and held in place by the fastener 62. Thus, the proximity switch 64 is clamped to the conveyor rail inside the protective screening of the conveyor drive station 26. The proximity switch 64 in this case may be adjusted to within 2mm of the tops of the travel elements 20, though other settings may also be used, as de'sired, depending on the operating characteristics of the proximity switch 64. Thus, it will be seen that proximity switches 64 are provided at sensing locations 50, 52 to monitor the left and right hand pathways 16a, 16b as viewed in figure 2.
The proximity switch 64 may be replaced or supplemented by a number of other sensing means to sense ~l the presenoe of the travel element 20. For example, the setasie,g unit 54 may sense the travel elements 20 by way of a chaiuge in a megnetic Seld, a change in a sigaal, be it ultrasonic, RF or some other ftvquency or frequcnry range or frequency range pettern_ The seasing unit 54 may be sensitive to a reflectiora of light, sound, an echo signal or the like.
As can be seen in figures 5 md 6, a momitorioug wtit 70 is provided for monitori,ng an oporative frequency or pattem at which suceessive travel elements 20 pass the sensing locatio a 52. A signalling portion 72 is responsive to the moniEodng unit 70 for issuing a siguel sbiown graphically at "S" on a change in the operative frequency indicative of a corresponding change in the condition of one or more than one affccted travel olement 20. Meamwhile, the drive stafion 26 is responsive to the monitoring unit 70 for bringing the conveyor 12 to a tetxtporaxy balt witb the affeeted travel element 20 at the access site for subsecluent replacement and/or repair.
The monitoring unit 70 includes a conveyor couiroi panel shown at 74 which is provided witb one or more switches 76, status indicators 78 and cables 80 joiniag the proximity svritches 64 thereto It will be understood that the conveyor cotttrel panel 74 way also be provided with other controls and indiicator lights and the like to monitor and control the other operating procedures for the conveyor 12 such as normal conveyor line speed and the lilae.
Referring to figure 6, the monitoring unit 70 includes a PLC 82 and a display poztion 84 to issue the signal thereon (As can be seeo in figures 1 and 5, a eable 80a is also provided to detiver eontrol ipstractions lxom the PLC to the drive unit 26a.) In this case, the aei3 and right proximity switches 64 are wired to an input card 86 ofthe PLC 82, in this case a Mitsubishi A3U CPU programmable Logic Controiler (PLC) located in the conveyor control pane174. The PLC 82 has a nwnber of monitoring and control unotioas for monitorfng, flagging lbuhs and stopping the conveyor to repair missing wheele at the access site 24 on the instnaction of an operator, as will be described.
R,eferring to figure 5, the display portion 84 inehides a graphic user interface 88, such as a Mitsubislui A985 HONCCWCDAAAppFinal Lest prieted 28/06J2005 3:29:00 PM
Graphic Operation Terminal, to provide a number of screens for various fiznctions for controlling and maintaining the conveyor, as well as a number of monitoring screens discussed below. The status indicat.ors include a fault lamp 90 (which may, if desired, be labelled "GO TO
CONVEYOR
NIONITORING") and the conveyor control panel 74 includes a reset button 92 to reset a conveyor coxWol procedure as explained bel;ow. ltefcrXiAg to Fgure 7, the graphic user iuteri;'aee 88 is provided with a first toaa.ia screen 100 with a number of status indicator fiutcbions 102 for indicating the status of various fimctions of the conveyor, including, for exaznple, conveyor speed and the Ii1ce. Selected ones of these Rtnctions may also be provided on subsequent screens including those discussed below, along with other functions sucb as routitte menu funotions including functions to move to other screens or to return to the main screen, as desired.The main screen includes a redundant indicator function 104 labelled "GO TO
CONVEYOR MONITORING" as well as a switch function 106 labelled "CONVEYOR
MOIYITOIUNG".
In this case, the graphic user interface 88 has a`43ouch screen" format, so that the switch function 106 represents the equivalent of a discrete trigger switch to implement a step to move to a conveyor monitoring menu.
