SYSTEM FOR STRAIN DETECTION AND / OR CONDITION MONITORING OF A STRENGTH BEAM OF AN ELASTOMERIC PRODUCT

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for strain detection and / or condition monitoring of a strength member of an elastomeric product according to claims 1, 3 and 7, an elastomeric product for use in such a system according to claim 15, an electromagnetic-acoustic (ultra) transducer for use in such a system according to claim 16, an electromagnetic-acoustic (ultra) generator for use in such a system according to claim 17 and an electromagnetic-acoustic (ultra) receiver for use in such a system according to claim 18.

[0002] Numerous technical applications are known in which elastomer products are used. Such products can consist of one elastomer material or of several elastomer materials, or can comprise one or more elastomer materials. An elastomer material is understood to be a dimensionally stable but elastically deformable plastic whose glass transition point is below the operating temperature. In particular, an elastomer can be a vulcanizate of natural rubber or silicone rubber and can also be referred to as rubber. For example, such elastomer products can be hoses, belts and in particular drive belts, bands and in particular conveyor belts or belts and in particular conveyor belts, air springs, vehicle tires, and the like.

[0003] In many technical applications, so-called strength members are embedded in the elastomer material, which can, for example, serve to transmit forces in at least one direction of extension of the strength members. Steel cables, for example, in conveyor belts, can be used as strength members; these extend in the endless, closed longitudinal direction, running direction or conveying direction. As an alternative to steel cables, glass fibers or aramid fibers can also be used, for example in drive belts. Overall, flat textiles, in particular textile fabrics, for example in conveyor belts, but also in drive belts, hoses and pneumatic springs, can also be used as an alternative, in order to be able to transmit forces in more than one preferred direction. In any case, the elastomer product can be given improved strength by embedding strength members in the elastomer material, so that higher or lower values ​​can be achieved.Tensile forces can be transmitted at all. This can make certain applications possible in the first place and / or increase the longevity of the elastomeric product.

[0004] Over the course of use of such an elastomeric product, fatigue of the reinforcements can occur, which can ultimately lead to tearing of the reinforcements. This typically also leads to tearing of the elastomer material of the elastomeric product at that location, which typically results in failure of the elastomeric product.

[0005] Fatigue of the reinforcement members usually does not occur suddenly, but rather develops and intensifies over a certain period of time, during which the reinforcement members increasingly stretch until at least one reinforcement member eventually ruptures. Accordingly, increasing fatigue and the resulting impending rupture of the reinforcement members of an elastomeric product can be detected due to the associated elongation of the elastomeric product in the direction of force transmission of the reinforcement members.

[0006] In order to generally detect the stretching of products which are subjected to a force in at least one direction, it is known, for example, to measure the acoustic distance, i.e. the propagation time of a signal, between two measuring points along the direction of the force. Ultrasound can be used for this purpose, for example, by generating an ultrasonic signal at a first point on the product and detecting it using a sensor at a second point. Piezo crystals are usually used to generate ultrasonic signals. These sound waves couple in sound waves through direct or indirect contact with the surface of the product. These sound waves propagate at least through the product in the direction of the force towards the sensor, where they can also be detected by a piezo crystal.If the distance between the two points of the ultrasonic generator and the ultrasonic sensor is known with sufficient accuracy, a strain in this direction can be detected by repeated measurements by increasing the signal propagation time.

[0007] The disadvantage here is that such processes are typically applied to purely metallic bodies, which are sufficiently rigid to allow the propagation of ultrasonic waves. However, due to their comparatively high elasticity, which generally leads to a comparatively high absorption of sound waves, especially at high frequencies, such processes cannot be applied to elastomeric products.

[0008] A further disadvantage is that contact is required to transmit the ultrasonic waves from the ultrasonic generator into the product, as well as the ultrasonic waves from the product to the ultrasonic sensor. This contact can occur directly between the surface of the product and the ultrasonic generator or the ultrasonic sensor. Alternatively, a coupling agent such as water, oil, gel, or the like can be provided between the surface of the product and the ultrasonic generator or the ultrasonic sensor. In any case, this requirement prevents the use of this measuring method in operation with moving products such as drive belts, conveyor belts, air springs, and the like.

[0009] Alternatively, optical methods are known for measuring the elongation of products in at least one direction of force application. For this purpose, reference markings, e.g., in the form of stripes, can be applied to the outside of the product at at least two locations along the direction of the force application. These can then be optically recorded using an image processing unit such as a camera. If the distance between the two reference markings is known with sufficient accuracy, elongation in this direction can be recorded by repeated measurements by increasing the distance.

[0010] The disadvantage here is that such optical methods can be sufficiently impaired by environmental influences such as dirt, oil, moisture, dust, smoke, and the like, to the point where at least one of the reference markings can be inadequately or even completely rendered invisible. This can prevent the distance from being determined. Furthermore, the reference markings can only be positioned on the product where they can also be optically detected. This can limit the selection of suitable locations for the reference markings.

