Patent Publication Number: US-2023135278-A1

Title: Conveyance device

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a National Stage of International Patent Application No. PCT/JP2019/049310, filed Dec. 17, 2019, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Technical Field 
     The present disclosure relates to a conveyance device, and more particularly, it relates to a conveyance device including a plurality of conveyance modules to convey a slider. 
     Background Art 
     Conventionally, a conveyance device including a plurality of conveyance modules to convey a slider is known. Such a conveyance device is disclosed in International Publication No. 2018/055720, for example. 
     International Publication No. 2018/055720 discloses a conveyance device including a plurality of conveyance modules to convey a slider. In the conveyance device described in International Publication No. 2018/055720, the plurality of conveyance modules are connected to each other to form a conveyance path. 
     SUMMARY 
     In the conveyance device described in International Publication No. 2018/055720, the plurality of conveyance modules are connected to each other to form a conveyance path, and thus it is difficult to identify which conveyance module an abnormality has occurred in when the abnormality has occurred in any of the conveyance modules, for example. Therefore, in the conveyance device including the plurality of conveyance modules, it is desired to easily identify a location at which an abnormality or the like has occurred when the abnormality or the like has occurred. 
     Accordingly, the present disclosure provides a conveyance device capable of easily identifying a location at which an abnormality or the like has occurred when the abnormality or the like has occurred in the conveyance device including a plurality of conveyance modules. 
     A conveyance device according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a slider, a conveyor including a plurality of conveyance modules to convey the slider, and a connecting member provided separately from the conveyance modules and configured to connect the conveyance modules adjacent to each other such that a signal is transmittable. The conveyance device further includes a first indicator provided so as to correspond to each of the plurality of conveyance modules and configured to indicate states of the conveyance modules. 
     In the conveyance device according to this aspect of the present disclosure, as described above, the first indicator is provided in each of the plurality of conveyance modules to indicate the states of the conveyance modules. Accordingly, when an abnormality or the like occurs, the first indicator provided in each of the conveyance modules can notify an operator of the abnormality or the like, and thus it is possible to easily determine which of the conveyance modules has an abnormality or the like. Consequently, when an abnormality or the like occurs in the conveyance device including the plurality of conveyance modules, a location at which the abnormality or the like occurs can be easily identified. 
     In the aforementioned conveyance device according to this aspect, the first indicator is preferably arranged on a portion of one of side surfaces of each of the conveyance modules extending along a conveyance direction of the slider. Accordingly, the first indicator can be easily checked from the sides of the conveyance modules. 
     In this case, the conveyance device preferably further includes a second indicator provided in the connecting member to indicate the state of each of the conveyance modules, the second indicator being arranged on a portion of another of the side surfaces of each of the conveyance modules extending along the conveyance direction of the slider. Accordingly, the first indicator can be checked from one side of each of the conveyance modules, and the second indicator can be checked from another side of each of the conveyance modules, and thus the states of the conveyance modules can be checked from both sides of the conveyance modules. 
     In the aforementioned configuration including the second indicator, the connecting member preferably includes an inclined surface inclined downward and outward from the conveyance modules, and the second indicator is preferably arranged on the inclined surface. Accordingly, the second indicator arranged on the inclined surface can be easily checked from diagonally above, and thus the states of the conveyance modules can be easily checked. 
     In the aforementioned configuration including the second indicator, the second indicator preferably includes a pair of second indicators provided in the connecting member so as to correspond to both of the conveyance modules adjacent to each other, which the connecting member connects. Accordingly, at a connecting portion of the adjacent conveyance modules, the states of both of the adjacent conveyance modules can be checked. 
     In this case, one of the pair of second indicators is preferably configured to indicate a state of one of the conveyance modules adjacent to each other and is preferably arranged in a portion of the connecting member on one conveyance module side, and the other of the pair of second indicators is preferably configured to indicate a state of the other of the conveyance modules adjacent to each other and is preferably arranged in a portion of the connecting member on the other conveyance module side. Accordingly, at the connecting portion of the adjacent conveyance modules, it is possible to easily determine which of the adjacent conveyance modules has an abnormality or the like. 
     In the aforementioned configuration including the second indicator, the first indicator and the second indicator each preferably include an indicator to indicate the states of the conveyance modules by lighting, blinking, or a color of light. Accordingly, the color of the light, the lighting pattern, the blinking pattern, or the like is changed according to the states of the conveyance modules and is indicated on the indicator such that the states of the conveyance modules can be easily checked. 
     In the aforementioned conveyance device according to this aspect, the conveyance modules each preferably include a module main body, a linear motor provided in the module main body, a control board provided in the module main body to control driving of the linear motor, a motor power supply board configured to supply electric power to the linear motor, a first wire configured to supply electric power to the control board, and a second wire configured to supply electric power to the motor power supply board, and the control board, the motor power supply board, the first wire, and the second wire are preferably built in the module main body. Accordingly, the first wire configured to supply electric power to the control board and the second wire configured to supply electric power to the motor power supply board can be separated and built in the module main body, and thus the first wire and the second wire can be provided according to the required electric power of the control board and the motor power supply board. 
