EP1389293A1

EP1389293A1 - Method and device for regulating the temperature of a drive element

Info

Publication number: EP1389293A1
Application number: EP02771583A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Markus Rohrauer; Wolfgang Ensinger
Original assignee: TGW Transportgeraete GmbH
Current assignee: TGW Transportgeraete GmbH
Priority date: 2001-05-23
Filing date: 2002-05-17
Publication date: 2004-02-18
Also published as: AT500102B1; AT500102A1; US7176425B2; WO2002095307A1; US20040118833A1; AT500102B8

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (11) and a method for regulating the temperature of a drive element (2) which can especially be used in the refrigeration domain, such as a band, a belt, or the like, whereby at least part of the drive element (2) is heated at least during a relative movement between the drive element (2) and a machine part. Said drive element (2) is adjusted to a pre-determinable minimum temperature or is maintained at a pre-determinable minimum temperature. The inventive device (11) thus comprises at least one module (12) which supplies the drive element (2) with, for example, mechanical, electrical, or electromagnetic energy.

Description

Method and device for regulating the temperature of a drive element

The invention relates to a method for temperature control of a drive element which can be used in particular in the deep-freeze area and a device for carrying out this method in accordance with the features in the preambles of claims 1 and 22.

Productivity, cost pressure and time factors require high availability and low cycle times, even from the movement units used in the deep-freeze area in particular. These demands placed on the movement units or on their drive elements were solved in such a way that chain drives were used to generate, for example, a linear feed movement, which, even at temperatures from 0 ° C. to approximately -80 ° C., did not impair their functionality. However, such chain drives soon found their limits in modern automation technology due to their large masses and the associated low possible speeds and high noise levels, as well as the shock and vibration-prone barrel. In addition, these can only be used for limited sizes using structurally simple means and a high level of maintenance is required for largely trouble-free operation.

In the recent past, it has also been proposed to use belt drives instead of chain drives, which, in order to maintain elasticity even at low temperatures, were made from plastics with a low Shore hardness. The knowledge of the use of belt drives already led to the advantage of the higher-speed process for the movement units, although, for different temperature ranges, belts with a specific Shore hardness specially adapted to these had to be used to compensate for the wear caused by embrittlement, which was primarily caused by the To keep the deflection of the belt drives, which are rigid at low temperatures, on the deflection pulleys increased at increasing speeds, as low as possible. In order to counteract this effect, the Shore hardnesses were designed to be correspondingly low, but this led to the disadvantage, particularly in the case of temperature fluctuations, that the elasticity of the belt increased further and optimal transmission of the driving forces or moments was no longer possible.

The object of the invention is therefore to avoid the disadvantages known from the prior art and is to achieve this without or only with a slight change in the production conditions for the drive elements and the optimal properties of the drive element can also be maintained when used at low or strongly fluctuating temperatures.

This object of the invention is achieved by the method according to the measures of claim 1. The advantage of this method is that it creates a method for regulating the temperature of a drive element, such as a belt, belt or the like, based on simple physical principles, by means of which it is now also possible to use such drive elements even at temperatures, for example, of 0 ° C to - 40 ° C while maintaining the properties required for dynamic operation of the movement unit of a system, in terms of dynamics such as acceleration,

Traversing speed, etc. Even temperature fluctuations, e.g. between + 15 ° C and - 40 ° C, have no effect on the elasticity, strength of the drive element and thus on the dynamics, e.g. Acceleration, travel speed, a drive device of a movement unit.

Further advantageous measures for setting, reaching and maintaining a predeterminable minimum temperature of the drive element of approximately + 5 ° C to + 25 ° C, in particular + 10 ° C to + 22 ° C, e.g. + 20 ° C, are given in claims 2 to 7. The different measures in the claims enable an optimal adaptation or regulation of the temperature for different applications, which is preferred for endlessly rotating ones

Drive elements, the minimum temperature is achieved by supplying energy in a contactless manner and, in the case of finite drive elements, by contact or contact, by adjusting or adjusting the module and the energy or power to be supplied to a specific type of drive elements and / or taking into account the environmental influences. Above all, the measures according to claim 7 now also enable the use of large-sized drive elements in which, despite their large cross-section, heat distribution or temperature control which is substantially uniform over the cross-section and length of the drive element, e.g. to + 20 ° C is possible. A further advantage is that the measures according to the invention can be transferred for a plurality of drive elements known from the prior art.

