System and method for monitoring the state of a conveyor belt of a conveyor-belt installation, and a corresponding conveyor-belt installation
A sensor system with a movement element and adjusting device monitors conveyor belt condition, addressing the lack of effective damage detection in existing systems by providing timely and cost-effective damage identification, thus improving operational efficiency and safety.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- AU · AU
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- F E SCHULTE STRATHAUS GMBH & CO KG
- Filing Date
- 2022-10-11
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-23
Smart Images
Figure 00000001_0000 
Figure 00000026_0000 
Figure 00000027_0000
Abstract
Description
The scraper segment, the support shaft and the mounting as well as the movement element interact in such a way that a force acting on the scraper segment is transmitted to 25 the movement element, the sensor being arranged and designed in such a way that the sensor detects a characteristic, in particular a physical, variable of the movement element. The invention makes it possible to use the sensor to monitor the condition of the conveyor belt and / or to draw conclusions about the condition of the conveyor belt, preferably for 30 detecting damage. In tests carried out when the invention came about, it was surprisingly found that a sensor, which can be arranged in particular on the mounting, can enable conclusions to be drawn about the condition of the conveyor belt by monitoring the movement element. 35 In particular, for example, it can be provided that the scraper segment is in contact with the conveyor belt, whereby when contact is made with the area of the conveyor belt in which damage is present, the interaction of the scraper segment and the conveyor belt is changed in such a way that the force acting on the scraper segment as a result can be detected by means of the sensor through interaction with the movement element. 40 In particular, the movement element can also be movably, preferably pivotably, mounted on the mounting. Ultimately, the sensor in particular can interact with the movement element in such a way that the sensor can at least indirectly detect a change in the position of the scraper end of the scraper segment facing the conveyor belt and / or a change in the 45 adjusting force to be applied to bring the scraper end into contact with the conveyor belt. 2022482262 30 Jun 2026 Preferably, a belt entrainment force applied by the conveyor belt to the scraper end of the scraper segment can be detected at least indirectly, in particular, changes in the belt entrainment force can be detected. 5 During the development of the invention, it was determined that these aforementioned changes could in turn indicate a belt failure. Accordingly, the invention makes it possible to monitor the conveyor belt economically, 10 efficiently and safely in a comparatively simple manner. In particular, according to the invention, the sensor and the interaction of the movement element and the sensor can be used to draw conclusions about the condition of the conveyor belt, preferably for detecting damage. 15 The load data and / or measurement signals recorded by the sensor can, in particular, be evaluated so that, for example, a check can be carried out to see whether limit values -which in particular limit a predefined range - have been exceeded and / or fallen short of. 20 In particular, the invention makes it possible to identify a possible damage event in good time and, in particular, to estimate the extent of possible damage. This preferably ensures a significant reduction in the operating and maintenance costs of the entire conveyor belt system. 25 Preferably, a movement of the movement element can be detected at least indirectly via the sensor, whereby conclusions can be drawn about the conveyor belt by connecting the movement element to the support shaft and the support shaft in turn to the scraper segment. In particular, the sensor can be used to detect when the support shaft and / or the scraper segment undergoes such a change that the scraper segment is and / or has been 30 brought out of contact with the conveyor belt. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the system has an adjusting device by means of which the support shaft can be moved in such a way that a surface of the scraper segment, in particular a scraper end, can be brought 35 into contact with the conveyor belt, the adjusting device being arranged and / or mounted on the holding device and also being connected to the support shaft in a torquetransmitting manner. The movement element can be coupled to the adjusting device in terms of movement or be part of the adjusting device. 40 In particular, the adjusting device can transfer an adjusting force to the scraper segment, which brings the scraper end into contact with the conveyor belt. In the event of conveyor belt damage and / or belt damage, this adjusting force to be applied by the adjusting device can change, in particular increase. Such a change in the adjusting force to be applied can then be detected according to the invention, in particular by means of the movement 45 element and by means of the sensor. 2022482262 30 Jun 2026 The adjusting device can preferably be arranged and / or mounted on the mounting - in particular outside the conveyor belt - preferably at least indirectly on a deflection roller of the conveyor belt. 5 In particular, the sensor can detect when the scraper segment is and / or has been brought out of contact with the conveyor belt and the adjusting force has changed and / or altered as a result. 10 Finally, the adjusting device can apply a pretensioning force to the support shaft, which in turn brings the scraper segment with its scraper end into contact with the conveyor belt with a desired pretension. In particular, the pretension must be high enough to reliably scrape off any bulk material residue adhering to the conveyor belt, but preferably it must not be too high so that the conveyor belt is not damaged by the scraper segment. 15 The adjusting device can interact with one or a plurality of scraper segments. In particular, the adjusting device is arranged on and / or connected to the support shaft and therefore interacts with the scraper segment(s) arranged on the support shaft. 