Conveyor belt and method for producing the conveyor belt

Abstract

The invention relates to a conveyor belt (1) for conveying a conveyance item (2) by means of a continuous movement. The conveyor belt (1) has: i) at least one sensor (3) for determining at least one parameter which is associated with the conveyor belt (1) and / or the conveyance items (2), the sensor (3) being integrated into the conveyor belt (1); ii) at least one electrical device (5), which is integrated into the conveyor belt (1) and which is functionally coupled to the sensor (3); and iii) an integration region (13), which is spatially associated with the sensor (3) and / or the electrical device (5).

Description

[0001] Conveyor belt and method for producing the conveyor belt

[0002] FIELD OF INVENTION

[0003] The invention relates to a conveyor belt for transporting a transported item by means of a preferably continuous movement, which conveyor belt comprises a sensor and an electrical device. Furthermore, the invention relates to a transport system comprising a conveyor belt and at least two supporting drums. Furthermore, the invention relates to a monitoring system for a conveyor belt, which comprises a conveyor belt or a transport system and a further electrical device. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for manufacturing a conveyor belt.

[0004] TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

[0005] The operational optimization of conveyor systems is a current topic of considerable economic relevance for companies to ensure smooth operation. In particular, the optimization of conveyor systems can be crucial for increasing productivity, reducing operating costs, and improving the overall efficiency of an industrial process. This optimization can include, among other things, efficient real-time monitoring of the conveyor system without manual intervention (e.g., without regular manual and visual inspection by a person). Furthermore, for permanently monitored belts with a lower safety margin (overload capacity, oversizing), existing operating procedures can be supplemented with new ones that allow more economical belt dimensions while maintaining the same service life.

[0006] Conveyor systems can, for example, have conveyor belts on which a material (e.g. bulk material) is transported. For process optimization, belt surfaces are usually treated using various

[0007] AD:WI:JP:tp procedures for wear. On the one hand, the belts can be tested during operation with

[0008] X-ray procedures are used, and on the other hand, belt misalignment monitoring systems and methods for measuring wear via changes (especially decreases) in tensile forces are used.

[0009] However, for various reasons, a permanent monitoring of such a conveyor belt in real time without manual intervention in an efficient and reliable manner is currently not known.

[0010] For example, integrating standard strain gauges into the belt has proven to be technically too complex and has therefore rarely been used in industry. More frequently, the bearing forces of pulleys are measured to measure belt force fluctuations. However, this measurement can be disadvantageous because the belt tensile force distribution cannot be measured over the entire conveyor line and the belt width. Furthermore, belt carriages for measuring mass flow can have the disadvantage of requiring an additional system for this measurement.

[0011] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] There may be a need to enable efficient and reliable monitoring of a conveyor belt. Preferably (permanently) in real time without manual intervention, i.e., without regular manual and visual inspection by a person.

[0013] A conveyor belt, a transport system, a monitoring system, and a method according to the independent claims are provided. Advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

[0014] According to a first aspect of the invention, a conveyor belt for transporting a transported item by means of a (preferably continuous) movement (e.g., a continuous movement over two drums supporting the belt) is described. The conveyor belt comprising: i) at least one sensor (e.g., a tensile force or strain sensor, a pressure sensor (as a weighing device), a temperature sensor, a distance sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a radar sensor, a position-determining sensor) for determining at least one parameter (e.g., tensile force, strain, pressure, weight, temperature, distance) associated with the conveyor belt (e.g., strain crack) and / or the transported item (e.g., mass, weight of bulk material), wherein the sensor is integrated (or embedded) in the conveyor belt; ii) at least one electrical device (e.g.,a transmitter unit, a receiver unit, an evaluation unit, a power supply unit) which is integrated (also embedded) into the conveyor belt and which is functionally coupled (in particular electrically connected) to the sensor; and iii) an integrating region (e.g., an interface / connection point) which is spatially associated with the sensor and / or the electrical device.

[0015] According to a second aspect of the invention, a transport system is described. The transport system comprises: i) a conveyor belt as described above, ii) at least two supporting drums, wherein the conveyor belt is coupled to the two drums to transport the transported goods by means of a continuous movement.

[0016] According to a third aspect of the invention, a monitoring system for a conveyor belt is described, which comprises: i) a conveyor belt as described above, or ii) a transport system as described above, and iii) a further electrical device (e.g. a monitoring system transmitter unit, a monitoring system receiver unit, a monitoring system evaluation unit or a monitoring system power supply unit) which is coupled to the sensor and / or the electrical device.

[0017] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, a method for manufacturing a conveyor belt is described. The method comprises: i) providing a conveyor belt; ii) integrating at least one sensor and one electrical device into the conveyor belt such that the sensor and / or the electrical device are / is spatially associated with an integration region; iii) functionally coupling the electrical device to the sensor; iv) determining at least one parameter associated with the conveyor belt and / or the transported material.

[0018] In the context of this document, the term "parameter associated with the conveyor belt and / or the transported goods" can refer to a parameter or a measurement result (characteristic, measured variable) that can be determined by means of a sensor and that can be used to characterize or evaluate the conveyor belt or the transported goods. In particular, the conveyor belt parameter can be, but is not limited to, the tensile force distribution across the width of the conveyor belt or the belt sag between the rollers. The transported goods parameter can be, for example, the mass, density, or size of the transported goods. In one example, the parameter can describe a property of the conveyor belt, e.g., to detect cracks. In another example, the parameter can describe a property of the transported goods, e.g., to report excessive weight (excessive loading).

[0019] In the present context, a conveyor belt can be, in particular, a band-shaped (or belt-shaped) element suitable for transporting a load. In a specific example, it is an endlessly rotating dynamic belt for transporting a load by means of a continuous movement. In one example, the conveyor belt is a passive element that is moved by means of other elements (such as rollers).

[0020] In the context of the present document, the term "integration region" may refer to a region of the conveyor belt that is spatially associated with the sensor and / or the electronic device and at least partially enables the integration of the sensor and / or the electronic device into the conveyor belt. An integration region may represent a connection point of the two (or more) ends of the conveyor belt ("ring closure"), wherein the two ends of the conveyor belt may be connected to each other in various ways, e.g., vulcanized or glued. In another example, a conveyor belt element at the integration region may be integrated into the connection region of the conveyor belt.

[0021] In the context of the present document, the term "electrical device" may refer to a device which is suitable, for example, for transmitting and / or receiving the electrical signal (e.g., transmitting sensor measurement data, receiving sensor settings / instructions), for supplying the sensor with electrical energy, or for evaluating the at least one parameter.

[0022] The invention allows for an economically simple equipping of conveyor belts with sensors for detecting conditions (loading, damage, smooth running, material fatigue, tensile force distribution, etc.).

[0023] According to an exemplary embodiment, the invention can be based on the idea that monitoring a conveyor belt is enabled in an efficient and reliable manner if at least one sensor and one electrical device, which are functionally coupled to one another, are integrated or embedded into the conveyor belt. This integration preferably takes place in a conveyor belt that has already been manufactured, so that the sensors and the electrical device are spatially coupled to an integration area. In this case, the integration area particularly reflects a manufacturing process in which the sensors and electrical device were embedded.

[0024] The electrical device can functionally support the sensor, e.g., as an evaluation unit, power supply, or communication unit. Both units—sensor and electrical devices—can be efficiently protected within the conveyor belt, e.g., from harsh environments with impacting bulk material. The conveyor belt described can be directly implemented into established conveyor systems, e.g., using the described manufacturing process. Furthermore, the conveyor belt described can enable a variety of flexible and specialized applications, e.g., being supplied with energy from an external unit via RF coils or antennas (as with RFIDs).

[0025] In this way, efficient and reliable (permanent) monitoring of a transport process can be enabled, preferably in real time and / or without manual intervention (e.g. automated without regular manual and visual inspection by a person).

[0026] EXEMPLARY IMPLEMENTATION EXAMPLES

[0027] According to one embodiment, the sensor comprises at least one element of the list of: a tensile force sensor, a strain sensor, in particular a strain gauge, a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor (in particular as a weighing device), a distance sensor, in particular a laser sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a radar sensor, a position determination sensor, in particular a Hall sensor in spatial relation to a magnet.

[0028] The sensors can fulfil various functions. One function, for example, is to measure the tensile force distribution across the width of the conveyor belt during operation. For this purpose, strain gauge-like structures can be applied at defined intervals across the (entire) width of the conveyor belt and / or across the (entire) length of the conveyor belt. Measuring the tensile force distribution is used for system monitoring and can provide data on the actual belt or conveyor belt load during operation. The information gained can be used to dimension more economical, more robust and longer-lasting conveyor belts. This should minimize the over- or under-dimensioning of the conveyor belts (adjustment of the safety factors). This can make more cost-effective and energy-efficient systems possible. The sensors can also detect defective system components orIdentify system errors that result in a local increase or decrease in traction force that deviates from the standard or standard specification. The sensors can be configured to measure forces perpendicular to the conveying direction.

[0029] The tension sensors can be used, for example, to monitor the load on the conveyor belt, thereby preventing damage (breakages, cracks, deterioration) or downtime (due to downtime due to unusability, maintenance requirements).