Titus, tb e;fault lamp 90 and redundant indicator function 104 on the fxrst main screen 100 are operable to flash, blink or simply light solidly, such as in a"red" or other suitable colour, when a m,issing or affeeted wheel is sensed.
In response to the "CONVEYOR MONITORING" switch foctiott 106, the graphic user intezface 88 provides a second "CONVEXOR MONITORING" screen 110 shown, in figure 8ltaving two flash or status indicator iitnctions, one shown at 112 and labelled LEk"1' SIDE WHEEL
MISSING" and the other shown at 114 and labelled "RIGHT SIDE WHEEL MISSING", both indicating a correspond'uug missing wheel when flashing. The second "CONVEYOR MONITORING" screen I 10 is also provided with a switch function 1161abelled "ENABLE MISSING WHBEL STOP PROCEDURE".
In response to the "ENABLE MISSING WHEEL STOP PROCEDURE" switch function 116.
the gtaphic user interface 88 also provides a third "ENABLE MISSING WHEEL STOP l'ROCEpURE"
HONCCwCDAApvF'vnal Last printed 28106J2005 3:29:00 PNt t . , acknowledgement screen I 18, shown in figure 9, having two switch fuactions, a first switch function 120 labelled "YES" and a second switch fitn,ction 122 labelled "NO". The third screen 118 is also provided with the notice warning the user not to enable this funcdion during production, and warning the user that the conveyor will stop when the missing wheel is sensed. The third screen is also provided with a notice adjacent the `YES" switch fwaction that the "ENABLE MISSING WHEEI. STOP
PROCEDURE" should be disabled after the conveyor stops or when the wheel has been replaced to avoid another unexpected stop in the conveyor funotion.
Thus, the system 10 opt;7rdtes as follows, as shown in figure 10. First, the conveyor drive station 26 is activated and the wheel monitoring function enabled. This enables proximity switches 64 to operate normally to irldieate each time a wheel 20 passes a sensing locatiiou or zone 50, 52 immediately adjacent the corresponding proximity switch 64. The proxinvty switch 64 sends a regular stream or periodic train or pattern of data pulses to the monitoring unit 70 indicating the normal appearance of successive wheels 20 at the conEspondung sensing zones 50. In this case, the monitoring unit may count the signals iuu combinations of one, two or three or iato[e regar+ding on the configuration of the conveyor, particularly the number of wheels per pitch. Once a missing wheel is sensed, the monitoring unit wiii detect the absence of a regular signal, thus prompting the "GO TO CONVEYOR MONITOR[NG" fault lamp 90 and redundant indicator function 104 to flash. The opetator then proceeds to the first main screen 100 and depresses the "CONVEYOR MONITORING" switch function 106. The operator is then presented wSth the second "CONVEYOR MONITORING" screen 110 in whickl either or both "LEFT SIDE W"HEEL
MISSING" or "RIGHT SIDE WEILEI. MISSING" 11ash indicator functions 112, 114 indicate one or two specific ntissing wheel fault condition(s) as the case may be. The operator then depresses the RFsSET BUITON 92 brielly, say for about one second (or another duration, as desired) to acknowledge the alarm and waits for an appropriate time for fixing the missing wheel(s) 20, for example when ap, assembly shift is about to end.
When the appropriate time artives, the operator depresses the "EN.ABLE MISSING
WHEEL STOP
PROCEDURE" switch function 116 on the second CONVEYOR MONTTORING screen 110-In response to the "ENABLE MISSING WHEEL STOP PI2OCEDLIRE" switch fancGion 116, the graphic HONCCWCDAA.ppFinal i.ast printed 28I06/2005 3:29:00 PM
r _ . _ ..,.. ,_ user interface 88 presents the third "ENABLE MISSING WBErEI, STOI' PROCEDURE"
acknowledgement screen 118, in which case the operator follows through and coA'iirrns the procedure by depressing the "YES" switch fimction 120. The operator is then advised by the additional screen based notices that the operator slaould not enable this function during production, and waxniag the user that the conveyor will stop when the missiag wheel is sensed and to disable the "ENABLE
MISSING WHEEL
STOP PROCEDURE" Cunction once the conveyor stops or when the wheel has beeA, rep)aeed to avoid another unexpected stop in the conveyor fuoa4iom.
