METHOD FOR SETTING UP AND / OR OPERATING A DEVICE AND DEVICE SET UP TO PERFORM SUCH A METHOD

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for setting up and / or operating a device (1) and to a device designed to carry out such a method.

Description

[0001] Method for setting up and / or operating a device and device configured to carry out such a method

[0002] field of technology

[0003] The present invention relates to a method for setting up and / or operating a device and to a device which is configured to carry out such a method.

[0004] State of the art

[0005] Conveying, measuring, weighing, grinding, mixing, filtering, screening, drying, and dosing devices for bulk materials are well known in the art. However, operating such a device in alternation with several different conveying, discharging, grinding, mixing, filtering, screening, drying, and / or measuring elements as operating elements proves to be complex and error-prone.

[0006] Summary of the invention

[0007] It is therefore an object of the present invention to overcome the described disadvantages of the prior art and in particular to provide means with which conveying, measuring, weighing, grinding, mixing, filtering, screening, drying and / or dosing devices for bulk material can be operated in a simple and inexpensive but nevertheless safe manner in alternation with several different conveying, discharging, grinding, mixing, filtering, screening, drying and / or measuring elements.

[0008] The object is achieved by the invention according to a first aspect in that a method is proposed for setting up and / or operating a conveying, measuring, weighing, grinding, mixing, filtering, screening, drying and / or dosing device for bulk material, which has at least one replaceable operating element, in particular in the form of a conveying, discharging, grinding, mixing, filtering, screening, drying and / or measuring element, with at least one transponder and at least one communication device for exchanging data with the transponder, wherein, by means of the communication device, at least one first datum stored on the transponder is read out, and wherein at least one second datum, in particular based on at least the first datum, is determined and, by means of the communication device, stored on the transponder, wherein the second datum represents an operative state or a measure thereof of the operative element.

[0009] The invention is therefore based on the surprising discovery that operation of such a device can be made particularly safe by providing data on the current operational status of an operating element and data on the basis of which a change in the operational status of the operating element can be determined, both centrally on the respective operating element. In this way, the respective operating element's current operational status is always available along with its current operational status. Depending on the operational status, the operation of the device can then, for example, be appropriately adjusted and monitored. Furthermore, a change in the operational status of the operating element can be determined particularly easily and stored on the transponder for future use, for example.

[0010] Thanks to the central storage location on the operating element, an operating element can even be used in several different devices without these devices having to be networked or access a shared database. This achieves a high degree of flexibility while simultaneously ensuring high operational reliability.

[0011] By storing the data in a transponder, the information can also be read and stored without contact. This makes the method particularly easy to use, as the relative positioning of the transponder and the communication device can be adjusted relatively freely. Furthermore, existing devices can be easily retrofitted for use with the proposed method.

[0012] In addition, a transponder is inexpensive, and the associated reading and / or writing technology can be implemented within the communication system using simple and commercially available means. This helps keep the costs associated with the process low.

[0013] In one embodiment, the communication device is arranged stationary and / or stationary on the device.

[0014] In one embodiment, the communication device is provided within a mobile handset, such as a smartphone, or is designed as such.

[0015] Preferably, the transponder is arranged or can be arranged on and / or in the operating element, in particular permanently. For example, the transponder can be connected to the operating element by means of a material connection, in particular by being glued to the operating element.

[0016] Preferably, the transponder is initially initialized by storing the first datum with a defined value in the transponder and / or by storing the second datum with an initial operational status value or a measure thereof, such as zero, in the transponder.

[0017] The communication device and / or the transponder can be configured to read data from the transponder and / or store data on the transponder, in particular without contact. The communication device can, for example, have a read and / or write device to read data from the transponder and / or store data on the transponder.

[0018] The communication device can be implemented, for example, in software, hardware, or a combination of both. Alternatively or additionally, the communication device can comprise a memory, a processor, a receiving device, a transmitting device, or any combination thereof. Alternatively or additionally, the communication device can provide and / or make available and / or comprise everything it comprises, such as, in particular, all the resources necessary for this purpose, for example, in the form of software and / or hardware resources.

[0019] Preferably, the determination of the second datum is carried out entirely or partially by means of a computing unit. The computing unit can advantageously be used to carry out all or individual method steps described herein, in particular can be configured to carry out these steps, unless the context indicates otherwise. The computing unit can be implemented, for example, in software, in hardware, or a combination of both. The computing unit can alternatively or additionally comprise a memory, a processor, a receiving device, a transmitting device, or any desired combination thereof. The computing unit can alternatively or additionally provide and / or make available and / or comprise everything it comprises, such as, in particular, all resources necessary for this purpose, for example in the form of software and / or hardware resources.

[0020] Preferably, the bulk material is a powdery, granular or lumpy mixture that is in a pourable form.

[0021] Examples of advantageous bulk materials are rock, building materials, in particular topsoil, sand, gravel and / or cement, raw materials, in particular ore, coal, clay and / or road salt, foodstuffs, in particular grain, sugar, salt, coffee and / or flour, and / or powdered goods, in particular pigments, fillers, granules and / or pellets.

[0022] The conveying device can be or comprise, for example, a transport, plate and / or conveyor belt.

[0023] The measuring device can be or comprise, for example, a scale, such as in particular a conveyor belt and / or conveyor scale, and / or a Coriolis measuring device.

[0024] The weighing device can be or comprise, for example, a scale, such as in particular a conveyor belt and / or conveyor scale, and / or a weighing container.

[0025] The grinding device can be or comprise, for example, a mill.

[0026] The mixing device can be or comprise, for example, a mixer.

[0027] The filter device can, for example, be or comprise a filter system.

[0028] The screening device can be or comprise, for example, a screening machine.

[0029] The drying device may be or comprise, for example, a heat treatment machine, a rotary calciner, a rotary kiln, and / or a rotary cooler.

[0030] The dosing device can be or comprise, for example, a loss-in-weight dosing scale, a dosing belt scale, a dosing apron belt, a Coriolis meter, in particular with an upstream feeder, a vibrating trough dosing device and / or a rotary valve.

[0031] Advantageously, the conveying device has a conveying, discharging and / or measuring element as an operating element.

[0032] Advantageously, the measuring device has a conveying, discharging and / or measuring element as an operating element.

[0033] Advantageously, the weighing device has a conveying, discharging and / or measuring element as an operating element.

[0034] Advantageously, the grinding device has a grinding element as an operating element.

[0035] Advantageously, the mixing device has a mixing element as an operating element.

[0036] Advantageously, the filter device has a filter element as an operating element.

[0037] Advantageously, the screening device has a screening element as an operating element.

[0038] Advantageously, the drying device comprises a drying element as an operating element. Advantageously, the dosing device comprises a conveying, discharging, and / or measuring element as an operating element.

[0039] Preferably, the replaceable operating element is a wearing part of the device.

[0040] Preferably, the operating element is suitable and / or designed to force a movement of the bulk material along a defined or definable direction of movement, in particular along a longitudinal axis of the operating element, within the device when carrying out a movement, in particular a rotational movement, preferably with a defined or definable movement frequency.

[0041] Preferably, the operational capability state (or a measure thereof) of the operating element is a wear condition (or a measure thereof) of the operating element and / or a condition (or a measure thereof) of the operating element with respect to the conveying, measuring, weighing, grinding, mixing, filtering, screening, drying, and / or dosing capability of the operating element. For example, a conveyor screw may be clogged with bulk material, so that the chamber volume of the conveyor screw is reduced. For example, a conveyor screw may also be worn out due to wear. In both of these exemplary cases, the conveying capability of the conveyor screw may decrease, meaning that less bulk material can be conveyed through it per revolution.

[0042] A datum is preferably understood as a representation of information, preferably digitally.

[0043] Alternatively or additionally, the method according to the first aspect can also provide that at least one operating parameter of the device is a specific operating parameter and a value of the specific operating parameter to be set during operation of the device is determined as a specific value at least partially based on the first datum or the first datum is used as such a specific value of the specific operating parameter and wherein preferably (i) the specific operating parameter of the device is set to the specific value, and / or (ii) the second datum is determined at least partially based on the specific value and / or the specific operating parameter.

[0044] This allows an individual, specific value or second date to be specified for each operating element. This allows the device to be operated particularly reliably and safely with the respective operating element.

[0045] By using the first datum to determine the second datum, i.e., the new operational capability status, operational capability can be determined more reliably, as an individual operational capability change can be determined for each operational element. This allows different operational capability characteristics of different operational elements to be taken into account. Thus, the information on the operational capability of the operational element stored in the second datum is particularly reliable.

