System and method for monitoring the condition of a conveyor belt in a conveyor belt device, and corresponding conveyor belt device

Abstract

Shown and described is a system (1) for monitoring the condition of a conveyor belt (2) of a conveyor belt device (3), comprising: - a support shaft (4, 4'), - scraper segments (5, 5') arranged on the support shafts (4, 4') and connected to the support shafts (4, 4') in a torque-transmitting manner; a fixed support (8) having a support bearing (9) on which the support shaft (4, 4') is rotatably supported; an operating element (11) arranged on the support (8) and dynamically connected to the support shaft (4, 4'); - a sensor (10) for monitoring the condition of the conveyor belt (2), the scraper segments (5, 5'), the support shafts (4, 4'), the support (8) and the operating element (11) work together in such a way that forces acting on the scraper segments (5, 5') are transmitted to the operating element (11); The sensor (10) is positioned and configured such that the sensor (10) detects a property, particularly a physical quantity, of the operating element (11).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for monitoring the condition of a conveyor belt of a conveyor belt apparatus. The system includes a support shaft and at least one scraper segment disposed on the support shaft and torqueably coupled to the support shaft. The system further includes at least one fixed support having a support bearing and on which the support shaft is rotatably mounted. The system also includes an operating element disposed on the support and operably coupled to the support shaft, and a sensor for monitoring the condition of the conveyor belt.

[0002] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for monitoring the condition of a conveyor belt of a conveyor belt device using a system such as the one described above.

[0003] The invention also relates to a conveyor belt device comprising a conveyor belt and a system such as the one described above. [Background technology]

[0004] A conveyor belt device uses a moving conveyor belt to transport bulk materials such as sand, gravel, coal, and ore from one location to another. When the bulk materials fall off a corner of the conveyor belt, residue from the bulk materials may adhere to the conveyor belt. A scraper device for the conveyor belt may include the scraper segment described above. This scraper segment serves to scrape off the bulk materials adhering to the conveyor belt.

[0005] Typically, the first scraper segment or segments are attached directly to the deflecting roller of the conveyor belt and act as the so-called primary scraper device. A secondary scraper device is usually attached below the conveyor belt in the direction of travel of the conveyor belt behind the primary scraper device.

[0006] The conveyor belt scraper device typically comprises a plurality of side-by-side scraper segments that are typically replaceably mounted on a rotatable, and often linearly adjustable, support shaft that can extend transversely to the conveyor belt.

[0007] An adjusting device may be provided, which is usually connected to one or both ends of the support shaft and can be configured to generate the required preload on the conveyor belt scraper device by means of a corresponding lifting mechanism or preload spring. In some cases, the adjusting device also includes a drive motor, which is controlled by an electric or electronic control unit. While only one drive motor is mentioned here, this also includes variants in which several drive motors are provided, in particular one drive motor at each end of the support shaft. Summary of the Invention

[0008] In fact, monitoring methods are known that can be used to optically monitor the condition of conveyor belts. However, these methods require complex evaluation of measurement results and are prone to errors, leading to high operation, maintenance and manufacturing costs. Delayed detection of damage or potential damage (e.g., due to loose objects) can lead to damage to the entire conveyor belt system or even a breakdown of the conveyor belt system, resulting in additional and difficult-to-predict costs. For example, if loose objects get into the drive system of a conveyor belt system, this can cause significant damage.

[0009] Damage to the conveyor belt should be detected automatically, reliably, and as quickly as possible, and false detection (determining that damage exists when there is actually no damage) should be avoided as much as possible. If damage does occur, it is preferable that its position on the conveyor belt be detected as accurately as possible.

[0010] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a system and / or method for efficiently and / or reliably monitoring the condition of a conveyor belt of a conveyor belt device, and in particular to avoid or at least substantially reduce the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0011] To solve this problem, the present invention provides a system for monitoring the condition of a conveyor belt of a conveyor belt device.

[0012] The system includes a support shaft and at least one scraper segment arranged on the support shaft and torque-transmittingly connected to the support shaft. A plurality of scraper segments may also be provided, particularly arranged adjacent to one another on the support shaft. The scraper segment may be configured to reliably scrape material adhering to the conveyor belt.

[0013] Furthermore, the system according to the invention comprises a fixed support having a support bearing on which the support shaft is rotatably supported, on which operating elements of the system are also arranged, which operating elements are operably connected to the support shaft, in particular the operating elements are non-rotatably and / or non-torsionally connected to the support shaft.

[0014] The system of the present invention includes a sensor that monitors the condition of the conveyor belt.

[0015] The scraper segment, support shaft, support, and operating element work in conjunction to transmit forces acting on the scraper segment to the operating element, and the sensor is positioned and configured to detect a characteristic, particularly a physical variable, of the operating element.

[0016] The present invention makes it possible to use sensors to monitor the condition of the conveyor belt, to estimate its condition, and preferably to detect damage to it. Tests carried out during the development of the present invention have surprisingly shown that sensors, which can be arranged in particular on the support, can monitor operating elements and thereby estimate the condition of the conveyor belt.

[0017] In particular, for example, the scraper segment can be configured to come into contact with the conveyor belt, and when it comes into contact with a damaged area of ​​the conveyor belt, the interaction between the scraper segment and the conveyor belt changes, and the force acting on the scraper segment can be detected by a sensor through interaction with the operating element.

[0018] In particular, the operating element can also be movably, preferably pivotally, mounted on the support. Finally, in particular, a sensor can act in conjunction with the operating element, at least indirectly detecting a change in the position of the scraper end of the scraper segment facing the conveyor belt and / or a change in the adjusting force that must be applied to bring the scraper end into contact with the conveyor belt.

[0019] Preferably, the belt retraction force acting on the scraper ends of the scraper segments by the conveyor belt can be detected at least indirectly, in particular changes in the belt retraction force can be detected.