In response to the "YES" first switch function 120, the PLC 82' waits for the next signal or Iack t,hereof froxn the corresponding proximity switch 64, including that the missing wheel is sensed and the PLC 64 issues a stop command to the drive station 26 which stops or temporarily halts the coo,veyor 12. The timing of the stop function is sufFiciently prompt that the imissing wheel is positioned just past the sensing zone 50 of the correspottdimtg proximity switch 64.
With the conveyor 12 stalled, the operator implements a manual lockout or temporaiy power shut off ofthe conveyor drive station 26 to prevent an inadvertent start-np of the conveyor and removes the protective screening and then repairs aud/or replaces the missing wheeL The operator then resets the missing wheel fault by pushing in and holding the RESET BUTFON 92 for tluee seconds (or another suitable duration, as desired). This system is now ready to monitor the wheels again.
Thus, the system or other parts or functions associated thetewith may include one or more programmed logic controllers or some other form of controller. It may be included in a software program coDfZgured to nm on a general purpose computer, such as pexsonal computer, or on a more substantial computer mainframe, which is operable to work within a networlc, for data to be uploaded to a central database. The network may thus involve several general purpose computers, for example those sold under the trade names APPLE ' or IBM 0 , or clones thereof, which are progra.aumed with operating systems known by the trade names WINDOWS n, LINUX or other well known or lesser koowo equivalents of these. The systera puay involve pre-prograntmed soflware using a number of possible languages or a custom designed version of a HONCCWCO,A.A.ppFiW
Last printed 28106I2005 3:29:00 PM
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programming software sold under the trade name ACCESS 01 or similar progra[nming software. The computer network may be a wired local area network, or a wide area network such as the Internet, or a combination of the two, with or without added security, authentication protocoLs, or under "peer-to-peer" or "cliemt-server" or other networking architectures. The network may also be a wireless network or a combination ofwired and wireless networks. The wireless metwotlc may operate under fl'ecpaencies such as those dubbed `radio frecluency' or "RF" using protocols such as the 802.11, TCP/IP, BLUE TOOTH aad the like, or other well lmown Internet, wireless, satellite or cell packet protocols. The systetn may, altematively, include a single customx built computer wbieb is dedicated to the function of the system alone.
For example, each proximity switch 64 toay be equipped with an l2F transceiver for dispatching data over a wireless data link to the monitoiing unit 70_ The system, in one example, is thus operable to monitor the conveyor for missing travel elenaents 20, in this particular case wheels, that cannot otherwise be seen because of their enclosed environment provided by the guide frame arraztgement. It is not uncommon for conveyors of this type to be active for extended periods of time and the monitoring function provided herein is intended to operate continuously during those extended perlods, though they may be configured to operate for relatively shorter monitoring periods as desired, or alt.ernatively during scheduled or on demand monitoring procedures. A particular benefit of the system 10 is that it can provide an advance warning of a change in an operative condition of a travel element that could cause or promote more signif'iicattt damage thereto if left tmrepaired, possibly leading to an overall shutdown of the conveyor system and the manufactnring andlor assembly operation it supports, for example. That being said, the presep,t system may also be useful in cases where the wheels or other travel elements are not necessarily rendered inaccessible as in the present exaxnple. Inisbcad, the travel elements may, in other applications, indeed be accassible along one or more locations or regions of the conveyor or, fnr that rnatter, fully accessible for the length of the conveyor and still benefit from the monaitotimg functiotts herein where manual monitoring of an operating conveyor is less desirable.
In one example, during normal operation of the conveyor, the conveyor chain and wb eels pass tbrough and under the proximity switches at a constant speed, though the wheels may travel at non consmt-t speeds, HONCCWCDAAppFinal T_.ast prinaed 28/06/2005 3:29:00 PM
~. _ , . .. _ . .
depending on the operating patterns of the coztveyor. The sensor is thus, in this case, operable to verify that each side of each pitch has, in this case, two wheels. If only one wheel is seen, then a fault is geuerated.
