DE202021106364U1 - System for monitoring the condition of a cable in an energy chain - Google Patents

Abstract

Monitoring system for monitoring the condition of a line that is routed through a line guiding device, in particular an energy guiding chain, comprising:
- a movable line guide device (1; 41) for guiding a line between a first connection point and a second connection point that can be moved relative thereto, the line guide device (1; 41) having at least one movable section and at least one line (13) which is connected to a Line section (130) is guided through the line guide device (1; 41); and
- a monitoring device (10) comprising a first module (200A) and a second module (200B), each provided on either side of the line section to be monitored; characterized in that
- The modules (200A, 200B) are designed to work together in order to determine at least one electrical transmission property of the line section (13A; 13B) in relation to a predetermined high-frequency (HF) signal during operation, and
- The first module (200A) comprises an HF generator which is coupled to the line (13) to be monitored in order to generate a predetermined HF signal as a test signal, which signal is preferably independent of the intended use of the line to be monitored to couple or bring line section (130); and
- the second module (200B) has an HF receiver, which is coupled to the line to be monitored in order to decouple or receive the HF signal from the line section (130), and is set up to evaluate properties of the received HF signal, to determine at least one value relating to the transmission quality via the line section (130), in particular with regard to the received signal strength or signal attenuation.

Description

The invention relates generally to the field of monitoring the condition of an electrical line, in particular a line that is routed through a dynamic line routing device, such as a cable carrier or the like, in order to supply a mobile load. The invention relates in particular to the monitoring of moving lines.

A limited service life and possibly resulting failure of such a line, e.g. a supply line for data and/or for the power supply, is unavoidable due to the application-specific movement and can lead to critical situations and high costs.

The invention relates in particular to a system and method for line status monitoring during real-time operation of the line, comprising a monitoring device which has a first module and a second module, which are each provided, e.g. connected or coupled, on both sides of a line section to be monitored . This is typically arranged in a mobile line routing device for the protected routing of at least the monitored line, with the line routing device having at least one movable section between a first connection point and a second connection point that can move relative thereto, through which the line section to be monitored, because it is stressed by movement, is guided.

Such a generic system was, for example, in WO 2020/104491 A1 the registration ring suggested. Two modules are provided at the end of the line section to be monitored. These modules each use properties of a protocol layer of a digital data transmission protocol in order to implement status monitoring. A disadvantage here is that this principle can only be used to monitor lines that are intended or at least sufficiently suitable for such a digital data protocol, eg ETHERNET. Furthermore, the actual data transmission may be influenced at least slightly by the system—because its protocol properties are to be used—by additional data that is transmitted solely for checking or monitoring the line status.

A solution for online line status monitoring during operation without affecting the actual user data transmission was developed in DE10112844A1 suggested. In this case, the test method detects an inactive phase of the data transmission protocol, for example via a fieldbus line, in order to transmit a test signal during the inactive phase using a test device without interrupting the transmission protocol. The reflection of the test signal along the transmission line is detected and evaluated.

Different to WO 2020/104491 A1 use most of the previously proposed solutions, such as in the DE10112844A1 , a reflection measurement, usually based on the principle of time-domain reflectometry (TDR: time-domain reflectometry) to determine the properties of electrical lines by observing the reflected waveforms. One advantage of this is that faults can be localized as a result. However, these methods are technically very complex and usually not suitable for use during operation (on-line).

A first object of the present invention is therefore to propose a solution that allows status monitoring of an electrical line during operation, it being possible to implement the solution with as little or no influence as possible on the intended operation and/or with comparatively little effort. This task is solved independently of one another by a monitoring system according to claim 1, an adapter system according to claim 2 or the use or the method according to claim 15.

In a generic monitoring system according to the preamble of claim 1, it is proposed to solve the problem that two modules are designed to work together in order to determine during operation at least one electrical transmission property of the line section to be monitored in relation to a predetermined high-frequency signal, in particular an HF Signal that is independent of the intended use of the line to be monitored or is not used as a useful signal as intended, and preferably selected for use with as few interference as possible is, among other things, with regard to possible interference. According to a basic idea of the invention, a value relating to the transmission quality of the non-destination HF signal via the line section, in particular with regard to the received signal strength or signal attenuation, is determined and used for the evaluation.

For this purpose, it is provided in particular that the first monitoring module comprises an HF generator or an HF source, which is coupled to the line to be monitored in order to generate a predetermined HF signal as a separate signal, independent of the intended use, in Type of test signal to bring to the line section to be tested, e.g. in at least one conductor to apply or to couple in the line electrically (to feed in, to insert, to impress or the like.).

On the other hand, the second module has an HF receiver suitable for the HF signal or an HF signal sink, which is coupled to the line to be monitored in order to receive the HF signal from the line section, and that the module or the HF receiver is set up to evaluate properties of the received HF signal in order to determine at least one value relating to the transmission quality via the line section, in particular with regard to the received signal strength or signal attenuation. The second module is preferably set up to output this value to a higher-level unit via a further connection, in particular a wired or wireless connection.

The coupling to the line to be monitored can be conductive or non-conductive, e.g. capacitive and/or inductive. Depending on the application, it may be conductive for data lines, and preferably non-conductive for lines carrying supply voltage, e.g. for protective insulation purposes.

