Device and method for testing and / or monitoring predominantly elongated objects

Abstract

The invention is based on a device for testing and / or monitoring, in particular material testing and / or material monitoring, predominantly elongated objects (10) which are predominantly or entirely formed from one or more plastics, such as for example synthetic ropes, synthetic fibres, plastic rods, plastic sheets or the like, the device comprising at least one sensor unit (12), which is intended at least for detecting changes in state and / or setpoint deviations of the predominantly elongated objects (10). It is proposed that the sensor unit (12) should include an ultra-wideband (UWB) sensor (14).

Description

[0001] Device and method for testing and / or monitoring predominantly elongated objects

[0002] State of the art

[0003] The invention relates to a device according to the preamble of claim 1 and a method according to claim 18.

[0004] Synthetic ropes used in lifting and supporting applications (such as tower cranes, automotive cranes, or crawler cranes) are subject to a wide variety of stresses that lead to a deterioration in the rope's properties over their service life. Detecting this deterioration is crucial to ensuring safe operation of the synthetic rope and / or replacing it in a timely manner. The stresses encountered on such synthetic ropes include, among others, bending, crushing, abrasion / friction, puncture, chemical exposure, temperature, and stretching.

[0005] Devices for testing and / or monitoring plastic ropes have already been proposed, comprising at least one sensor unit which is at least intended to detect changes in condition and / or deviations from the target values ​​of the predominantly elongated objects. These known devices only allow for optical inspection of the surface using a camera system. Plastic ropes such as the soLITE® fiber rope from Teufelberger, for example, have a colored (here: red) rope core which, in the event of external damage, e.g., for the camera system, becomes visible and thus indicates that the rope is ready for discard. Information about internal damage or deterioration of properties inside the plastic rope, e.g., from an inner layer of the plastic rope or from a core of the plastic rope, cannot be obtained using the known camera systems.

[0006] The object of the invention is, in particular, to provide a generic device with advantageous properties for testing and / or monitoring predominantly elongated objects, preferably at least plastic ropes. This object is achieved according to the invention by the features of claim 1 and claim 18, while advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention can be found in the subclaims.

[0007] Advantages of the invention

[0008] The invention is based on a device for testing and / or monitoring, in particular material testing and / or material monitoring, of predominantly elongated objects which are predominantly or completely made of one or more plastics, in particular polymers, such as plastic ropes, plastic fibers, plastic rods, plastic plates or the like, with at least one sensor unit which is at least intended to detect changes in state and / or target deviations of the predominantly elongated objects.

[0009] It is proposed that the sensor unit comprise an ultra-wideband (UWB) sensor. This advantageously enables external and internal testing of predominantly elongated objects, such as plastic ropes or the like. External and internal damage to plastic ropes can advantageously be detected. The testing and / or monitoring is advantageously non-contact and / or non-destructive. Cross-sectional changes of the tested and / or monitored object can also advantageously be detected (comparable to determining an LMA value according to DIN ISO 4309:2021-08 for a wire rope). In addition, the composition of the plastic of the object and / or a change in the chemistry of the plastic of the object can advantageously be detected.Furthermore, a compact design can be achieved, especially since ultra-wideband sensors can provide a sufficiently large field of view even at significantly shorter measurement distances than an optical camera. Furthermore, compared to a camera system, an additional illumination device can be dispensed with.

