Conveyor belt management system

Abstract

Conveyor belt management system, comprehensive: an input unit configured to accept as input elements an indicator showing the status of a locally installed belt conveyor device and an indicator showing the usage environment of a conveyor belt at a deployment site; an input unit configured to receive at least one input element from five input elements consisting of a wear degree of an upper cover rubber of the conveyor belt, an impact force acting on the conveyor belt, a tensile force, an indicator indicating a core condition, and an indicator indicating a continuous section condition, wherein the input unit is configured to receive at least one indicator indicating a core condition from these five input elements; and a server into which data from each of the input elements is entered; wherein the indicator that shows the state of a nucleus includes the gap between the nuclei that are arranged side by side in the latitudinal direction of the band; the server includes a computing unit and a storage unit, the storage unit is configured to store a belt specification database in which specifications of the conveyor belt are pre-entered, and a tolerance range database in which a tolerance range for each of the input elements entered into the server is pre-entered according to each of the specifications of the conveyor belt, and The calculation unit is configured to monitor the condition of the conveyor belt based on the data from each of the input units entered into the server, the conveyor belt specifications entered into the belt specification database, and the tolerance range entered into the tolerance range database.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a conveyor belt management system and in particular to a conveyor belt management system that is able to determine the condition of a conveyor belt in detail and to reliably prevent the conveyor belt from becoming unusable. State of the art

[0002] Various conveyed objects, including mineral resources such as iron ore and limestone, are transported by a conveyor belt. The top rubber cover of a conveyor belt wears down over time due to the conveyed objects being fed against it. These objects collide with the top rubber cover, and this friction can cause cuts in its surface. The core of the conveyor belt can be severed by flexural fatigue or abnormal tensile forces. Furthermore, damage to the conveyor belt can be caused by many factors, and if the damage is extensive, the conveyor belt becomes unusable.

[0003] When a conveyor belt becomes unusable, the conveyor system stops and the transport of conveyed objects is significantly impaired. Various management systems for determining the condition of a conveyor belt are proposed in the prior art (e.g., see patent document 1). This management system only determines the extent of wear on the conveyor belt. Patent document 2 discloses a device for continuously monitoring the joint of a conveyor belt made of rubber or a rubber-like plastic material, with supports inserted for reinforcement. In one embodiment, the device essentially consists of the following components for the joint area: essentially four reference marks, two addresses, and four detection heads arranged above the support surface of the conveyor belt.Patent document 3 discloses a conveyor belt device equipped with a wear measuring device that measures the degree of wear of a surface of a conveyor belt loaded with transport material, and with a revolution counter that counts the number of revolutions of the conveyor belt. Patent document 4 discloses a device for testing a conveyor belt made of elastomeric material with a conveying material support surface and a running surface as well as an embedded reinforcing element, wherein the conveyor belt is set in motion, a radiation source emits radiation in the direction of the belt surface which is sufficiently energetic to penetrate the conveyor belt, and a processing computer evaluates the result of the radiographic test.

[0004] However, there are many other factors, such as those described above, that not only affect wear and tear but also lead to the conveyor belt becoming unusable. Therefore, there is potential for improvement to more reliably prevent the conveyor belt from becoming unusable. List of literature on patent literature Patent document 1: WO 2013 / 179 903 A Patent document 2: WO 99 / 41 567 A1 Patent document 3: US 2014 / 0 326 582 A1 Patent document 4: WO 2006 / 066 519 A1 Brief description of the invention: Technical problem

[0005] One object of the present invention is to provide a conveyor belt management system that is able to determine the condition of a conveyor belt in detail and reliably prevent the conveyor belt from becoming unusable. Solution to the problem

[0006] To achieve the above-described objective, a conveyor belt management system according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises the following: an input unit configured to accept as input elements an indicator showing the status of a locally installed belt conveyor device and an indicator showing the usage environment of a conveyor belt at a deployment site; an input unit configured to accept at least one input element from five input elements, consisting of a wear degree of an upper cover rubber of the conveyor belt, an impact force acting on the conveyor belt, a tensile force, an indicator indicating a core condition, and an indicator indicating a continuous section condition; wherein the input unit is configured to accept at least one indicator indicating a core condition from these five input elements; and a server into which data from each of the input elements is entered; wherein the indicator that shows the state of a nucleus includes the gap between the nuclei that are arranged side by side in the latitudinal direction of the band; the server includes a computing unit and a storage unit, the storage unit is configured to store a belt specification database in which specifications of the conveyor belt are pre-entered, and a tolerance range database in which a tolerance range for each of the input elements entered into the server is pre-entered according to each of the specifications of the conveyor belt, and The calculation unit is configured to monitor the condition of the conveyor belt based on the data from each of the input units entered into the server, the conveyor belt specifications entered into the belt specification database, and the tolerance range entered into the tolerance range database. Advantageous effects of the invention

