Accumulation conveyor control system

摘要

An accumulation conveyor control system (10) includes a number of accumulation zone conveyors (1), each equipped with a control module (20) coupled with an electronically controlled clutch (11). The system includes one motor (9) linked to each accumulation conveyor (1) for driving of the conveyor rollers (5). The clutch (11) links a drive roller (5) on each conveyor (1) with the motor (9) via a drive member such as a chain. The control module (20) controls operation of the conveyors (10) by sensing the presence or absence of an article in the path of one or more of the article sensors (31). When the path is blocked signifying the presence of an article, the module (20) sends a signal upstream and receives signals from downstream zones (1) to control roller (5) operation for each zone (1). The system allows a unitary installment of a number of zones (1) using a single power (9) source and without the need for mechanical devices such as trigger switches or PLCs.