20 In particular, the movement element can be designed as a freely rotatable lever mounted on the mounting or as a freely rotatable pendulum mounted on the mounting. Preferably, the movement element is connected to the support shaft in a rotationally fixed 25 and / or torsionally fixed manner, as explained above. In a particularly preferred embodiment, such an arrangement of the movement element enables the movement element to be coupled to the scraper segment in terms of movement, in particular also via the support shaft, namely in particular also when the scraper segment is connected to the support shaft in a rotationally fixed manner. Thus, the connection via the support shaft 30 makes it possible to detect such a change in the scraper segment and / or to detect it via the sensor, which indicates damage to the conveyor belt. Alternatively or additionally, it may be provided that the movement element is connected to the support shaft in such a way that a load on the support shaft causes a translatory 35 movement of the movement element. Such an arrangement and / or connection between the movement element and the support shaft makes it possible to monitor the condition of the conveyor belt at least indirectly due to the interaction between the support shaft and the scraper segment and, on the other hand, due to the interaction between the movement element and the support shaft by means of the sensor based on the translational 40 movement of the movement element. Ultimately, a change in the translational movement of the movement element can indicate damage to the conveyor belt after corresponding evaluation, which can be determined by the measurement data recorded by the sensor. 2022482262 30 Jun 2026 In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the sensor and the movement element are arranged and designed in such a way that when the movement element is moved, the movement element exerts a force on the sensor, in particular presses against the sensor or pulls the sensor. 5 In the normal and / or unloaded state of the movement element, it can be provided that the movement element is out of engagement with the sensor. In principle, however, it is also possible in other embodiments for the movement element 10 to be in contact with the sensor even in the normal and / or unloaded state. By exerting a force, the sensor in particular can determine whether there is damage to the conveyor belt and thus monitor the condition of the conveyor belt. In particular, a change in the force can be detected, which in turn can allow conclusions to be drawn about the 15 condition of the conveyor belt. Preferably, the sensor is arranged and designed in such a way that the sensor detects a force exerted on the sensor by the movement element. By detecting this force, the sensor is able to detect measurement signals, which in turn can be used to evaluate and 20 determine the condition of the conveyor belt. The force can be recorded directly or indirectly. Indirect detection of the force means in particular that the sensor can detect a physical variable that correlates with the force exerted. In another preferred embodiment, the sensor is arranged and designed in such a way that 25 the sensor detects a change in the position or angular orientation of the movement element or an acceleration of the movement element. In such a configuration of both the movement element and the sensor, a translational and rotational movement of the movement element and / or an acceleration can be detected in particular. This means that, as an alternative or in addition to the force, the deflection of the movement element or a 30 change in the movement of the movement element can also be used to detect damage. The sensor can therefore be designed in different ways, but in each case allows conclusions to be drawn about the condition of the conveyor belt. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the sensor has a strain gauge or is designed as a 35 strain gauge, force sensor, piezoelectric sensor, potentiometer, angle sensor, acceleration sensor or magnetic proximity sensor. The aforementioned forms of the sensor make it possible to monitor the condition of the conveyor belt through the interaction between the movement element and the sensor. According to the invention, it has been found that different measuring principles can be used to determine the condition of the conveyor 40 belt, in particular by changing the force exerted on the scraper segment. Ultimately, the sensor is designed in particular in such a way that conveyor belt damage can be detected. The design of the sensor as a strain gauge is particularly preferred, as it can ensure an efficient, cost-effective and reliable measurement method. With a strain gauge, the force 45 exerted on the sensor by the movement element can be recorded at least indirectly. The 2022482262 30 Jun 2026 force in question can therefore be used to draw conclusions about the condition of the conveyor belt. Preferably, alternatively or additionally, the sensor is designed in such a way that a 5 deflection of the movement element can be measured, in particular where the sensor is designed as an optical sensor or ultrasonic sensor. The deflection of the movement element, which can be detected at least indirectly via the sensor, can also serve as a conclusion for the condition of the conveyor belt and for a change in the scraper segment. 10 More preferably, the sensor is arranged in a fixed position on the mounting. A stationary / fixed arrangement of the sensor on the mounting makes it possible for the sensor to interact with the movement element in a comparatively simple manner, in particular where the sensor is arranged adjacent to the movement element. The sensor can preferably be adjacent to the movement element. The movement element can in turn 15 be movably, in particular rotatably, mounted on the mounting. In this way, the mounting can ensure interaction between the sensor and the movement element. Preferably, the sensor is arranged in a housing of the mounting. The housing can at least partially surround the sensor and preferably protects the sensor from external influences 20 and / or mechanical damage. Furthermore, the housing can ensure that the sensor is protected from dirt that accumulates in the area of the deflection roller, particularly during operation of the conveyor belt system. Accordingly, the wear resistance of the sensor can be improved. 