Method for monitoring the condition of a conveyor system, and control device, motorized roller, and conveyor system for carrying out the method

Abstract

To provide an improved method for monitoring a state of a conveyor system, and an improved control device, an improved electric roller, an improved conveyor region, an improved conveyor part and the improved conveyor system for executing the method.SOLUTION: The method includes the steps of: checking the presence of a reference operation state; determining a current of an electric roller when the reference operation state exists; and comparing the determined current of the electric roller with a reference value with respect to the reference operation state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for condition monitoring in a conveyor system, and a control device, motorized roller, conveyor area, conveyor section, and conveyor system for carrying out this method. .

[0002] Conveyor systems are used for various purposes in logistics applications. Therefore, conveyor systems can be used, for example, for pallet transport, transporting parcels in parcel distribution centers, transporting containers in various types of storage locations, or baggage transport in airports, among many other applications. Here, a conveyor system typically includes one or more conveyor sections, each of which includes a plurality of rollers arranged adjacent to one another, the periphery of which serves to receive conveyable items. Similarly, motorized rollers can be used in conveyor systems having belt conveyors and / or band conveyors, in which the motorized rollers drive belts and / or bands. The belts and / or bands serve to receive the conveyable items.

[0003] On the one hand, these conveyor sections may have non-driven conveyor rollers, also called idle rollers or slave rollers, which are mounted so as to be rotatable only within the conveyor frame without a drive. These conveyor sections may also have motorized rollers, also called driven conveyor rollers, which are configured to rotate by an electric drive unit. On the other hand, the motorized rollers may serve to transport the conveyed goods directly via the outer circumferential surface of their roller bodies. On the other hand, the motorized rollers may also be configured to rotate in such a way that they can drive the conveyed goods via their outer circumferential surface by transmitting the rotation of the motorized roller to one or more idle rollers via a transmission element, for example, a belt drive.

[0004] Conveyor rollers, and in particular motorized rollers, are described, for example, in DE 10 2006 054 575 A1, EP 1 02 1664 B1, DE 20 2009 012 822 U1, DE 10 2015 104 130, DE 10 2015 114 030, or known from DE 10 2016 120 415.

[0005] In addition to typical control and regulatory requirements that necessitate specific transmission mechanisms for transmitting actual status from the conveyor section to the controller and desired status from the controller to the motorized roller, one requirement imposed on such motorized rollers is the desirability of highly reliable operation of such conveyor sections. This is due to the fact that typical intralogistics applications usually involve transportation requirements, where a conveyor section failure entails financial losses far exceeding the pure monetary investment required to replace the component causing significant time delays and disruptions. Furthermore, it is often the case that a conveyor section employs numerous such motorized rollers, comprising numerous technically identical systems. However, it is also true that a failure of a single motorized roller can limit or completely interrupt the functionality of the entire conveyor section. Therefore, improving the operational reliability of such conveyor sections in which motorized rollers are employed is an important objective.

[0006] The German Patent and Trademark Office has conducted a search in an application claiming priority to this application and has found that the 45 A1. is cited as further prior art.

[0007] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved method for condition monitoring of a conveyor system, an improved control device for carrying out this method, an improved powered roller, an improved conveyor area, an improved conveyor section, and an improved conveyor system. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a method for condition monitoring in a conveyor system, and a control device for carrying out this method, a powered roller, a conveyor area, a conveyor section, and a conveyor system, which have improved reliability.

[0008] This object is achieved by a method for condition monitoring in a conveyor system having motorized rollers, such as a conveyor section and / or a conveyor region of the conveyor system, and a control device, in particular a control device for controlling the motorized rollers, which method comprises the steps of checking for the existence of a reference operating condition, in particular an operating condition of the motorized rollers and / or the conveyor region and / or the conveyor section and / or the conveyor system, determining a current in the motorized roller if the reference operating condition exists, and comparing the determined current in the motorized roller with a reference value for the reference operating condition.

[0009] Conveyor rollers, particularly motorized rollers, are preferably designed so that at least a certain portion of the roller body is hollow, particularly one end, preferably two ends. In the case of motorized rollers, the drive unit is preferably located inside the roller body. When the drive unit is located inside the roller body, no mechanical components located outside the roller body are required to generate roller rotation. The drive unit located inside the roller body may have, for example, a coupling designed and arranged to transmit torque from the drive unit to the inner circumferential surface of the interior of the roller body. Motorized rollers of this design type are used for various purposes in logistics applications, for example, by being attached to a frame by a drum motor shaft and a drum motor axle. The electric drive unit is typically designed to transmit conveying torque from the drum motor shaft to the drum tube. This transmission can be achieved via a drum motor gear mechanism included in the motorized roller. In contrast, the drum motor axle typically serves only to attach the motorized roller to the frame.

