Conveyor belt management system and method

Abstract

This invention provides a conveyor belt management system and method that can more reliably monitor the state of the conveyor belt under various operating conditions. Radio wave IC tags (2A) and electromagnetic coupling IC tags (2B) are placed on the conveyor belt (13) as passive IC tags (2). A detector (7) receives a feedback radio wave (R2), which is a return radio wave (R2) from each IC tag (2A, 2B) based on a transmission radio wave (R1) sent from the detector (7) to each IC tag (2A, 2B) on the conveyor belt (13) mounted on the conveyor device (10). A computing device (8) uses the feedback radio wave (R2) to monitor the operating state of the conveyor belt (13). Alternatively, the detection data from the sensor unit (6) connected to each IC tag (2A, 2B) is sent from the IC tag (2A, 2B) to the detector (7) and input to the computing device (8) via the feedback radio wave (R2). The computing device (8) monitors the state of the conveyor belt (13) based on the detection data.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a conveyor belt management system and method, and more specifically, to a conveyor belt management system and method capable of more reliably monitoring the state of the conveyor belt under various operating conditions. Background Technology

[0002] Various systems have been proposed in the industry for managing conveyor belts laid between and traveling on the pulleys of a conveyor device (for example, see Patent Document 1). The management system proposed in Patent Document 1 establishes wireless communication between RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tags (IC (Integrated Circuit) tags) embedded in the conveyor belt and a reader, acquiring data transmitted by the RFID tags through the reader. Furthermore, the various data acquired by the reader are sent to designated terminal devices for information sharing.

[0003] In existing management systems, IC tags using radio wave communication are commonly used. However, conveyor belts transporting crushed stone, sand, other mineral raw materials, or their processed products operate under various conditions. Furthermore, the wireless communication environment between the IC tags and the reader varies depending on the conveyor belt's operating conditions. Therefore, using only IC tags with the same communication method presents the following problem: under specific conveyor belt operating conditions, the IC tags and the reader cannot communicate wirelessly, thus preventing the acquisition of data from the IC tags.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-23840 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0008] In other words, if all the IC tags installed on the conveyor belt use the same communication method, it may be impossible to fully grasp the status of the conveyor belt under various operating conditions. Therefore, there is still room for improvement in reliably grasping the status of the conveyor belt under various operating conditions.

[0009] The purpose of this invention is to provide a conveyor belt management system and method that can more reliably monitor the status of the conveyor belt under various operating conditions.

[0010] Solution for solving the problem

[0011] To achieve the above objectives, the conveyor belt management system of the present invention comprises: a passive IC tag disposed on the conveyor belt, a detector that wirelessly communicates with the IC tag, and a computing device communicatively connected to the detector. The detector receives a feedback radio wave, which is a feedback radio wave returned by the IC tag based on a transmission radio wave sent from the detector to the IC tag disposed on the conveyor belt mounted on the conveyor device. The computing device uses the feedback radio wave to determine the state of the conveyor belt. The conveyor belt management system is characterized in that it uses both radio wave IC tags and electromagnetic coupling IC tags as the IC tags.

[0012] The conveyor belt management method of the present invention involves setting a passive IC tag on the conveyor belt, transmitting a signal wave from a detector that wirelessly communicates with the IC tag to the IC tag set on the conveyor belt and mounted on the conveying device, receiving a reply signal wave returned by the IC tag based on the transmitted signal wave, and using the reply signal wave to determine the state of the conveyor belt. The conveyor belt management method is characterized in that it uses both radio wave IC tags and electromagnetic coupling IC tags as the IC tags.

[0013] Invention Effects

[0014] In this invention, two types of passive IC tags are used: radio wave IC tags and electromagnetic coupling IC tags, which are mounted on the conveyor belt. The communication characteristics of each IC tag with different communication methods differ when communicating wirelessly with the detector. Therefore, even under various wireless communication environments, the detector can receive the echo radio waves from IC tags using at least one of the two communication methods. That is, the risk of communication failure between radio wave IC tags and the detector, and between electromagnetic coupling IC tags and the detector, is reduced under various wireless communication environments caused by different conveyor belt usage conditions. Therefore, it is advantageous to more reliably monitor the conveyor belt status under various usage conditions using the echo radio waves. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an overall overview of an implementation method for a conveyor belt management system.

[0016] Figure 2 This example uses a side view to illustrate the use of... Figure 1 A diagram illustrating the transmission device of the management system.

[0017] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 AA sectional view.

[0018] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 BB view.

[0019] Figure 5 This is an illustration of an IC tag using radio wave transmission, presented from a top-down perspective.

[0020] Figure 6 Examples are given from a positive perspective. Figure 5 An explanatory diagram of the IC tag.

[0021] Figure 7 This is an illustration of an IC tag using electromagnetic coupling, presented from a top-down perspective.

[0022] Figure 8 This example is shown from a top-down perspective. Figure 7 An explanatory diagram of the IC tag.

[0023] Figure 9 This is an illustration of the state of wireless communication between an IC tag and a detector, shown from a cross-sectional view of a conveyor belt.

[0024] Figure 10 It is a pattern-based example illustrating the time-varying curves of the conveyor belt's travel speed.

[0025] Figure 11 It is a graph that illustrates the relationship between the position of the IC tag relative to the detection location and the received signal strength of the echo wave.

[0026] Figure 12 This is a graph illustrating the relationship between the resistance value of an IC tag when it is activated and the temperature of the IC tag.

[0027] Figure 13 This is an illustrative diagram showing the temperature of the conveyor belt at various detection locations.

[0028] Figure 14 A~ Figure 14 D is an illustrative diagram illustrating two configuration modes of IC tags from a top-down view of the conveyor belt.

[0029] Figure 15 A, Figure 15 B is an illustrative diagram illustrating another configuration mode of two IC tags from a top-down view of the conveyor belt.

[0030] Figure 16 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating another embodiment of a transmission device employing a management system, shown from a side view.

[0031] Figure 17 This is illustrated using a cross-sectional view. Figure 16 An illustrative diagram of the conveyor belt near the detector.

[0032] Figure 18 This example is shown from a top-down perspective. Figure 17 A diagram illustrating the detector and conveyor belt.

[0033] Figure 19 This example is shown from a top-down perspective. Figure 18 Explanation diagram of the IC tag and sensor section.

[0034] Figure 20 Examples are given from a positive perspective. Figure 19 Explanation diagram of the IC tag and sensor section.

[0035] Figure 21 This example is shown from a top-down perspective. Figure 19 An explanatory diagram illustrating an improved example of the sensor section.