25 The movement element can preferably have a protrusion for interacting with the sensor. Preferably, an outer edge of the movement element, preferably of the protrusion, facing the sensor is shaped in the form of a circular arc section or at least essentially in the form of a circular arc section. Such a design can ensure detection of either the deflection or the force of the movement element exerted on the sensor in a comparatively simple manner 30 when the movement element is rotated. Advantageously, the system has a restoring means, preferably a spring means, which is arranged on the mounting and exerts a restoring force on the movement element when the movement element moves. The restoring means can thus ensure that the movement 35 element returns to its original position when it is moved accordingly. Ultimately, however, the restoring means can also be provided so that the restoring force applied by the restoring means must first be overcome in order for a movement of the movement element to occur. This can thus lead to the initiation of the movement of the movement element and, in particular, ensure that not every slight change in the adjusting force 40 applied to the scraper end is detected, but preferably only a certain minimum amount of change in the scraper segment is detected. Ultimately, the restoring means can be used to specify a lower limit that must first be overcome. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the system has 45 a communication device for transmitting information recorded by the sensor. This 2022482262 30 Jun 2026 communication device can be arranged at a distance from and / or outside the mounting. The communication device can also be arranged outside the conveyor belt. Accordingly, the communication device can also be regarded as an external communication device. 5 In another embodiment, the communication device can also be cloud-based. Preferably, however, the communication device is a physical device located in the vicinity of the conveyor system and / or the conveyor belt, which evaluates the information recorded by the sensor to monitor the condition of the conveyor belt. Ultimately, the 10 communication device can evaluate the information recorded by the sensor and thus monitor the condition of the conveyor belt. Preferably, the evaluation can be carried out in such a way that damage to the conveyor belt can be detected by the communication device. For this purpose, the information recorded by the sensor can also be compared with limit values stored in the communication device. 15 Preferably, the communication device is connected to the sensor by wire. In further embodiments, it can also be provided that a wireless connection enables simple transmission of the measurement signals from the sensor. 20 The system particularly preferably has a measuring device for detecting the speed of the conveyor belt, the running direction of the conveyor belt and / or the position of the conveyor belt. In particular, the measuring device can have a measuring roller. The measuring roller can be arranged on the conveyor belt, preferably below the conveyor belt. The measuring roller can make it possible to detect the speed of the conveyor belt, 25 preferably by the moving conveyor belt also moving and / or entraining the measuring roller, preferably by transmitting a torque to the measuring roller, whereby the speed of the conveyor belt can in turn be determined by the rotational speed of the measuring roller. 30 In addition, inductive sensors of the measuring device can be arranged on the measuring roller. In particular, these inductive sensors can interact with an indicator means, which can be arranged on the conveyor belt. The indicator means can, for example, be a metal strip arranged on the conveyor belt. This can enable the position of the conveyor belt to be determined, for example by linking the position of the indicator means with the speed of 35 the conveyor belt. The direction of travel of the conveyor belt can in turn be determined by the direction of rotation of the measuring roller. In a further preferred embodiment, it is provided that the measuring device is connected to the communication device for transmitting information recorded by the measuring 40 device. Preferably, this allows the communication device to be designed in such a way that information received from the measuring device and from the sensor is linked and / or can be linked by the communication device in such a way that the position of damage to the conveyor belt can be detected. Such a detection of the position can be made possible, for example, by using the interaction between the inductive sensors and the indicator means. 45 In principle, however, the position can also be determined in other ways. 2022482262 30 Jun 2026 Linking the measurement data from both the measuring device and the sensor enables an operator of the conveyor belt system to detect damage comparatively quickly so that this conveyor belt damage can also be rectified promptly. This reduces the costs and effort 5 required to maintain the conveyor belt system. Preferably, the system has a control device for controlling the conveyor belt system. The communication device can be connected to the control device in such a way that, if damage to the conveyor belt is detected by the communication device, the control device switches 10 off the conveyor belt and / or the conveyor belt system and / or releases the scraper segment from the conveyor belt. This enables the user of the conveyor belt system to prevent further damage to the conveyor belt and to intervene relatively quickly to rectify the damage to the conveyor belt. The control device thus leads to increased safety of the entire conveyor belt system. 15 In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that a manual coupling is arranged on the support shaft and preferably on the adjusting device, using which the rotational position of the support shaft and preferably of the movement element can be manually adjusted and fixed in the respective set rotational position. In particular, the 20 scraper segment can be adjusted to the conveyor belt or released from the conveyor belt by adjusting the manual coupling accordingly. The manual coupling thus allows an outsider to easily intervene to change the position of the scraper segment. Preferably, the adjusting device has a drive element of an electric drive engine arranged in 25 a fixed position on the mounting, which is coupled to the support shaft in a torque transmitting manner. Preferably, the drive element is connected to the movement element in a rotationally fixed manner. The drive engine can also be provided in addition to the manual coupling or used as an alternative to it. 30 An adjusting device without a drive engine can also be provided according to the invention, in which case the pre-tensioning forces acting on the scraper segment can be applied by the adjusting device. The invention also relates to a method for monitoring the condition of a conveyor belt of a 35 conveyor belt system. The method comprises, on the one hand, providing a system according to one of the aforementioned embodiments. Furthermore, according to the method and the invention, a characteristic variable of the movement element is detected. This characteristic variable of the movement element is detected in the previously described and particularly advantageous manner. 