[0011] It is also possible to measure the strain of products in general in at least one direction of force application using so-called strain gauges, which can be permanently applied to the product in the direction of the force application. However, due to the measuring principle, the extension of the strain gauges in the direction of the force application is comparatively small, so that this method cannot be used effectively, at least not for particularly long products such as drive belts, conveyor belts, hoses and the like. In particular, no representative conclusions for longer lengths can be drawn from locally measured strains using strain gauges. In other words, strain gauges are more likely to be used to measure local strains to a small extent.

[0012] An object of the present invention is to provide a system for strain detection and / or condition monitoring of a reinforcement member of an elastomeric product of the type described above, so that the strain and / or condition of at least one reinforcement member can be measured and / or monitored more simply, reliably, compactly, robustly, and / or cost-effectively than previously known. At the very least, an alternative to the previously known possibilities is to be created.

[0013] The object is achieved according to the invention by a system having the features according to claim 1, by a system having the features according to claim 3, and by a system having the features according to claim 7. Advantageous further developments are described in the subclaims.

[0014] The present invention thus relates to a system for strain detection and / or condition monitoring of a strength member of an elastomeric product, which may in particular be a drive belt, an elevator belt, a conveyor belt, a vehicle tire, an air spring or a hose. The system comprises the elastomeric product with a product body, which may in particular be a belt body, a belt body, a tire body, a bellows or a hose wall and at least substantially comprises an elastomeric material such as rubber, i.e. a vulcanizate of natural and / or synthetic rubber. The product body has, at least in sections, at least one magnetostrictive body, preferably a ferromagnetic body. The magnetostrictive body can be implemented, for example, as a purely metallic body or also as an elastomeric body, as will be described further below. The magnetostrictive body can be pre-magnetized.The product body has at least one reinforcement member, at least in sections, which is embedded in the product body.

[0015] The system also has an electromagnetic-acoustic (ultra) transducer, which is arranged at a distance from the elastomeric product and sufficiently close to the magnetostrictive body of the product body and is designed to excite the magnetostrictive body by means of an alternating electromagnetic field to emit at least one first outgoing sound wave, preferably at least one first outgoing ultrasonic wave, and to inversely magnetostrictively detect at least one first incoming sound wave at the magnetostrictive body, preferably a first ultrasonic wave at the magnetostrictive body, wherein the strength member is arranged at least partially sufficiently close to the magnetostrictive body to receive the first outgoing sound wave from the magnetostrictive body and to send it back to the magnetostrictive body as the first incoming sound wave.

[0016] In other words, the system according to the invention is designed to generate contactless sound waves in the magnetostrictive body of the product body by means of the electromagnetic-acoustic (ultra) transducer using an alternating electromagnetic field and to allow these sound waves to propagate along the reinforcement. More specifically, an induction coil of the electromagnetic-acoustic (ultra) transducer is operated with an alternating current. This creates an alternating magnetic field in the coil core of the electromagnetic-acoustic (ultra) transducer, which closes over the magnetostrictive body of the product body. Accordingly, the dipoles of the magnetostrictive body are alternately aligned in opposite directions, resulting in a change in the length of the magnetostrictive body, which generates sound waves.

[0017] These sound waves propagate from the magnetostrictive body into both the elastomeric material of the product body and the reinforcement. In the elastomeric material, the sound waves are strongly damped, preventing effective propagation. However, in the relatively solid material of the reinforcement, the sound waves can propagate effectively, which occurs along the direction of extension of the reinforcement.

[0018] Accordingly, the outgoing sound waves can reach the magnetostrictive body again and cause a change in its length, which can alter its magnetic properties. This can influence the magnetic coupling between the magnetostrictive body and the coil core of the electromagnetic-acoustic (ultra) transducer, which can be detected as a measuring current by the electromagnetic-acoustic (ultra) transducer.

[0019] According to the invention, it is thus possible to conduct metrological investigations of the strength member by using an electromagnetic-acoustic (ultra) transducer in combination with at least one magnetostrictive body that can transmit sound waves to the strength member and receive them from it. For example, the propagation time of the sound waves along the strength member can be used to draw conclusions about the strain of the strength member and at least about a change in the strain of the strength member, as will be described in more detail below.

[0020] Alternatively or additionally, conclusions about the condition of the strength member can also be drawn from the incoming sound waves, as will be described in more detail below. If the incoming sound wave is absent, it can be concluded that the strength member is interrupted. If necessary, conclusions about the interruption of the strength member can be drawn from the reflections that can be generated from the location of the crack or fracture in the strength member.