[0036] Figure 22 It is to bury Figure 21 The illustration shows a partial magnified view of the conveyor belt with IC tags and sensor units, taken from a cross-sectional perspective.

[0037] Figure 23 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating another implementation of a management system using a cross-sectional view.

[0038] Figure 24 This example is shown from a top-down perspective. Figure 23 A diagram illustrating the detector and conveyor belt.

[0039] Figure 25 This example is shown from a top-down perspective. Figure 24 An explanatory diagram illustrating an improved example of the sensor section. Detailed Implementation

[0040] The conveyor belt management system and method of the present invention will be described below based on the embodiments shown in the figures.

[0041] Figures 1-4 The illustrated conveyor belt management system 1 is used to monitor the status of the conveyor belt 13 installed on the conveyor device 10. The management system 1 includes: passive IC tags 2 (2A, 2B) disposed on the conveyor belt 13, detectors 7 (7A, 7B, 7C), and a computing unit 8 that communicates with the detectors 7 wirelessly or via a wired connection. The detectors 7 receive response radio waves R2 returned by the IC tags 2 based on the transmission radio waves R1 received from each detector 7. For example... Figure 1 As illustrated, in this embodiment, the computing device 8 is configured to be connected to a terminal device 9 (9a, 9b, 9c, 9d) such as a computer or smartphone via a communication network such as the Internet. The terminal device 9 is located at a location (remote location) far from the installation site of the transmission device 10.

[0042] The conveying device 10 has a pair of pulleys 11a and 11b and a plurality of support rollers 12 disposed between the pulleys 11a and 11b. A conveyor belt 13 is laid between the pulleys 11a and 11b, which are supported by the support rollers 12. The conveyor belt 13 is moved forward by rotating the drive pulley 11a. Arrow L in the figure indicates the length direction of the conveyor belt 13, and arrow W indicates the width direction of the conveyor belt 13.

[0043] The conveyor belt 13 is integrally formed by vulcanizing and bonding an upper cover rubber 16, a lower cover rubber 17, and a core layer 14 disposed between them. In this embodiment, the core layer 14 is composed of multiple steel cords 15 arranged transversely in the width direction W. The conveyor belt 13 may have other components as needed. The core layer 14 is not limited to steel cords 15 and may sometimes be made of canvas. When the core layer 14 is made of canvas, approximately four to eight layers of canvas may be layered as the core layer 14, depending on the performance requirements of the conveyor belt 13.

[0044] On the loading side of the conveyor 10, the lower cover rubber 17 of the conveyor belt 13 is supported by the support roller 12, so that the conveyor belt 13 presents a groove shape with the central portion protruding downward in the width direction W. The transported object C is placed and loaded on the upper surface of the upper cover rubber 16 for transport. On the return side of the conveyor 10, the upper cover rubber 16 of the conveyor belt 13 is supported by the support roller 12 in a flat state.

[0045] use Figure 5 , Figure 6 The illustrated IC tag 2A using radio wave methods and Figure 7 , Figure 8 The illustrated electromagnetic coupling IC tag 2B refers to both types as IC tag 2. Each IC tag 2A, 2B has an IC chip 3a and an antenna section 3b. Furthermore, the IC chip 3a stores identification information that distinguishes the IC tag 2 from other IC tags 2. Other information may also be stored in the IC chip 3a, but in the management of this embodiment, it is sufficient that the IC chip 3a stores at least the identification information of the IC tag 2.

[0046] IC tag 2 (2A, 2B) can be a standard, widely available specification, and can utilize common RFID tag products. Regarding the dimensions of IC tag 2 (2A, 2B), for example, an area of ​​200 mm²... 2 Above and 6000mm 2 Below, 300mm is preferred. 2 Above and 2700mm 2The thickness is, for example, 0.01 mm or more and 0.4 mm or less, more preferably 0.03 mm or more and 0.15 mm or less. The heat resistance temperature of the IC tag 2 is, for example, around 250°C.

[0047] exist Figure 5 , Figure 6 In the illustrated radio wave IC tag 2A, the IC chip 3a and the antenna section 3b are connected via a conductor (wiring). The antenna section 3b extends from the IC chip 3a to both outer sides of the IC chip 3a in a curved state. The IC chip 3a and the antenna section 3b are disposed on the substrate 4 and covered by an insulating layer 5. The antenna section 3b receives a transmitting radio wave R1 from the detector 7. The power generated by the transmitting radio wave R1 is supplied to the IC chip 3a through the conductor connecting the antenna section 3b and the IC chip 3a, thereby activating the IC tag 2A. Communication between the IC chip 3a and the antenna section 3b is achieved through this conductor.

[0048] exist Figure 7 , Figure 8 In the illustrated electromagnetic coupling IC tag 2B, the IC chip (IC module) 3a and the antenna section 3b are arranged spaced apart, making them a non-contact structure. The antenna section 3b has a ring surrounding the entire periphery of the IC chip 3a, and extends outwards from the ring in a curved state to both sides of the ring. The IC chip 3a and the antenna section 3b are each covered by an insulating layer 5. The antenna section 3b receives a transmitting radio wave R1 from the detector 7, thereby forming a magnetic field within the ring. By forming this magnetic field, electromagnetic coupling occurs between the helical antenna inside the IC chip 3a and the antenna section 3b, and the IC tag 2B is activated by the power generated by the transmitting radio wave R1. Communication occurs between the IC chip 3a and the antenna section 3b through the electromagnetic coupling between the helical antenna (IC chip 3a) and the antenna section 3b.

[0049] In this embodiment, such as Figure 3 As illustrated, the IC tag 2 is embedded in the lower cover rubber 17. The IC tag 2 can also be positioned in other locations on the conveyor belt 13, for example, it can be designed to be embedded in the upper cover rubber 16, or, when the core layer 14 is composed of multiple layers of canvas, embedded in the core layer 14. To protect the IC tag 2 from damage such as from the transported object C, it is preferable to embed it in the lower cover rubber 17 or the core layer 14 rather than in the upper cover rubber 16.

[0050] In the manufacturing of conveyor belt 13, during the molding process, IC tag 2 is disposed in unvulcanized lower cover rubber 17 or unvulcanized upper cover rubber 16, or in a core layer 14 made of canvas, to form a molded product. Then, by vulcanizing the molded product, IC tag 2 is embedded in the conveyor belt 13, which is integrally formed from the core layer 14, upper cover rubber 16, and lower cover rubber 17.