[0010] A predominantly elongated object is, in particular, an object which, preferably in a fully expanded state, has an extension in one spatial direction that is at least 5 times as large, preferably at least 10 times as large, preferably at least 30 times as large, and particularly preferably at least 50 times as large as extensions in both other spatial directions perpendicular to the spatial direction. In particular, the predominantly elongated object, in the fully expanded state, has an extension in the main extension direction that is at least 10 times as large, preferably at least 30 times as large, and particularly preferably at least 50 times as large as extensions in both other spatial directions perpendicular to the main extension direction.A "main extension direction" of an object should be understood in particular as a direction that runs parallel to a longest edge of a smallest geometric cuboid that just completely encloses the object. The predominantly elongated object can be designed to be rigid. However, the predominantly elongated object is preferably designed to be flexible. In particular, the objects are made of at least 80%, preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 95%, and particularly preferably at least 98% plastics, in particular polymers, preferably plastic fibers. The objects can also be made entirely of plastics, e.g., plastic fibers. In particular, the device and / or the sensor unit can also comprise a plurality of ultra-broadband sensors.An "ultra-wideband sensor" is understood to mean, in particular, a sensor that emits electromagnetic waves, in particular wave packets, wherein the emitted electromagnetic waves, in particular the emitted wave packets, cover a particularly wide bandwidth, preferably a bandwidth of more than 500 MHz. In particular, the wave packets emitted by the ultra-wideband sensor comprise a plurality of electromagnetic waves of different frequencies, which preferably have a fixed phase relationship to one another. In particular, the sensor unit with the ultra-wideband sensor detects a reflection signal of the emitted electromagnetic waves, in particular the emitted wave packets, for testing the objects moving and / or arranged in the sensor's field of view.In particular, the sensor unit with the ultra-wideband sensor detects a transmission signal of the emitted electromagnetic waves, in particular the emitted wave packets, for testing the objects moving and / or arranged in the field of view of the sensor. The ultra-wideband sensor is preferably operated continuously. The ultra-wideband sensor preferably continuously measures the object, in particular the plastic rope, in a transmissive and reflective manner. In particular, the object reflects and absorbs the broadband electromagnetic wave of the ultra-wideband sensor, so that properties of the object can be determined from the reflection signal and / or the transmission signal. In particular, a portion of the broadband electromagnetic wave of the ultra-wideband sensor penetrates the material of the object, while another portion of the electromagnetic wave of the ultra-wideband sensor is absorbed by the material of the object.In particular, the device and / or the sensor unit is designed to draw conclusions about defects in the object and / or geometric changes in the object and / or material changes in the object based on the measured reflected and / or absorbed signal components. The ultra-wideband sensor preferably does not emit pulse signals, so that advantageously no measurement interruption is necessary for receiving pulse responses. This advantageously enables a particularly high measurement speed, which in particular allows high measurement accuracy and / or measurement of objects at particularly high speeds. Alternatively, however, it is also conceivable for the ultra-wideband sensor to be operated in a pulsed mode.Advantageously, the use of ultra-wideband sensor technology can also prevent interference with and / or interference with other radio transmission methods, in particular other narrowband radio transmission methods such as LoRa, 5G, or WLAN (especially 802.11 p). "Intended" and / or "configured" should be understood to mean, in particular, specifically programmed, designed, and / or equipped. The fact that an object is intended and / or configured for a specific function should be understood to mean, in particular, that the object fulfills and / or executes this specific function in at least one application and / or operating state.

[0011] It is further proposed that the ultra-wideband sensor be arranged and configured in such a way that local surface changes in condition and / or local surface deviations from the target values ​​of the predominantly elongated objects are detected. This advantageously enables local defect detection, in particular the determination of a so-called LF value (comparable to the determination of an LF value according to DIN ISO 4309:2021-08 of a wire rope). This advantageously enables repair or replacement of the object before complete failure. In particular, the ultra-wideband sensor is arranged in such a way that it only has a portion of the predominantly elongated object in its field of view at any given time. This enables local inspection and / or monitoring of the object by shifting the object or the field of view.In addition, this can advantageously enable a comparison of the measurement results at different sections of the object.

[0012] If the local superficial state change is embodied as a temporal or spatial diameter change (local reference value) of an inspected and / or monitored object, or if the local superficial target deviation is embodied as a geometric diameter deviation from a predefined diameter target value (global reference value), this can advantageously enable particularly reliable and / or particularly meaningful (surface) testing and / or (surface) monitoring. In particular, the temporal diameter change is a change in the diameter of a specific section of the object over a period of time. In particular, the spatial diameter change is a change in the diameter along a longitudinal extent of the object, in particular when comparing different longitudinal sections of the object with one another.It is conceivable that the object in its initial state has at least a substantially constant diameter along its entire length. A deviation from the initial diameter (setpoint diameter) can thus indicate a change in the object's state, in particular damage to the object or a change in load. Alternatively, however, it is also conceivable that the object in its initial state has varying, e.g., periodically varying, diameters, and knowledge of a relative position between the object and the ultra-wideband sensor (e.g., from another measurement) is required to determine a geometric diameter deviation or a temporal or spatial diameter change.

[0013] Furthermore, it is proposed that the ultra-wideband sensor be arranged and configured in such a way as to enable detection of local internal state changes and / or local internal target deviations of the predominantly elongated objects. This advantageously enables local internal defect detection. This advantageously enables repair of the object before complete failure or early replacement of the object before the defect spreads. Advantageously, a high level of safety can be achieved for applications of the object, e.g., a plastic lifting rope. In particular, the ultra-wideband sensor can be provided for simultaneous detection of local internal state changes / target deviations and local superficial state changes / target deviations.Preferably, the internal and superficial state changes / target deviations can be read from the same signal of the same ultra-wideband sensor.

