Functional testing method for vibrating conveyor devices

Abstract

A method for testing the functionality of a vibrating conveyor (1) by condition analysis performed either before or during operation of the vibrating conveyor (1), the method to be performed before operation includes the following steps: A1) applying a drive pulse to a drive unit (2); A2) detecting a pulse response generated by the vibrating conveyor (1); A3) transferring the detected pulse response to a computer (6) by a signal evaluation unit (5); A4) comparing the detected pulse response with a reference pulse response by the computer (6); A5) using the computer (6) to: a) reduce the vibration of the vibrating conveyor (1); a) determining whether a start-up procedure for operation with a reduced start-up drive power should be activated, or b) whether a start-up procedure for operation with an unreduced start-up drive power of the vibratory conveyor device (1) should be activated, or c) whether operation should be aborted; and B) a method to be performed during operation includes the following steps: B1) detecting by a signal evaluation unit (5) the voltage amplitude, frequency, acceleration, and temperature generated by the vibratory conveyor device (1) when the vibratory conveyor device (1) is operating; B2) transferring the detected voltage amplitude, frequency, acceleration, and temperature to a computer (6) by the signal evaluation unit (5).

Description

【Technical Field】 【0001】 The present invention relates to a method for inspecting the functionality of a vibrating conveyor device described in the preamble of claim 1, and to a drive device for a vibrating conveyor device described in the preamble of claim 11. 【Background Art】 【0002】 A vibrating conveyor device for removing dust and burrs from tablets is known from European Patent No. 1322533 by KRAMER. This known vibrating conveyor device basically comprises a spiral conveyor groove, a drive device for vibrating the conveyor groove, and a suction device for sucking dust from the area of the conveyor groove. 【0003】 However, with this known vibrating conveyor device, it is not possible to directly detect and take into account the difficult operating start behavior at the start of the vibrating conveyor device, which is caused by defects in the conveyor groove or long machine stop times. Furthermore, during the operation of the vibrating conveyor device, a defective state may occur in which the drive device and the conveyor groove may be damaged. 【Prior Art Documents】 【Patent Documents】 【0004】 【Patent Document 1】 European Patent No. 1322533 【Summary of the Invention】 【Problems to be Solved by the Invention】 【0005】 The present invention aims to provide a solution to this problem. The problem of the present invention is to create a method for creating a state analysis of a vibrating conveyor device and subsequently providing information regarding functionality. 【Means for Solving the Problems】 【0006】 The present invention solves the problems presented by a method for inspecting the functionality of a vibrating conveyor device having the features of claim 1, and by a drive device for a vibrating conveyor device having the features of claim 11. 【0007】 The advantages realized by the present invention are basically achieved by the method based on the present invention. A) Before driving Based on a comparison between the reference pulse response and the pulse response, it is possible to detect defects in the conveyor groove, such as improper assembly of the conveyor groove, and the management of the spring constant during the startup of the vibrating conveyor device. This allows for the prevention of the drive device switching on in such cases. • It is possible to detect malfunctions in the start-up behavior of the drive unit that may occur due to long machine downtime. In such vibrating conveyor systems, long machine downtime can occur, which can cause the drive unit to exhibit various inconsistent start-up behaviors. However, in known vibrating conveyor systems, such behavior is not taken into account by the control unit, which can lead to excessive mechanical load on the device and thus failure. By referring to the evaluation of the pulse response, such situations can be detected early and taken into consideration when switching on the vibrating conveyor system. B) While driving, stress The detected values ​​for parameters such as amplitude, frequency, acceleration, and temperature can be further utilized. For example, • The purpose is to compare the detected values ​​of the parameters with acceptable ranges, thereby determining whether the operation of the vibrating conveyor device should continue or be stopped by issuing an error message. and / or, This allows the detected parameter values ​​to be compared with stored long-term data after operation, thereby enabling the recognition of trend changes and determining whether a warning should be issued or whether subsequent use can be carried out in accordance with standards. 【0008】 In the following, several technical concepts that are important to the present invention are defined in detail as follows. 【0009】 Pulse response (111) In the following, "pulse response" refers to the output signal of an oscillatory device, with a needle pulse (Dirac pulse) applied as the input signal. 