[0046] By using the first datum as a specific value, the operating element already contains the necessary information for setting the specific operating parameter. This is particularly efficient.

[0047] Preferably, the specific operating parameter refers to an operating parameter relating to an adjustment of the operating element during operation of the device.

[0048] The first datum may, for example, comprise or represent a specification of the specific operating parameter, or such a specification may be determined based on the first datum, in particular retrieved from a memory. The specific value may then advantageously be determined based at least in part thereon.

[0049] In this way, for example, a volumetric characteristic curve of the operating element and / or the nominal flow rate of the operating element can be determined, optionally in each case with further inclusion of information on the bulk material.

[0050] Preferably, the determination of the specific value and / or the setting of the specific operating parameter to the specific value is carried out entirely or partially by means of the computing unit.

[0051] Alternatively or additionally, the method according to the first aspect can also provide for the specific value to be determined at least partially based on a second datum previously stored on the transponder, in particular as the last datum, wherein a limit value, in particular an upper limit value, of the value range of the specific value is determined preferably based on the second datum previously stored on the transponder and is taken into account when determining the specific value.

[0052] By taking into account the operational status or a measure thereof of the respective operating element, the specific value can advantageously be individually adapted to the respective operating element.

[0053] This allows, for example, the specific value to be selected based on the operating capability. The parameter value can therefore be selected differently for higher operating capability than for lower operating capability. This is particularly advantageous, for example, if the parameter is the speed of the operating element. If the operating capability is lower, for example, due to increased wear, the speed can then be reduced.

[0054] Preferably, however, the limit value can also be a lower limit of the value range of the specific value.

[0055] Alternatively or additionally, the method according to the first aspect can also provide that the specific operating parameter is a rotational speed, in particular a target rotational speed, of the operating element, a discharge capacity, in particular a volumetric discharge capacity, in particular a nominal discharge capacity, a minimum discharge capacity and / or a maximum discharge capacity, of the operating element, a diameter of the operating element, a gradient of the operating element, a characteristic curve of the operating element, such as a volumetric characteristic curve of the operating element, a minimum filling level of the operating element, a maximum filling level of the operating element, a nominal delivery rate of the operating element, an operating temperature of the operating element and / or a maximum acceleration in 3 axes of the operating element.

[0056] These operating parameters are particularly preferred because they can influence the operational capability (especially wear) of the operating element. It is therefore advantageous to include them in the recalculation of operational capability, i.e., in the determination of the second datum. For the same reason, and as already described above, it may be advantageous to select their parameter value depending on the operational capability status.

[0057] Advantageous operating parameters in this and / or another context may also be (i) for a weighfeeder: standard length of the conveyor belt, maximum conveyor belt skew, maximum belt load, and / or maximum conveyor belt speed; (ii) for a vibratory feeder: maximum stroke, maximum frequency, minimum frequency, and / or target frequency; and / or (iii) for a Coriolis meter: maximum acceleration of the measuring wheel, maximum measuring wheel imbalance, and / or maximum internal pressure. Advantageously, the corresponding specific value for the specific operating parameter is selected depending on the bulk material used.

[0058] Advantageously, if the speed is the specific operating parameter, the speed, in particular the target speed or a maximum permissible speed, is selected for a predetermined or predeterminable combination of device, operating element and bulk material.

[0059] Traditionally, for example, the theoretical volumetric discharge rate of interchangeable operating elements is often unknown or not reliably known. Since this information can now be provided in a particularly simple manner, even unfavorable operating conditions of the device (Out of Specification - OoS) can be detected particularly advantageously. For example, the speed of a rotating operating element (e.g., a screw) was sometimes simply increased more and more when the target discharge value was not reached, which could cause the fill level of the operating element to continue to decrease. By selecting the specific operating parameter accordingly, information on the discharge rate can be advantageously provided so that a warning signal can be generated if the target discharge value is not reached.

[0060] The nominal volumetric discharge capacity of the operating element is a particularly advantageous operating parameter. This advantageously indicates how much volume is discharged from the device per complete movement cycle, in particular per revolution, of the operating element when the operating element's fill level is 100%.

[0061] Advantageously, the volumetric discharge rate is a purely geometric consideration, so the properties of the bulk material, such as its density, are irrelevant. The link between volumetric discharge rate and gravimetric discharge rate can be established via the bulk density of the material and the current movement frequency of the operating element. The fill level advantageously serves as a balancing factor between theoretical and actual volumetric discharge rate.

[0062] The volumetric discharge capacity of the operating element can advantageously be used to determine whether the device is suitable for conveying a bulk material. For example, if the ratio drops significantly, this may indicate that the device is unsuitable for the respective bulk material or that additional means (particularly agitation aids) are required to force-fill the device with bulk material.

[0063] A volumetric characteristic curve can be defined or definable for the operating element. This advantageously indicates how the discharge capacity of the operating element in the device varies for a specific bulk material when the movement frequency, in particular the rotational speed, of the operating element changes.

[0064] In one embodiment, the volumetric characteristic curve can be stored in an external memory and retrieved from there.

[0065] Alternatively or additionally, the method according to the first aspect can also provide for the determination of the second date to include an operating interval duration of the device and / or a number of uses of the device in the determination of the second date.

[0066] The operating time can thus be taken into account accordingly when determining the operational capability, hence the second date. Alternatively or additionally, the method according to the first aspect can also provide for the second date previously stored on the transponder to be read out using the communication device.

[0067] This advantageously allows the previous second date to be provided as a starting point for determining the second date.

[0068] Alternatively or additionally, the method according to the first aspect can also provide for the second date to be determined based on the second date previously stored on the transponder, in particular by changing, in particular increasing or decreasing, the second date previously stored on the transponder, preferably by a value determined at least partially on the basis of the first date and / or the specific value.

[0069] Alternatively or additionally, the method according to the first aspect can also provide that (i) the determined second date is stored on the transponder upon termination of the operation of the device and / or (ii) during the operation of the device, in particular periodically, a second date is repeatedly determined and stored on the transponder.

[0070] It is particularly efficient to store the second datum at the end of operation. This is particularly advantageous when the device is only used temporarily. By periodically storing the second datum, the operational status can be regularly updated on the transponder, especially during long-term operation of the device. This can prevent or at least reduce the loss of information, for example, due to a device failure.

[0071] Alternatively or additionally, the method according to the first aspect can also provide for actual values ​​of the specific operating parameter to be recorded during operation of the device and for the actual values ​​of the operating parameter to be compared with a specification of the specific operating parameter, which specification was preferably provided, determined and / or is shown on the first date, and wherein a warning signal is preferably generated if actual values ​​of the specific operating parameter are outside a permissible range described by the specification.

[0072] This allows the specific operating parameter to be monitored particularly reliably and, optionally, measures can be taken quickly in the event of unexpected operating behavior, for example based on the warning signal.

[0073] This makes it particularly advantageous, for example, to carry out cleaning, maintenance, servicing and / or service and the like for the operating element either preventively or upon request.

[0074] For example, the specific operating parameter can be a discharge rate, particularly a volumetric one, of the operating element. A preferred value for such a volumetric discharge rate is 5 liters per minute. However, it can also be higher, such as 10 liters per minute or more, or lower, such as 3 liters per minute or less.

[0075] If the actual discharge rate, i.e., the actual value of the discharge rate, deviates from this, a message can be issued, particularly via the warning signal, indicating that the device and the bulk material are not compatible, that the device and the operating element used are not compatible, and / or that the bulk material has accumulated on the operating element. Alternatively or additionally, a message can also be issued indicating that the operating element may be broken.

[0076] For example, the specific operating parameter can be a speed. If the actual speed, i.e., the actual value of the speed, deviates from this, a message can be issued, particularly via the warning signal, indicating that the device is operating outside of the permissible speed range (Out of Specification - OoS).

[0077] Alternatively or additionally, the method according to the first aspect can also provide that, at least partially based on the first data item, specifications of a plurality of operating parameters for operation of the device with the operating element are determined, in particular retrieved from a memory, and actual values ​​of the plurality of operating parameters are recorded during operation of the device and the individual actual values ​​of the respective operating parameters are compared with the respective operating parameter specification, and wherein a warning signal is generated if actual values ​​of operating parameters are outside a permissible range described by the respective operating parameter specification.

[0078] In this way, the device can be configured based on the operating element. The first datum can therefore be used particularly advantageously to further configure the device for its operation with the respective operating element.

[0079] This allows the setup of the device to be fully or at least partially automated. This makes the device particularly easy to operate and can significantly increase operational reliability, as misconfigurations can be eliminated or at least the risk of them reduced.