[0020] In the implementation of the present invention, it has been determined that the aforementioned changes may indicate damage to the belt.

[0021] The present invention therefore enables economical, efficient and safe monitoring of conveyor belts in a relatively simple manner.

[0022] In particular, according to the invention, the sensors and their interaction with the operating elements make it possible to deduce conclusions regarding the condition of the conveyor belt, preferably the detection of damage.

[0023] The load data or measurement signals detected by the sensors can in particular be evaluated, so that it can be checked, for example, whether they exceed and / or fall below threshold values ​​that in particular limit a given range.

[0024] In particular, the present invention allows for timely identification of potential damage events and, in particular, assessment of the extent of potential damage, which can significantly reduce the operation and maintenance costs of the entire conveyor belt system.

[0025] Preferably, the sensor allows at least indirect detection of the movement of the operating element, whereby conclusions can be inferred about the conveyor belt from the operating element being connected to the support shaft and the support shaft being connected to the scraper segment, in particular the sensor can detect that the support shaft or the scraper segment has undergone or has undergone a change such that the scraper segment loses contact with the conveyor belt.

[0026] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the system includes an adjusting device that moves the support shaft so that the surface of the scraper segment, in particular the scraper end, contacts the conveyor belt. The adjusting device is arranged and / or supported by the holding device and is further torque-transmittingly connected to the support shaft. The operating element can be operatively connected to the adjusting device or can be part of the adjusting device.

[0027] The adjusting device can transmit an adjusting force to the scraper segment, so that the scraper end comes into contact with the conveyor belt. If the conveyor belt is damaged, the adjusting force that the adjusting device applies can change, in particular increase. Such a change in the adjusting force can be detected, in accordance with the invention, in particular by the operating element and the sensor.

[0028] The adjustment device is preferably arranged and / or supported on a support, in particular on the outside of the conveyor belt, preferably at least indirectly on a deflection roller of the conveyor belt.

[0029] In particular, the sensor can detect when the scraper segment moves or moves out of contact with the conveyor belt, thereby changing or altering the adjusting force.

[0030] Finally, the adjusting device can apply a preload to the support shaft, which preload causes the scraper segments to press their scraper ends against the conveyor belt with a preload that must be high enough to reliably remove any loose material residue adhering to the conveyor belt, but not too high to prevent the conveyor belt from being damaged by the scraper segments.

[0031] The adjustment device can act in conjunction with one or more scraper segments.

[0032] In particular, the adjustment device is arranged on or connected to the support shaft and therefore acts in cooperation with the scraper segments arranged on the support shaft.

[0033] It is particularly preferred to configure the operating element as a lever that is freely rotatably supported on a support or as a pendulum that is freely rotatably supported on a support.

[0034] Preferably, the operating element is connected to the support shaft in a non-rotatable and / or non-torsional manner, as described above. This arrangement of the operating element allows for a particularly preferred embodiment in which the operating element is operatively connected to the scraper segment via the support shaft. This connection is possible even when the scraper segment is non-rotatably connected to the support shaft. The connection via the support shaft thus allows for recognition of changes in the scraper segment, which indicate damage to the conveyor belt, and for this to be detected by a sensor.

[0035] Alternatively or additionally, it is also conceivable that the operating element is connected to the support shaft in such a way that a load on the support shaft causes a translational movement of the operating element. Such an arrangement or connection of the operating element to the support shaft allows the state of the conveyor belt to be monitored at least indirectly via sensors based on the translational movement of the operating element, due to the interaction of the support shaft with the scraper segment and, on the other hand, the interaction of the operating element with the support shaft.

[0036] Finally, changes in the translational movement of the operating element may indicate damage to the conveyor belt after a corresponding evaluation, which can be determined by the measurement data detected by the sensors.

[0037] Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it can be envisaged that the sensor and the operating element are arranged and configured such that when the operating element moves, the operating element exerts a force on the sensor, in particular pushing on the sensor or pulling on the sensor.

[0038] Here, the normal or no-load state of the operating element may be such that the operating element is not engaged with the sensor.

[0039] In principle, however, in other embodiments, the operating element can also abut against the sensor under normal or no-load conditions.

[0040] By applying force, the sensor can determine if the conveyor belt is damaged and monitor the condition of the conveyor belt, among other things. In particular, it can detect changes in the force and infer the condition of the conveyor belt from these changes.

[0041] Preferably, the sensor is arranged and configured to detect a force exerted on it by the operating element. By detecting this force, the sensor can detect a measurement signal that can be used to evaluate and determine the state of the conveyor belt. The force can be measured indirectly or directly. Indirect force detection means, in particular, that the sensor can detect a physical quantity that correlates with the applied force.

[0042] In another preferred embodiment, the sensor is positioned and configured to detect changes in the position or angle of the operating element, or the acceleration of the operating element. When the operating element and sensor are configured in this manner, the sensor can detect, among other things, translational and rotational movement, or acceleration of the operating element. Therefore, instead of or in addition to force, the deflection of the operating element or changes in the movement of the operating element can also be used for damage detection. Therefore, the sensor can be configured in a variety of ways, but in any case, the condition of the conveyor belt can be inferred.

[0043] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the sensor comprises a strain gauge or is configured as a strain gauge, force sensor, piezoelectric sensor, potentiometer, angle sensor, acceleration sensor, or magnetic proximity sensor. The aforementioned sensor configurations allow the state of the conveyor belt to be monitored by the interaction of the operating element with the sensor. According to the invention, it is recognized that various measurement principles can be used to determine the state of the conveyor belt, in particular by changing the force acting on the scraper segments. Finally, the sensor is specifically configured to enable damage detection of the conveyor belt.