40 It is therefore understood that, with regard to preferred embodiments and advantages of the method according to the invention, reference may be made to the aforementioned advantages and preferred embodiments of the system, which may also apply to the method according to the invention in the same way. Ultimately, the method according to 45 the invention involves monitoring the condition of the conveyor belt of the conveyor belt 2022482262 30 Jun 2026 system, using the system according to the invention. It has already been explained in connection with the description of the system how such a monitoring method can be carried out, so that, in order to avoid unnecessary repetition, no further explanation in this regard is necessary. 5 In the method according to the invention, the support shaft is preferably moved in such a way that a surface of the scraper segment is in contact with the conveyor belt. In particular, when the characteristic value of the movement element is captured, the scraper segment is in contact with the conveyor belt. 10 Different measuring methods or principles can be used to measure the characteristic size of the movement element, which in turn allows conclusions to be drawn about possible damage to the conveyor belt. In a first preferred embodiment, when the movement element moves, the movement element exerts a force on the sensor, in particular the 15 movement element presses against the sensor or pulls the sensor. This force and / or a variable correlating to this force can in particular be the characteristic variable to be detected by the sensor. In another preferred embodiment, a force exerted by the movement element on the 20 sensor, a change in the position or angular position of the movement element or an acceleration of the movement element is detected. Alternatively or additionally, a deflection of the movement element can be measured. 25 The aforementioned measuring methods make it possible, in particular, to monitor the condition of the conveyor belt by detecting the characteristic value of the movement element. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the method, it is provided that the 30 communication device evaluates the information recorded by the sensor to monitor the condition of the conveyor belt. The evaluation is carried out in particular in such a way that damage to the conveyor belt can be detected by the communication device. Thus, the method according to the invention can in particular ensure damage detection on the conveyor belt. 35 It is preferable for the measuring device to at least indirectly detect the speed of the conveyor belt, the direction of travel of the conveyor belt and / or the position of the conveyor belt. The measuring device can use the measuring roller and / or the inductive sensors as well as the indicator means for this purpose, as already explained at the 40 beginning. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a conveyor belt system with a conveyor belt and a system according to one of the aforementioned embodiments. 2022482262 30 Jun 2026 Also with regard to the conveyor belt system according to the invention, it is understood that, in order to avoid unnecessary explanations, explicit reference may be made to the explanations concerning the method and / or the system, which also apply in the same way to the present invention of the conveyor belt system, without this requiring further 5 explicit mention. Brief description of the figures Further features, advantages and possible applications of the present invention are 10 apparent from the following description of embodiments based on the drawing and the drawing itself. All the features described and / or illustrated form the object of the present invention, either individually or in any combination, irrespective of their summary in the claims or their relationship to one another. 15 It shows: Fig. 1 a schematic perspective view of a conveyor belt system according to the invention, 20 Fig. 2 a schematic side view of parts of a further embodiment of a conveyor belt system according to the invention, 25 Fig. 3 a schematic side view of parts of a further embodiment of a conveyor belt system according to the invention, Fig. 4 a schematic side view of parts of a further embodiment of a conveyor belt system according to the invention, Fig. 5 a schematic side view of parts of a further embodiment of a conveyor belt 30 system according to the invention, Fig. 6 a schematic perspective exploded view of parts of a system according to the invention, 35 Fig. 7 a schematic perspective view of parts of a further embodiment of a system according to the invention, 40 Fig. 8 a schematic perspective view of parts of a further embodiment of a system according to the invention, Fig. 9 a schematic perspective view of parts of a further embodiment of a system according to the invention, 2022482262 30 Jun 2026 Fig. 10 a schematic representation of the interaction of certain components of a further embodiment of a system according to the invention, Fig. 11 a schematic representation of a method according to the invention, 5 Fig. 12 a schematic bottom view of a conveyor belt according to the invention and Fig. 13 a schematic perspective view of a measuring device according to the invention. 10 Detailed description of the invention Fig. 1 schematically shows a conveyor belt system 3 with a conveyor belt 2, in which a first embodiment of a system 1 according to the invention is used to monitor the condition of 15 the conveyor belt 2. Fig. 1 shows - in a schematic representation - the front end of the conveyor belt system 3 in the conveying direction for conveyed material 24. The conveyed material 24 can also be referred to as bulk material. The conveyor belt 2 has a conveyor belt section 25 and an 20 underlying return section 23 (lower run). The conveyor belt 2 is arranged endlessly in the conveyor belt system 3. The conveyor belt 2 runs around a deflection roller 26 in the transition area from the conveyor belt section 25 to the return section 23. A drive, not shown in detail, is connected to the conveyor belt 2 and is intended to drive 25 the conveyor belt 2. Conveyed material 24 is schematically indicated on the conveyor belt 2 - specifically at the top of its conveyor belt section 25 - in Fig. 1. For example, bulk material such as sand, gravel, coal, ore or the like can be transported as conveyed material 24. 