The measures and features according to claims 8 to 10 are also advantageous, as a result of which it is now possible, even after longer periods of inactivity, for a movement unit to be put into operation immediately with high output, since the drive member may at least be activated shortly before the movement unit is started up part of its length preheated and after or during its operation an essentially continuous temperature increase can be carried out and the temperature increase specified within a time interval is carried out automatically up to a predeterminable minimum temperature and at least over the period of operation of the movement unit at least this minimum temperature via measuring means and corresponding control algorithms is kept approximately constant and thus contributes to an increase in the efficiency or productivity of a movement unit.

Advantages are further developments of the method according to claims 11 to 13, with which a simple installation and / or retrofitting of the locally installed, energy-supplying module is possible without having to make major expenditures and is also an adaptation to different requirements, such as the temperature range, the material of the drive element, the installation area, etc., possible.

The measures according to claims 14 and 15 enable a uniform dynamic driving behavior during operation of the movement unit and, in the broader sense, protection of the mechanical construction by uniform temperature control and regulation of the temperature in or on the drive element.

According to the explanations according to claims 16 to 18, the effect of converting the electrical power into thermal power, which occurs during the passage of current through an ohmic resistor, is used to evenly temper the drive element.

The measures according to claims 19 to 21 are also advantageous, as a result of the at least partial and temporary detection, for example the temperature of the drive element, ambient conditions, peripheral speed, feed speed, etc., of a measured variable or an actual value for regulating the minimum temperature of the drive element a control device is detected and / or output. This enables fine tuning especially for drive units used in highly sensitive areas. In particular, this measured variable can also be used above all for the controlled setting, for example the frequency according to the specification of a control algorithm, so that a closed control loop is created.

However, the object of the invention is also achieved by the features set out in claim 22. The surprising advantage is that the temperature of the drive systems that have already been tried and tested with regard to the drive element and the module, which are not only inexpensive to manufacture, but have already proven themselves.

The developments according to claims 23 to 26 enable the use of standardized, inexpensive and already sufficiently tested modules, such as induction coils, microwave generators, heating devices or the like, whereby a high reliability of the device according to the invention, in particular of the module, is achieved. A further advantage is above all to be seen in the fact that the individual modules are already optimized for themselves, and most of them are already relatively small in their dimensions and the space required for accommodating the device according to the invention can be kept small.

The refinements according to claims 27 to 30 have the advantage that the strength members, which are usually arranged anyway in the drive elements, form the ohmic resistance which is decisive for the power loss and thereby all drive elements known from the prior art, which are equally suitable for transmitting high drive forces are can be used.

According to the embodiment defined in claim 31, the strength carrier arranged in the belt creates an electromagnetically conductive core which contributes to an additional increase in the flux density and thus the induced voltage or current in the loop.

It is also advantageous to use ara id or steel or glass fibers as strength carriers, as described in claim 32.

The refinements according to claims 33 and 34 enable, by simple constructive refinements, the change in the magnetic flux required for the induction of the voltage or the current, in the former case for the use of AC voltage and in the further case for the application of DC voltage. By varying the overlap of the module and the drive element, the flux density and the magnetic flux that are dependent on it can be significantly influenced, so that an optimal adaptation to different applications can take place.

According to another embodiment variant, the module is immediately in - 5 -

or provided on the sheathing, which is required anyway for safety reasons, and thus the possibility is created to further increase the efficiency of the temperature control, since the area determining the change in the magnetic flux can be expanded to a maximum.

The development according to claim 36 ensures that standardized, inexpensive induction coils are used.

According to another embodiment variant according to claim 37, a further reliably acting solution for regulating the temperature in the drive element or maintaining a predeterminable minimum temperature is made possible in a simple manner, since even the provision of at least one channel nevertheless enables a relatively simple manufacture of the drive element and, in cooperation with the module, rapid tempering or setting of the minimum temperature, in particular operating temperature, of the drive element is possible even under the most difficult conditions.

The designs according to claims 38 to 41 are possible, as a result of which the device according to the invention can be used on different systems, in particular endless or finite drive elements.

The design according to the invention is used above all in flat or V-belts or toothed belts of various designs known from the prior art, as described in claims 42 and 43.

The configuration according to claim 44 enables the temperature set in or on the drive element to be detected directly using inexpensive and proven systems known from the prior art, so that the drive element can be permanently monitored, if necessary.