[0080] In this way, for example, a volumetric characteristic curve of the operating element and / or the nominal flow rate of the operating element can be determined, optionally incorporating further information about the bulk material (since the volumetric characteristic curve and the nominal flow rate can depend on the bulk material). Optionally, the warning signal can indicate when the device is operating at its flow rate in the non-linear range of the volumetric characteristic curve. If the operating element is a screw, the nominal flow rate can be determined, for example, based on screw dimensions, such as its diameter and length, and the screw pitch.

[0081] Alternatively or additionally, the method according to the first aspect can also provide for at least one third datum stored on the transponder to be read out by means of the communication device and for a frequency of movement of the operating element to be determined by means of the communication device, and for a comparison to be carried out between the determined movement frequency and a specific specification of the movement frequency of the operating element, wherein the third datum is the specific specification or the specific specification is determined at least partially based on the third datum, in particular retrieved from a memory, and for a control signal to be generated which is indicative of a result of the comparison, wherein the replaceable operating element is furthermore also an operating element which executes a movement.

[0082] It was surprisingly discovered that particularly safe and reliable operation of the device is possible by using the transponder both to determine the movement frequency and to provide information that allows for verification of the determined movement frequency. This makes it particularly easy to control the movement frequency, since all the necessary resources and information are available with the provision of the operating element.

[0083] The third datum can, for example, be a target value for the movement frequency, a maximum value for the movement frequency, a minimum value for the movement frequency, and / or a permissible value range for the movement frequency. By reading the third datum from the transponder, the specific specification is immediately available and can be used for comparison.

[0084] The third piece of data can, for example, be an identification code for the operational element. This identification code can then be used to determine the specific specification. For example, the specific specification can be retrieved from a database using the identification code. This is advantageous in that the specific specification can be managed in a database, allowing further information about the operational element to be centrally maintained and provided.

[0085] The object is achieved by the invention according to a second aspect in that a method for setting up and / or operating a conveying, measuring, weighing, grinding, mixing, filtering, screening, drying and / or dosing device for bulk material, which has at least one operating element that carries out a movement, in the form of a conveying, discharging, grinding, mixing, filtering, screening, drying and / or measuring element, with at least one transponder and at least one communication device for exchanging data with the transponder, wherein, by means of the communication device, at least one third datum stored on the transponder is read out and, by means of the communication device, a frequency of the movement of the operating element is determined, and wherein a comparison between the determined movement frequency and a specific specification of the movement frequency of the operating element,wherein the third datum is the specific specification or the specific specification is determined at least partially based on the third datum, in particular retrieved from a memory, and a control signal indicative of a result of the comparison is generated.

[0086] It was surprisingly discovered that particularly safe and reliable operation of the device is possible by using the transponder both to determine the movement frequency and to provide information that allows for verification of the determined movement frequency. This allows for reliable detection of an undesirable condition of the device. Furthermore, it is particularly easy to regulate the movement frequency, since all necessary resources and information are available with the provision of the operating element.

[0087] The third datum can, for example, be a target value for the movement frequency, a maximum value for the movement frequency, a minimum value for the movement frequency, and / or a permissible value range for the movement frequency. By reading the third datum from the transponder, the specific specification is immediately available and can be used for comparison.

[0088] The third piece of data can, for example, be an identification code of the operating element. The specific specification can then be determined using this identification code. For example, the specific specification can be retrieved from a database using the identification code. This is advantageous in that the concrete, specific specification can be managed in a database and, therefore, further information about the operating element can also be centrally maintained and made available. Preferably, the comparison and / or the generation of the control signal is carried out entirely or partially by means of a computing device. The computing device can advantageously be used to carry out all or individual method steps described herein, in particular can be configured to carry out these steps in each case, unless the context indicates otherwise.The computing device can be implemented, for example, in software, hardware, or a combination of both. The computing device can alternatively or additionally comprise a memory, a processor, a receiving device, a transmitting device, or any combination thereof. The computing device can alternatively or additionally provide and / or make available and / or comprise everything it comprises, such as, in particular, all the resources necessary for this purpose, for example, in the form of software and / or hardware resources.

[0089] All features and options described with respect to the first aspect of the invention, and in particular with respect to the various types of devices, organs, and operating elements, are preferably also valid for the second aspect of the invention, individually and in any combination, unless the context indicates otherwise. Therefore, reference may be made to the previous explanations.

[0090] Alternatively or additionally, the method according to the first and / or second aspect can also provide that, based on the control signal, a control of the movement, in particular the movement frequency, of the operating element is carried out, in particular the movement frequency is limited upwards and / or kept at a defined or definable value.

[0091] Control of the movement frequency can be implemented particularly advantageously since, with the provision of the operating element, all necessary means for determining the current movement frequency and information regarding a permissible movement frequency, in particular one dependent on the operating element, are available.

[0092] For this purpose, the control signal can advantageously be fed to a control unit of the device, which regulates the movement frequency. The control unit can be implemented, for example, in software, hardware, or a combination of both. Alternatively or additionally, the control unit can comprise a memory, a processor, a receiving device, a transmitting device, or any combination thereof. Alternatively or additionally, the control unit can provide and / or make available and / or comprise everything it comprises, such as, in particular, all the resources required for this purpose, for example, in the form of software and / or hardware resources.

[0093] Alternatively or additionally, the method according to the first and / or second aspect can also provide that (i) the movement of the operating element is a rotational movement of the operating element about a rotational axis and preferably the movement frequency is a rotational speed, (ii) the movement of the operating element is an orbital movement of the operating element and preferably the movement frequency is an orbital frequency and / or (iii) the movement of the operating element is a linear movement, in particular a preferably horizontal or vertical reciprocating movement of the operating element.

[0094] Advantageously, the movement of the operating element is a periodic movement.

[0095] For example, the circulating movement of the operating element can be a, in particular continuous, circulating movement of a belt, such as a conveyor or transport belt.

[0096] Alternatively or additionally, the method according to the first and / or second aspect can also provide that, while the operating element executes the movement, the transponder is repeatedly, in particular periodically, detected by means of the communication device and the movement frequency is determined based on the detection interval.

[0097] In this way, the movement frequency—especially the instantaneous one—can be determined. For example, a proximity event can be detected each time the transponder approaches the communication device during its movement, especially when it passes it. The inverse value of the time interval between two such proximity events can then be determined as the movement frequency. Optionally, an average value based on three or more proximity events can be determined as the movement frequency.

[0098] "Detecting" the transponder by means of the communication device is preferably understood to mean that the transponder and the communication device approach each other in such a way that the communication device is brought into operative connection with the transponder, in particular in such a way that the communication device can read data from the transponder and / or write data to the transponder.

[0099] Advantageously, the communication device detects the transponder when the transponder is at a distance of 30 cm or less, preferably 20 cm or less, preferably 15 cm or less, preferably 10 cm or less, preferably 5 cm or less, preferably 3 cm or less, preferably 1 cm or less, from the communication device. This can increase the accuracy of the determined movement frequency.

[0100] Alternatively or additionally, the method according to the first and / or second aspect can also provide for the movement frequency of the operating element to be determined by means of the communication device by reading out sensor data relating to the movement frequency of the operating element from the transponder.

[0101] This is particularly advantageous because the information on movement frequency can be provided and read directly from the transponder. This reduces the active time of the communication device.

[0102] Furthermore, the distance between the transponder and the communication device can be increased. This is because the movement frequency does not need to be determined based on the proximity events described above, for which only a limited interaction distance between the transponder and the communication device is permissible. This increases the flexibility of the process and the arrangement of the transponder and the communication device.

[0103] Alternatively or additionally, the method according to the first and / or second aspect can also provide that (i) the second datum is determined at least partially based on the determined movement frequency, (ii) the third datum is identical to the first datum, and wherein preferably the specific value is used as a specific specification, and / or (iii) the specific specification describes or makes it possible to determine permissible values ​​of the movement frequency, in particular a target value of the movement frequency, a maximum value of the movement frequency, a minimum value of the movement frequency and / or a permissible value range of the movement frequency.

[0104] For example, the first datum can precisely correspond to the specific value, and the specific value can be used both as a specific specification and in determining the second datum. This allows both the specific operating parameter to be set and the operational status to be updated particularly efficiently. Alternatively or additionally, the method according to the first and / or second aspect can also provide for the transponder to receive measurement data from at least one sensor, or for the transponder to have the at least one sensor.

[0105] This allows the sensor data to be made available at a central location, namely the transponder, and read from there particularly easily and reliably using the communication device. This significantly reduces the effort required to incorporate the sensor data into the process and thus also the overall costs. It also allows for the relatively flexible use of different sensors.

