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

Description

field of technology

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for setting up and / or operating a device and to a device that is configured to carry out such a method. State of the art

[0002] Conveying, measuring, weighing, grinding, mixing, filtering, screening, drying, and dosing devices for bulk materials are known from the prior art. However, it proves to be complex and prone to errors if such a device is to be operated alternately with several different conveying, discharging, grinding, mixing, filtering, screening, drying, and / or measuring elements as operating components.

[0003] From EP 3 162 959 A1, a method for operating a milling machine with interchangeable milling drums is known, the drums being equipped with a transponder that contains data for identifying the individual milling drums. The operating parameters of the milling machine can be specified based on the readable data.

[0004] DE 601 33 378 T2 also discloses a method for monitoring and controlling a manufacturing process in which the components processed in the process are equipped with a transponder. Communication devices for data exchange with the transponder are provided at various positions in the manufacturing process in order to read information stored on the transponder or to write process data to the transponder.

[0005] Furthermore, US 2009 / 0309730 A1 discloses a method for monitoring printers equipped with transponders on which information and status data can be stored and read. Summary of the invention

[0006] It is therefore an object of the present invention to overcome the described disadvantages of the prior art and in particular to provide means by which conveying, measuring, weighing, grinding, mixing, filtering, sieving, drying and / or dosing devices for bulk materials can be operated in a simple and inexpensive yet safe manner in rotation with several different conveying, discharging, grinding, mixing, filtering, sieving, drying and / or measuring devices.

[0007] The problem is solved by the invention according to claim 1. According to a first aspect, a method for setting up and / or operating a conveying, measuring, weighing, grinding, mixing, filtering, screening, drying and / or dosing device for bulk material is provided, which has at least one interchangeable operating element, in particular in the form of a conveying, discharging, grinding, mixing, filtering, screening, drying and / or measuring element, with at least one transponder and at least one communication device for data exchange with the transponder. wherein, by means of the communication device, at least a first date stored on the transponder is read out, and wherein at least a second date, in particular based on at least the first date, is determined and, by means of the communication device, is stored on the transponder, wherein the second date represents an operational state or a measure thereof of the operating element.

[0008] The invention is based on the surprising insight that the operation of such a device can be made particularly safe by centrally providing data on the current operational status of an operating element and data on which a change in the operational status of the operating element can be determined, both at the respective operating element. In this way, the current operational status of the respective operating element is always available along with its data. Depending on the operational status, the operation of the device can then be appropriately adjusted and monitored. Furthermore, a change in the operational status of the operating element can be detected particularly easily and, for example, stored on the transponder for future use.

[0009] Thanks to the central storage location on the operating element, a single operating element can even be used in several different devices without these devices needing to be networked or access a common database. This achieves high flexibility combined with high operational reliability.

[0010] Because the data is stored in a transponder, the information can be read and stored without physical contact. This makes the application of the method particularly easy, as the relative positioning of the transponder and communication device can be relatively flexible. Furthermore, existing devices can easily be retrofitted for use with the proposed method.

[0011] Furthermore, transponders are inexpensive, and the associated reading and / or writing technology can be implemented within the communication device using simple and readily available commercial means. This helps to keep the costs associated with the process low.

[0012] In one embodiment, the communication device is arranged in a stationary and / or fixed position on the device.

[0013] In one embodiment, the communication device is provided within a mobile handheld device, such as a smartphone, or is designed as such.

[0014] Preferably, the transponder is arranged or can be arranged on and / or in the operating element, particularly permanently. For example, the transponder can be connected to the operating element by means of a material-bonded connection, in particular by gluing it to the operating element.

[0015] Preferably, the transponder is initialized at the beginning by storing the first data with a defined value in the transponder and / or by storing the second data with an initial operational status value or a measure thereof, such as zero, in the transponder.

[0016] The communication device and / or the transponder may be configured to read data from the transponder and / or store data on the transponder, particularly without physical contact. The communication device may, for example, include a read and / or write device to read data from the transponder and / or store data on the transponder.

[0017] The communication device can be implemented, for example, in software, in hardware, or a combination of both. The communication device can alternatively or additionally include memory, a processor, a receiver, a transmitter, or any combination thereof. The communication device can alternatively or additionally provide and / or make available everything it has in common, including, in particular, all necessary resources, for example, in the form of software and / or hardware resources.

[0018] Preferably, the determination of the second date is carried out wholly or partially by means of a computing unit. The computing unit can advantageously be used for carrying out all or individual steps of the procedure described herein, and in particular be configured to perform these steps, unless otherwise apparent from the context. The computing unit can, for example, be implemented in software, in hardware, or a combination of both. The computing unit can alternatively or additionally include a memory, a processor, a receiving device, a transmitting device, or any combination thereof. The computing unit can alternatively or additionally provide and / or make available everything that it has, such as, in particular, all necessary resources, for example, in the form of software and / or hardware resources.

[0019] Preferably, the bulk material is a powdery, granular or lumpy mixture in a pourable form.

[0020] Examples of advantageous bulk materials include rock, building materials, in particular topsoil, sand, gravel and / or cement, raw materials, in particular ore, coal, clay and / or road salt, foodstuffs, in particular cereals, sugar, salt, coffee and / or flour, and / or powdered goods, in particular pigments, fillers, granules and / or pellets.

[0021] The conveying device can be, for example, a transport, plate and / or conveyor belt.

[0022] The measuring device may, for example, be or include a scale, such as in particular a conveyor belt scale and / or a Coriolis measuring device.

[0023] The weighing device may, for example, be or include a scale, such as in particular a conveyor belt scale and / or a weighing container.

[0024] The grinding device can, for example, be or include a mill.

[0025] The mixing device can, for example, be or include a mixer.

[0026] The filter device can, for example, be or include a filter system.

[0027] The sieving device can, for example, be or include a sieving machine.

[0028] The drying device may, for example, be or include a heat treatment machine, a rotary calciner, a rotary kiln, and / or a rotary cooler.

[0029] The dosing device may be, for example, a differential dosing scale, a dosing belt scale, a dosing plate belt, a Coriolis measuring device, in particular with an upstream feeder, a vibrating trough feeder and / or a rotary valve.

[0030] Advantageously, the conveying device includes a conveying, discharging and / or measuring element as an operating element.

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

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

[0033] Advantageously, the grinding device has a grinding element as its operating element.

[0034] Advantageously, the mixing device has a mixing element as its operating component.

[0035] Advantageously, the filter device has a filter element as its operating element.

[0036] Advantageously, the sieving device has a sieve element as its operating component.

[0037] Advantageously, the drying device has a drying element as its operating component.

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

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

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

[0041] Preferably, the operational capability (or a measure thereof) of the operating element is a wear condition (or a measure thereof) of the operating element and / or a condition (or a measure thereof) of the operating element with respect to its conveying, measuring, weighing, grinding, mixing, filtering, sieving, drying, and / or metering capabilities. For example, a screw conveyor may be clogged with bulk material, thus reducing the chamber volume of the screw conveyor. A screw conveyor may also be worn. In both of these exemplary cases, the conveying capacity of the screw conveyor may decrease, meaning that less bulk material is conveyed per revolution.

[0042] Preferably, a date is understood to be a representation of information, preferably digital.

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

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

[0045] By using the first date to determine the second date, i.e., the new operational capability state, operational capability can be determined more reliably, since an individual operational capability change can be determined for each operational element. This allows for the consideration of different operational capability characteristics of various operational elements. Therefore, the operational capability information stored in the second date is particularly reliable.

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

[0047] Preferably, the specific operating parameter refers to an operating parameter that relates to a setting of the operating element during the operation of the device.