[0014] If the local internal state change is formed as a temporal or spatial change in a plastic composition or an internal geometric structure or if the local internal target deviation is formed as a deviation from a target plastic composition or from an internal geometric target structure, a particularly reliable and / or particularly meaningful (internal) testing and / or (internal) monitoring can be enabled. In particular, the temporal change in the plastic composition is a change in the plastic composition of a specific section of the object over a period of time. In particular, the spatial change in the plastic composition is a change in the plastic composition along a longitudinal extent of the object, in particular when comparing different longitudinal sections of the object with one another.It is conceivable that the object in its initial state has at least substantially the same plastic composition along its entire length. A deviation from the initial plastic composition (target plastic composition) can therefore indicate a change in the object’s state, in particular damage to the object. Alternatively, however, it is also conceivable that the object in its initial state has varying, e.g. periodically varying, plastic compositions and knowledge of a relative position between the object and the ultra-wideband sensor is required in order to be able to determine a deviation from a target plastic composition or a temporal or spatial change in a plastic composition. For example, a change in the plastic composition can change the density of the plastic. For example, a change in the plastic composition can change the chemistry of the plastic.For example, the internal state change can cause an internal structure of the plastic to change.

[0015] It is also proposed that the ultra-wideband sensor have at least a first antenna and at least a second antenna, which are arranged symmetrically or asymmetrically to one another on different sides of an object receiving area of ​​the sensor unit. This makes it possible to provide an advantageous measurement configuration. Advantageously, a high level of measurement accuracy can be achieved. The first antenna and the second antenna of the ultra-wideband sensor can be arranged on sides of the object receiving area that point directly away from one another / on directly opposite sides of the object receiving area (symmetrical arrangement). Alternatively, the first antenna and the second antenna can be arranged on sides of the object receiving area that are at an angle to one another, for example at a 90° angle or at an angle greater than 90° and less than 180° (asymmetrical arrangement), preferably greater than 100° and less than 170°.In particular, a normal to an antenna plane of the first antenna or the second antenna points toward the object receiving area. In particular, the object receiving area is provided for receiving the predominantly elongated object, preferably at least a portion of the predominantly elongated object. In particular, the device can have a holder for the object (contacting design) or an opening through which the object is passed (completely contactless design) in the object receiving area. The first antenna is designed, in particular, as an ultra-broadband antenna. The first antenna is provided, in particular, for emitting broadband electromagnetic waves.The first antenna can also be provided for receiving reflection signals of the self-emitted broadband electromagnetic waves or for receiving broadband electromagnetic waves that originate from the second antenna and have been influenced (reflected and / or absorbed) by the object to be tested and / or monitored. The second antenna is particularly designed as an ultra-broadband antenna. The second antenna is particularly provided for transmitting the broadband electromagnetic waves. The second antenna can also be provided for receiving reflection signals of the self-emitted broadband electromagnetic waves or for receiving broadband electromagnetic waves that originate from the first antenna and have been influenced (reflected and / or absorbed) by the object to be tested and / or monitored.

[0016] Alternatively, it is proposed that the ultra-wideband sensor comprise at least one antenna, in particular only the above-described first antenna or only the above-described second antenna, and at least one reflector, which are arranged symmetrically or asymmetrically to one another on different sides of an object receiving region of the sensor unit. This makes it possible to provide an advantageous measurement configuration. Advantageously, a structurally simple and / or cost-effective design can be provided. The reflector is provided in particular for reflection, in particular retroreflection, of the broadband electromagnetic waves emitted by the antenna, which waves have been influenced in particular by the object. In particular, the antenna is provided for receiving at least a portion of the broadband electromagnetic waves reflected by the reflector.The antenna and the reflector of the ultra-wideband sensor can be arranged on sides of the object recording area that point directly away from each other or on directly opposite sides of the object recording area (symmetrical arrangement). Alternatively, the antenna and the reflector can be arranged on sides of the object recording area that are at an angle to each other, for example at a 90° angle or at an angle greater than 90° and less than 180° (asymmetrical arrangement), preferably greater than 100° and less than 170°. In particular, a normal to an antenna plane of the antenna or the reflector points towards the object recording area. The device, in particular the ultra-wideband sensor, can have more than one reflector. The multiple reflectors can be assigned to a single antenna of the ultra-wideband sensor or to different antennas of the ultra-wideband sensor.It is conceivable that the first antenna simultaneously forms the reflector for the second antenna and / or vice versa.