The system 10 bas been described for use with the conveyor 12 having a pitcb with four travel elements each, as shown schematically in the upper imoage of ligtue 11. HoweVer, otheir e=ples of the system 10 may also be used for coAveyors having other pitch arrangements. For instance, there may be cases where conveyor chains have a pitch of four, siat, eight, or other combinations of wheels or wheel groups. For instance, conveyor "dogs" on oven conveyor chains are farther apat't than conveyor dogs far assembly conveyor chains. Consider, as amotber example, att oven conveyor chain in which each pitch ineIudes a conveyor dog, which itself is supporGed'by Srst group of four wheels 20, followed by a second group of two ehain support wheels 20a, for a total of six wbeels, as shown by the lower image of figure 11. ln tbis example, the systero.10 may be prognwated to recognize the pattern of signals brom the sensor unit signifying the normal passing of a patten of two wJaeels and then one wheel for each passing pitch.
Another conveyor is shown at 130 in figures 12 and 13, as another exanuple of a conveyor oA' wWeh the system 10 can be used. In this case, the conveyor 130 bas a conveyor dog 132 which is integrally fornaed with a body 134 which is joined by way of chain links 136 to wheel supports 138.
While the conveyor system disclosed herein has been shown to include a chain joiaing adjacent portions of the conveyor together, including the coaveyor dogs and the travel elenaep,ts, it will be understood that the system may be suited in some cases to other conveyor systems which do not employ interconnecting elements considered to be chains. lnsttad, portions of the conveyor may be eoAo,ect.ed or articulated using other techniques that may include cable arrangements or the Ulce_ S'till further, the travel elements may be supported by joimiing conveyor portions which thenaselves ao-e iuterconnected togmher without the tleed for internnediate links or the like.
While the system 10 is operable to sense the travel elernent at a sensing location which itself is located in or near the access site, it will be understood that the sezlsing location may be at another location upstteam of HONCCWCDAAppFiaal Last prinRed 28/06r2005 3:29:00 PM
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the access sitc. Ua this case, the drive ponion may be operable to diisplaae the affbcted travel element (or the location on the undercanriage where a travel element is missiiug) to the access site dowrnstt+eam. This may be achieved by calcutatimg a roquired time of displacement, given the travel rate of the coaveyor, for examplc. Whila the system makes use of seDsors at one location along each pathway, it m,ay be desirable in other case to provide a number of sensors ac a n,umber of locadons along eacb pathway, as desired.
While the present invention has been described for what are presently considered the pxeferred mxboditpenis, the invention is not so limited. To the cotttrery, the inverRioa is intended to cover vadous modifications and equivalent arrangementa included wMiut the spirlt and scope of the appended claims.
The scope of the following claims ts to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modific. tions and equivalent strucnues and flmctions.
ls HONCCWCUAAppFinW
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Claims (36)
1. A conveyor system comprising a conveyor track having at least one pathway, a number of undercarrige units for travel along the conveyor track, each with a plurality of travel elements confined for travel along the pathway, the conveyor track having at least one sensing location, at least one sensing portion for each sensing location for detecting the presence of a travel element at the sensing location, a monitoring portion for monitoring an operative frequency at which successive travel elements pass the sensing location, a signalling portion responsive to the monitoring portion for issuing a signal on a change in the operative frequency indicative of a corresponding change in the condition of one or more than one-affected travel element, the conveyor track including a designated access site for accessing the affected travel element, and a drive portion for driving the undercarriage units along the conveyor, the drive portion being responsive to the monitoring portion for advancing the conveyor to deliver the affected travel element at the designated access site for subsequent replacement and/or repair.
2. A system as defined in claim 1, wherein the travel elements includes one or more than one wheel, roller, rotatable or rollable member, or a combination thereof.
3. A system as defined in claim 1, wherein the conveyor track includes a pair of pathways and each undercarriage unit includes one or more groups of travel elements, each of which travels along a corresponding pathway.