[0048] The first piece of data can, for example, contain or represent a specification of the specific operating parameter, or such a specification can be determined based on the first piece of data, in particular retrieved from memory. Based at least partially on this, the specific value can then advantageously be determined.

[0049] In this way, for example, a volumetric characteristic curve of the operating element and / or the nominal conveying capacity of the operating element can be determined, optionally including further information on the bulk material.

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

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

[0052] By taking into account the operational capability state or a measure thereof of the respective operating element, it is advantageous to make an individual adjustment of the specific value to the respective operating element.

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

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

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

[0056] These operating parameters are particularly advantageous because they can influence the operational capability (especially the wear) of the operating element. It is therefore beneficial to include them when recalculating operational capability, i.e., when determining the second date. For the same reason, and as already described above, it can be advantageous to select their parameter values ​​depending on the operational capability state.

[0057] Advantageous operating parameters in this and / or another context may also be (i) for a conveyor belt scale: standard conveyor belt length, maximum conveyor belt inclination, maximum belt load and / or maximum conveyor belt speed; (ii) for a vibratory trough feeder: maximum stroke, maximum frequency, minimum frequency and / or target frequency; and / or (iii) for a Coriolis measuring device: maximum acceleration of the measuring wheel, maximum imbalance of the measuring wheel and / or maximum internal pressure.

[0058] Advantageously, the corresponding specific value for the specific operating parameter is selected depending on the bulk material used.

[0059] Advantageously, if the rotational speed is the specific operating parameter, the rotational speed, in particular the target rotational speed or a maximum permissible rotational speed, is selected for a given or predefinable combination of device, operating element and bulk material.

[0060] Traditionally, the theoretical volumetric discharge rate of interchangeable operating elements is often unknown or unreliable. By providing this information in a particularly simple way, unfavorable operating conditions of the device (Out of Specification - OoS) can be detected with significant advantage. For example, conventionally, the rotational speed of a rotatable operating element (such as a screw conveyor) was sometimes simply increased if the target discharge rate was not reached, which could lead to a continuous decrease in the element's fill level. By appropriately selecting the specific operating parameter, the discharge rate information can be advantageously provided, allowing a warning signal to be generated if the target discharge rate is not reached.

[0061] The nominal volumetric discharge rate of the operating element is a particularly advantageous operating parameter. This advantageously indicates how much volume is discharged from the device per complete movement cycle, especially per revolution, of the operating element when the fill level of the operating element is 100%.

[0062] Advantageously, the volumetric discharge rate is a purely geometric consideration, so that the properties of the bulk material, such as its density, are irrelevant. The relationship between volumetric and gravimetric discharge rates can be established via the bulk material density and the current movement frequency of the operating element. The fill level advantageously acts as a balancing factor between theoretical and actual volumetric discharge rates.

[0063] Advantageously, the volumetric discharge rate of the operating element can be used to determine whether the device is suitable for conveying a bulk material. For example, a significant decrease in the ratio may indicate that the device is unsuitable for the respective bulk material or that additional means (especially agitation aids) are needed to force the filling of the device with the bulk material.

[0064] A volumetric characteristic curve can be defined or definable for the operating element. This advantageously indicates how the discharge rate of the operating element in the device varies for a specific bulk material when the movement frequency, in particular the rotational speed, of the operating element changes.

[0065] In one embodiment, the volumetric characteristic curve can be stored in an external memory and retrieved from there.

[0066] Alternatively or additionally, the procedure according to the first aspect may also include the determination of the second date taking into account an operating interval duration of the device and / or a number of uses of the device when determining the second date.

[0067] The operating time can therefore be taken into account when determining operational capability, i.e., the second date.

[0068] Alternatively or additionally, the procedure according to the first aspect may also provide for the second data previously stored on the transponder to be read out by means of the communication device.

[0069] This makes it advantageous to use the previous second date as a starting point for determining the second date.

[0070] Alternatively or additionally, the method according to the first aspect may also provide that the second date is determined based on the second date previously stored on the transponder, in particular by changing the second date previously stored on the transponder, preferably by a value determined, in particular at least partially, based on the first date and / or the specific value, in particular by increasing or decreasing it.

[0071] Alternatively or additionally, the procedure according to the first aspect may also provide that (i) the determined second date is stored on the transponder when the operation of the device is terminated and / or (ii) a second date is repeatedly determined and stored on the transponder during the operation of the device, in particular periodically.

[0072] It is particularly efficient to store the second data point upon termination of operation. This is especially advantageous when the device is only used temporarily. By periodically storing the second data point, the operational status can be regularly updated on the transponder, particularly during long-term operation. This prevents or at least reduces information loss, for example, due to a device failure.

[0073] Alternatively or additionally, the method according to the first aspect may also provide that actual values ​​of the specific operating parameter are recorded during the operation of the device and that the actual values ​​of the operating parameter are compared with a specification of the specific operating parameter, which specification was preferably provided, determined and / or shown from the first date, and wherein a warning signal is preferably generated if actual values ​​of the specific operating parameter are outside an acceptable range described by the specification.

[0074] This allows the specific operating parameter to be monitored particularly reliably and, optionally, measures can be taken quickly in the event of an unexpected operating course, for example based on the warning signal.

[0075] This allows, for example, cleaning, maintenance, servicing and / or service and the like to be carried out on the operating element particularly advantageously, either preventively or on request.

[0076] For example, the specific operating parameter could be the discharge rate of the operating element, particularly the volumetric discharge rate. A preferred value for such a volumetric discharge rate is 5 liters per minute. However, it can also be higher, for example 10 liters per minute or more, or lower, for example 3 liters per minute or less.

[0077] If the actual discharge rate, i.e., the actual value of the discharge rate, deviates from this, a message can be issued, in particular by means of the warning signal, indicating that the device and the bulk material are not compatible, that the device and the operating element used are not compatible, and / or that there are deposits of the bulk material on the operating element.

[0078] Alternatively or additionally, a message can be issued indicating that a failure of the operating element may have occurred.

[0079] For example, the specific operating parameter could be a rotational speed. If the actual rotational speed, i.e., the current value of the rotational speed, deviates from this, a message can be issued, particularly via a warning signal, indicating that the device is being operated outside permissible rotational speed ranges (Out of Specification - OoS).

[0080] Alternatively or additionally, the method according to the first aspect may also provide that, at least partially based on the first date, specifications of a multitude of operating parameters for operation of the device with the operating element are determined, in particular retrieved from a memory, and actual values ​​of the multitude of operating parameters are recorded during operation of the device and the individual actual values ​​of the respective operating parameters are compared with the respective operating parameter specification, and a warning signal is generated if actual values ​​of operating parameters are outside an acceptable range described by the respective operating parameter specification.

[0081] In this way, the device can be configured to be dependent on the operating element. The first date can therefore be used particularly advantageously to further configure the device for operation with the respective operating element.

[0082] This allows the setup of the device to be fully or at least partially automated. This makes operating the device particularly easy and can significantly increase operational reliability, as misconfigurations can be eliminated or at least the risk of them reduced.

[0083] In this way, for example, a volumetric characteristic curve of the operating element and / or the nominal conveying rate of the operating element can be determined, optionally incorporating further information about the bulk material (since the volumetric characteristic curve and the nominal conveying rate may depend on the bulk material). Optionally, a warning signal can be displayed if the device is operating at a conveying rate in the non-linear region of the volumetric characteristic curve. If the operating element is a screw conveyor, the nominal conveying rate can be determined, for example, based on screw dimensions such as its diameter and length, and the screw pitch.

[0084] According to the invention, the method according to the first aspect also provides that, by means of the communication device, at least a third piece of data stored on the transponder is read out and, by means of the communication device, a frequency of the movement of the operating element is determined, and that a comparison is performed between the determined movement frequency and a specific specification of the movement frequency of the operating element, wherein the third data is the specific specification or the specific specification is determined at least partially based on the third data, in particular retrieved from a memory, and a control signal indicative of a result of the comparison is generated, wherein the interchangeable operating element is furthermore also an operating element that performs a movement.