[0017] Furthermore, it is proposed that the sensor unit has an adjustment unit which is at least designed to provide a manual or motorized adjustment function for adjusting at least one position of the first antenna, the second antenna and / or the reflector or which is in particular at least designed to provide a manual or motorized adjustment function for adjusting at least one distance between the first antenna and the second antenna or a distance between the antenna and the reflector. This advantageously makes it possible to achieve a high level of flexibility. Suitability for objects of different sizes can advantageously be achieved. In addition, a resolution and / or a monitoring range can advantageously be adjusted and / or optimized, e.g. by adjusting a distance between the object and the antenna(s). The adjustment unit can be used to adjust a relative distance between the antennas orbetween reflector and antenna. The adjustment unit can be provided for individual adjustment of each antenna and each reflector. The adjustment unit can be provided for translational adjustment of the antennas and / or reflectors. The adjustment unit can be provided for pivoting / rotating the antennas and / or reflectors. The adjustment unit can have a drive, e.g. an electric motor or a linear actuator, for motorized adjustment of the distance. Furthermore, it is proposed that the adjustment unit is provided for adjusting a spatial extent of the object recording area and / or that the adjustment unit is provided for adjusting a distance between the object and the antenna(s) or the reflector(s). This advantageously makes it possible to achieve a high level of flexibility. Suitability for objects of different sizes can advantageously be achieved.In addition, a resolution and / or a monitoring range can advantageously be adjusted and / or optimized, e.g., by adjusting the distance between the object and the antenna(s). In particular, the set distance between the antennas, between the antenna and the reflector, and / or between the object and the antenna and / or the reflector depends on the diameter and / or the properties of the object to be inspected and / or monitored, in particular the plastic rope.

[0018] Furthermore, it is proposed that the sensor unit have an object receiving area that is at least substantially fixed or fixable in a fixed position and through which the checked and / or monitored objects can be moved at least along their longitudinal axes. This enables an advantageous, particularly simple, construction. Advantageously, particularly simple testing and / or monitoring of moving plastic cables, for example plastic running cables, can be enabled. It is conceivable for the device to comprise a plurality of, in particular fixed or fixable, object receiving areas, which preferably each have at least one ultra-broadband sensor and which can preferably be traversed one after the other by the predominantly elongated object, in particular the plastic cable. This advantageously increases measurement accuracy.In particular, the device can comprise a device for guiding and / or driving the predominantly elongated object, in particular the plastic cable, such as one or more drive rollers, or the device for guiding and / or driving the predominantly elongated object, in particular the plastic cable, can be designed separately from the device, e.g. as a device already provided for moving the predominantly elongated object, in particular the plastic cable, in its area of ​​use, such as a cable winch, e.g. of a tower crane, automobile crane, or crawler crane. The object receiving area can be designed as a type of tunnel through which the object can be moved in the longitudinal direction.

[0019] It is further proposed that the device comprise a further sensor unit, which is provided at least for detecting a movement parameter, in particular a speed parameter, of the checked and / or monitored objects. This advantageously allows a high level of measurement precision to be achieved. In particular, the movement parameter can be used for signal processing of the signals detected by the ultra-wideband sensor. Preferably, the movement parameter is transmitted to an evaluation unit of the device. The further sensor unit can be provided for an indirect measurement of the movement parameter, e.g., by measuring a property of a drive moving the object, such as measuring a rotational speed of a pulley driving a plastic rope or a motor driving the pulley. The further sensor unit can be provided for a direct measurement of the movement parameter, e.g.,For directly sensing a speed parameter of a plastic rope using a measuring roller pressed against the plastic rope. Alternatively, the additional sensor unit can also be designed without contact, e.g., as an optical sensor unit or a laser sensor that monitors a marking or pattern on a surface of the rope to determine the movement parameter.

[0020] Alternatively or additionally, it is proposed that the sensor unit comprise at least one carriage unit which movably mounts at least the ultra-wideband sensor at least translationally, in particular along at least part of a longitudinal axis of the objects being checked and / or monitored. This advantageously enables the testing and / or monitoring of static, predominantly elongated objects, preferably statically mounted plastic ropes, such as plastic holding ropes. In particular, in this embodiment, the ultra-wideband sensor is moved by means of the carriage unit along the longitudinal axis of the predominantly elongated object, in particular of the at least partially extended plastic rope. It is also conceivable for the ultra-wideband sensor to be mounted translationally movably along a moving object, in particular a plastic rope. This advantageously maximizes a measuring length per unit of time.

[0021] Furthermore, it is proposed that the device be configured for testing and / or monitoring, in particular material testing and / or material monitoring, plastic fiber ropes. This can advantageously increase the operational reliability of plastic fiber ropes in many areas of application, e.g., for plastic running ropes or plastic holding ropes. A plastic fiber rope is, in particular, an elongated, tensile-resistant, slackly bendable, and usually torsionally soft element consisting of twisted (laid) or braided synthetic fibers, in particular polymer fibers. The plastic fiber rope can be single-layered or multi-layered. The plastic fiber rope can comprise a rope core. The synthetic fibers, in particular polymer fibers, are twisted around the rope core in this case. The rope core is preferably also made of a plastic / polymer.