4. A system as defined in claim 3, wherein the undercarriage unit includes a first group with four travel elements.
5. A system as defined in claim 4, wherein the undercarriage unit includes a second group of two travel elements.
6. A system as defined in claim 3, wherein the conveyor track includes a guide frame arrangement to render the pathways substantially inaccessible other than at selected locations including the designated access site.
7. A system as defined in claim 1, each sensing portion including a bracket frame mountable adjacent the pathway and a sensor element mounted on the bracket frame in operable proximity to the pathway to detect the presence of a travel element or an absence thereof.
8. A system as defined in claim 7, wherein the sensor element includes a proximity switch.
9. A system as defined in claim 8, wherein the monitoring unit includes a PLC
and a display portion to issue the signal thereon.
and a display portion to issue the signal thereon.
10. A conveyor system comprising a conveyor track having at least one pathway, a number of undercarriage units for travel along the conveyor track, each with a plurality of travel elements confined for travel along the pathway, the conveyor track having at least one sensing location, at least one sensing portion for each sensing location for detecting the presence of a travel element at the sensing location, a monitoring portion for monitoring an operative frequency at which successive travel elements pass the sensing location, a signalling portion responsive to the monitoring portion for issuing a signal on a change in the operative frequency indicative of a corresponding change in the condition of one or more than one affected travel element, the conveyor track including a designated access site for accessing.
the affected travel element, and a drive portion for driving the undercarriage units along the conveyor, the drive portion being responsive to the monitoring portion for advancing the conveyor to deliver with the affected travel element at the designated access site for subsequent replacement and/or repair, the drive unit including a drive station with a safety zone which is accessible by one or more removable safety barriers, the sensing portion being located within the safety zone.
the affected travel element, and a drive portion for driving the undercarriage units along the conveyor, the drive portion being responsive to the monitoring portion for advancing the conveyor to deliver with the affected travel element at the designated access site for subsequent replacement and/or repair, the drive unit including a drive station with a safety zone which is accessible by one or more removable safety barriers, the sensing portion being located within the safety zone.
11. A system as defined in claim 10, wherein the designated access site is located within the safety zone.
12. A system as defined in claim 9, wherein the conveyor includes a pair of pathways and a corresponding pair of proximity switches.
13. A system as defined in claim 12, further comprising a control panel, the control panel including at least one fault lamp and at least one reset button.
14. A system as defined in claim 13, the control panel further comprising a graphic user interface including a first main screen providing an indicator function for alerting an operator to advance to a conveyor monitoring procedure, and a switch function for advancing to the conveyor monitoring procedure.
15. A system as defined in claim 14, the graphic user interface being operable to present a second screen providing a first status indicator function for notifying an operator of a fault condition on a first pathway, and a second status indicator function for notifying an operator of a fault condition on a second pathway and a switch function for enabling a procedure for halting the conveyor.
16. A system as defined in claim 15, the graphic user interface being operable to present a third screen for acknowledging the procedure for halting the conveyor, the third screen presenting at least one confirmation switch function to confirm the procedure for halting the conveyor.
17. A device for controlling a conveyor system of a type including conveyor track having at least one pathway, a number of undercarriage units for travel along the conveyor, each with a plurality of travel elements confined for travel along the pathway and a drive portion for driving the undercarriage units along the pathway, the device comprising a sensor for sensing the presence of travel elements passing a sensing location, at least one sensing portion for each sensing location for detecting the presence of a travel element at the sensing location, an designated access site for accessing the travel elements, a monitoring portion for monitoring successive travel elements passing the sensing location and for detecting a fault condition characterized by the presence of an affected travel element or the absence thereof, a signalling portion responsive to the monitoring portion for issuing a notification signal of the fault condition, the monitoring portion being operable to communicate with the drive portion for advancing the conveyor to deliver the affected travel element, or a portion of the undercarriage at which a missing travel element is normally mounted, at the designated access site for subsequent replacement and/or repair.