     In this case, the conveyance modules each preferably further include a plurality of electrically parallel first terminals to which the first wire is connected, the plurality of electrically parallel first terminals being arranged on side surface portions of the module main body at different positions along a conveyance direction of the slider. Accordingly, the polarities of the inputs and outputs of the plurality of first terminals can be eliminated, and thus any first terminal can be used as an input terminal and the other first terminal can be used as an output terminal. Thus, the degree of freedom in arranging the wire connected to the first terminals can be improved, and thus it is possible to significantly reduce or prevent an increase in the length of the wire connected to the first terminals. 
     In the aforementioned configuration including the conveyance modules each including the first terminals, the second wire preferably includes a plurality of second wires provided independently of each other in the conveyance modules, and the conveyance modules each preferably further include a plurality of electrically parallel second terminals to which the second wire is connected, the plurality of electrically parallel second terminals being arranged on side surface portions of the module main body at different positions along the conveyance direction of the slider. Accordingly, even when the conveyance modules are lengthened, electric power can be supplied to the plurality of second wires according to the length. Furthermore, the polarities of the inputs and outputs of the plurality of second terminals can be eliminated, and thus any second terminal can be used as an input terminal, and the other second terminal can be used as an output terminal. Thus, the degree of freedom in arranging the wire connected to the second terminals can be improved, and thus it is possible to significantly reduce or prevent an increase in the length of the wire connected to the second terminals. 
     In this case, the conveyance device preferably further includes a coupling member to position and couple the conveyance modules adjacent to each other, and a first electric wire connected to the first terminals to supply electric power to the control board, a second electric wire connected to the second terminals to supply electric power to the motor power supply board, the connecting member, and the coupling member are preferably attachable to and detachable from the conveyance modules independently of each other. Accordingly, the first electric wire, the second electric wire, or the connecting member is attachable and detachable independently of the coupling member that positions each of the adjacent conveyance modules, and thus it is not necessary to remove the coupling member when the first electric wire, the second electric wire, or the connecting member is replaced. Thus, it is not necessary to reposition the conveyance modules once positioned. 
     In the aforementioned conveyance device according to this aspect, the connecting member preferably includes an electric wire to transmit a signal or a substrate having an electrical pathway to transmit a signal. Accordingly, the configuration of the connecting member can be simplified, and thus the probability of failure can be significantly reduced. Consequently, maintenance of the connecting member can be easily performed. 
     According to the present disclosure, as described above, it is possible to easily identify the location at which the abnormality or the like has occurred when the abnormality or the like has occurred in the conveyance device including the plurality of conveyance modules. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a plan view showing a conveyance device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  2    is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the conveyance device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  3    is a sectional view showing a conveyor and a slider of the conveyance device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  4    is a perspective view showing first indicators and second indicators of the conveyance device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG.  5    is a diagram illustrating the wiring of the conveyance device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     An embodiment embodying the present disclosure is hereinafter described on the basis of the drawings. 
     The configuration of a conveyance device  100  according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is now described with reference to  FIGS.  1  to  5     
     Configuration of Conveyance Device 
     The conveyance device  100  according to this embodiment conveys an object to be conveyed placed on a slider  30  along conveyors  1  and  2 . Operations are performed on the object to be conveyed by the conveyance device  100  at a plurality of conveyance positions. A robot or an operator performs operations on the object to be conveyed. 
     As shown in  FIG.  1   , the conveyance device  100  includes the conveyor  1 , the conveyor  2 , a transfer conveyor  3 , a transfer conveyor  4 , and the slider  30 . Furthermore, as shown in  FIG.  2   , the conveyance device  100  includes a controller  40 . The conveyance device  100  also includes a connecting member  50 , as shown in FIGS.  3  and  4 . The conveyance device  100  includes first indicators  60 , as shown in  FIGS.  3  and  4   . As shown in  FIG.  5   , the conveyance device  100  also includes a control power supply  80  and a motor power supply  90 . 
     The conveyor  1  includes a conveyance module  10   a.  The conveyor  2  includes a plurality of (two) conveyance modules  10   b.  The plurality of conveyance modules  10   b  are connected in series to each other, and a conveyance path for the slider  30  is formed therein. The slider  30  is conveyed on the conveyors  1  and  2  in an X direction, and is conveyed from the conveyor  1  ( 2 ) to the conveyor  2  ( 1 ) in a Y direction by the transfer conveyors  3  and  4 . That is, the slider  30  is conveyed and circulated in the order of the conveyor  1 , the transfer conveyor  3 , the conveyor  2 , and the transfer conveyor  4 . The conveyance module  10   a  is longer in the X direction than the conveyance modules  10   b.  That is, the conveyance module  10   a  is elongated. 