Finally, the training according to claim 45 is advantageous because by specifying a

Control algorithm and the incoming actual value of the temperature determined by the measuring means and, if necessary, by presetting the ambient temperature, a predetermined minimum temperature optimized for these conditions is set or specified and then, as a result of the closed control loop specified by the control algorithm and the detected parameters, permanent control of the actual value the temperature can be led.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings.

Show it:

1 shows a device according to the invention with a movement unit and an energy-generating module in a side view and in a greatly simplified, schematic representation;

Fig. 2 shows a drive member of the movement unit, cut along lines II-II in

Fig. 1 and in a highly simplified, schematic representation;

3 shows the energy-generating module, cut along the lines TTI-TTT in FIG. 1 and in a greatly simplified representation;

4 shows another embodiment variant of the device according to the invention with the movement unit and the energy-generating module in plan view and in a greatly simplified, schematic representation;

5 shows another embodiment variant of the drive element and module, partly in section and in a greatly simplified, schematic representation;

Fig. 6 shows a further embodiment of the device according to the invention with the

Movement unit and the energy-generating module, in a highly simplified, schematic representation;

7 shows the device according to the invention with the movement unit and a further embodiment variant of the energy-generating module in a side view and in a greatly simplified, schematic representation;

8 shows the module or a pulley with the drive member, cut along lines VIII-VIII in FIG. 7 and in a greatly simplified, schematic representation; Fig. 9 shows a further embodiment variant of the device according to the invention with the

Movement unit and another version of the energy-generating module with an exemplary arrangement of several modules, in side view and in a highly simplified, schematic representation.

As an introduction, it should be noted that in the differently described embodiments, the same parts are provided with the same reference numerals or the same component names, and the disclosures contained in the entire description can be applied analogously to the same parts with the same reference numerals or the same component names. The location information selected in the description, e.g. above, below, laterally etc. refer to the figure described and illustrated immediately and are to be transferred to the new position in the event of a change of position. Furthermore, individual features or combinations of features from the different exemplary embodiments shown and described can also represent independent, inventive or inventive solutions.

In the jointly described FIGS. 1 to 3, a movement unit 1 or a band-like drive element 2 encompassing it is shown in different views. As shown in this exemplary embodiment, the drive element 2 is of endless design and is driven by at least one drive element 3 and deflected by at least one output element 4. The drive element 3 forms a machine part which is arranged in a fixed position relative to the drive element 2 and relative to which the drive element 2 is relatively adjustable. The drive and driven elements 3, 4 are each formed by a disk seated on a driving and driven shaft. The drive element 3, which is driven via a motor arrangement, not shown, transmits the handling force between the

Drive member 2 and the drive element 3 by friction and / or positive engagement. Accordingly, the drive member 2 can be formed, for example, by a flat or V-belt or toothed belt of the most varied types. In this embodiment, the drive member 2 is formed by the flat belt. By applying the circumferential force to the drive element 2, the latter is set in a feed movement, for example in the direction according to arrow 5, in accordance with a predeterminable, changeable direction of rotation, of the drive motor (not shown further).

The construction of corresponding drive elements 2, such as belts, belts, conveyor belts etc. is familiar to the person skilled in the art and is therefore only explained briefly. 2 has the drive member 2 has a running layer 6 facing the drive and driven element 3, 4, a cover layer 7 facing away from this and a tension layer 8 arranged between them. In the drive element 2, preferably in the area of the tension layer 8, strength members 9 are preferably arranged, which run parallel to one another and next to one another and preferably extend over the entire length of the drive element 2. The strength members 9 can be formed from materials known from the prior art, such as polyester, polyamide, steel and glass fibers or aramid. If the reinforcement 9 is formed by aramid and / or steel and / or glass fibers, the circumferential reinforcement 9 forms an electrically conductive loop 10 or line. The strength member 9 can be designed, for example, in the form of a steel cable with several strands. The running,

Cover and tension layers 6, 7, 8 can be formed from different or the same materials, as are well known from the prior art. The same also applies to the geometrical shape of the strength members 9. For example, they can have a spiral, etc.