[0010] The motorized rollers are useful for driving other devices, for example conveyor sections consisting of several conveyor rollers, by means of belts or the like. Furthermore, the motorized rollers can be inserted directly into the conveyor section as conveyor members, supporting the conveyed objects and transporting them by the rotation of the motorized rollers. A preferred application is the use of the motorized rollers as drive elements, preferably end drive elements, in conveyor band sections, to guide the conveyor band or belt by wrapping it partially around the drum body and to set the band or belt in movement by the rotation of the drum body.

[0011] Powered rollers are used in various intralogistics applications, such as in distribution centers, industrial production, mail dispatch centers, baggage handling, and the like, for example, to transport baggage, products, parcels, containers, pallets, and the like. Here, such powered rollers are typically used in conveyor sections of relatively large conveyor systems to help move conveyed items. A powered roller may be coupled to adjacent, concomitantly moving idler rollers by a drive belt, chain, or the like, and drive the latter to define a uniformly operating conveyor section. A plurality of such conveyor sections may be arranged in succession in a conveyor section to transport conveyed items along the conveyor section. This type of powered roller is also called a powered conveyor roller, or roller drive, or may be designated in some other way. A powered roller may be, for example, a drum motor used to drive a conveyor band as an end deflection roller, or in some other form, a conveyor section having a conveyor band or otherwise designed.

[0012] In principle, conveyor sections and such motorized rollers used in conveying applications must be able to operate with open-loop or closed-loop control to transport the conveyed items in a specific manner. Therefore, for example, conveying without accumulated pressure, known as ZPA (zero pressure accumulation), or conveying with low accumulated pressure, known as LPA (low pressure accumulation), is often desired, in which the items placed on the conveyor section do not contact each other or only contact each other with low accumulated pressure, so that damage to the items cannot occur as a result of additive contact forces. Furthermore, it is known to transport items on a conveyor section with single or block discharge, i.e., to operate the conveying of items so that in each case one item is further conveyed, and the following item is conveyed, and likewise individually, into the resulting gap, or to transport several items simultaneously while maintaining their spacing. For the purposes of this closed-loop and open-loop control, it is customary to obtain certain data from the conveyor unit, for example via a light barrier sensor, so that the controller can input information via the position of the conveyed item, and also to send control commands to the motorized rollers to set them in operation or at rest, or to control, for example, their rotational speed, where the rotational speed is in revolutions per minute. This rotational speed is based on the revolutions per minute of the motor or the revolutions per minute of the conveyor rollers, which may differ from each other if the drive unit includes a gear mechanism.

[0013] The solution according to the invention provides for condition monitoring to be carried out on the basis of the determined current of the motorized roller. This is advantageous in that it is not necessary to record a plurality or a large number of different values from which a statement on the condition can be derived. Preferably, however, the determined current is sufficient for this purpose. To enable this, the current is determined in a specific situation, i.e., in a reference operating state, and compared with a reference value for the reference operating state.

[0014] The present invention is based, inter alia, on the finding that certain values and / or profiles of the motorized roller current, in particular the input current, are characteristic for certain operating states. In particular, such characteristic values and / or profiles are used as reference values. Furthermore, the present invention is based on the finding that by comparing the determined motorized roller current with a reference value for a certain reference operating state, conclusions can be drawn about the state of the motorized roller. It is further recognized that this comparison can also lead to conclusions about further components of the conveyor area and their state. In this way, determining the motorized roller current in a certain reference operating state provides a particularly simple, efficient, and at the same time reliable possibility for condition monitoring in conveyor systems.

[0015] The control device is preferably designed to carry out one, two, three or more or all, possibly further steps of the method.

[0016] What may be understood herein as a reference value is preferably a single value, and / or a range of values, and / or a value profile, especially over a particular period of time, and / or a variable (e.g., an average value) derived from a number of individual variables.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment, the method comprises the step of checking whether the determined current of the electric motor deviates from a reference value for a reference operating condition. Preferably, the method also comprises the step of checking whether the deviation of the determined motorized roller current from the reference value for the reference operating condition exceeds a predetermined value. Preferably, the method further comprises the step of checking whether the determined motorized roller current is below or above the reference value for the reference operating condition by a predetermined value. This is preferably part of the step of comparing the determined motorized roller current with the reference value for the reference operating condition.