[0051] To attach the IC tag 2 to the conveyor belt 13, as described above, it can be embedded into the conveyor belt 13 during manufacturing. However, this method is not limited to this; it can also be attached to the conveyor belt 13 after manufacturing. For example, after placing the IC tag 2 at the desired position on the manufactured conveyor belt 13, the IC tag 2 can be covered with rubber material, bonding the IC tag 2 to the conveyor belt 13 together with the rubber material. This bonding can be achieved using known adhesives or vulcanization bonding. By using the method of retrofitting the IC tag 2 onto the conveyor belt 13, this management system 1 can be applied to existing conveyor belts 13.

[0052] At least one IC tag 2A or 2B can be placed on each of the conveyor belts 13, but it is preferable to place multiple IC tags 2 at intervals along the length direction L. For example, the IC tags 2 are embedded in the conveyor belt 13 at intervals TL of 5m to 20m along the length direction L. That is, the spacing TL of the IC tags 2 is preferably set to a range of 5m to 20m, for example, about 10m is more suitable. It is preferable that the spacing TL of the IC tags 2 is equal.

[0053] like Figure 9 As illustrated, the detector 7 communicates wirelessly with the IC tag 2 disposed on the conveyor belt 13 without contacting the conveyor belt 13. The detector 7 has a transmitting unit 7s and a receiving unit 7r. The transmitting unit 7s transmits a transmitting radio wave R1 to the IC tag 2. The receiving unit 7r receives the return radio wave R2 returned by the IC tag 2 (antenna unit 3b) according to the transmitting radio wave R1, and obtains the identification information of the IC tag 2 stored in the IC chip 3a that was transmitted along with the return radio wave R2.

[0054] As detector 7, it adopts a standard, widely accepted specification that allows for wireless communication with passive RFID tags, etc. The frequency of the radio waves used for wireless communication between IC tag 2 and detector 7 is primarily in the UHF band (varies by country, but is generally between 860MHz and 930MHz; in Japan, it is between 915MHz and 930MHz), and sometimes the HF band (13.56MHz) is also used. The wireless communication between IC tag 2A (radio wave method) and detector 7, and the wireless communication between IC tag 2B (electromagnetic coupling method) and detector 7 are respectively adjusted and set to communicate at the same frequency.

[0055] Detector 7 is disposed at a detection position P in the conveying device 10, close to the conveyor belt 13. Detector 7 is disposed at at least one detection position P. Regarding detector 7, it is more preferable to dispose of it at multiple detection positions P spaced apart in the length direction L (e.g., approximately 10m to 30m). Detector 7 may also be disposed at multiple detection positions P spaced apart in the width direction.

[0056] The detector 7 is not limited to the configuration on the mounting side of the transmission device 10 as in this embodiment; it can also be designed to be configured on the return side, or even on both the mounting and return sides. The distance between the detector 7 and the antenna 3b when they are closest is, for example, set to within 1 meter. That is, the detector 7 is positioned at a detection position P such that when the antenna 3b passes near the detector 7, the distance between the detector 7 and the antenna 3b becomes less than 1 meter. In this embodiment, as... Figure 4 As illustrated, each detector 7 is positioned at one end of the conveyor belt 13 in the width direction W. The width direction position of the detector 7 is preferably aligned with the width direction position of the IC tag 2 on the conveyor belt 13.

[0057] As the processing unit 8, a known computer or computer server can be used. The information detected and acquired by the detector 7 is sequentially input into the processing unit 8. The processing unit 8 performs various calculations based on the input information. The processing unit 8 also has the function of sending various information (data) to desired terminal devices 9 (9a-9d) connected via a communication network such as the Internet.

[0058] Next, an example of the steps for using management system 1 to grasp the operating status as the state of conveyor belt 13 will be described.

[0059] like Figure 9 As illustrated, each detector 7 (transmitter 7s) sends a transmission wave R1 to the IC tag 2. When each IC tag 2 approaches each detector 7 via the conveyor belt 13, the antenna section 3b receives the transmission wave R1, and the IC tag 2 is activated by the transmission wave R1.

[0060] The activated IC tag 2 sequentially returns a feedback radio wave R2 to the detector 7 based on the transmitting radio wave R1. This feedback radio wave R2 returns from the IC tag 2 to the detector 7 via the antenna section 3b. The identification information of the IC tag 2 stored in the IC chip 3a is transmitted to the detector 7 via the feedback radio wave R2 and received by the receiving section 7r. Therefore, the detector 7 sequentially acquires the identification information of the IC tag 2 by receiving the feedback radio waves R2.

[0061] The arithmetic unit 8 calculates the travel speed V of the conveyor belt 13 using the input feedback radio wave R2. That is, the arithmetic unit 8 calculates the travel speed V of the conveyor belt 13 based on the reception time t of the feedback radio wave R2 received by the detector 7. Then, the operating state of the conveyor belt 13 is determined based on the time-varying changes of the calculated travel speed V. The travel speed V is calculated in the following manner.

[0062] In this embodiment, since the detectors 7 are configured at multiple detection positions P spaced apart along the length direction L, when the conveyor belt 13 is moving, each detector 7 wirelessly communicates with the IC tag 2 when the IC tag 2 passes nearby and acquires the identification information of the IC tag 2. The acquired identification information of the IC tag 2, along with the reception time t of the echo radio wave R2 received by the detector 7 from the IC tag 2, is stored in the processing unit 8. Since the interval PL of the detection positions P of each detector 7 along the length direction L has been determined in advance, this interval PL is input into the processing unit 8.

[0063] Therefore, the arithmetic unit 8 calculates the travel speed V based on the reception time t of the echo radio wave R2 from the same IC tag 2 received by each detector 7 at at least two detection positions P spaced apart along the length direction L, and the interval PL between each detection position P. For example, if the interval between detectors 7A and 7B is PL, and the reception times t of the echo radio wave R2 from the same IC tag 2 received by detectors 7A and 7B are t1 and t2 respectively, then the time required for the IC tag 2 to move from detector 7A to detector 7B is (t2-t1), so the travel speed V = PL / (t2-t1) is calculated.

[0064] When calculating the travel speed V, data from detectors 7 positioned at adjacent detection positions P along the length direction L (data from detectors 7A and 7B, data from detectors 7B and 7C, and data from detectors 7C and 7A) are used. However, this is not a limitation; data from each detector 7 positioned at any two selected detection positions P can also be used. Therefore, data from detectors 7A and 7C can also be used. Since the conveyor belt 13 is continuous, it is generally sufficient to calculate the travel speed V within any single interval (the distance PL between any two detection positions P). However, for example, the travel speed V may vary slightly due to the weight of the transported item C or the impact of its placement, for example, in the interval where the transported item C is about to be placed and in the interval where the transported item C has just been placed. Therefore, it is preferable to calculate the travel speed V within multiple intervals. In this calculation method, only the distance PL needs to be determined. Since the position information of the IC tags 2 on the conveyor belt 13 is not required, it can be easily applied to all conveyor belts 13.

