WO2019206504A1

WO2019206504A1 - Transponder for a conveyor belt of a belt conveyor

Info

Publication number: WO2019206504A1
Application number: PCT/EP2019/055632
Authority: WO
Inventors: Manfred BÄUMLER
Original assignee: Voith Patent Gmbh
Priority date: 2018-04-27
Filing date: 2019-03-07
Publication date: 2019-10-31
Also published as: DE102018110170A1; DE112019002174A5

Abstract

The invention relates to a transponder (41), preferably a passive transponder. The transponder comprises at least one antenna (45). The antenna (45) is connected to an RFID chip (43). The antenna (45) is coaxially surrounded by a covering. A casing (49) is provided for coaxially encasing the RFID chip (43) and antenna (45). A protective covering (51) is provided which is arranged coaxially relative to the casing (49) and arranged coaxially relative to the RFID chip (43).

Description

Transponder for a conveyor belt of a belt conveyor

The invention relates to a transponder for use in a conveyor belt of a belt conveyor, in particular for mining.

There are numerous designs of belt conveyors and conveyor belts are known, which are provided with sensors / transponders.

For many years, conveyor belts with different systems have been equipped with sensors for both position detection and damage monitoring. Thus, e.g. Transponder (RFID) installed in different sections of the belt, the antennas run across the belt. With a sufficiently large damage, e.g. a longitudinal crack, the falls

Transponder function off and the belt can be stopped. Other systems use transponders at different distances from the belt edge to monitor the transverse position of the belt during the run.

For example, from US 9,227,791 B2 a conveyor belt and a

Belt conveyor known, which is provided with acceleration sensors. As a result, the acceleration of the belt can be detected. The sensors are equipped with a micro-controller and a memory and can be equipped with a rechargeable power source. The sensors are arranged at regular intervals to each other and distributed over the width. The captured data is transmitted over a wireless link to a fixedly located controller. The figure shows the sensors in the edge area of the belt.

US Pat. No. 7,928,922 discloses RFID sensors which have a dipole antenna. To protect against contamination, the RFID tag is replaced by a Shrink tubing encapsulated. Such an RFID encapsulated by a shrink tube can be additionally arranged in a preformed housing to increase the resistance. From EP 1 660 393 B1 it is known to provide sections of a conveyor belt of a belt conveyor with a unique address to the section mark. The marking is located in the edge area of the belt surface. The sections are from 10 m up to 500 m long. It is known from EP 0 776 839 B1 to insert transponders into the conveyor belt at intervals from one another. Through these transponders, the

Wear and longitudinal cracks are detected. To insert the transponder in the conveyor belt, the transponder is placed in a flat body, which consists of a layer structure. The layer structure comprises two carrier layers, between which the transponder is arranged. This increases the bending ability. The transponder is of a thin plastic wrap, e.g. from a plastic polymer, surrounded. The plastic cover does not stick to the body, so that when bending stress no forces are transmitted from the body to the transponder. The body is placed in the conveyor belt cover plate and glued to it.

From DE 1 940 945 and DE 1956768 is known for wear monitoring of the material to be conveyed to provide metallic conductor loops in the conveyor belt. The conductor loops extend across the width of the conveyor belt. To the different elastic deformability of conveyor belt and

To compensate for metallic conductor loop, it has been proposed that

Conductor loop freely movable, as possible upset arranged in the conveyor belt cavities. The fittings with the conductor loops are glued or vulcanized in recesses formed in the conveyor belt. From EP 753 472 B1 it is known to arrange a plurality of RFIDs in the longitudinal direction and in the transverse direction and also at different depths in the conveyor belt in order to absorb wear conditions of the belt. The RFIDs are vulcanised into the belt. Also, an individual identifier is provided by means of which belts of different manufacturers can be identified.

At RWE Power, belt segment detection systems have been used for some years to obtain their position information from the higher steel content of the belt connection (inductive or magnetic measuring methods). This method is not applicable to textile belts. Likewise at RWE Power and others transponders were introduced into the belt to determine the belt connection, which ultimately due to the low life, the high

Installation costs or the lack of exchange opportunity have disappeared from the applications again.

The invention is therefore based on the object to provide a transponder having an increased robustness.

