Method for monitoring a feed magazine, and feed magazine which can be monitored

Abstract

For monitoring a feed magazine, the invention proposes providing a target value of a drive means of a conveying device, which is suitable and intended for conveying a feed material located in the feed magazine to an outlet opening. During the activity of the drive means, an actual value of the drive means is detected. This actual value is compared with a target value. If a difference between the target value and the actual value exceeds a predetermined threshold, this deviation is recorded. A frequency of the deviations is determined. Depending on the frequency of the deviations, a signal is triggered.

Description

[0001] Methods for monitoring a feed storage facility

[0002] as well as

[0003] Feed magazine that can be monitored

[0004] The invention relates to a method for monitoring a feed magazine and to a feed magazine which can be monitored.

[0005] Particularly in dairy farms, it is well known that animal feeding can be fully automated. German patent DE 102011 131 077 A1 describes a feeding robot that delivers and dispenses feed to the animals. Feed hoppers are used to fill the feeding robot. Multiple feed hoppers form a so-called feed kitchen. A feed hopper has a base and a wall connected to the base. Feed is introduced into the feed hopper through a filling opening. This feed can be, for example, hay, silage, or other types of feed. Such a feed hopper can have a capacity of several cubic meters. Several thousand kilograms of feed can be stored in a single feed hopper.

[0006] To fill the feed bunker, for example with silage, the silage is taken from a silo. A silo can be a bunker silo, especially a drive-over silo. A portion of the silage is taken from the silo. This portion can be a single block of silage. Using a front loader, for example, the silage can then be transferred to the feed bunker. In typical feed bunkers, the filling opening is located several meters above the bunker floor, resulting in a considerable drop height for the silage. Since the mass of silage being fed into the feed bunker can amount to several hundred kilograms, the free fall of the silage exerts significant forces on the bunker.

[0007] The feed magazine has a conveying system that transfers the feed, for example, to the feeding robot. In known feed magazines, this conveying system consists of a continuously circulating transport unit connected to a drive mechanism. This continuously circulating transport unit is preferably a so-called scraper floor. The transport unit, and in particular the scraper floor, is subject to considerable mechanical stress during the filling of the feed magazine. This can lead to damage or impairment of the transport unit's functionality. Depending on the type of feed, in particular, feed can accumulate, for example, in the area of ​​the transport unit's guides, potentially leading to a blockage of the transport unit.

[0008] External atmospheric influences can also have a direct impact on the transport unit. For example, at low temperatures, there is a risk that moist silage will freeze if the feed storage area is not located in a frost-free zone.

[0009] Given that the animals on the dairy farm are fed at specific time intervals, the time between two feeding intervals may be too short to analyze any damage to the feed magazine and to take appropriate steps to rectify any malfunction of the feed magazine.

[0010] Based on this, the present invention aims to provide a method for monitoring a feed magazine and a feed magazine with monitoring, by which a higher operational reliability of the feed magazine can be achieved.

[0011] To solve this problem, a method for monitoring a feed hopper is proposed, in which a target value of a drive element is provided. The drive element is a conveying device designed and intended to convey feed located in the feed hopper to a discharge opening when the drive element is activated. During the drive element's activity, a value of the drive element is recorded, which is subsequently referred to as an actual value.

[0012] If an actual value is known, a comparison is made between the target value and the actual value. This comparison reveals any deviations. A deviation is recorded if it exceeds a predefined difference between the target and actual values. It has been determined that not every deviation between the target and actual values ​​indicates a malfunction of the conveying system. Once the deviations have been recorded, their frequency is calculated. The frequency of the deviations provides information about the functionality and / or operational reliability of the feed magazine. If the frequency of deviations exceeds a predefined value, e.g.,within a specified operating period, preferably of the conveying system, appropriate maintenance, repair or servicing work can be initiated before the feed magazine fails.

[0013] This method of operation enables monitoring of a feed storage system, thereby increasing its functionality and operational reliability. Considering potential follow-up costs, the method offers significant benefits.

[0014] According to another inventive concept, a method for monitoring a feed magazine is proposed in which a target value profile of a drive element is provided over time. The drive element is part of a conveying device which is suitable and intended for conveying feed located in the feed magazine to a discharge opening.

[0015] During operation of the drive system, a time-dependent parameter of the drive system is recorded (actual parameter profile). Once the actual parameter profile is known, a comparison is made between the target parameter profile and the actual parameter profile. During this comparison, deviations exceeding a predefined difference between the target and actual parameters are recorded. Furthermore, the time interval between these deviations is also recorded.