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present invention, all five input elements—consisting of a wear degree of an upper cover rubber of the conveyor belt, an impact force acting on the conveyor belt, a tensile force, an indicator showing the condition of a core, and an indicator showing the condition of an endless section—are fed into a server to monitor the condition of the conveyor belt. Accordingly, the condition of the conveyor belt can be determined in greater detail than is possible according to the prior art. This has the advantage of more reliably preventing the conveyor belt from becoming unusable. Brief description of the drawings Fig. Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an overview of a conveyor belt management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a database containing the band specifications. Fig. Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a tolerance range database. Fig. Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a usage status database. Fig. Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an inventory database. Fig. Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram that simplifies and illustrates a belt conveyor device in a side view, with a conveyor belt mounted on it. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view along AA from Fig. 6. Fig. Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of an endless section of the conveyor belt. Fig. 6 illustrated in a top view. Description of embodiments

[0008] A conveyor belt management system according to the embodiments of the present invention is described below with reference to the drawings.

[0009] A conveyor belt management system 1 (hereinafter referred to as management system 1) according to an embodiment of the present invention, which is in Fig. Figure 1 shows the monitoring of the operational status of a conveyor belt 12, which is mounted on a conveyor belt device 9 at a location in Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 illustrated deployment location is installed.

[0010] In the belt conveyor 9, the conveyor belt 12 is mounted around a drive pulley 10a and a driven pulley 10b with a predetermined tension. Between the drive pulley 10a and the driven pulley 10b, the conveyor belt 12 is supported by support rollers 10c, which are arranged at suitable intervals along the longitudinal direction of the conveyor belt.

[0011] The conveyor belt 12 consists of a core layer 14 with a core 15 made of steel cord or linen, as well as an upper cover rubber 13a and a lower cover rubber 13b, between which the core layer 14 is embedded. The core layer 14 is an element that absorbs the tension that arises when the conveyor belt 12 is assembled under tension. The conveyor belt 12 may include additional necessary elements, such as a width-direction end section rubber 13c or a reinforcing layer, as required.

[0012] The lower cover rubber 13b is supported by support rollers 10c on a carrying side of the conveyor belt 12, and the upper cover rubber 13a is supported by support rollers 10c on a rear side of the conveyor belt 12. Three of the support rollers 10c are arranged side by side on the carrying side of the conveyor belt 12 in the width direction of the belt. The conveyor belt 12 is supported by these support rollers 10c in a recessed form with a prescribed trough angle.

[0013] The drive disc 10a is rotated by a drive motor. A winding mechanism 11 moves the driven disc 10b to apply a desired tension to the conveyor belt 12 (core layer 14) by changing the interval between the drive disc 10a and the driven disc 10b.

[0014] The conveyor belt 12 can be formed from a multitude of conveyor belts of any length by joining the longitudinal end sections of the core layers 14 of the conveyor belts to form a ring shape. In the case of a conveyor belt 12 with a short circumference, the longitudinal end sections of the core layer 14 of a conveyor belt 12 can be joined to form a ring shape. Thus, the conveyor belt 12, as shown in Fig. Figure 8 shows a section in which the core layer 14 is connected longitudinally (an endless section 16B) and a non-endless section 16A, which are arranged side by side longitudinally. In the conveyor belt 12, the core layer 14 is formed from a plurality of steel cords 15 arranged side by side in the width direction of the belt. In the endless section 16B, every second steel cord 15 extending longitudinally from each of the non-endless sections 16A on opposite sides of the belt is inserted between the steel cords 15 on the other side in the width direction of the belt.

[0015] In a case where the core layer 14 consists of linen, the linen in the continuous section 16B, which extends from each of the non-continuous sections 16A on opposite sides in the longitudinal direction of the strip, can have a known structure, such as a stepped connection. In the non-continuous section 16A, the core layer 14 is continuous without a connection, but in the continuous section 16B, the core layer 14 has such a connection. Thus, the continuous section 16B and the non-continuous section 16A exhibit differences in elongation, tensile strength, and flexibility (flexural stiffness).