In particular, the use of the movement unit 1 having the drive element 2 at low temperatures, in particular in the freezer or freezer area, for example 0 ° C. and -80 ° C., or at low ambient temperatures, for example between 0 ° C. to -40 ° C., requires one Regulation of the temperature or warming-up of the drive element 2 to a predetermined minimum temperature in order to enable sufficient movement dynamics of the movement unit 1 even at these low temperatures. Accordingly, a device 11 is proposed in FIG. 1, which has at least one module 12 that transmits or supplies energy in a contactless manner, which in this embodiment is formed by at least one induction device, in particular induction coil 13. This module 12 is expedient via a connecting line 14 for the transmission of parameters, data,

Signals, information connected to a control device 15. In the simplest case, this connecting line 14 can be formed by a two-wire line or by a bus line. Such control devices 15 for controlling the module 12, in particular the induction coil 13, are already of a known type and are therefore only symbolized here by a box-shaped body. The control device 15 also has means for

Control and regulation as well as a control algorithm. That, or as shown in this exemplary embodiment, the modules 12 of the device 11 are arranged in a stationary manner with respect to the endlessly rotating drive element 2 and extend at least over part of the length of the drive element 2. The modules 12 can be in the region of the empty and / or Load strand adjacent to the running and / or covering layer 6; 7 and / or in the direction of a thickness of the drive element 2 can be arranged. According to the embodiment in FIG. 3, the drive element 2 is moved past or moved through two energy fields 16. Of course, there is also the possibility of providing only one module 12 or an induction device, in particular induction coil 13, and of guiding the drive element 2 through an energy field 16. However, this version is not shown any further. At least that's about one

Part of the length of the drive element 2 extending module 12 is approximately U-shaped or C-shaped in cross section and at least largely encompasses the drive element 2.

At least the fixed induction coil 13, which is supplied with alternating current, is designed as a mains-side primary coil and, as a result of the changing magnetic flux, induces current or voltage in at least one strength member 9 formed of electrically conductive material and forming the secondary coil. Of course, various measures known from the prior art, such as the attachment of ferromagnetic materials, for example an iron core, can be carried out to strengthen the energy field 16 or to increase the magnetic flux. A distance or air gap between the drive member 2 and module 12 should be kept as small as possible.

As a result of the relative movement of the drive element 2 to the module 12 and thus to the energy field 16, in particular the electromagnetic field, a uniform, predeterminable minimum temperature can be set and maintained essentially over the entire length and cross section of the drive element 2. According to the invention, it is now possible for the drive element 2 to be warmed up or heated to a predetermined minimum temperature during the relative movement between the latter and the at least one module 12 by supplying energy. Above all, the frequency and, if appropriate, the current intensity are considered to be the variables of the induction coil 13 on the primary side which are supplied with alternating current. The electromagnetic energy field 16 is generated by the induction coil 13 operated in the medium or high frequency range, the frequency range being between 1 kHz and 150 kHz, for example 50 kHz.

By subjecting the drive element 2 or the electrically conductive strength members 9 to the energy field 16 at least in regions and at times, heating caused by the electrical power loss occurs at least in a partial region of the drive element 2, in particular as a function of the frequency of the primary-side induction coil 13. The control device 15 is designed such that, for example, the frequency as a function of the peripheral speed of the drive element 2 and / or the Drive element 2 exposed temperature and / or one of a measuring means 17, such as a thermocouple, pyrometer, where the detection of the temperature is carried out without contact, the actual temperature is set. The drive element 2 can be used for temporarily and locally recording the actual value of the temperature in different areas of the drive element 2 with measuring means arranged at a distance from one another in the direction of its length

17 can be equipped. These individual recorded actual values of the temperature are forwarded to the control device 15, from which the arithmetic mean value of the temperature for the controlled activation of the parameter, such as the frequency of the induction coil 13 or a microwave generator, the thermal output of a module 12 which transmits energy in a contactless manner Current of the current-carrying strength carrier 9, is formed. Drive motors with incremental encoders and other sensor arrangements, such as temperature sensors, strain gauges, thermocouples, known from the prior art, are used to determine these individual parameters. The sensor arrangements for detecting the environmental influences, such as air humidity, ambient temperature etc., are in the environment, therefore e.g. arranged in the room where the movement unit 1 is installed and connected to the control device 15 for data transmission. To determine the actual value of the temperature of the drive element 2, measuring means 17 are provided in or on this. The actual value of the temperature of the drive element 2 can be recorded in the running layer 6 and / or cover layer 7 and / or tension layer 8 and each of the individual measured values can be passed on to the control device 15 for determining a manipulated variable for the parameter. As an alternative to this, the actual temperature value can also be recorded in a contactless manner.