     As shown in  FIG.  2   , the conveyance module  10   a  ( 10   b ) includes a linear motor stator  11 , a position detector  12 , a control board  13 , and a motor power supply board  14 . Furthermore, the conveyance module  10   a  ( 10   b ) includes guide rails  15 , as shown in  FIGS.  1  and  3   . Moreover, the conveyance module  10   a  ( 10   b ) includes a cover  16 . The conveyance module  10   a  ( 10   b ) also includes a module main body  101 . The linear motor stator  11  is an example of a “linear motor” in the claims. 
     As shown in  FIG.  2   , the transfer conveyors  3  and  4  each include a conveyance mechanism  20  that conveys the slider  30  in the X direction and a movement mechanism  21  that moves the conveyance mechanism  20  in the Y direction. The conveyance mechanism  20  includes a linear motor stator  11 , a position detector  12 , a control board  13 , and a motor power supply board  14 . The movement mechanism  21  includes guide rails and a ball screw mechanism. 
     As shown in  FIG.  3   , the slider  30  includes a slider main body  31 , a linear motor mover  32 , guide blocks  33 , and a magnetic scale  34 . A plurality of sliders  30  are provided. The plurality of sliders  30  move independently on the conveyors  1  and  2  and the transfer conveyors  3  and  4 . 
     The conveyors  1  and  2  are provided substantially parallel to each other. The conveyor  1  conveys the slider  30  in an X2 direction, and the conveyor  2  conveys the slider  30  in an X1 direction. The conveyors  1  and  2  are fixed onto a platform. That is, the linear motor stators  11  and the guide rails  15  of the conveyors  1  and  2  are fixedly provided. 
     The transfer conveyor  3  is arranged adjacent on the X2 direction sides of the conveyors  1  and  2 . The transfer conveyor  4  is arranged adjacent on the X1 direction sides of the conveyors  1  and  2 . The transfer conveyors  3  and  4  move the guide rails  15  and the linear motor stators  11  in the Y direction with the movement mechanisms  21 . The transfer conveyors  3  and  4  are provided to convey the slider  30  from the conveyor  1  ( 2 ) to the conveyor  2  ( 1 ). 
     As shown in  FIG.  3   , the linear motor stators  11  of the conveyors  1  and  2  are provided in the module main bodies  101 . The linear motor stators  11  of the transfer conveyors  3  and  4  are provided on the conveyance mechanisms  20  that are moved by the movement mechanisms  21 . Note that the transfer conveyors  3  and  4  and the conveyors  1  and  2  may differ only in length, for example. In this case, the linear motor stators  11  of the transfer conveyors  3  and  4  may be provided in module main bodies  101 , similarly to the conveyors  1  and  2 . 
     The linear motor stators  11 , the position detectors  12 , the control boards  13 , and the motor power supply boards  14  of the conveyors  1  and  2  and the transfer conveyors  3  and  4  have the same or similar configurations, and thus they are explained together. The linear motor stators  11  each include an electromagnet, and driving electric power (current) is supplied to the electromagnet such that the slider  30  is moved. The linear motor stators  11  are arranged along the conveyance directions (X direction) of the conveyors  1  and  2 . As shown in  FIG.  3   , the cores of the electromagnets of the linear motor stators  11  extend along the Y direction. 
     The position detectors  12  face the magnetic scale  34  provided on the slider  30  in the Y direction. The position detectors  12  detect the magnetism of the magnetic scale  34  to detect the position of the slider  30 . The position of the slider  30  detected by the position detectors  12  is used for feedback control of movement of the slider  30 . 
     The control boards  13  are provided in the module main bodies  101 , and control driving of the linear motor stators  11 . Specifically, the control boards  13  control electric power (current) supplied to the linear motor stators  11  via the motor power supply boards  14  based on a control signal from the controller  40 . As shown in  FIG.  5   , the control boards  13  are able to transmit and receive signals to and from the controller  40  via terminals  131 , a wire  41 , and wires  42 . Furthermore, electric power is supplied from the control power supply  80  to the control boards  13  via first wires  13   a,  first terminals  132 , and first electric wires  81  and  82 . That is, the first wires  13   a  supply electric power to the control boards  13 . 
     The motor power supply boards  14  supply electric power to the linear motor stators  11 . As shown in  FIG.  5   , electric power is supplied from the motor power supply  90  to the motor power supply boards  14  via second wires  14   a  and  14   b,  second terminals  141 ,  141   a,  and  141   b,  and second electric wires  91  and  92 . That is, the second electric wires  91  and  92  supply electric power to the motor power supply boards  14 . 
     The guide rails  15  extend along the slider  30  conveyance direction (X direction) of the conveyors  1  and  2 . A pair of guide rails  15  are provided parallel to each other in the Y direction. The guide blocks  33  of the sliders  30  engage with the guide rails  14  so as to be movable in the X direction. 