[0030] The sensors can also be used as belt scales. In addition to measuring belt forces, the sag between two idlers at the desired measurement position in the load strand can be determined using a high-resolution distance sensor. Laser, ultrasonic, or radar sensors can be used for this distance measurement. Furthermore, the force of the conveyor belt at the two idlers can be measured. A Hall sensor with a sensor magnet or an RFID transponder can also be used for position determination.

[0031] The distance sensors can be used, for example, to monitor load distribution or the distance between the goods being transported on the conveyor belt. This can help increase transport efficiency. Furthermore, the ultrasonic and radar sensors can be used for early detection of obstacles in the conveyor belt's travel area, enabling rapid response to such situations. The positioning sensors can also be used to monitor the position of the goods being transported.

[0032] Furthermore, the sensors can be used to detect tears in the conveyor belt.

[0033] According to a further embodiment, the at least one sensor is printed. This allows for the efficient and flexible provision of a very thin sensor (or a very thin sensor layer). The sensors can be flexibly applied to various surface materials (e.g., plastics) using printing technologies, allowing functionally efficient measurements to be performed regardless of the surface shape and quality. Furthermore, complex sensor shapes can be efficiently manufactured and flexibly applied to various materials and layers. The printed sensors can then, for example, be flexibly embedded in the conveyor belt.

[0034] According to a further embodiment, the at least one sensor is printed by means of a method of: inkjet printing, screen printing, gravure printing, offset printing, pad printing, flexographic printing.

[0035] Inkjet printing is a non-contact method for transferring structures and patterns onto a substrate by applying small liquid droplets (especially an ink with a specific conductivity that changes, for example, in response to tensile stress or temperature changes) generated at a nozzle. This can be a digital printing process characterized by high flexibility and is therefore particularly suitable for printed electronics. This printing method requires low-viscosity ink systems.

[0036] Screen printing enables comparably thick layers of pasty materials with high viscosity. In this process, the pastes are printed through a structured screen and thus applied to the substrate.

[0037] In a specific example, conductive ink or paste systems, predominantly based on metal or metal alloys (also liquid metal alloys such as Galinstan), preferably based on gold, silver, copper, or semi-metals (e.g. bismuth) or carbon, are used for the production of the sensors.

[0038] In another example, the ink / paste is applied in such a way (e.g. within the overlap area during vulcanization) that it is not affected by chemical substances.

[0039] In another example, an additional barrier layer is placed over the

[0040] Vulcanization zone to prevent the diffusion of substances (e.g. substances harmful to the ink or paste systems such as sulfur compounds of the vulcanizing agents).

[0041] According to a further embodiment, the electrical device comprises at least one of the following units: i) a transmitter unit for transmitting an electromagnetic signal, in particular which is associated with the at least one sensor (e.g., transmitting sensor measurement data); ii) a receiver unit for receiving an electromagnetic signal (e.g., receiving sensor settings / instructions); iii) an evaluation unit (e.g., a processor, integrated circuit) for evaluating the at least one parameter; iv) a power supply unit for supplying the sensor with electrical energy (directly via power connections or by capacitive or inductive coupling).

[0042] In the context of this document, the term "transmitter unit" can refer to any type of unit suitable for transmitting electromagnetic signals, in particular those associated with the at least one sensor. In the context of this document, the term "receiver unit" can refer to any type of unit suitable for receiving electromagnetic signals. In the context of this document, the term "evaluation unit" can refer to any type of unit suitable for evaluating at least one parameter associated with the conveyor belt and / or the transported goods. In the context of this document, the term "power supply unit" can refer to any type of unit suitable for supplying the sensor with electrical energy. This can be a unit that is also suitable for supplying the transport system or the monitoring system with electrical energy.

[0043] At least two of the transmitter unit, the receiver unit, the evaluation unit, and the power supply unit (and other units) can be integrated into a common unit, which is responsible for a specific area of ​​the conveyor belt. The transmitter and receiver units can also be implemented as a full-duplex device in the form of two transceiver units. If both the transmitter unit and the receiver unit are located in the conveyor belt, they can be implemented as a transceiver unit that can communicate either with other transceiver units integrated in the conveyor belt or with a transceiver unit outside the conveyor belt.

[0044] According to a further embodiment, the conveyor belt further comprises an outer layer (e.g., support layer) and an inner layer (e.g., running layer). The sensor can be arranged between the outer layer and the inner layer and / or on an inner layer surface of a multi-layer belt structure (e.g., between the support layer and the running layer) or on an inner surface of one of the outer layers or the inner layer. The outer layer can come into direct contact with the transported material, while the inner layer can contact support rollers that support the belt or protect / support the other layer(s). Belt widths can range from 400 mm to 3200 mm, while layer thicknesses can range from 4 mm to 20 mm.

[0045] According to a further embodiment, the sensor is arranged on the surface of one of the two layers: the outer layer or the inner layer. By arranging the sensor on the outer layer (against the rollers) or on the inner layer (against the transported goods), the sensor can be protected. The distribution of the sensors can vary based on various factors such as the type of goods being transported or operational requirements.

[0046] According to a further embodiment, the conveyor belt has an intermediate layer, in particular a tensile carrier layer, which is arranged in particular between the outer layer and the inner layer, and the sensor is arranged on the surface of the intermediate layer. Sensors can be arranged on the upper, lower or both surfaces. If attached to both surfaces, the sensor can also be designed as a capacitor, wherein the capacitor surfaces face each other and are separated by an electrolyte or insulation layer. Since the intermediate layer ensures, among other things, both the tensile strength of the conveyor belt under load and the tensile strength, arranging the sensor on one of the surfaces of this layer ensures, in particular, a stable position of the sensor and thus high measurement accuracy.

[0047] According to a further embodiment, the at least one sensor comprises or consists of an electrically conductive layer. The sensor components may comprise metals, semiconductors, carbon-containing, or other electrically conductive materials. Furthermore, sensors may be coated with special materials to perform specific measurements. Preferably, the conveyor belt is made of an electrically insulating material so that the electrically conductive layer can function particularly efficiently.

[0048] According to a further embodiment, the conveyor belt has a concave shape. This can have the advantage of efficiently distributing the load of a transported item. In one example, the support rollers are arranged in contact with a lower run of the conveyor belt so that they come into contact with the layers of the conveyor belt, thus guiding the conveyor belt. A concave shape of the conveyor belt can prevent the transported item from slipping, thus preventing loss of the transported item.

[0049] According to a further embodiment, the conveyor belt comprises at least one of the following materials: (raw) rubber, natural or synthetic rubber, metal (particularly in the form of metal cables, in particular steel cables), plastic (particularly at least one of the materials polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, polyethylene, polyolefins, polyester, elastomers), silicone, carbon (particularly in the form of carbon fibers), aramids, hybrids of aramid and carbon fibers, mineral (particularly in the form of mineral fibers), cotton. The material can be present in particular as a homogeneous layer or composite. Structures of the materials can be fibers, fiber bundles (twisted or braided), woven, knitted, or pressed fabrics. The use of metals, plastics, or rubber can ensure greater resistance to wear, which can arise, among other things, from contact with the transported goods.Silicone belts are heat- and cold-resistant, while fabric or fiber conveyor belts are lighter, more tear-resistant, and offer better friction. In a preferred example, the conveyor belt material is (substantially) electrically insulating. In this context, the conveyor belt material may or may not include the sensor and / or the electrical device.

[0050] The layers of the conveyor belt can be made of different materials to efficiently fulfill their functions. The layers can be additionally coated. Furthermore, the layers can be reinforced with fibers. The outer layer comes into direct contact with the transported goods. Therefore, this layer can consist of or contain wear-resistant and robust materials such as metals, plastics, or rubber. The inner layer, which can contact the support rollers and protects other layers, can be made of flexible and abrasion-resistant plastics.

[0051] According to a further embodiment, the transport system is suitable for determining the sag of the conveyor belt (e.g., as a belt). This can be determined, for example, as shown below, based on measured parameters (e.g., belt force by calibrating a sensor signal from the tensile force, the elongation, the pressure).

[0052] The sag f is calculated in an example using the following formula:

[0053] H is the horizontal component of the belt force F. For small angles, H = F. q qBelt T qTransported goods

[0054] The line load qTransport goods is calculated in an example using the following formula:

[0055] The mass flow is calculated in an example using the following formula:

[0056] M q Transport goods ' 9 ' ^Belt

[0057] V GU rt would be the belt speed and g would be the gravitational constant.

[0058] The transport system can be used as a belt scale. The mass flow can be determined by measuring the tensile forces on the left and right idlers as well as the sag using an additional measuring device (or electrical device), which is not necessarily integrated into the belt.

[0059] According to a further embodiment, the further electrical device comprises a monitoring system transmitter unit for transmitting an electromagnetic signal associated with the sensor. The transmitter unit can assume the function of the monitoring system transmitter unit entirely or partially.

[0060] The further electrical device may comprise a monitoring system receiver unit for receiving the electromagnetic signal transmitted by the transmitter unit.

[0061] Furthermore, the further electrical device can have a monitoring system evaluation unit for evaluating the parameter.