[0016] Objects C, conveyed by another conveyor belt, are fed to the upper cover rubber 13a of conveyor belt 12 and transported via conveyor belt 12 to a conveying destination. The conveyed objects C can be fed to conveyor belt 12 via a hopper or the like.

[0017] The upper cover rubber 13a is subjected to impacts from the conveyed objects C. Furthermore, immediately after being fed and positioned, the conveyed objects C exert a predetermined contact pressure on the upper cover rubber 13a and move in a direction opposite to the direction of travel of the conveyor belt 12. At this point, frictional force acts on the upper cover rubber 13a. The upper cover rubber 13a is primarily worn by this behavior of the conveyed objects C. The end section rubber 13c in the width direction can slide against a guide or similar element of the conveyor belt 9 and wear down. The lower cover rubber 13b can slide against the support rollers 10c and wear down if they cannot rotate or cannot rotate uniformly.The lower cover rubber 13b can wear out due to slippage between the lower cover rubber 13b and the discs 10a, 10b because of insufficient tension acting on the conveyor belt 12, or the like. The lower cover rubber 13b can also slide and wear down against a scraper provided for removing conveyed objects C that have fallen onto the lower cover rubber 13b.

[0018] The management system 1 includes an input unit 5 (5a to 5g) and a server 2, into which data is entered by the input unit 5. The server 2 includes a processing unit 3 (microprocessor) and a storage unit 4 (memory).

[0019] The input unit 5 and the server 2 are communicatively connected. In this embodiment, the management system 1 includes seven types of input units 5a to 5g, and the input units 5 are connected to a transmission unit 6. The data entered by the input unit 5 is transmitted by the transmission unit 6 to the server 2. Furthermore, the server 2 is communicatively connected to a customer terminal device 7 and a manufacturer terminal device 8. For example, a personal computer or the like is used for the customer terminal device 7 and the manufacturer terminal device 8. The server 2, the input unit 5, the customer terminal device 7, and the manufacturer terminal device 8 can each be connected, for example, via an internet network.

[0020] Server 2 is installed, for example, in the presence of the distributor who sells conveyor belt 12. Input unit 5 is located, for example, at the operating location of conveyor belt 12. Customer terminal 7 is installed, for example, in the presence of the user of conveyor belt 12. Manufacturer terminal 8 is installed, for example, at the company (factory) of the conveyor belt 12 manufacturer. If, for example, the distributor and the conveyor belt 12 manufacturer are the same (manufacturer / distributor of conveyor belt 12), server 2 and manufacturer terminal 8 are located in the presence of the manufacturer / distributor.

[0021] The frequency with which input units 5 input data into server 2 can be irregular, with a reasonable number of instances during a week or month, but preferably the frequency is regular over a specific period. For example, the input frequency could be once a day, once a week, once a month, or similar.

[0022] The input element of the wear grade input unit 5a is a wear grade P1 of the upper cover rubber 13a. However, the wear grade of the lower cover rubber 13b and / or the end section rubber 13c in the width direction can also be considered as an input element. Various types of wear grade sensors can be used for the wear grade input unit 5a to detect the wear grade P1 of the upper cover rubber 13a. Alternatively, an input terminal (e.g., a personal computer) into which a worker enters the wear grade P1 data into server 2 can be used as the wear grade input unit 5a.

[0023] The input element of the impact force input unit 5b is an impact force P2 acting on the conveyor belt 12, the input element of the tensile force input unit 5c is a tensile force P3 acting on the conveyor belt 12, the input element of the core state input unit 5d is an indicator P4 showing the state of the core 15, the input element of the endless section state input unit 5e is an indicator P5 showing the state of the endless section 16B, the input element of the device state input unit 5f is an indicator P6 showing the state of the belt conveyor device 9, and the input element of the usage environment input unit 5g is an indicator P7 showing the usage environment of the conveyor belt 12.

[0024] In one embodiment of the present invention, the input unit 5 is only required to contain the indicator P6, which indicates the state of the conveyor belt 9, and the indicator P7, which indicates the operating environment of the conveyor belt 12, as well as at least one of the five input units (P1 to P5) described above. Thus, during the operating time of the conveyor belt 12, a configuration can be used in which, in addition to the data from indicator P6 and indicator P7, one, two, three, or four input elements are selected from the five input elements (P1 to P5) inputted by the input unit 5. Alternatively, a configuration can also be used in which the seven input elements (P1 to P7) are inputted by the input unit 5, as in this embodiment.