[0044] The configuration of the sensors as strain gauges is particularly preferred, as it ensures an efficient, inexpensive and reliable measurement method: the strain gauges allow at least indirect measurement of the force acting on the sensor by the operating element, which can then be used as an indicator of the state of the conveyor belt.

[0045] Preferably, alternatively or additionally, the sensor is configured to measure the deflection of the operating element, in particular the sensor is configured as an optical or ultrasonic sensor, and deflections of the operating element that can be detected at least indirectly via the sensor can also be used to conclude changes in the state of the conveyor belt and the scraper segments.

[0046] It is particularly preferred that the sensor is fixedly arranged on the support. By fixedly arranging the sensor on the support, the sensor can work in cooperation with the operating element in a relatively simple manner, in particular the sensor can be arranged adjacent to the operating element. In this case, the sensor can be preferably arranged adjacent to the operating element. On the other hand, the operating element can be supported on the support in a movably, in particular rotatably, manner. The support can thus ensure the interaction between the sensor and the operating element.

[0047] Preferably, the sensor is arranged in a housing of the support. The housing at least partially encloses the sensor and preferably protects it from external influences and / or mechanical damage. Furthermore, the housing can protect the sensor from dirt, particularly from dirt that occurs in the area of ​​the deflecting rollers during operation of the conveyor belt device. This improves the sensor's wear resistance.

[0048] The operating element preferably has a protrusion for cooperating with the sensor. Preferably, the outer periphery of the operating element, preferably the protrusion, facing the sensor is arcuate, or at least substantially arcuate. This structure allows for relatively easy detection of the deflection of the operating element or the force of the operating element acting on the sensor as the operating element rotates.

[0049] Preferably, the system comprises a restoring means, preferably a spring means, arranged on the support and applying a restoring force to the operating element when the operating element moves, thereby enabling the operating element to return to its original position after a corresponding movement of the operating element. Finally, the restoring means may also be configured so that the operating element must first overcome the restoring force applied by the restoring means in order to move. This allows the operating element to be initiated, and in particular allows the system to preferentially detect only certain minimum changes in the scraper segment, rather than detecting every slight change in the adjusting force applied to the scraper end. Finally, the restoring means may set a lower limit that must first be overcome.

[0050] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the system comprises a communication device for transmitting information detected by the sensor. This communication device can be located remote from the support or outside the support. The communication device can also be located outside the conveyor belt. Therefore, the communication device can also be considered an external communication device.

[0051] The communication device may be cloud-based in another embodiment.

[0052] However, it is preferred that the communication device is a physical device located near the conveyor or conveyor belt and monitors the condition of the conveyor belt by evaluating information detected by the sensor. Ultimately, the communication device can evaluate information measured by the sensor to monitor the condition of the conveyor belt. Preferably, damage to the conveyor can be detected by the communication device. For this purpose, the information measured by the sensor can be compared with a threshold value stored in the communication device.

[0053] Preferably, the communication device is in wired connection with the sensor, although in further embodiments a wireless connection may also be provided to allow for simple transmission of measurement signals from the sensor.

[0054] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the system includes a measuring device for measuring the speed, the running direction, and / or the position of the conveyor belt. The measuring device may particularly include a metering roller. The metering roller may be arranged on the conveyor belt, preferably below the conveyor belt. The metering roller can measure the speed of the conveyor belt by rotating the metering roller, preferably by transmitting torque to the metering roller, preferably by the moving conveyor belt. This allows the speed of the conveyor belt to be measured by the rotation speed of the metering roller.

[0055] Furthermore, inductive sensors of the measuring device can be arranged on the measuring rollers. These inductive sensors can work in particular in conjunction with indicators that can be arranged on the conveyor belt. The indicators can be, for example, metal strips arranged on the conveyor belt. This makes it possible to detect the position of the conveyor belt, for example, by correlating the position of the indicator with the speed of the conveyor belt. The running direction of the conveyor belt can be detected by the direction of rotation of the measuring rollers.

[0056] In yet another preferred embodiment, the measurement device is connected to a communication device for transmitting information measured by the measurement device. Preferably, the communication device is configured to correlate or enable correlation of information received from the measurement device and the sensor so as to determine the location of the damage on the conveyor belt. Such location measurement can be made possible, for example, by utilizing the interaction of an inductive sensor with an indicating means, although the location can also be detected in other ways.

[0057] By correlating the measurement data from both the measuring device and the sensor, the operator of the conveyor belt system can particularly detect damage relatively quickly and repair this damage to the conveyor belt quickly, thereby reducing the costs and effort required for maintaining the conveyor belt system.

[0058] Preferably, the system includes a control device for controlling the conveyor belt device. The communication device may be connected to the control device such that, if damage to the conveyor belt is detected by the communication device, the control device stops the conveyor belt and / or the conveyor belt device and / or moves the scraper segment away from the conveyor belt. This allows a user of the conveyor belt device to take measures to prevent further damage to the conveyor belt and to repair the damage to the conveyor belt relatively quickly. Thus, the control device increases the safety of the entire conveyor belt device.

[0059] In yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a manual clutch is arranged on the support shaft, preferably on the adjusting device, by means of which the rotational position of the support shaft, preferably the operating element, can be manually adjusted and fixed in the respective rotational position. In particular, by appropriately operating the clutch, the scraper segments can be adjusted relative to the conveyor belt or separated from the conveyor belt. The clutch therefore allows an outsider to easily change the position of the scraper segments.

[0060] Preferably, the adjusting device comprises a drive element of an electric drive motor fixed to the support and torqueably connected to the support shaft. Preferably, the drive element is non-rotatably connected to the operating element. The drive motor can also be provided in addition to or as an alternative to the clutch.

[0061] An adjustment device without a drive motor can also be provided according to the invention, in which case the preload acting on the scraper segments can be exerted by the adjustment device.