【0010】 In this invention, the output quantity, i.e., the pulse response, is generated based on the pulse (input signal). In this case, the excitation is sudden, i.e., extremely short compared to the vibration time of the device. The unit pulse function (input signal) consists of an approximated needle pulse (Dirac pulse). Although it is not possible to physically and precisely realize such a needle pulse, information regarding dynamic characteristics such as natural frequency and attenuation can be read from the response behavior (output quantity) when excited by a short pulse with high amplitude. 【0011】 If all conveyor grooves are properly assembled, the spring constant will not change, the drive unit will not malfunction for a long period of time, and in that case, the vibrating conveyor system will be in a normal state. The vibration damping behavior (output amount) can be detected and analyzed by supplying the pulses (input signals) described above. Such behavior is considered the reference behavior - this applies in both the time domain and the frequency domain. When the conveyor grooves (conveyor helices) are not assembled to the drive unit, the vibration behavior after the supplied predefined pulses will differ from that when the conveyor grooves (conveyor helices) are assembled. In other words, as soon as the pulse response (output amount) of the vibrating conveyor system deviates from the reference behavior, it must be considered that there is a malfunction. 【0012】 From there, by referring to the unique characterization of the defect (including data from other sources), the relevant defect can be identified and notified. 【0013】 Tolerance range (121) The control of the excitation coil is a control system that can respond to the vibration amplitude, which may change (due to the increase in mass in the helix), by feedback from an acceleration sensor, and it is the coil stress This is because the amplitude is adapted by the frequency inverter. External system failures, such as damage to the welded joints of the helix or exceeding the maximum filling volume in the helix, can lead to improper amplitude control and resulting malfunctions in the drive unit. stress By comparing the amplitude to a predefined tolerance range, such defective behavior can be detected early. The same applies to the output frequency of a frequency converter. In order to detect potential malfunctions of an accelerometer early, stress In addition to amplitude and frequency, the latest acceleration is also compared to a predefined tolerance range. 【0014】 Parameter comparison (131) In the following, parameter comparison refers to a combination of secondary processing of state variables detected from various data sources, with the aim of recognizing the tendency for the detected parameters to approach their acceptable limits. 【0015】 For example, the temperature changes of the coil can be analyzed throughout its service life, thereby providing information on the necessary periodic inspection intervals, and thus ensuring the long-term functionality of the vibrating conveyor system. 【0016】 OPC UA(141) OPC UA (Open Platform Communications United Architecture) is a standard introduced by the OPC Council for platform-independent, service-oriented (SOA) data exchange. 【0017】 Newly evaluated data from damage, secondary failures, and improper operation can protect the vibrating conveyor system (dust remover). Furthermore, "predictive maintenance" can decisively improve process safety. 【0018】 Other preferred embodiments of the present invention can be described as follows. 【0019】 In one particular embodiment, the following step is executed after step A5). A6) A start-up procedure for the operation of the vibrating conveyor device at a reduced start-up drive output is initiated. Thereby, the difficulty of starting up the device generated by a long stop time can be taken into account. The malfunction of the device due to an increase in the mechanical load when the drive device starts up can be prevented in this way. 【0020】 In another embodiment, the drive output of the drive device is reduced by the start-up procedure and then raised to 100% after a time period Δt>0. Thereby, it is possible to realize the advantage that the difficulty of starting up the device caused by a long machine stop time can be considered when the vibrating conveyor device is switched on, referring to the evaluation of the pulse response, which is due to the drive output being automatically reduced, for example, to 50%. After such a so-called "soft start", the output can be raised to 100% after a defined time. By such a measure, damage to the vibrating conveyor device due to a long stop time is prevented. 【0021】 In another embodiment, the drive output of the drive device is reduced to at most 80%, preferably at most 50%. 【0022】 In yet another embodiment, the following step is executed after step A5). A7) A start-up procedure for the operation of the vibrating conveyor device without reducing the start-up drive output is initiated. 【0023】 In another embodiment, the method comprises the following step before step A1). A0) A reference pulse response is generated by applying a temporary drive pulse to the drive device of the vibrating conveyor device, where the drive device is not exposed to an increased mechanical load at this time. 【0024】 In another embodiment, the pulse response generated by the vibrating conveyor device under step A2) can be detected by an acceleration sensor located on the vibrating conveyor device, either in a time-dependent or frequency-dependent manner. 