[0062] The further electrical device may further comprise a monitoring system power supply unit for supplying the sensor with power.

[0063] The further electrical device can be understood as a further unit that is coupled / associated with the conveyor belt. In particular, the further electrical device is to be understood as external to the conveyor belt. The electrical device and the further electrical device can interact directly with each other; for example, the electrical device can act as a transmitter and the further electrical device as a receiver (or vice versa). Each device can have an evaluation unit or only one of them. In a specific example, the further electrical device supplies the sensors with electrical energy.

[0064] According to a further embodiment, the monitoring system power supply unit is configured to supply the sensor with power using a wireless transmission technology, in particular RFID. In this way, energy is transmitted wirelessly from an energy source to the sensor(s). The transmission technology can be implemented over short distances, e.g., by means of inductive coupling, in which energy is transmitted through a magnetic field, or via radio frequency (e.g., an RFID, Radio Frequency Identification Device), in which energy and information are transmitted via radio waves. In one illustrative embodiment, the sensor (in continuous movement through the conveyor belt) is supplied with power whenever it spatially approaches the monitoring system power supply unit (e.g., the RFID reader).

[0065] According to a further embodiment, the method further comprises printing the at least one sensor and / or printing or attaching the at least one electrical device. The printing can be performed using a process such as screen or inkjet printing. The sensors can consist of a conductive layer.

[0066] According to a further embodiment, the method further comprises printing the at least one sensor and / or printing and attaching the at least one electrical device onto a conveyor belt element. The method further comprises coupling, in particular connecting, the conveyor belt element to the conveyor belt.

[0067] The sensor and electrical device can be printed onto the conveyor belt element simultaneously or sequentially. They can also be printed using different printing methods. Alternatively, the sensor and electrical device can be printed and then embedded into the conveyor belt element.

[0068] Various combinations of sensors and electrical devices can be printed or applied to the conveyor belt elements. The passive elements of the electrical devices and sensors, such as conductors, resistors, inductors (spiral coils), and capacitors, can be applied using inks (pastes) via printers. This allows the conveyor belt elements to be interchangeable, ensuring the flexibility of the conveyor belt. Furthermore, multiple conveyor belt elements can be mounted or integrated into a conveyor belt, which can ensure greater measurement accuracy. One or more conveyor belt elements can extend substantially in the direction of transport (MD) or in the transverse direction (CD).

[0069] Printing technology can also be used to implement heating elements into the conveyor belt or the conveyor belt joint to be vulcanized, or into the integration area. This allows the vulcanization process and heat input to be optimized.

[0070] The conveyor belt element can be coupled to the conveyor belt in various ways. The conveyor belt element can be connected to the conveyor belt so that the conveyor belt element is integrated into at least one cavity of the conveyor belt.

[0071] According to a further embodiment, the method further comprises removing at least a portion of the conveyor belt to provide the conveyor belt element and / or a cavity for a suitable conveyor belt element. This can enable efficient integration into existing conveyor belts. The removed portion of the conveyor belt can, for example, be a belt cover plate made of (raw) rubber or consist of one or more layers. The removed portion (cover layer or support layer) of the conveyor belt can have different shapes. The cover layer or support layer of the belt can be removed and replaced with a new layer with the printed sensors.

[0072] Removal can be accomplished in various ways, including mechanical or chemical. For example, the layer to be removed can be cut out using a tool such as a grinder, milling cutter, plane, or knife. Chemical removal can be achieved using a chemical solution that dissolves the layer material. Laser ablation can also be used to remove a portion of the conveyor belt, which can ensure precise removal.

[0073] The method may further include forming a cavity (or a (belt) gradation or thickness jump at the two connecting parts that complement the belt thickness) in the conveyor belt, wherein the cavity is configured to at least partially accommodate the conveyor belt element. This may enable efficient and stable embedding. In particular, the cavity may at least partially comprise the integration region, wherein the cavity may comprise various shapes. The cavity may further be coated to ensure better accommodation of the conveyor belt element.

[0074] The method may further comprise connecting a first end of the conveyor belt to a second end of the conveyor belt ("ring closure"). The connection point is then associated with the integration region. The cavity (or the step) may, in one example, be arranged at least partially at the connection point. This may provide a secure integration region. Furthermore, interfaces of the conveyor belt may be reduced.

[0075] According to a further exemplary embodiment of the conveyor belt, a plurality of sensors are provided, which are arranged in the direction of the width of the conveyor belt, in particular adjacent to one another, preferably with at least three sensors of the same sensor type arranged adjacent to one another in the direction of the width of the conveyor belt. In this exemplary embodiment, a plurality of sensors are provided, in particular with a plurality of sensors of the same type. A distribution of measured values ​​of a parameter, for example, across the width of the conveyor belt, can be determined by a plurality of sensors of the same type.

[0076] According to one exemplary embodiment, the plurality of sensors are designed as strain gauge sensors, wherein these sensors are arranged at least in the region of the width of the conveyor belt that comes into contact with the material being conveyed during operation, in particular wherein these sensors are arranged at least in a region of 80% of the width of the conveyor belt and these are arranged at least 80% of the width essentially at the same distance from the two edges opposite each other in the direction of the width. In this exemplary embodiment, several strain gauge sensors arranged next to one another are provided, which determine an elongation of the conveyor belt. Strain gauge sensors are understood to be sensors that comprise at least one strain gauge. These sensors can comprise circuits, such as bridge circuits, in addition to the actual strain gauge.The sensors are arranged side by side across the width of the conveyor belt, particularly at regular intervals. The sensors are located in a central area of ​​the conveyor belt, which covers, for example, 80%, 90%, or 70% of the entire width of the conveyor belt. In this central area, the material being conveyed rests on the conveyor belt during operation. Therefore, determining tensile forces or strain in the conveyor belt in this area is particularly important and meaningful.

[0077] According to a further embodiment of the conveyor belt, it is provided that a plurality of sensors are provided, wherein at least three sensors are provided which are designed as tensile force sensors or strain sensors, in particular as strain gauge sensors, and additionally at least one sensor is provided which is designed as a temperature sensor and at least one further sensor is provided which is designed as a position determination sensor. In this embodiment, several types of sensors are provided which interact. For example, tensile force sensors can be used to monitor force values ​​in the conveyor belt. In addition, the current temperature of the conveyor belt is determined via at least one temperature sensor. A position determination sensor makes it possible to always determine the exact position of the other sensors and thus to be able to clearly assign the measured values ​​to a location in the transport system.

[0078] According to a further embodiment of the conveyor belt, it is provided that the at least one sensor is sulfur-resistant or is at least partially coated with a sulfur-resistant protective layer. Since the conveyor belt or individual layers of the conveyor belt usually comprise raw rubber, which contains sulfur, the sensor in this embodiment is sulfur-resistant. Sulfur-resistant means that the sensor or its protective layer is resistant to sulfur and that, upon contact with sulfur, no reaction products form on or in the sensor that could impair its function. If components of the conveyor belt contain other aggressive chemicals, the sensor is preferably also resistant to these other chemicals.

[0079] According to one embodiment of the conveyor belt, it is provided that the at least one sensor is printed on, wherein the ink with which the at least one sensor is printed is sulfur-resistant or wherein the at least one sensor is printed on a sulfur-resistant protective layer and / or is at least partially coated with a sulfur-resistant protective layer. In this embodiment, a sulfur-resistant ink is used to produce the sensor, or the sensor is applied to a sulfur-resistant protective layer using a non-sulfur-resistant ink. This also makes it possible to rule out unwanted chemical reactions between the sulfur contained in the conveyor belt and the sensor. If components of the conveyor belt contain other aggressive chemicals, the ink or the protective layer is preferably also resistant to these other chemicals.

[0080] According to a further exemplary embodiment of the conveyor belt, the electrical device is designed to evaluate the signals from the at least one sensor and to transmit them, in particular via a radio connection, to the outside of the conveyor belt. The electrical device comprises an evaluation unit with a measuring amplifier for evaluating the at least one parameter, a transmitter unit for transmitting an electromagnetic signal, in particular which is associated with the at least one sensor, a data storage unit, and a power supply unit for supplying the sensor with electrical energy. This exemplary embodiment comprises electrical device components for transmitting the measured values ​​of the sensor to the outside of the conveyor belt without contact. The measured values ​​determined by the at least one sensor are preferably additionally stored in the electrical device.

[0081] It is provided that the energy supply unit comprises at least one of the following components: a battery, a capacitor, a solar cell, or an inductive receiving unit. The energy supply unit is intended to provide electrical energy for the at least one sensor and the electrical device. This provision of electrical energy can be based on various physical concepts. In a simple embodiment, a battery or a capacitor is provided for storing electrical energy. Alternatively or additionally, a solar cell can be provided on the surface of the conveyor belt, which provides electrical energy.