18. A method for monitoring a conveyor system comprising the steps of:
- providing a conveyor track having at least one pathway and a number of undercarriage units for travel along the conveyor, each with a plurality of travel elements confined for travel along the pathway;
- providing a sensor at a sensing location along the pathway for sensing the presence of travel elements;
- providing a designated access site for accessing the travel elements, - providing a monitoring portion for monitoring successive travel elements passing the sensing location and for detecting a fault condition characterized by the presence of an affected travel element or the absence thereof, - providing a signalling portion to be responsive to the monitoring portion for issuing a notification signal of the fault condition, providing a drive portion for driving the undercarriage units along the conveyor, and arranging the drive portion to be responsive to the monitoring portion for advancing the conveyor to deliver the affected travel element, or a portion of the undercarriage at which a missing travel element is normally mounted, at the designated access site for subsequent replacement and/or repair.
- providing a conveyor track having at least one pathway and a number of undercarriage units for travel along the conveyor, each with a plurality of travel elements confined for travel along the pathway;
- providing a sensor at a sensing location along the pathway for sensing the presence of travel elements;
- providing a designated access site for accessing the travel elements, - providing a monitoring portion for monitoring successive travel elements passing the sensing location and for detecting a fault condition characterized by the presence of an affected travel element or the absence thereof, - providing a signalling portion to be responsive to the monitoring portion for issuing a notification signal of the fault condition, providing a drive portion for driving the undercarriage units along the conveyor, and arranging the drive portion to be responsive to the monitoring portion for advancing the conveyor to deliver the affected travel element, or a portion of the undercarriage at which a missing travel element is normally mounted, at the designated access site for subsequent replacement and/or repair.
19. A computer implemented method for operating a conveyor system comprising the steps of:
activating the conveyor system to cause a number of undercarriage units, each with a plurality of travel elements, to travel along a conveyor track with the travel elements travelling in one or more pathways and sensing the presence of travel elements at a sensing location along the pathways;
monitoring successive travel elements passing the sensing location and for detecting a fault condition characterized by the presence of an affected travel element or the absence thereof, issuing a notification signal in the event of a fault condition; and temporarily halting the conveyor system in a manner to cause the affected travel element, or a portion of the undercarriage at which a missing travel element is normally mounted, to appear at a designated access site along the pathway for subsequent replacement and/or repair.
activating the conveyor system to cause a number of undercarriage units, each with a plurality of travel elements, to travel along a conveyor track with the travel elements travelling in one or more pathways and sensing the presence of travel elements at a sensing location along the pathways;
monitoring successive travel elements passing the sensing location and for detecting a fault condition characterized by the presence of an affected travel element or the absence thereof, issuing a notification signal in the event of a fault condition; and temporarily halting the conveyor system in a manner to cause the affected travel element, or a portion of the undercarriage at which a missing travel element is normally mounted, to appear at a designated access site along the pathway for subsequent replacement and/or repair.
20. A method as defined in claim 19, wherein the step of activating, includes providing the travel elements in the form of one or more than one wheel, roller, rotatable or rollable member, or a combination thereof.
21. A method as defined in claim 19, further comprising the step of providing the conveyor track with a pair of pathways and each undercarriage unit providing one or more groups of travel elements, each of which travels along a corresponding pathway.
22. A method as defined in claim 21, wherein each undercarriage unit includes a first group with four travel elements.
23. A method as defined in claim 22, wherein each undercarriage unit includes a second group of two travel elements.
24. A method as defined in claim 21, further comprising the step of providing the conveyor track with a guide frame arrangement to render the pathways substantially inaccessible other than at selected locations including the designated access site.
25. A method as defined in claim 19, wherein each sensing location includes a bracket frame mountable adjacent the pathway and a sensor element mounted on the bracket frame in operable proximity to the pathway for detecting the presence of a travel element or an absence thereof.
26. A method as defined in claim 25, wherein the sensor element includes a proximity switch.
27. A method as defined in claim 26, further comprising providing a monitoring unit with a PLC
and a display portion to issue the notification signal thereon.
and a display portion to issue the notification signal thereon.
28. A method as defined in claim 25, further comprising providing a drive unit with a drive station with a safety zone which is accessible by one or more removable safety barriers, and locating the sensing element within the safety zone.