30 Below the conveyor belt 2 and not far from the deflection roller 26, a support shaft 4 of the conveyor belt system 3 and the system 1 can be seen. The cross-section of the support shaft 4 can have a hexagonal shape. By way of example, three scraper segments 5 are arranged on the support shaft 4. The scraper segments 5 can ultimately be arranged on the 35 carrier shaft 4 in different ways. At least one scraper segment 5 is arranged on the support shaft 4 - and is connected to the support shaft 4 in a torque-transmitting manner. In particular, the scraper segment 5 (singular here also stands for plural) is positively connected to the support shaft 4 in a 40 torque-transmitting manner. The scraper segment 5 can have a scraper end 6 located opposite a holding end 22. Fig. 1 shows a so-called primary scraper 27, in which the scraper end 6 of the scraper segment 5 is positioned on the lower run and / or in the area of the return section 23 at least substantially below the deflection roller 26 on the conveyor belt 2. 2022482262 30 Jun 2026 Fig. 2 shows a primary scraper 27 and a so-called secondary scraper 28. Fig. 1 also shows a mounting 8, which is preferably arranged in a fixed position and in 5 which the support shaft 4 is rotatably mounted in the illustrated embodiment example. The support shaft 4 can be rotatably mounted on the mounting 8 via a mounting bearing 9. The rotatable mounting of the support shaft can be provided in particular about the longitudinal axis X of the support shaft 4, as shown schematically in Fig. 1. 10 The system 1 also comprises a movement element 11. The movement element 11 is arranged on the mounting 8 and is coupled to the support shaft 4 in terms of movement. In particular, the movement element 11 according to the preferred embodiment shown in Fig. 1 is non-rotatably connected to the support shaft 4. 15 Alternatively or additionally, it may be provided that the movement element 11 is connected to the support shaft 4 in such a way that a load on the support shaft 4 causes a translatory movement of the movement element 11. The system 1 also includes a sensor 10, as shown schematically in Fig. 1, but also in Fig. 6 20 and Figs. 7 to 9. The sensor 10 is designed to monitor the status of the conveyor belt 2. According to the preferred embodiment shown in Fig. 1 and in the further preferred embodiments, it is provided that the scraper segment 5 (both singular and plural are meant here), the support shaft 4, the mounting 8 and the movement element 11 interact in 25 such a way that a force acting on the scraper segment 5 is transmitted to the movement element 11, the sensor 10 being arranged and designed in such a way that the sensor 10 detects a characteristic, in particular physical, variable of the movement element 11. This variable detected by the sensor 10 can then be used to draw conclusions about the 30 condition of the conveyor belt 2 and monitor it accordingly. For example, the sensor 10 can be designed in such a way that a change in the position of the movement element 11 is detected, which in turn allows conclusions to be drawn about the state of the conveyor belt 2. For example, the belt entrainment force exerted by the 35 conveyor belt 2 on the scraper segment 5 and / or the scraper end 6 changes. In particular, the belt entrainment force exerted on the scraper end 6 changes in the event of belt damage to the conveyor belt 2. In the event of belt damage, the scraper segments 5 can be moved away from the conveyor 40 belt 2, which in turn leads to a movement of the support shaft 4, which in turn leads to a movement of the movement element 11. Accordingly, the interaction and / or coupling between the scraper segment 5 and the movement element 11 and the detection of the characteristic value / variable of the movement element 11 can be used to draw conclusions about the position of the movement element 11 and / or the force exerted by 45 the conveyor belt 2 on the scraper segment 5. 2022482262 30 Jun 2026 Alternatively or additionally, it can also be provided that the characteristic variable detected by the sensor 10 can enable a conclusion to be drawn about the adjusting force to be applied to the conveyor belt 2 to actuate the scraper segments 5, which can be applied 5 via an adjusting device 7, for example. In the preferred embodiment example shown in Fig. 1, it is provided that the system 1 further comprises an adjusting device 7. By means of the adjusting device 7, the support shaft 4 can be moved in such a way that a surface of the scraper segment 5, in particular 10 the scraper end 6, can be brought into contact with the conveyor belt 2, wherein the adjusting device 7 is arranged on the mounting 8 and is connected to the support shaft 4 in a torque-transmitting manner. The movement element 11 can be coupled to the adjusting device 7 in terms of movement or be part of the adjusting device 7. 15 The adjusting device 7 can be motor-driven, as shown in Fig. 1, but does not have to be. In this context, Figs. 7 and 9 show an embodiment of the adjusting device 7 or Fig. 9 of parts of the adjusting device 7 in which there is no drive engine 21. In this case, for example, the adjustment can be made via a manual coupling 19, as will be explained later. The adjusting device 7 can then also be operated manually in particular and include spring 20 arrangements or similar to hold the scraper segment 5 in place. Fig. 6 shows a schematic exploded view of the movement element 11. The movement element 11 can be designed as several parts or in one part. Fig. 6 shows that in the illustrated and preferred embodiment, a multi-part design of the movement element 11 is 25 provided, whereby the components of the movement element 11 can be non-rotatably connected to each other in the installed state, as shown schematically in Fig. 8. According to the embodiment shown in Fig. 6, the movement element 11 is also a component of the adjusting device 7. 30 In the preferred embodiment shown in Fig. 1, it is provided that the sensor 10 and the movement element 11 are arranged and designed in such a way that when the movement element 11 moves, the movement element 11 exerts a force on the sensor 10, in particular presses against the sensor 10. 35 Preferably, the sensor 10 can be arranged and designed in such a way that the sensor 10 can detect a force exerted on the sensor 10 by the movement element 11. The force can be detected directly or indirectly. In particular, variables can also be determined that correlate with the force exerted by the movement element 11 on the sensor 10. 40 In particular, the sensor 10 is arranged and designed in such a way that the sensor 10 can detect a change in the position or angular orientation of the movement element 11 or an acceleration of the movement element 11. This is provided for in embodiments not shown in more detail. 2022482262 30 Jun 2026 In the preferred embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the sensor 10 can be designed as a strain gauge. In further embodiments, the sensor 10 can also have a strain gauge or be designed as a force sensor, piezoelectric sensor, potentiometer, angle sensor, acceleration sensor or magnetic proximity sensor. 