[0018] If the determined motorized roller current exceeds the reference value for the reference operating state by a predetermined value, this may indicate a certain fault condition, such as, for example, a blockage of the motorized roller and / or bearings and / or other elements of the conveyor area. If the determined motorized roller current falls below the reference value for the reference operating state by a predetermined value, this may indicate a certain fault condition, such as, for example, a failure of the slave roller and / or damage to the gear mechanism and / or defects in the transmission elements.

[0019] According to a further preferred embodiment, the method includes generating a deflection signal when the determined motorized roller current deviates from a reference value for a reference operating state, in particular when the deviation exceeds or falls below a predetermined value. In a further preferred embodiment, the method includes deriving a fault condition, preferably a fault condition of the motorized roller and / or conveyor region and / or conveyor section and / or conveyor system, based on a comparison of the determined motorized roller current with the reference value for the reference operating state. The generation of the deflection signal and / or the derivation of the fault condition can advantageously initiate countermeasures, for example, before further or other undesirable conditions occur. Countermeasures can be, for example, notifying colleagues and / or changing the control of the motorized roller and / or conveyor region and / or conveyor section and / or conveyor system. The change of control can, for example, be stopping the operation of the motorized roller and / or conveyor region and / or conveyor section and / or conveyor system or transitioning to another operating state.

[0020] It is also preferred that the derivation of the fault condition to be output is made dependent on the deviation of the determined current of the powered roller from a reference value for a reference operating condition. As mentioned above, an upward deviation may indicate a particular fault condition, as may a downward deviation. Furthermore, the degree of deviation may be , may also be indicative of certain disorder conditions.

[0021] The preferred embodiment is distinguished by the fact that the derivation of the fault condition comprises recognizing a malfunctioning underload condition of the motorized roller when the determined motorized roller current falls below a reference value for a reference operating condition, in particular by a predetermined value.

[0022] It is also preferred that the derivation of the fault condition comprises identifying a malfunctioning overload condition of the powered roller when the determined current of the powered roller exceeds a reference value of a reference operating condition, in particular by a predetermined value.

[0023] In a further preferred embodiment, the method includes the steps of receiving a signal from an operating condition sensor of the conveyor system and limiting the current determined using the signal, for example to derive information about the operating condition, in particular to check whether a reference operating condition exists.

[0024] The signal preferably comprises or is a data signal from a motion condition sensor. A preferred development is distinguished by the fact that the motion condition sensor is designed as or comprises a light barrier sensor. The motion condition sensor may preferably be designed to detect whether an item is entering or leaving the conveyor area, in particular a specific part of the conveyor area.

[0025] The method includes the steps of determining a temperature, e.g., using a temperature sensor, and limiting the determined current using the determined temperature, e.g., to derive information about the operating condition, in particular to check whether a reference operating condition exists.

[0026] Temperature in this context is understood to mean both the internal temperature of the powered roller and the ambient temperature of the powered roller and / or conveyor area and / or conveyor system, for example room temperature.

[0027] It is particularly preferred that the method comprises the steps of determining the environmental temperature, e.g. using an environmental temperature sensor, and limiting the determined current using the determined environmental temperature, e.g. to derive information about the operating state, in particular to check whether a reference operating state exists.

[0028] The method includes the steps of determining an internal temperature of the powered roller, for example using an internal temperature sensor, and limiting the determined current using the determined internal temperature of the powered roller, for example to derive information about the operating state, in particular to check whether a reference operating state exists.

[0029] Taking into account the internal temperature of the motorized roller has the advantage that overheating conditions can be identified. Taking into account the ambient temperature of the motorized roller has the advantage that influences external to the motorized roller acting on the internal temperature of the motorized roller (e.g. overheating of the space due to strong sunlight, etc.) can be taken into account. In this way, the internal temperature of the motorized roller can be evaluated differently from and / or relative to room temperature, in particular for further use.

[0030] According to a preferred embodiment, the method comprises the steps of detecting the operating time of the motorized roller and limiting the determined current using the detected operating time, for example to derive information about the operating state, in particular to check whether a reference operating state exists. In this way, it can be ensured that the motorized roller is "run in" before the reference operating state is identified and / or that the reference operating state is generated at regular intervals.