29. A computer implemented method as defined in claim 28, further comprising providing the designated access site within the safety zone.
30. A method as defined in claim 27, further comprising providing the conveyor with a pair of pathways and a corresponding pair of proximity switches.
31. A method as defined in claim 30, further comprising providing a control panel, with at least one fault lamp and at least one reset button.
32. A method as defined in claim 31, further comprising providing the control panel with a graphic user interface including a first main screen providing an indicator function for alerting an operator to advance to a conveyor monitoring procedure, and a switch function for advancing to the conveyor monitoring procedure.
33. A method as defined in claim 32, further comprising providing the graphic user interface to be operable to present a second screen providing a first status indicator function for notifying an operator of a fault condition on a first pathway, and a second status indicator function for notifying an operator of a fault condition on a second pathway and a switch function for enabling a procedure for halting the conveyor.
34. A method as defined in claim 33, further comprising providing the graphic user interface to be operable to present a third screen for acknowledging the procedure for halting the conveyor, the third screen presenting at least one confirmation switch function to confirm the procedure for halting the conveyor.
35. A conveyor system comprising a conveyor track means at least one pathway, a number of undercarriage means for travel along the conveyor track means, each with a plurality of travel means confined for travel along the pathway, the conveyor track means having at least one sensing location, at least one sensing means for each sensing location for detecting the presence of a travel means at the sensing location, monitoring means for monitoring an operative frequency at which successive travel means pass the sensing location, signalling means responsive to the monitoring portion for issuing a signal on a change in the operative frequency indicative of a corresponding change in the condition of one or more than one affected travel means, the conveyor track means including a designated access means for accessing the affected travel means, and a drive means for driving the undercarriage means along the conveyor, the drive means being responsive to the monitoring means for the conveyor to deliver the affected travel means to the designated access means for subsequent replacement and/or repair.
36. A computer implemented method for operating a conveyor system comprising the steps of:
- a step for activating the conveyor system to cause a number of undercarriages units, each with a plurality of travel elements, to travel along a conveyor track with the travel elements travelling in one or more pathways and sensing the presence of travel elements at a sensing location along the pathways;
- a step for monitoring successive travel elements passing the sensing location and for detecting a fault condition characterized by the presence of an affected travel element or the absence thereof, - a step for issuing a notification signal in the event of a fault condition;
and a step for advancing the conveyor system to deliver the affected travel element, or a portion of the undercarriage at which a missing travel element is normally mounted, to appear at a designated access site along the pathway for subsequent replacement and/or repair.
- a step for activating the conveyor system to cause a number of undercarriages units, each with a plurality of travel elements, to travel along a conveyor track with the travel elements travelling in one or more pathways and sensing the presence of travel elements at a sensing location along the pathways;
- a step for monitoring successive travel elements passing the sensing location and for detecting a fault condition characterized by the presence of an affected travel element or the absence thereof, - a step for issuing a notification signal in the event of a fault condition;
and a step for advancing the conveyor system to deliver the affected travel element, or a portion of the undercarriage at which a missing travel element is normally mounted, to appear at a designated access site along the pathway for subsequent replacement and/or repair.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2511062 CA2511062C (en) | 2005-06-29 | 2005-06-29 | Conveyor monitoring systems and method |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2511062 CA2511062C (en) | 2005-06-29 | 2005-06-29 | Conveyor monitoring systems and method |
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| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2511062A1 CA2511062A1 (en) | 2006-12-29 |
| CA2511062C true CA2511062C (en) | 2009-11-17 |
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| CA 2511062 Expired - Fee Related CA2511062C (en) | 2005-06-29 | 2005-06-29 | Conveyor monitoring systems and method |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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| US11014761B2 (en) | 2016-06-27 | 2021-05-25 | Castrol Limited | Conveyor condition monitor for a conveyor with linked trollies |
| CN109051620A (en) * | 2018-09-18 | 2018-12-21 | 上海英迈吉东影图像设备有限公司 | A kind of adjustable conveyer belt device of speed and its speed adjusting method |
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