[0106] By incorporating the sensor into the transponder, the sensor can be provided directly with the transponder, enabling a compact design. The use of transponders with integrated sensors can significantly expand their functionality.

[0107] Advantageously, the transponder and at least one sensor are integrated in circuitry.

[0108] Alternatively or additionally, the method according to the first and / or second aspect can also provide that a first sensor comprises or represents a rotational speed sensor, a position sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a magnetometer, an inclination sensor and / or an acceleration sensor and the first sensor provides the measurement data relating to the movement frequency to the transponder.

[0109] This makes it possible to determine the movement frequency particularly easily and yet reliably.

[0110] Furthermore, by analyzing the acceleration sensor's measurement data, a breakage or overheating of the operating element can be advantageously detected if the measured acceleration does not match the target acceleration based on the speed set for the operating element. Optionally, a corresponding warning signal can be generated in the event of a fault.

[0111] In contrast, in conventional devices with a rotating operating element, for example, the speed is continuously increased until the actual speed is reached. However, by incorporating the acceleration values, the proposed method can detect unfavorable operating conditions (such as a breakage or overheating of the operating element) that prevent the target speed from being reached.

[0112] Alternatively or additionally, the method according to the first and / or second aspect can also provide for the measurement data to be read out from the transponder by means of the communication device, and preferably at least a first part of the measurement data, in particular the measurement data of the first and / or at least one second sensor, to be included in the determination of the specific value and / or the second datum.

[0113] By including sensor data to determine the specific value and / or the second date, the current environmental conditions can be easily included and taken into account.

[0114] For example, the at least one second sensor can be a temperature sensor and / or a humidity sensor. This allows the ambient temperature and / or the ambient humidity to be included in the determination of the second datum, thus the operational state (such as, in particular, the wear state).

[0115] For example, operating the device with the operating element at a lower temperature or lower humidity could also cause less additional wear and tear and thus a smaller reduction in operability than operating the device with the operating element at a higher temperature or higher humidity.

[0116] Alternatively or additionally, the method according to the first and / or second aspect can also provide for the method to determine a value of a further operating parameter of the device and wherein at least a second part of the measurement data, in particular the measurement data of the first and / or at least one third sensor, is included in the determination of the value of the further operating parameter.

[0117] The additional operating parameter can optionally be set to the determined value. Alternatively or additionally, the operating parameter can also be monitored based on the determined value, and a warning signal can be generated if the operating parameter reaches an inadmissible value.

[0118] By incorporating sensor data to determine the value of the additional operating parameter, the current ambient conditions can be easily incorporated and taken into account. Of course, the measured data can also directly represent the value of the additional operating parameter.

[0119] For example, the measurement data from a temperature sensor can be evaluated in relation to the temperature of the operating element, and a warning signal can be generated if a maximum temperature is exceeded. This allows, for example, excessive heat development due to friction between the operating element and the bulk material and / or the influence of foreign bodies in the bulk material to be reliably detected.

[0120] For example, the measurement data from a temperature sensor can be evaluated in relation to the temperature of the bulk material, and a warning signal can be generated if a maximum temperature is exceeded. This allows, for example, excessive heat development due to friction between the operating element and the bulk material to be reliably detected.

[0121] For example, the measurement data from a vibration sensor can be evaluated with respect to vibration of the operating element, and a warning signal can be generated when the vibration reaches a maximum amplitude. This allows for reliable detection of excessive vibration of the operating element and the prevention of breakage of the operating element.

[0122] Alternatively or additionally, the method according to the first and / or second aspect can also provide that the second and / or third sensor each measures a physical quantity of the

[0123] Device or its parts, in particular the operating element, and / or the environment of the

[0124] device or its parts, in particular the operating element, and / or the respective

[0125] Sensor comprises a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, an acceleration sensor, a speed sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a magnetometer, a gas sensor, an inclination sensor and / or a pressure sensor.

[0126] Alternatively or additionally, the method according to the first and / or second aspect can also provide for the measurement data to be transferred to a cloud storage device and stored there, in particular by means of the communication device and / or provided with information about the time of the measurement.

[0127] This makes it particularly easy to log the recorded measurements. For example, an emerging problem can be analyzed based on the measurement data stored in the cloud storage, allowing potential causes of the error to be identified more quickly. The time information preferably corresponds to the time the measurement data was read from the transponder and / or is added by the communication device when the measurement data is read.

[0128] Alternatively or additionally, it may also be advantageous for the measurement data to be supplemented with time information in the transponder by means of the communication device.

[0129] Alternatively or additionally, the method according to the first and / or second aspect can also provide for the method to comprise providing at least one piece of information about the bulk material and preferably for the second datum, the specific value and / or the specific specification to be determined at least partly as a function of the information provided.

[0130] This makes it particularly easy to take into account the properties of the bulk material being processed when operating the device and when determining any reduction in operational capability that may occur (such as due to wear).

[0131] For example, a bulk material such as gravel, due to its more abrasive effect on the operating element, may cause greater wear and thus a greater reduction in the operating capability of the operating element than a bulk material such as flour. Different bulk materials may also require different values ​​for the specific operating parameter to ensure optimal operation of the device.

[0132] Information about a bulk solid can include, for example, the particle shape, moisture content, angle of repose, particle size and / or its distribution, fluidization velocity, a flow property (in particular, the principal stress, compressive strength, effective friction angle, flowability, and / or wall friction angle), density, and / or flow behavior of the bulk solid. For example, the flow behavior of the bulk solid can be defined or definable by an angle of repose, a particle distribution, and / or a compressive strength of the bulk solid.

[0133] Alternatively or additionally, the method according to the first and / or second aspect can also provide for the method to generate a warning signal and / or refuse or terminate operation of the device if the second data value falls below or exceeds a defined or definable limit value and / or if the control signal is indicative of the determined movement frequency taking values ​​outside the specific specification.

[0134] This ensures particularly reliable, proper operation of the device. In particular, permanent damage to the device or its components due to insufficient operational capability (especially excessive wear) of the operating element can be avoided.

[0135] Optionally, the warning signal can be used to display a recommendation for a maintenance measure, a failure time or a diagnosis.

[0136] Alternatively or additionally, in the method according to the first and / or second aspect, it can also be provided that the conveying, measuring, weighing, grinding, mixing, filtering, screening, drying and / or dosing device has at least one receiving unit for receiving bulk material and / or at least one drive unit operatively connected to the operating element.

[0137] For example, the device has a receiving unit for receiving bulk material, with the receiving unit opening into an area in which the operating element of the device is provided. The bulk material can then be relocated, for example, using the operating element.

[0138] The operating element can advantageously be moved, in particular rotated, by means of the drive unit. The drive unit can have a gear and / or a motor. The drive unit can be coupled to the operating element, for example, via a coupling.

[0139] Advantageously, the movement frequency, in particular a rotational speed, of the operating element can be set, regulated and / or controlled by means of the drive unit.

[0140] A basic design of an advantageous device is explained below. An exemplary dosing device, which can advantageously be used for the proposed method, is used for the continuous volumetric and gravimetric dosing of bulk materials, such as powders and granules. Such a dosing device operates according to the principle of external agitation. Preferably, a dosing trough made of wear-resistant elastomer is externally agitated, thus supporting product shrinkage in the material flow in the container and a uniform fill level in the dosing element. The geometry of the dosing device's discharge pipes creates a low-pulsation discharge at low speeds, thus increasing the usable adjustment range with high dosing consistency. A dosing hopper can, for example, be provided in the form of a receiving unit for receiving bulk material.Below such a dosing container, there is preferably a dosing trough, also referred to as a trough for short, through which a discharge element, for example an elongated screw conveyor, passes. This discharge element, for example a rotating screw conveyor, forces the bulk material to move along a defined direction, such as a longitudinal axis of the screw conveyor, when the discharge element moves. The discharge element, for example the screw conveyor, advantageously guides the bulk material to a discharge head, which is or can be connected to a weighing platform, for example, so that information about the weight of the conveyed bulk material is available. The discharge element is or can be connected to a drive unit preferably via a coupling and / or a gear.

[0141] Alternatively or additionally, in the method according to the first and / or second aspect, it can also be provided that the operating element is a screw, a chute, in particular a vibrating chute, a screw, a spiral, a belt, in particular a transport, plate and / or conveyor belt, a lock, in particular a rotary lock, a measuring wheel, a measuring roller, a chain trough, a lock wheel, a roller, a clearing arm, a grinder, an agitator, a filter cartridge, a sieve panel, a container, in particular a cylindrical container, a rotary valve and / or a rotary wheel.