In the present case, as is generally the case in electrical engineering with high frequency (HF, English RF for radio frequency), the frequency range from around 10 kHz to the THz range is first generally referred to as high frequency (HF) (i.e. not just a more restricted HF definition from radio technology for short waves or the range between MF radio and VHF radio). In the present context, high frequency is understood to mean in particular frequencies in the range from at least 1 MHz up to 10 GHz, in particular also typical radio frequencies. One of the license-free ISM bands (Industrial, Scientific and Medical Band) according to ITU Radio Regulations (Art. 5, ed. 2012) can be used particularly preferably.

• - die Module zusammenwirkend ausgeführt sind, um im laufenden Betrieb mindestens eine elektrische HF-(Hochfrequenz)-Übertragungseigenschaft des Leitungsabschnitts in Bezug auf ein vorbestimmtes HF-Signal zu ermitteln, welches Signal vorzugsweise von der bestimmungsgemäßen Nutzung der zu überwachenden Leitung unabhängig ist, und
• - das erste Modul einen HF-Generator umfasst, der mit der zu überwachenden Leitung koppelbar ist, um ein vorbestimmtes HF-Signal, als Prüfsignal aufzubringen; und
• - das zweite Modul einen HF-Empfänger aufweist, welcher mit der zu überwachenden Leitung gekoppelt ist, um vom Leitungsabschnitt das aufgebrachte HF-Signal zu empfangen, und eingerichtet ist, Eigenschaften des empfangenen HF-Signals auszuwerten, um mindestens einen die Übertragungsqualität über den Leitungsabschnitt betreffenden Wert, insbesondere hinsichtlich der empfangenen Signalstärke bzw. Signaldämpfung, zu ermitteln.

Furthermore, an adapter system for monitoring the condition of a line during operation is proposed, with two corresponding modules which can each be connected like an adapter to a first end or to a second end of a line section to be monitored. According to the invention, it is accordingly provided that

• - the modules are designed to work together in order to determine during operation at least one electrical HF (high-frequency) transmission property of the line section in relation to a predetermined HF signal, which signal is preferably independent of the intended use of the line to be monitored, and
• - The first module comprises an HF generator which can be coupled to the line to be monitored in order to apply a predetermined HF signal as a test signal; and
• - the second module has an HF receiver, which is coupled to the line to be monitored in order to receive the applied HF signal from the line section, and is set up to evaluate properties of the received HF signal in order to at least one the transmission quality over the line section to determine the value in question, in particular with regard to the received signal strength or signal attenuation.

Furthermore, at least the second module can be set up to output this value to a higher-level unit via a further connection, in particular a wired connection.

The invention is initially based on the counterintuitive approach of using the line for an improper HF signal, which in particular can have the form of a likewise counterintuitive radio signal that is intended for wireless transmission. The invention can provide a radio signal, in particular a radio signal for wireless data communication, for testing a wired conductor. It can, for example, be a radio signal with a high-frequency carrier frequency on which information may be imprinted by modulation, but whose use is not important for the intended use of the line.

Furthermore, the invention is based on the finding that an unfavorable matching between the line and the HF signal is irrelevant if the HF signal is not intended to be used for its actual signal function, for example information transmission. The absolute transmission quality of the test signal is not important for the invention.

On the contrary, without wishing to be bound by theory, radiation losses on lines with faults, in particular one- or two-wire lines, increase approximately quadratically with the signal frequency. According to this, higher-frequency signals are fundamentally suitable for detecting typical signs of wear and tear in moving flexible cables, especially in energy chains, such as changes in cross-section caused by continuous bending cycles, kinks, broken strands or other imperfections. However, the signal attenuation can be comparatively low, e.g. with idealized single-wire or two-wire cables.

Basically, a relative change in the transmission quality of the test signal is monitored and used as an indicator for wear and tear-related degradation of the line.

In one embodiment it is therefore provided that the predetermined HF signal, which is used for monitoring, is a radio data transmission signal.

The HF units (HF generator and/or HF receiver) can each be designed as components of a respective radio transceiver. As a result, e.g. commercially available, inexpensive radio transceivers can be used.

A favorable embodiment provides that the HF generator and HF receiver are designed as components of an integrated circuit, in particular a radio IC (IC=integrated circuit). The HF units can preferably be present as components of radio ICs, which are identical in both modules, which, among other things, standardizes the design and reduces costs.

In such an embodiment, it is preferably provided that both the HF generator and the HF receiver are designed as components of radio ICs for data transmission according to a commercially available wireless protocol or wireless standard, which already inherently has a function for estimating the received implement signal strength. Examples of such func-ICs are e.g. ICs or chipsets for WLAN, LoRa-WAN, LTE or similar protocols/ standards for wireless data transmission. The actual function for data transmission does not have to or should be used, but primarily an integrated function for determining the signal quality, in particular for estimating the relative quality of the HF signal or radio signal received via the monitored section. For example, WLAN/WiFi, in the 2.4 GHz frequency band (IEEE 802.11b/g/n) or 5 GHz frequency band (IEEE 802.11a/h and IEEE 802.11n), provides for an RSSI measurement or an RCPI measurement. The RSSI shows the power level being received. Also with LoRa-WAN, e.g. with a frequency band from approx. 433 to 435 MHz (ISM band Region 1) and from 863 to 870 MHz (SRD band) in Europe or frequency band 902 to 928 (basic frequency 915 MHz) in North America RSSI measurement or the like is typically already provided as a supplied function of commercially available LoRa ICs. Other comparable approaches for estimating the received signal strength or the signal attenuation via the monitored line are also within the scope of the invention.