[0085] It was surprisingly discovered that particularly safe and reliable operation of the device is possible by using the transponder both to determine the movement frequency and to provide information that allows for verification of the determined movement frequency. This makes controlling the movement frequency particularly easy, since all the necessary means and information are available with the provision of the operating element.

[0086] The third piece of data can be, for example, a target value for the movement frequency, a maximum value for the movement frequency, a minimum value for the movement frequency, and / or a permissible range for the movement frequency. By reading the third piece of data from the transponder, the specific specification is immediately available and can be used for comparison.

[0087] The third piece of data could, for example, be an identification identifier for the operating element. This identifier can then be used to determine the specific specification. For instance, the specific specification can be retrieved from a database using the identification identifier. This is advantageous because the specific specification can be managed in a database, and therefore further information about the operating element can also be centrally maintained and provided.

[0088] The object of the invention is achieved according to a second aspect by a method for setting up and / or operating a conveying, measuring, weighing, grinding, mixing, filtering, sieving, drying and / or dosing device for bulk material, which has at least one operating element performing a movement, in the form of a conveying, discharging, grinding, mixing, filtering, sieving, drying and / or measuring element, with at least one transponder and at least one communication device for data exchange with the transponder, wherein, by means of the communication device, at least a third piece of data stored on the transponder is read out and, by means of the communication device, a frequency of the movement of the operating element is determined, and wherein a comparison is carried out between the determined movement frequency and a specific specification of the movement frequency of the operating element, wherein the third piece of data is the specific specification or the specific specification is determined at least partially based on the third piece of data, in particular retrieved from a memory, and a control signal indicative of a result of the comparison is generated, is proposed.

[0089] It was surprisingly discovered that particularly safe and reliable operation of the device is possible by using the transponder both to determine the movement frequency and to provide information that allows for verification of the determined movement frequency. This enables the reliable detection of any undesired condition of the device. Furthermore, this approach simplifies the control of the movement frequency, as all necessary means and information are available with the provision of the operating element.

[0090] The third piece of data can be, for example, a target value for the movement frequency, a maximum value for the movement frequency, a minimum value for the movement frequency, and / or a permissible range for the movement frequency. By reading the third piece of data from the transponder, the specific specification is immediately available and can be used for comparison.

[0091] The third piece of data could, for example, be an identification identifier for the operating element. This identifier can then be used to determine the specific specification. For instance, the specific specification can be retrieved from a database using the identification identifier. This is advantageous because the specific specification can be managed in a database, and therefore further information about the operating element can also be centrally maintained and provided.

[0092] Preferably, the comparison and / or generation of the control signal is carried out wholly or partially by means of a computing device. The computing device can advantageously be used for carrying out all or individual process steps described herein, and in particular be configured to perform these steps, unless otherwise apparent from the context. The computing device can, for example, be implemented in software, in hardware, or a combination of both. The computing device can alternatively or additionally include a memory, a processor, a receiving device, a transmitting device, or any combination thereof. The computing device can alternatively or additionally provide and / or make available everything it has, such as, in particular, all necessary resources, for example, in the form of software and / or hardware resources.

[0093] All features and options described in relation to the first aspect of the invention, and in particular to the various types of devices, organs, and operating elements, are preferably also valid for the second aspect of the invention, individually and in any combination, unless otherwise indicated by the context. Therefore, reference may be made to the preceding descriptions.

[0094] Alternatively or additionally, the procedure according to the first and / or second aspect may also provide that, based on the control signal, the movement, in particular the movement frequency, of the operating element is controlled, in particular the movement frequency is limited upwards and / or kept at a defined or definable value.

[0095] Controlling the movement frequency is particularly advantageous because, with the provision of the operating element, all necessary means for determining the current movement frequency and information regarding a permissible movement frequency, especially one dependent on the operating element, are available.

[0096] The control signal can advantageously be fed to a control unit of the device, which regulates the movement frequency. The control unit can be implemented, for example, in software, in hardware, or a combination of both. Alternatively or additionally, the control unit can include a memory, a processor, a receiver, a transmitter, or any combination thereof. Alternatively or additionally, the control unit can provide and / or make available all the features it has, including, in particular, all necessary resources, for example, in the form of software and / or hardware resources.

[0097] Alternatively or additionally, the method according to the first and / or second aspect may also provide that (i) the movement of the operating element is a rotary movement of the operating element about an axis of rotation and preferably the frequency of movement is a rotational speed, (ii) the movement of the operating element is a circular movement of the operating element and preferably the frequency of movement is a circular frequency and / or (iii) the movement of the operating element is a linear movement, in particular a back-and-forth movement, preferably horizontal or vertical, of the operating element.

[0098] Advantageously, the movement of the operating element is a periodic movement.

[0099] For example, the circular motion of the operating element can be a circular motion of a belt, such as a conveyor or transport belt, particularly a continuous one.

[0100] Alternatively or additionally, the procedure according to the first and / or second aspect may also provide that, while the operating element is performing the movement, the transponder is repeatedly, in particular periodically, detected by means of the communication device and the movement frequency is determined based on the detection interval.

[0101] In this way, the movement frequency – especially the instantaneous frequency – can be determined. For example, every time the transponder comes close to the communication device during its movement, particularly when it passes by it, a proximity event can be detected. The inverse of the time interval between two such proximity events can then be determined as the movement frequency. Optionally, an average value can be calculated as the movement frequency based on three or more proximity events.

[0102] The term "detection" of the transponder by means of the communication device preferably means that the transponder and the communication device approach each other in such a way that the communication device is brought into operative contact with the transponder, in particular in such a way that the communication device can read data from the transponder and / or write data to the transponder.

[0103] Advantageously, the communication device detects the transponder when the transponder is at a distance of 30 cm or less, preferably 20 cm or less, preferably 15 cm or less, preferably 10 cm or less, preferably 5 cm or less, preferably 3 cm or less, preferably 1 cm or less, from the communication device. This increases the accuracy of the determined movement frequency.

[0104] Alternatively or additionally, the procedure according to the first and / or second aspect may also provide that, by means of the communication device, the movement frequency of the operating element is determined by reading sensor data relating to the movement frequency of the operating element from the transponder.

[0105] This is particularly advantageous because it allows the information on movement frequency to be provided directly by and read from the transponder. This reduces the active time of the communication device.

[0106] Furthermore, the distance between the transponder and the communication device can be increased. This is because the movement frequency does not need to be determined based on the proximity events described above, which may require a limited interaction distance between the transponder and the communication device. This increases the flexibility of the procedure and the arrangement of the transponder and the communication device.

[0107] Alternatively or additionally, the procedure according to the first and / or second aspect may also provide that (i) the second date is determined at least partially based on the determined movement frequency, (ii) the third date is identical to the first date, and preferably the specific value is used as the specific specification, and / or (iii) the specific specification describes or makes determinable permissible values ​​of the movement frequency, in particular a target value of the movement frequency, a maximum value of the movement frequency, a minimum value of the movement frequency and / or a permissible range of values ​​of the movement frequency.

[0108] For example, the first date can correspond exactly to the specific value, and this specific value can be used both as a specific specification and in determining the second date. This allows for particularly efficient setting of the specific operating parameter and updating of the operational status.

[0109] Alternatively or additionally, the procedure according to the first and / or second aspect may also provide that the transponder receives measurement data from at least one sensor, or that the transponder has at least one sensor.

[0110] This allows the sensor data to be stored at a central location, namely the transponder, and read from there particularly easily and reliably by the communication device. This significantly reduces the effort required to integrate the sensor data into the process and thus also the overall costs. Furthermore, it allows for the relatively flexible use of different sensors.