[0025] Various types of impact force sensors can be used for the impact force input unit 5b to detect the impact force P2 acting on the conveyor belt 12 (upper cover rubber 13a). Alternatively, an input device (e.g., a personal computer) into which a worker enters the impact force P2 data into the server 2 can be used as the impact force input unit 5b.

[0026] Various types of tensile force sensors can be used for the tensile force input unit 5c to detect the tensile force P3 acting on the conveyor belt 12 (core layer 14). Alternatively, an input device (e.g., a personal computer) into which a worker enters the tensile force P3 data into the server 2 can be used as the tensile force input unit 5c.

[0027] Indicator P4, which indicates the state of core 15, encloses the gap between the cores 15 that are arranged side by side in the width direction of the strip. For example, an X-ray device that detects the gap in the width direction using X-rays can be used for the core state input unit 5d. Alternatively, an input terminal device (e.g., a personal computer) into which a worker enters the indicator P4 data into server 2 can be used as the core state input unit 5d.

[0028] Examples of indicator P5, which indicates the condition of the continuous section 16B, include the connection length of the continuous section 16B and the surface condition (unevenness) of the continuous section 16B. For the continuous section condition input unit 5e, for example, a length sensor that detects the distance between the markings (colored rubber, engravings, or the like) embedded at both positions on the longitudinal ends of the continuous section 16B, a digital camera that detects the surface condition of the continuous section 16B, and the like can be used. Alternatively, an input terminal device (e.g., a personal computer) into which a worker enters the indicator P5 data into server 2 can be used as the continuous section condition input unit 5e.

[0029] Examples of indicator P6, which indicates the status of the belt conveyor 9, include the conveying speed of the conveyed objects C, the conveyed weight per unit of time, the outer diameter of the discs 10a, 10b and the support rollers 10c, the amount of energy required to operate the belt conveyor 9, and the like. For the device status input unit 5f, for example, a speed sensor can be used to detect the conveying speed of the conveyed objects C, a weight sensor to detect the conveyed weight per unit of time, a power meter, and the like. Alternatively, an input terminal (e.g., a personal computer) into which a worker enters the indicator P6 data into server 2 can be used as the device status input unit 5f.

[0030] Examples of indicator P7, which indicates the operating environment of conveyor belt 12, include the temperature and humidity of the operating environment, the specifications of the conveyed objects C (material (hardness, oil content), shape, temperature, etc.), and the like. For example, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a hardness sensor, a digital camera that detects the shape of the conveyed objects C, and the like can be used as the operating environment input unit 5g. Alternatively, an input terminal device (e.g., a personal computer) into which a worker enters the indicator P7 data into server 2 can be used as the operating environment input unit 5g.

[0031] The storage unit 4 stores a belt specification database 4a, in which the specifications of the conveyor belt 12 are pre-entered, a tolerance range database 4b, in which the tolerance ranges for each of the input units (P1 to P7) are pre-entered according to the specification of the conveyor belt 12, and a usage status database 4c.

[0032] Furthermore, in this embodiment, an inventory database 4d and a correlation database 4e are stored in storage unit 4. The inventory quantity (inventory length) of replacement conveyor belts 12a for the conveyor belt 12 at the conveyor belt 12's point of use or in a storage location near the conveyor belt's point of use is entered into the inventory database 4d. It should be noted that the currently used conveyor belt 12 and the replacement conveyor belt 12a may have the same specifications, but they may also have different specifications. For example, the currently used conveyor belt 12 and the replacement conveyor belt 12a may differ in the material of the upper cover rubber 13a.

[0033] There is a correlation between the operating conditions of the conveyor belt, its specifications, and its actual service life (Jr). Data is entered into the correlation database 4e, stored in memory 4, which displays the correlation between the usage condition and specifications of the multiple conveyor belts used so far and the actual service life (Jr) of the conveyor belt.

[0034] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the material, size, and other specifications of the components for each conveyor belt specification (Specification A, B, C, etc.) are entered into the belt specification database 4a. For example, the rubber types (physical properties of the rubber) and layer thicknesses of the upper cover rubber 13a and the lower cover rubber 13b, the material (physical properties) and outer diameter of the core 15, the number of cores 15 forming the core layer 14, the lateral gap between the adjacent cores 15, the connecting length of the endless section 16B, and similar data are entered.