[0031] Preferably, the method includes the step of recognizing the presence of a reference operating condition if at least two, and preferably three or all of the following conditions exist: The signal of the operating state sensor indicates a predetermined state of the motorized roller, for example an idling state or an accelerating state. - the determined temperatures, in particular the internal temperatures of the motorized rollers and / or the motorized rollers and / or the ambient temperature of the conveyor area and / or conveyor system is within a predetermined range . - The detected operating time is within the predetermined range.

[0032] If two or more or all of these conditions are met, condition monitoring based on the determined currents can be carried out in a particularly simple and reliable manner.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, a conveyor area is provided, the conveyor area comprising: a motorized roller; It also includes one, two or more, or all of the following elements: -Conveyor rollers, especially non-driven conveyor rollers such as slave rollers. - A transmission element, e.g. a belt, that transmits the drive force from the power roller to the conveyor roller. - Bearings for rotatably mounting motorized rollers and / or conveyor rollers.

[0034] The conveyor area preferably comprises two, three or more conveyor rollers, in particular non-driven conveyor rollers, and / or two, three or more transmission elements and / or two, three or more bearings. Furthermore, the conveyor area preferably comprises a gear mechanism, preferably included in the motorized rollers.

[0035] In a further preferred embodiment, two or more conveyor rollers are provided, and / or Two or more motorized rollers are provided, which are preferably controlled by a common controller. , and is distinguished by the fact that

[0036] It is also preferred that one, two or more or all of the steps recited in claim 1 are carried out individually for each motorized roller and / or each conveyor roller and / or each further element of the conveyor area.

[0037] Furthermore, there is preferably provision that one, two or more or all of the steps recited in claim 1 are performed by a common control device for two or more motorized rollers and / or two or more conveyor rollers and / or two or more further elements of the conveyor area.

[0038] The control device is preferably designed to control two or more conveyor rollers and / or two or more motorized rollers and / or to perform one, two or more or all of the steps set forth in claim 1 individually for each motorized roller and / or each conveyor roller and / or each further element of the conveyor area and / or to perform one, two or more or all of the steps set forth in claim 1 together for two or more motorized rollers and / or two or more conveyor rollers and / or two or more further elements of the conveyor area.

[0039] It is also preferred that the method comprises the step of comparing the currents of two or more determined motorized rollers of the conveyor area, and it is also preferred that the currents of further determined motorized rollers of the same conveyor area are used as reference values for the comparison, in this way making it possible to identify relative differences in the state of the conveyor rollers, in particular the motorized rollers, of the conveyor area in a particularly simple manner.

[0040] A variable derived from a plurality of variables, such as an average value, can also be used as a reference value for comparison. For this purpose, if appropriate, values of conveyor rollers from other conveyor areas, in particular conveyor rollers located in comparable positions in other conveyor areas, can be taken into account. In this way, relative differences between conveyor rollers, in particular motorized rollers, used in similar positions in different conveyor areas can be identified in a particularly simple way.

[0041] In a further preferred embodiment, the method comprises a step of determining a reference value for a reference operating state. A preferred development is distinguished by the fact that the step of determining a reference value for a reference operating state comprises determining the current of the motorized roller if at least two, preferably three or all of the following conditions exist: The control device requests the determination of a reference value. - The control device and / or motorized rollers are replaced and / or modified. -One element of the conveyor area is replaced and / or modified. -Two or more elements of the conveyor area are replaced and / or modified. - After the motorized rollers and / or the control device and / or one element of the conveyor area and / or two or more elements of the conveyor area are activated. " includes a predetermined period of time after the activation state is reached. - A certain temperature has already been reached or exceeded at least once. - A certain internal temperature of the motorized roller has already been achieved or exceeded at least once . - A certain ambient temperature of the motorized rollers and / or conveyor area and / or conveyor system, e.g. room temperature, has already been achieved or exceeded at least once. -The motorized roller achieves or exceeds the minimum rotation speed and / or minimum operating time. . - specific temperatures, in particular specific internal temperatures of the motorized rollers and / or motorized rollers and and / or there is a specific ambient temperature in the conveyor area and / or conveyor system. There are certain temperature ranges, in particular certain internal temperature ranges of the powered rollers and / or certain environmental temperature ranges of the powered rollers and / or the conveyor area and / or the conveyor system. - specific temperatures, in particular specific internal temperatures of the motorized rollers and / or motorized rollers and / or the specific environmental temperature of the conveyor area and / or conveyor system is known . -Certain temperature ranges are known, in particular specific internal temperature ranges of the motorized rollers and / or specific environmental temperature ranges of the motorized rollers and / or conveyor area and / or conveyor system. - specific temperatures, in particular specific internal temperatures of the motorized rollers and / or motorized rollers and and / or temperature coefficients for specific environmental temperatures of the conveyor area and / or conveyor system exist and are taken into account in determining the reference value. -Temperature coefficients for specific temperature ranges, in particular specific internal temperature ranges of the motorized rollers and / or specific environmental temperature ranges of the motorized rollers and / or conveyor area and / or conveyor system, exist and are taken into account in determining the reference value.