[0111] By integrating the sensor into the transponder, the sensor can be supplied directly together with the transponder, enabling a compact design. The use of transponders with integrated sensors can significantly expand their functionality.

[0112] Advantageously, the transponder and at least one sensor are integrated into the circuit.

[0113] Alternatively or additionally, the method according to the first and / or second aspect may also provide that a first sensor has or represents a speed sensor, a position sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a magnetometer, a tilt sensor and / or an acceleration sensor and that the first sensor provides the measurement data relating to the movement frequency to the transponder.

[0114] This allows the movement frequency to be determined particularly easily yet reliably.

[0115] Furthermore, an evaluation of the acceleration sensor's measurement data can advantageously detect a breakage or overheating of the operating element if the measured acceleration does not correspond to the target acceleration based on the rotational speed set for the operating element. Optionally, a corresponding warning signal can be generated in the event of a fault.

[0116] In contrast, conventional devices with a rotating operating element continuously increase the rotational speed until the target speed is reached. However, the proposed method, by incorporating acceleration values, can detect unfavorable operating conditions (such as breakage or overheating of the operating element) that prevent the target speed from being reached.

[0117] Alternatively or additionally, the method according to the first and / or second aspect may also provide that the measurement data are read from the transponder by means of the communication device, and preferably at least a first part of the measurement data, in particular the measurement data of the first and / or at least a second sensor, are included in the determination of the specific value and / or the second data.

[0118] By including sensor data to determine the specific value and / or the second date, current environmental conditions can be easily incorporated and taken into account.

[0119] For example, at least one of the second sensors can be a temperature sensor and / or a humidity sensor. This allows the ambient temperature and / or humidity to be taken into account when determining the second date, i.e., the operational status (such as, in particular, the wear condition).

[0120] For example, operating the device with the operating element at a lower temperature or lower humidity could cause less additional wear and thus a lesser decrease in operational capability than operating the device with the operating element at a higher temperature or higher humidity.

[0121] Alternatively or additionally, the method according to the first and / or second aspect may also include the method of determining a value of a further operating parameter of the device, and wherein at least a second part of the measurement data, in particular the measurement data of the first and / or at least a third sensor, are included in the determination of the value of the further operating parameter.

[0122] The other operating parameter can optionally be set to the determined value. Alternatively or additionally, the operating parameter can also be monitored based on the determined value, and a warning signal can be generated if the operating parameter value is impermissible.

[0123] By incorporating sensor data to determine the value of the additional operating parameter, current environmental conditions can be easily included and taken into account. Of course, the measurement data can also directly represent the value of the additional operating parameter.

[0124] For example, the measurement data from a temperature sensor can be evaluated with respect to the temperature of the operating element, and a warning signal can be generated if a maximum temperature is exceeded. This allows, for instance, the reliable detection of excessive heat generation due to friction between the operating element and the bulk material and / or the presence of foreign matter in the bulk material.

[0125] For example, the measurement data from a temperature sensor can be evaluated with respect to the temperature of the bulk material, and a warning signal can be generated if a maximum temperature is exceeded. This allows, for instance, the reliable detection of excessive heat generation due to friction between the operating element and the bulk material.

[0126] For example, the measurement data from a vibration sensor can be evaluated with regard to vibration of the operating element, and a warning signal can be generated when a maximum vibration amplitude is reached. In this way, excessive vibration of the operating element can be reliably detected, thus preventing its breakage.

[0127] Alternatively or additionally, the method according to the first and / or second aspect may also provide that the second and / or third sensor each measures a physical quantity of the device or its parts, in particular the operating element, and / or the environment of the device or its parts, in particular the operating element, and / or that the respective sensor comprises a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, an accelerometer, a speed sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a magnetometer, a gas sensor, an inclination sensor and / or a pressure sensor.

[0128] Alternatively or additionally, the procedure according to the first and / or second aspect may also provide for the measurement data to be transferred to a cloud storage system and stored there, in particular by means of the communication device and / or provided with information about the time of the measurement.

[0129] This makes it particularly easy to log the recorded measurements. For example, a problem that occurs can be analyzed based on the measurement data stored in the cloud, allowing potential causes of errors to be identified more quickly.

[0130] The time information preferably corresponds to the time of reading the measurement data from the transponder and / or is added by the communication device when reading the measurement data.

[0131] Alternatively or additionally, it can also be advantageous to supplement the measurement data with time information in the transponder via the communication device.

[0132] Alternatively or additionally, the procedure according to the first and / or second aspect may also include the provision that at least one piece of information about the bulk material is provided and preferably that the second date, the specific value and / or the specific specification is also determined at least partially depending on the information provided.

[0133] This makes it particularly easy to take into account the properties of the bulk material being processed during operation of the device and when determining the resulting reduction in operational capability (such as that caused by wear).

[0134] For example, a bulk material like gravel can cause greater wear and thus a greater reduction in the operating element's functionality due to its stronger abrasive effect compared to a bulk material like flour. Different bulk materials may also require different values ​​for specific operating parameters to ensure optimal device performance.

[0135] Information about a bulk material can include, for example, particle shape, moisture content, angle of repose, particle size and / or distribution, fluidization rate, flow properties (in particular principal stress, compressive strength, effective angle of friction, flowability and / or wall friction angle), density and / or flow behavior. For example, the flow behavior of the bulk material can be defined or definable by an angle of repose, particle distribution and / or compressive strength.

[0136] Alternatively or additionally, the procedure according to the first and / or second aspect may also include the provision that a warning signal is generated and / or operation of the device is refused or terminated if the second data falls below or exceeds a defined or definable limit value and / or if the control signal is indicative that the determined movement frequency assumes values ​​outside the specific specification.

[0137] This ensures particularly reliable and proper operation of the device. In particular, it prevents permanent damage to the device or its parts in the event of insufficient operational capability (especially excessive wear) of the operating element.

[0138] Optionally, the warning signal can be used to indicate a recommendation for maintenance, a time of failure, or a diagnosis.

[0139] Alternatively or additionally, the method according to the first and / or second aspect may also provide that the conveying, measuring, weighing, grinding, mixing, filtering, sieving, drying and / or dosing device has at least one receiving unit for receiving bulk material and / or at least one drive unit operatively connected to the operating element.

[0140] For example, the device has a receiving unit for receiving bulk material, wherein the receiving unit opens into an area where the operating element of the device is provided. The operating element can then be used to, for example, move the bulk material.

[0141] The drive unit advantageously allows the operating element to be moved, in particular rotated. The drive unit can include a gearbox and / or a motor. The drive unit can, for example, be coupled to the operating element via a clutch.

[0142] Advantageously, the drive unit can be used to set, regulate and / or control the movement frequency, in particular the rotational speed, of the operating element.

[0143] The following describes a basic design of an advantageous device. An exemplary dosing device, such as can advantageously be used for the proposed method, is employed for the continuous volumetric and gravimetric dosing of bulk materials, such as powders and granules. Such a dosing device operates on the principle of external agitation. Preferably, a dosing trough made of wear-resistant elastomer is agitated from the outside, thus reducing product loss in the material flow within the container and ensuring a uniform fill level in the dosing element. The geometry of the discharge tubes of the dosing device generates a low-pulsation discharge at low rotational speeds, thereby increasing the usable adjustment range while maintaining high dosing consistency. A dosing container can, for example, be designed like a receiving unit for receiving the bulk material.Below such a dosing container, a dosing trough, also referred to simply as a trough, is preferably provided, through which a discharge element, for example an elongated screw conveyor, passes. This element, when the discharge element moves, for example when the screw conveyor rotates, forces the bulk material to move along a defined direction, such as the longitudinal axis of the screw conveyor. The discharge element, for example the screw conveyor, advantageously conveys the bulk material to a discharge head, which can be connected to, for example, a weighing platform, so that information about the weight of the conveyed bulk material is available. The discharge element is preferably connected to, or connectable to, a drive unit via a coupling and / or a gearbox.