The transponder according to the invention has at least one antenna. The antenna is connected to an RFID chip. The antenna is surrounded by a shell coaxial. In addition, a jacket for a coaxial enclosure of RFID chip and antenna is provided. It is provided a protective sleeve, wherein the protective cover is arranged coaxially to the jacket and wherein the protective sleeve is also arranged coaxially with the RFID chip. The protective sleeve is intended to further protect the RFID from stresses. In particular, bending stresses in the area of the RFID and also the connection points to the antennas can lead to premature failure of the transponder. In an advantageous development is provided to provide a protective sleeve of a metallic material. It has been found in particular stainless steel as suitable. In an advantageous embodiment, it is provided to use a jacket (49) made of Teflon. This Teflon sheath offers good sliding properties in the belt, so that only a fraction of the force due to compression or expansion is transferred to the sheath during compression and expansion of the belt.

In one embodiment, it is provided to use an envelope of silicone surrounding the antenna. Silicone has good sliding properties. In a compression or expansion acting on the shell, the force transmitted to the antenna can be at least reduced by a sliding movement of the shell. As a result, in particular the stress on the connection points of RFID chip and antenna is reduced.

Particularly advantageous has been found to be a combination with a silicone shell, so that even less force effects are transmitted to the RFID chip and the antenna / antennae by this combination.

In one embodiment, a maximum gap of 0.2 mm is provided between the outer diameter of the casing and the inner diameter of the casing. This has an advantageous effect on the required installation space.

In one embodiment, it is provided that the transponder has a maximum outside diameter of 5 mm, preferably 4 mm. If the transponder is to be introduced in a conveyor belt, then it is advantageous if the transponder is coaxially also surrounded by a cover layer of a conveyor belt, thereby protecting the transponder from external forces. In particular, shocks from falling conveyed are damped. In one embodiment, it is provided that the jacket is provided at the end with seals for a liquid-tight closure of the interior is. Thus, it is also possible to arrange the transponder in a recess which is open to the outside, so that moisture can penetrate from the outside. By closing the end of the interior of the jacket is protected from environmental influences such as moisture and dust in the jacket.

In one embodiment, it is provided that the jacket is provided with a gradation at least at one end of its longitudinal extension. This grading facilitates disassembly. This facilitates an exchange.

In one embodiment, the gradation is formed with areal areas. This facilitates gripping.

In one embodiment, it is provided that the protective sleeve is pressed onto the jacket. As a result, an axial fixation is achieved in a simple manner, so that it can be ensured that the RFID chip is arranged with the connection point (s) to the antenna (s) within the protective sleeve. In an advantageous embodiment, the RFID chip is provided on both sides with an antenna.

In one embodiment, it is provided that the protective sleeve is formed with a contour for increasing the flexural rigidity. It can be provided as contour ribs or angled surfaces arranged to each other.

In one embodiment, it is provided that the protective sleeve has a maximum wall thickness of 0.5 mm, preferably 0.3 mm. This supports a compact design. In one embodiment, the jacket is integrally formed. As a result, the jacket has no connection points. As a result, the assembly is facilitated and also facilitates a liquid-tight design and is particularly cost.

In an advantageous embodiment it is provided to use previously described transponder in a conveyor belt of a belt conveyor in mining. In mining, the belt conveyors are exposed to adverse environmental conditions, such as high temperature fluctuations, moisture and dust. Also, the conveyor belt is subjected to bending loads. For arranged in the conveyor belt or embedded components can be justified by a high load. The transponder according to the invention has proven to be particularly suitable for embedding in the conveyor belt. Embedding is understood to mean an arrangement in a recess formed in the conveyor belt.

It has been found to be advantageous to form the recess near the surface in a cover layer of the conveyor belt, so that in particular a RFID held therein can be supplied with energy when passing through the reading unit and can be read out. It should be noted that due to the carbon content of the rubber damping of the field strength is due. A further damping can be caused by spraying to reduce running noise.

In a preferred embodiment it is provided that the recess extends to the edge region, preferably at most 30 cm, particularly preferably 20 cm from the lateral edge of the conveyor belt. It can thereby be achieved that the recess is arranged outside the region of the conveyor belt, which is subject to considerable wear by the conveyed material. The solution according to the invention is explained below with reference to a figure. The following is shown in detail: Figure 1 belt conveyor with a conveyor belt

Figure 2 conveyor belt in cross section

Fig. 3: hollow drill

Fig.4: Fördergurtausschnitt in representation in plan view

Fig. 5: Fördergurtausschnitt in side view

Fig. 6: RFID sensor for use in the conveyor belt

FIG. 7 shows a belt conveyor 1 with an endless conveyor belt 11. The conveyor belt consists of several belt sections 10, which may have different properties. The conveyor belt is deflected by deflection rollers 7 and stored by means of rollers 9. A plurality of rollers 9 may be supported by a framework, also referred to as a garland. Individual belt sections are provided with an identification, here in the form of an RFID chip 43. The units comprising the RFID chip are referred to as transponders or RFID. Also, sensors may be provided in the belt for taking measurements. The measured values are provided with a unique identification, so that it is comprehensible to which belt section these measured values are to be assigned.