[0142] Preferably, the above-mentioned operating elements can be assigned or assignable to the individual organs as follows and / or can be implemented by the individual organs:

[0143] (i) Conveying device: screw, trough, auger, spiral, belt, scraper arm, sluice wheel, rotary valve, chain trough and / or roller;

[0144] (ii) Discharge device: screw, chute, auger, spiral, belt, scraper arm, sluice wheel, rotary valve, rotary valve, sluice and / or roller;

[0145] (iii) Grinding organ: grinding mechanism;

[0146] (iv) Mixing device: agitator and / or container;

[0147] (v) filter element: filter cartridge;

[0148] (vi) Sieve element: sieve panel; (vii) Drying element: container; and / or

[0149] (viii) Measuring device: rotary valve, measuring wheel and / or measuring roller.

[0150] Preferably, the said operating elements can be provided or can be provided as operating elements within the individual devices as follows:

[0151] (i) Conveying device: screw, trough, auger, spiral, belt, scraper arm, sluice wheel, rotary valve, rotary valve, chain trough, sluice, measuring wheel, measuring roller and / or roller;

[0152] (ii) Measuring device: screw, trough, screw, spiral, belt, scraper arm, sluice wheel, rotary valve, rotary valve, chain trough, sluice, roller, measuring wheel and / or measuring roller;

[0153] (iii) weighing device: screw, trough, auger, spiral, belt, scraper arm, sluice wheel, rotary valve, rotary valve, chain trough, sluice, roller, measuring wheel and / or measuring roller;

[0154] (iv) Grinding device: grinding mechanism;

[0155] (v) Mixing device: agitator and / or container;

[0156] (vi) Filter device: filter cartridge;

[0157] (vii) screening device: screening panel;

[0158] (viii) Drying device: container; and / or

[0159] (ix) Dosing device: screw, trough, auger, spiral, belt, scraper arm, sluice wheel, rotary valve, rotary valve, chain trough, sluice, measuring wheel, measuring roller and / or roller.

[0160] Preferably, the operating element may be a "vibration" type operating element (e.g., for the chute), a "rotation-translational" type operating element (e.g., for the screw, worm, and spiral), a "linear" type operating element (e.g., for the belt), and / or a "rotation" type operating element (e.g., for the lock).

[0161] The diameter of the operating element can be, for example, 10 mm or more, in particular 100 mm or more, in particular 300 mm or more, 800 mm or less, in particular 500 mm or less, in particular 300 mm or less, in particular 100 mm or less, and / or between 10 mm and 800 mm, in particular between 100 mm and 500 mm.

[0162] The length of the operating element can be, for example, 100 mm or more, in particular 500 mm or more, in particular 1000 mm or more, in particular 1500 mm or more, in particular 3000 mm or more, in particular 5000 mm or more, in particular 7000 mm or more, 20000 mm or less, in particular 15000 mm or less, in particular 10000 mm or less, in particular 8000 mm or less, in particular 5000 mm or less, in particular 3000 mm or less, in particular 1000 mm or less, in particular 800 mm or less, in particular 500 mm or less, in particular 300 mm or less, in particular 100 mm or less, and / or between 100 mm and 20000 mm, in particular between 200 mm and 15000 mm, in particular between 200 mm and 10000 mm, in particular between 500 mm and 5000 mm.

[0163] The pitch of the operating element can be, for example, 10 mm or more, in particular 50 mm or more, in particular 100 mm or more, in particular 300 mm or more, 800 mm or less, in particular 500 mm or less, in particular 300 mm or less, in particular 100 mm or less, in particular 50 mm or less, and / or between 10 mm and 800 mm, in particular between 10 mm and 500 mm, in particular between 50 mm and 300 mm.

[0164] The volumetric discharge capacity per time of the operating element can be, for example, 2 l / h or more, in particular 50 l / h or more, in particular 100 l / h or more, in particular 300 l / h or more, in particular 500 l / h or more, in particular 1000 l / h or more, in particular 3000 l / h or more, in particular 5000 l / h or more, in particular 7000 l / h or more, in particular 10000 l / h or more, in particular 15000 l / h or more, 20000 l / h or less, in particular 15000 l / h or less, in particular 10000 l / h or less, in particular 7000 l / h or less, in particular 5000 l / h or less, in particular 10000 l / h or less, in particular 500 l / h or less, in particular 300 l / h or less, in particular 100 l / h or less, and / or between 2 l / h and 20000 l / h, in particular between 100 l / h and 15000 l / h, in particular between 500 l / h and 10000 l / h, in particular between 1000 l / h and 10000 l / h.

[0165] For example, the spiral can have dimensions of 57x29x450 mm 3 .

[0166] For example, the screw can have dimensions of 57x57x450 mm 3 .

[0167] Alternatively or additionally, in the method according to the first and / or second aspect, it can also be provided that the transponder has an active or passive RFID transponder and / or the transponder is connected to the operating element, in particular arranged on the operating element, in particular on a surface of the operating element.

[0168] The transponder can have a data memory in which the first date, the second date, the third date, and / or the measurement data can be stored and from which these data can be read. Optionally, the transponder can have sensors.

[0169] The communication device can, for example, comprise an RFID module, such as the NXP MFRC-522, and / or a Near Field Communication (NFC) controller, such as the PN532. Thus, the communication device can be used particularly advantageously to read data from the transponder and / or store data in the transponder.

[0170] For example, the transponder is an adhesive label that is arranged on the operating element.

[0171] The active RFID transponder can have a power supply, allowing it to operate autonomously. The active RFID transponder can have a computing device, such as a microcontroller, which receives and / or processes measurement data from a sensor.

[0172] Alternatively or additionally, the method according to the first and / or second aspect can also provide for the transponder to be in communication with a cloud storage device, and for the transponder to retrieve data from the cloud storage device and / or store data in the cloud storage device.

[0173] This allows data to be read from and written to the transponder without involving the communication device. Furthermore, backing up and restoring transponder data is particularly easy to implement.

[0174] For example, the respective data from several such transponders can be read and written to the transponders via a central data exchange device.

[0175] Alternatively or additionally, the method according to the first and / or second aspect can also provide for diagnostic data relating to the device or parts thereof, such as in particular the operating element, to be stored in a cloud storage device and / or retrieved from there.

[0176] For example, the diagnostic data can be a time-dependent rate of change in serviceability, in particular a time-dependent rate of change in wear. Optionally, the rate of change in serviceability can also be specified together with a movement frequency, in particular an average value or a median value, for the individual time periods. This makes it particularly easy to establish a relationship between the rate of change in serviceability and the movement frequency. The diagnostic data can thus advantageously be stored centrally and are preferably also available to other devices. This makes it possible for multiple devices to exchange data with each other.

[0177] Alternatively or additionally, the method according to the first and / or second aspect can also provide that the first data item comprises or represents an identification code of the operating element, a target movement frequency, in particular a target rotational speed, of the operating element and / or a specification of the specific operating parameter.

[0178] Using the identification code, additional information about the operating element, such as a target movement frequency or a specification, can be determined particularly easily, for example, retrieved from a memory. This means that only the identification code needs to be stored on the transponder itself, without having to forego further information about the operating element when operating the device.

[0179] Alternatively or additionally, the method according to the first and / or second aspect may also provide that the method comprises (i) identifying the operating element based on the first and / or third data and / or setting up the device for use with the operating element and / or (ii) generating a warning signal and / or refusing or terminating operation of the device if the first and / or third data represents an operating element that is not compatible with the device.

[0180] This allows the installation of incorrect operating elements to be reliably detected and damage to the device or even injuries to people to be avoided.

[0181] For example, individual characteristic data can be stored for the operating element, for example in a memory, which can be determined based on the first and / or third data. It can then advantageously be checked whether these characteristic data are compatible with the device. Alternatively or additionally, these characteristic data can also correspond entirely or partially to the first and / or second data.

[0182] For example, the characteristics may relate to: a diameter of the operating element, a pitch of the operating element, a minimum speed of the operating element, a maximum speed of the operating element, a nominal discharge capacity of the operating element, information on bulk materials and / or bulk material categories suitable and / or unsuitable for the operating element, a minimum filling level of the operating element and / or a maximum filling level of the operating element.

[0183] The object is achieved by the invention according to a third aspect in that a data structure is proposed with a first datum, comprising an identification code of an operating element of a device, a value and / or a specification of an operating parameter of the device and / or a specification of a movement frequency of the operating element, and a second datum, comprising information on an operability state, such as a wear state, or a measure thereof of the operating element, and preferably a third datum, in particular comprising an identification code of the operating element and / or a specification of a movement frequency of the operating element, wherein the data structure is stored or storable on a transponder that is provided or can be provided on or in the operating element and is used or can be used in a method according to the first and / or second aspect of the invention.