[0016] Such a method according to the invention ensures that information about recurring, and in particular periodically recurring, deviations is also obtained. For example, if the conveyor is designed as an endlessly circulating transport unit, wherein the transport unit has chains arranged parallel to one another and connected to each other via so-called scraper bars (drivers), then in the case of a periodically occurring deviation, it can be assumed that a driver is bent, since the energy required to move this bent driver at the deflection points of the transport unit increases. According to an advantageous further development of the method according to the invention, it is proposed that an error curve be determined and evaluated based on the deviations within a predetermined time period.

[0017] In particular, it is proposed that a fault cause be assigned to each error curve. Once the error curve and fault cause are identified or known, they can help reduce the analytical effort required to determine the cause of malfunctions or disturbances in the feed storage system when similar error curves occur in the future.

[0018] If the drive mechanism of the conveyor is an electric motor, a further advantageous embodiment of the method proposes using the current consumption to determine the actual value. Alternatively or additionally, the torque of an electric motor can be measured. The effort required to measure the current or torque of electric motor drives is relatively low and can therefore be implemented cost-effectively.

[0019] It is also possible that the actual size or the actual size trend is created based on the performance of a drive system.

[0020] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the method, it is proposed that a signal be triggered depending on the frequency of deviations. This signal can be visual and / or audible. The signal is intended, for example, to alert an operator that action is required in connection with the feed magazine. This action could involve repair, maintenance, or cleaning. For instance, if the transport unit, particularly the chain and / or drives, is not cleaned, feed can accumulate and impair the functionality of the feed magazine.

[0021] A signal can also preferably be triggered depending on a predetermined number of repetitions of the time interval between two or more deviations.

[0022] According to another inventive idea, a feed magazine with a base and a wall connected to the base is proposed. The base and the wall define a storage space for feed. A filling opening leads into the storage space, through which feed can be introduced.

[0023] The feed magazine according to the invention comprises a conveying device which is suitable and designed to convey feed to an outlet opening of the receiving chamber. The conveying device is preferably formed by an endlessly circulating transport unit which is connected to a drive element. A detection unit is provided which is connected to the drive element via a signal. The detection unit is suitable and designed to detect a parameter of the drive element during operation of the conveying device. Furthermore, the feed magazine according to the invention comprises a storage unit which is suitable and designed to store a target parameter of a drive element of the conveying device.An evaluation unit is provided, which is connected to the acquisition unit and the storage unit via a signal connection. This evaluation unit is designed and intended to determine deviations based on the acquired actual value in relation to a target value and their frequency. Frequency is understood as the number of deviations within a predetermined time period. These deviations do not necessarily have to occur periodically within the predetermined time period.

[0024] The advantages described above in connection with the method also apply to the feed magazine according to the invention.

[0025] According to a further inventive concept, a feed magazine is proposed, comprising a base and a wall connected to the base, wherein the base and the wall define a receiving chamber for feed. The receiving chamber has a filling opening leading into it. The feed magazine further comprises a conveying device suitable and intended for conveying feed to an outlet opening of the receiving chamber, wherein the conveying device includes an endlessly circulating transport unit connected to a drive means.

[0026] A detection unit is provided which is connected to the drive element via a signal connection. This detection unit is suitable and designed to record the temporal profile of an actual value of the drive element during operation of the conveying device. Hereinafter, the temporal profile of a value of the drive element is referred to as the actual value profile. The feed magazine according to the invention has a storage unit which is suitable and designed to store a target value profile of a drive element at the conveying device. A signal connection between the detection unit and the storage unit is used to determine any deviation between the actual value profile and the target value profile, as well as the time interval between deviations.

[0027] In such a configuration of the feed magazine according to the invention, it is particularly possible to determine the occurrence of periodic deviations, which describe a characteristic for a state of a component of the feed magazine.

[0028] Furthermore, the feed magazine according to the invention has the advantage that wear and tear or an aging process of the components of the feed magazine can also be tracked.

[0029] In particular, it is proposed that the torque of the drive element be measured. Measuring the torque of a drive unit can be achieved using simple means. The drive element is preferably a hydraulic motor. The evaluation unit preferably measures the pressure of the hydraulic motor, which can be used as the basis for determining a deviation.

[0030] An electric motor can also be used as the drive mechanism in a feed magazine. Preferably, the drive mechanism is an electric motor. An electric motor can be equipped with a frequency converter. If the drive mechanism is an electric motor, the current is preferably measured and used as the basis for determining the deviation.

[0031] The methods and feeding magazines according to the invention also have the advantage that certain maintenance work can be carried out as needed. It is no longer mandatory to perform specific tasks at predetermined intervals – weekly, monthly. For example, if feed residues on a sprocket of the transport unit lead to certain deviations and / or progression of deviations, appropriate cleaning can be carried out when these deviations occur. The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the figures. The figures show a particularly preferred embodiment, to which, however, the invention is not limited. The figures and the size relationships shown therein are merely schematic.