[0021] According to one aspect of the invention, the electromagnetic-acoustic (ultra)transducer is designed as a stationary device or as a mobile device. As a stationary device, a permanent and, in particular, automatic implementation of the aspects of the invention on the elastomeric product can be achieved. As a mobile device, this can be done as needed, in particular by a person, which can reduce the costs of implementing the invention, since a mobile device can be used flexibly with multiple elastomeric products.

[0022] The present invention also relates to a system for strain detection and / or condition monitoring of a strength member of an elastomeric product, comprising the elastomeric product having a product body which at least substantially comprises an elastomeric material, wherein the product body has at least one magnetostrictive body, preferably a ferromagnetic body, at least in sections, and wherein the product body has at least one strength member, at least in sections, which is embedded in the product body, comprising an electromagnetic-acoustic (ultra-)generator which is arranged at a distance from the elastomeric product and sufficiently close to the magnetostrictive body of the product body and is designed to excite the magnetostrictive body by means of an alternating electromagnetic field to emit at least one first outgoing sound wave, preferably at least one first outgoing ultrasonic wave,and with an electromagnetic-acoustic (ultra-)receiver, which is arranged at a distance from the elastomeric product and sufficiently close to the magnetostrictive body of the product body and is designed to inversely magnetostrictively detect at least a first sound wave entering the magnetostrictive body, preferably a first ultrasonic wave entering the magnetostrictive body, wherein the strength member is arranged at least partially sufficiently close to the magnetostrictive body to receive the first outgoing sound wave from the magnetostrictive body and to send it back to the magnetostrictive elastomer body as the first incoming sound wave.

[0023] In other words, this system according to the invention differs from the previously described system according to the invention in that previously both the functions of generating an alternating electromagnetic field and coupling the alternating electromagnetic field into the magnetostrictive body of the elastomeric product, as well as the function of detecting or receiving the change in the magnetic coupling of the magnetostrictive body of the elastomeric product, were performed jointly and at different times by the electromagnetic-acoustic (ultra) transducer. In contrast, in the present system according to the invention, these two functions are divided between the electromagnetic-acoustic (ultra) generator and the electromagnetic-acoustic (ultra) receiver. This may increase the complexity, but in return, it expands the possible applications.

[0024] According to one aspect of the invention, the magnetostrictive body is in contact with the strength member at least in sections. Preferably, the magnetostrictive body surrounds the strength member at least in sections, preferably completely in contact perpendicular to a longitudinal extension direction of the strength member. This can promote the transmission of sound waves between the magnetostrictive body and the strength member in both directions.

[0025] According to a further aspect of the invention, the magnetostrictive body is a magnetostrictive elastomer body. For this purpose, metallic materials, for example, can be mixed into the elastomer material of the elastomer body to a sufficiently high degree to implement the previously described aspects of the invention. At the same time, the magnetostrictive elastomer body can have a comparable elasticity to the elastomer material of the product body in order to change its properties, and in particular its elasticity, as little as possible, or not at all.

[0026] According to a further aspect of the invention, the product body is formed, at least in sections, preferably entirely, as a magnetostrictive elastomer body. This can lead to particularly high flexibility in the implementation of the invention, since the electromagnetic-acoustic (ultra) transducer or the electromagnetic-acoustic (ultra) generator and the electromagnetic-acoustic (ultra) receiver can be arranged at any desired position along the product body, thereby generating the sound waves in the reinforcement. This also ensures that the material properties of the elastomer product are not altered by a magnetostrictive body as an additional element.

[0027] The present invention also relates to a system for strain detection and / or condition monitoring of a strength member of an elastomeric product, comprising the elastomeric product having a product body which at least substantially comprises an elastomeric material, wherein the product body comprises at least one first magnetostrictive body, preferably a first ferromagnetic body, and at least one second magnetostrictive body, preferably a second ferromagnetic body, spaced therefrom, and wherein the product body comprises at least one strength member, at least in sections, which is embedded in the product body, with an electromagnetic-acoustic (ultra-)generator which is arranged and formed at a distance from the elastomeric product and sufficiently close to the first magnetostrictive body of the product body,by means of an alternating electromagnetic field, to excite the first magnetostrictive body to emit at least one first outgoing sound wave, preferably at least one first outgoing ultrasonic wave, and with an electromagnetic-acoustic (ultra)receiver, which is arranged at a distance from the elastomeric product and sufficiently close to the second magnetostrictive body of the product body and is designed to inversely magnetostrictively detect at least one first sound wave arriving at the magnetostrictive second body, preferably a first ultrasonic wave arriving at the second magnetostrictive body, wherein the strength member is arranged at least partially sufficiently close to the first magnetostrictive body and to the second magnetostrictive body in order to receive the first outgoing sound wave from the first magnetostrictive body and to transmit it as the first incoming sound wave to the second magnetostrictive body.

[0028] This system according to the invention differs from the two previously described systems in that previously one magnetostrictive body was used, whereas now two spatially separated magnetostrictive bodies are used. This may increase the complexity, but it also expands the application possibilities.