For this purpose, a function of a commercially available radio IC that is implemented inherently in the protocol or standard is preferably used for data transmission according to a commercially available wireless protocol or wireless standard. Among other things, this avoids the costs of complex measurement technology, as is usual with common TDR approaches.

The HF signal used preferably has a frequency spectrum that is as independent as possible of the intended use of the actual application of the line to be monitored, in particular in a significantly higher frequency band, e.g. in particular in a frequency band around a fundamental frequency f in the range from 1 MHz to 10 GHz , especially in the range 100 MHz < f < 7 GHz. In this case, a carrier frequency for a protocol- or standard-inherent modulation can also/alternatively be in this range. The selection should be made in such a way that the HF signal generates as little interference as possible with the useful signal of the line.

Initial tests using an exemplary prototype have shown that applying or inserting a LoRa radio signal on an ETHERNET line allows wear and tear-sensitive monitoring using the RSSI value, without excessive disruption to the ETHERNET transmission.

It can thus preferably be provided that at least the second module is set up, in particular the HF receiver or the radio IC(s) is/are preconfigured, for an HF attenuation measurement of the received HF signal, in particular for an RSSI measurement . In the case of ICs of the same construction, the suitability exists in both modules, so that interchangeable use is also possible with a suitable design.

In particular when using conventional radio ICs, these can be coupled or can be coupled to the line section to be monitored by means of an intended antenna connection, for which purpose a suitable coupling unit or coupling circuit is provided if necessary.

• - ein erstes Filterglied, insbesondere mit auf das HF-Signal abgestimmter Filtercharakteristik;
• - ein Umschaltglied zur wählbaren Kopplung mit unterschiedlichen Leitern einer Mehrleiter-Leitung umfasst; und/oder
• - ein Impedanz-Anpassungsglied.

In one embodiment, both modules include a coupling circuit for galvanic coupling of the HF generator or HF receiver to the line section to be monitored. This can advantageously include further functional units, in particular:

• - A first filter element, in particular with a filter characteristic matched to the HF signal;
• - comprises a switching element for selectable coupling to different conductors of a multi-conductor line; and or
• - an impedance matching circuit.

Further advantageous developments of the system or the module can be found in dependent claims 8-14.

Monitoring using the modules is preferably carried out continuously during nominal operation, if necessary, for example, at specific times at predetermined regular or irregular times.

The preferably external further processing of the quality value of the test signal, which is indicative of the transmission quality via the monitored line section, should be emphasized here. For this purpose, the module serving as receiver can transmit the specific value, e.g. an RSSI value, possibly after conversion into a digital value, to a separate evaluation unit in any suitable format.

In one embodiment, it is therefore provided that the system has a separate evaluation unit, which determines information on the state of the line to be monitored based on the value relating to the transmission quality and, for this purpose, compares the value with pre-stored information, for example.

In addition or as an alternative to this, the second module can be or can be connected to a higher-level unit or the evaluation unit via a further connection, in particular a wired or also wireless connection.

For this purpose, the evaluation unit can in particular compare the transmission quality value, e.g. RSSI value, with a pre-stored tolerance range. The tolerance range is typically application-dependent, e.g. dependent on the cable type, cable length, connectors used and other parameters. The tolerance range can be defined during commissioning by an initialization and/or over an operating period that is initially considered error-free and stored, for example, in the evaluation unit. If, purely as an example, the RSSI value would fluctuate between -52dBm and -56dBm (decibel milliwatts) after a few movement strokes of an energy chain, a value of +/-2dBm around these values, i.e. from -50dBm to - 58dBm can be considered acceptable as nominal. Any deviation from a predetermined tolerance range can be evaluated as a potential bad case. In order to avoid false-negative results, the decision on a bad case should trigger a reaction, if necessary with decision tolerance, e.g. via an integral over a running time window. The response can be, for example, a maintenance message for predictive maintenance or a control signal to trigger a system stop for safety purposes.

Monitoring, e.g. an RSSI value or similar value that provides information about the received signal strength or signal attenuation, and comparing it with a pre-stored tolerance range is currently regarded as a preferred approach. The pre-stored tolerance range can, for example, be programmed or parameterized from empirical values or learned through an initialization process to suit the application, although other approaches are also possible.

Continuous monitoring during operation of the line routing device is generally preferred.

In the case of conductive coupling to the monitored line, the proposed modules can have sockets that are selected to suit a detachable plug connection. Since one of the two modules is arranged in particular on the mobile consumer, outside the energy transmission chain or dynamic cable routing, the proposed system can inherently detect the frequently occurring case of a fault in the plug on the mobile connection.

Due to the movement stress, errors regularly occur in practice, which are not caused by wear and tear in the actual cable, but by mechanical stress, such as tensile force on one of the wires, which causes the plug to fail on the moving connection. In this case, too, a deterioration in the transmission can also be inherently detected.

Furthermore, the invention also relates to a method or the use of a system for monitoring the condition of a line during operation (on-line) with the method features according to independent claim 15.

In addition to energy guiding chains made up of individual links, other types of dynamic cable routing can also be considered in which cables are dynamically stressed during operation. Purely exemplary disclosed eg WO 2016/042134 A1 a flexible conduit for clean room applications to which the invention is also applicable.