[0042] A temperature coefficient may be, for example, a correction factor provided for a particular temperature range to improve the determination of the reference value for this temperature range.

[0043] According to a preferred embodiment, the determination of the reference value for the reference operating state is carried out iteratively, preferably with the provision that multiple iterative results are taken into account, for example over an average value and / or a range of values.

[0044] It is also preferred that the method includes the step of operating the motorized rollers and / or conveyor area and / or conveyor system such that a reference operating state is achieved. In this way, the reference operating state can be generated in a targeted manner, for example if it has not existed for a predetermined period of time.

[0045] In a further preferred embodiment, the method includes the step of operating the motorized rollers and / or conveyor area and / or conveyor system such that a reference operating state is achieved when at least one, two or all of the following conditions exist: - the determined temperature, the determined internal temperature of the motorized roller and / or the determined environmental temperature of the motorized roller and / or the conveyor area and / or the conveyor system are within a predetermined range. - The detected operating time is within a predetermined range.

[0046] A preferred development is distinguished by the fact that the actuation of the motorized rollers and / or conveyor areas and / or conveyor systems is carried out so that a reference operating state is achieved, and that the actuation of the motorized rollers and / or conveyor areas and / or conveyor systems comprises the generation of control signals that bring the motorized rollers into a predetermined state, for example an idling state or an acceleration state.

[0047] A preferred development is distinguished by the fact that the method comprises a step of generating a control signal, in particular for the motorized roller, based on a comparison of the determined current of the motorized roller with a reference value for a reference operating state.

[0048] It is also preferred that the control signal provides a change in power of the motorized roller depending on the deviation of the determined motorized roller current from a reference value for a reference operating condition. In a preferred embodiment there is a provision that the control signal provides a decrease in motorized roller power when the determined motorized roller current exceeds a reference value for the reference operating condition. In a further preferred embodiment there is a provision that the control signal provides an increase in motorized roller power when the determined motorized roller current is below a reference value for the reference operating condition.

[0049] According to a further aspect of the invention, the initially mentioned object is achieved by a control device for a motorized roller and / or a conveyor region of a conveyor system and / or a conveyor section of a conveyor system, the control device being designed to perform the above-mentioned condition monitoring method.

[0050] According to a further aspect of the invention, the initially stated object is achieved by a powered roller having a control device as described above.

[0051] According to a further aspect of the invention, the initially stated object is achieved by a motorized roller for a conveyor system, the motorized roller being designed to perform the condition monitoring method described above. .

[0052] According to a further aspect of the invention, the initially mentioned object is achieved by a conveyor section having a motorized roller as described above and / or a control device as described above.

[0053] According to a further aspect of the invention, the initially stated object is achieved by a conveyor area for a conveyor system, the conveyor area being designed to carry out the condition monitoring method described above.

[0054] According to a further aspect of the invention, the initially mentioned object is achieved by a conveyor section comprising a motorized roller as described above and / or a control device as described above.

[0055] According to a further aspect of the invention, the initially stated object is achieved by a conveyor section for a conveyor system, the conveyor section being designed to carry out the condition monitoring method described above. .

[0056] According to a further aspect of the invention, the initially mentioned object is achieved by a conveyor system comprising the above-mentioned conveyor region and / or the above-mentioned conveyor section and / or the above-mentioned motorized roller and / or the above-mentioned control device.

[0057] According to a further aspect of the invention, the initially stated object is achieved by a conveyor system having motorized rollers and a control device, the conveyor system being designed to implement the condition monitoring method described above.