[0022] It is further proposed that the sensor unit be at least configured to detect changes in state and / or target deviations of a rope core of a single- or multi-layer plastic fiber rope and / or of an inner rope layer of a multi-layer plastic fiber rope. This advantageously allows a high level of safety to be achieved. Internal damage can advantageously be detected at an early stage, in particular long before an actual hazard arises as a result of this damage. It is additionally proposed that the device comprise the evaluation unit, which is provided for evaluating UWB transmission and / or UWB reflection data determined by the sensor unit in order to determine the changes in state and / or target deviations. This advantageously allows a high level of safety to be achieved.An "evaluation unit" should be understood in particular as a unit with an information input, an information processing unit, and an information output. The evaluation unit advantageously has at least one processor, a memory, input and output means, further electrical components, an operating program, control routines, control routines, and / or calculation routines. The components of the evaluation unit are preferably arranged on a common circuit board and / or advantageously arranged in a common housing. In particular, the evaluation unit can be provided for comparing the measured data of the object with a static model of the object. Alternatively or additionally, the evaluation unit can be provided for comparing measured data of the object with previously recorded data of the object (reference values), e.g., immediately after commissioning / installation of the object.In particular, the evaluation unit is designed to detect signs of aging, internal and external damage, internal or external changes in chemical composition and / or density, etc.

[0023] If the evaluation unit is designed to at least compare currently measured UWB transmission data and / or UWB reflection data of the sensor unit with static reference UWB transmission data and / or static reference UWB reflection data and / or with dynamic reference UWB transmission data and / or dynamic reference UWB reflection data previously measured by the sensor unit, optimal detection of internal and / or external state changes can advantageously be achieved based on unique signal signatures. The static reference UWB transmission data and / or the static reference UWB reflection data can, for example, originate from a data sheet for the object or from an initial calibration during installation / commissioning of the object.The dynamic reference UWB transmission data and / or the dynamic reference UWB reflection data can be reset regularly, for example every hour, every day, every week, every month, depending on the object's application area.

[0024] It is also proposed that the evaluation unit comprise at least one trained and / or trainable machine learning algorithm, which is provided for detecting and, in particular, classifying the state changes and / or the target deviations in currently measured UWB transmission data and / or UWB reflection data of the sensor unit. This advantageously improves, accelerates, and, in particular, locally optimizes an evaluation. The computational effort for an evaluation can advantageously be reduced. In particular, the machine learning algorithm can be provided for pattern recognition based on the measurement data of the ultra-wideband sensors acquired by the sensor unit.

[0025] Furthermore, a method for testing and / or monitoring, in particular material testing and / or material monitoring, of predominantly elongated objects which are predominantly or completely made of one or more plastics, such as plastic ropes, plastic fibers, plastic rods, plastic plates or the like, is conceivable, wherein changes in state and / or target deviations of the predominantly elongated objects are detected by an ultra-wideband (UWB) sensor of at least one sensor unit. This advantageously enables external and internal testing of the predominantly elongated objects, such as plastic ropes or the like. External and internal damage to plastic ropes can advantageously be detected. The testing and / or monitoring is advantageously non-contact and / or non-destructive.It is also conceivable that, in the method, the ultra-wideband sensor of the sensor unit detects state changes and / or target deviations of plastic fiber ropes, wherein the state changes and / or target deviations are conceivably determined from a comparison of currently measured UWB transmission data and / or UWB reflection data of the sensor unit with static reference UWB transmission data and / or static reference UWB reflection data and / or with dynamic reference UWB transmission data and / or dynamic reference UWB reflection data previously measured by the sensor unit. This advantageously allows for optimal detection of internal and / or external state changes.

[0026] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the method detects and, in particular, classifies the state changes and / or target deviations from currently measured UWB transmission data and / or UWB reflection data of the sensor unit using at least one trained and / or trainable machine learning algorithm. This can advantageously improve, accelerate, and, in particular, locally optimize an evaluation.

[0027] The device according to the invention is not intended to be limited to the application and embodiment described above. In particular, the device according to the invention may have a number of individual elements, components, and units that differs from the number stated herein to fulfill a function described herein.

[0028] Drawings

[0029] Further advantages will become apparent from the following description of the drawings. The drawings illustrate an embodiment of the invention. The drawings, the description, and the claims contain numerous features in combination. Those skilled in the art will conveniently consider the features individually and combine them into useful further combinations. They show:

[0030] Fig. 1 schematically shows an object which is predominantly elongated along its longitudinal axis,

[0031] Fig. 2 is a schematic side view of a device with the predominantly elongated object,

[0032] Fig. 3 is a schematic front view of a device with the predominantly elongated object in a sectional view and

[0033] Fig. 4 is a schematic flow diagram of a method for testing and / or monitoring the predominantly elongated object.