[0065] Alternatively, the travel speed V can be calculated using other methods. In this method, a detector 7 is configured at the same detection position P, and the setting interval TL of each IC tag 2 is pre-input into the computing device 8. Then, the detector 7 configured at the detection position P receives the echo waves R2 from each IC tag 2 set at the setting interval TL. Based on the reception time t of the echo waves R2 received by the detector 7 from each IC tag 2 and the setting interval TL, the travel speed V is calculated.

[0066] For example, if two IC tags 2 are set at a specified setting interval TL, and a detector 7 configured at the same detection position P receives the echo radio waves R2 from each IC tag 2 at reception times t1 and t2 respectively, then the time required for the conveyor belt 13 to move the length of the setting interval TL is (t2-t1). Therefore, the travel speed V is calculated as V=TL / (t2-t1).

[0067] Alternatively, the travel speed V can be calculated using other methods. In this method, for each revolution of the conveyor belt 13, a detector 7 positioned at the same detection position P sequentially receives echo waves R2 from the same IC tag. The travel speed V is calculated based on the reception time t of the echo waves R2 sequentially received by the detector 7 for each revolution of the conveyor belt 13 and the belt length BL of the conveyor belt 13.

[0068] For example, if the belt length is BL, and the receiver times of the echo waves R2 from the same IC tag 2, which are received sequentially by the detector 7 located at the same detection position P, are t1 and t2 respectively, then the time required for the conveyor belt 13 to complete one revolution (the movement of the belt length BL) is (t2-t1). Therefore, the travel speed V can be calculated as V=BL / (t2-t1). In this calculation method, it is necessary to determine the belt length BL of the conveyor belt 13.

[0069] The travel speed V calculated by the computing device 8 reflects the actual operating status of the conveyor belt 13. That is, if the travel speed V is 0 (including the case of infinitely 0), it can be determined that the conveyor belt 13 is not running (not moving). Although this situation is very rare, if the conveyor belt 13 stops when a certain IC tag 2 is close to a certain detection position P (detector 7), the detector 7 will continuously receive the echo signal R2 from the IC tag 2 without interruption. Therefore, the situation where the detector 7, which is arranged at the same detection position P, continuously receives the echo signal R2 from the same IC tag 2 without interruption is also determined to be that the conveyor belt 13 is not running.

[0070] If the travel speed V is approximately constant, it can be determined that the conveyor belt 13 is operating stably. When the travel speed V increases uniformly, it can be determined that the conveyor belt 13 is in the starting state; when the travel speed V decreases uniformly, it can be determined that it is in the stopping state.

[0071] Therefore, as Figure 10 As illustrated, the arithmetic unit 8 outputs data DV showing the time-varying change of the travel speed V, and calculates the cumulative running time of the conveyor belt 13 based on the data DV. (Refer to...) Figure 10 The data DV can accurately monitor the actual operating status of the conveyor belt 13 (whether it is running and the change in its travel speed V). The actual lifespan X of the conveyor belt 13 is more affected by the cumulative operating time than by the time elapsed since the conveyor belt 13 was installed in the conveyor device 10. Therefore, using this data DV to monitor the actual operating time (cumulative operating time) of the conveyor belt 13 is beneficial for accurately monitoring the actual lifespan X of the conveyor belt 13.

[0072] This implementation method adopts Figure 1 As illustrated, the computing unit 8 transmits data DV to terminal devices 9 (9a, 9b, 9c, 9d) located at locations far from where the conveyor 10 is installed via a communication network. For example, it transmits data DV or calculated cumulative operating time to terminal devices 9 of relevant parties such as the operating company (user) management office of the conveyor belt 13, the sales company of the conveyor belt 13, and the manufacturing company of the conveyor belt 13, located at remote locations far from where the conveyor belt 13 is installed. Thus, these relevant parties can monitor the operating status of the conveyor belt 13 in near real-time, even from remote locations far from where the conveyor belt 13 is used.

[0073] To prevent communication leakage between IC tag 2 and detector 7, the communication frequency needs to be increased. For example, by setting the communication frequency between IC tag 2 and detector 7 to 3 to 10 times per second, the undesirable situation (communication leakage) where detector 7 cannot receive the echo radio wave R2 from IC tag 2 even at a high travel speed V is avoided. On the other hand, if this communication frequency is increased, when IC tag 2 passes through detection position P, detector 7, located at detection position P, will conduct multiple wireless communications with IC tag 2 during its single pass. That is, when the same IC tag 2 passes through various detection positions P, detector 7 located at each detection position P will receive the echo radio wave R2 from the same IC tag 2 multiple times during its single pass.

[0074] By moving the conveyor belt 13, when the IC tag 2 moves relative to the detection position P where the detector 7 is located, as Figure 11As illustrated in the data DR, the closer the IC tag 2 is to the detector 7 located at the detection position P, the higher the received signal strength (RSSI) of the echo wave R2 received by the detector 7. That is, it can be considered that the IC tag 2 is located closest to the detection position P when the received signal strength (RSSI) of the echo wave R2 is the highest.

[0075] Therefore, when the same IC tag 2 passes through detection position P, if the detector 7 configured at detection position P receives multiple echo waves R2 from the IC tag 2 during one passage of the IC tag 2, the reception time of the echo wave R2 with the highest received signal strength (RSSI) among the multiple received echo waves R2 is taken as the reception time t of the detector 7 configured at detection position P. By using the reception time t adopted in this way, it is beneficial to calculate the travel speed V with higher accuracy.

[0076] In the above embodiment, the operating status of the conveyor belt 13 has been monitored using the feedback radio wave R2, but the temperature status of the conveyor belt 13 can also be monitored using the feedback radio wave R2. In this case, it is necessary to monitor the temperature status of the conveyor belt 13 in advance. Figure 12 The illustrated data shows the correlation R between the resistance value of IC tag 2 and its temperature when IC tag 2 is activated. Specifically, this correlation data R represents the relationship between the resistance value in the circuit of IC tag 2 and the temperature of IC tag 2 when IC tag 2 is activated by receiving a transmitting radio wave R1. Generally, as the temperature of IC tag 2 increases, the resistance value in the circuit of IC tag 2 increases, therefore... Figure 12 As illustrated, the correlation data R rises to the right.