[0029] According to one aspect of the invention, the electromagnetic-acoustic (ultra) generator and / or the electromagnetic-acoustic (ultra) receiver is / are embodied as a stationary device or as a mobile device. This can enable the implementation of the same properties and advantages as previously described with regard to the electromagnetic-acoustic (ultra) converter.

[0030] According to a further aspect of the invention, the first magnetostrictive body and the second magnetostrictive body are each in contact with the strength member at least in sections. Preferably, the first magnetostrictive body and the second magnetostrictive body each surround the strength member at least in sections, preferably completely and in contact perpendicular to an elongated direction of extension of the strength member. This can enable the implementation of the same properties and advantages as previously described with respect to the one magnetostrictive body.

[0031] According to a further aspect of the invention, the first magnetostrictive body is a first magnetostrictive elastomer body and / or the second magnetostrictive body is a second magnetostrictive elastomer body. This can enable the implementation of the same properties and advantages as previously described with respect to the one magnetostrictive body.

[0032] According to a further aspect of the invention, the reinforcement member is elongated, preferably in the form of a rope, fiber, or cord. This can enable the implementation of the invention, particularly with such reinforcement members.

[0033] According to a further aspect of the invention, the electromagnetic-acoustic (ultra) generator and the electromagnetic-acoustic (ultra) receiver are arranged spaced apart from one another along the longitudinal extension direction of the strength member. This can facilitate strain detection and / or condition monitoring of the strength member, particularly along its longitudinal extension direction.

[0034] According to a further aspect of the invention, the system, preferably a control unit of the system, is designed to detect and / or determine an elongation of the strength member based at least on a change in the propagation time between the emission of the first outgoing sound wave and the detection of the first incoming sound wave. This can represent a possibility of at least detecting the occurrence of an elongation of the strength member, e.g. by regularly recording the propagation times and comparing them with one another and / or with a reference value, so that an increase can be detected and assessed as sufficiently high to infer from this an elongation of the strength member which, for example, exceeds a tolerable level. In particular, the degree of elongation can also be determined from the propagation time or from the change in the propagation time.In any case, a noticeably high elongation of the reinforcement member may give rise to a need, either automatically or for a user of the system, to interrupt or terminate the operation of the elastomeric product in order to prevent further progression of the elongation of the reinforcement member and, if necessary, failure of the elastomeric product.

[0035] According to a further aspect of the invention, the system, preferably a control unit of the system, is configured to determine the state of the reinforcement based at least on the first incoming sound wave. This makes it possible to infer the state of the reinforcement by observing the incoming sound wave per se or in relation to the outgoing sound wave. For example, the state of the reinforcement can be inferred from a change in the amplitude of the outgoing and incoming sound waves.

[0036] In particular, the absence of an incoming sound wave and / or an unexpected reflection of the first outgoing sound wave can be used to infer an interruption in the reinforcement. For example, an incoming, highly damped sound wave can be identified as a reflection of the first outgoing sound wave due to its high attenuation, thus indicating an interrupted reinforcement. If necessary, the location of the fracture or crack in the reinforcement can be determined from the propagation time of the incoming, highly damped sound wave relative to the first outgoing sound wave. This can automatically or prompt a system user to interrupt or terminate operation of the elastomeric product to prevent failure of the elastomeric product.

[0037] For strain measurement and / or monitoring the condition of the reinforcements, it can be advantageous to measure and take into account the temperature of the reinforcement and / or the material of the elastomeric product body. This can increase the accuracy of strain measurement and / or monitoring the condition of the reinforcements. This can be done using known temperature sensors.

[0038] In any case, the advantages of the invention can be seen in the fact that a system for strain detection and / or condition monitoring of a strength member of an elastomeric product can be created that can operate without contact. Furthermore, the system can be implemented with comparatively little effort on the part of the elastomeric product. Overall, such a system can be realized with high reliability and / or robustness against external influences and / or at comparatively low cost. This applies accordingly to the service life of the system and, in particular, of the elastomeric product.

[0039] The invention also relates to an elastomeric product for use in a system as described above. This makes it possible to provide an elastomeric product for implementing a system according to the invention and utilizing its properties and advantages.

[0040] The invention also relates to an electromagnetic-acoustic (ultra) transducer for use in a system as described above. This makes it possible to provide an electromagnetic-acoustic (ultra) transducer for implementing a system according to the invention and utilizing its properties and advantages.

[0041] The invention also relates to an electromagnetic-acoustic (ultra) generator for use in a system as described above. This makes it possible to provide an electromagnetic-acoustic (ultra) generator for implementing a system according to the invention and utilizing its properties and advantages.