[0034] Description of the embodiment

[0035] Figure 1 schematically shows an object 10 that is predominantly elongated along its longitudinal axis 30. The object 10 has the longitudinal axis 30, at least in the spread-out state shown in Figure 1. The object 10 is predominantly or completely made of one or more plastics. The object 10 is designed, for example, as a plastic rope. Alternatively, the object 10 could also be designed as a plastic rod or as an elongated plastic plate. The plastic rope is a plastic fiber rope 36. The plastic fiber rope 36 is multi-layered. The plastic fiber rope 36 has a rope core 38. The rope core 38 is made of a plastic. The rope core 38 is designed as a straight filament around which the remainder of the plastic fiber rope 36 is wound. The rope core 38 can also be formed from parallel plastic fibers.The plastic fiber rope 36 has, for example, three inner rope layers 40, 40', 40". The inner rope layers 40, 40', 40" are made of a plastic, in particular of plastic fibers. The plastic fiber rope 36 has an outer sheath 44. The outer sheath 44 is made of a plastic, in particular of plastic fibers. The outer sheath 44 is formed by a fiber braid. However, a device described below can of course also be used for other plastic ropes, e.g., plastic ropes without an outer sheath. The plastic fiber rope 36 is designed to be flexible and windable. The plastic fiber rope 36 can form a hoist rope, suspension rope, or running rope. The plastic fiber rope 36 can be designed as a tower crane rope, automotive crane rope, or crawler crane rope.

[0036] Figure 2 shows a schematic side view of the device with the predominantly elongated object 10. The device is intended for testing and / or monitoring the predominantly elongated object 10, in particular the plastic fiber rope 36. The device is intended for material testing and / or material monitoring of the predominantly elongated object 10, in particular the plastic fiber rope 36.

[0037] The device has a sensor unit 12. The sensor unit 12 comprises an ultra-wideband sensor 14. The sensor unit 12 is intended to detect changes in state and / or deviations from the target values ​​of the predominantly elongated objects 10. The sensor unit 12 is configured at least to detect changes in state and / or deviations from the target values ​​of the rope core 38 of the single- or multi-layer plastic fiber rope 36. The sensor unit 12 is configured at least to detect changes in state and / or deviations from the target values ​​of one of the inner rope layers 40, 40', 40" of the multi-layer plastic fiber rope 36.

[0038] The device has an evaluation unit 42. The evaluation unit 42 is provided for evaluating UWB transmission and / or UWB reflection data determined by the sensor unit 12 to determine the state changes and / or target deviations. The evaluation unit 42 can be configured close to the sensor unit 12, in particular to the ultra-wideband sensor 14. Alternatively, the evaluation unit 42 can also be configured externally to the sensor unit 12, as outlined in Fig. 2. In this case, the evaluation unit 42 is connected wirelessly or via a wired connection to the sensor unit 12. The external evaluation unit 42 could also be implemented in a cloud. The evaluation unit 42 is provided for comparing currently measured UWB transmission data and / or UWB reflection data of the sensor unit 12 with static reference UWB transmission data and / or static reference UWB reflection data.The evaluation unit 42 is provided for comparing currently measured UWB transmission data and / or UWB reflection data of the sensor unit 12 with dynamic reference UWB transmission data and / or dynamic reference UWB reflection data previously measured by the sensor unit 12. The evaluation unit 42 has a trained and / or trainable machine learning algorithm, which is provided for detecting and, in particular, classifying the state changes and / or the target deviations in the currently measured UWB transmission data and / or UWB reflection data of the sensor unit 12.

[0039] The ultra-wideband sensor 14 is arranged and configured to enable detection of local surface changes in state and / or local surface deviations from the target values ​​of the predominantly elongated objects 10. The local surface change in state is configured as a temporal or spatial change in the diameter of an inspected and / or monitored object 10. The local surface deviation is configured as a geometric diameter deviation from a predetermined diameter target value. The local surface deviation can also be configured as external damage to a mesh of an object 10 configured as a plastic rope. The ultra-wideband sensor 14 is arranged and configured to enable detection of local internal state changes and / or local internal deviations from the target values ​​of the predominantly elongated objects 10.The local internal state change is defined as a temporal or spatial change in a plastic composition or an internal geometric structure. The local internal target deviation is defined as a deviation from a target plastic composition or from an internal geometric target structure.

[0040] The sensor unit 12 forms an object receiving area 20 for receiving the object 10. The object receiving area 20 can be fixed in place. Alternatively, the object receiving area 20 could also be permanently fixed in place. The object 10 to be checked and / or monitored can be moved along its longitudinal axis 30 through the fixed object receiving area 20. The device, in particular the sensor unit 12, has a slide unit 34. The slide unit 34 supports the ultra-wideband sensor 14 for translational movement. The slide unit 34 supports the ultra-wideband sensor 14 for movement along at least part of its longitudinal axis 30. The slide unit 34 supports the ultra-wideband sensor 14 for translational movement along the directions indicated by the arrows 46.