[0144] Alternatively or additionally, the method according to the first and / or second aspect may also provide that the operating element is a screw, a trough, in particular a vibrating trough, a screw, a spiral, a belt, in particular a transport, plate and / or conveyor belt, a sluice, in particular a rotary sluice, a measuring wheel, a measuring roller, a chain trough, a sluice wheel, a roller, a clearing arm, a grinding mill, an agitator, a filter cartridge, a screen panel, a container, in particular a cylindrical container, a rotary valve and / or a rotary valve.

[0145] Preferably, the aforementioned operational elements can be assigned or attributable to the individual bodies as follows and / or implemented by the individual bodies: (i) Conveying element: screw, trough, auger, spiral, belt, scraper arm, rotary valve, rotary valve, rotary valve, chain trough and / or roller; (ii) Discharge element: screw, trough, auger, spiral, belt, scraper arm, rotary valve, rotary valve, rotary valve, gate and / or roller; (iii) Grinding element: grinding mill; (iv) Mixing element: agitator and / or container; (v) Filtering element: filter cartridge; (vi) Screening element: screen panel; (vii) Drying element: container; and / or (viii) Measuring element: rotary valve, measuring wheel and / or measuring roller.

[0146] Preferably, the aforementioned operating elements can be provided or foreseen as operating elements within the individual devices as follows: (i) Conveying device: screw, trough, auger, spiral, belt, scraper arm, rotary valve, cell wheel, rotary valve, chain trough, sluice, measuring wheel, measuring roller and / or roller; (ii) Measuring device: screw, trough, auger, spiral, belt, scraper arm, rotary valve, cell wheel, rotary valve, chain trough, sluice, roller, measuring wheel and / or measuring roller; (iii) Weighing device: screw, trough, auger, spiral, belt, scraper arm, rotary valve, cell wheel, rotary valve, chain trough, sluice, roller, measuring wheel and / or measuring roller; (iv) Grinding device: grinding mill; (v) Mixing device: agitator and / or container; (vi) Filtering device: filter cartridge; (vii) Screening device: screen panel; (viii) Drying device: container; and / or (ix) metering device: screw, trough, auger, spiral, belt, scraper arm, rotary valve, cell wheel, rotary valve, chain trough, sluice, measuring wheel, measuring roller and / or roller.

[0147] Preferably, the operating element can be a "vibration" type operating element (e.g., for the trough), a "rotational-translational" type operating element (e.g., for the screw, worm, and spiral), a "linear" type operating element (e.g., for the belt), and / or a "rotational" type operating element (e.g., for the lock).

[0148] The diameter of the operating element can be, for example, 10 mm or more, in particular 100 mm or more, in particular 300 mm or more, 800 mm or less, in particular 500 mm or less, in particular 300 mm or less, in particular 100 mm or less, and / or between 10 mm and 800 mm, in particular between 100 mm and 500 mm.

[0149] The length of the operating element can be, for example, 100 mm or more, in particular 500 mm or more, in particular 1000 mm or more, in particular 1500 mm or more, in particular 3000 mm or more, in particular 5000 mm or more, in particular 7000 mm or more, 20000 mm or less, in particular 15000 mm or less, in particular 10000 mm or less, in particular 8000 mm or less, in particular 5000 mm or less, in particular 3000 mm or less, in particular 1000 mm or less, in particular 800 mm or less, in particular 500 mm or less, in particular 300 mm or less, in particular 100 mm or less, and / or between 100 mm and 20000 mm, in particular between 200 mm and 15000 mm, in particular between 200 mm and 10000 mm, in particular between 500 mm and 5000 mm, amount.

[0150] The slope of the operating element can be, for example, 10 mm or more, in particular 50 mm or more, in particular 100 mm or more, in particular 300 mm or more, 800 mm or less, in particular 500 mm or less, in particular 300 mm or less, in particular 100 mm or less, in particular 50 mm or less, and / or between 10 mm and 800 mm, in particular between 10 mm and 500 mm, in particular between 50 mm and 300 mm.

[0151] The volumetric discharge rate per unit of time of the operating element can be, for example, 2 l / h or more, in particular 50 l / h or more, in particular 100 l / h or more, in particular 300 l / h or more, in particular 500 l / h or more, in particular 1000 l / h or more, in particular 3000 l / h or more, in particular 5000 l / h or more, in particular 7000 l / h or more, in particular 10000 l / h or more, in particular 15000 l / h or more, 20000 l / h or less, in particular 15000 l / h or less, in particular 10000 l / h or less, in particular 7000 l / h or less, in particular 5000 l / h or less, in particular 1000 l / h or less, in particular 500 l / h or less, in particular 300 l / h or less, in particular 100 l / h or less, and / or between 2 l / h and 20000 l / h, in particular between 100 l / h and 15000 l / h, in particular between 500 l / h and 10000 l / h, in particular between 1000 l / h and 10000 l / h.

[0152] For example, the spiral can have dimensions of 57x29x450 mm 3< .

[0153] For example, the screw can have dimensions of 57x57x450 mm 3< .

[0154] Alternatively or additionally, the method according to the first and / or second aspect may also provide that the transponder has an active or passive RFID transponder and / or that the transponder is connected to the operating element, in particular on the operating element, especially on a surface of the operating element.

[0155] The transponder can have a data storage unit in which the first date, the second date, the third date and / or the measurement data can be stored and from which this data can be read. Optionally, the transponder can include sensors.

[0156] The communication device can, for example, include an RFID module, such as the NXP MFRC-522, and / or a Near Field Communication (NFC) controller, such as the PN532. This allows data to be read from and / or stored in the transponder, which is particularly advantageous.

[0157] For example, the transponder is an adhesive label that is placed on the operating element.

[0158] The active RFID transponder can have its own power supply, allowing it to operate autonomously. The active RFID transponder can also include a computing unit, such as a microcontroller, which receives and / or processes measurement data from a sensor.

[0159] Alternatively or additionally, the procedure according to the first and / or second aspect may also provide for the transponder to communicate with a cloud storage system, whereby the transponder retrieves data from the cloud storage system and / or stores data in the cloud storage system.

[0160] This allows data to be read from and written to the transponder even without involving the communication device. Furthermore, backing up and restoring transponder data can be implemented particularly easily in this way.

[0161] For example, a central data exchange device can be used to read the respective data from several such transponders and write it to the transponders.

[0162] Alternatively or additionally, the procedure according to the first and / or second aspect may also provide for diagnostic data on the device or its parts, such as in particular the operating element, to be stored in and / or retrieved from a cloud storage system.

[0163] For example, the diagnostic data could be a time-dependent rate of change in operational capability, in particular a time-dependent rate of change in wear. Optionally, the rate of change in operational capability can also be specified together with a movement frequency, in particular a mean or median value, for the individual time periods. This makes it particularly easy to establish a relationship between the rate of change in operational capability and the movement frequency.

[0164] This allows the diagnostic data to be advantageously stored centrally and preferably also made available to other devices. This makes it possible for multiple devices to exchange data with each other.

[0165] Alternatively or additionally, the procedure according to the first and / or second aspect may also provide that the first data includes or represents an identification identifier of the operating element, a target movement frequency, in particular a target rotational speed, of the operating element and / or a specification of the specific operating parameter.

[0166] The identification code allows for the easy retrieval of further information about the operating element, such as a target movement frequency or a specification, for example, from memory. This means that only the identification code needs to be stored on the transponder itself, without having to forgo further information about the operating element during device operation.