[0058] The aspects and possible developments according to the invention have features that make them particularly suitable for use in the above-mentioned methods and / or the above-mentioned devices and in the respective developments. With regard to advantages, embodiment variants and embodiment details of the aspects and possible developments according to the invention, reference is made to the above description of the features of the corresponding methods.

[0059] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0060] [Figure 1] Schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of a condition monitoring method. [Figure 2] Diagram showing the current determined for the four electric rollers [Figure 3] Comparison of four powered rollers in different operating states [Figure 4] Figure showing the comparison of the determined motorized roller current with the reference values for each of the four operating states. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0061] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method for condition monitoring. The method begins with step A, which checks for the presence of a reference operating condition. If the check does not reveal a reference operating condition, the method continues with step A, preferably after the expiration of a predetermined time, and / or at regular intervals, and / or before or after a specific event, and / or in response to a user request, as indicated by arrow A. A new check for the existence of the reference operating condition is performed as shown in 2.

[0062] If a reference operating state exists (arrow A1), the current of the motorized roller is determined in a next step 11. Subsequently, in step 12, the determined motorized roller current is compared with a reference value for the reference operating state. Then, in step B, it is checked whether the determined motorized roller current deviates from the reference value for the reference operating state. If not (arrow B2), no fault message is output, but the method is preferably started anew after expiry of a predetermined time and / or at regular intervals and / or before or after a particular event and / or in response to a user request.

[0063] If the determined current of the powered roller in step B deviates from the reference value for the reference operating condition, a fault condition can be derived based on the comparison in step 13. Furthermore, in step 14, a control signal, particularly for the operation of the powered roller, can be generated based on the comparison.

[0064] Figure 2 shows the determined currents of the four powered rollers (Current 1, Current 2, Current 3, Current 4) and the associated signals of the four operating state sensors (Sensor 1, Sensor 2, Sensor 3, Sensor 4) over time.

[0065] The four signal profiles of the four motion condition sensors are represented by lines 101, 201, 301, 401. The signal profile of the first motion condition sensor has a first maximum 101a and a second maximum 101b. These maxima 101a, 101b indicate that a conveyed item has reached the first motorized roller or the associated first conveyor region. Corresponding but time-displaced maxima are also represented by the signal profiles 102, 202 of the further motion condition sensors. , 302, and 402 are also evident.

[0066] Prior to the maximum values 101a, 101b, the determined first motorized roller current also exhibits maximum values 112a, 112b. After descending to a minimum value, the determined first motorized roller current then exhibits a rising phase 112a, 112b to a maximum value 132a, 132b, followed by a subsequent idling phase 142a, 142b with minimum values 152a, 152b. A corresponding but time-shifted profile is shown in the further determined motorized roller current profile. This is also evident in 202, 302, and 402.

[0067] Figure 3 shows a comparison of the four powered rollers in different operating states. 1, first, a conveyor system 900 is shown schematically. The conveyor system 900 has a plurality of conveyor rollers 910 (both powered and non-powered) in four conveyor zones Z0, Z1, Z2, and Z3. Each conveyor zone Z0, Z1, Z2, and Z3 has its own operating status sensor and powered roller. Also shown schematically is a conveyed object 920 moving from conveyor zone to conveyor zone in a conveying direction 930.

[0068] The bottom of Figure 3 shows the status of the four operating status sensors S0, S1, S2, and S3, and the status of the four motorized rollers in the four conveyor zones, shown schematically over time. The Z0, Z1, Z2, and Z3 symbols indicate the general conveyor zone activity. The load status of the transported goods is indicated by LOAD Z0, LOAD Z1, LOAD Z2, and LOAD Z3, and the unloaded state is indicated by UNLOAD Z0. (NO LOAD)Z0, No load (NO LOAD)Z1, No load (NO LOAD)Z 2. No load (NO LOAD) represented by Z3.

[0069] Figure 4 shows a comparison of the determined current of the powered roller with the respective reference values in four operating states BZ1, BZ2, BZ3, BZ4. Operating state BZ1 corresponds to the loading state, operating state BZ2 corresponds to the transport state, operating state BZ3 corresponds to the unloading state, and operating state BZ4 corresponds to the unloading state. The Z4 corresponds to the idling situation.

[0070] The reference values for the current in the respective operating states BZ1, BZ2, BZ3, BZ4 of the conveyance are designated 1101, 1102, 1103, 1104.