[0032] They show:

[0033] Fig. 1: a feed magazine in a side view,

[0034] Fig. 2: the feed magazine according to Fig. 1 in a top view,

[0035] Fig. 3: the feed magazine according to Fig. 1 in a front view,

[0036] Fig. 4: schematic representation of a conveying system with a detection unit and an evaluation unit,

[0037] Fig. 5: schematically a first embodiment of an error curve and

[0038] Fig. 6: schematically a second embodiment of an error curve

[0039] Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a feed magazine according to the invention in a side view. The feed magazine 1 is shown here with legs 2, 3. The feed magazine is arranged at an angle to a horizontal plane by means of the legs 2, 3. The angle of inclination can be approximately 22°.

[0040] As can be seen in Fig. 2, the feed magazine 1 has a base 4. A wall 5 is connected to the base 4. The wall 5 and the base 4 define a receiving chamber 6 into which feed (not shown) can be placed. In the illustrated embodiment, an elevated discharge area 8 has co-rotating rollers 9a, 9b equipped with tooth-like elements. Feed located in the discharge area 8 can be conveyed to the discharge opening 7 by means of the rollers 9a, 9b and the tooth-like elements, and thereby loosened.

[0041] A conveying device is provided in a region of the floor 4, which is suitable and intended for conveying feed material to the outlet opening 7 of the receiving chamber 6. The conveying device has a transport unit 10, which is connected to a drive element (not shown). In the present preferred embodiment, the transport unit 10 is formed by a so-called scraper floor. As shown in Fig. 2, the scraper floor has drivers 11, which are arranged parallel to each other. The respective end of each driver 11 is connected to an endlessly circulating chain (not shown).

[0042] In the illustrated embodiment, the wall 5 defines a filling opening 12 through which feed can be introduced into the feed magazine 1. If feed is present in the receiving chamber 6 and the conveying device is activated, the scraper floor with its carriers 11 transports the feed to the discharge area 8. In the discharge area 8, the feed is loosened and / or crushed by the rollers 9a, 9b and their tooth-like elements and conveyed to the discharge opening 7, through which the feed can be discharged, for example, into a receiving hopper of a feeding robot or the like.

[0043] Figure 4 schematically shows a conveying device 13. The conveying device 13 has a transport unit 10, which is connected to a drive element 14. Preferably, the drive element 14 is in the form of an electric motor. The electric motor can be connected to the transport unit 10 via a gearbox, which is not shown. The drive element 14 is connected to a detection unit 15 via a signal connection. The detection unit 15 is suitable and designed to detect the size of the drive element 14 during its operation.

[0044] The acquisition unit 15 can also be designed to record the temporal profile of a parameter of the drive element during the operation of the conveying device 13. The acquired data can be stored in a storage unit 17.

[0045] A storage unit 18 is provided which is suitable and intended to store a target value and / or a target value profile of the drive means 14 of the conveying device 13.

[0046] The acquisition unit 15 and the storage unit 18 are connected to an evaluation unit 16 via signal transmission. The quantities or value profiles acquired by the acquisition unit 15 are processed together with the target values ​​or target value profiles stored in the storage unit 18. The evaluation unit 16 is designed to determine deviations based on the acquired quantities in relation to a target value and its frequency. It is also possible for the evaluation unit 16 to be suitable and designed to determine deviations between an actual value profile and the target value profile at a given time interval between deviations. A signal is triggered depending on the frequency of the deviations and / or a predetermined number of repetitions of the time interval between deviations.For this purpose, a signal unit 19 is provided, through which an operator is informed that a possible fault is occurring.

[0047] Figure 5 schematically depicts an error curve. The reference symbol IG denotes the actual value. The reference symbol T indicates the time within which the actual value was recorded. The horizontal line shown in the diagram, labeled SG, represents a target value or a target value curve. The difference between the actual value IG and the target value SG represents a deviation AB. This difference refers to the value that occurs when the actual value IG is greater than the target value SG. If, within a predetermined time period T, the number of deviations AB exceeds a predefined value, a signal is triggered, prompting an operator to check the functionality of the feed magazine. Figure 5 shows three examples of deviations: AB1, AB2, and AB3.

[0048] Fig. 6 schematically shows a second error curve. The reference numerals in Fig. 6 correspond to the reference numerals in Fig. 5.