[0184] Such a data structure is particularly advantageous for the safe and efficient operation of a device within the scope of the method according to the first and / or second aspect of the invention. The second datum can, for example, be used to specifically influence the operation of a device with which the operating element is used. For example, it can be provided that, depending on the operational state, the device cannot be operated in the method, or that the operation of the device is stopped or reduced.

[0185] All features and options that have been described with respect to the first and / or second aspect of the invention and that relate to the data structure or the individual data (in particular first date, second date and / or third date) can also be provided accordingly in the data structure here, individually and in any combination.

[0186] All advantages described with respect to the first and / or second aspects of the invention apply here accordingly. Therefore, reference can be made to the previous explanations.

[0187] The object is achieved by the invention according to a fourth aspect in that a transponder having a data structure according to the third aspect of the invention is proposed.

[0188] Such a transponder is particularly advantageous for the safe and efficient operation of a device within the scope of the method according to the first and / or second aspect of the invention.

[0189] The data structure can, for example, be stored in the transponder. Preferably, the individual data of the data structure can be read from the transponder using a communication device. Preferably, the individual data of the data structure can be stored in the transponder using a communication device.

[0190] All features and options that have been described with respect to the first and / or second aspect of the invention and that relate to the transponder can also be provided accordingly in the transponder here, individually and in any combination.

[0191] All advantages described with respect to the first and / or second aspects of the invention and relating to the transponder apply here accordingly. Therefore, reference can be made to the previous explanations.

[0192] The object is achieved by the invention according to a fifth aspect in that an operating element, in particular a conveying, discharging, grinding, mixing, filtering, screening, drying and / or measuring element, with a transponder according to the fourth aspect of the invention is proposed.

[0193] Such an operating element is particularly advantageous for the safe and efficient operation of a device within the scope of the method according to the first and / or second aspect of the invention.

[0194] All features and options described with respect to the first and / or second aspect of the invention and relating to the operating element and the transponder can also be provided accordingly in the operating element, individually and in any combination.

[0195] All advantages described with respect to the first and / or second aspects of the invention and relating to the operating element and the transponder apply here accordingly. Therefore, reference can be made to the previous explanations.

[0196] The object is achieved by the invention according to a sixth aspect in that a conveying, measuring, weighing, grinding, mixing, filtering, screening, drying and / or dosing device, in particular for bulk material, having an exchangeable and / or movable operating element, in particular in the form of a conveying, discharging, grinding, mixing, filtering, screening, drying and / or measuring element, in particular according to the fifth aspect of the invention, with at least one transponder, in particular according to the fourth aspect of the invention, and at least one communication device for exchanging data with the transponder, wherein the device and its parts, in particular the transponder and / or the communication device, are designed to carry out a method according to the first and / or second aspect of the invention.

[0197] The device may optionally comprise the computing unit, the computing device and / or the control unit.

[0198] All features and options described with respect to the first and / or second aspect of the invention may also be provided here in the device and its parts, individually and in any combination.

[0199] All advantages described with respect to the first and / or second aspects of the invention apply here accordingly. Therefore, reference can be made to the previous explanations.

[0200] Short description of the drawings

[0201] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are explained with reference to schematic drawings.

[0202] Showing:

[0203] Fig. 1 is a schematic illustration of a device according to the sixth aspect of

[0204] Invention;

[0205] Fig. 2a shows a flow chart of a method according to the first aspect of the invention in a first variant;

[0206] Fig. 2b shows a flow chart of a method according to the first aspect of the invention in a second variant;

[0207] Fig. 2c shows a flow chart of a method according to the first aspect of the invention in a third variant;

[0208] Fig. 2d shows a flow chart of a method according to the first aspect of the invention in a fourth variant;

[0209] Fig. 2e is a flow chart of a method according to the second aspect of the invention in a first variant;

[0210] Fig. 2f shows a flow chart of a method according to the second aspect of the invention in a second variant;

[0211] Fig. 2g shows a flow chart of a method according to the first aspect of the invention in a fifth variant;

[0212] Fig. 3 shows a data structure according to the third aspect of the invention;

[0213] Fig. 4 shows a transponder according to the fourth aspect of the invention; and

[0214] Fig. 5 shows an operating element according to the fifth aspect of the invention. Description of the embodiments

[0215] Fig. 1 shows a schematic illustration of a dosing device 1 according to the sixth aspect of the invention.

[0216] The device 1 has a receiving unit 3 for receiving bulk material, which opens into an area in which an operating element 5, for example in the form of a conveyor element designed as a screw, of the device 1 is provided. The operating element 5 is movable, namely rotatable about a rotation axis D. Due to the rotational movement, the bulk material can be displaced in the direction of a discharge head 7 of the device 1 and further within the discharge head 7 to an outlet 9 by means of the operating element 5. The bulk material can leave the device 1 via the outlet 9, whereby the weight of the filled device 1 is reduced. The resulting weight difference can be determined using a weighing unit (not shown in Fig. 1), and based on a continuous determination of the weight difference, the bulk material can be dosed. The operating element 5 is operatively connected to a drive unit 11 of the device 1.The drive unit 11 allows the speed of the operating element 5 to be adjusted, regulated, and / or controlled. Depending on requirements, the operating element 5 can also be replaced with another operating element. Different operating elements can, for example, be adapted for different bulk materials or have different minimum and / or maximum discharge capacities. This may, for example, require setting a rotational frequency tailored to the operating element.

[0217] The operating element 5 is equipped with a transponder 13, such as an RFID transponder, provided on a surface of the operating element. The device 1 also has a communication device 15 for exchanging data with the transponder 13. This means that data can be read from the transponder 13 and written to the transponder 13 using the communication device 15.

[0218] When the operating element 5 is rotated at a certain speed, the transponder 13 also rotates at the respective speed. Therefore, the transponder 13 periodically enters the detection range of the communication device 15. This can be detected as a proximity event.

[0219] A method according to the first aspect and the second aspect of the invention can be carried out using the device 1. Exemplary embodiments of such methods are explained below. It goes without saying that the described methods can also be advantageously carried out correspondingly with other devices.

[0220] Fig. 2a shows a flowchart of a method 101 according to the first aspect of the invention in a first variant.

[0221] At 103, a first datum stored on the transponder 13 of the operating element 5 is read out by means of the communication device 15 of the device 1. The first datum is an identification code of the operating element 5. The operating element 5 can, for example, represent a screw, wherein the operating element 5 is to be rotated at a defined target speed within the device 1. For example, the target speed can depend on the respective operating element 5, so that the device 1 should or must be operated at different target speeds depending on the operating element.

[0222] At 105, a target speed is determined as a specific value for the target speed as a specific operating parameter of the device 1 against the background of the operating element 5 used, based on the first datum, i.e., the read-out identification code. For this purpose, the specific value is retrieved, for example, from a database in which it is stored along with a link to the identification code.

[0223] In an alternative embodiment, step 105 could be omitted or modified by having the first datum directly contain the target speed instead of an identification code. Then, the first datum could be used directly as a specific value.

[0224] In 107, a second datum is determined at least partially based on the specific value, and thus based at least on the first datum (since the specific value was determined based on the first datum). The second datum represents an operability state, for example in the form of a wear state, of the operating element 5 or a measure of the operability state or the wear state of the operating element 5. By including the specific value, thus the target speed, in the determination of the second datum, a speed-dependent operability reduction, such as speed-dependent wear, can be taken into account for the operating element 5.

[0225] At 109, the second datum is stored on transponder 13 by means of the communication device. The current operational status is thus available on the transponder as the second datum. The current operational status is thus also available directly with the operating element. If, for example, the operating element 5 is subsequently used in another device, the operational status can be determined there based on the second datum without the need for an exchange of information with device 1.

[0226] Fig. 2b shows a flowchart of a method 201 according to the first aspect of the invention in a second variant. Steps of method 201 that are identical to the steps of method 101 are provided with the same reference numerals, but increased by 100. It is therefore sufficient to discuss only the differences between methods 201 and 101. For the remaining explanations, reference can be made to the previous explanations of method 101, which also apply here accordingly.

[0227] In contrast to method 101, method 201 additionally comprises, in step 207a, reading the second datum previously stored on transponder 13 using communication device 15 when determining the second datum. In addition to the specific value, the previously stored datum is also taken into account in step 207 when determining the second datum. This allows for the implementation of a particularly advantageous serviceability counter, particularly as a wear counter, which is adjusted depending on the rotational speed.

[0228] The remaining steps of procedure 201 are identical to those of procedure 101.