     The covers  16  are provided to cover upper portions of the linear motor stators  11 , the position detectors  12 , and the guide rails  15 . That is, the covers  16  are provided such that the upper portions of the linear motor stators  11 , the position detectors  12 , and the guide rails  15  are not exposed even when the slider  30  is not provided. 
     In this embodiment, the control boards  13 , the motor power supply boards  14 , the first wires  13   a,  and the second wires  14   a  ( 14   b ) are built in the module main bodies  101 . Specifically, as shown in  FIG.  3   , the control boards  13 , the motor power supply boards  14 , the first wires  13   a,  and the second wires  14   a  ( 14   b ) are arranged in spaces between the module main bodies  101  and the platform. That is, the control boards  13 , the motor power supply boards  14 , the first wires  13   a,  and the second wires  14   a  ( 14   b ) are arranged below the linear motor stators  11 , the position detectors  12 , and the guide rails  15 . Thus, it is possible to incorporate the first wires  13   a  and the second wires  14   a  ( 14   b ) along the laid conveyance modules  10   a  and  10   b.  Furthermore, it is possible to draw only electric power required in the conveyance modules  10   a  and  10   b . The conveyance modules  10   a  and  10   b  themselves are used as an electric power path such that it is possible to minimize the lengths of electric wires from an external system to the conveyance modules  10   a  and  10   b.  The electric wires outside the conveyance modules  10   a  and  10   b  can be shortened, and thus it is possible to reduce the influence of disturbance such as external noise. 
     The object to be conveyed is placed on the slider main body  31 . As shown in  FIG.  3   , the slider main body  31  is provided to surround the covers  16  of the conveyors  1  and  2  as viewed in the conveyance direction (X direction). The linear motor mover  32 , the guide blocks  33 , and the magnetic scale  34  are attached to the slider main body  31 . 
     The linear motor mover  32  is provided to sandwich the linear motor stator  11  in the Y direction. The linear motor mover  32  includes a plurality of permanent magnets arranged along the conveyance direction (X direction). 
     The guide blocks  33  are guided by the guide rails  15  and slide. The guide blocks  33  each include a plurality of balls that move and circulate along the moving direction. 
     The magnetic scale  34  is magnetized in a predetermined pattern along the conveyance direction (X direction). 
     The controller  40  controls each portion of the conveyance device  100 . The controller  40  controls electric power supplied to the linear motor stators  11  of the conveyance device  100  to control movement of the slider  30 . Furthermore, the controller  40  controls driving of the movement mechanisms  21  of the transfer conveyors  3  and  4  to control movement of the conveyance mechanisms  20 . The controller  40  includes a CPU (central processing unit), a memory, etc. 
     The connecting member  50  connects the adjacent conveyance modules  10   a  and  10   b  such that a signal is transmittable. Specifically, as shown in  FIG.  5   , the connecting member  50  connects the terminals  131  of the adjacent conveyance modules  10   b  to each other. The connecting member  50  can be inserted into the terminals  131 , and connected to the terminals  131 . Furthermore, the wires  41  and  42  can be connected to the terminals  131 . The connecting member  50  is provided separately from the conveyance modules  10   a  and  10   b.    
     In this embodiment, as shown in  FIGS.  3  and  4   , the first indicators  60  are provided in each of a plurality of conveyance modules  10   a  and  10   b.  Furthermore, the first indicators  60  indicate the states of the conveyance modules  10   a  and  10   b.  The first indicators  60  are arranged on portions of one (Y2 direction side surface) of the side surfaces of each of the conveyance modules  10   a  and  10   b  extending along the conveyance direction (X direction) of the slider  30 . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  3  and  4   , the connecting member  50  includes second indicators  51  that indicate the state of each of the conveyance modules  10   a  and  10   b . The second indicators  51  are arranged on portions of another (Y1 direction side surface) of the side surfaces of each of the conveyance modules  10   a  and  10   b  extending along the conveyance direction (X direction) of the slider  30 . That is, the second indicators  51  are arranged on the side surface portions of the conveyance modules  10   a  and  10   b  opposite to the first indicators  60  in the Y direction. 
     The connecting member  50  includes an inclined surface  52  that is inclined downward and outward (toward the Y1 direction side) from the conveyance modules  10   a  and  10   b.  The second indicators  51  are arranged on the inclined surface  52 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  3   , the connecting member  50  includes a substrate  53  having an electrical pathway to transmit a signal. The substrate  53  is connected to be able to communicate a control signal between the conveyance modules  10   a  and  10   b  and the transfer conveyors  3  and  4 . The substrate  53  includes a light source  512  (an LED, for example). Light emitted from the light source  512  is guided to the second indicators  51  by a light guide  511 . The substrate  53  is built in the connecting member  50 . Furthermore, the substrate  53  is formed with only a circuit for communication and the light source  512 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  4   , a pair (two sets) of second indicators  51  are provided on the connecting member  50  so as to correspond to both of the adjacent conveyance modules  10   a  and  10   b  that the connecting member  50  connects. Furthermore, one of the pair (two sets) of second indicators  51  indicates the state of one of the adjacent conveyance modules  10   a  and  10   b.  Furthermore, one of the pair (two sets) of second indicators  51  is arranged in a portion of the connecting member  50  on one conveyance module side. The other of the pair (two sets) of second indicators  51  indicates the state of the other of the adjacent conveyance modules  10   a  and  10   b.  Furthermore, the other of the pair (two sets) of second indicators  51  is arranged in a portion of the connecting member  50  on the other conveyance module side. 