[0042] The invention also relates to an electromagnetic-acoustic (ultra) receiver for use in a system as described above. This makes it possible to provide an electromagnetic-acoustic (ultra) receiver for implementing a system according to the invention and utilizing its properties and advantages. Several embodiments and further advantages of the invention are explained below in conjunction with the following figures. Therein: Fig. 1 shows a schematic cross section through a section of a system according to the invention according to a first embodiment during the transmission of a first outgoing sound wave; Fig. 2 shows the representation of the Fig. 1 when receiving a first incoming sound wave; Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of the complete system according to the invention according to the first exemplary embodiment; Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of a system according to the invention according to a second exemplary embodiment; Fig. 5 shows a schematic representation of a system according to the invention according to a third exemplary embodiment; Fig. 6 shows a schematic representation of a system according to the invention according to a fourth exemplary embodiment; Fig. 7 shows a schematic cross-section through a section of a system according to the invention according to a fifth exemplary embodiment; and Fig. 8 shows a schematic cross-section through a section of a system according to the invention according to a sixth exemplary embodiment.

[0043] The description of the above figures is given in Cartesian coordinates with a longitudinal direction X, a transverse direction Y perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X and a vertical direction Z perpendicular to both the longitudinal direction X and the transverse direction Y. The longitudinal direction X can also be referred to as depth X, the transverse direction Y as width Y and the vertical direction Z as height Z.

[0044] Fig. 1 shows a schematic cross section through a section of a system according to the invention according to a first embodiment when emitting a first outgoing sound wave W1. Fig. 2 shows the representation of the Fig. 1 upon receiving a first incoming sound wave W1'. Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of the complete system according to the invention according to the first embodiment.

[0045] The system according to the invention according to the first embodiment of the Fig. 1 bis 3 has an elastomeric product 1, which in this case can be, for example, an endlessly closed drive belt 1. The elastomeric product 1 essentially consists of a product body 10 as a belt body 10 made of an elastomeric material. Along the elongated, endlessly closed direction of extension of the belt body 10, a plurality of strength members 11 running parallel to one another in the same plane, for example in the form of fibers such as, in particular, glass fibers or cords such as, in particular, aramid cords, are embedded in the elastomeric material. The product body 10 has, as the belt body 10, an upper side 12 in the form of a profile 12 and, opposite it, an underside 13 as the running side 13. This is previously known, for example, in drive belts 1.

[0046] According to the invention, the product body 10 is designed as a magnetostrictive and in particular as a ferromagnetic elastomer body 14, the elastomer material of which is mixed with magnetostrictive or ferromagnetic elements, e.g. with metallic particles.

[0047] According to the invention, an electromagnetic-acoustic transducer 2 for generating sound waves, and in particular ultrasonic waves, is further arranged directly next to the elastomeric product 1, but at a non-contact distance. The electromagnetic-acoustic transducer 2 has a U-shaped coil core 20, the two open ends of which are arranged perpendicular to the elongated extension of the product body 10 and oriented toward its underside 13. The central region of the coil core 20 is surrounded by an induction coil 21, which can be fed by a current source 22 with an alternating electrical current I as the electrical excitation current I. An ammeter 23 is provided parallel to the current source 22.

[0048] According to the invention, the strength members 11 of the elastomeric product 1 can be examined or monitored for their elongation and / or condition using the electromagnetic-acoustic transducer 2. For this purpose, the elastomeric product 1 is operated as intended as a drive belt 1, so that the product body 10 moves as a belt body 10 in one of the two directions.

[0049] At a first point in time, the alternating electrical current I is applied to the induction coil 21 of the electromagnetic-acoustic transducer 2 for a predetermined period of time, thereby generating a corresponding alternating magnetic excitation flux B, which flows from the coil core 20 via a first air gap into the product body 10 as a magnetostrictive elastomer body 14 together with the strength members 11 embedded therein and from there via a second air gap back into the coil core 20.

[0050] Due to the magnetic excitation flux B, the dipoles of the magnetostrictive material are aligned accordingly in the area of ​​the product body 10 as the magnetostrictive elastomer body 14, which can be sufficiently reached by the changing magnetic excitation flux B. Since the magnetic excitation flux B changes its direction, a corresponding changing alignment of the dipoles occurs, which leads to a change in the length of the magnetostrictive elastomer body 14. These changes in length cause vibrations, which propagate as structure-borne sound waves into the rest of the product body 10, but quickly decay there due to the elasticity of the magnetostrictive elastomer body 14. Only the structure-borne sound waves that reach the strength members 11 continue along the strength members 11 in one direction as the first outgoing sound wave W1 and in the other opposite direction as the second outgoing sound wave W2, see e.g. Fig. 1 , shown next to the strength member 11 for improved clarity. If the frequency of the alternating electrical current I as the electrical excitation current I is selected to be sufficiently high, outgoing ultrasonic waves W1, W2 are generated.