The proposed solution is suitable for status monitoring of different lines, in addition to data lines, for example bus lines, also for power supply lines, during operation. In this case, the line can in particular be routed in a dynamic line routing. The principle can be used on a wide variety of data lines, eg ETHERNET (IEEE 802.3), PROFIBUS or other types of industrial fieldbuses, such as the CAN bus, EIA-485 or the like or other control lines WO 2020/104491 A1 , easily applicable to supply lines for pure power supply.

In particular, the proposed solution allows foresighted or preventive maintenance to avoid breakdowns.

• 1: eine Prinzip-Skizze in Seitenansicht einer Energieführungskette mit einem erfindungsgemäßen Überwachungssystem nach einem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel;
• 2: ein Prinzip-Schema eines Moduls zum Aufbringen eines HF-Signals auf eine Leitung;
• 3A: ein Prinzipschema eines Ausführungsbeispiels eines erfindungsgemäßen Moduls für ein Überwachungssystem, insbesondere nach 1;
• 3B: ein Prinzipschema eines Systems mit zwei Modulen nach dem Prinzip aus 3A, für ein Überwachungssystem, insbesondere nach 1;
• 4: als Anwendungsbeispiel eine Seitenansicht eines Industrieroboters mit einer räumlich auslenkbaren Energieführungskette, die mit einem Überwachungssystem gemäß 1 ausgerüstet werden kann; und
• 5: eine Prinzip-Skizze in Seitenansicht einer Energieführungskette mit einem erfindungsgemäßen Überwachungssystem nach einem zweiten Ausführungsbeispiel mit induktiver Kopplung.

Further advantageous features and effects of the invention are explained below without restricting the generality of the above using preferred exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Here show:

• 1 : a schematic side view of a power transmission chain with a monitoring system according to the invention according to a first embodiment;
• 2 : a principle diagram of a module for applying an HF signal to a line;
• 3A : a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a module according to the invention for a surveillance system, in particular according to FIG 1 ;
• 3B : a basic scheme of a system with two modules according to the principle 3A , for a surveillance system, especially after 1 ;
• 4 : As an application example, a side view of an industrial robot with a spatially deflectable energy chain, which is equipped with a monitoring system according to FIG 1 can be equipped; and
• 5 : a schematic side view of a power transmission chain with a monitoring system according to the invention according to a second embodiment with inductive coupling.

In 1 a schematically shown energy transmission chain is generally designated by 1 as an example of a dynamic cable routing device. The energy guiding chain 1 is used for the protected guidance of electrical lines (not shown in detail) to a mobile consumer. Between a moving strand 2, here the upper strand, and a stationary strand 3, here the lower strand, the energy guiding chain 1 forms a traveling deflection bend 4 with a predetermined curvature. The deflection bend 4 has a predetermined minimum radius of curvature to avoid line breaks. The energy guiding chain 1 thus ensures that the permissible radii of curvature of the guided lines are not fallen short of. The energy guiding chain 1 typically forms an inner guiding channel in which an application-dependent number and type of lines are guided. The design of the energy transmission chain 1 is not decisive for the invention, for example all known dynamic line routings can be considered, possibly also those without individual chain links, eg band-like line packages or line packages routed in a flexible hose.

1 shows, purely by way of example, a typical arrangement with an energy guiding chain that can be moved linearly and in one plane, for example horizontally, 1. In 1 ends the moving strand 2 ends at a first connection end 2A, for example in an end link which is fastened to a driver of a movable machine part (not shown). The stationary run 3 ends at a second connection end 3A, for example in an end link which is fastened to a fixed point of the machine or system, as shown schematically in FIG 1 implied. 4 shows another type of energy supply chain, often used on industrial robots, with spatially deflectable links, ie a three-dimensionally movable energy supply chain.

1 Figure 12 shows schematically a monitoring device, generally designated 10, as one aspect of the invention. The monitoring device 10 comprises a first module 200A and a second module 200B, which according to the invention comprise HF (radio frequency) units, as will now be described in more detail.

The modules 200A, 200 work together to ensure at least one electrical HF (high-frequency) transmission property of a line section 130 ( 3B) of a line in relation to a predetermined RF signal which is coupled onto the line section 130 as a test signal especially for this purpose.

2 shows very schematically the first module 200A, with an HF generator (RF, radio frequency), which generates a predetermined HF signal 20, in 2 shown schematically dotted, gives up or couples (in) here to a monitored single wire 13A. The signal 13A is independent of the signals 23 used in the intended use of the line 13, shown schematically in dot-dash lines on the single core 13A, and preferably generates minimal or no significant interference therewith. The actual operating signal 23 can, for example, be an ETHERNET signal, a signal according to FIG any industrial bus, or a signal from a non-packet-based bus system, or any digital or analog control line or measurement line, for example for an actuator (drive, motor, or the like) or any sensor, for example a rotary encoder.

In principle, the invention can also be applied to power supply lines. As 2 shows schematically, the first module 200A has an HF generator 210 which is coupled to the line 13 to be monitored, here for example a single wire 13A, in order to additionally apply the predetermined HF signal as a type of test signal to the single wire 13A . Basically, in particular in the case of data lines, any suitable conductive coupling or, in particular in the case of live supply lines, a non-contact coupling, in particular inductive coupling, can be considered.