[0077] The relevant relationship data R is input into the computing device 8. In addition, the computing device 8 stores data on the embedding position of each IC tag 2 in the conveyor belt 13 (position data in the length direction L and the width direction W), reference temperature (threshold) for judging abnormal heating of the conveyor belt 13, etc.

[0078] And, as Figure 2 As illustrated, during the movement of the conveyor belt 13, transmitting radio waves R1 are sent from each detector 7 to the IC tag 2. When each IC tag 2 approaches each detector 7, the antenna section 3b receives the transmitting radio wave R1, which generates power in the IC tag 2, activating the IC tag 2. When the IC tag 2 is activated, the resistance value data in the circuit of the IC tag 2 is stored in the memory section of the IC chip 3a.

[0079] Then, IC tag 2 sends the reply wave R2 back to detector 7 according to the transmitting wave R1. The resistance value data stored in IC tag 2, the identification information of IC tag 2, and the reply wave R2 are sent from IC tag 2 to detector 7.

[0080] The data acquired by detector 7 is input into processing unit 8. Processing unit 8 calculates the temperature at the location where each IC tag 2 is embedded in conveyor belt 13 based on the input resistance value data and related relationship data R. That is, processing unit 8 applies the resistance value data input from detector 7 to... Figure 12 The temperature of the IC tag 2 is calculated from the illustrated relational data R. The calculated temperature of the IC tag 2 can be considered as the temperature at the location where the IC tag 2 is embedded in the conveyor belt 13.

[0081] If the detector 7 is positioned at multiple spaced-apart detection locations along the length L of the conveyor belt 13 between pulleys 11a and 11b, and the IC tag 2 is embedded in these spaced-apart locations along the length L of the conveyor belt 13, the temperature distribution along the length L of the moving conveyor belt 13 can be monitored. Furthermore, if the IC tag 2 is embedded in multiple spaced-apart locations along the width W of the conveyor belt 13, the temperature distribution along the width W of the moving conveyor belt 13 can also be monitored.

[0082] If the support roller 12 of the conveying device 10 rotates normally to make the conveyor belt 13 move smoothly, then as Figure 13 As illustrated by the temperature data Dn shown by the dashed line, the temperature of the conveyor belt 13 at each detection position spaced apart along the length direction L is essentially constant. On the other hand, if any of the support rollers 12 on the mounting side of the conveyor device 10 malfunctions, the frictional resistance between the malfunctioning support roller 12 and the traveling conveyor belt 13 will increase, causing the conveyor belt 13 to be abnormally heated. Alternatively, if the conveyor belt 13 travels in contact with the frame of the conveyor device 10, it will also cause the conveyor belt 13 to be abnormally heated.

[0083] Therefore, if conveyor belt 13 experiences abnormal heating, then... Figure 13 As illustrated by the solid line representing temperature data Dx, the temperature data will locally increase. Figure 13 The temperature of the longitudinal conveyor belt 13 is calculated by the arithmetic unit 8 as described above. Figure 13 As illustrated, the temperature of the conveyor belt 13 at the detection positions near the poorly rotating support roller 12 and the detection positions near the contact positions between the frame and the conveyor belt 13 is higher than the temperature of the conveyor belt 13 at other detection positions.

[0084] Therefore, according to Figure 13The illustrated temperature data Dx can roughly determine the position of the conveyor 10 along the length direction L where abnormal heating of the conveyor belt 13 occurs. That is, it can be inferred that a malfunction in the rotation of the support roller 12 or contact between the frame and the conveyor belt 13 occurred in the vicinity of the detection position where the temperature data Dx reaches its peak (maximum value).

[0085] As described above, in this management system 1, two different communication methods, IC tags 2A (electromagnetic wave method) and IC tag 2B (electromagnetic coupling method), are used as passive IC tags 2 installed on the conveyor belt 13. The communication characteristics of one IC tag 2A when wirelessly communicating with the detector 7 differ from those of the other IC tag 2B. For example, due to the influence of temperature, humidity, external force (impact), and the type (material properties) of the transported object C, there may be situations where the wireless communication between one IC tag 2A and the detector 7 is easily interrupted, while the wireless communication between the other IC tag 2B and the detector 7 is not easily interrupted, and vice versa.

[0086] Therefore, even under various wireless communication environments, the detector 7 can receive the echo radio wave R2 from at least one of the two communication methods of IC tags 2A and 2B. In other words, under various wireless communication environments arising from different usage conditions of the conveyor belt 13, the risk of both the radio wave IC tag 2A and the detector 7, and the electromagnetic coupling IC tag 2B and the detector 7 being unable to conduct wireless communication is low. Therefore, the detector 7 can reliably receive the echo radio wave R2, which is beneficial for more reliably understanding the state of the conveyor belt 13 under various usage conditions.

[0087] like Figure 14 , Figure 15 As illustrated, IC tags 2A and 2B for various communication methods can be set on conveyor belt 13 in various modes. Figure 14 , Figure 15 In order to easily distinguish between the various IC tags 2A and 2B, a slash is added to the IC tag 2B of the electromagnetic coupling method. Figure 14 In (A), IC tags 2A and 2B with different communication methods are alternately configured in the length and width directions. Figure 14 In (B), IC tags 2A and 2B with the same communication method are arranged in a row in the width direction, and these two rows are arranged alternately in the length direction. Figure 14 In (C), IC tags 2A and 2B with the same communication method are arranged in a column along the length direction, and these two columns are arranged alternately along the width direction. Figure 14 In (D), IC tags 2A and 2B with different communication methods exist together and are randomly configured in each row in the width direction.

[0088] Figure 15 In (A) and (B), a certain range in the length direction (in this embodiment, the configuration range of the three IC tags 2 in the length direction) is taken as a unit, and a unit with different configuration modes is configured alternately in the length direction. Figure 15 In (A), a unit of IC tag 2A configured with only one communication method and a unit of IC tag 2B configured with only another communication method are alternately configured in the length direction. Figure 15 In (B), a unit with IC tags 2A and 2B configured with various communication methods and a higher proportion of IC tags 2A with one communication method is alternately configured with a unit with IC tags 2A and 2B configured with various communication methods and a higher proportion of IC tags 2B with another communication method in the length direction.