[0051] Once the two outgoing sound waves W1, W2 have been generated and emitted, this can be stopped and the alternating electrical current I can be set as the electrical excitation current I. Now the two outgoing sound waves W1, W2 can propagate along the strength members 11, cross each other and each return in the direction of the common starting point, see e.g. Fig. 3 , shown next to the elastomeric product 1 for better clarity.

[0052] Accordingly, after the provision of the alternating electrical current I as the electrical excitation current I has ceased, the electromagnetic-acoustic transducer 2 is switched to a sensory operating state in which changes in the magnetic field of the magnetostrictive elastomer body 14 can lead to an electrical measuring current I' as a magnetic measuring flux B', which can be detected by the ammeter 23 of the electromagnetic-acoustic transducer 2. If the two returning sound waves W1, W2 arrive in the area of ​​the electromagnetic-acoustic transducer 2 as the first incoming sound wave W1' and as the second incoming sound wave W2', the two incoming sound waves W1', W2' change the alignment of the dipoles of the magnetostrictive elastomer body 14 by means of structure-borne sound and thereby lead to the above-mentionedChange in the magnetic field of the magnetostrictive elastomer body 14, which can be detected via the magnetic measuring flux B' as electrical measuring current I'.

[0053] On the one hand, the travel time of the two sound waves W1, W2, W1', W2' can be used to determine the lengths of the reinforcements 11 and thus also any change in the lengths of the reinforcements 11. This can identify any stretching or classify it as being excessively high and respond to this, for example, by interrupting operation of the drive belt 1. On the other hand, the detection of the two incoming sound waves W1', W2' can at least be used to determine that the reinforcements 11 are still endlessly closed, i.e. not severed, since only then can the two outgoing sound waves W1, W2 reach the electromagnetic-acoustic transducer 2 again as incoming sound waves W1', W2'.

[0054] Due to the contactless measurement technology of the electromagnetic-acoustic transducer 2, this can be done with moving elastomeric products 1, such as drive belts 1. Instead of an endlessly closed drive belt 1 as the elastomeric product 1, such a system according to the invention can also be implemented in a comparable manner with conveyor belts 1 or vehicle tires 1, for example.

[0055] Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of a system according to the invention according to a second exemplary embodiment. In this case, the elastomeric product 1 is an elevator belt 1, which is used in an open rather than endlessly closed form. In this case, too, the previously described electromagnetic-acoustic transducer 2 can be used, wherein the two outgoing sound waves W1, W2 can be reflected along the strength members 11 at the two open ends of the elevator belt 1 and then detected as incoming sound waves W1', W2' as described above. This enables the implementation of a system according to the invention for such elastomeric products 1, which may also include hoses 1, for example.

[0056] Fig. 5 shows a schematic representation of a system according to the invention according to a third exemplary embodiment. The elastomeric product 1 can be a conveyor belt 1, the belt body 10 of which is arranged in the vertical direction Z between the open ends of the coil core 20 of the electromagnetic-acoustic transducer 2. For example, the reinforcements 11, as cables 11 or steel cables 11, in this case, are arranged in the width Y of the conveyor belt 1 only in the central region of the belt body 10, so that only this region is designed as a magnetostrictive elastomer body 14, and the two side edges can be free of magnetostrictive elements. This can reduce the manufacturing costs of the conveyor belt 1.

[0057] Fig. 6 shows a schematic representation of a system according to the invention according to a fourth exemplary embodiment. In this case, the elastomeric product 1 is an air spring 1, the product body 10 of which is arranged as a bellows 10 between a piston 15 and a sliding plate 16 or a flanged plate 16 and is enclosed in the circumferential direction by metal rings 17 as constriction elements 17.

[0058] Fig. 7 shows a schematic cross-section through a section of a system according to the invention according to a fifth exemplary embodiment. In this case, too, drive belts 1, elevator belts 1, conveyor belts 1, vehicle tires 1, or hoses 1 can be considered as endlessly closed elastomeric products 1.

[0059] Particularly in the event that the two outgoing sound waves W1, W2, e.g. due to the great length of the strength members 11, cannot enable the functions described above with sufficient amplitude as incoming sound waves W1', W2', an electromagnetic-acoustic (ultra) generator 3 with coil core 30, with induction coil 31 and with power source 32 can be used instead of the electromagnetic-acoustic transducer 2 at a position along the elongated or endlessly closed extension of the elastomeric product 1, and an electromagnetic-acoustic (ultra) receiver 4 with coil core 40, with induction coil 41 and with ammeter 42 can be used offset therefrom along the elongated or endlessly closed extension of the elastomeric product 1.This allows at least the first outgoing sound wave W1 to be generated by the electromagnetic-acoustic generator 3 and detected as an incoming sound wave W1' at a certain distance from the electromagnetic-acoustic receiver 4. This allows the corresponding functions described above to be implemented in an alternative manner.