[0062] The present invention also relates to a method for monitoring the condition of a conveyor belt of a conveyor belt device, which method first includes providing a system according to any of the above-described embodiments. Furthermore, according to this method and the present invention, a characteristic value of an operating element is detected. The characteristic value of the operating element is detected in the above-described particularly advantageous manner.

[0063] Therefore, with regard to preferred embodiments and advantages of the method of the present invention, reference can be made to the above advantages and preferred configurations of the system of the present invention, with it being understood that these can also be applied to the method of the present invention. Finally, in the method of the present invention, monitoring of the condition of the conveyor belt of the conveyor belt device is performed using the system of the present invention. How such a monitoring method is implemented has already been described in the description of the system, so further description in this regard will be omitted to avoid unnecessary repetition.

[0064] In the method according to the invention, the support shaft is preferably moved so that the surface of the scraper segment is in contact with the conveyor belt, in particular when the characteristic value of the operating element is measured.

[0065] Various measurement methods or principles can be employed to measure the characteristic value of the operating element, in particular to determine the possibility of damage to the conveyor belt. In a first preferred embodiment, when the operating element moves, it exerts a force on the sensor, in particular the operating element pushes or pulls the sensor. This force, or a quantity correlated with this force, can in particular be the characteristic value measured by the sensor.

[0066] In another preferred embodiment, the force exerted by the moving element on the sensor, the change in position or angle of the moving element, or the acceleration of the moving element is measured.

[0067] Alternatively or additionally, the deflection of the motion element can be measured.

[0068] By using the above-described measuring method, the state of the conveyor belt can be monitored, particularly by measuring the characteristic values ​​of the operating elements.

[0069] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the method, the communication device evaluates the information measured by the sensor in order to monitor the state of the conveyor belt, in particular so that damage to the conveyor belt can be detected by the communication device. Thus, the method according to the invention makes it possible to particularly reliably detect damage to the conveyor belt.

[0070] Preferably, the measuring device detects at least indirectly the speed, direction of travel and / or position of the conveyor belt, and for this purpose, the measuring device may utilize a measuring roller and / or an inductive sensor and indicating means, as described above.

[0071] Furthermore, the invention relates to a conveyor belt device comprising a conveyor belt and a system according to any of the previous embodiments.

[0072] Furthermore, it goes without saying that, in order to avoid unnecessary explanation, there is no need to explicitly mention further descriptions of methods and / or systems that are also applicable to the conveying belt device of the present invention. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0073] Further features, advantages and applications of the invention will become apparent from the description of the embodiments based on the drawings and from the drawings themselves, wherein all features described and / or shown, whether alone or in any combination, constitute the subject matter of the invention, regardless of the abstract or reference to the claims. [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic perspective view of a conveyor belt device according to the present invention; [Figure 2] 5 is a schematic side view of components of another embodiment of a conveyor belt device according to the present invention; FIG. [Figure 3] 5 is a schematic side view of components of another embodiment of a conveyor belt device according to the present invention; FIG. [Figure 4] 5 is a schematic side view of components of another embodiment of a conveyor belt device according to the present invention; FIG. [Figure 5]5 is a schematic side view of components of another embodiment of a conveyor belt device according to the present invention; FIG. [Figure 6] 1 is a schematic exploded perspective view of components of a system according to the present invention; [Figure 7] 10 is a schematic perspective view of components of another embodiment of a system according to the present invention; FIG. [Figure 8] 10 is a schematic perspective view of components of another embodiment of a system according to the present invention; FIG. [Figure 9] 10 is a schematic perspective view of components of another embodiment of a system according to the present invention; FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the interaction of certain components in another embodiment of the system of the present invention. [Figure 11] 1 is a schematic diagram of the method according to the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a schematic bottom view of a conveyor belt according to the present invention. [Figure 13] 1 is a schematic perspective view of a measurement device according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0074] FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a conveyor belt device 3 with a conveyor belt 2, in which a first embodiment of a system 1 according to the invention for monitoring the condition of the conveyor belt 2 is employed.

[0075] FIG. 1 schematically shows the front end in the conveying direction of a conveyor belt device 3 that conveys an object 24. The object 24 can also be called a loose object. The conveyor belt 2 has a conveyor belt section 25 and a return section 23 (lower belt) located below it. The conveyor belt 2 is arranged so as to circulate endlessly within the conveyor belt device 3. The conveyor belt 2 travels around a deflection roller 26 in the transition region from the conveyor belt section 25 to the return section 23.

[0076] A driving device (not shown) for driving the conveyor belt 2 is connected to the conveyor belt 2.

[0077] 1 shows a schematic diagram of an object 24 being conveyed on the conveyor belt 2, specifically on the top of the conveyor belt section 25. For example, the object 24 may be loose material such as sand, gravel, coal, ore, etc.

[0078] Below the conveyor belt 2, not far from the deflecting roller 26, the support shaft 4 of the conveyor belt device 3 and system 1 can be seen. The support shaft 4 can have a hexagonal cross section. By way of example, three scraper segments 5 are arranged on the support shaft 4. The scraper segments 5 can ultimately be arranged on the support shaft 4 in various ways.

[0079] At least one scraper segment 5 is arranged on the support shaft 4 and is connected to it in a torque-transmitting manner. In particular, the scraper segment 5 (here, the singular also denotes the plural) is connected to the support shaft 4 in a torque-transmitting manner by a positive fit. The scraper segment 5 can have a scraper end 6 located opposite the holding end 22. Figure 1 shows a so-called primary scraper device 27, in which the scraper end 6 of the scraper segment 5 is arranged at least substantially below the deflecting roller 26 of the conveyor belt 2 in the region of the lower or return section 23.

[0080] FIG. 2 shows a primary scraper device 27 and next to it a so-called secondary scraper device 28 .