[0082] According to a further exemplary embodiment of the conveyor belt, the energy supply unit comprises at least one battery and one inductive receiving unit, wherein one inductive receiving unit is connected to the battery and is provided to charge the battery, in particular wherein the inductive receiving unit is designed to receive energy contactlessly via a time-varying electromagnetic field and to convert it into electrical current for charging the battery. In this exemplary embodiment, the energy supply unit comprises a rechargeable battery which can be charged via an inductive receiving unit. The entire energy supply unit is integrated into the conveyor belt, protected, for example, by a housing or encapsulation, and can be supplied with electrical energy contactlessly via a time-varying electromagnetic field.According to a further embodiment of the conveyor belt, the energy supply unit forms at least a portion of a position-determining sensor. In this embodiment, the energy supply unit also provides the function of determining the position of the sensor and the electrical device relative to stationary components adjacent to the conveyor belt. Such a position determination can be achieved, for example, by using the time of an energetic coupling of the energy supply unit with another electrical device to determine the position.

[0083] According to one embodiment of the conveyor belt, it is provided that at least a partial region of the electrical device is arranged in an edge region of the conveyor belt which does not come into contact with the conveyed material during operation, in particular wherein this partial region extends up to 15% from an outer edge of the conveyor belt towards the center of the conveyor belt. The electrical device usually has a greater thickness than the at least one sensor. For this reason, a cavity must be provided in the conveyor belt which can accommodate the electrical device and protects it in the encapsulated state. The electrical device is thus preferably arranged in an edge region of the conveyor belt which does not come into contact with the conveyed material during operation.In this way, the cavity located beneath the surface of the conveyor belt containing the electrical device is not subjected to external mechanical stress from the material being conveyed. The electrical device is therefore preferably arranged in an edge region that extends, for example, 20%, 15%, 10%, or 5% of the total width of the conveyor belt from an outer edge toward the center of the conveyor belt. Of course, it is also possible to arrange the electrical device further toward the center of the conveyor belt.

[0084] According to one embodiment of the conveyor belt, the integration region comprises a conveyor belt element formed by a portion of the conveyor belt, the conveyor belt element being arranged in a cavity in the conveyor belt, the size of the conveyor belt element corresponding to the size of the cavity, and a plurality of sensors being provided which are printed on the inner surface of the conveyor belt element. The integration region can, for example, comprise a conveyor belt element and a cavity, the conveyor belt element being inserted into the cavity. In the context of this and other embodiments, a conveyor belt element is understood to mean a portion of the conveyor belt that is inserted into the remaining conveyor belt. For example, a conveyor belt element can be a plate made of raw rubber.Of course, the conveyor belt element can also comprise other materials and, for example, include reinforcements such as fabric or steel cables.

[0085] According to a further exemplary embodiment of the conveyor belt, the integration region comprises a cavity which extends in the direction of the thickness of the conveyor belt through a partial region of the conveyor belt, in particular wherein the cavity extends along the entire width of the conveyor belt, wherein the cavity is delimited in the direction of the length of the conveyor belt on at least one side, preferably on two opposite sides, by an outer layer, in particular a support layer, and / or by an inner layer, in particular a running layer, wherein a conveyor belt element is provided, on the surface of which the at least one sensor is printed, wherein the conveyor belt element is inserted into the cavity. In this exemplary embodiment, a cavity is introduced into the conveyor belt in the integration region, which cavity extends only in a partial region of the thickness of the conveyor belt.This means that a portion of the conveyor belt remains below or above the cavity. However, the cavity preferably extends across the entire width of the conveyor belt. At least one sensor is printed onto a conveyor belt element, which is inserted into the cavity and secured therein. The electrical device can also be printed onto the conveyor belt element or accommodated elsewhere in the cavity. The conveyor belt element preferably completely covers the at least one sensor and the electrical device, such that the sensor and the electrical device are protected inside the conveyor belt. For example, it can be provided that the conveyor belt element is vulcanized or glued into the cavity. This manufacturing process can ensure a permanently stable and secure connection between the conveyor belt element and the cavity.

[0086] According to a further embodiment of the conveyor belt, it is provided that the conveyor belt element borders on an outer layer, in particular a support layer, and / or on an inner layer, in particular a running layer, in the direction of the length of the conveyor belt (on at least one side, preferably on two opposite sides). The conveyor belt element is preferably arranged without gaps between the edges of the cavity in the direction of the length of the conveyor belt. In this way, the conveyor belt with the inserted conveyor belt element receives a flat, continuous surface which is particularly resistant to damage by the conveyed material.

[0087] According to a further embodiment of the conveyor belt, the conveyor belt element is provided in the direction of the thickness of the conveyor belt to be flush with an adjacent surface of an outer layer, in particular a support layer, or an inner layer, in particular a running layer. It is advantageous if the conveyor belt element used is flush with the adjacent surfaces in the direction of the thickness of the conveyor belt. In this way, when conveying material, the conveyor belt has virtually the same mechanical properties at the point where the sensor and the electrical device are integrated as other areas of the conveyor belt.

[0088] According to a further embodiment of the conveyor belt, the integration region is arranged at a connection point of the conveyor belt, wherein a first end of the conveyor belt is connected to a second end of the conveyor belt at the connection point. In this embodiment, the integration region is arranged at a connection point of the conveyor belt. This has the advantage that process steps required to integrate the sensor and the electrical device into the conveyor belt, for example a vulcanization process, can be used simultaneously to connect two ends of a conveyor belt. The integration can thus be carried out in a time-saving and efficient manner and is also easily possible with conveyor belts that already exist or are already in use.

[0089] According to one embodiment of the conveyor belt, the integration region is arranged at a connection point of the conveyor belt, wherein two ends of the conveyor belt that are opposite one another in the direction of the length of the conveyor belt are connected at the connection point in such a way that the conveyor belt forms a closed loop, or wherein two conveyor belts that are adjacent to one another in the direction of the length of the conveyor belt are connected to one another at the connection point to form a conveyor belt. The connection point can be designed such that two opposite ends of a single conveyor belt are connected to one another to form a self-contained conveyor belt that forms a closed loop. Alternatively, two conveyor belts can be connected to one another at the connection point, one behind the other.Such a connection of several conveyor belts into a single, long conveyor belt is particularly necessary for long conveyor lines. It is also possible to integrate at least one sensor and one electrical device at several connection points of a conveyor belt.

[0090] According to a further exemplary embodiment of the conveyor belt, the cavity is arranged at least partially in or at the connection point, and the conveyor belt element inserted into the cavity is arranged between the first end of the conveyor belt and the second end of the conveyor belt in the direction of the length of the conveyor belt and connects the first end to the second end, in particular connects them seamlessly. In this exemplary embodiment, the conveyor belt element inserted into the cavity connects a first end of the conveyor belt to a second end. At least on one surface of the conveyor belt, namely either on an outer side or an inner side, the conveyor belt element is inserted between the two ends of the conveyor belt. Preferably, the first end and the second end are directly adjacent to one another on the surface of the conveyor belt opposite the conveyor belt element.For example, it is possible for the first end and the second end of the conveyor belt to be arranged overlapping one another on an inner surface, thus directly adjacent to each other. On the outer surface, however, the conveyor belt element is arranged between the surfaces of the first end and the second end, seamlessly connecting these surfaces.

[0091] According to one embodiment of the transport system, an additional measuring device is provided which determines the sag of the conveyor belt between the two drums. In this embodiment, the transport system comprises an additional measuring device which determines the sag of the conveyor belt, for example between two drums. Drums here are understood to mean all rotating support bodies on which the conveyor belt rests. The drums include at least two drive drums, between which the conveyor belt is stretched and at least one of which drives the conveyor belt. Drums also include support rollers or load-strand support rollers which support the conveyor belt between the drive drums so that it does not sag under the load of the conveyed material.This additional measuring device is arranged stationary, with the conveyor belt moving relative to the additional measuring device. By determining the sag of the conveyor belt, in conjunction with the tensile forces in the conveyor belt measured by at least one sensor, the weight force per length of the material being conveyed on the conveyor belt can be determined. This additional measuring device is preferably arranged between two drums designed as support rollers.

[0092] According to one embodiment of the monitoring system, the monitoring system power supply unit is configured to generate a time-varying magnetic field that transmits energy contactlessly to an inductive receiving unit of the power supply unit in the conveyor belt. The inductive receiving unit is configured to convert the received energy into electrical current for charging a battery belonging to the power supply unit. In this embodiment, the monitoring system is configured to transmit energy contactlessly from a monitoring system power supply unit to the electrical device in the conveyor belt, as needed, in order to charge a battery belonging to the power supply unit.

[0093] It is provided that the additional electrical device is arranged stationary, and the conveyor belt with the sensor and the electrical device is movable relative to the additional electrical device in the direction of the conveyor belt's length. In the monitoring system, the electrical device is arranged stationary or fixed, whereas the conveyor belt moves relative to the additional electrical device during operation.

[0094] According to a further embodiment of the monitoring system, the further electrical device is configured to determine the position of the at least one sensor and / or to transmit energy, in particular contactlessly, to a power supply unit of the electrical device. The further electrical device can perform different functions. For example, the position of the at least one sensor relative to the further electrical device can be determined by the further electrical device. Additionally or alternatively, the further electrical device can be configured to supply the power supply unit in the conveyor belt with energy as needed.