As 3B shows the second module 200B at the other end of the line section 130 to be monitored, for example by a plug-socket connection. The modules can be implemented as adapters, with input and output sockets suitable for the line being monitored, eg RJ-45 sockets for a CAT7 ETHERNET line, or other suitable sockets. 3B FIG. 1 schematically illustrates several individual wires 13A, 13B, etc., which are present here as four pairs of twisted-pair lines, but are application-specific, ie depend on the line 13 to be monitored.

The second module 200B has an HF receiver, for example in the form of an HF transceiver 210 (cf. 3A) , which is coupled to the line to be monitored, and from the line section 130 picks up or receives the test signal or HF signal 20 . The second module 200B is in particular set up or configured to determine a value which represents the received quality of the test signal, in particular the signal strength or the signal attenuation of the received HF signal 20 at the movable connection of the line 13 with the module 200 . For this purpose, for example, the HF transceiver 210 in the second module 200B is set up to evaluate properties of the received HF signal and thus to generate an indicative value for the signal strength or the signal attenuation for the transmission quality via the line section 130 .

As 1 shows, the second module 200B is preferably set up to output at least this value via a further connection, eg a wired USB connection, which at the same time supplies the module 200B with electricity, to a higher-level monitoring unit 100, eg to a module sold under the trade name “i .Cee:plus" or "iCom" from igus GmbH, 51147 Cologne. In particular, the monitoring unit 100 can be set up for communication with the system technology in the desired application, or with a cloud solution.

In one embodiment, both modules 200A, 200B use an identical integrated circuit for radio data transmission, radio IC 210 for short (technical jargon “radio”), which acts both as a transmitter (Tx) or HF generator and as a receiver (Rx) is usable. The HF generator and HF receiver are thus preferably implemented by the transceiver (Trx) of such a radio IC 210 .

A radio IC 210 for a commercially available radio standard in the ISM band, e.g. LoRa-WAN (Long Range Wide Area Network: see https://lora-alliance.org/) with RSSI measurement or similar is preferably used. A WLAN IC or chipset, in particular according to Wi-Fi or a standard of the IEEE 802.11 family, is also possible. Any radio IC 210 that has an RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) or RSSI-like function, e.g. RCPI (Received Channel Power Indicator) according to IEEE-802.11, is preferably considered. Thus, the receiver-side radio IC 210 in the second module 200B is inherently and at low cost suitable for providing the desired value of the received signal strength or signal attenuation, in particular as a digital output value according to the manufacturer's specification of the radio IC 210. The HF receiver can use the Value in any format, e.g. also output as an analog voltage at a connection.

For example, in some commercially available radio ICs 210, the RSSI is derived in the intermediate frequency (IF) stage before the IF amplifier. The RSSI output can then be provided by the IC as an analog DC level and e.g. converted to a digital value externally. Any comparable analog value that a suitable radio IC 210 delivers as the result of an integrated reception field strength measurement can, for example, be scaled and converted depending on the device as an RSSI value, or as a dimensionless power level in the unit dBm, or in ASU (Arbitrary Strength Unit) or the like. Expressed and used. Such an analog value from the IF stage in the radio IC 210 can also be sampled by an internal analog-to-digital converter (ADC) in the radio IC 210, which makes the resulting values available digitally via an interface, e.g. a peripheral processor bus . It does not depend on the specific type of provision and the value.

In principle, the invention can be any suitable type of sufficiently deterministic determination, estimation or measurement, in particular with regard to the quality of the received test signal, eg the signal strength or signal attenuation or reception field strength. The use of commercially available radio ICs 210 with an already integrated function for this, such as the RSSI determination in a LoRa WAN IC or the RCPI determination of a WiFi IC, is particularly cost-effective. Typically, the value is in a range from <0 dBm (ideal value for lossless transmission) to -100dBm ([virtually] no signal reception) on a logarithmic scale. Other radio standards also offer such functions, such as LTE.

3A FIG. 12 illustrates a hardware implementation that can be used both as a first module 200A on the transmitter side and as a second module 200B on the receiver side. The modules 200A and 200B are designed with the same hardware, but may have different software configurations and programming, in particular as a transmitter (Tx) and as a receiver (Rx) with an evaluation function or the quality of the received signal.

Accordingly, the radio IC 210 used, e.g. a LoRa WAN IC, is coupled to the line section 130 to be monitored by means of its antenna connection 212. A coupling circuit 220 is provided in the module 200A, 200B for coupling, here e.g. for galvanic coupling of the antenna connection 212 with the line section 130 to be monitored, in particular with one or optionally one of several individual wires 13A, 13B etc.

A first filter or first filter element can be provided in the coupling circuit 220 , in particular with a filter characteristic matched to the HF signal 20 , so that as little or as little as possible of the intended signals 23 reach the antenna connection 212 . The filter element can, for example, be set to the radio frequency band of the HF signal 20 as a steep-edged π filter or bandpass filter and can preferably be implemented using analog technology with discrete components. The coupling circuit 220 can optionally be a switching unit or a switching element for selectable or adjustable coupling to different conductors or wires 13A, 13B, etc. (cf. 3B) of the line section 130, in particular if the functionality of all lines has to be monitored. If necessary, at least one impedance matching element can also be provided for at least improved matching between wires 13A, 13B, etc. and antenna connection 212.

Irrespective of the type of coupling used, i.e. e.g. also in the case of inductive coupling, a suitable decoupling filter circuit is generally preferred, which suppresses all parasitic, in particular line-bound, or undesired propagation paths of the test signal or HF signal 20 and the test signal on the monitored line section 130 limited.