[0081] 1 further shows a support 8, which is preferably arranged stationary and on which, in the embodiment shown, the support shaft 4 is rotatably supported. The support shaft 4 is rotatably supported in the support 8 by means of a support bearing 9. The rotatable support of the support shaft can in particular be provided around the longitudinal axis X of the support shaft 4, as is shown diagrammatically in FIG.

[0082] The system 1 further comprises an operating element 11. The operating element 11 is arranged on the support 8 and is operably coupled to the support shaft 4. In particular, in the preferred embodiment shown in FIG.

[0083] Alternatively or additionally, it is also possible that the operating element 11 is connected to the support shaft 4 in such a way that a load on the support shaft 4 causes a translational movement of the operating element 11 .

[0084] Furthermore, the system 1 includes a sensor 10 as shown schematically in Figures 1, 6 and 7 to 9. The sensor 10 is provided to monitor the condition of the conveyor belt 2.

[0085] 1 and elsewhere, the scraper segments 5 (here meaning both singular and plural), the support shaft 4, the support 8 and the operating element 11 act in conjunction with one another such that a force acting on the scraper segments 5 is transmitted to the operating element 11. Here, the sensor 10 is arranged and configured such that the sensor 10 detects a property, in particular a physical quantity, of the operating element 11.

[0086] This value detected by the sensor 10 makes it possible to deduce the state of the conveyor belt 2 and to monitor it accordingly.

[0087] For example, the sensor 10 can be configured to detect a change in the position of the operating element 11, thereby enabling an inference to be made about the state of the conveyor belt 2. For example, the belt retraction force acting on the scraper segment 5 or scraper end 6 by the conveyor belt 2 may change. In particular, if the conveyor belt 2 has belt damage, the belt retraction force acting on the scraper end 6 will change.

[0088] If the belt is damaged, the scraper segment 5 may separate from the conveyor belt 2, which will result in a movement of the support shaft 4 and therefore of the operating element 11. Thus, by detecting the interaction and / or connection between the scraper segment 5 and the operating element 11 and the characteristic value of the operating element 11, it is possible to infer the position of the operating element 11 and / or the force that the conveyor belt 2 exerts on the scraper segment 5.

[0089] Alternatively or additionally, the characteristic values ​​detected by the sensor 10 may also allow an estimation of the adjustment force required to adjust the scraper segment 5 relative to the conveyor belt 2. The adjustment force can be applied, for example, by an adjustment device 7.

[0090] In the preferred embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the system 1 further comprises an adjusting device 7, by means of which the support shaft 4 is operable to bring the surfaces of the scraper segments 5, in particular the scraper ends 6, into contact with the conveyor belt 2, the adjusting device 7 being arranged on a support 10 and torque-transmittingly connected to the support shaft 4. An operating element 11 can be operably connected to the adjusting device 7 or can be part of the adjusting device 7.

[0091] The adjusting device 7 may be motor-driven, as shown in Fig. 1, but this does not necessarily have to be the case. In this regard, Figs. 7 and 9 show an embodiment of the adjusting device 7, and Fig. 9 shows a part of the adjusting device 7, in which the drive motor 21 is not provided. In this case, the position adjustment can be performed by a manual clutch 19, as will be explained later. Also in this case, the adjusting device 7 can be operated in particular manually and can include a spring device or the like for fixing the scraper segment 5.

[0092] FIG. 6 shows a schematic exploded view of the operating element 11. The operating element 11 may be made up of multiple parts or a single part. In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the operating element 11 is made up of multiple parts. In the assembled state, the components of the operating element 11 can be non-rotatably connected to one another, as shown diagrammatically in FIG. 8. According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the operating element 11 is also a component of the adjustment device 7.

[0093] In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the sensor 10 and operating element 11 are positioned and configured such that, when the operating element 11 moves, the operating element 11 exerts a force on the sensor 10, in particular pushing on the sensor 10.

[0094] Preferably, the sensor 10 is positioned and configured such that the sensor 10 can detect a force applied to the sensor 10 by the operating element 11. The force detection can be done directly or indirectly. In particular, a quantity that correlates to the force applied to the sensor 10 by the operating element 11 can also be measured.

[0095] In particular, the sensor 10 is positioned and configured so that the sensor 10 can detect a change in position or angle of the operating element 11 or an acceleration of the operating element 11. This is envisioned in embodiments not specifically shown.

[0096] 1, the sensor 10 may be formed as a strain gauge. In other embodiments, the sensor 10 may comprise a strain gauge or may be configured as a force sensor, a piezoelectric sensor, a potentiometer, an angle sensor, an acceleration sensor, or a magnetic proximity sensor.

[0097] Furthermore, in another embodiment not shown in detail, it is possible to measure the deflection of the operating element 11, in particular if the sensor 10 is configured as an optical or ultrasonic sensor.

[0098] In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the sensor 10 is fixed to a support 8 .

[0099] 2 finally shows that both the primary scraper device 27 and the secondary scraper device 28 are provided with two adjustment devices 7 and 7'. In this respect, it is needless to say that the above explanations regarding the adjustment device 7 of the primary scraper device 27, which is shown diagrammatically in FIG. 1, are equally applicable to the adjustment device 7' of the secondary scraper device 28. Ultimately, the system 1 can be provided on both the primary scraper device 27 and the secondary scraper device 28 and configured in particular according to the embodiments described above and below.

[0100] The system 1 of secondary scraper devices 28 may also comprise a support shaft 4' and at least one scraper element 5' arranged on the support shaft 4'.