[0041] The ultra-wideband sensor 14 has a first antenna 16. The ultra-wideband sensor 14 has a second antenna 18. The ultra-wideband sensor 14 has a reflector 22. The second antenna 18 simultaneously forms the reflector 22, which reflects the signals from the first antenna 16 back to the first antenna 16. Alternatively, the reflector 22 could also be formed separately or completely replace the second antenna 18. The ultra-wideband sensor 14 could also have further antennas and / or reflectors; for the sake of simplicity, however, only two antennas and one reflector are shown in the figures. The first antenna 16 and the second antenna 18 are arranged symmetrically on directly opposite sides of the object recording area 20, by way of example. The first antenna 16 and the reflector 22 are arranged symmetrically on directly opposite sides of the object receiving area 20, for example.Alternatively, the second antenna 18 and / or the reflector 22 could be arranged asymmetrically on a further side of the object receiving area 20 that is not directly opposite the first antenna 16. The device has a further sensor unit 32. The further sensor unit 32 is provided for detecting a movement parameter of the object 10 to be checked and / or monitored. The further sensor unit 32 is provided for detecting a speed parameter of the object 10 to be checked and / or monitored. The further sensor unit 32 is provided for detecting a plastic fiber rope movement speed during a measurement using the ultra-wideband sensor 14. By way of example, in the case shown in Fig. 2, the further sensor unit 32 is integrated into a drive unit 48 for driving the movement of the object 10, in particular the plastic fiber rope 36.Alternatively, the further sensor unit 32 could also be designed separately from the drive unit 48, e.g. as a measuring roller acting on the plastic fiber rope 36.

[0042] Figure 3 shows a schematic front view of the device for testing and / or monitoring the predominantly elongated objects 10, with the predominantly elongated object 10 in a sectional view. The sensor unit 12 has an adjustment unit 24, which is at least configured to provide a manual or motorized adjustment function for adjusting at least one position of the first antenna 16, the second antenna 18, and / or the reflector 22. The adjustment unit 24 is provided for adjusting an extent 26 of the object receiving area 20. The adjustment unit 24 is provided for adjusting a distance 28, 28' between the object 10 and the antennas 16, 18 or the reflector 22. The distances 28, 28' of the individual antennas 16, 18 and reflectors 22 from the object 10 can each be adjusted independently of one another by means of the adjustment unit 24.

[0043] Figure 4 shows a schematic flow diagram of a method for testing and / or monitoring, in particular material testing and / or material monitoring, the predominantly elongated object 10, which is predominantly or entirely made of one or more plastics. In at least one method step 50, the sensor unit 12 is moved along the longitudinal axis 30 of the object 10 and / or the object 10 is moved through the object receiving area 20 of the sensor unit 12. In this process, the ultra-wideband sensor 14 of the sensor unit 12 detects the changes in state and / or the target deviations of the predominantly elongated objects 10, which may be formed as plastic fiber ropes 36. In at least one further method step 52, the detected signals are evaluated by the evaluation unit 42.The state changes and / or the target deviations are determined from a comparison of currently measured UWB transmission data and / or UWB reflection data of the sensor unit 12 with static reference UWB transmission data and / or static reference UWB reflection data. Alternatively or additionally, the state changes and / or the target deviations are determined from a comparison of currently measured UWB transmission data and / or UWB reflection data of the sensor unit 12 with dynamic reference UWB transmission data and / or dynamic reference UWB reflection data previously measured by the sensor unit 12. Alternatively or additionally, the state changes and / or target deviations are detected and, in particular, classified from currently measured UWB transmission data and / or UWB reflection data of the sensor unit 12 using at least one trained and / or trainable machine learning algorithm.

[0044] Reference symbol

[0045] 10 objects

[0046] 12 Sensor unit

[0047] 14 Ultra-wideband sensor

[0048] 16 First antenna

[0049] 18 Second antenna

[0050] 20 Object recording area

[0051] 22 Reflector

[0052] 24 setting unit

[0053] 26 Expansion

[0054] 28 distance

[0055] 30 Longitudinal axis

[0056] 32 Additional sensor unit

[0057] 34 carriage unit

[0058] 36 plastic fiber rope

[0059] 38 rope core

[0060] 40 Inner rope layer

[0061] 42 Evaluation unit

[0062] 44 Outer jacket

[0063] 46 Arrow

[0064] 48 drive unit

[0065] 50 process steps

[0066] 52 process steps

Claims

Claims 1 . Device for testing and / or monitoring, in particular material testing and / or material monitoring, of predominantly elongated objects (10) which are predominantly or completely made of one or more plastics, such as plastic ropes, plastic fibers, plastic rods, plastic plates or the like, with at least one sensor unit (12) which is at least intended to detect changes in state and / or target deviations of the predominantly elongated objects (10), characterized in that the sensor unit (12) comprises an ultra-wideband (UWB) sensor (14).