[0071] FIG. 4 also shows the determined current values of the transported goods in each operating state BZ1, BZ2, BZ3, BZ4, specifically 1201, 1202, 1203, 1204.

[0072] As can be seen, the determined current values 1201, 1202, 1203, 1204 exceed the reference values. This may indicate an obstacle or disturbance resulting in the overcoming of a relatively high mass inertia. This may be caused, for example, by a disturbing body or a defect in a drive component. The drive component may be any component that causes movement. For example, the drive component may be a motorized roller, a slave roller, a drive belt, a drive element, or a drive unit.

[0073] FIG. 4 also shows the determined current values of the transported goods in each operating state BZ1, BZ2, BZ3, BZ4, specifically 1301, 1302, 1303, 1304.

[0074] As can be seen, the determined current values 1301, 1302, 1303, 1304 are below the reference values, which may indicate a fault or disturbance that disconnects the passive drive, for example a broken power transmission / drive belt.

Claims

1. 1. A method of condition monitoring in a conveyor system having powered rollers and a controller, comprising: checking for the existence of a reference operating condition; determining a current for the powered roller if the reference operating condition exists; comparing the determined current of the powered roller with a reference value for the reference operating condition; comparing the determined currents of two or more of said powered rollers with each other; Including, The method, wherein the step of comparing the determined currents of two or more of the powered rollers with one another compares the determined currents of two or more powered rollers in different conveyor regions.

2. checking whether the determined current of the powered roller deviates from the reference value for the reference operating condition; The method of claim 1.

3. deriving a fault condition based on a comparison of the determined current of the powered roller with the reference value for the reference operating condition; 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2.

4. receiving a signal from an operational condition sensor of the conveyor system and limiting the current determined using the signal; and / or determining a temperature and limiting the current using the determined temperature; and / or detecting an operating time of the powered roller and limiting the current determined using the detected operating time.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. the signal from the operating condition sensor indicates a predetermined condition including an idling condition or an accelerating condition of the powered roller; the determined temperature is within a predetermined range; and the detected operation time is within a predetermined range; identifying said existence of said reference operating condition when at least two, preferably three or all of the following conditions exist: The method of claim 4.

6. a conveyor area is provided that includes the powered roller and one, more than one, or all of the following elements: a conveyor roller, a transmission element that transmits drive force from the powered roller to the conveyor roller, and a bearing for rotatably mounting the powered roller and / or the conveyor roller; 6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. Two or more conveyor rollers are provided; and / or The electric roller is controlled by the control device.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. One, more than one or all steps according to claim 1 are carried out individually for each motorized roller and / or each conveyor roller and / or each further element of the conveyor area.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. One, more than one or all steps of claim 1 are performed by a common control device for two or more motorized rollers and / or two or more conveyor rollers and / or two or more further elements of the conveyor area.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The conveyor system further includes two or more of the motorized rollers within one conveyor region.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. the determined current of one motorized roller of one conveyor region is used as a reference value for comparison; 11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. operating the motorized rollers and / or the conveyor zone and / or the conveyor system to achieve the reference operating state; 12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The operation of the motorized rollers and / or the conveyor area and / or the conveyor system may be the determined temperature is within a predetermined range; and The determined operating time is within a predetermined range. to achieve the reference operating state when at least one of the following conditions exists:

13. The method of any one of claims 1 to 4 and 6 to 12.

14. an operation of the motorized rollers and / or the conveyor region and / or the conveyor system is performed to achieve the reference operating state; generating a control signal to bring the powered roller into a predetermined condition, including an idling condition or an accelerating condition; 14. The method of any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. generating a control signal based on a comparison of the determined current of the powered roller with the reference value for the reference operating condition; 15. The method of any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. the control signal provides a change in power to the powered roller depending on a deviation of the determined current of the powered roller from the reference value for the reference operating condition.

16. The method of any one of claims 1 to 15.

17. 1. A control device for a motorized roller and / or conveyor region of a conveyor system, comprising: Designed to carry out the condition monitoring method according to any one of claims 1 to 16, Control device.

18. 1. A powered roller for a conveyor system, comprising: Designed to carry out the condition monitoring method according to any one of claims 1 to 16, Electric roller.

19. 1. A conveyor system having powered rollers and a control device, comprising: Designed to carry out the condition monitoring method according to any one of claims 1 to 16, Conveyor system.

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