[0035] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the tolerance range for each input element (P1 to P7) is entered into the tolerance range database 4b according to the specifications (Specification A, B, C, etc.) of the conveyor belt 12. In this embodiment, seven input elements (P1 to P7) are entered into the server 2, along with the tolerance ranges of the seven input elements. However, in an embodiment where three input positions, indicator P6, indicator P7, and one additional input element are entered into the server 2, it is only necessary to enter the tolerance ranges of these three input elements into the tolerance range database 4b.

[0036] Over extended periods, excessive wear P1 of the upper cover rubber 13a can lead to failure. Therefore, for example, a tolerance range with a predetermined upper limit for the wear degree P1 is specified.

[0037] Excessively high levels of the impact force P2 can lead to failure. Therefore, for example, a tolerance range with a predefined upper limit for the impact force P2 is specified.

[0038] Excessively high levels of tensile force P3 can lead to failure. Excessively low levels can cause failure due to slippage. Therefore, a tolerance range with a predefined upper and lower limit for the tensile force P3 is specified.

[0039] Over extended periods, excessively high and excessively low levels of the latitudinal gap between cores 15, which is an example of the P4 indicator, can lead to failures. Therefore, a tolerance range with a predefined upper and lower limit for the latitudinal gap P4 will be defined.

[0040] Over extended periods, excessively high levels of the connection length of the continuous section 16B, which is an example of indicator P5, can cause peeling at the connection. Therefore, a tolerance range with a predefined upper limit for the connection length P5 is specified.

[0041] Excessively high levels of the conveying speed P61, which is an example of indicator P6, can lead to an increase in the wear level P1 of the upper cover rubber 13a. Excessively low levels can lead to an increase in the weight of the conveyed objects C per unit area and thus an increase in the load on the conveyor belt 12. For example, a tolerance range with a predefined upper and lower limit is specified for the conveying speed P61. Excessively high levels of the conveyed weight P62 per unit time, which is an example of indicator P6, can lead to an increase in the load on the conveyor belt 12. For example, a tolerance range with a predefined upper limit is specified for the conveyed weight P62 per unit time.

[0042] Excessively high and excessively low levels of the typical operating environment temperature P71 and humidity P72, which are examples of indicators P7, can lead to the failure of the conveyor belt 12. For example, a tolerance range with a specified upper and lower limit for temperature P71 and humidity P72 will be defined. Excessively high hardness levels P73 of the conveyed objects C, which are another example of indicator P7, can lead to damage to the upper cover rubber 13a. For example, a tolerance range with a specified upper limit for hardness P73 will be defined. If the shape P74 of the conveyed objects C, which is another example of indicator P7, includes a section with an acute angle on the outer surface, the upper cover rubber 13a can be damaged.For example, for the shape P74 of the conveyed objects C, a tolerance range is specified with a predetermined upper limit for the proportion of the conveyed objects C with a section with an acute angle on the surface of the conveyed objects C.

[0043] As in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 4, the operating condition for the belt conveyor 9 at the installation site was entered into the operating condition database 4c. Examples of operating conditions include the conveying speed of the conveyed objects C, the conveyed weight per unit of time, the outer diameter of the discs 10a, 10b and the support rollers 10c, and the like. Further examples of operating conditions are the ambient operating temperature and humidity of the conveyor belt 12, the specifications of the conveyed objects C (material (hardness, oil content), shape, temperature, and the like), and the like.

[0044] In other words, the usage state overlaps with the input units P6 and P7 described above. Therefore, the device state input unit 5f and the usage environment input unit 5g can be used to input the usage state data into Server 2. The usage state is updated whenever the usage state changes, for example, when the type of objects being processed (C) changes.

[0045] As in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 5, the inventory quantity (inventory length) for each conveyor belt specification (specification A, B, C, etc.) is entered into the inventory database 4d. The inventory database 4d is updated when a replacement conveyor belt 12a enters or exits. It thus reflects the state of the most recent inventory quantity entry.

[0046] The calculation unit 3 is configured to monitor the condition of the conveyor belt 12 in use based on the data entered by the input units (P1 to P7) from the input unit 5, the specifications of the conveyor belt 12 entered into the belt specification database 4a and the tolerance ranges of the input units (P1 to P7) entered into the tolerance range database 4b.

[0047] In this embodiment, the calculation unit 3 is configured to calculate the remaining service life (Yes) of the conveyor belt 12 based on the input unit data (P1 to P7) entered into server 2, the conveyor belt 12 specifications entered into belt specification database 4a, and the tolerance ranges of the input units (P1 to P7) entered into tolerance range database 4b. In this configuration, the calculated remaining service life (Yes) is monitored as one of the states of the conveyor belt 12.