5 In a further embodiment, not shown in detail, it is provided that a deflection of the movement element 11 can be measured, in particular if the sensor 10 is designed as an optical sensor or ultrasonic sensor. 10 In the preferred embodiment example shown in Fig. 4, the sensor 10 is arranged in a fixed position on the mounting 8. Fig. 2 shows that ultimately two adjusting devices 7 and 7' are provided both for the primary scraper 27 and for the secondary scraper 28. In this context, it is understood that 15 the aforementioned remarks on the adjusting device 7 of the primary scraper 27, as shown schematically in Fig. 1, can also apply in the same way to the adjusting device 7' of the secondary scraper 28, without the need for further explanation. Ultimately, the system 1 can be provided both on the primary scraper 27 and on the secondary scraper 28 and, in particular, can be designed in accordance with the embodiments described above and 20 below. The system 1 of the secondary scraper 28 can then also have a support shaft 4' and at least one scraper element 5', which is arranged on the support shaft 4'. 25 Fig. 6 schematically shows that, according to a depicted and preferred embodiment example, the movement element 11 has a protrusion 12 for interacting with the sensor 10, which is shown in more detail in particular in Fig. 8. In particular, an outer edge 13 of the movement element 11 and / or of the protrusion 12 facing the sensor 10 is at least substantially arcuate and / or curved and / or angled. Such a design of the outer edge 13 30 makes it possible for a movement and / or a force of the movement element 11 to be detected by the sensor 10 in a comparatively simple manner, which makes it possible to draw conclusions about the state of the conveyor belt 2. The protrusion 12 thus ensures that the entire movement element 11 does not have to touch and / or strike the sensor 10, but in particular a predetermined area, which can be designed according to the type of 35 sensor 10. The protrusion 12 can be designed in such a way that, for example, a minimum force or a minimum distance must be overcome before interaction with the sensor 10, which has been determined in particular on the basis of tests carried out when the invention came 40 about. If such a distance or such a force is overcome, damage to the conveyor belt 2 must be assumed. The sensor 10 should then also detect a movement and / or a force of the movement element 11, so that belt damage can be detected in good time. It is not shown in more detail that the preferred system 1 shown in Fig. 1 has a restoring 45 means which is arranged on the mounting 8 and exerts a restoring force on the movement 2022482262 30 Jun 2026 element 11 when the movement element 11 moves. Such a restoring means can thus ensure that, after the movement element 11 has been deflected, renewed belt damage and renewed belt damage detection can be ensured via the movement means 11 and through the interaction between the movement means 11 and the sensor 10. 5 In the preferred embodiment example shown in Fig. 1, a communication device 14 is provided. The communication device 14 is used to transmit information recorded by the sensor 10. In particular, the sensor 10 can be connected by wire to the communication device 14. The communication device 14 can be arranged externally from the mounting 8, 10 as shown schematically in Fig. 1. The communication device 14 can preferably be designed in such a way that it evaluates the information recorded by the sensor 10 to monitor the condition of the conveyor belt 2, preferably in such a way that damage to the conveyor belt 2 can be detected by the communication device 14. 15 In further embodiments not shown in detail, it may also be provided that the communication device 14 is connected to an external server or an external cloud in which the corresponding evaluation of the measurement data recorded by the sensor 10 for belt damage detection can be carried out. The communication device 14 can then have corresponding transmission means for transmission to the server and / or the cloud, so 20 that preferably wireless transmission can be ensured. Figs. 12 and 13 show that the system 1 can comprise a measuring device 15. For example, Fig. 13 shows a measuring roller that is part of the measuring device 15 and can be arranged underneath the conveyor belt 2, for example on the return section or on the 25 underside of the conveyor belt section 25. Ultimately, the measuring device can be provided for detecting the speed of the conveyor belt 2, the running direction of the conveyor belt 2 and / or the position of the conveyor belt 2. The measuring roller can thus be used to determine the aforementioned variables by rotation of the roller. 30 With regard to the position of the conveyor belt 2, it can also be provided that the measuring device 15 has an indicator means 31, which is arranged on the conveyor belt 2, as shown in Fig. 12. This indicator means 31 can then interact with sensors of the measuring device 15 and thus be arranged in a specific section of the conveyor belt 2. If the speed of the conveyor belt 2 and the direction of rotation are known, it is possible to 35 determine which position of the conveyor belt 2 is currently engaging the scraper segments 5, for example, and / or in which area the scraper segments 5 of the conveyor belt 2 are currently arranged. The measuring device 15 can be designed with the communication device 14 for 40 transmitting information recorded by the measuring device 15, as shown schematically in Fig. 10. Preferably, the communication device 14 is designed in such a way that information received from the measuring device 15 and from the sensor is linked together in the communication device 14 in such a way that the position of damage to the conveyor belt 2 can be detected. This is made possible by the fact that the information recorded by 45 the sensor 10 can in turn determine when there is damage to the conveyor belt 2. The 2022482262 30 Jun 2026 information recorded by the measuring device 15 then makes it possible to determine in which area of the conveyor belt 2 this damage is present. This can be done, for example, by determining the speed of the conveyor belt 2, the direction of travel and the position of the conveyor belt 2. 5 In particular, the measuring device 15 can have inductive sensors, which are preferably arranged on the measuring trap. In particular, these inductive sensors can interact with the indicator means 31, which is preferably a metal strip, and thus determine the position of this indicator means 31 on the conveyor belt 2. 