[0049] As can be seen from the illustration in Fig. 6, the time intervals T1, T2 between the deviations AB1 and AB2 and AB2 and AB3, respectively, are equal, so it can be assumed that the deviations AB1, AB2, and AB3 occur periodically. From such deviations, it can be concluded, for example, that a driver 11 of the transport unit 10 is bent.

[0050] If various error curves and the associated causes of errors for each error curve are known, information can be provided to an operator indicating which measures to take and implement to improve the functionality of the feed magazine. The invention also makes it possible to retrofit feed magazine monitoring to already installed feed magazines. Reference numerals

[0051] I Feed magazine 2, 3 legs

[0052] 4 floors

[0053] 5 wall

[0054] 6 Receiving chamber 7 Exit opening 8 Exit area 9a, 9b Roller

[0055] 10 Transport Unit II Carrier

[0056] 12 Filling opening 13 Conveyor 14 Drive unit 15 Detection unit 16 Evaluation unit 17 Storage unit 18 Storage unit 19 Signal unit

Claims

Claims 1. Procedure for monitoring a feed storage facility comprising the following steps: Provision of a target size of a drive means (14) of a conveying device (13) which is suitable and intended to convey feed located in the feed magazine to an outlet opening (7); Recording a quantity of the propulsion medium (14) during the activity of the propulsion medium (actual quantity); Performing a comparison between the target value and the actual value; Recording of deviations when these exceed a predetermined difference between the target value and the actual value; Determining the frequency of deviations; 2. The procedure for monitoring a feed storage facility comprises the following steps: Provision of a time-based target size profile of a drive means (14) of a conveying device (13) which is suitable and intended to convey feed located in the feed magazine to an outlet opening (7); Recording a time course of a quantity of the propulsion medium (14) during the activity of the propulsion medium (actual quantity course); Performing a comparison between the target value trend and the actual value trend; Recording of deviations when these exceed a predetermined difference between the target value and the actual value; 3. Recording a time interval between deviations.

4. Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein an error curve is determined and evaluated based on the deviations within a given time period.

4. Method according to claim 3, wherein a fault cause is assigned to a fault curve.

5. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the quantity is a current consumption of an electromotive drive means (14).

6. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the quantity is a torque of an electric motor drive means (14) 7. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the quantity is a power of the driving means.

8. Method according to at least one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a signal is triggered depending on the frequency of the deviations and / or depending on a predetermined number of repetitions of the time interval.

9. Feed magazine (1) with a floor (4), a wall (5) connected to the base (4), wherein the base (4) and the wall (5) define a receiving space (6) for a feedstuff, a filling opening that leads into the receiving chamber (6), a conveying device (13) which is suitable and intended to convey a feedstuff to an outlet opening (7) of the receiving chamber (6), wherein the conveying device (13) has an endlessly rotating transport unit (10) which is connected to a drive means (14), a detection unit (15) which is connected to the drive means (14) via a signal system, wherein the detection unit (15) is suitable and intended to indirectly detect a parameter of the drive means (14) during the operation of the conveying device (13), a storage unit (18) which is suitable and intended to store a target value of a drive means (14) of a conveying device (13); an evaluation unit (16) which is connected to the acquisition unit (15) and the storage unit (18) via a signal, wherein the evaluation unit (16) is suitable and intended to determine a deviation on the basis of the acquired actual value in relation to a target value and its frequency.

10. Feed magazine (1) with a floor (4), a wall (5) connected to the base (4), wherein the base (4) and the wall (5) define a receiving space (6) for a feedstuff, a filling opening that leads into the receiving chamber (6), a conveying device (13) which is suitable and intended to convey a feedstuff to an outlet opening (7) of the receiving chamber (6), wherein the conveying device (13) has an endlessly rotating transport unit (10) which is connected to a drive means (14), a detection unit (15) which is connected to the drive means (14) via a signal, wherein the detection unit (15) is suitable and intended to detect a time course of a quantity of the drive means (14) during the operation of the conveying device (13) (actual quantity course), a storage unit (18) which is suitable and intended to store a target value profile of a drive element (14) of a conveying device (13); an evaluation unit (16) which is connected to the acquisition unit (15) and the storage unit (18) via a signal connection, wherein the evaluation unit (16) is suitable and intended to determine a deviation between the actual value profile and the target value and a time interval between deviations.

11. Feed magazine according to claim 10, wherein a torque of the drive means (14) is detected.

12. Feed magazine according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the drive means (14) comprises a hydraulic motor.

13. Feed magazine according to claim 12, wherein a pressure of the hydraulic motor is detected.

14. Feed magazine according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the drive means (14) comprises an electric motor.

15. Feed magazine according to claim 14, wherein a current of the electric motor is detected. - 14-

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