[0089] like Figure 14 , Figure 15 As illustrated, there are multiple configuration modes for each IC tag 2A, 2B, but the placement space for the detector 7 may be limited depending on the conveyor device 10. For example, in the case of a conveyor device 10 where the detector 7 can only be placed within a range corresponding to one end of the width direction of the conveyor belt 13, a configuration mode in which IC tags 2A and 2B with different communication methods are mixed is adopted at one end of the width direction of the conveyor belt 13. In other words, a configuration mode in which only IC tags 2A and 2B with the same communication method are configured is not adopted at one end of the width direction of the conveyor belt 13. In this way, considering the placement position of the detector 7 in the conveyor device 10, and considering factors that need to be monitored (the operating state of the conveyor belt 13, its wear state, temperature state, presence of longitudinal tears, etc.), the characteristics of the transported object C, etc., a configuration mode that easily ensures stable wireless communication between the IC tags 2A and 2B with both communication methods and the detector 7 is determined.

[0090] In various embodiments of the management system 1 described later, two types of IC tags 2A and 2B with different communication methods are also used as IC tags 2. Furthermore, the various configurations and specifications described above can be used in various embodiments of the management system 1 described later.

[0091] Figures 16-18 Another embodiment of the illustrated management system 1 monitors the wear state of the surface as the state of the conveyor belt 13. Figure 18 In this embodiment, the steel cord 15 is described in a partial manner. In order to know the wear level of the upper cover rubber 16 surface, the sensor unit 6 is embedded in the upper cover rubber 16. If it is necessary to know the wear level of the lower cover rubber 17 surface, the sensor unit 6 is embedded in the lower cover rubber 17.

[0092] The management system 1, like the previous implementation, includes an IC tag 2, a detector 7, and a computing device 8. However, it differs from the previous implementation in that, for example... Figure 19 , Figure 20 As illustrated, the IC tag 2 is configured with a wire-shaped sensor section 6 connected to it. The IC tags 2 (2A, 2B) are the same as in the previous embodiments, and the entire IC tag 2 is covered by an insulating layer 5.

[0093] The sensor unit 6 extends along the desired range of the conveyor belt 13 outside the connected IC tag 2 to form a loop. The embedment depth (initial embedment depth) of the sensor unit 6 (loop) from the surface of the conveyor belt 13 is preset. In this embodiment, the sensor unit 6 is embedded in the upper cover rubber 16, therefore the embedment depth (initial embedment depth) from the surface of the upper cover rubber 16 is preset. Since the upper cover rubber 16 has a depth that allows for wear (wear limit depth), the embedment depth of the sensor unit 6 is, for example, set to this wear limit depth. If the sensor unit 6 is embedded in the lower cover rubber 17, the embedment depth (initial embedment depth) from the surface of the lower cover rubber 17 is preset.

[0094] The sensor part 6 is a conductive wire, formed of a known material such as conductive rubber, conductive paste, or metal wire. The outer diameter (width) of the sensor part 6 is, for example, approximately 0.5 mm to 2.0 mm. The sensor part 6 can also be a simple wire with a circular cross-section, or it can be designed as a flat wire (strip wire). The sensor part 6 is covered by an insulator 5, thereby providing electrical insulation from the outside.

[0095] One end of the sensor unit 6 along its length is electrically connected to the IC chip 3a. Multiple pairs of terminals connected to the IC chip 3a are provided on the IC tag 2. One end of the sensor unit 6 along its length is connected to each pair of terminals, thereby electrically connecting to the IC chip 3a. The sensor unit 6 is connected to the pairs of terminals using rivets and crimp terminals, or by conductive adhesives, soldering, or other methods. In this embodiment, five pairs of terminals are provided, but the number of pairs of terminals provided on the IC tag 2 is not particularly limited and can be one. Due to space limitations, the number of pairs of terminals provided on one IC tag 2 is, for example, between one and six.

[0096] Preferably, the sensor unit 6 extends to a position corresponding to the area where the wear status needs to be monitored from a top-down view, and the IC tag 2 is embedded in the width direction end of the conveyor belt 13. In this embodiment, the IC tag 2 is embedded in one end of the width direction of the conveyor belt 13, and the sensor unit 6 extends from one end of the core layer 14 in the width direction to the other end.

[0097] Regarding the wear condition of the conveyor belt 13 surface, the entire conveyor belt 13 is approximately the same along its length L. IC tags 2, connected to sensor units 6, are embedded at multiple spaced intervals along the length L of the conveyor belt 13.

[0098] Since the wear condition of the conveyor belt 13 surface varies considerably in the width direction W, it is preferable that the sensor section 6 extends to cover the entire width of the core layer 14. Alternatively, in the upper cover rubber 16, the central portion in the width direction W is most prone to wear, so the sensor section 6 may also extend to at least cover the central portion in that width direction W.

[0099] The embedment depth (initial embedment depth) of the sensor unit 6 from the surface of the upper cover rubber 16 is stored in the processing unit 8 in association with the sensor identification information of the sensor unit 6. If the sensor unit 6 is embedded in the lower cover rubber 17, the embedment depth (initial embedment depth) from the surface of the lower cover rubber 17 is stored in the processing unit 8 in association with the sensor identification information of the sensor unit 6. Furthermore, the embedment position information (at least position data in the length direction L) of each IC tag 2 in the conveyor belt 13 is stored in the processing unit 8 in association with the identification information of each IC tag 2. The position information (position data in the length direction L or the width direction W) of each sensor unit 6 relative to the connected IC tag 2 may also be stored in the processing unit 8 in association with the sensor identification information of each sensor unit 6.

[0100] Next, an example of the steps for using the management system 1 to grasp the wear state as the state of the conveyor belt 13 will be described.

[0101] like Figures 16-18 As illustrated, during the movement of the conveyor belt 13, the detector 7 transmits a transmission wave R1 from the transmitting unit 7s to the IC tag 2, which is located in front of the detector 7. When the IC tag 2 receives the transmission wave R1, it transmits a response wave R2 to the receiving unit 7r based on the transmission wave R1.

[0102] If the sensor unit 6 is functioning properly, the transmitting radio wave R1 received by the antenna unit 3b supplies power to the IC chip 3a to activate it. After the IC chip 3a is activated, power flows from one end of the sensor unit 6 to the other end and is input into the IC chip 3a. Thus, the IC chip 3a detects that the sensor unit 6 (loop) is powered on. Then, the identification information of the IC tag 2 and the sensor identification information of the connected sensor unit 6 stored in the IC chip 3a are retrieved. Then, when the feedback radio wave R2 is transmitted from the antenna unit 3b, the retrieved identification information of the IC tag 2 and the sensor identification information are transmitted through the feedback radio wave R2 and received by the receiving unit 7r.