[0095] According to a further exemplary embodiment of the method, it is provided that the at least one sensor and / or the at least one electrical device is applied by printing, wherein the printing of the at least one sensor and / or the at least one electrical device takes place on a conveyor belt element and a cavity is formed in the conveyor belt, which at least partially has the integration region, wherein the cavity is designed to at least partially accommodate the conveyor belt element. In this exemplary embodiment, a cavity is formed in the conveyor belt, into which cavity a conveyor belt element is subsequently inserted. The at least one sensor is printed onto the conveyor belt element before it is inserted. The cavity is designed to at least partially accommodate the conveyor belt.For this purpose, the cavity preferably has dimensions that correspond to the outer dimensions of the conveyor belt element with the printed sensor.

[0096] According to a further embodiment of the method, the following steps are carried out when integrating the at least one sensor and the electrical device into the conveyor belt:

[0097] A) Removal of a part of the conveyor belt, in particular removal of a part of an outer layer, in particular a support layer, and / or a part of an inner layer, in particular a running layer, whereby the removal of this part of the conveyor belt forms a cavity in the conveyor belt,

[0098] B) Providing a conveyor belt element on which the at least one sensor is printed,

[0099] C) Applying or inserting the electrical device onto the conveyor belt element or into the cavity,

[0100] D) electrically connecting the at least one sensor to the electrical device,

[0101] E) Introducing the conveyor belt element into the cavity, wherein the at least one sensor and the electrical device are at least partially enclosed in the conveyor belt, in particular wherein a further conveyor belt element is introduced into the cavity and this further conveyor belt element covers or encloses the electrical device. In this exemplary embodiment, in order to integrate the at least one sensor and the electrical device into the conveyor belt, steps A) to E are carried out, preferably in the specified order. By means of these steps, the at least one sensor and the electrical device can be easily integrated into an already existing or provided conveyor belt. In a first method step A), a partial region of the conveyor belt is first removed in order to form a cavity.A conveyor belt element, which already has at least one sensor, is then inserted into this cavity. The sensor is printed onto a surface of the conveyor belt element. The conveyor belt element is then inserted in such a way that the printed sensor is protected inside the conveyor belt. The electrical device can also be printed on the conveyor belt element or in the cavity at another TI.

[0102] In a final step, the conveyor belt element, or optionally multiple conveyor belt elements, is inserted into the cavity to enclose and protect the sensor and electrical device. These process steps are simple to perform and, upon completion, provide a conveyor belt with enhanced functionality.

[0103] It may be provided that, in step E), the conveyor belt element is vulcanized or bonded in the cavity. This bonding process allows the conveyor belt element to be particularly firmly and permanently secured in the cavity.

[0104] According to a further embodiment of the method, in step A) the part of the conveyor belt at a connection point is removed and in step E) the conveyor belt element is inserted at the connection point, wherein in addition to this insertion of the conveyor belt element, two ends of the conveyor belt are connected. In this embodiment of the method, the cavity is formed at a connection point and subsequently the conveyor belt element is also inserted at this connection point. This procedure has the advantage that when connecting the conveyor belt element to the cavity, two ends of the conveyor belt can be connected to one another at the same time. Therefore, only a single connection step is required to fulfill two functions.This embodiment is particularly advantageous when constructing a new conveyor belt, which typically always has at least one connection point that must be sealed before commissioning. The integration of the at least one sensor and the electrical device can be performed in the same step as the connection of the two ends of the conveyor belt.

[0105] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0106] Further advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following exemplary description of currently preferred embodiments. Figure 1 shows a section of a conveyor belt according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, wherein the conveyor belt comprises sensors, an electronic device, and an integrating region.

[0107] Figure 2 shows a section of a conveyor belt according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0108] Figure 3 shows a section of a conveyor belt according to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0109] Figure 4 shows a transport system according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0110] Figure 5 shows a cross-section of the transport system according to Figure 4.

[0111] Figure 6 shows a section of a conveyor belt according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention during its manufacture.

[0112] Figure 7 shows the section of the conveyor belt from Figure 6 after its manufacture.

[0113] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0114] Identical or similar components are provided with the same reference numerals in the figures.

[0115] Figure 1 shows a section of a conveyor belt 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention with a schematically indicated transport item 2. A portion of the conveyor belt 1 has been removed from the conveyor belt 1. This provides a conveyor belt element 16. The remaining cavity 25 (after removal of the cover layer or support layer at this location) has an integration region 13, which in this example spatially corresponds to the size of the cavity 25 (the removed cover layer / support layer at this location is replaced by a new layer with sensors). In this example, the conveyor belt element 16 can be at least partially accommodated in the integration region 13 or integrated into the integration region 13.

[0116] Four sensors 3 (e.g. strain gauges) and an electrical device 5 are applied to the inside of the conveyor belt element 16. In this example, the electrical device 5 comprises three functionalities, namely: an evaluation unit 8, a transmitter unit 6 (alternatively or additionally a receiver unit 7), and a power supply unit 9. For example, the transmitter unit 6 can be electrically connected to the power supply unit 9 on one side and to the evaluation unit 8 on the other side. The sensors 3 extend across the width of the conveyor belt 1 and are electrically connected by means of cables to the evaluation unit 8, which in turn has an electrical connection to the transmitter unit 6 and the power supply unit 9.

[0117] It is clearly evident from Figure 1 that the conveyor belt element 16, with the sensors 3 and the electrical device 5 on the inside, can be fitted into the cavity 25. After such a step, the sensors 3 and the electrical device 5 are embedded in the conveyor belt 1. Furthermore, the sensors 3 and the electrical device 5 are then spatially associated with the integration area 13 (where the conveyor belt element 16 and the conveyor belt 1 are integrated with each other under the cavity).

[0118] Figure 2 shows a section of the conveyor belt 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention similar to Figure 1. However, the conveyor belt 1 is shown in cross section (side view), while the conveyor belt element 16 is shown in bottom view (view of the inner surface).

[0119] The conveyor belt 1 comprises three interconnected layers: at the top an outer layer 10 (here the base layer), at the bottom an inner layer (here the running layer) and an intermediate layer 12, which is arranged in particular between the outer layer 10 and the inner layer 11.

[0120] This figure also shows that the conveyor belt element 16 is fitted into the cavity 25, here in the outer layer 10 and on the intermediate layer 12, in order to enable the sensors 3 and the electrical device 5 to be embedded at the integration region 13. In this example, the conveyor belt element 16 has a rectangular shape, with one long side of the rectangle extending in the machine direction (MD). The method for producing the conveyor belt 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention is described with reference to Figure 3. First, the conveyor belt 1 is provided as described above. After that, a part of the conveyor belt 1 is removed, whereby a conveyor belt element 16 is either directly provided or such a element is preferably manufactured separately to fit precisely into the formed cavity. By removing a part (the cover layer orA cavity 25 is formed in the support layer of the conveyor belt 1, which at least partially comprises the integration region 13. The cavity 25 is configured to at least partially accommodate the conveyor belt element 16.

[0121] The sensors 3 and the electrical device 5 are printed on the inner surface of the conveyor belt element 16 (not shown in Figure 3, see Figures 1 and 2 above). The electrical device 5 is functionally coupled to the sensors 3. The arrow indicates that the conveyor belt element 16 is coupled or connected to the conveyor belt 1 in a vertical direction (from top to bottom). Preferably, the conveyor belt element 16 is fitted directly into the previously provided cavity 25. Vulcanization can then be carried out, for example.

[0122] Figure 4 shows a transport system 20 with a conveyor belt 1 (as described above) mounted between drums 26 according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The conveyor belt 1 can thus be moved continuously using a known roll-to-roll structure (endlessly in a loop). The transport system 20 is suitable for determining a sag of the conveyor belt 1. For example, strain gauges as sensors 3 can be used to determine whether excessively heavy transported goods are leading to excessive sagging. The line load (see arrows pointing downwards) and the tensile force (see arrows pointing right and left) are schematically shown on the transport system 20.

[0123] In other words, Figure 4 shows a section of the belt between two idler pulleys in the load side. The illustration demonstrates that the system can also be used as a belt scale. By measuring the tensile forces on the left and right idler pulleys, as well as the sag, using an additional measuring device (not necessarily integrated into the belt), the mass flow can be determined. The belt conveyor rotates continuously between at least two pulleys (return and drive pulleys) and is supported by idler pulleys.

[0124] Figure 5 shows a vertical section AA of conveyor belt 1 according to Figure 4. Three load-strand support rollers 27 are shown below conveyor belt 1. One load-strand support roller 27 is oriented parallel to conveyor belt 1, and the other two load-strand support rollers 27 are inclined in different directions, so that conveyor belt 1 has a concave shape. In this example, the three load-strand support rollers 27 do not extend across the entire width of conveyor belt 1. Conveyor belt 1 has an outer layer 10 and an inner layer 11, and the transported material 2 is schematically shown on conveyor belt 1.