[0048] Specifically, the data of each input element fed into Server 2 and its corresponding tolerance range are compared over extended periods. The system then monitors whether the input data falls within or outside the tolerance range. If the data falls outside the tolerance range, it is determined that this represents an abnormal condition for the input element, and the sections, devices, and other components related to that input element are inspected.

[0049] In an embodiment where wear grade P1 data is input, the correlation between the usage state and the wear grade P1 is clearly determined, in addition to the data from input units P6 and P7. In an embodiment where impact force P2 data is input, the correlation between the usage state and the impact force P2 is clearly determined, in addition to the data from input units P6 and P7. In an embodiment where tensile force P3 data is input, the correlation between the usage state and the tensile force P3 is clearly determined, in addition to the data from input units P6 and P7. In an embodiment where indicator P4, which indicates the core condition, is input, the correlation between the usage state and indicator P4 is clearly determined, in addition to the data from input units P6 and P7.In an embodiment in which the indicator P5, which indicates the state of the endless section 16B, is input, the relationship between the usage state and the indicator P5 is clearly determined in addition to the data of the input units P6, P7.

[0050] In an embodiment of the present invention, in which, in addition to the data from input units P6 and P7, two or more input units are input, the correlation between the usage state and each of the input units is clearly defined. Examples include a configuration in which the wear grade P1 and the impact force P2 are input in addition to the data from input units P6 and P7; a configuration in which the tensile force data P3 and the indicator P5, which indicates the state of the endless section 16B, are input in addition to the data from input units P6 and P7; and a configuration in which the tensile force data P3, the indicator P4, which indicates the state of the core, and the indicator P5, which indicates the state of the endless section 16B, are input in addition to the data from input units P6 and P7.

[0051] With reference to the calculation of the remaining service life, the change in the wear degree P1 and the connection length P5 of the endless section 16B has a greater influence on the remaining service life than that of other input units. For example, the variation (rate of variation) of the data of input units P1, P5 relative to the tolerance range is calculated. Based on the calculated variation, the time required for the input data to fall outside the tolerance range is calculated, and these calculated times are taken as the temporary remaining service life Jb1, Jb2. Subsequently, the shortest of the temporary remaining service lives Jb1, Jb2 is taken as the remaining service life.

[0052] If the data input in Server 2, for example, is within the tolerance range, the remaining lifetime is calculated for other input units (P2 to P4, P6, P7) without considering this data. However, if this data is outside the tolerance range, the remaining lifetime is calculated from this data as described below.

[0053] If the input element data (P2 to P4, P6, P7) lies outside the tolerance range, the load on conveyor belt 12 can be considered greater than with data within the tolerance range. Therefore, a coefficient K (0 < K < 1) is set for each of these input positions, which causes the remaining service life to be calculated. The magnitude of the coefficient K is not uniform and can be varied depending on the input element by weighting the significance of each input element based on the previously accumulated performance data.

[0054] First, the temporary remaining lifetime Jb is calculated as described above, without using the data from the input units (P2 to P4, P6, P7). Then, if this data is outside the tolerance range, the coefficients K (K1, K2, K3, ...) defined for each input element and the calculated temporary remaining lifetime Jb are multiplied to calculate the remaining lifetime Ja (Ja = Jb × K1 × K2 ...).

[0055] In one embodiment of the present invention, the actual service life Jr of the conveyor belt 12 is determined based on the calculated remaining service life Ja. In other words, the start of use of the conveyor belt 12 and the time of calculation of the remaining service life Ja of the conveyor belt 12 are known. Thus, the period from the start of use to the time of calculation of the remaining service life Ja is determined. The calculated remaining service life Ja is added to this determined period to identify the actual service life Jr. The actual service life Jr in one embodiment of the present invention essentially means a service life determined in this way based on the calculated remaining service life Ja.

[0056] The calculation unit 3 calculates the remaining service life (Yes) at a predetermined point in time (e.g., two weeks or one month). In this embodiment, an email notification of the calculated remaining service life (Yes) is sent from server 2 to the customer terminal device 7.

[0057] In this way, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the management system 1 uses at least one of the five input elements in addition to indicator P6, which indicates the state of the conveyor device 9, and indicator P7, which indicates the operating environment of the conveyor belt 12, to monitor the condition of the conveyor belt 12. This allows the management system 1 to determine the condition of the conveyor belt 12 in greater detail compared to the prior art. This has the advantage of more reliably preventing the conveyor belt 12 from becoming unusable.