【0025】 In another embodiment, the following steps are performed after step B2) when the vibrating conveyor is in operation: B3) The detected parameters are compared by the computer to predefined tolerances. B4) The computer determines whether (i) the operation of the vibrating conveyor continues without constraints, or (ii) the operation of the vibrating conveyor should be stopped with an error message. The advantages of such tolerances are as follows: • For example, defects in the vibrating conveyor system can be detected, such as broken welded joints, excessively high filling levels, and malfunctioning acceleration sensors. stress When detected parameters such as amplitude, frequency, and acceleration are outside their respective predefined tolerance ranges, a potential defect condition that could damage the drive system is presumed to exist. Monitoring these parameters allows for the introduction of a switch-off mechanism to protect the drive system from damage. • Constant monitoring of the excitation coil temperature prevents the coil from overheating. 【0026】 In another embodiment, the following steps are performed after the operation of the vibrating conveyor system: C1) The vibrations generated by the vibrating conveyor system, which were detected and transmitted to the computer during the operation of the vibrating conveyor system under steps B3) and B4) stress Parameters such as amplitude, frequency, acceleration, and temperature are compared by a computer with long-term data that has been stored. C2) The computer determines whether a) a trend in the parameters is recognizable and a warning should be issued, or b) operation can continue in accordance with standards. The advantages that can be achieved by parameter comparison can be seen in the following points: • The latest operating parameters are compared with reference parameters, thereby defining the actual state for subsequent operation. At this time, temperature changes, acceleration, stress The values ​​of the experimentally determined reference parameters are compared in terms of amplitude and frequency. Even if the values ​​are still within an acceptable range at the moment, process safety can be improved by referring to parameter comparisons, as changes in the parameters can be recognized over a relatively long period of time, up to their limits. Therefore, unlike during operation, such changes can be recognized early and countermeasures can be initiated. By aggregating the evaluated data and insights from all installed dust removal machines, it is possible to analyze their high potential for future development projects and customer-specific applications. 【0027】 In yet another embodiment, the method comprises yet another step: D1) The determined parameters and computer data are provided to the higher-level operating system via the OPC UA. D2) Data input by the higher-level operating system is detected. The advantages of transmitting data via the UPC UA are, in particular, the following: The determined process parameters and data can be passed to the higher-level operating system by the OPC UA, resulting in synchronized timestamps across interface boundaries. Error messages, accompanying documentation on error resolution, instruction manuals and work instructions, and information on process optimization, if any, can be displayed on the higher-level system. 【0028】 In one particular embodiment of the drive device, the angle α is at least 120°, preferably at least 105°. 【0029】 In another embodiment of the drive system, it is possible to combine counterweights from a selectable number of individual weights. This provides the advantage that the drive system can be assembled in such a way that by adding or removing individual weights, special counterweights can be incorporated for various different conveying heights ranging from 800 to 2,000 mm. 【0030】 In another embodiment, the drive system further includes a frequency converter for applying drive pulses, a signal evaluation unit for detecting pulse responses generated by the conveyor grooves, and a computer. 【0031】 One preferred application of the drive device according to the present invention is its placement in a vibrating conveyor system for dusting and / or deburring tablets and capsules. 【0032】 Next, the present invention and its variations will be described in more detail with reference to partially schematic drawings of the embodiments. 【0033】 The following diagrams are shown. [Brief explanation of the drawing] 【0034】 [Figure 1a] This is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of the method according to the present invention for inspecting the functionality of a vibrating conveyor device by analyzing its condition before operation. [Figure 1b] This is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of the method according to the present invention for inspecting the functionality of a vibrating conveyor system by analyzing its state during and after operation. [Figure 2] This is a side view showing a vibrating conveyor device along with an embodiment of the drive device according to the present invention. [Figure 3] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of the drive device according to the present invention. [Figure 4] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing an embodiment of the drive device according to the present invention, along with peripheral equipment. [Modes for carrying out the invention] 【0035】 Figure 1a illustrates an example of the method according to the present invention for inspecting the functionality of a vibrating conveyor device 1 (Figure 2) by pre-operation state analysis 100a. 