[0125] Figure 6 shows a section of a conveyor belt 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention during its manufacture. Figure 6 illustrates one step of a method for manufacturing a conveyor belt 1 in an exemplary embodiment. Figure 6 illustrates the integration of several sensors 3 and an electrical device 5 into the conveyor belt 1. Before the state illustrated in Figure 6, a portion of the conveyor belt 1 was removed, forming the cavity 25. In the illustrated embodiment, a portion of the outer layer 10, which forms a support layer for conveyed material 2, was removed for this purpose. To form the cavity 25, only a portion of the conveyor belt 1 was removed in the direction of the thickness of the conveyor belt 1. This portion can be removed, for example, by cutting it out. The removed portion of the conveyor belt 1 is no longer required later in the illustrated embodiment.In Figure 6, a conveyor belt element 16 has already been provided, which is shown at the rear right. The conveyor belt element 16 consists of a sheet of raw rubber. A total of four sensors 3 are printed on the conveyor belt element 16. These sensors 3 are designed as strain gauge sensors. These strain gauge sensors are used to determine the expansion of the conveyor belt 1. Using a known tensile strength or a known modulus of elasticity of the conveyor belt 1, the forces acting on the conveyor belt 1, in particular tensile forces, can be deduced from the expansion. Strain gauge sensors change their electrical resistance when deformed. The magnitude of the deformation or the existing strain can then be deduced from the measurement of the electrical resistance.It is also possible to determine the elongation of the conveyor belt 1 using sensors that are based on a different physical principle, for example a change in capacitance upon deformation. The sensors 3 are arranged next to one another at a regular distance along the width of the conveyor belt 1. The sensors 3 are positioned so that after the conveyor belt element 16 has been inserted into the conveyor belt 1 (see Figure 7), they come into contact with the material 2 being conveyed during operation of the conveyor belt 1. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the transport element 16 was prefabricated at a different location and transported to the conveyor belt 1 for insertion therein. By arranging several sensors 3 next to one another, the progression of a tensile force in the conveyor belt 1 across its width can be determined.

[0126] In the illustrated embodiment, the cavity 25 comprises a shallower central region 25a and two deeper outer regions 25b. The outer regions 25b have a greater depth in the direction of the thickness of the conveyor belt 1 than the central region 25a. The outer regions 25b are arranged in the direction of the width of the conveyor belt 1 such that they do not come into contact with the conveyed material 2 during operation of the conveyor belt. The outer regions 25b are provided for accommodating the electrical device 5. The outer regions 25b have a larger volume than the central region 25a and are also protected from the effects of the conveyed material 2 during operation of the conveyor belt 1. For this reason, the outer regions 25b are a suitable location for integrating the electrical device 5.In the illustrated embodiment, an electrical device 5 is inserted into the rear outer region 25b. This device includes an evaluation unit 8 with a measuring amplifier, a transmitter unit 6 for transmitting an electromagnetic signal, and a power supply unit 9 for supplying electrical energy to the sensors 3 and the remaining components of the electrical device 5. In the state illustrated in Figure 6, the electrical device 5 is thus already inserted into a partial region of the cavity 25.

[0127] Starting from the state shown in Figure 6, the next step in the production of the conveyor belt 1 is to electrically connect the electrical device 5 to the sensors 3. This can be done, for example, via cabling. In a next step in the production of the conveyor belt 1, the conveyor belt element 16 with the sensors 3 is inserted into the cavity 25. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer regions 25b of the cavity 25, one of which contains the electrical device 5, are also covered by one and the same conveyor belt element 16. Alternatively, it is possible for the conveyor belt element 16 to be inserted only into the central region 25a and for at least one further conveyor belt element 16 to be inserted into each of the outer regions 25b in order to cover and enclose the electrical device 5. After the conveyor belt element 16 has been inserted, it is firmly connected to the rest of the conveyor belt 1.This can be achieved, for example, by volcanic heating, whereby a higher temperature, for example higher than 100°C, is generated in the region of the cavity 25 and the conveyor belt element 16 in order to bond the components of the conveyor belt 1 together. Alternatively, the conveyor element 16 can also be secured in the cavity 25 by gluing without increased temperature. The conveyor belt element 16 is preferably made of a raw rubber which contains sulfur. For this reason, in the illustrated embodiment, the sensors 3 are printed with a sulfur-resistant ink and the electrical device 5 is coated with a sulfur-resistant protective layer. The conveyor belt element 1 from Figure 6 can be seen in its finished, fully assembled state in Figure 7.

[0128] As an alternative to the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 6, the electrical device 5 can also be printed, at least partially, adjacent to the sensors 3 on the conveyor belt element 16, so that no arrangement of the electrical device 5 in an outer region 25b of the cavity 25 is necessary. This alternative is shown and described in Figure 1, for example. In principle, the removal of part of the conveyor belt 1 to form the cavity 25 can take place at any point in the direction of the length of the conveyor belt 1. The sensors 3 and the electrical device 5 can thus be placed at different locations in an individually adapted manner. The sensors 3 and the electrical device 5 are preferably integrated into the conveyor belt 1 at a connection point 17, at which a first end 1a is connected to a second end 1b.This connection point 17 can, for example, connect two loose ends 1a and 1b to one another in order to form a self-contained conveyor belt 1 in the form of a loop. Alternatively, the connection point 17 can be used to connect two conveyor belts 1 arranged one behind the other or in series to one another to form a conveyor belt. The integration of the sensors 3 and the electrical device 5 at a connection point 17 has the advantage that a vulcanization or bonding process that may be required for this purpose can be used simultaneously and in one work step for both the integration and the connection of the ends 1a and 1b. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 6, the formation of the cavity 25 took place at such a connection point 17.At the connection point 17, a first end 1a and a second end 1b of the conveyor belt 1 are arranged below the cavity 25, overlapping one another, which is not shown in detail in Figure 6. After inserting the conveyor belt element 16 into the cavity 25, a vulcanization step is carried out in which both the conveyor belt element 16 and the cavity 25 and the first end 1a and the second end 1b are firmly and permanently connected to one another.

[0129] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 6, the conveyor belt 1 is flat. Alternatively, the conveyor belt can also have a concave shape, as shown in Fig. 5. For this purpose, the embodiment shown in Fig. 6 can also be supplemented by additional, for example, inclined, load-strand support rollers 27.

[0130] Figure 7 shows the section of the conveyor belt 1 from Figure 6 after its production. In the state shown in Figure 7 after the production of the conveyor belt 1, the conveyor belt element 16 is inserted into the cavity 25 such that it directly borders on two opposite sides of the outer layer 10. Furthermore, in the direction of the thickness of the conveyor belt 1, the inserted conveyor belt element 16 is flush with the adjacent outer layer 10. In the finished state of the conveyor belt 1 shown in Figure 7, the sensors 3 and the electrical device 5 are completely enclosed inside the conveyor belt 1 and thus protected. The outer dimensions of the conveyor belt 1 in the direction of its thickness and width correspond at the point where the conveyor belt element 16 is inserted to the dimensions at other points where no conveyor belt element 16 is inserted.The connection point 17, at which the conveyor belt element 16 is also inserted, has essentially the same mechanical properties as other areas of the conveyor belt 1 and is also visually hardly distinguishable from other areas.

[0131] In Figure 7, in addition to the conveyor belt 1, components of a transport system 20 and a monitoring system are shown. The transport system 20 comprises a conveyor belt 1 and several supporting drums 26, two of which are shown in Figure 7. The conveyor belt 1 extends further forward and backward than shown in the illustration. The conveyor belt 1 rests on the drums 26, with in particular an inner layer 11, which is designed as a running layer, resting on the drums 26. The conveyor belt 1 is pretensioned in its longitudinal direction with a pretensioning force. In addition to the conveyor belt 1 and / or the transport system 20, the monitoring system comprises a further electrical device 28, which is coupled to the sensor 3 and the electrical device 5 inside the conveyor belt 1.The further electrical device 28 is arranged stationary, wherein the conveyor belt 1 moves relative to the further electrical device 28 during operation.

[0132] In Figure 7, most of the components shown in the open state in Figure 6 are not shown. Only the transmitter unit 6 inside the conveyor belt 1 is shown with dashed lines. The transmitter unit 6 transmits a signal symbolized by radio waves. The additional electrical device 28 performs several functions in the illustrated embodiment. The additional electrical device 28 comprises a monitoring system receiver unit for receiving the electromagnetic signal transmitted by the transmitter unit. The additional electrical device 28 can only receive this signal at a time when the transmitter unit 6 moves past the additional electrical device.Alternatively, the further electrical device 28 can receive the signal from the transmitter unit 6 continuously, i.e., regardless of the position of the transmitter unit 6 relative to the further electrical device 28, even over greater distances. The parameters 4 evaluated by the sensors 3 are transmitted via this signal to the further electrical device 28. This allows measured values ​​for these parameters 4 to be transmitted contactlessly, reliably, and continuously to a control center that monitors the operation of the conveyor belt 1. Furthermore, it is possible to transmit these measured values ​​to a globally accessible cloud, enabling monitoring of the conveyor belt 1 or the transport system 20 from a great distance.During operation of the conveyor belt 1, the position of the sensors 3 relative to stationary components of the transport system 20, such as the drums 26, is essential in order to be able to assign the measured values ​​determined by the sensors 3 to the parameters 4 to a location or position in the transport system 20. For this reason, the further electrical device 28 is configured to detect and store the position of the sensors 3 or the electrical device 5 inside the conveyor belt 1. For this purpose, for example, a sensor 3 can be provided which is designed as a position-determining sensor. In this case, the transmitter unit 6 transmits a corresponding signal from this position-determining sensor to the further electrical device 28 when the position-determining sensor moves past the further electrical device 28.Together with the known speed at which the conveyor belt 1 moves over the drums 26, the exact position of the sensors 3 relative to the stationary components of the transport system 20 can be determined at any time. For example, if the sensors 3 detect a critical value of a parameter 4, the time of occurrence of this critical parameter 4 can be assigned to a location or position in the transport system 20.