Furthermore shows 3A a circuit component or device 230 for looping through the line 13 or its individual conductors 13A, 13B for the purpose of the intended use of the line to be monitored during the monitoring. This circuit component 230 preferably includes a filter element 232, which essentially limits the transmission of the HF signal to one of the two connections 201, 202 for the line 13 to the line section 130 to be monitored. For this purpose, the filter element 232 can be designed, for example, as a bandstop or bandstop filter which, if possible, does not allow the frequency band of the pseudo radio signal or test signal 20 to pass into the parts 15, 16 of the customer system.

The module preferably has the most comprehensive shielding implemented in or with the housing 204 to reduce radio emissions by the radio IC 210 as completely as possible, so that an unwanted air connection between the modules 200A, 200B is ruled out as far as possible. The shielding of the housing 204 also prevents, for example, external radio signals from interfering and temporarily or permanently falsifying the diagnostic results.

The module can also have a control unit, in particular a programmable integrated circuit such as a microprocessor 240 or the like, for controlling and/or signal evaluation or further processing of the values from the radio IC 210 . This can be connected to the evaluation unit 100 via a further suitable connection 203 for the purpose of data connection, eg via a USB connection for controlling the HF generator or HF receiver in the radio IC 210 . Via microprocessor 240 and connection 203, for example, an optional adjustment to transmitter behavior, for use as the first module 200A, or receiver behavior and evaluation, for use as the second module 200B, can also take place. Like the architecture in 3A shows, the 200A/200B module shown can be used either as a transmitter or receiver, for which only the reverse use of the connections (exchange system side / energy chain side) and appropriate programming is required.

The power supply (not shown) can be done either via the monitored line 13 or via the USB port 203, for example, depending on whether the module is used as a transmitter module 200A or receiver module 200B, since the receiver module 200B is preferably via the Connection 203 connected to the higher-level separate evaluation unit 100, and can be mounted with this in a cabinet, for example.

The evaluation unit 100 continuously receives the current value relating to the transmission quality, e.g. RSSI value, from the module 200B or from the radio IC 210, possibly via the control unit 240 and the connection 203 or alternatively via a further external wireless connection (not shown) and compares this with e.g pre-stored reference information, preferably with a tolerance range, and/or forwards this value to another higher-level computer control, which evaluates the values and can intervene in the system if necessary, e.g. triggers an emergency stop.

The evaluation unit 100 or another unit that is preferably separate from the compact, inexpensive modules 200A, 200B determines status information on the status of the line to be monitored on the basis of the value obtained relating to the reception quality on module 200B, which is meaningful about unwanted physical changes in the monitored line section 130 and, if applicable, its plug-in connections with connections 201 and 202.

In one exemplary embodiment, the evaluation unit 100 itself evaluates RSSI values by comparing them with a previously stored tolerance range. If the value falls below or is exceeded, the evaluation unit 100 sends a warning or error message to a higher-level monitor, preferably via a separate channel. This enables predictive maintenance, since a deterioration in the reception quality at the receiver module 200B usually occurs before the line 13 fails completely.

4 1 shows an articulated arm robot 40 as an exemplary application for a monitoring device 10, for example for the fully automatic handling of workpieces in a manufacturing process. From the stationary base 40A of the articulated-arm robot, for example, a first linearly displaceable energy supply chain 1 leads here in a similar manner 1-3 , to a rotary joint from which a spatially deflectable second energy supply chain 41 (e.g. according to WO 2004/093279 A1 ) continues to the end effector 42 or end-side robot tool. A number of actuators and sensors are typically provided on the end effector 42, which are already suitable for a common fieldbus protocol or, for example, the PROFINET protocol.

These actuators and sensors can also be connected via a line 13, which has a section 130 ( 3B) is guided in the second energy guiding chain 41, are supplied. Thus, a monitoring device 10 according to the principle 1-2 and 3A-3B monitor at least one or possibly all data and/or signal lines that are routed through the energy supply chains 1, 41, in particular through the energy supply chain 41, for their state of wear. All that is required for this purpose are modules 200A, 200B that can be implemented inexpensively and, if necessary, an evaluation unit 100, which can also be implemented in the form of a software module on an already existing computer. An existing control unit or monitoring unit can also be used as the evaluation unit 100 .

If transceivers are used, the relevant quality value of the test signal can be transmitted back to the transmitter module 200A by the receiver module 200B in a transmission mode. Thus, vice versa as in 1 shown, the receiver module 200B can also be arranged on the moving machine or system part and, if necessary, continuously transmit RSSI values back to the transmitter module 200A via the test signal 20, which in turn is then connected to the evaluation unit 100.

The proposed line condition monitoring system thus offers a low cost solution to support predictive maintenance and/or to reduce or avoid downtime. The invention makes it possible, among other things, to make maximum use of vulnerable and possibly also expensive data lines, special lines or the like with regard to their possible service life, i.e. to avoid an unnecessarily early replacement.

The solution is also applicable to power supply lines.

5 shows a preferred embodiment with two modules 500A, 500B for inductive coupling or decoupling of the test signal 20 ( 2 ) to the line section 130 to be monitored, a line 13 which is guided in an energy transmission chain 1 (cf. 1 ) .