     The first indicators  60  and the second indicators  51  each include an indicator to indicate the state of the conveyance module  10   a  or  10   b  by lighting, blinking, or the color of light. Furthermore, two first indicators  60  (second indicators  51 ) are provided for each set. The first indicators  60  (second indicators  51 ) include an indicator to indicate the state of a power supply of the conveyance modules  10   a  and  10   b,  and an indicator to indicate the control status. The first indicators  60  (second indicators  51 ) indicate the states of the conveyance modules  10   a  and  10   b  by the lighting state (turning off, lighting, or blinking) of the light and the color (such as green, yellow, or red) of the light. Furthermore, the first indicators  60  (second indicators  51 ) indicate the states of the conveyance modules  10   a  and  10   b  such as states in which the conveyance modules  10   a  and  10   b  are normal, states in which an error has occurred in the conveyance modules  10   a  and  10   b,  states in preparation, or states in which the preparation is completed. The first indicators  60  (second indicators  51 ) also indicate whether the slider is in a control (operation) state when the conveyance device  100  is normal. The first indicators  60  (second indicators  51 ) also indicate the states of the conveyance modules  10   a  and  10   b  such as states in which the servo is off, the motor power supply is off, and the operation is being prepared, or states in which the servo is off and the operation preparation is completed. 
     As shown in  FIG.  5   , the conveyance modules  10   a  and  10   b  and the conveyance mechanisms  20  include a plurality of electrically parallel first terminals  132  to which the first wires  13   a  are connected and that are arranged on side surface portions of the module main bodies  101  at different positions along the conveyance direction (X direction) of the slider  30 . Specifically, the conveyance modules  10   a  and  10   b  and the conveyance mechanisms  20  include the first terminals  132  in both the vicinity of one end and the vicinity of the other end in the conveyance direction (X direction). The two first terminals  132  have no polarity, and thus either of them may be used as an input terminal. Furthermore, the one not used as the input terminal can be used as an output terminal. 
     The elongated conveyance module  10   a  includes two control boards  13  and two motor power supply boards  14 . The two control boards  13  of the conveyance module  10   a  are connected to communicate a signal. Furthermore, electric power is supplied from the common first terminals  132  to the two control boards  13 . 
     Electric power is supplied from the second wires  14   a  and  14   b  provided independently of each other to the two motor power supply boards  14  of the conveyance module  10   a.  A plurality of electrically parallel second terminals  141   a  arranged on side surface portions of the module main body  101  at different positions along the conveyance direction (X direction) of the slider  30  are connected to the second wire  14   a.  A plurality of electrically parallel second terminals  141   b  arranged on side surface portions of the module main body  101  at different positions along the conveyance direction (X direction) of the slider  30  are connected to the second wire  14   b.    
     The plurality of second terminals  141   a  and the plurality of second terminals  141   b  are prepared for the elongated conveyance module  10   a  such that it is possible to cope with a case in which the slider  30  runs densely and a case in which a plurality of power supplies are required for the conveyance module  10   a.  Thus, it is possible to solve the shortage of power supply capacity. On the other hand, when a large amount of electric power is not required, driving is enabled by connecting the second terminals  141   a  and  141   b  with an electric wire. Thus, it is possible to save wiring. 
     The conveyance modules  10   b  and the conveyance mechanisms  20  include one control board  13  and one motor power supply board  14 . Electric power is supplied from the common first terminals  132  to the control boards  13  via the first wires  13   a.  Electric power is supplied from the common second terminals  141  to the motor power supply boards  14  via the second wires  14   a.    
     The controller  40  is connected to the control boards  13  of the conveyance modules  10   a  and  10   b  and the conveyance mechanisms  20  by the wire  41  and the wires  42  capable of communicating a control signal. Specifically, the controller  40  is connected to one terminal  131  of the conveyance mechanism  20  of the transfer conveyor  4  by the wire  41 . The other terminal  131  of the conveyance mechanism  20  of the transfer conveyor  4  is connected to one terminal  131  of the conveyance module  10   a  by the wire  42 . The other terminal  131  of the conveyance module  10   a  is connected to one terminal  131  of one conveyance module  10   b  of the conveyor  2  by the wire  42 . The other terminal  131  of one conveyance module  10   b  of the conveyor  2  is connected to one terminal  131  of the other conveyance module  10   b  of the conveyor  2  by the connecting member  50 . The other terminal  131  of the other conveyance module  10   b  of the conveyor  2  is connected to one terminal  131  of the conveyance mechanism  20  of the transfer conveyor  3  by the wire  42 . 