[0133] For example, a defective drum 26 can be detected in this way.

[0134] In the illustrated embodiment, the energy supply unit 9 (not visible in Figure 7) inside the conveyor belt 1 comprises an inductive receiving unit connected to a battery that is also part of the energy supply unit 9. This inductive receiving unit is designed to receive energy contactlessly via a time-varying electromagnetic field and to convert it into electrical current for charging the battery. Such a time-varying electromagnetic field is provided by the additional electrical device 28. This electromagnetic field is made available as needed by the additional electrical device 28 via a monitoring system energy supply unit.If the battery of the energy supply unit 9 inside the conveyor belt 1 is to be charged, the energy supply unit 9 is positioned adjacent to or opposite the additional electrical device 28 when the conveyor belt 1 is at a standstill, for example during maintenance work. In this state, the variable electromagnetic field of the additional electrical device 28 generates an electric current in the inductive receiving unit of the energy supply device 9, which is used to charge the battery. An energy pulse or an energetic coupling between the energy supply device 9 in the conveyor belt 1 and the additional electrical device 28 can additionally be used to determine the position of the energy supply device 9 and thus of the electrical device 5 relative to the stationary components of the transport system 20, such as the additional electrical device 28.

[0135] Independently of the individual exemplary embodiments, further relationships are described. The monitoring system can be used to determine and monitor forces or tensile forces that occur in the conveyor belt 1 during one revolution of the conveyor belt 1. Events such as an increase in tensile forces can be assigned to a specific location or position of the monitoring system using the mechanisms described above. By measuring the tensile forces in the conveyor belt 1 over the revolution, system errors that lead to an unwanted increase or local increase in the tensile forces can be detected. By determining the position of the sensors 3 during the revolution, the location of the error can also be determined. For example, a defective drum 26 can lead to a local increase in the tensile forces. Ideally, the drum 26 can be identified and easily replaced.Localized, unwanted increases in tensile forces can have many causes. The higher the sampling rate and sensitivity of the monitoring system, the more precisely a wide variety of system errors can be detected. Since several sensors 3, particularly strain gauge sensors, are installed parallel to each other across the width of the conveyor belt 1, asymmetries in the tensile forces across the width of the conveyor belt 1 can also be determined. These asymmetries can lead to misalignment of the conveyor belt 1, which is problematic for the system's functionality. The monitoring system can therefore also be used as a monitoring system for misalignment of the conveyor belt 1.

[0136] The monitoring system can also be used to determine or monitor the speed of the conveyor belt 1. By determining the position of the sensor 3 or sensors 3 as described above, the speed can be calculated, for example, knowing the total length of the conveyor belt 1. Alternatively, it is possible to provide two or more additional electrical devices 28 that are arranged at a relatively short distance from each other, for example, 0.5 to 2 m. In this case, the speed of the conveyor belt 1 can be determined by determining the times at which a sensor 3 designed as a position-determining sensor passes the various additional electrical devices 28 and calculating the speed from the time difference of the passage and the spatial distance between the additional electrical devices 28.Such a measurement is highly accurate and is completely contactless.

[0137] Since a conveyor belt 1, for example, for bulk materials, is usually operated in a troughed configuration, locally increased tensile forces occur across the width of the conveyor belt 1 due to the troughing and untroughing process. A troughed conveyor belt has a concave shape. Exceeding permissible tensile forces can be measured with the monitoring system. Appropriate measures to prevent such critical forces can then be taken. By arranging the sensors 3 accordingly, the transverse forces occurring (transverse to the conveying direction) can also be measured.

[0138] 1 conveyor belt la first end lb second end

[0139] 2 Transport goods

[0140] 3 Sensor

[0141] 5 electrical device

[0142] 6 Transmitter unit

[0143] 7 Receiver unit

[0144] 8 Evaluation unit

[0145] 9 Power supply unit

[0146] 10 outer layer

[0147] 11 inner layer

[0148] 12 Intermediate layer

[0149] 13 Integration area

[0150] 16 Conveyor belt element

[0151] 17 junction point

[0152] 20 Transport system

[0153] 25 cavity

[0154] 25a middle section

[0155] 25b Outdoor area

[0156] 26 drum

[0157] 27 Load strand roller

[0158] 28 additional electrical devices

[0159] MD Machine Direction

[0160] CD transport cross direction

Claims

Claims 1. A conveyor belt (1) for transporting a transported item (2) by means of a continuous movement, wherein the conveyor belt (1) comprises: at least one sensor (3) for determining at least one parameter associated with the conveyor belt (1) and / or the transported item (2), wherein the sensor (3) is integrated into the conveyor belt (1); at least one electrical device (5) integrated into the conveyor belt (1) and which is functionally coupled to the sensor (3); and an integrating region (13) which is spatially associated with the sensor (3) and / or the electrical device (5).

2. The conveyor belt (1) according to claim 1, wherein the sensor (3) comprises at least one of the sensors of: a Tensile force sensor, a strain sensor, in particular a strain gauge, a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, a distance sensor, in particular a laser sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a radar sensor, a position determination sensor, in particular a Hall sensor.

3. The conveyor belt (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one sensor (3) is printed.

4. The conveyor belt (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one sensor (3) is printed by means of one of inkjet printing, screen printing, gravure printing, offset printing, pad printing, flexographic printing.

5. The conveyor belt (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrical device (5) comprises at least one of the following: a transmitter unit (6) for transmitting an electromagnetic signal, in particular which is associated with the at least one sensor (3); a receiver unit (7) for receiving an electromagnetic signal (14); an evaluation unit (8) for evaluating the at least one parameter (4); a power supply unit (9) for supplying the sensor (3) with electrical energy.

6. The conveyor belt (1) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: an outer layer (10), in particular a support layer, and an inner layer (11), in particular a running layer, wherein the sensor (3) is arranged between the outer layer (10) and the inner layer (11) and / or on an inner surface of one of the outer layer (10) or the inner layer (11).

7. The conveyor belt (1) according to claim 6, wherein the sensor (3) is arranged on a surface of one of the outer layer (10) or the inner layer (11).

8. The conveyor belt (1) according to claim 6 or 7, further comprising: an intermediate layer (12), in particular a tensile carrier layer, which is arranged in particular between the outer layer (10) and the inner layer (11), and wherein the sensor (3) is arranged on a surface of the intermediate layer (11).

9. The conveyor belt (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one sensor (3) has or consists of an electrically conductive layer.

10. The conveyor belt (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the conveyor belt (1) has a concave shape.

11. The conveyor belt (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the conveyor belt (1) comprises at least one of the following materials: metal, in particular in the form of metal cables, in particular steel cables, plastic, in particular at least one of polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, polyethylene, polyolefins, polyester, elastomers, in particular silicone, natural or synthetic rubber, carbon, in particular in the form of Carbon fibers, aramids, hybrids of aramid and carbon fibers, mineral material, in particular in a form of mineral fibers, cotton, and the material is in particular formed in at least one of the forms: homogeneous layer, fiber, fiber bundle, woven fabric, knitted fabric, knitted fabric, pressed fabric.

12. A transport system (20) comprising: a conveyor belt (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, at least two supporting drums (26), wherein the conveyor belt (1) is coupled to the two drums (26) in order to transport the transported goods (2) by means of a continuous movement.

13. A transport system (20) according to claim 12, wherein the transport system (20) is suitable for determining a sag of the conveyor belt (1).

14. A monitoring system comprising: a conveyor belt (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, or a transport system (20) according to claim 12 or 13; and a further electrical device (28) coupled to the sensor (3) and / or the electrical device (5).

15. The monitoring system according to claim 14, wherein the further electrical device (28) comprises at least one of the following: a monitoring system transmitter unit for transmitting an electromagnetic signal associated with the sensor (3), a monitoring system receiver unit for receiving the electromagnetic signal transmitted by the transmitter unit (6), a monitoring system evaluation unit for evaluating the parameter, a monitoring system power supply unit for supplying the sensor (3) with power.

16. The monitoring system according to claim 15, wherein the monitoring system power supply unit is configured to supply the sensor (3) with power by means of a wireless transmission technology, in particular R.FID.

17. A method for producing a conveyor belt (1), comprising: Providing a conveyor belt (1); Integrating at least one sensor (3) and an electrical Device (5) into the conveyor belt (1) such that the sensor (3) and / or the electrical device (5) is spatially associated with an integrating region (13); functionally coupling the electrical device (5) to the sensor (3); and Determining at least one parameter which is associated with the conveyor belt (1) and / or the transported goods (2).

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising: Printing or applying the at least one sensor (3) and / or the at least one electrical device (5).