[0103] The receiving unit 7r receives the feedback radio wave R2, thereby acquiring the data (identification information of IC tag 2 and sensor identification information) transmitted from IC chip 3a via the feedback radio wave R2. The data (identification information of IC tag 2 and sensor identification information) acquired by detector 7 is input into processing unit 8. Processing unit 8 uses the input identification information of each IC tag 2 to determine the pre-stored embedding position information of the IC tag 2 associated with the identification information in conveyor belt 13. In addition, using the input sensor identification information of sensor unit 6, it determines the pre-stored embedding depth of sensor unit 6 associated with the sensor identification information.

[0104] When sensor identification information is input from detector 7 to computing device 8, computing device 8 determines that sensor unit 6 is intact and that sensor unit 6 (loop) is powered on. Furthermore, since the embedment depth of sensor unit 6 has been determined, computing device 8 determines that wear within the embedment area of ​​sensor unit 6 has not yet reached that embedment depth. In addition, since the embedment position information of IC tag 2 connected to sensor unit 6 on conveyor belt 13 has been determined, it is possible to ascertain that the area where wear is determined not to have reached the embedment depth of sensor unit 6 is approximately near the embedment position of IC tag 2.

[0105] After the top cover rubber 16 wears down to the embedment depth of the sensor section 6, the sensor section 6 is exposed on the surface and will break shortly thereafter. In the event of a broken sensor section 6, even if the transmitting radio wave R1 received by the antenna section 3b powers the IC chip 3a, no current will flow through the sensor section 6. Therefore, the IC chip 3a will detect that the sensor section 6 is not powered. Consequently, even if the tag identification information of the IC tag 2 stored in the IC chip 3a is retrieved, the sensor identification information of the connected sensor section 6 will not be retrieved. Furthermore, when the feedback radio wave R2 is transmitted from the antenna section 3b, the retrieved identification information of the IC tag 2 is transmitted via the feedback radio wave R2 and received by the receiving unit 7r, but the sensor identification information of the connected sensor section 6 will not be received by the receiving unit 7r.

[0106] That is, the data (identification information of IC tag 2) acquired by detector 7 is input into computing device 8. Computing device 8 uses the input identification information of each IC tag 2 to determine the pre-stored embedding position information of the IC tag 2 associated with that identification information in the conveyor belt 13. However, since there is no sensor identification information for the sensor unit 6 connected to the IC tag 2, it is determined that the sensor unit 6 is damaged. In this case, computing device 8 determines that wear has reached the embedding depth of the sensor unit 6 within the area where it is embedded.

[0107] Since it has been determined that the IC tag 2, whose sensor identification information cannot be obtained from the connected sensor unit 6, is embedded in the conveyor belt 13, it can be confirmed that the rubber 16 covering the area near the embedded location of the IC tag 2 has actually worn to the wear limit depth. In this way, the wear condition of the conveyor belt 13 can be determined based on the detection data of the sensor unit 6 (data on whether the sensor unit 6 is powered on).

[0108] If the sensor unit 6 is made into a simple thin wire with a circular cross-section, the sensor unit 6 may be cut off by the sharp part of the conveyor belt 13 when a sharp object C is placed on the conveyor belt 13. In this case, even if the wear has not reached the embedment depth of the sensor unit 6, the computing device 8 will judge that the wear has reached the embedment depth because the sensor unit 6 has broken, thus causing false detection.

[0109] Therefore, it is preferable to use a flat, linear material (strip wire) as the sensor part 6. By using a sensor part 6 that appears as a strip when viewed from above, it is beneficial to avoid the aforementioned false detections. The width of the flat sensor part 6 is, for example, set to be between 5 mm and 10 mm.

[0110] It can also be used Figure 21 The illustrated IC tag 2 has a sensor section 6. For this IC tag 2, multiple (five) sensor sections 6a to 6e are connected. The outer peripheral surface of each sensor section 6a to 6e is covered by an insulator 5. Each sensor section 6a to 6e forms an independent loop. Therefore, multiple (five) independent sensor sections 6 (loops) are connected to one IC tag 2.

[0111] Figure 22 In the illustrated conveyor belt 13, the IC tags 2 are embedded with individual sensor units 6a to 6e spaced apart along the thickness (depth) direction of the conveyor belt 13. The embedding interval of the individual sensor units 6a to 6e in the thickness (depth) direction is preferably set to a range of 0.5 mm to 2 mm, and ideally, they should be equally spaced. It is preferable to set the embedding depth of the sensor unit 6e, which is embedded at the deepest position, to the wear limit depth.

[0112] If the IC tag 2 is used, as the upper cover rubber 16 wears down, the sensor sections 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, and 6e will be damaged in sequence and become de-energized. Therefore, by using the IC tag 2, the wear progress of the upper cover rubber 16 can be monitored in more detail.

[0113] Figures 16-18The illustrated management system 1 embodiment can also detect whether a crack (so-called longitudinal tear) extending in the length direction L has occurred on the conveyor belt 13, thus determining the state of the conveyor belt 13. That is, when a longitudinal tear occurs on the conveyor belt 13 and the sensor unit 6 breaks, similar to the case where the cover rubber 16 wears down and the sensor unit 6 breaks as described above, the identification information of the IC tag 2 is transmitted via the feedback radio wave R2 and received by the receiving unit 7r, but the sensor identification information of the sensor unit 6 connected to the IC tag 2 is not received by the receiving unit 7r. Therefore, whether a longitudinal tear has occurred can be determined based on whether the detector 7 acquires the sensor identification information.

[0114] based on Figures 23-24 Another embodiment of the illustrated management system 1 provides a detailed description of a method for determining whether longitudinal tearing occurs in the conveyor belt 13.

[0115] like Figure 24 As illustrated, multiple IC tags 2 connected to the sensor unit 6 are embedded in the conveyor belt 13 at intervals P (embedding spacing P) along the length direction L. In this embodiment, each IC tag 2 is embedded at one end of the conveyor belt 13 in the width direction, and the sensor unit 6 (loop) extends from one end of the core layer 14 in the width direction to the other end. The individual IC tags 2 may also be distributed (e.g., staggered) and embedded at one end and the other end in the width direction.

[0116] In this embodiment, the detector 7 is disposed on the return side of the conveyor 10, but it may also be disposed on the mounting side. The embedding position information (at least position data in the length direction L) of each IC tag 2 in the conveyor belt 13 is stored in the processing unit 8 in association with the identification information of each IC tag 2. Furthermore, the position information (at least position data in the length direction L) of each sensor unit 6 relative to the IC tag 2 is stored in the processing unit 8 in association with the sensor identification information for determining each sensor unit 6.