If, for example, the energy efficiency of individual belt sections (not plant sections!) Is to be determined, for example in order to compare the efficiency of different rubber compounds with each other or to determine the efficiency of a belt section 10 over its service life, then the exact position of the individual belt sections within the conveying path becomes each Time needed. Such an identification 43 is preferably provided at intervals in the range from 2 m to 300 m within a belt section 10. A major stress of the RFID 42 or the transponder is the recurring bending in the transverse axis by the drive and Deflection drums 3, as well as the strong bending of the belt edge in the longitudinal axis when passing through the roof roller chair with the there arranged ironing rollers, not shown. The slight bending when overflowing the rollers 9 of the garlands is of minor importance. The installation direction thus has an influence on the expected service life of the RFID 42. The same also applies to sensors 42 arranged in the belt.

The other boundary condition is the impermeability to moisture and other environmental influences, which is only of importance if the space of the transponder is open to the outside.

Of crucial importance are the reading rate and reading distance. The read rate must be high enough in accordance with the belt speed that the RFID 43 can supply the RFID 42 with energy when passing through a reader antenna 5 and then read out the ID of the RFID chip 43. The read out data / information is supplied to a controller 7.

Due to the high electrical damping of the belt material (rubber with carbon content), the field strength is strongly influenced and thus affects the reading distance. An additional damping arises with a spraying of the

Belt with water to bind dust or to reduce

Running noise of the drive and idler drums 3. The mounting distance to the belt surface 10 therefore influences the reading distance and must be very close to the surface. An arrangement of the RFID in a mounting position in the cover layer 23 with a maximum distance of 5 mm to the belt surface 10 has been found to be particularly suitable for this reason. This distance is suitable for all common belt speeds in the range of 3 m / s to 7.5 m / s. In addition, this layer provides protection. Especially with the loading of the conveyor belt 11 with bulk material can shock loads through the bulk material damage the RFID 42. The layer of the cover layer 23 protects the RFID 42 from hard impacts. Thus, a layer of at least 5 mm has been found to be particularly advantageous. Also, an arrangement of the RFID 42 in the belt edge region 14, contributes to a lower burden of bulk material 2, since the edge region 14 is significantly less loaded by bulk material 2.

Furthermore, for the acceptance of the system by the operator, it is necessary to install or replace the RFID 42 with the least restriction on the availability of the system. Furthermore, the belt 11 must not lose any of its tensile strength, i. The tension member (steel ropes / textile ropes) must not be damaged. It is therefore necessary to use a fastening method that allows rapid installation / removal of the transponder even with already installed belt conveyors.

FIG. 2 schematically shows a section through an upper part of a belt conveyor 1. The conveyor belt 11 rests on rollers 9. The lateral rollers are arranged inclined to the middle roller 9. The conveyor belt runs hollow. Bulk 2 may be included in the trough. In particular, when applying the bulk material 2, the conveyor belt 11, in particular the facing cover layer 23, shock-loaded. During transport, the bulk material carrying top layer 23 is stressed by friction. Since the bulk material is conveyed within the trough formed by the conveyor belt, a wear portion 24 of the conveyor belt 11 is formed. An edge region 14 is identified by 14. With the hollow drill shown in Figure 3, a recess of the Gurtseitenkante 12 is introduced. The hollow drill has a drill bit 27. The Drill bit includes a plurality of cutting teeth 29. The cutting teeth 29 may be configured differently. Thus, the cutting teeth 29 may be arranged in cutting teeth groups, wherein a few cutting teeth groups are defined by axial recesses from each other, not shown. The hollow drill 25 has a wall opening 31. The wall opening 31 is arranged in a front region. The hollow drill 25 comprises a closure sleeve 33. Through the closure sleeve (33), the wall opening (31) can be closed, in particular sealed liquid-tight

FIG. 4 shows an edge cutout of a conveyor belt. This conveyor belt cutout is provided with a recess 13 arranged transversely to the conveying direction. This recess 13 has a predetermined end predetermined breaking point 17 on which the drill core has been separated. This predetermined breaking point is formed by a taper 19. The outer diameter of the recess 13 has a first outer diameter 75 in a first portion 65 and a second outer diameter 77 in a second portion 67 which is smaller than the first outer diameter. The opening 16 of the recess 13 on the Gurtseitenkante 12 is closed by a closure 15, so that in the cavity of the recess 13 eingacht elements, such as RFID 42, or sensor 42, can not fall out.