     One control power supply  80  is provided to supply electric power to the control board(s)  13  of each of the conveyance modules  10   a  and  10   b  and the conveyance mechanisms  20 . The control power supply  80  is connected to one first terminal  132  of the conveyance mechanism  20  of the transfer conveyor  4  by the first electric wire  81 . Furthermore, the control power supply  80  is connected to one first terminal  132  of the conveyance module  10   a  by the first electric wire  81 . The control power supply  80  is also connected to one first terminal  132  of one conveyance module  10   b  of the conveyor  2  by the first electric wire  81 . The other first terminal  132  of one conveyance module  10   b  of the conveyor  2  is connected to one first terminal  132  of the other conveyance module  10   b  of the conveyor  2  by the first electric wire  82 . The other first terminal  132  of the other conveyance module  10   b  of the conveyor  2  is connected to one first terminal  132  of the conveyance mechanism  20  of the transfer conveyor  3  by the first electric wire  82 . 
     Three motor power supplies  90  are provided to supply electric power to the motor power supply board(s)  14  of each of the conveyance modules  10   a  and  10   b  and the conveyance mechanisms  20 . One motor power supply  90  is connected to the other second terminal  141  of the conveyance mechanism  20  of the transfer conveyor  4  by the second electric wire  91 . Furthermore, one motor power supply  90  is connected to the other second terminal  141   a  of the conveyance module  10   a  by the second electric wire  91 . Another motor power supply  90  is connected to one second terminal  141   b  of the conveyance module  10   a  by the second electric wire  91 . The other motor power supply  90  is connected to one second terminal  141  of one conveyance module  10   b  of the conveyor  2  by the second electric wire  91 . The other second terminal  141  of one conveyance module  10   b  of the conveyor  2  is connected to one second terminal  141  of the other conveyance module  10   b  of the conveyor  2  by the second electric wire  92 . The other second terminal  141  of the other conveyance module  10   b  of the conveyor  2  is connected to one second terminal  141  of the conveyance mechanism  20  of the transfer conveyor  3  by the second electric wire  92 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  4   , a coupling member  70  is provided independently of the connecting member  50 , and positions and couples the adjacent conveyance modules  10   b  ( 10   a ). Specifically, the coupling member  70  is fixed onto the platform on which the conveyance device  100  is installed while being positioned. The coupling member  70  is arranged at the coupling position of the conveyance modules  10   b  ( 10   a ), the end position on the transfer conveyor  3  side, and the end position on the transfer conveyor  4  side. Thus, even when the conveyance modules  10   b  ( 10   a ) are removed from the platform for maintenance, for example, the coupling members  70  fixed to the platform remain. Therefore, the conveyance modules  10   b  ( 10   a ) can be mounted on the platform while being positioned by the coupling members  70  again. 
     The coupling member  70  that positions and couples the adjacent conveyance modules  10   b  ( 10   a ), the first electric wires  81  and  82  connected to the first terminals  132  to supply electric power to the control boards  13 , the second electric wires  91  and  92  connected to the second terminals  141 ,  141   a,  and  141   b  to supply electric power to the motor power supply boards  14 , and the connecting member  50  are attachable to and detachable from the conveyance modules  10   a  and  10   b  independently of each other. 
     Advantageous Effects of This Embodiment 
     According to this embodiment, the following advantageous effects are achieved. 
     According to this embodiment, as described above, the first indicators  60  are provided in each of a plurality of conveyance modules  10   a  and  10   b  to indicate the states of the conveyance modules  10   a  and  10   b.  Accordingly, when an abnormality or the like occurs in the conveyance module  10   a,  the first indicators  60  provided in the conveyance module  10   a  can notify the operator of the abnormality or the like, and when an abnormality or the like occurs in the conveyance modules  10   b,  the first indicators  60  provided in the conveyance modules  10   b  can notify the operator of the abnormality or the like, and thus it is possible to easily determine which of the conveyance modules  10   a  and  10   b  has an abnormality or the like. Consequently, when an abnormality or the like occurs in the conveyance device including the plurality of conveyance modules  10   a  and  10   b,  a location at which the abnormality or the like occurs can be easily identified. 
     According to this embodiment, as described above, the first indicators  60  are arranged on the portions of one (Y2 direction side surface) of the side surfaces of each of the conveyance modules  10   a  and  10   b  extending along the conveyance direction (X direction) of the slider  30 . Accordingly, the first indicators  60  can be easily checked from the sides of the conveyance modules  10   a  and  10   b.    
     According to this embodiment, as described above, the second indicators  51  configured to indicate the state of each of the conveyance modules  10   a  and  10   b  are arranged on the portion of another (Y1 direction side surface) of the side surfaces of each of the conveyance modules  10   a  and  10   b  extending along the conveyance direction (X direction) of the slider  30 . Accordingly, the first indicators  60  can be checked from one side of each of the conveyance modules  10   a  and  10   b,  and the second indicators  51  can be checked from another side of each of the conveyance modules  10   a  and  10   b,  and thus the states of the conveyance modules  10   a  and  10   b  can be checked from both sides of the conveyance modules  10   a  and  10   b.    