[0058] Since, in this embodiment, at least one input unit of the other input units P2 to P7 is used in addition to the wear grade P1 of the upper cover rubber 13a as a basis for calculating the remaining service life, it is possible to calculate the remaining service life that more closely reflects the actual condition at the operating location of the conveyor belt 12. In other words, the remaining service life can be determined with greater accuracy, which facilitates the determination of a suitable replacement interval for the conveyor belt 12. This eliminates the need to keep a number of replacement conveyor belts 12a in stock longer than necessary and makes inventory management unnecessary. This has the advantage of reducing operating costs.

[0059] In this embodiment, communication is transmitted from server 2 to the customer terminal device 7, which specifies an order period for the replacement conveyor belt 12a or a request to order the replacement conveyor belt 12a based on the quantity of conveyor belt 12 in the inventory receipt in the inventory database 4d and the calculated remaining service life of conveyor belt 12.

[0060] Specifically, each time the calculation unit 3 calculates the remaining service life (Yes), the quantity of conveyor belt 12 currently entered into the inventory database 4d is confirmed. If the required length of the replacement conveyor belt 12a is longer than the confirmed quantity in stock, the stock quantity is insufficient. In this case, an email is sent from server 2 to customer terminal 7 with an order period for the replacement conveyor belt 12a, identified by reference to the calculated remaining service life (Yes) and a specified required delivery time. As the order period approaches, an email requesting the order of the replacement conveyor belt 12a is sent from server 2 to customer terminal 7. This allows sufficient preparation for replacing the conveyor belt 12.

[0061] When a communication for an order of the replacement conveyor belt 12a is initiated from the customer end device 7, the communication is transmitted via server 2 to the manufacturer end device 8 or directly to the manufacturer end device 8. Based on this order, the manufacturer delivers the conveyor belt 12a with the ordered specifications and length to the customer's storage location.

[0062] It should be noted that for conveyor belts 12 with a short circumference, the entire conveyor belt 12 (the entire circumference) can be replaced, while for conveyor belts 12 with a long circumference, only the necessary sections (required length) can be replaced. For example, input data and data for identifying the position on the conveyor belt 12 in the circumferential direction are entered into server 2 for input elements (P1, P4, and P5) according to this data. In this way, the position and length of the conveyor belt 12 to be replaced can be determined.

[0063] In this embodiment, an expected service life Jf of the conveyor belt 12 is calculated by the calculation unit 3 before the conveyor belt 12 is installed on the belt conveyor device 9 at the place of use, based on the usage condition of the conveyor belt 12 on the belt conveyor device 9 at the place of use, the specifications of the conveyor belt 12 and the correlation described above.

[0064] In particular, the correlation between the usage condition, the belt specifications, and the actual service life of the conveyor belt 12 used to date is determined by analyzing the usage condition data (the input units P6, P7 described above), the belt specifications, and the actual service life. Thus, the usage condition data (the input units P6, P7 described above) of the conveyor belt 12, the belt specifications data, and the correlation database 4e are used to calculate the expected service life Jf of the conveyor belt 12. The calculated expected service life Jf is transmitted from server 2 to the customer terminal device 7.

[0065] The calculated expected service life Jf has a low error rate. Therefore, the remaining service life Ja is calculated as described above, which facilitates the determination of a more suitable replacement interval for conveyor belt 12.

[0066] Here, the data on the usage condition, the belt specifications, and the actual service life Jr of the conveyor belt 12 in use are entered, saved, and updated in the correlation database 4e. An updated correlation database 4e is used to calculate the expected service life Jf of the replacement conveyor belt 12.

[0067] In particular, the expected service life Jf of each of the replacement conveyor belts 12a to be used is calculated by the calculation unit 3 before the conveyor belt 12a is placed on the belt conveyor device 9, based on the usage condition and the belt specifications 12a, using the correlation database 4e, which is updated each time the conveyor belt 12 (12a) is replaced. This update of the correlation database 4e allows the severity of the most recent usage condition to be represented. This increases the expected accuracy of the expected service life Jf of the conveyor belt 12 (12a).

[0068] A database containing the costs required for replacing conveyor belt 12, a database containing the time required for the replacement, and similar information, can be stored in the storage unit 4 of server 2. In such a configuration, the cost information required for replacing conveyor belt 12 can be transmitted from server 2 to the customer terminal device 7. Furthermore, the scheduling required for replacing conveyor belt 12 can be managed centrally via server 2.