An angled recess 21 is shown in FIG. This angled recess 21 comprises a first leg 69 and a second leg 71, the first leg has an opening to the belt side edge 12. The second leg joins the first leg 69 within the belt 11. The opening of the second leg is concealed by the first leg 69 when viewed from the belt side edge. As a result, a straight falling out of elements of the second leg 71 of the recess 21 is prevented. at. Also, the angled formed recess 21 has a predetermined breaking point 17 in the form of an end formed on the second leg 71 taper 19. The recesses are introduced by means of a hollow drill 25 in the bulk material facing side of the cover layer. For this, the hollow drill 25 is aligned parallel to the belt surface 10 at the Gurtkantenseite 12 attached. The wall opening 31 is covered by the closure sleeve 33. The hollow drill 25 enters the cover layer 23 at a first advancing speed and rotational speed. Due to the Gurtseitenkannte the closure sleeve 33 is moved coaxially to release the Wandungsdurchbruches. The wall breakthrough is located within the cover layer 23. To facilitate the drilling process, the hollow drill 25 can be acted upon with a lubricating fluid, for example water, in the interior of the hollow drill 25. The lubricant can also be provided before entering the cover layer, which then mainly takes place lubrication on the inside.

To form the predetermined breaking point 17 of the hollow drill 25 is acted upon by a second driving force which is greater than the force acting only in the advancing direction. The elastic cover layer 23 is thereby tensioned. By drilling out the cover layer relaxes again and a tapered hollow bore is formed. The core may be removed after removal of the core drill bit 25 by applying force to the core away from the belt side edge 12. In this case, a separation takes place at the predetermined breaking point 17. Preferably, the rotational speed during the drilling process for producing the taper is reduced by at least 80%.

For the formation of an angled recess 21, the advancing direction 63 is changed during the drilling process, as shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 5 schematically shows the conveying direction 61 and the position of the opening 16 on the belt side edge 12.

A possible embodiment of an RFID 42 or the transponder will be described below.

The RFID 41 comprises an RFID chip 43. The RFID chip 43 is mounted on a carrier board. The board facilitates assembly. The RFID chip 43 is conductively connected to the antennas 45 on both sides. The antennas 45 are made of a conductive wire. This unit is already fully functional The antennas 45 are encased in a silicone sheath. Silicones (also called silicones, singular: the silicone or silicone), chemically accurate poly (organo) siloxanes, is a term for a group of synthetic polymers in which silicon atoms are linked by oxygen atoms. It is used a fine-stranded with silicone insulated copper strand.

For protection, the RFID chip is inserted with antennas in a Teflon jacket 41. Teflon is a trade name of the company DuPont and refers to a polytetrafluoroethylene (abbreviation PTFE, sometimes polytetrafluoroethene). PTFE is a linear, linear, partially crystalline polymer of fluorine and carbon. Colloquially, this plastic is often referred to by the flea name Teflon DuPont. PTFE belongs to the class of polyhalogenolefins, which also includes PCTFE (polychlorotrifluoroethylene). It belongs to the thermoplastics, although it also has properties that require a more typical for thermosetting plastics processing.

The Teflon jacket 49 is centrally surrounded by a protective sleeve 51 coaxially. In this case, the protective sleeve 51 is coaxial with the RFID chip 43 and the connection points to the antennas 45. By the protective sleeve 51 bending in this area is excluded or reduced to small angles, preferably smaller than 5 °. This angle is related to one end of the protective sleeve compared to the other end of the protective sleeve determined. The Teflon sheath 49 is closed at the end by seals 53. In each case a graduation 59 is formed in the end region of the Teflon sheath. This grading facilitates removal of the RFID 41 introduced in a conveyor belt.