This is according to 5 in each module 500A, 500B, an induction coil 520 is wound around a respective end area of the line section 130 and inductively couples the desired test signal 20 in and out. Each module 500A, 500B has two conjugated or matching half-shells 504A, 504B, which provide the most comprehensive shielding possible to reduce radio emissions via an unwanted air link or radio link between the modules 500A, 500B. This also prevents, for example, external radio signals from interfering.

In each half-shell 504A is a circuit in a corresponding design 3A provided for coupling or decoupling the test signal 20. The circuit (not shown in detail) also has a suitable radio IC 210 (cf. 3A) , to whose frequency band, for example, the length of the induction coil 520 is adapted. The induction coil 520 is conductively connected to the radio IC 210 . In contrast to 3A takes place at 5 however, the coupling and decoupling of the test signal 20 into the line 13 is purely inductive, ie without changing the line 13 to be tested.

The two half-shells 504A, 504B also have shaped grooves in order to ensure a predetermined winding geometry, in particular a constant winding pitch length and the same radial spacing of the induction coil 520 from the line 13 . Coupling and decoupling of the test signal 20 are also shown in 5 preferably implemented using identical units or modules 500A, 500B.

An inductive coupling to the line section 130 can be realized in any suitable design. As an alternative to the in 5 In the construction shown, this can also be implemented, for example, in the form of a current transformer or single-winding transformer. In each module 500A, 500B, a magnetizable toroidal core, for example a ferrite core consisting of two core parts, for example ring halves, can be arranged around the end region of the line section 130 (not shown). The induction coil 520 can interact with the ring core in the manner of an inductive current transformer or push-through transformer as a secondary coil, with the line section 130 representing the (single) primary winding in the ideal circuit diagram. A transmission of the test signal between the induction coils 520 can also be achieved in this way, which enables the state of the line section 130 to be monitored.

An inductive coupling, roughly according to 5 , is generally preferable. A major advantage of the inductive coupling is that the modules 500A, 500B can be attached to the line to be monitored without any modification or intervention, by simply wrapping or surrounding the energy chain 1 at the desired points on both sides. The inductive coupling, eg according to 5 , is particularly suitable for live supply lines where interventions are not wanted for safety reasons.

With a suitable selection of the radio IC 210, the invention allows an inexpensive solution without complex technology, which can be used during operation without interfering with the intended use of the line 13, e.g. transmitted data. The test signal 20 can possibly only be used to check its transmission quality, i.e. in particular it does not have to be used for the actual message or information transmission.

In particular, on the other hand, signals of the monitored line 13 intended for the actual application are not used for monitoring purposes. Furthermore, an ongoing, possibly continuous, check/monitoring of the line status is made possible with comparatively low power.

Various metrics can be used to check the reception quality in the receiver module, provided they are meaningful for the current status of the line section.

The system and method according to the invention determines the data transmission properties of the lines during operation using HF technology. This means that there is no longer a need for additional conductors or measuring wires or sacrificial wires. The modules 200A, 200B or 500A, 500B form passage adapters at the beginning and end of the area to be monitored, in particular through the line routing device 1, 42. A compact design of the modules 200A, 200B or 500A, 500B enables easy subsequent installation. The recorded values are then further processed during operation. If the transmission properties begin to deteriorate, this can be used as an immediate indicator for a timely replacement of the cable. Plant downtimes can also be prevented by this intelligent condition monitoring of the entire moving cable including the connector.

Reference List

• 1

  1

  Cable routing device (energy routing chain)

  2

  moving drum

  2A

  first connection end

  3

  resting drum

  3A

  second connection end

  4

  deflection bend

  10

  monitoring device

  100

  monitoring unit

  13

  Bus line/supply line

  15

  first area (customer network/bus)

  16

  second area (customer network/bus)

  200A

  first module

  200B

  second module

• 2 and 3A-3B

  13

  Management

  13A, 13B

  Single cores (e.g. twisted pair)

  20

  radio signal

  23

  useful signal

  130

  monitored line section

  200A

  first module

  200B

  second module

  201, 202, 203

  Connections (sockets, eg RJ-45).

  204

  housing (with shielding)

  210

  Radio IC (e.g. LoRaWAN)

  212

  antenna connector

  220

  coupling circuit

  230

  pass circuit

  232

  filter

  240

  control unit (microprocessor)

• 4

  1

  first cable carrier (linearly moveable)

  2

  first strand

  3

  second strand

  4

  deflection bend

  40

  articulated robot

  40A

  Base

  41

  second cable carrier (spatially deflectable)

  42

  end effector

• 5

  13

  Management

  130

  monitored line section

  500A

  first module

  500B

  second module

  504A

  first half shell

  504B

  second half shell

  520

  Induction coil / antenna

QUOTES INCLUDED IN DESCRIPTION

This list of documents cited by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent Literature Cited

• WO 2020/104491 A1 [0004, 0006, 0041]
• DE 10112844 A1 [0005, 0006]
• WO 2016/042134 A1 [0040]
• WO 2004/093279 A1 [0068]

Claims (15)