[0117] When determining whether a longitudinal tear has occurred, during the movement of the conveyor belt 13, the detector 7 sends a transmission wave R1 from the transmitting unit 7s to the IC tag 2 passing in front of (front of) the detector 7. When the IC tag 2 receives the transmission wave R1, it sends a reply wave R2 to the receiving unit 7r based on the transmission wave R1. The reply wave R2 is received by the receiving unit 7r and input into the arithmetic unit 8.

[0118] If the sensor unit 6 (loop) is intact, it transmits the identification information of the IC tag 2 and the sensor identification information of the sensor unit 6 through the feedback radio wave R2 from the antenna unit 3b of each IC tag 2, and the receiving unit 7r receives them. The arithmetic unit 8 determines that the sensor unit 6 (loop) is powered on based on the input identification information of the IC tag 2 and the sensor identification information of the sensor unit 6, and determines that no longitudinal tear of the conveyor belt 13 has occurred within the buried range of the sensor unit 6.

[0119] If the conveyor belt 13 tears longitudinally, causing the sensor unit 6 (loop) to break, even if the IC tag 2 is activated by the transmission wave R1 received by the antenna section 3b of the IC tag 2 connected to the sensor unit 6, no current will flow through the sensor unit 6. Therefore, the IC chip 3a of the IC tag 2 can detect that the sensor unit 6 is not powered. Therefore, even if the identification information of the IC tag 2 stored in the IC chip 3a is retrieved, the sensor identification information of the sensor unit 6 will not be retrieved. Furthermore, when the feedback wave R2 is transmitted from the antenna section 3b, the retrieved identification information of the IC tag 2 is transmitted through the feedback wave R2 and received by the receiving unit 7r, but the sensor identification information of the sensor unit 6 will not be received by the receiving unit 7r. Since the sensor identification information of the sensor unit 6 connected to the IC tag 2 is not input to the processing unit 8, it is determined that the sensor unit 6 is damaged.

[0120] It should be noted that if the IC tag 2 is damaged due to longitudinal tearing or other reasons, even if the transmitting unit 7s sends a transmission wave R1 to the IC tag 2, the receiving unit 7r will not receive the identification information of the IC tag 2 or the sensor identification information of the sensor unit 6 connected to the IC tag 2. In this case, the computing device 8 determines that the conveyor belt 13 has malfunctioned.

[0121] You can also Figure 21 The IC tag 2 with sensor section 6 shown in the example is as follows: Figure 25 As illustrated, the IC tag 2 is installed in the conveyor belt 13. The IC tag 2 is embedded with individual sensor units 6a-6e spaced apart along the length L of the conveyor belt 13. It should be noted that... Figure 25 In this text, the steel cord 15 is described in a localized manner. The individual sensor units 6a to 6e are buried at intervals of, for example, between 1m and 3m along the length direction L, and it is preferable that they be equally spaced.

[0122] As described above, by using the management system 1, which places the IC tag 2 connected to the sensor unit 6 in the conveyor belt 13, at least one of the three items—temperature state, wear state, and longitudinal tear occurrence state of the conveyor belt 13—can be determined by the computing device 8 based on the detection data of the sensor unit 6. It should be noted that the sensor unit 6 is not limited to the manner illustrated in the embodiment; for example, a known sensor having the same function as the sensor unit 6 may also be used.

[0123] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0124] 1: Management System

[0125] 2: IC tag

[0126] 2A: Radio wave IC tag

[0127] 2B: IC tags using electromagnetic coupling

[0128] 3a: IC chip

[0129] 3b: Antenna section

[0130] 4: Substrate

[0131] 5: Insulation layer

[0132] 6 (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6e): Sensor section

[0133] 7 (7A, 7B, 7C): Detectors

[0134] 7s: Sending Department

[0135] 7r: Receiving Unit

[0136] 8: Computing device

[0137] 9 (9a, 9b, 9c, 9d): Terminal equipment

[0138] 10: Conveying device

[0139] 11a, 11b: Pulleys

[0140] 12: Support rollers

[0141] 13: Conveyor Belt

[0142] 14: Core layer

[0143] 15: Steel cord

[0144] 16: Top Cover Rubber

[0145] 17: Lower Cover Rubber

[0146] C:Conveyance

Claims

1. A conveyor belt management system comprising: a passive IC tag disposed on the conveyor belt; a detector wirelessly communicating with the IC tag; and a computing device communicatively connected to the detector, wherein the detector receives a feedback radio wave, the feedback radio wave being a feedback radio wave returned by the IC tag based on a transmission radio wave sent from the detector to the IC tag disposed on the conveyor belt mounted on a conveying device; and the computing device using the feedback radio wave to determine the state of the conveyor belt. in, Both radio wave IC tags and electromagnetic coupling IC tags are used as the IC tags.

2. The conveyor belt management system according to claim 1, wherein the computing device calculates the travel speed of the conveyor belt based on the reception time of the echo radio wave received by the detector configured at at least one detection position of the conveyor device, and grasps the operating status of the conveyor belt based on the time-varying changes of the calculated travel speed.

3. The conveyor belt management system according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a plurality of sensor units disposed in the conveyor belt, and having a sensor unit electrically connected to the radio wave IC tag and a sensor unit electrically connected to the electromagnetic coupling IC tag, wherein detection data of each of the sensor units is transmitted from the IC tag to the detector via the feedback radio wave and input to the computing device, and the computing device determines the state of the conveyor belt based on the input detection data.

4. The conveyor belt management system according to claim 3, wherein the computing device grasps at least one of the three items of the conveyor belt's temperature state, wear state, and longitudinal tear occurrence state based on the detection data.

5. A method for managing a conveyor belt, comprising: setting a passive IC tag on the conveyor belt; transmitting a transmission wave from a detector that wirelessly communicates with the IC tag to the IC tag mounted on a conveyor device; the detector receiving a response wave from the IC tag based on the transmission wave; and a computing device using the response wave to determine the state of the conveyor belt. in, Both radio wave IC tags and electromagnetic coupling IC tags are used as the IC tags.

6. The method for managing a conveyor belt according to claim 5, wherein the IC tag is pre-embedded in the conveyor belt during its manufacture.

7. The method for managing a conveyor belt according to claim 5, wherein the IC tag is affixed to the conveyor belt after it has been manufactured.

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