【0036】 The pre-operation method 110 is characterized by obtaining information about the state of the vibrating conveyor device 1 immediately before operation by using predefined drive pulses for the drive unit 2 (Figures 2 and 3) of the vibrating conveyor device 1, and by analyzing the resulting pulse response. 【0037】 Method 110, which should be performed before operation, basically comprises the following steps: Before the operation of the vibrating conveyor device 1, a drive pulse is applied to the drive unit 2 of the vibrating conveyor device 1 by the frequency inverter 3 (Figure 4). The pulse response generated by the vibrating conveyor device 1 is detected by the signal evaluation unit 5, either as a function of time or as a function of the frequency of the pulse response. The detected pulse response is transmitted to the computer 6 (Figure 4) by the signal evaluation unit 5. The detected pulse response is compared by computer 6 to the reference pulse response 111. Finally, Computer 6, a) Should the starting procedure for operating the vibrating conveyor device 1 with reduced starting drive output be activated, or b) Should the starting procedure for operation of the vibrating conveyor device 1 at an unreduced starting drive output be activated, or c) It is determined whether the operation should be aborted. 【0038】 Here, the following state data 112 is detected based on the detected pulse response. • Condition of conveyor groove 8, • Control of the spring constant of the vibrating conveyor device 1, and Possible material fatigue. 【0039】 Figure 1b shows an embodiment of method 120 according to the present invention, which inspects the functionality of the vibrating conveyor device 1 by analyzing its operating state 100b. During operation of the vibrating conveyor device 1, the signal evaluation unit 5 analyzes the coil temperature, acceleration, frequency, etc. of the drive device 2. stress Parameters generated by the vibration conveyor device 1, such as amplitude, are detected and continuously monitored during the operation of the vibration conveyor device 1. Furthermore, the detected parameters are... stress Amplitude, frequency, acceleration, and temperature are transmitted to the computer 6 by the signal evaluation unit 5. 【0040】 As an example and without limitation, the method 120 for operating the vibrating conveyor device 1 further comprises the following steps: The detected parameters are compared by computer 6 to each of the predefined tolerance ranges 121. Computer 6 determines the following: a) Should the operation of the vibrating conveyor device 1 continue without restriction, or b) Should the operation of the vibrating conveyor device 1 be stopped with an error message? 【0041】 Functionality testing is ensured by referring to the defined tolerance ranges 121 for each parameter. Furthermore, other state data 122, such as the condition of welded joints and / or the filling amount of the vibrating conveyor device 1, is determined from the detected parameters. 【0042】 Similarly, and without limitation, a method 130 for inspecting the functionality of the vibrating conveyor device 1 (Figure 2) by post-operation condition analysis 100c is also performed, and this method comprises the following steps. • Detected during operation of the vibrating conveyor device 1 and transmitted to the computer 6, the vibrations caused by the vibrating conveyor device 1 stress Parameters such as amplitude, frequency, acceleration, and temperature are compared by computer 6 with stored long-term data 131. The following matters are determined by computer 6: a) Should a trend-based change in parameters be recognizable and a warning issued, or b) Can the operation continue in accordance with the standard? 【0043】 The state analysis immediately following operation includes parameter comparison, firstly serving to obtain information about the completed operation by comparing the latest detected drive parameters with their respective starting values. Furthermore, information about the latest state is also obtained, and this in turn provides additional state data132 for determining process safety, periodic inspection intervals, possible development potential, customer-specific projects, etc. 【0044】 Using the communication interface 140, data is transferred to the higher-level operating system 4 via OPC UA141 (Open Platform Communications United Architecture), thereby allowing the user to receive information about the latest status of the vibrating conveyor device 1 or about any malfunctions that are expected to occur in the future. Other status data 142, such as timestamps, process parameters, error messages, and documentation, is also transmitted. 【0045】 Figure 2 shows a vibrating conveyor device 1 along with an embodiment of the drive device 2 according to the present invention. The vibrating conveyor device 1 comprises a helical conveyor groove 8 coaxial with a central axis 9, and a drive device 2 located below the conveyor groove 8, having a major axis 10 collinear with the central axis 9. Tablets or capsules are supplied to the entrance of the conveyor groove 8 for deburring and dust removal, and are moved upward along the conveyor groove 8 by vibration, where they finally exit the vibrating conveyor device 1 again through the exit. In this process, the tablets or capsules are properly vibrated, rubbing against each other and against the walls of the conveyor groove 8, and at that time, any burrs are removed by such mechanical load. 