10 Fig. 10 shows schematically that a control device 16 is provided. The control device 16 can be a component of the system 1. The control device 16 can be designed to control the conveyor belt system 2, with the communication device 14 being connected to the control device 16 in such a way that if damage to the conveyor belt 2 is detected, which can be 15 done by the communication device 14, the control device 16 switches off the conveyor belt 2 and / or the conveyor belt system 3 and / or the scraper segment 5 on the conveyor belt 2 is released. Furthermore, a manual coupling 19 can be provided, as shown in Fig. 4, among others. 20 Using the manual coupling 19, the rotational position of the support shaft 4 and, in particular according to the illustrated and preferred embodiment example, also of the movement element 11 can be manually adjusted. In the respective set position, the relative rotational position can then be fixed in particular by means of the manual coupling 19. By actuating the manual coupling 19, the scraper segment 5 in the preferred 25 embodiment shown in Fig. 4 can be positioned against the conveyor belt 2 and / or released from the conveyor belt 2 again. The manual coupling 19 is also shown in more detail in Figs. 6 to 8. 30 Fig. 1 also shows a drive for the support shaft 4. At least one drive element 20 of a drive engine 21 is provided, which is coupled to the support shaft 4, preferably at one end of the support shaft 4 in a torque-transmitting manner. It is not shown in more detail that a controller for the drive engine 21 can also be provided. Typically, such a control can be an electronic control, in particular with corresponding control software. 35 By controlling the drive engine 21 accordingly, the scraper segment 5 can be positioned with its scraper end 6 against the conveyor belt 2 or can be released from the conveyor belt 2 - i.e. can be removed from the conveyor belt 2. The drive engine 21 can be arranged in a fixed or movable position on the mounting 8. In the embodiment example shown in 40 Fig. 1, it is provided that the drive engine 21 is not arranged directly on the mounting 8, but can ultimately move relative to the mounting 8, but is mounted on it at least indirectly. The drive element of the drive engine 21 is coupled to the drive element 20, in particular in a suitable manner. 2022482262 30 Jun 2026 The drive engine 21 can be of any design, for example it can be a hydraulic or pneumatic drive engine. An electric drive engine 21 is preferred, and preferably an electric linear drive engine 21. 5 In principle, it is also conceivable to realize the present invention without a drive engine 21, in which case the scraper segment 5 can be positioned against the conveyor belt 2 by other means, for example manually. In the illustrated and thus preferred embodiment example, it is provided that the manual 10 coupling 19 is connected to the support shaft 4 in a rotationally fixed manner and to the drive element 20 in a manually adjustable and fixable manner. Using the coupling 19, a relative rotational position of the support shaft 4 and the drive element 20 of the drive engine 21 can be manually adjusted in relation to each other. For the non-rotatable connection of the manual coupling 19 to the support shaft 4, Fig. 4 shows that a multi-edge 15 recess 30 as well as the manual coupling 19 and a fixing screw therein are provided. The fixing screw makes it possible to equip support shafts 4 of different sizes with one and the same manual coupling 19. The manually adjustable and fixable connection of the manual coupling 19 with the drive 20 element 20 is provided in the upper area slightly above the support shaft 4. For this purpose, according to the preferred teaching, it is provided here that the connection of the manual coupling 19 with the drive element 20 has a ratcheting mechanism 17 which can be adjusted in steps and a continuously variable fine adjustment 18. The semi-circular toothed arc of the ratcheting mechanism 17 can be seen and, above the toothed arc of the 25 ratcheting mechanism 17, a index bolt 29 engaging from above in the ratcheting mechanism 17 at the corresponding point, which can be fixed to the drive element 20. The index bolt 29 can ultimately be located in the ratcheting mechanism 17, as shown in Fig. 7. This fixes the relative position of the manual coupling 19 in relation to the drive 30 element 20. In the other figures, the index bolt 29 cannot be seen as it is covered by the drive element 20. 35 According to the preferred teaching, the manual coupling 19 can be operated by hand alone, i.e. without tools. A pull handle can be provided for this purpose, with which the index bolt 29 can be pulled upwards. If the index bolt 29 is pulled upwards with the pull handle, it is disengaged from the 40 ratcheting mechanism 17. The drive element 20 can then be pivoted. If the pull handle is then released again, the index bolt 29 is pressed back into the ratcheting mechanism 17 by means of spring force according to the preferred embodiment. If the index bolt 29 is already placed in the ratcheting mechanism 17, fine adjustment 18 is 45 still possible by means of the two adjustment screws on the left and right, which allow for 2022482262 30 Jun 2026 a corresponding change. For example, if you want to swivel the drive element 20 to the left in relation to the support shaft 4, screw in the left screw of the fine adjustment 18 and unscrew the right screw; if you want to swivel to the right, do the opposite. 5 Fig. 11 shows a method according to the invention. According to the method, it is provided that the state of a conveyor belt 2 of a conveyor belt system 3 can be monitored. For this purpose, the method according to the invention provides that, in a first step A, a system 1 according to one of the aforementioned embodiments, as previously described in connection with Figs. 1 to 10 and Figs. 12 to 13, is first provided. 10 In process step B, it can then be provided that a characteristic variable of the movement element 11 is detected, as already discussed above. In this context, in a first embodiment, it can be provided that during a movement of the 15 movement element 11, the movement element 11 exerts a force on the sensor 10, in particular presses against the sensor 10 or pulls the sensor 10. This force can be detected by the sensor 10, in particular at least indirectly. In a further, in particular alternative embodiment of method step B, a force exerted by the 20 movement element 11 on the sensor 10 or a change in the position or angular orientation of the movement element 11 or an acceleration of the movement element 11 can be detected. Alternatively or additionally, a deflection of the movement element 11 can be measured. 