[0060] Fig. 8shows a schematic cross-section through a section of a system according to the invention according to a sixth exemplary embodiment. In this case, two individual magnetostrictive or ferromagnetic elastomer bodies 14a, 14b, arranged locally and spaced apart along the elongated extent of the elastomeric product 1, such as a hose 1, are embedded in the elastomeric material of the product body 10. The electromagnetic-acoustic generator 3 is arranged opposite the first magnetostrictive or ferromagnetic elastomer body 14a. The electromagnetic-acoustic receiver 4 is arranged opposite the second magnetostrictive or ferromagnetic elastomer body 14b.

[0061] In this way, a system according to the invention can be applied to elastomeric products 1, such as hoses 1, which do not change their position at all or only slightly during intended use. Accordingly, it is possible to dispense with the need to make the product body 10 magnetostrictive, at least in sections and, if necessary, completely, along its elongated extension direction, thereby minimizing the effort and costs required to implement a system according to the invention. List of reference symbols (part of the description)

[0062] Bmagnetic excitation flux B'magnetic measuring flux Ielectrical alternating current; electrical excitation current I'electrical measuring current W1first outgoing (ultra-)sound wave W2second outgoing (ultra-)sound wave W1'first incoming (ultra-)sound wave W2'second incoming (ultra-)sound wave XLongitudinal direction; Depth YTransverse direction; Width Zvertical direction; Height 1 Elastomeric product; drive belt; elevator belt; conveyor belt; vehicle tire; air spring; hose 10 Product body; belt body; belt body; tire body; bellows; hose wall 11 Strength member; rope; steel rope; fiber; glass fiber cord; aramid cord 12 Top side; outside; profiling 13 Bottom side; inside; running side 14 Magnetostrictive or ferromagnetic (elastomer) body 14a First magnetostrictive or ferromagnetic (elastomer) body 14b Second magnetostrictive or ferromagnetic (elastomer) body 15 Piston 16 Sliding plate; flanged plate 17 Constriction elements; metal rings 2Electromagnetic-acoustic (ultra)transducer 20Coil core 21Induction coil 22Current source 23Ammeter 3Electromagnetic-acoustic (ultra) generator 30Coil core 31Induction coil 32Power source 4 Electromagnetic-acoustic (ultra) receiver 40 Coil core 41 Induction coil 42 Ammeter

Claims

1. System for detecting the strain and / or monitoring the condition of a reinforcing element (11) of an elastomeric product (1) with the elastomeric product (1) with a product body (10) which at least substantially comprises an elastomeric material, characterized in that the product body (10) has at least in some portions at least one magnetostrictive body (14), preferably a ferromagnetic body (14), and wherein the product body (10) has at least in some portions at least one reinforcing element (11), which is embedded in the product body (10), with an electromagnetic-acoustic (ultra)transducer (2), which is arranged at a distance from the elastomeric product (1) and sufficiently close to the magnetostrictive body (14) of the product body (10) and is also designed to excite the magnetostrictive body (14) by means of an electromagnetic alternating field to emit at least one first outgoing sound wave (W1), preferably at least one first outgoing ultrasound wave (W1), which completes a closed path through the magnetostrictive body (14) of the product body (10), so that the dipoles of the magnetostrictive body (14) of the product body (10) are aligned alternately in opposite directions, and to detect inverse-magnetostrictively at least one first incoming sound wave (W1') at the magnetostrictive body (14), preferably a first incoming ultrasound wave (W1') at the magnetostrictive body (14), wherein the reinforcing element (11) is at least in some portions arranged sufficiently close to the magnetostrictive body (14) to receive the first outgoing sound wave (W1) from the magnetostrictive body (14) and return it as a first incoming sound wave (W1') to the magnetostrictive body (14), and wherein a change in length of the magnetostrictive body (14) of the product body (10) can be determined from the first incoming sound wave (W1').

2. System according to Claim 1, characterized in that the electromagnetic-acoustic (ultra)transducer (2) takes the form of a stationary device or a mobile device.

3. System for detecting the strain and / or monitoring the condition of a reinforcing element (11) of an elastomeric product (1) with the elastomeric product (1) with a product body (10) which at least substantially comprises an elastomeric material, characterized in that the product body (10) has at least in some portions at least one magnetostrictive body (14), preferably a ferromagnetic body (14), and wherein the product body (10) has at least in some portions at least one reinforcing element (11), which is embedded in the product body (10), with an electromagnetic-acoustic (ultra)generator (3), which is arranged at a distance from the elastomeric product (1) and sufficiently close to the magnetostrictive body (14) of the product body (10) and is also designed to excite the magnetostrictive body (14) by means of an electromagnetic alternating field to emit at least one first outgoing sound wave (W1), preferably at least one first outgoing ultrasound wave (W1), which completes a closed path through the magnetostrictive body (14) of the product body (10), so that the dipoles of the magnetostrictive body (14) of the product body (10) are aligned alternately in opposite directions, and with an electromagnetic-acoustic (ultra)receiver (4), which is arranged at a distance from the elastomeric product (1) and sufficiently close to the magnetostrictive body (14) of the product body (10) and is also designed to detect inverse-magnetostrictively at least one first incoming sound wave (W1') at the magnetostrictive body (14), preferably a first incoming ultrasound wave (W1') at the magnetostrictive body (14), wherein the reinforcing element (11) is at least in some portions arranged sufficiently close to the magnetostrictive body (14) to receive the first outgoing sound wave (W1) from the magnetostrictive body (14) and return it as a first incoming sound wave (W1') to the magnetostrictive elastomer body (14), wherein a change in length of the magnetostrictive body (14) of the product body (10) can be determined from the first incoming sound wave (W1').

4. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the magnetostrictive body (14) is at least in some portions in touching contact with the reinforcing element (11), preferably the magnetostrictive body (14) surrounds the reinforcing element (11) in a touching manner at least in some portions, preferably completely when considered perpendicularly to a direction of longitudinal extent of the reinforcing element (11).

5. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the magnetostrictive body (14) is a magnetostrictive elastomer body (14).

6. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the product body (10) is formed at least in some portions, preferably completely, as a magnetostrictive elastomer body (14).

7. System for detecting the strain and / or monitoring the condition of a reinforcing element (11) of an elastomeric product (1) with the elastomeric product (1) with a product body (10) which at least substantially comprises an elastomeric material, characterized in that the product body (10) has at least one first magnetostrictive body (14a), preferably a first ferromagnetic body (14a), and at a distance from it at least one second magnetostrictive body (14b), preferably a second ferromagnetic body (14b), and wherein the product body (10) has at least in some portions at least one reinforcing element (11), which is embedded in the product body (10), with an electromagnetic-acoustic (ultra)generator (3), which is arranged at a distance from the elastomeric product (1) and sufficiently close to the first magnetostrictive body (14a) of the product body (10) and is also designed to excite the first magnetostrictive body (14a) by means of an electromagnetic alternating field to emit at least one first outgoing sound wave (W1), preferably at least one first outgoing ultrasound wave (W1), which completes a closed path through the magnetostrictive body (14) of the product body (10), so that the dipoles of the magnetostrictive body (14) of the product body (10) are aligned alternately in opposite directions, and with an electromagnetic-acoustic (ultra)receiver (4), which is arranged at a distance from the elastomeric product (1) and sufficiently close to the second magnetostrictive body (14b) of the product body (10) and is also designed to detect inverse-magnetostrictively at least one first incoming sound wave (W1') at the second magnetostrictive body (14b), preferably a first incoming ultrasound wave (W1') at the second magnetostrictive body (14b), wherein the reinforcing element (11) is at least in some portions arranged sufficiently close to the first magnetostrictive body (14a) and the second magnetostrictive body (14b) to receive the first outgoing sound wave (W1) from the magnetostrictive body (14a) and send it as a first incoming sound wave (W1') to the second magnetostrictive body (14b), wherein a change in length of the magnetostrictive body (14) of the product body (10) can be determined from the first incoming sound wave (W1').

8. System according to one of Claims 3 to 7, characterized in that the electromagnetic-acoustic (ultra)generator (3) and / or the electromagnetic-acoustic (ultra)receiver (4) take(s) the form of a stationary device or a mobile device.

9. System according to Claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the first magnetostrictive body (14a) and the second magnetostrictive body (14b) are each at least in some portions in touching contact with the reinforcing element (11), preferably the first magnetostrictive body (14a) and the second magnetostrictive body (14b) each surround the reinforcing element (11) in a touching manner at least in some portions, preferably completely when considered perpendicularly to a direction of longitudinal extent of the reinforcing element (11).

10. System according to one of Claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the first magnetostrictive body (14a) is a first magnetostrictive elastomer body (14a) and / or the second magnetostrictive body (14b) is a second magnetostrictive elastomer body (14b).

11. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the reinforcing element (11) is formed in a longitudinally extending manner, preferably as a rope (11), as a fibre (11) or as a cord (11).

12. System according to one of Claims 3 to 10 and according to Claim 11, characterized in that the electromagnetic-acoustic (ultra)generator (3) and the electromagnetic-acoustic (ultra)receiver (4) are arranged at a distance from one another along the direction of longitudinal extent of the reinforcing element (11).

13. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the system, preferably a control unit of the system, is designed to detect and / or determine a strain of the reinforcing element (11) on the basis at least of a change in the transit time between the sending of the first outgoing sound wave (W1) and the detecting of the first incoming sound wave (W1').

14. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the system, preferably a control unit of the system, is designed to determine the condition of the reinforcing element (11) on the basis at least of the first incoming sound wave (W1').