【0046】 An embodiment of the drive device 2 according to the present invention is shown in Figure 3, which basically comprises a frame 16 having a long axis 10 extending vertically when the drive device 2 is in operation, a bottom plate 18, and a plurality of support columns 17 arranged as a partial circle around the bottom plate 18 and extending in the direction of the long axis 10; an armature plate 14 positioned at the upper end of the frame 16 and each coupled to one support column 17 by one first spring set 15a so as to be able to vibrate horizontally and vertically; and a magnetic drive unit 13 positioned below the armature plate 14 at a distance and equipped with a counterweight 11, each coupled to one support column 17 by one second spring set 15b so as to be able to vibrate the armature plate 14 by magnetic force transmission. Magnetic force transmission from the magnetic drive unit 13 to the armature plate 14 is performed through a plurality of permanent magnets (not shown) positioned inside or on the surface of the armature plate 14. When the drive unit 2 is in a resting state, the first and second spring sets 15a and 15b, as an example and without limitation, form an angle α of approximately 105° with the armature plate 14, thereby dividing the driving force exerted on the armature plate 14 by the magnetic drive unit 13 into horizontal and vertical components. The conveyor groove 8 is vibrated by the magnetic drive unit 13 through force transmission to the armature plate 14. The spring set 15, on which the conveyor groove 8 and the counterweight 11 are suspended, is assembled at a fixed angle with respect to the drive plane of the magnetic coil. Under the angle ratio of spring set 15 / armature plate 14, when the amplitude is small, the division of the driving force on the armature plate 14 into horizontal and vertical components results. Furthermore, an acceleration sensor 7 is attached to the mounting member of the armature plate 14 to which the first spring set 15a is attached. 【0047】 The mechanical structure of the drive unit 2 is based on the counterweight 11. That is, vibration force compensation is performed via the counterweight system. At this time, the mass body - conveyor groove 8 - vibrates in exactly the opposite direction to the second mass body - counterweight 11 -. This compensation minimizes the transmission of vibration force to the outer housing. The magnetic drive unit 13, along with a temperature sensor (not shown), is enclosed within the counterweight 11. 【0048】 As shown in Figure 4, in this embodiment, the drive unit 2 comprises a frequency inverter 3 for applying drive pulses, a higher-level operating system 4, a signal evaluation unit 5 for detecting pulse responses, and a computer 6 appropriately programmed to carry out the method according to the present invention as described above. 【0049】 Computer 6 is equipped with an OPC UA interface for connection to the higher-level operating system 4, thereby enabling the application of the vibrating conveyor device 1 regardless of the manufacturer, programming language, and operating system. In this way, the vibrating conveyor device 1 can be connected to any OPC UA-type tablet press and higher-level control system without the need for modifications. The unified interface enables easy and rapid access to data and applications, and simplifies the transmission of alarms and audit trails. Furthermore, the easy and reliable transmission and collection of data from the drive unit 2 enables improved predictive maintenance. For example, determined drive data such as frequency domain and vibration amplitude can be used to derive maintenance information, thereby enabling predictive maintenance and minimizing the potential failure period. In the best-case scenario, failures and incorrect operations can be predicted before they lead to escalating impact or loss. 【0050】 The computer 6 evaluates, in particular, the pulse response detected by the signal evaluation unit 5, thereby recognizing, for example, the state of the conveyor groove 8 even before operation begins—for example, whether it exists or not, or whether it is only partially assembled—and determining whether the spiral tower having the conveyor groove 8 is properly configured. Furthermore, it is possible to not only inspect the proper assembly of the spiral tower but also to obtain information regarding the amount of material filling the conveyor groove 8. 【0051】 The conveyor groove 8 of the vibrating conveyor device 1 can be completely empty in an empty-running mode. Therefore, an appropriate empty-running program with low vibration can be selected for various different tablets and capsules, and the conveyor groove 8 of the vibrating conveyor device 1 can be completely empty in the low-frequency range. 【0052】 As described above, various embodiments of the present invention exist, and it should be understood that these can be applied individually or in any combination of their various constituent elements. Therefore, the present invention is not simply limited to the particularly preferred embodiments described above.