25 In step C, the speed of the conveyor belt 2, the running direction of the conveyor belt 2 or the position of the conveyor belt 2 can also be detected at least indirectly by the measuring device 15, in particular via the indicator means 31 and the measuring roller. The relevant information can preferably be transmitted to the communication device 14. 30 In step D, it is provided in particular that the communication device 14 expands the information recorded by the sensor 10 to monitor the condition of the conveyor belt 2, in particular in such a way that damage to the conveyor belt 2 can be detected by the communication device 14. 35 When evaluating the measurement data in step D, the communication device 14 can also link the information from the sensor 10 with the transmitted measurement data from the measuring device 15, so that in particular a detected belt damage can also be assigned a position on the conveyor belt 2. 40 If necessary, step E then provides for the scraper segment 5 to be released from the conveyor belt 2 if belt damage is detected, or for the conveyor belt system 3 to be switched off. However, such a shutdown should only be used if damage to the conveyor belt 2 has been detected. 45 2022482262 30 Jun 2026 In method steps A to D and / or when carrying out the method, it may be provided that the support shaft 4 is moved in such a way that a surface of the scraper segment 5 is in contact with the conveyor belt 2. 5 As previously explained, Fig. 1 shows a section of a conveyor belt system 3 according to the invention with a conveyor belt 2 and a system 1 according to one of the aforementioned embodiments. The conveyor belt system 3 as such is also part of the present invention. 2022482262 30 Jun 2026 List of reference symbols: 1 2 System Conveyor belt 16 17 Control device Ratcheting mechanism 5 3 Conveyor belt system 18 Fine adjustment 4 Support shaft 19 Manual coupling 4' Support shaft 25 20 Drive element 5 Scraper segment 21 Drive engine 5' Scraper segment 22 Holding end 10 6 Scraper end 23 Return section 7 Adjusting device 24 Conveyed material 7' Adjusting device 30 25 Conveyor belt section 8 Mounting 26 Deflection roller 9 Mounting bearing for 4 27 Primary scraper 15 10 Sensor 28 Secondary scraper 11 Movement element 29 Index bolt 12 Protrusion of 11 35 30 Multi-edge recess 13 Outer edge of 11 31 Indicator means 14 Communication device 20 15 Measuring device X Longitudinal axis of 4
Claims
1. System for monitoring the condition of a conveyor belt of a conveyor belt system, comprising5 - a support shaft,- a plurality of scraper segments arranged on the support shaft and connected to the support shaft in a torque-transmitting manner,- a stationary mounting with a mounting bearing in which the support shaft is mounted so as to be rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the support shaft,10 - a movement element arranged on the mounting and coupled in a movable manner tothe support shaft, and- a sensor for monitoring the condition of the conveyor belt, wherein the scraper segments, the support shaft, the mounting and the movement element interact in such a way that a force acting on the scraper segments is transmitted 15 to the movement element, andwherein the sensor is arranged and configured in such a way that the sensor detects a characteristic, in particular physical, variable of the movement element,wherein the sensor is arranged in a fixed position on the mounting.20 2. System according to claim 1, wherein the sensor is arranged in a housing of themounting.
3. System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor and the movement element are arranged and configured in such a way that when the movement25 element moves, the movement element exerts a force on the sensor, namely pressing against the sensor .
4. System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor is arranged and designed in such a way that the sensor detects a force exerted on the sensor by the30 movement element.
5. System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor has a strain gauge or is configured as a strain gauge.35 6. System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the system has acommunication device for transmitting information detected by the sensor, which is arranged at a distance from the mounting, wherein the communication device evaluates information detected by the sensor for monitoring the condition of the conveyor belt in such a way that damage to the conveyor belt can be detected by the communication40 device.
7. System according to claim 6, wherein the system has a measuring device for detecting the speed of the conveyor belt, the direction of travel of the conveyor belt and / or the2022482262 30 Jun 2026position of the conveyor belt, wherein the measuring device is connected to the communication device for transmitting information detected by the measuring device, and wherein the communication device is configured such that information received by the measuring device and from the sensor are linked together by the communication device in 5 such a way that the position of damage to the conveyor belt can be detected.
8. System according to claim 7, wherein the measuring device has a measuring roller, wherein inductive sensors of the measuring device are arranged on the measuring roller.10 9. System according to claim 6, wherein the system has a control device for controllingthe conveyor belt system, wherein the communication device is connected to the control device in such a way that, when damage to the conveyor belt is detected by the communication device, the control device switches off the conveyor belt and / or the conveyor belt system and / or releases the scraper segments from the conveyor belt.1510. Method for monitoring the condition of a conveyor belt of a conveyor belt system, comprising:- providing a system according to one of claims 1 to 9, and- detecting a characteristic variable of the movement element.2011. Method according to claim 10, wherein, when the movement element moves, the movement element exerts a force on the sensor, namely presses against the sensor .
12. Method according to claim 10 or 11, wherein a force exerted by the movement25 element on the sensor is detected.
13. Method according to one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the communication device evaluates the information detected by the sensor for monitoring the condition of the conveyor belt in such a way that damage to the conveyor belt can be detected by the30 communication device.
14. Method according to one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the measuring device detects the position of the conveyor belt at least indirectly.35 15. Conveyor belt system with a conveyor belt , including a system according to one ofclaims 1 to 9.