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the ultra-wideband sensor (14) is arranged and designed in such a way that detection of local superficial state changes and / or local superficial target deviations of the predominantly elongated objects (10) is possible.

3. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the local superficial state change is designed as a temporal or spatial diameter change of an inspected and / or monitored object (10) or that the local superficial target deviation is designed as a geometric diameter deviation from a predetermined diameter target value.

4. Device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the ultra-wideband sensor (14) is arranged and designed in such a way that detection of local internal state changes and / or local internal target deviations of the predominantly elongated objects (10) is possible.

5. Device according to claim 4, characterized in that the local internal state change is designed as a temporal or spatial change of a plastic composition or an internal geometric structure or that the local internal target deviation is designed as a deviation from a target plastic composition or from an internal geometric target structure.

6. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ultra-wideband sensor (14) has at least one first antenna (16) and at least one second antenna (18), which are arranged symmetrically or asymmetrically to one another on different sides of an object receiving area (20) of the sensor unit (12).

7. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the ultra-wideband sensor (14) has at least one antenna (16) and at least one reflector (22), which are arranged symmetrically or asymmetrically to one another on different sides of an object receiving area (20) of the sensor unit (12).

8. Device according to one of claims 6 or 7, characterized in that the sensor unit (12) has an adjustment unit (24) which is at least designed to provide a manual or motorized adjustment function for adjusting at least one position of the first antenna (16), the second antenna (18) and / or the reflector (22).

9. Device according to claim 8, characterized in that the adjusting unit (24) is provided for adjusting an extent (26) of the object receiving area (20) and / or that the adjusting unit (24) is provided for adjusting a distance (28, 28') between the object (10) and the antenna(s) (16, 18) or the reflector(s) (22).

10. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor unit (12) has an at least substantially stationary or fixable object receiving area (20) through which the checked and / or monitored objects (10) can be moved at least along their longitudinal axes (30). 11 . Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a further sensor unit (32) which is provided at least for detecting a movement parameter, in particular a speed parameter, of the checked and / or monitored objects (10).

12. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor unit (12) has at least one carriage unit (34) which movably supports at least the ultra-wideband sensor (14) at least translationally, in particular along at least part of a longitudinal axis (30) of the checked and / or monitored objects (10).

13. Device according to one of the preceding claims, which is designed for testing and / or monitoring, in particular material testing and / or material monitoring, of plastic fiber ropes (36).

14. Device according to claim 13, characterized in that the sensor unit (12) is at least designed to detect changes in state and / or target deviations of a rope core (38) of a single- or multi-layer plastic fiber rope (36) and / or an inner rope layer (40, 40', 40") of a multi-layer plastic fiber rope (36).

15. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by an evaluation unit (42) which is provided for evaluating UWB transmission and / or UWB reflection data determined by the sensor unit (12) in order to determine the state changes and / or target deviations.

16. Device according to claim 15, characterized in that the evaluation unit (42) is provided at least for a comparison of currently measured UWB transmission data and / or UWB reflection data of the sensor unit (12) with static reference UWB transmission data and / or static reference UWB reflection data and / or with dynamic reference UWB transmission data and / or dynamic reference UWB reflection data previously measured by the sensor unit (12).

17. Device according to claim 15, characterized in that the evaluation unit (42) comprises at least one trained and / or trainable machine learning algorithm, which is provided for detecting and in particular classifying the state changes and / or the target deviations in currently measured UWB transmission data and / or UWB reflection data of the sensor unit (12).

18. Method for testing and / or monitoring, in particular material testing and / or material monitoring, of predominantly elongated objects (10) which are predominantly or completely made of one or more plastics, such as plastic ropes, plastic fibers, plastic rods, plastic plates or the like, wherein changes in state and / or target deviations of the predominantly elongated objects (10) are detected by an ultra-wideband (UWB) sensor (14) of at least one sensor unit (12).

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that the ultra-wideband (UWB) sensor (14) of the sensor unit (12) detects changes in state and / or target deviations of plastic fiber ropes (36).

20. The method according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that the state changes and / or target deviations are determined from a comparison of currently measured UWB transmission data and / or UWB reflection data of the sensor unit (12) with static reference UWB transmission data and / or static reference UWB reflection data and / or with dynamic reference UWB transmission data and / or dynamic reference UWB reflection data previously measured by the sensor unit (12).

21. Method according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that the state changes and / or target deviations from currently measured UWB transmission data and / or UWB reflection data of the sensor unit (12) are detected and in particular classified by means of at least one trained and / or trainable machine learning algorithm.

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