     According to this embodiment, as described above, the connecting member  50  includes the inclined surface  52  that is inclined downward and outward from the conveyance modules  10   a  and  10   b,  and the second indicators  51  are arranged on the inclined surface  52 . Accordingly, the second indicators  51  arranged on the inclined surface can be easily checked from diagonally above, and thus the states of the conveyance modules  10   a  and  10   b  can be easily checked. 
     According to this embodiment, as described above, the pair of second indicators  51  are provided in the connecting member  50  so as to correspond to both of the adjacent conveyance modules  10   a  and  10   b  that the connecting member  50  connects. Accordingly, at a connecting portion of the adjacent conveyance modules  10   a  and  10   b , the states of both of the adjacent conveyance modules can be checked. 
     According to this embodiment, as described above, one of the pair of second indicators  51  indicates the state of one of the adjacent conveyance modules  10   a  and  10   b  and is arranged in the portion of the connecting member  50  on one conveyance module side, and the other of the pair of second indicators  51  indicates the state of the other of the adjacent conveyance modules  10   a  and  10   b  and is arranged in the portion of the connecting member  50  on the other conveyance module side. Accordingly, at the connecting portion of the adjacent conveyance modules  10   a  and  10   b,  it is possible to easily determine which of the adjacent conveyance modules has an abnormality or the like. 
     According to this embodiment, as described above, the first indicators  60  and the second indicators  51  each include an indicator to indicate the state of the conveyance module  10   a  or  10   b  by lighting, blinking, or the color of light. 
     Accordingly, the color of the light, the lighting pattern, the blinking pattern, or the like is changed according to the states of the conveyance modules  10   a  and  10   b  and is indicated on the indicator such that the states of the conveyance modules  10   a  and  10   b  can be easily checked. 
     According to this embodiment, as described above, the control boards  13  provided in the module main bodies  101  to control driving of the linear motors, the motor power supply boards  14  configured to supply electric power to the linear motors, the first wires  13   a  configured to supply electric power to the control boards  13 , and the second wires  14   a  and  14   b  configured to supply electric power to the motor power supply boards  14  are built in the module main bodies  101 . Accordingly, the first wires  13   a  configured to supply electric power to the control boards  13  and the second wires  14   a  and  14   b  configured to supply electric power to the motor power supply boards  14  can be separated and built in the module main bodies  101 , and thus the first wires  13   a  and the second wires  14   a  and  14   b  can be provided according to the required electric power of the control boards  13  and the motor power supply boards  14 . 
     According to this embodiment, as described above, the plurality of electrically parallel first terminals  132  to which the first wires  13   a  are connected and that are arranged on the side surface portions of the module main bodies  101  at the different positions along the conveyance direction (X direction) of the slider  30  are provided in the conveyance modules  10   a  and  10   b.  Accordingly, the polarities of the inputs and outputs of the plurality of first terminals  132  can be eliminated, and thus any first terminal  132  can be used as an input terminal and the other first terminal  132  can be used as an output terminal. Thus, the degree of freedom in arranging the wires connected to the first terminals  132  can be improved, and thus it is possible to significantly reduce or prevent an increase in the lengths of the wires connected to the first terminals  132 . 
     According to this embodiment, as described above, a plurality of second wires  14   a  and  14   b  are provided independently of each other in the conveyance module  10   a,  and the plurality of electrically parallel second terminals  141   a  and  141   b  to which the second wires  14   a  and  14   b  are connected and that are arranged on the side surface portions of the module main body  101  at the different positions along the conveyance direction (X direction) of the slider  30  are provided in the conveyance module  10   a . Accordingly, even when the conveyance module  10   a  is lengthened, electric power can be supplied to the plurality of second wires  14   a  and  14   b  according to the length. Furthermore, the polarities of the inputs and outputs of the plurality of second terminals  141   a  and  141   b  can be eliminated, and thus any second terminals  141   a  and  141   b  can be used as input terminals, and the other second terminals  141   a  and  141   b  can be used as output terminals. Thus, the degree of freedom in arranging the wires connected to the second terminals  141   a  and  141   b  can be improved, and thus it is possible to significantly reduce or prevent an increase in the lengths of the wires connected to the second terminals  141   a  and  141   b.    