When external forces act on the Teflon sheath 49 or when the Teflon sheath 49 is compressed and stretched, the acting forces are not transmitted to the transponder. The silicone sheath of the antennas supports a relative movement of the silicone sheath 47 and the Teflon sheath 49. The Teflon sheath 49 also transmits power reduced from the cover layer 23 on the Teflon jacket 49.

This RFID 41 is particularly suitable for use in a conveyor belt 11 and can be introduced into the previously the recesses 13, 21 through the opening 16 in the Gurtseitenkante. This opening 16 can then be closed by a closure. In the event of a defect, the closure can then be removed at this point or the RFID can be removed directly by gripping in the end region or by flare drilling. Subsequently, then a new RFID 41 can be introduced again. This simple structure contributes to the fact that a conveyor belt 11 can be provided quickly with recesses and RFIDs or sensors. Preferably, such equipment may be performed during a regular maintenance break. During a regular maintenance break also defective units can be exchanged. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 belt conveyor

2 bulk goods

3 pulley

5 readout unit

7 control

9 rollers

10 belt surface

11 conveyor belt

12 belt side edge

13 recess / borehole

14 edge area

15 closure (recess)

16 opening

17 breaking point

19 taper / tapered hollow bore

21 angled recess area

23 topcoat

24 wear area

25 drilling tool / hollow drill

27 drill bit

29 cutting teeth

31 Wall breakthrough

33 closure sleeve

35 front area hollow drill

41 transponders, RFID

42 sensor

43 RFID chip if necessary with carrier board 45 Antenna

47 silicone sleeve 49 Teflon sheath

51 protective sleeve

53 seals

55 Length extension Transponder / RFIDr 57 Diameter Transponder / RFID

59 gradation (Teflon sheath)

61 longitudinal direction

63 propulsion direction / drilling direction

65 Section 1

67 Section 2 / Rejuvenation area

69 1. thighs

71 2. thighs

75 inner diameter of 13

77 outside diameter of 67

Claims

claims

1. Transponder (41), preferably passive transponder comprising at least one antenna, wherein the antenna is connected to an RFID chip (43) and, wherein it is surrounded by a casing coaxially, characterized

a jacket (49) is provided for a coaxial enclosure of RFID chip (43) and antenna (45), and that a protective sleeve (51) is provided, which is arranged coaxially with the jacket (49) and coaxial with the RFID chip (43) is arranged.

2. transponder (41) according to claim 1,

characterized,

in that the protective sleeve (51) consists of a metallic material, preferably of stainless steel.

3. Transponder according to claim 1 or 2,

characterized,

dass.der jacket (49) consists of Teflon.

4. Transponder according to one of the preceding claims,

characterized,

in that the sheath (47), at least the surface of the sheath (47) facing the sheath (49), consists of silicone.

5. transponder according to a preceding claim,

characterized, in that a maximum gap of 0.2 mm is provided between the outer diameter of the casing (47) and the inner diameter of the casing (49).

6. Transponder according to one of the preceding claims,

characterized,

the transponder (41) has a maximum outside diameter of 5 mm, preferably 4 mm.

7. Transponder according to a preceding claim,

characterized,

that the jacket (49) is provided at the end with seals (53) for a liquid-tight closure of the interior.

8. transponder according to a preceding claim

characterized,

that the jacket is provided with a gradation at least at one end of its longitudinal extension.

9. Transponder according to a preceding claim,

characterized,

the step (59) has areal areas, preferably surfaces arranged at an angle to one another.

10. Transponder according to a preceding claim,

characterized,

in that the protective sleeve (51) is arranged coaxially, radially outside the jacket (49) and is preferably pressed onto the jacket (49) in order to prevent axial displacement.

11. Transponder according to a preceding claim,

characterized, the RFID chip (43) is provided on both sides with an antenna (45).

12. Transponder according to a preceding claim,

characterized,

in that the protective sleeve (51) has a contour for increasing the

Bending stiffness is formed.

13. Transponder according to a preceding claim,

characterized,

the protective sleeve (51) has a maximum wall thickness of 0.5 mm, preferably 0.3 mm.

14. Transponder according to a preceding claim,

characterized,

that the jacket (49) is integrally formed.

15. Conveyor belt for a belt conveyor

characterized,

in that the conveyor belt (11) has recesses (13) which are formed transversely (63) to the conveying direction in the conveyor belt and in which

Recess (13) a transponder (41) is received according to one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the recesses (13) have an inner diameter (75) in the relaxed state, which corresponds to the maximum outer diameter of the transponder (57).