[0069] In the case where the wear grade P1 of the lower cover rubber 13b is added as an input element, the tolerance range (upper limit) for wear grade P1 is pre-entered into the tolerance range database 4b. Furthermore, if the wear grade P1 of the lower cover rubber 13b entered into server 2 is outside the tolerance range, an email can be sent to the customer end device 7 and / or the manufacturer end device 8 to notify them that the wear grade P1 is outside the tolerance range. The customer or manufacturer receiving this email then performs an inspection, such as checking the rotational state of the support rollers 10c of the belt conveyor 9, checking for slippage between the conveyor belt 12 and the discs 10a, 10b, and verifying that the scraper is in contact with the lower cover rubber 13b.This allows errors in the belt conveyor device 9 to be eliminated at an early stage. List of reference symbols 1. Management system 2 servers 3 Calculation unit 4 storage units 4a Band specification database 4b Tolerance range database 4c Usage Status Database 4D inventory database 4e Correlation database 5 Input unit 5a Wear Degree Input Unit 5b Impact force input unit 5c Traction Force Input Unit 5d Core State Input Unit 5e Endless Section State Input Unit 5f Device status input unit 5G Usage Environment Input Unit 6 transmission unit 7 Customer terminal device 8 Manufacturer's end device 9 Belt conveyor device 10a Drive pulley 10b Driven disc 10c support roller 11 Winding mechanism 12 Conveyor belt 13a Upper cover rubber 13b Lower cover rubber 13C End section rubber in width direction 14 Core layer 15 core (steel cord) 16A Non-endless section 16B Continuous section C Funded Projects

Claims

[1] Conveyor belt management system, comprising: an input unit configured to accept as input elements an indicator showing the status of a locally installed belt conveyor device and an indicator showing the usage environment of a conveyor belt at a deployment site; an input unit configured to receive at least one input element from five input elements consisting of a wear degree of an upper cover rubber of the conveyor belt, an impact force acting on the conveyor belt, a tensile force, an indicator indicating a core condition, and an indicator indicating a continuous section condition, wherein the input unit is configured to receive at least one indicator indicating a core condition from these five input elements; and a server into which data from each of the input elements is entered; wherein the indicator that shows the state of a nucleus includes the gap between the nuclei that are arranged side by side in the latitudinal direction of the band; the server includes a computing unit and a storage unit, the storage unit is configured to store a belt specification database in which specifications of the conveyor belt are pre-entered, and a tolerance range database in which a tolerance range for each of the input elements entered into the server is pre-entered according to each of the specifications of the conveyor belt, and The calculation unit is configured to monitor the condition of the conveyor belt based on the data from each of the input units entered into the server, the conveyor belt specifications entered into the belt specification database, and the tolerance range entered into the tolerance range database. [2] Conveyor belt management system according to claim 1, wherein all five input elements, consisting of a wear degree of an upper cover rubber of the conveyor belt, an impact force acting on the conveyor belt, a tensile force, an indicator indicating a state of a core, and an indicator indicating a state of an endless section, are entered into a server. [3] Conveyor belt management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a remaining service life of the conveyor belt is calculated by the computation unit based on the data of the input units entered into the server, the specifications of the conveyor belt in the belt specification database and the tolerance range entered into the tolerance range database; and a length of the remaining service life is monitored as a condition of the conveyor belt. [4] Conveyor belt management system according to claim 3, wherein an inventory database, into which an inventory quantity of replacement conveyor belts for the conveyor belt at the place of use or at a storage location near the place of use of the conveyor belt is entered, is stored in the storage unit; the server is communicatively connected to a customer terminal device; and the communication that takes place over an order period of the The exchange conveyor belt or communication that triggers an order for it is transferred from the server to the customer's terminal device based on the inventory quantity input in the inventory database and the calculated remaining useful life. [5] Conveyor belt management system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein an expected lifetime of the conveyor belt is calculated by the computation unit before the conveyor belt is installed on the belt conveyor device, based on the usage condition of the belt conveyor device at the place of use, the specifications of the conveyor belt entered into the belt specification database, and the correlation between the usage condition of the conveyor belt and the specifications of the conveyor belt and a previously determined actual lifetime of the conveyor belt. [6] Conveyor belt management system according to claim 5, wherein, in order to calculate the expected lifetime of a conveyor belt used downstream of the conveyor belt, the operating conditions when the conveyor belt is used, the specification of the conveyor belt and the input of data on the actual lifetime of the conveyor belt are entered and updated.

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