[0167] Alternatively or additionally, the procedure according to the first and / or second aspect may also include the procedure that (i) the operating element is identified based on the first and / or third data and / or the device is set up for use with the operating element and / or (ii) a warning signal is generated and / or operation of the device is refused or terminated if the first and / or third data represents an operating element that is not compatible with the device.

[0168] This allows the installation of incorrect operating elements to be reliably detected and prevents damage to the device or even personal injury.

[0169] For example, individual identification data for the operating element may be stored, perhaps in a memory, which can be determined based on the first and / or third data point. It can then be advantageously checked whether this identification data is compatible with the device. Alternatively or additionally, this identification data may also correspond wholly or partially to the first and / or second data point.

[0170] For example, the key data may relate to: a diameter of the operating element, a slope of the operating element, a minimum rotational speed of the operating element, a maximum rotational speed of the operating element, a nominal discharge capacity of the operating element, information on bulk materials and / or bulk material categories suitable and / or unsuitable for the operating element, a minimum filling level of the operating element and / or a maximum filling level of the operating element.

[0171] The object is solved by the invention according to a further aspect in that a conveying, measuring, weighing, grinding, mixing, filtering, sieving, drying and / or dosing device, in particular for bulk material, comprising an interchangeable and / or movable operating element, in particular in the form of a conveying, discharging, grinding, mixing, filtering, sieving, drying and / or measuring element, and at least one communication device for data exchange with the transponder, wherein the device is configured to carry out a method according to claims 1-14.

[0172] The device may optionally include the computing unit, the computing device and / or the control unit.

[0173] All features and options described in relation to the first and / or second aspect of the invention can also be provided accordingly in the device and its parts, individually and in any combination.

[0174] All advantages described in relation to the first and / or second aspect of the invention apply accordingly here. Therefore, reference may be made to the preceding statements. Brief description of the drawings

[0175] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are explained with reference to schematic drawings.

[0176] This shows: Fig. 1 a schematic illustration of a device according to the sixth aspect of the invention; Fig. 2 a flowchart of a method according to the first aspect of the invention in a first variant; Fig. 2 a flowchart of a method according to the first aspect of the invention in a second variant; Fig. 2 a flowchart of a method according to the first aspect of the invention in a third variant; Fig. 2 a flowchart of a method according to the first aspect of the invention in a fourth variant; Fig. 2 a flowchart of a method according to the second aspect of the invention in a first variant; Fig. 2 a flowchart of a method according to the second aspect of the invention in a second variant; Fig. 2 a flowchart of a method according to the first aspect of the invention in a fifth variant; Fig. 3 a data structure according to the third aspect of the invention; Fig. 4 a transponder according to the fourth aspect of the invention; and Fig.5. An operating element according to the fifth aspect of the invention. Description of the embodiments

[0177] Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows a schematic illustration of a dosing device 1 according to the sixth aspect of the invention.

[0178] The device 1 has a receiving unit 3 for receiving bulk material, which opens into a section in which an operating element 5, for example in the form of a screw conveyor, is provided for the device 1. The operating element 5 is movable, namely rotatable about a pivot axis D. By means of the rotational movement, bulk material can be moved towards a discharge head 7 of the device 1 and further within the discharge head 7 to an outlet 9 by means of the operating element 5. The bulk material can leave the device 1 via the outlet 9, thereby reducing the weight of the filled device 1. The resulting weight difference is compensated for by a (in Fig. 1The weighing unit (not shown) can be determined, and based on a continuous measurement of the weight difference, dosing of the bulk material is possible. The operating element 5 is operatively connected to a drive unit 11 of the device 1. The rotational speed of the operating element 5 can be set, regulated, and / or controlled via the drive unit 11. Depending on the requirements, the operating element 5 can also be replaced by another operating element. Different operating elements can, for example, be adapted for different bulk materials or have different minimum and / or maximum discharge rates. This may, for example, necessitate setting a rotational frequency tailored to the operating element.

[0179] The operating element 5 is equipped with a transponder 13, for example an RFID transponder, which is provided on a surface of the operating element. The device 1 also has a communication device 15 for data exchange with the transponder 13. That is, data can be read from and written to the transponder 13 by means of the communication device 15.

[0180] When the operating element 5 is rotated at a specific speed, the transponder 13 also rotates at that speed. The transponder 13 therefore periodically enters the detection range of the communication device 15. This can be recognized as a proximity event.

[0181] Device 1 can be used to carry out a method according to the first aspect as well as the second aspect of the invention. Exemplary embodiments of such methods are explained below. It is understood that the described methods can advantageously also be carried out with other devices.

[0182] Fig. 2a shows a flowchart of a process 101 according to the first aspect of the invention in a first variant.

[0183] In 103, using the communication device 15 of the device 1, an initial data set stored on the transponder 13 of the operating element 5 is read. This initial data set is an identification identifier for the operating element 5. The operating element 5 can, for example, represent a screw, which is to be rotated within the device 1 at a defined target speed. For instance, the target speed can depend on the specific operating element 5, so that the device 1 is intended to, or must, be operated at different target speeds depending on the operating element.

[0184] In section 105, the target speed, a specific operating parameter of the device 1, is determined as a specific value based on the first data point, i.e., the read identification identifier, taking into account the operating element 5 used. For this purpose, the specific value is retrieved, for example, from a database in which it is stored along with a link to the identification identifier.

[0185] In an alternative embodiment, step 105 could be omitted or modified by having the first date directly represent the target rotational speed instead of an identification identifier. Then the first date could be used directly as a specific value.

[0186] In section 107, a second date is determined, at least partially, based on the specific value and thus, at least, on the first date (since the specific value was determined based on the first date). The second date represents an operational capability state, for example, in the form of a wear state, of operating element 5, or a measure of the operational capability state or wear state of operating element 5. By including the specific value, i.e., the target speed, in the determination of the second date, a speed-dependent reduction in operational capability, such as speed-dependent wear, of operating element 5 can be taken into account.

[0187] In 109, the second data point is stored on transponder 13 via the communication device. This means the current operational status is stored on the transponder as a second data point. Therefore, the current operational status is also directly associated with the operating element. If, for example, operating element 5 is subsequently used in another device, its operational status can be determined there using the second data point, without requiring any information exchange with device 1.

[0188] Fig. 2bFigure 1 shows a flowchart of a process 201 according to the first aspect of the invention in a second variant. Steps of process 201 that are identical to the steps of process 101 are designated with the same reference numerals, but increased by 100. It is therefore sufficient to discuss only the differences between processes 201 and 101. For the remaining explanations, reference can be made to the previous statements regarding process 101, which also apply here.

[0189] In contrast to method 101, method 201, in section 207a, additionally specifies that the second date previously stored on the transponder 13 is read out using the communication device 15 when determining the second date. In addition to the specific value, the previously stored date is then also taken into account in section 207 when determining the second date. This allows for the implementation of a particularly advantageous operational readiness counter, especially as a wear counter, which is adjusted depending on the rotational speed.

[0190] The remaining steps of procedure 201 are identical to those of procedure 101.

[0191] Fig. 2cFigure 1 shows a flowchart of a process 301 according to the first aspect of the invention in a third variant. Steps of process 301 that are identical to the steps of process 201 are designated with the same reference numerals, but increased by 100. It is therefore sufficient to discuss only the differences between process 301 and process 201. For the remaining explanations, reference can be made to the previous statements regarding processes 101 and 201, which also apply here.

[0192] In contrast to procedure 201, procedure 301 additionally specifies in 311 that the specific operating parameter is set to the specific value. This ensures that the target speed is not only taken into account when determining the operational readiness state, but that the speed of the operating element is also specifically set to this value.