[0101] FIG. 6 shows a schematic diagram of the operating element 11 having a protrusion 12 for cooperating with the sensor 10 according to the illustrated preferred embodiment. This is shown in particular detail in FIG. 8. In particular, the outer periphery 13 of the operating element 11 and / or the protrusion 12 facing the sensor 10 is at least substantially arc-shaped and / or curved and / or angled. This shape of the outer periphery 13 allows the sensor 10 to relatively easily detect the movement or force of the operating element 11 and infer the state of the conveyor belt 2. In this way, the protrusion 12 ensures that the entire operating element 11 does not have to collide or contact the sensor 10, but rather only a predetermined area, which can be configured depending on the type of sensor 10.

[0102] In this case, the protrusions 12 can be configured, for example, such that they must overcome a minimum force or a minimum distance, specifically determined by tests carried out during the development of the invention, before interacting with the sensor 10. If such distance or such force is overcome, it is assumed that there is damage to the conveyor belt 2. In that case, the sensor 10 also detects the movement or force of the operating element 11, allowing timely detection of belt damage.

[0103] It is not shown in detail that the preferred system 1 shown in Fig. 1 comprises a restoring means arranged on the support 8 and applying a restoring force to the operating element 11 when the operating element 11 is in operation. Such a restoring means can therefore ensure that, after the operating element 11 is deflected, the operating means 11 and the interaction of the operating means 11 with the sensor 10 prevent the recurrence of damage to the belt and the detection of damage to the belt.

[0104] In the preferred embodiment shown in Fig. 1, a communication device 14 is provided. The communication device 14 is used to transmit information measured by the sensor 10. In particular, the sensor 10 may be connected to the communication device 14 by wire. The communication device 14 may be arranged outside the support part 8, as shown schematically in Fig. 1. The communication device 14 is preferably configured to evaluate the information measured by the sensor 10 in order to monitor the condition of the conveyor belt 2, preferably so that damage to the conveyor belt 2 can be detected by the communication device 14.

[0105] Furthermore, although not described in detail, it is also conceivable that the communication device 14 is connected to an external server or an external cloud that can appropriately evaluate the measurement data detected by the sensor 10 for damage detection of the conveyor belt. In that case, the communication device 14 is provided with corresponding transmission means for transmission to the server or cloud, preferably allowing wireless transmission.

[0106] 12 and 13 show that the system 1 can be equipped with a measuring device 15. FIG. 13 shows a measuring roller, which is a component of the measuring device 15, and which can be arranged below the conveyor belt 2, for example in the return section or below the conveyor belt section 25. Finally, a measuring device can be provided for detecting the speed of the conveyor belt 2, the running direction of the conveyor belt 2, and / or the position of the conveyor belt 2. The measuring roller can thus appropriately measure the aforementioned quantities by means of its rotation.

[0107] 12, the measuring device 15 can further comprise an indicator 31 arranged on the conveyor belt 2 or on the conveyor belt itself 24. This indicator 31 works in conjunction with a sensor of the measuring device 15 and can be arranged at a specific position on the conveyor belt 2. If the speed and direction of rotation of the conveyor belt 2 are known, then from these measurements it can be determined, for example, which position of the conveyor belt 2 is engaged with the scraper segment 5 or in which area of ​​the conveyor belt 2 the scraper segment 5 is located.

[0108] The measuring device 15 may be configured with a communication device 14 for transmitting information measured by the measuring device 15, as shown schematically in FIG. 10. Preferably, the communication device 14 is configured to store information received from the measuring device 15 and the sensors in a manner that correlates the information received so that the location of damage to the conveyor belt 2 can be detected. This is possible because the information detected by the sensors 10 can again detect when damage occurred to the conveyor belt 2. The information detected by the measuring device 15 can identify which part of the conveyor belt 2 is damaged. This can be done, for example, by measuring the speed, direction of travel, and position of the conveyor belt 2.

[0109] In particular, the measuring device 15 can comprise inductive sensors, preferably arranged in the measuring trap, which in particular can act in conjunction with an indicator means 31, preferably a metal strip, to detect the position of this indicator means 31 on the conveyor belt 2.

[0110] 10 schematically illustrates that a control device 16 is provided. The control device 16 may be a component of the system 1. The control device 16 may be configured to control the conveyor belt device 2, and the communication device 14 may be connected to the control device 16 such that if damage to the conveyor belt 2 is detected by the communication device 14, the control device 16 stops the conveyor belt 2 and / or the conveyor belt device 3 and / or releases the scraper segment 5 of the conveyor belt 2.

[0111] Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 4, a manual clutch 19 can also be provided, by means of which the rotational position of the support shaft 4, and in particular of the operating element 11 in the preferred embodiment shown, can be manually adjusted. At each set position, the relative rotational position can be fixed in particular by means of the clutch 19. By activating the clutch 19, in the preferred embodiment shown in Fig. 4, the scraper segment 5 can be adjusted relative to the conveyor belt 2 or released from it again.

[0112] The clutch 19 is also shown in more detail in FIGS.

[0113] 1 also shows a drive for the support shaft 4. At least one drive element 20 of a drive motor 21 is provided, which is torque-transmittingly coupled to the support shaft 4, preferably to one end of the support shaft 4. Not shown in detail in the figure is that a control for the drive motor 21 is also provided. Typically, such a control can be an electronic control, in particular an electronic control with corresponding control software.

[0114] By appropriately driving the drive motor 21, the scraper segment 5 can be positioned with its scraper end 6 relative to the conveyor belt 2 or released, i.e. removed, from the conveyor belt 2. The drive motor 21 can be arranged fixedly or movably on the support 8. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the drive motor 21 is not arranged directly on the support 8 but is at least indirectly supported by the support 8, although it is ultimately movable relative to it. The drive element of the drive motor 21 is coupled to the drive element 20 in a particularly suitable manner.

[0115] The drive motor 21 can be of any configuration, for example a hydraulic drive motor or a pneumatic drive motor. An electric drive motor 21, preferably an electric linear drive motor 21, is preferred.