[0229] Fig. 2c shows a flowchart of a method 301 according to the first aspect of the invention in a third variant. Steps of method 301 that are identical to the steps of method 201 are provided with the same reference numerals, but increased by 100. It is therefore sufficient to discuss only the differences between method 301 and method 201. For the remaining explanations, reference can be made to the previous explanations of methods 101 and 201, which also apply here.

[0230] In contrast to method 201, method 301 additionally comprises setting the specific operating parameter to the specific value in step 311. As a result, the target speed is not only taken into account when determining the operating state, but the speed of the operating element is also specifically set to this value.

[0231] The remaining steps of method 301 are identical to those of method 201. Fig. 2d shows a flowchart of a method 401 according to the first aspect of the invention in a fourth variant. Steps of method 401 that are identical to the steps of method 301 are provided with the same reference numerals, but increased by 100. It is therefore sufficient to discuss only the differences between method 401 and method 301. For the remaining explanations, reference can be made to the previous explanations of methods 101, 201, and 301, which also apply here accordingly.

[0232] In contrast to method 301, method 401 additionally provides information about the bulk material in 407b. In addition to the specific value and the previously stored second datum, the specific bulk material is also taken into account when determining the second datum in 407 based on the respective information. This information can, for example, be a density or flow behavior of the bulk material. By taking this information into account when determining operability, such as wear, the abrasive effect of the bulk material on the operating element can be taken into account, for example.

[0233] The remaining steps of method 401 are identical to those of method 301.

[0234] In methods 101-401, it can advantageously be provided in each case that the second datum determined in 107, 207, 307, and 407 is stored on the transponder 13 upon termination of operation of the device. Alternatively or additionally, the second datum can also be determined repeatedly and stored on the transponder 13 a corresponding number of times. This also advantageously allows an operating interval duration of the device 1 to be taken into account when determining every second datum, since the operability counter, in particular as a wear counter, is also adjusted depending on the operating duration. This operating interval duration practically corresponds precisely to the time interval between two consecutive determinations of the second datum. Thus, in addition to a speed dependency, a dependency on the operating duration can also be taken into account when determining operability, such as in particular wear, or a measure thereof.

[0235] Fig. 2e shows a flowchart of a method 501 according to the second aspect of the invention in a first variant.

[0236] In 503, a third datum stored on a transponder 13 of the operating element 5 is read out by means of the communication device 15 of the device 1. The first datum is an identification code of the operating element 5.

[0237] The operating element 5 performs a rotary motion. The operating element 5 can, for example, be a screw, wherein the operating element 5 is intended to rotate at a defined target speed within the device 1. For example, the target speed can depend on the respective operating element 5, so that the device 1 should or must be operated at different target speeds depending on the operating element.

[0238] In 505, a specific specification for the rotational speed of the operating element is determined based on the third datum. Based on the specific specification, permissible values ​​for the rotational speed of the operating element 5 can be determined. For example, the specific specification can exactly correspond to the target rotational speed. Alternatively, the specific specification can also represent an upper and / or lower limit of the permissible rotational speed. In this case, the specific specification describes the target rotational speed of the operating element 5 in device 1.

[0239] In an alternative embodiment, step 505 could be omitted or modified by the third datum directly containing the target rotational speed instead of an identification code. The third datum could then be used directly as a specific specification. In 507, a frequency of movement, thus a movement frequency and, in this case, a rotational speed, of the operating element 5 is determined by means of the communication device 15.

[0240] The transponder 13 rotates with the rotating operating element 5 and is detected by the communication device 15 after each rotation. The time interval between two consecutive detections allows, for example, the determination of the movement frequency in the form of a rotational speed in 507.

[0241] In 509, a comparison is performed between the determined movement frequency, in particular the instantaneous speed, and the specific specification of the movement frequency. This comparison can be used, for example, to determine whether the speed determined in 507 corresponds to the target speed specified for operating element 5, or whether it is too high or too low.

[0242] In 511, a control signal is generated which is indicative of a result of the comparison.

[0243] In 513, the speed of the operating element 5 is controlled based on the control signal. For example, if the current speed of the operating element 5 is greater than the target speed, the speed can be adjusted by reducing it using the drive unit 11 of the device 1, and vice versa. Optionally, a warning signal could also be generated if the speed of the operating element 5 does not correspond to the target speed.

[0244] Fig. 2f shows a flowchart of a method 601 according to the second aspect of the invention in a second variant. Steps of method 601 that are identical to the steps of method 501 are provided with the same reference numerals, but increased by 100. It is therefore sufficient to discuss only the differences between methods 601 and 501. For the remaining explanations, reference can be made to the previous explanations of method 501, which also apply here.

[0245] In 605, a frequency of movement, thus a movement frequency and in this case a rotational speed, of the operating element 5 is again determined by means of the communication device 15.

[0246] However, in this case, the transponder 13 has a speed sensor and receives measurement data from this sensor. The speed sensor thus provides the transponder with measurement data regarding the movement frequency of the operating element 5.

[0247] In a modification of 505 in method 501, in 605 of method 601, the measurement data are then read from the transponder 13 by means of the communication device 15. In the case of method 601, the determination of the movement frequency in the form of the rotational speed is therefore not based on the interval at which the transponder 13 is detected by the communication device 15. Instead, the communication device 15 reads the rotational speed directly from the transponder 13.

[0248] What both method variants 501 and 601 have in common, however, is that the third datum provides a reference for assessing the determined movement frequency.

[0249] The remaining steps of method 601 are identical to those of method 501.

[0250] Optionally, measurement data from additional sensors could be stored in the transponder 13 and then read from the transponder using the communication device 15. This could provide additional information about, for example, physical variables of the device 1 and its parts, such as the operating element 5, and the environment, including the bulk material. Such measured variables could relate to the temperature of the operating element 5 and / or the bulk material or a vibration of the operating element 5. Fig. 2g shows a flowchart of a method 701 according to the first aspect of the invention in a fifth variant.

[0251] The method 701 represents a combination of the method 101 discussed with reference to Fig. 2a and the method 501 discussed with reference to Fig. 2e. Consequently, both a speed control and a speed-dependent operability determination, in particular as a wear determination, are carried out.

[0252] Steps 703-709 of method 701 correspond to steps 103-109 of method 101. The respective assignment is indicated in parentheses for quicker orientation. As described above, in step 703 (103), a first datum is read from transponder 13, and in step 705 (105), the target speed is determined as a specific value based on the first datum. Based on this, the second datum is then determined in step 707 (107), and the second datum is stored on the transponder in step 709 (109).

[0253] In 711 (corresponding to step 507 of method 501), the movement frequency of operating element 5 is determined based on the detection intervals. Alternatively, the movement frequency could also be determined, as in step 607 of method 601, by reading corresponding measurement data from a speed sensor.

[0254] In 713, similar to step 509 of method 501, the determined movement frequency of operating element 5 is compared with a specific specification of the rotational speed of operating element 5. In contrast to method 501, however, in 713 the target rotational speed determined as a specific value in 705 is used as the specific specification of the rotational speed of operating element 5.

[0255] Steps 715-717 of method 701 correspond to steps 511-513 of method 501 with the aim of regulating the rotational speed of operating element 5. The generation of the control signal in 715 (511) and the implementation of a regulation of the rotational speed of operating element 5 in 717 (513) are again carried out as described above.

[0256] In method 701, the target speed of operating element 5 is determined based on the first datum. This is then used both to determine the operability of operating element 5 and to control the speed of operating element 5. Thus, the operability, in particular wear, can be determined very reliably based on the first datum, since the speed is also controlled based on the first datum.

[0257] The device 1 described with reference to Fig. 1 can, for example, be configured to carry out one of the methods 101, 201, 301, 401, 501, 601 or 701 explained above.

[0258] Fig. 3 shows a data structure 801 according to the third aspect of the invention. This comprises a first datum 803 and a second datum 805. The first datum 803 can, for example, be an identification code of an operating element, as described in the above methods. The second datum 805 can, for example, be information about an operational state or a measure thereof of the operating element, as described in the above methods.

[0259] Fig. 4 shows a transponder 811 according to the fourth aspect of the invention. The transponder 811 has a data structure 813, which may be the data structure 801 explained with reference to Fig. 3.

[0260] Fig. 5 shows an operating element 821 according to the fifth aspect of the invention. The operating element 821 has a transponder 823, which may be the transponder 811 explained with reference to Fig. 4. The operating element 821 could be a screw, such as that used in the device 1 explained with reference to Fig. 1.

[0261] The features disclosed in the foregoing description, in the drawings and in the claims may be essential to the invention in its various embodiments, both individually and in any combination.