[0193] The remaining steps of procedure 301 are identical to those of procedure 201.

[0194] Fig. 2d Figure 1 shows a flowchart of a process 401 according to the first aspect of the invention in a fourth variant. Steps of process 401 that are identical to the steps of process 301 are designated with the same reference numerals, but increased by 100. It is therefore sufficient to discuss only the differences between process 401 and process 301. For the remaining explanations, reference can be made to the previous explanations concerning processes 101, 201, and 301, which also apply here.

[0195] In contrast to procedure 301, procedure 401 additionally specifies in 407b that information about the bulk material is provided. Besides the specific value and the previously stored second date, the specific bulk material is also taken into account when determining the second date in 407, based on the respective information. This information can be, for example, the density or flow behavior of the bulk material. By considering this information when determining operational capability, such as wear, the abrasive effect of the bulk material on the operating element can, for example, be included.

[0196] The remaining steps of procedure 401 are identical to those of procedure 301.

[0197] In methods 101-401, it can advantageously be provided that the second date determined in 107, 207, 307, and 407 is stored on the transponder 13 when the device is shut down. Alternatively or additionally, the second date can also be determined repeatedly and stored on the transponder 13 as often as necessary. This also advantageously allows the operating interval duration of the device 1 to be taken into account when determining each second date, since the operational capability counter, particularly as a wear counter, is also adjusted depending on the operating time. This operating interval duration practically corresponds precisely to the time interval between two successive determinations of the second date. Thus, in addition to a dependence on rotational speed, a dependence on operating time can also be included in the determination of operational capability, such as wear, or a measure thereof.

[0198] Fig. 2e shows a flowchart of a process 501 according to the second aspect of the invention in a first variant.

[0199] In 503, a third piece of data stored on a transponder 13 of the operating element 5 is read out using the communication device 15 of the device 1. The first piece of data is an identification identifier of the operating element 5.

[0200] Operating element 5 performs a rotary motion. Operating element 5 can, for example, be a screw, and it is intended to rotate within the device 1 at a defined target speed. For instance, the target speed may depend on the specific operating element 5, meaning that the device 1 may need to be operated at different target speeds depending on the operating element.

[0201] In 505, a specific specification for the rotational speed of the operating element is determined based on the third data point. Permissible values ​​for the rotational speed of operating element 5 can be determined using this specific specification. For example, the specific specification may correspond exactly to the target rotational speed. Alternatively, the specific specification may also represent an upper and / or lower limit of the permissible rotational speed. In this case, the specific specification describes the target rotational speed of operating element 5 in the device 1.

[0202] In an alternative embodiment, step 505 could be omitted or modified by having the third data point directly represent the target rotational speed instead of an identification identifier. The third data point could then be used directly as a specific specification.

[0203] In 507, a frequency of movement, and thus a movement frequency and in this case a rotational speed, of the operating element 5 is determined by means of the communication device 15.

[0204] The transponder 13 rotates along with the operating element 5, which performs a rotation, and is detected by the communication device 15 after each rotation. The time interval between two successive detections allows, for example, the determination of the movement frequency in the form of a rotational speed in 507.

[0205] In 509, a comparison is made between the determined movement frequency, i.e., in particular the instantaneous rotational speed, and the specific specification of the movement frequency. This comparison allows, for example, a determination of whether the rotational speed determined in 507 corresponds to the target rotational speed specified for operating element 5, or whether it is too high or too low.

[0206] In 511, a control signal is generated which is indicative of a result of the comparison.

[0207] In 513, the speed of the operating element 5 is controlled based on the control signal. For example, if the current speed of the operating element 5 is higher than the target speed, the speed can be adjusted by reducing it using the drive unit 11 of the device 1, and vice versa. Optionally, a warning signal could also be generated if the speed of the operating element 5 does not correspond to the target speed.

[0208] Fig. 2fFigure 6 shows a flowchart of a process 601 according to the second aspect of the invention in a second variant. Steps of process 601 that are identical to the steps of process 501 are provided with the same reference numerals, but increased by 100. It is therefore sufficient to discuss only the differences between processes 601 and 501. For the remaining explanations, reference can be made to the previous explanations regarding process 501, which also apply here.

[0209] In 605, a frequency of movement, and thus a movement frequency and in this case a rotational speed, of the operating element 5 is determined again by means of the communication device 15.

[0210] However, in this case, transponder 13 has a speed sensor and receives measurement data from this sensor. The speed sensor thus provides the transponder with measurement data concerning the movement frequency of the operating element 5.

[0211] In a modification of step 505 in procedure 501, step 605 of procedure 601 then reads the measurement data from the transponder 13 using the communication device 15. In the case of procedure 601, the determination of the movement frequency in the form of the rotational speed is therefore not based on the interval at which the transponder 13 is detected by the communication device 15. Instead, the communication device 15 reads the rotational speed directly from the transponder 13.

[0212] Both procedural variants 501 and 601 have in common that the third data point provides a reference for assessing the determined movement frequency.

[0213] The remaining steps of procedure 601 are identical to those of procedure 501.

[0214] Optionally, measurement data from additional sensors could be stored in the transponder 13 and then read out of the transponder using the communication device 15. This would provide additional information on, for example, physical parameters of the device 1 and its components, such as the operating element 5, and the environment, including the bulk material. Such measured parameters could relate to the temperature of the operating element 5 and / or the bulk material, or to vibrations of the operating element 5.

[0215] Fig. 2g shows a flowchart of a process 701 according to the first aspect of the invention in a fifth variant.

[0216] Procedure 701 represents a combination of the one relating to Fig. 2a discussed procedure 101 and the one relating to Fig. 2eThis is described in the discussed procedure 501. Consequently, both speed control and speed-dependent operational capability determination, in particular as wear determination, are carried out.

[0217] Steps 703-709 of procedure 701 correspond to steps 103-109 of procedure 101. The respective assignment is indicated in parentheses for quick reference. As described above, in step 703 (103) a first data point is read from transponder 13, and in step 705 (105) the target rotational speed is determined as a specific value based on the first data point. Based on this, the second data point is then determined in step 707 (107), and the second data point is stored on the transponder in step 709 (109).

[0218] In step 711 (corresponding to step 507 of procedure 501), the movement frequency of the operating element 5 is determined based on the detection intervals. Alternatively, the movement frequency could also be determined, as in step 607 of procedure 601, by reading corresponding measurement data from a speed sensor.

[0219] In 713, similar to step 509 of procedure 501, the determined movement frequency of the operating element 5 is compared with a specific specification of the rotational speed of the operating element 5. In contrast to procedure 501, however, in 713 the target rotational speed determined as a specific value in 705 is used as the specific specification of the rotational speed of the operating element 5.

[0220] Steps 715-717 of procedure 701 correspond to steps 511-513 of procedure 501 with the aim of controlling the speed of the operating element 5. The generation of the control signal in 715 (511) and the implementation of speed control of the operating element 5 in 717 (513) are again carried out as described above.

[0221] In procedure 701, the target speed of operating element 5 is determined based on the first data point. This speed is then used both to determine the operational capability of operating element 5 and to control its speed. Therefore, operational capability, and in particular wear, can be determined very reliably based on the first data point, since the speed is also controlled based on this first data point.

[0222] The in relation to Fig. 1The described device 1 can, for example, be configured to perform one of the methods 101, 201, 301, 401, 501, 601 or 701 described above.

[0223] Fig. 3 Figure 801 shows a data structure according to an unclaimed aspect of the invention. This data structure comprises a first data element 803 and a second data element 805. The first data element 803 can, for example, be an identification identifier of an operating element, as described in the preceding methods. The second data element 805 can, for example, be information about an operational state or a measure thereof of the operating element, as described in the preceding methods.