[0116] In principle, it is also conceivable to implement the invention without using a drive motor 21. In that case, the adjustment of the scraper segments 5 relative to the conveyor belt 2 can be carried out in other ways, for example manually.

[0117] In the illustrated and preferred embodiment in this respect, the manual clutch 19 is non-rotatably connected to the support shaft 4 and is manually adjustable and lockably connected to the drive element 20. The clutch 19 allows manual adjustment of the relative rotational position of the support shaft 4 and the drive element 20 of the drive motor 21. The non-rotatable connection of the manual clutch 19 to the support shaft 4 is shown in FIG. 4 with a polygonal cutout 30, the manual clutch 19, and a fixing screw therein. This fixing screw allows a single and identical manual clutch 19 to be mounted on support shafts 4 of different sizes.

[0118] The manually adjustable and lockable connection between the manual clutch 19 and the drive element 20 is realized in an upper region slightly above the support shaft 4. For this purpose, in a preferred embodiment, the connection between the clutch 19 and the drive element 20 is provided with a ratchet mechanism 17 that is adjustable in steps and a stepless fine adjustment mechanism 18. The part-circular tooth arc of the ratchet mechanism 17 is visible, as is a latch bolt 29 that engages from above in a corresponding position on the ratchet mechanism 17, above the tooth arc of the ratchet mechanism 17. This latch bolt 29 can be fixed to the drive element 20.

[0119] 7, the latch bolt 29 is finally fitted into the ratchet mechanism 17. This fixes the relative positions of the manual clutch 19 and the drive element 20.

[0120] In the other figures, the latch bolt 29 cannot be seen because it is covered by the drive element 20 .

[0121] Here, according to a preferred embodiment, the manual clutch 19 can be operated by hand without the use of tools, and for this purpose a pull tab can be provided for pulling the latch bolt 29 upward.

[0122] When the pull handle is used to pull the latch bolt 29 upwards, it disengages from the ratchet mechanism 17. This allows the drive element 20 to rotate. When the pull handle is then released again, the latch bolt 29 is pushed back into the ratchet mechanism 17 by the force of the spring, according to a preferred embodiment.

[0123] If the latch bolt 29 is already in place in the ratchet mechanism 17, adjustments can be made in the fine adjustment mechanism 18 using two adjustment screws on the left and right that allow corresponding changes. For example, if it is desired to rotate the drive element 20 to the left relative to the support shaft 4, the screw on the left side of the fine adjustment mechanism 18 is tightened and the screw on the right side is loosened, and vice versa for rotation to the right.

[0124] Figure 11 shows a method according to the invention, which allows monitoring the state of the conveyor belt 2 of the conveyor belt device 3. For this purpose, in a first step A, a system 1 according to any of the embodiments described above, such as those described above in relation to Figures 1 to 10 and 12 to 13, is provided.

[0125] In process step B, the characteristic value of the operating element 11 can be detected, as described above.

[0126] In this regard, in the first embodiment, when the operating element 11 moves, it can exert a force on the sensor 10, in particular pushing or pulling on the sensor 10. This force can in particular be detected by the sensor 10, at least indirectly.

[0127] Furthermore, particularly in the alternative embodiment, process step B, the force exerted by the operating element 11 on the sensor 10, or the change in position or angle of the operating element 11, or the acceleration of the operating element 11 can be detected.

[0128] Alternatively or additionally, the deflection of the operating element 11 can be measured.

[0129] In step C, the measuring device 15 can furthermore at least indirectly determine the speed of the conveyor belt 2, the running direction of the conveyor belt 2 or the position of the conveyor belt 2, in particular via the indicating means 31 and the measuring roller. This relevant information can preferably be transmitted to the communication device 14.

[0130] In step D, in particular, the communication device 14 can extend the information detected by the sensor 10 in order to monitor the condition of the conveyor belt 2. In particular, damage to the conveyor belt 24 itself or to the conveyor belt 2 can be detected by the communication device 14.

[0131] In the evaluation of the measurement data in step D, the communication device 14 can also associate the information obtained from the sensors 10 with the measurement data transmitted by the measurement device 15, thereby making it possible, in particular, to assign detected belt damage to a position on the conveyor belt 2 as well.

[0132] If necessary, in step E, it is provided that if belt damage is detected, the scraper segments 5 are released from the conveyor belt 2 or the conveyor belt device 3 is stopped, but such a stop only applies if damage to the conveyor belt 2 is detected.

[0133] During steps A to D or during the implementation of this method, the support shaft 4 can be moved so that the surface of the scraper segment 5 abuts against the conveyor belt 2.

[0134] As mentioned above, Figure 1 shows part of a conveyor belt apparatus 3 according to the present invention, comprising a conveyor belt 2 and a system 1 according to any of the above-mentioned embodiments. The conveyor belt apparatus 3 is itself part of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0135] 1: System 2: Conveyor belt 3: Conveyor belt device 4: Support shaft 4': Support shaft 5: Scraper segment 5': scraper segment 6: Scraper end 7: Adjustment device 7': Adjustment device 8: Support part 9:4 support bearing 10: Sensor 11: Action element 12:11 protrusion 13:11 outer edge 14: Communication equipment 15: Measuring equipment 16: Control device 17: Ratchet mechanism 18: Fine adjustment mechanism 19: Clutch 20: Driving element 21: Drive motor 22: Holding end 23:Return section 24: Transported goods 25: Conveyor belt section 26: Turning roller 27: Primary scraper device 28: Secondary scraper device 29: Latch bolt 30: Polygonal cutout 31: Instruction means X:4 longitudinal axis

Claims

1. A system (1) for monitoring the status of a conveyor belt (2) of a conveyor belt device (3), comprising: - the support shafts (4, 4'), - scraper segments (5, 5') arranged on the support shafts (4, 4') and connected to the support shafts (4, 4') in a torque-transmitting manner; a fixed support (8) with a support bearing (9) on which said support shaft (4, 4') is rotatably supported; - an operating element (11) arranged on said support (8) and dynamically linked to said support shafts (4, 4'); - a sensor (10) for monitoring the condition of said conveyor belt (2); Equipped with the scraper segments (5, 5'), the support shafts (4, 4'), the support (8) and the operating element (11) work together in such a way that forces acting on the scraper segments (5, 5') are transmitted to the operating element (11); The system (1) is arranged and configured such that the sensor (10) detects a property, in particular a physical quantity, of the operating element (11).