Claims

[Claim 1] A method, A) The method to be carried out before operation consists of the following steps: A1) Before operating the vibrating conveyor device (1), a drive pulse is applied by a frequency inverter (3) to a drive device (2) for driving and vibrating the vibrating conveyor device (1). A2) A step in which the pulse response generated by the vibration conveyor device (1) in response to the drive pulse is detected by the unit (5) according to the time of the pulse response or according to the frequency of the pulse response. A3) The detected pulse response is transferred to the computer (6) by the unit (5), A4) A step in which the detected pulse response is compared with a reference pulse response by the computer (6), A5) Based on the results of the comparison step A4) by the computer (6), a) Should the starting drive output of the drive unit (2) be reduced to activate the starting procedure for operating the vibrating conveyor device (1), or b) Should the starting procedure for operating the vibrating conveyor device (1) be activated without reducing the starting drive output of the drive device (2), or c) Should the operation of the vibrating conveyor device (1) be stopped? The step in which this is determined, A6) Based on the result of the determined step A5), the starting procedure for operating the vibrating conveyor device (1) is activated with or without reducing the starting drive output of the drive device. Equipped with, or B) The methods to be carried out during operation consist of the following steps: B1) A step in which the unit (5) detects the stress amplitude, frequency, acceleration, and temperature generated by the vibrating conveyor device (1) during its operation. B2) The detected stress amplitude, frequency, acceleration, and temperature are transferred by the unit (5) to the computer (6), B3) A step in which the detected parameters are compared by the computer (6) with a predefined tolerance range, B4) Based on the results of the comparison step B4) by the computer (6), (i) Operation of the vibrating conveyor device (1) continues without restrictions, or (ii) Should the operation of the vibrating conveyor device (1) be stopped along with an error message? The step in which this is determined, A method that includes [a certain feature]. [Claim 2] The method according to claim 1, characterized in that when the starting drive output of the drive device (2) is reduced and the starting procedure for operating the vibrating conveyor device (1) is activated, the starting drive output is increased to the normal drive output after starting. [Claim 3] The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the starting drive output of the drive device (2) is reduced to a maximum of 80%. [Claim 4] The above method proceeds to the following step before step A1): A0) A reference pulse response is generated in the drive unit (2) by the application of a temporary drive pulse to the drive unit (2) of the vibrating conveyor device (1), and at this time the drive unit (2) is not subjected to an increased mechanical load. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by comprising: [Claim 5] The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the pulse response of step A2) is detected by an acceleration sensor (7) placed in the vibrating conveyor device (1) according to the time of the pulse response or according to the frequency of the pulse response. [Claim 6] After the operation of the vibrating conveyor device (1), the next step is to proceed. C1) A step in which parameters, at least stress amplitude, frequency, acceleration, and temperature, generated by the vibrating conveyor device (1) and detected during operation of the vibrating conveyor device (1) under steps B3) and B4), and transmitted to the computer (6), are compared by the computer (6) with stored data. C2) Based on the result of the comparison step C1) by the computer (6), a) Whether the trend of change in the parameter is computer-recognizable and a warning should be issued, b) A step in which it is determined whether the operation of the vibrating conveyor device (1) can be continued in a standard manner, The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the following is performed. [Claim 7] Another next step, D1) The step in which the parameters detected in step B1) are provided to the operating system (4) via the OPC UA interface, D2) The operating system (4) detects the provided data, The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by comprising:

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