[0224] Fig. 4 Figure 811 shows a transponder 811 according to an unclaimed aspect of the invention. The transponder 811 has a data structure 813, which is the data structure relating to Fig. 3 The data structure 801 explained can be used.

[0225] Fig. 5Figure 821 shows an operating element 821 according to an unclaimed aspect of the invention. The operating element 821 has a transponder 823, which is the one relating to Fig. 4 The transponder 811 explained can be used. The operating element 821 could be a screw, such as those used, for example, in the system described in relation to Fig. 1 The device described in section 1 is used.

[0226] The features disclosed in the preceding description, in the drawings and in the claims can be essential to the invention in its various embodiments, both individually and in any combination. Reference symbol list

[0227] 1 Device 3 Receiving unit 5 Operating element 7 Dispensing head 9 Outlet 11 Drive unit 13 Transponder 15 Communication device 101 Flowchart 103 Reading a first date from the transponder 105 Determining a specific value of a specific operating parameter 107 Determining a second date based on the first date 109 Storing the second date on the transponder 201 Flowchart 203 Reading a first date from the transponder 205 Determining a specific value of a specific operating parameter 207a Reading the second date previously stored on the transponder 207 Determining a second date based on the first date and the second date previously stored on the transponder 209 Storing the second date on the transponder 301 Flowchart 303 Reading a first date from the transponder 305 Determining a specific value of a specific operating parameter 307a Reading the previously stored data on the transponder307 Determine a second date based on the first date and the second date previously stored on the transponder 309 Store the second date on the transponder 311 Set the specific operating parameter to the specific value 401 Flowchart 403 Read a first date from the transponder 405 Determine a specific value of a specific operating parameter 407a Read the second date previously stored on the transponder 407b Provide information about the bulk material 407 Determine a second date based on the first date, the second date previously stored on the transponder, and the information about the bulk material 409 Store the second date on the transponder 411 Set the specific operating parameter to the specific value 501 Flowchart 503 Read a third date 505 Determine a specific specification of the movement frequency 507 Determine a frequency of the movement of theOperating element 509 Performing a comparison between the movement frequency and the specific specification 511 Generating a control signal 513 Performing a control of the operating element's speed 601 Flowchart 603 Reading a third data point 605 Determining a specific specification of the movement frequency 607 Determining a frequency of movement of the operating element 609 Performing a comparison between the movement frequency and the specific specification 611 Generating a control signal 613 Performing a control of the operating element's speed 701 Flowchart 703 Reading a first data point from the transponder 705 Determining a specific value of a specific operating parameter 707 Determining a second data point based on the first data point 709 Storing the second data point on the transponder 711 Determining a frequency of movement of the operating element 713 Performing a comparison between the movement frequency and the specificSpecification 715 Generating a control signal 717 Performing a control of the rotational speed of the operating element 801 Data structure 803 First data 805 Second data 811 Transponder 813 Data structure 821 Operating element 823 Transponder D Rotation axis

Claims

1. Method for setting up and / or operating a conveying device, measuring device, weighing device, grinding device, mixing device, filtering device, sieving device, drying device and / or dosing device for bulk material, - which comprises at least one exchangeable operating element performing a movement, in the form of a conveying member, discharging member, grinding member, mixing member, filtering member, sieving member, drying member and / or measuring member, with a transponder and - a communication device for data exchange with the transponder, - wherein by means of the communication device, - a first data stored on the transponder is read out (103, 203, 303, 403, 703), - a second data, which represents an operability state or a measure thereof of the operating element, is determined (107, 207, 307, 407, 707) based on the first data and stored on the transponder by means of the communication device (109, 209, 309, 409, 709), characterized in that - by means of the communication device a frequency of the movement of the operating element is determined and a third data is read out (507, 607, 711), wherein the third data is a specific specification of the movement frequency of the operating element or a specific specification is determined based on the third data (505, 605), - a comparison between the determined movement frequency and the specific specification is performed (509, 609, 713) and - a control signal, which is indicative for a result of the comparison, is generated (511, 611, 715).

2. Method according to claim 1, wherein at least one operating parameter of the device is a specific operating parameter and a value of the specific operating parameter to be set during an operation of the device is determined as a specific value at least partially based on the first data (105, 205, 305, 405, 705) or the first data is used as such a specific value of the specific operating parameter, and wherein preferably (i) the specific operating parameter of the device is set to the specific value (311, 411), and / or (ii) the second data is determined at least partially based on the specific value and / or the specific operating parameter.

3. Method according to claim 2, wherein the specific value is at least partially also determined based on a previously, in particular last, stored second data on the transponder, wherein preferably based on the previously stored second data on the transponder a, in particular upper, limit value of the value range of the specific value is determined and taken into account in the determination of the specific value.

4. Method according to any one of claims 2 to 3, wherein the specific operating parameter is a rotational speed of the operating element, a discharge capacity of the operating element, a diameter of the operating element, a pitch of the operating element, a characteristic curve of the operating element, a nominal conveying capacity of the operating element, an operating temperature of the operating element and / or a maximum acceleration in 3-axes of the operating element.

5. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the previously stored second data on the transponder is read out by means of the communication device (207a, 307a, 407a).

6. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second data is also determined based on the previously stored second data on the transponder (207, 307, 407).

7. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein based on the control signal a regulation of the movement, in particular the movement frequency, of the operating element is performed, in particular the movement frequency is limited upwards and / or kept at a defined or definable value (513, 613, 717).

8. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein (i) the movement of the operating element is a rotational movement of the operating element about an axis of rotation and preferably the movement frequency is a rotational speed, (ii) the movement of the operating element is a revolving movement of the operating element and preferably the movement frequency is a revolution frequency and / or (iii) the movement of the operating element is a linear movement, in particular a, preferably horizontal or vertical, reciprocating movement, of the operating element.

9. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, while the operating element performs the movement, the transponder is repeatedly, in particular periodically, detected by means of the communication device and based on the detection interval the movement frequency is determined.

10. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, by means of the communication device, the movement frequency of the operating element is determined by a reading out of sensor data relating to the movement frequency of the operating element from the transponder.

11. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein (i) the second data is at least partially determined based on the determined movement frequency, (ii) the third data is identical to the first data, and wherein preferably the specific value is used as specific specification, and / or (iii) the specific specification describes or makes determinable permissible values of the movement frequency, in particular describes or is a target value of the movement frequency, a maximum value of the movement frequency, a minimum value of the movement frequency and / or a permissible value range of the movement frequency.

12. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the transponder receives measurement data from at least one sensor or the transponder comprises the at least one sensor, and wherein preferably (i) a first sensor comprises or represents a rotational speed sensor, a position sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a magnetometer, an inclination sensor, a temperature sensor and / or an acceleration sensor and the first sensor provides the measurement data relating to the movement frequency to the transponder; and / or (ii) the measurement data are read out from the transponder by means of the communication device, and preferably at least a first part of the measurement data, in particular the measurement data of the first and / or at least one second sensor, are included in the determination of the specific value and / or the second data.

13. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method comprises that at least one information about the bulk material is provided (407b) and preferably that the second data, the specific value and / or the specific specification is at least partially also determined depending on the provided information (407).

14. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first data comprises or represents an identification code of the operating element, a target movement frequency, in particular a target rotational speed, of the operating element and / or a specification of the specific operating parameter.

15. Conveying device, measuring device, weighing device, grinding device, mixing device, filtering device, sieving device, drying device and / or dosing device (1) comprising an exchangeable and / or movable operating element (5), in the form of a conveying member, discharging member, grinding member, mixing member, filtering member, sieving member, drying member and / or measuring member with at least one transponder (13) and at least one communication device (15) for data exchange with the transponder (13), wherein the device (1) is configured to perform a method according to any one of claims 1 to 14.