     According to this embodiment, as described above, the coupling member  70  that positions and couples the adjacent conveyance modules  10   a  and  10   b,  the first electric wires  81  and  82  connected to the first terminals  132  to supply electric power to the control boards  13 , the second electric wires  91  and  92  connected to the second terminals  141 ,  141   a,  and  141   b  to supply electric power to the motor power supply boards  14 , and the connecting member  50  are attachable to and detachable from the conveyance modules  10   a  and  10   b  independently of each other. Accordingly, when the first electric wires  81  and  82 , the second electric wires  91  and  92 , or the connecting member  50  is replaced, the first electric wires  81  and  82 , the second electric wires  91  and  92 , or the connecting member  50  is attachable and detachable independently of the coupling member  70  that positions each of the adjacent conveyance modules  10   a  and  10   b,  and thus it is not necessary to remove the coupling member  70 . Thus, it is not necessary to reposition the conveyance modules  10   a  and  10   b  once positioned. 
     According to this embodiment, as described above, the connecting member  50  includes the substrate  53  having an electrical pathway to transmit a signal. Accordingly, the configuration of the connecting member  50  can be simplified, and thus the probability of failure can be significantly reduced. Consequently, maintenance of the connecting member  50  can be easily performed. 
     Modified Examples 
     The embodiment disclosed this time must be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present disclosure is not shown by the above description of the embodiment but by the scope of claims for patent, and all modifications (modified examples) within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of claims for patent are further included. 
     For example, while the example in which one control power supply is provided to supply electric power to the control boards has been shown in the aforementioned embodiment, the present disclosure is not restricted to this. In the present disclosure, a plurality of control power supplies may be provided to supply electric power to the control boards. 
     While the example in which three motor power supplies are provided to supply electric power to the motor power supply boards has been shown in the aforementioned embodiment, the present disclosure is not restricted to this. In the present disclosure, for example, one, two, or four or more motor power supplies may be provided depending on the lengths of the modules or the number of sliders. Alternatively, one, two, or four or more motor power supplies may be provided according to the rated current of a motor. 
     While the example in which two electrically parallel first terminals are provided for one first wire has been shown in the aforementioned embodiment, the present disclosure is not restricted to this. In the present disclosure, three or more electrically parallel first terminals may be provided for one first wire. 
     While the example in which two electrically parallel second terminals are provided for one second wire has been shown in the aforementioned embodiment, the present disclosure is not restricted to this. In the present disclosure, three or more electrically parallel second terminals may be provided for one second wire. 
     While the example in which two independent second wires are provided for one elongated conveyance module  10   a  has been shown in the aforementioned embodiment, the present disclosure is not restricted to this. In the present disclosure, three or more independent second wires may be provided for one conveyance module. 
     While the example in which one first wire is provided for one conveyance module has been shown in the aforementioned embodiment, the present disclosure is not restricted to this. In the present disclosure, two or more independent first wires may be provided for one conveyance module. Alternatively, a plurality of first wires and a plurality of second wires may be independently provided, or either the first wire or the second wire may be independently provided in plurality. 
     While the example in which the movement mechanisms of the transfer conveyors move the linear motors and the guide rails horizontally has been shown in the aforementioned embodiment, the present disclosure is not restricted to this. In the present disclosure, the movement mechanisms of the transfer conveyors may move the linear motors and the guide rails vertically. 
     While the example in which the movement mechanisms of the transfer conveyors translate the linear motors and the guide rails has been shown in the aforementioned embodiment, the present disclosure is not restricted to this. In the present disclosure, the movement mechanisms of the transfer conveyors may rotate and move the linear motors and the guide rails. 
     While the example in which the connecting member includes the substrate having an electrical pathway to transmit a signal has been shown in the aforementioned embodiment, the present disclosure is not restricted to this. In the present disclosure, the connecting member may include an electric wire to transmit a signal. Alternatively, the connecting member may have an electric pathway to transmit a signal other than the substrate and the electric wire. 
     While the example in which the conveyor  1  includes one conveyance module and the conveyor  2  includes two conveyance modules has been shown in the aforementioned embodiment, the present disclosure is not restricted to this. In the present disclosure, the conveyors may include three or more conveyance modules. Alternatively, a plurality of elongated conveyance modules  10   a  may be connected in series to each other. 
     While the example in which the first indicators and the second indicators indicating the states of the conveyance modules are provided in pairs has been shown in the aforementioned embodiment, the present disclosure is not restricted to this. In the present disclosure, a set of one first indicator and a set of one second indicator may be provided, or a set of three or more first indicators and a set of three or more second indicators may be provided. 
     While the example in which the control boards and the motor power supply boards are provided separately has been shown in the aforementioned embodiment, the present disclosure is not restricted to this. In the present disclosure, the control boards and the motor power supply boards may be boards in which a control circuit and a motor power supply circuit are formed on a common board. In this case, electric power is supplied from the first wire to the control circuit, which corresponds to the control board, and electric power is supplied from the second wire to the motor power supply circuit, which corresponds to the motor power supply board. 
     While the example in which the second indicators are provided on the inclined surface of the connecting member has been shown in the aforementioned embodiment, the present disclosure is not restricted to this. In the present disclosure, the second indicators may be arranged on the upper surface or the side surface of the connecting member. In order to facilitate checking the second indicators, it is preferable to arrange the second indicators on the inclined surface.