Monitoring system for monitoring the condition of a line that is routed through a line guiding device, in particular an energy guiding chain, comprising: - a movable line guiding device (1; 41) for guiding a line between a first connection point and a second connection point that can be moved relative thereto, the line guiding device (1; 41) has at least one movable section and at least one line (13) which is guided through the line guide device (1; 41) with a line section (130) to be monitored; and - a monitoring device (10) comprising a first module (200A) and a second module (200B), each provided on either side of the line section to be monitored; characterized in that - the modules (200A, 200B) are designed to work together in order to determine at least one electrical transmission property of the line section (13A; 13B) in relation to a predetermined high-frequency (HF) signal during operation, and - the first module (200A) comprises an HF generator which is coupled to the line (13) to be monitored in order to transmit a predetermined HF signal as a test signal, which signal is preferably independent of the intended use of the line to be monitored, to the line section (130) to couple or bring; and - the second module (200B) has an HF receiver which is coupled to the line to be monitored in order to decouple or receive the HF signal from the line section (130) and is set up to evaluate properties of the received HF signal to determine at least one value relating to the transmission quality via the line section (130), in particular with regard to the received signal strength or signal attenuation. Adapter system for monitoring the condition of a line during operation, comprising a first module (200A) and a second module (200B), which can each be connected or coupled like an adapter to a first end or to a second end of a line section (130) to be monitored ; characterized in that - the modules (200A, 200B) are configured to operate cooperatively to determine, on the fly, at least one electrical HF (radio frequency) transmission characteristic of the line section (130) in relation to a predetermined HF signal, which signal is preferably from the intended use of the line (13) to be monitored is independent, and - the first module (200A) comprises an HF generator (210) which can be coupled to the line (13) to be monitored in order to generate a predetermined HF signal as apply test signal; and - the second module (200B) has an HF receiver (210) which is coupled to the line to be monitored in order to receive the applied HF signal from the line section (130) and is set up to record properties of the received HF signal evaluate in order to determine at least one value relating to the transmission quality over the line section, in particular with regard to the received signal strength or signal attenuation. system after claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that - that the predetermined HF signal (20) is a radio data transmission signal, and/or - that HF generator and HF receiver are each designed as components of a respective radio transceiver (210). system after claim 3 , characterized in that the HF generator and HF receiver are each designed as components of an integrated circuit, in particular a radio IC (210), preferably as components of radio ICs (210) of identical construction in both modules (200A, 200B) . system according to one of the claims 3 until 4 , characterized in that at least the second module (206B) is set up, in particular the HF receiver or the radio IC(s) (210) is/are preconfigured, for measuring the strength of the received HF signal (20), especially for an RSSI measurement. system according to one of the Claims 1 until 5 , characterized in that the HF generator and HF receiver, in particular both radio ICs (210), are coupled or can be coupled to the line section to be monitored by means of an intended antenna connection (212). system according to one of the Claims 1 until 6 , especially after claim 6 , characterized in that both modules (500A, 500B) comprise a coupling circuit for inductive coupling to the line section to be monitored, the coupling circuit each having in particular a coupling coil (520) which - can be wound around an end region of the line section (130) to be monitored or .is wound; or is wound around a magnetizable toroidal core which is or can be arranged around an end region of the line section to be monitored, in order to inductively couple or uncouple the test signal into the line section to be monitored and is conductively connected to the HF generator or HF receiver. system according to one of the Claims 1 until 6 , especially after claim 6 , characterized in that both modules (200A, 200B) comprise a coupling circuit (220) for the galvanic coupling of the HF generator or HF receiver to the line section to be monitored, the coupling circuit in particular: - a first filter element, in particular on the HF signal matched filter characteristics; - comprises a switching element for selectable coupling to different conductors of the line; and/or - an impedance matching element. system according to one of the Claims 1 until 8th , especially after claim 7 or after claim 8 , characterized in that each module (200A, 200B) comprises at least one filter element (232) which essentially limits the transmission of the HF signal to the line section to be monitored. system according to one of the Claims 1 until 9 , characterized in that the system has a separate evaluation unit (100) which determines information on the state of the line (13) to be monitored on the basis of the value relating to the transmission quality, in particular comparing the value with pre-stored reference information, preferably a tolerance range; and/or at least the second module (200B) can be or are connected to a higher-level unit or the evaluation unit (100) via a further connection, in particular a wired connection. system according to one of the Claims 1 until 10 , especially after claim 7 , characterized in that each module (200A, 200B) has a shield (204) for reducing, preferably avoiding, radio emissions, the shielding being implemented in particular by two half-shells that can be closed around an end region of the line section to be monitored. system according to one of the Claims 1 until 11 , characterized in that each module (200A, 200B; 500A, 500B) has a device (520) for coupling to the line to be monitored and/or one and one device (230) for looping through the line or its individual conductors (13A, 13B ...) for the purpose of the intended use of the line to be monitored (13) during monitoring. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coupling (220) of the module to the line section to be monitored is designed as a conductive coupling or as a non-contact coupling, in particular an inductive coupling. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each module has a control unit (240), in particular a programmable integrated circuit, for controlling the HF generator or HF receiver (210). Use of a system for monitoring the condition of a line during operation, comprising a first module and a second module, which are each provided in the manner of an adapter at a first end or at a second end of a line section to be monitored, and, wherein - the modules interact to determine during operation at least one electrical transmission property of the line section in relation to a predetermined HF signal, which is independent of the intended use of the line to be monitored, and - The first module brings or couples in a predetermined radio signal as a test signal to the line section; and - the second module receives the radio signal from the line section and evaluates properties of the received radio signal in order to determine an indicator value relating to the transmission quality, in particular the signal attenuation, of the received radio signal, this indicator value, preferably passed on to a separate monitoring unit, for Evaluation of the monitored line status is used.

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