2. the system comprises an adjusting device (7) for moving the support shafts (4, 4') so that the surfaces of the scraper segments (5, 5') can come into contact with the conveyor belt (2); 2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the adjusting device (7) is arranged on the support (8) and is torqueably connected to the support shaft (4, 4'), and the operating element (11) is operably coupled to the adjusting device (7).

3. 3. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the operating element (11) is non-rotatably connected to the support shaft (4, 4').

4. 3. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the operating element (11) is coupled to the support shaft (4, 4') such that a load on the support shaft (4, 4') causes a translational movement of the operating element (11).

5. 10. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor (10) and the operating element (11) are arranged and configured such that when the operating element (11) moves, the operating element (11) exerts a force on the sensor (10), in particular pushing or pulling the sensor (10).

6. 10. The system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor (10) is positioned and configured such that the sensor (10) detects a force acting on the sensor (10) by the operating element (11).

7. 10. The system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor (10) is positioned and configured to detect a change in position or angle of the operating element (11) or an acceleration of the operating element (11).

8. 10. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor (10) comprises a strain gauge or is configured as a strain gauge, a force sensor, a piezoelectric sensor, a potentiometer, an angle sensor, an acceleration sensor, or a magnetic proximity sensor.

9. 5. The system according to claim 1, wherein the sensor (10) is configured to be able to measure the deflection of the operating element (11), in particular the sensor (10) is configured as an optical sensor (10) or an ultrasonic sensor.

10. 10. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor (10) is fixedly arranged on the support (8), in particular within a housing of the support (8).

11. 10. The system according to claim 9, wherein the operating element (11) has a protrusion (12) for acting in cooperation with the sensor (10), and in particular the outer peripheral edge (13) of the operating element (11) facing the sensor (10) is formed in an arc shape.

12. 10. The system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising restoring means arranged on the support (8) for exerting a restoring force on the operating element (11) when the operating element (11) is displaced.

13. 10. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a communication device for transmitting information detected by the sensor, the communication device being arranged at a distance from the support, and in particular the communication device being configured to evaluate the information detected by the sensor in order to monitor the condition of the conveyor belt, preferably such that damage to the conveyor belt can be detected by the communication device.

14. 10. The system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the system (10) comprises a measuring device (15) for detecting the speed of the conveyor belt (2), the running direction of the conveyor belt (2) and / or the position of the conveyor belt (2), in particular the measuring device (15) comprises a measuring roller arranged on the conveyor belt (2).

15. The system according to claim 14 dependent on claim 13, wherein the measuring device (15) is connected to the communication device (14) for transmitting information detected by the measuring device (15), and preferably the communication device (14) is configured to correlate information received from the measuring device (15) and the sensor (10) by the communication device (14), thereby making it possible to detect the location of damage on the conveyor belt (2).

16. 16. The system according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the measuring device (15) comprises a measuring roll, in particular an inductive sensor (10) of the measuring device (15) is arranged on the measuring roll.

17. 10. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a control device for controlling the conveyor belt device, the communication device being connected to the control device, and wherein, if damage to the conveyor belt is detected by the communication device, the control device stops the conveyor belt and / or the conveyor belt device and / or releases the scraper segments from the conveyor belt.

18. 10. The system according to claim 9, wherein a manual clutch (19) is arranged on the support shaft (4, 4') and preferably on the adjusting device (7), by means of which the rotational position of the support shaft (4, 4') and preferably of the operating element (11) can be manually adjusted and fixed in a respectively set rotational position, in particular the scraper segments (5, 5') can be adjusted relative to the conveyor belt (2) or released from the conveyor belt (2) by corresponding actuation of the manual clutch (19).

19. 10. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the adjusting device (7) comprises a drive element (20) of an electric drive motor (21), the drive element (20) being coupled to transmit a torque to the support shaft (4, 4'), the electric drive motor (21) being fixedly arranged on the support (8), preferably the drive element (20) being non-rotatably connected to the operating element (11).

20. A method for monitoring the condition of a conveyor belt (2) of a conveyor belt device (3), comprising: - providing a system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 19, - detecting a characteristic value of said operating element (11); A method comprising:

21. 21. The method according to claim 20, wherein the support shafts (4, 4') are moved so that the surfaces of the scraper segments (5, 5') come into contact with the conveyor belt (2).

22. 22. The method according to claim 20 or 21, wherein when the operating element (11) moves, the operating element (11) exerts a force on the sensor (10), in particular pushing the sensor (10) or pulling the sensor (10).

23. 23. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein a force acting on the sensor (10) by the operating element (11), a change in position or angle of the operating element (11), or an acceleration of the operating element (11) is detected.

24. 23. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein the deflection of the operating element (11) is measured.

25. 25. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 24, wherein the communication device (14) is configured to evaluate information detected by the sensor (10) in order to monitor the condition of the conveyor belt (2), in particular so that damage to the conveyor belt (2) can be detected by the communication device (14).

26. 26. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 25, wherein the measuring device (15) at least indirectly detects the speed of the conveyor belt (2), the running direction of the conveyor belt (2), and / or the position of the conveyor belt (2).

27. A conveyor belt device (3) comprising a conveyor belt (2) and a system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 19.

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