[0262] List of reference symbols

[0263] 1 device

[0264] 3 Recording unit

[0265] 5 Operating element

[0266] 7 discharge head

[0267] 9 Outlet

[0268] 11 Drive unit

[0269] 13 transponders

[0270] 15 Communication device

[0271] 101 Flowchart

[0272] 103 Reading a first date from the transponder

[0273] 105 Determining a specific value of a specific operating parameter

[0274] 107 Determining a second date based on the first date

[0275] 109 Saving the second date on the transponder

[0276] 201 Flowchart

[0277] 203 Reading a first date from the transponder

[0278] 205 Determining a specific value of a specific operating parameter

[0279] 207a Reading the second date previously stored on the transponder

[0280] 207 Determining a second date based on the first date and the second date previously stored on the transponder

[0281] 209 Saving the second date on the transponder

[0282] 301 Flowchart

[0283] 303 Reading a first date from the transponder

[0284] 305 Determining a specific value of a specific operating parameter

[0285] 307a Reading the second date previously stored on the transponder

[0286] 307 Determining a second date based on the first date and the second date previously stored on the transponder

[0287] 309 Saving the second date on the transponder

[0288] 311 Setting the specific operating parameter to the specific value

[0289] 401 flowchart

[0290] 403 Reading a first date from the transponder Determining a specific value of a specific operating parametera Reading the second date previously stored on the transponderb Providing information about the bulk material

[0291] Determine a second date based on the first date, the second date previously stored on the transponder and the bulk material information

[0292] Saving the second date on the transponder

[0293] Setting the specific operating parameter to the specific value

[0294] Flowchart

[0295] Reading a third date

[0296] Determine a specific specification of the movement frequency

[0297] Determining a frequency of movement of the operating element

[0298] Perform a comparison between the movement frequency and the specific specification

[0299] Generating a control signal

[0300] Carrying out a control of the speed of the operating element

[0301] Flowchart

[0302] Reading a third date

[0303] Determine a specific specification of the movement frequency

[0304] Determining a frequency of movement of the operating element

[0305] Perform a comparison between the movement frequency and the specific specification

[0306] Generating a control signal

[0307] Carrying out a control of the speed of the operating element

[0308] Flowchart

[0309] Reading a first date from the transponder

[0310] Determine a specific value of a specific operating parameter

[0311] Determine a second date based on the first date

[0312] Saving the second date on the transponder

[0313] Determining a frequency of movement of the operating element

[0314] Perform a comparison between the movement frequency and the specific specification

[0315] Generating a control signal 717 Carrying out a control of the speed of the operating element

[0316] 801 Data structure

[0317] 803 first date

[0318] 805 second date

[0319] 811 transponders

[0320] 813 Data structure

[0321] 821 operating element

[0322] 823 Transponder D rotation axis

Claims

Claims: A method for setting up and / or operating a conveying, measuring, weighing, grinding, mixing, filtering, screening, drying and / or dosing device for bulk material, comprising at least one interchangeable operating element in the form of a conveying, discharging, grinding, mixing, filtering, screening, drying and / or measuring element, with at least one transponder and at least one communication device for data exchange with the transponder, wherein, by means of the communication device, at least one first date stored on the transponder is read out (103, 203, 303, 403, 703), and wherein at least one second date is determined based on at least the first date (107, 207, 307, 407, 707) and, by means of the communication device, stored on the transponder (109, 209, 309, 409, 709), wherein the second date is a The operational capability state or a measure thereof of the operational element is represented.Method according to claim 1, wherein at least one operating parameter of the device is a specific operating parameter and a value of the specific operating parameter to be set during operation of the device is determined as a specific value at least partially based on the first date (105, 205, 305, 405, 705) or the first date is used as such a specific value of the specific operating parameter, and wherein preferably (i) the specific operating parameter of the device is set to the specific value (311, 411), and / or (ii) the second date is determined at least partially based on the specific value and / or the specific operating parameter.Method according to claim 2, wherein the specific value is determined at least partially also based on a second data previously, in particular as the last, stored on the transponder, wherein preferably, based on the second data previously stored on the transponder, a, in particular upper, limit value of the value range of the specific value is determined and taken into account when determining the specific value.A method according to any one of claims 2 to 3, wherein the specific operating parameter is a rotational speed, in particular a target rotational speed, of the operating element, a discharge rate, in particular a volumetric discharge rate, in particular a nominal discharge rate, a minimum discharge rate and / or a maximum discharge rate, of the operating element, a diameter of the operating element, a slope of the operating element, a characteristic curve of the operating element, such as a volumetric characteristic curve of the operating element, a minimum fill level of the operating element, a maximum fill level of the operating element, a nominal conveying rate of the operating element, an operating temperature of the operating element and / or a maximum acceleration in 3 axes of the operating element. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second data previously stored on the transponder is read out by means of the communication device (207a, 307a, 407a). Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second date is also determined based on the second date previously stored on the transponder (207, 307, 407), in particular by changing the second date previously stored on the transponder, preferably by a value determined, in particular at least partially, based on the first date and / or the specific value, in particular by increasing or decreasing it.Method (i) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the interchangeable operating element is furthermore also an operating element performing a movement, and / or (ii) for setting up and / or operating a conveying, measuring, weighing, grinding, mixing, filtering, screening, drying and / or metering device for bulk material, which has at least one operating element performing a movement, in the form of a conveying, discharging, grinding, mixing, filtering, screening, drying and / or measuring element, with at least one transponder and at least one communication device for data exchange with the transponder, wherein, by means of the communication device, at least one third piece of data stored on the transponder is read out (503, 603) and, by means of the. A communication device determines the frequency of the movement of the operating element (507, 607, 711), and a comparison is performed between the determined movement frequency and a specific specification of the movement frequency of the operating element, wherein the third data is the specific specification or the specific specification is determined at least partially based on the third data, in particular retrieved from a memory (505, 605) (509, 609, 713), and a control signal indicative of a result of the comparison is generated (511, 611, 715). A method according to claim 7, wherein, based on the control signal, the movement, in particular the movement frequency, of the operating element is controlled, in particular the movement frequency is limited upwards and / or maintained at a defined or definable value (513, 613, 717).A method according to any one of claims 7 to 8, wherein (i) the movement of the operating element is a rotary movement of the operating element about an axis of rotation and preferably the movement frequency is a rotational speed, (ii) the movement of the operating element is a circular movement of the operating element and preferably the movement frequency is a circular frequency, and / or (iii) the movement of the operating element is a linear movement, in particular a, preferably horizontal or vertical, back-and-forth movement of the operating element. A method according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein, while the operating element is performing the movement, the transponder is repeatedly, in particular periodically, detected by means of the communication device, and the movement frequency is determined based on the detection interval.Method according to one of claims 7 to 10, wherein, by means of the communication device, the movement frequency of the operating element is determined by reading sensor data relating to the movement frequency of the operating element from the transponder. A method according to any one of claims 7 to 11, wherein (i) the second date is determined at least partially based on the determined movement frequency, (ii) the third date is identical to the first date, and wherein preferably the specific value is used as the specific specification, and / or (iii) the specific specification describes or makes determinable permissible values ​​of the movement frequency, in particular a target value of the movement frequency, a maximum value of the movement frequency, a minimum value of the movement frequency, and / or a permissible range of values ​​of the movement frequency. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the transponder receives measurement data from at least one sensor or the transponder comprises the at least one sensor, and wherein preferably (i) a first sensor comprises or represents a speed sensor, a position sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a magnetometer, a tilt sensor, a temperature sensor and / or an acceleration sensor and the first sensor provides the measurement data relating to the movement frequency to the transponder; and / or (ii) the measurement data are read from the transponder by means of the communication device, and preferably at least a first part of the measurement data, in particular the measurement data of the first and / or at least one second sensor, are included in the determination of the specific value and / or the second data. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the method comprises that at least one piece of information about the bulk material is provided (407b) and preferably that the second data, the specific value and / or the specific specification, is also determined at least partially depending on the information provided (407). Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first data comprises or represents an identification identifier of the operating element, a target movement frequency, in particular a target rotational speed, of the operating element and / or a specification of the specific operating parameter.Conveying, measuring, weighing, grinding, mixing, filtering, sieving, drying and / or dosing device (1) comprising an interchangeable and / or movable operating element (5) in the form of a conveying, discharging, grinding, mixing, filtering, sieving, drying and / or measuring element with at least one transponder (13) and at least one communication device (15) for data exchange with the transponder (13), wherein the device (1) and its parts, in particular the transponder (13) and / or the communication device (15), are configured to carry out a method according to one of claims 1 to 15.