19. The method according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the printing further comprises: Printing or applying the at least one sensor (3) and / or the at least one electrical device (5) onto a conveyor belt element (16); and wherein the method further comprises: Coupling, in particular connecting, the conveyor belt element (16) to the conveyor belt (1).

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising: Removing at least a part of the conveyor belt (1) to provide the conveyor belt element (16) and / or the cavity (25).

21. The method according to claim 19 or 20, further comprising: Forming a cavity (25), in particular which at least partially comprises the integration area (13), in the conveyor belt (1), wherein the cavity (25) is arranged to at least partially receive the conveyor belt element (16).

22. The method according to claim 17 to 21, further comprising: Connecting a first end (la) of the conveyor belt (1) to a second end (lb) of the conveyor belt (1), wherein the connection point (17) is associated with the integration region (13), in particular wherein the cavity (25) is at least partially arranged at the connection point (17).

23. The conveyor belt (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein a plurality of sensors (3) are provided, which are arranged in the direction of the width of the conveyor belt (1), in particular next to one another, preferably wherein at least three sensors (3) of the same sensor type are arranged next to one another in the direction of the width of the conveyor belt (1).

24. The conveyor belt (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the plurality of sensors (3) are designed as strain gauge sensors, wherein these sensors (3) are arranged at least in the region of the width of the conveyor belt (1) which comes into contact with the conveyed material (2) during operation, in particular wherein these sensors are arranged at least in a region of 80% of the width of the conveyor belt (1) and these at least 80% of the width are arranged substantially at the same distance from the two edges opposite one another in the direction of the width.

25. The conveyor belt (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein a plurality of sensors (3) are provided, wherein at least three sensors (3) are provided which are designed as tensile force sensors or strain sensors, in particular as strain gauge sensors, and additionally at least one sensor (3) is provided which is designed as a temperature sensor and at least one further sensor (3) is provided which is designed as a position determination sensor.

26. The conveyor belt (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the at least one sensor (3) is designed to be sulfur-resistant or is at least partially coated with a sulfur-resistant protective layer.

27. The conveyor belt (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the at least one sensor (3) is printed, wherein the ink with which the at least one sensor (3) is printed is sulfur-resistant or wherein the at least one sensor (3) is printed on a sulfur-resistant protective layer and / or is at least partially coated with a sulfur-resistant protective layer.

28. The conveyor belt (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the electrical device (5) is designed to evaluate the signals of the at least one sensor (3) and to transmit them, in particular via a radio connection, to the outside of the conveyor belt (1), wherein the electrical device (5) comprises an evaluation unit (8) with a measuring amplifier for evaluating the at least one parameter (4), a transmitter unit (6) for transmitting an electromagnetic signal, in particular which is associated with the at least one sensor (3), a data storage unit and a power supply unit (9) for supplying the sensor (3) with electrical energy.

29. The conveyor belt (1) according to claim 28, wherein the power supply unit (9) comprises at least one of the components: a battery, a capacitor, a solar cell or an inductive receiving unit.

30. The conveyor belt (1) according to claim 28, wherein the energy supply unit (9) comprises at least one battery and one inductive receiving unit, wherein the one inductive receiving unit is connected to the battery and is provided to charge the battery, in particular wherein the inductive receiving unit is designed to receive energy contactlessly via a time-varying electromagnetic field and to convert it into electrical current for charging the battery.

31. The conveyor belt (1) according to claim 28, wherein at least a portion of the energy supply unit (9) also forms a position determination sensor.

32. The conveyor belt (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein at least a partial region of the electrical device (5) is arranged in an edge region of the conveyor belt (1) which does not come into contact with the conveyed material during operation, in particular wherein this partial region extends up to 15% from an outer edge of the conveyor belt (1) towards the center of the conveyor belt.

33. The conveyor belt (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the integrating region (13) comprises a conveyor belt element (16) which is formed by a part of the conveyor belt (1), wherein the conveyor belt element (16) is arranged in a cavity (25) in the conveyor belt (1), wherein the size of the conveyor belt element (16) corresponds to the size of the cavity (25) and wherein a plurality of sensors (3) are provided which are printed on the inner surface of the conveyor belt element (16).

34. The conveyor belt (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the integrating region (13) comprises a cavity (25) which extends in the direction of the thickness of the conveyor belt (1) through a partial region of the conveyor belt (1), in particular wherein the cavity (25) extends along the entire width of the conveyor belt (1), wherein the cavity (25) is delimited in the direction of the length of the conveyor belt (1) on at least one side, preferably on two opposite sides, by an outer layer (10), in particular a support layer, and / or by an inner layer (11), in particular a running layer, wherein a conveyor belt element (16) is provided, on the surface of which the at least one sensor (3) is printed, wherein the conveyor belt element (16) is inserted into the cavity (25).

35. The conveyor belt (1) according to one of claims 33 or 34, wherein the conveyor belt element (16) is vulcanized or glued into the cavity (25).

36. The conveyor belt (1) according to one of claims 33 to 35, wherein the conveyor belt element (16) adjoins an outer layer (10), in particular a support layer, and / or an inner layer (11), in particular a running layer, in the direction of the length of the conveyor belt (1) on at least one side, preferably on two opposite sides.

37. The conveyor belt (1) according to one of claims 33 to 36, wherein the conveyor belt element (16) is flush with an adjacent surface of an outer layer (10), in particular a support layer, or an inner layer (11), in particular a running layer, in the direction of the thickness of the conveyor belt (1).

38. The conveyor belt (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the integrating region (13) is arranged at a connection point (17) of the conveyor belt (1), wherein at the connection point (17) a first end (1a) of the conveyor belt (1) is connected to a second end (1b) of the conveyor belt (1).

39. The conveyor belt (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the integrating region (13) is arranged at a connecting point (17) of the conveyor belt (1), wherein at the connecting point (17) two ends of the conveyor belt (1) opposite one another in the direction of the length of the conveyor belt (1) are connected in such a way that the conveyor belt (1) forms a closed loop or wherein at the connecting point (17) two conveyor belts (1) adjacent to one another in the direction of the length of the conveyor belt (1) are connected to one another to form a conveyor belt (1).

40. The conveyor belt (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the cavity (25) is arranged at least partially in or at the connection point (17) and the conveyor belt element (16) inserted into the cavity (25) is arranged in the direction of the length of the conveyor belt (1) between the first end (1a) of the conveyor belt (1) and the second end (1b) of the conveyor belt (1) and connects the first end (1a) to the second end (1b), in particular connects them without gaps.

41. The transport system according to claim 13, wherein an additional measuring device is provided which determines the sag of the conveyor belt (1) between the two drums (26).

42. The monitoring system according to claim 15, wherein the monitoring system power supply unit is configured to build up a time-varying magnetic field which transmits energy contactlessly to an inductive receiving unit of the power supply unit (9) in the conveyor belt (1), wherein the inductive receiving unit is configured to convert the received energy into electrical current for charging a battery belonging to the power supply unit (9).

43. The monitoring system according to one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the further electrical device (28) is arranged stationary and the conveyor belt (1) with the sensor (3) and the electrical device (5) is movable relative to the further electrical device (28) in the direction of the length of the conveyor belt (1).

44. The monitoring system according to one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the further electrical device (28) is configured to determine the position of the at least one sensor (3) and / or to transmit energy to a power supply unit (9) of the electrical device (5), in particular contactlessly.

45. The method according to claim 17, wherein the at least one sensor (3) and / or the at least one electrical device (5) is applied by printing, wherein the printing of the at least one sensor (3) and / or the at least one electrical device (5) takes place on a conveyor belt element (16), and a cavity (25) is formed, which at least partially has the integration region (13), in the conveyor belt (1), wherein the cavity (25) is designed to at least partially receive the conveyor belt element (16).

46. ​​The method according to claim 17, wherein the following steps are carried out when integrating the at least one sensor (3) and the electrical device (5) into the conveyor belt (1): A) removing a part of the conveyor belt (1), in particular removing a part of an outer layer (10), in particular a support layer, and / or a part of an inner layer (11), in particular a running layer, wherein the removal of this part of the conveyor belt (1) forms a cavity (25) in the conveyor belt (1), B) providing a conveyor belt element (16) on which the at least one sensor (3) is printed, C) applying or inserting the electrical device (5) onto the conveyor belt element (16) or into the cavity (25), D) electrically connecting the at least one sensor (3) to the electrical device (5), E) introducing the conveyor belt element (16) into the cavity (25), wherein the at least one sensor (3) and the electrical device (5) are at least partially enclosed in the conveyor belt (1), in particular wherein a further conveyor belt element (16) is introduced into the cavity (25) and this further conveyor belt element (16) covers or encloses the electrical device (5).

47. The method according to claim 46, wherein in step E) a vulcanization or an adhesive bonding of the conveyor belt element (16) in the cavity (25) is carried out.

48. The method according to claim 46, wherein in step A) the part of the conveyor belt (1) at a connection point (17) is removed and in step E) the introduction of the conveyor belt element (16) takes place at the connection point (17), wherein in addition to this introduction of the conveyor belt element (16) a connection of two ends (la, lb) of the conveyor belt (1) takes place.

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