The operating factors to be set, such as the required dynamics, for example acceleration of a machine part, as shown in FIG. 4, or peripheral speed of the drive element 2, etc., and the driving behavior of the movement unit 1, and / or the minimum temperature or operating temperature of the drive element 2 is automatically determined and set as an optimized value by the control device 15 or set or set as a variable value, for example by an operator. For the specification or automatic setting of the minimum temperature, at least one environmental influence, such as the ambient temperature and / or the air humidity, and / or at least one of the operating factors, such as the coefficient of friction between the drive element 2 and at least the drive element 3 or acceleration of the machine part, are combined in one Control system such as fuzzy logic, neuro-fuzzy systems etc. processed or taken into account in terms of control technology. The possibly adjustable possibility and adjustment of the minimum temperature a specific application enables the considerable improvement in the dynamic behavior of the movement unit 1 and a considerable reduction in the wear behavior of the drive element 2. Above all, the method according to the invention can also be used to react to temperature fluctuations.

It should be pointed out at this point that the energy field 16 can not only be generated by means of essentially inductive elements as already described, but the energy field 16 can also be generated by capacitive elements, e.g. Capacitor, can be generated, the drive member 2 being moved through the built-up electric field. This generated electric field is used to supply the energy in order to set and / or maintain the drive element 2 at a predeterminable temperature.

In this exemplary embodiment, the movement unit 1 forms a conveyor unit, such as a load-bearing general cargo conveyor, etc., or a drive unit for driving a system. If the controlled temperature-controlled drive element 2 is designed as a toothed belt, it can also be used as a measuring belt, for example for determining the travel path of a slide, etc.

4 shows a further embodiment variant of the movement unit 1 with the belt-like drive element 2. In this embodiment, the energy is supplied or transmitted via contact or contact. The drive member 2, in particular a toothed belt, is finally formed and extends between two spaced apart bearing or holding devices 18 and is connected to these with its opposite end regions 19. In this exemplary embodiment, the movement unit 1 forms a linear unit with one that is arranged so as to be relatively adjustable relative to the drive element 2

Machine part 20, which is adjustable or displaceable via the drive element 3 shown in dash-dotted lines. The machine part 20 is guided over a schematically shown guide device 21 and can be displaced along guide rods 22 forming the guide device 21. Of course, such an embodiment of the guide device 21 can only be seen as an example and can rather be any of the

Guide device 21 known in the art can be used.

On a side of the drive element 2 facing away from the machine part 20, a support bar 23 is preferably provided which extends over at least part of the length of the drive element 2 and which supports the circumferential forces transmitted by the drive element 3 in drive element 2 inclined or vertical direction. The machine part 20 has at least one module 12, which can preferably be arranged at a short distance from the drive element 2 and is preferably formed by an induction coil 13. Of course, the machine part 20 can also form the module 12. The primary-side induction coil 13 of the machine part 20, which is acted upon by alternating current, induces current or voltage in the loop 10 formed by the strength members 9 and when the current passes through the strength member 9, the electrical power loss is converted into heat. To increase the magnetic flux, an iron core, for example, can be provided between the primary-side induction coil 13 and the secondary-side loop 10. This core can be formed by a partial area of the machine part 20. To the inductive

To improve heating, there is of course also the possibility that an iron core arranged on the machine part 20 encompasses the drive element 2 at least in regions, preferably on all sides, on which on one side the primary-side induction coil 13 and on the opposite side the optionally short-circuited secondary coil at least with one turn or Loop 10 is arranged. As a result, the frequencies on the input side, in particular low frequencies, of the induction coil 13 on the primary side can now also be kept low.

Another embodiment, not shown, of the strength members 9 is that they have at least one spiral and by applying a DC voltage

Clamping contacts, the strength members 9 essentially act as a heating element and the predeterminable minimum temperature in the stationary drive element 2 can be set and or maintained.

A further embodiment variant, possibly forming an independent solution, is shown in FIG. 5. The drive element 2 of the movement unit 1, shown in cross section, has one or more layers, in particular the running layer 6, cover layer 7 and tension layer 8, wherein the strength layer 9 and at least one channel 24, which carries a high-boiling liquid 25, is optionally provided in the tension layer 8 , A module 12 generating a wave energy, in particular microwave energy, is assigned to the drive element 2. Such microwave generators are already general state of the art. According to the invention, the regulation of the temperature of the drive element 2 or the setting and maintenance of the predeterminable minimum temperature is achieved in that the high-boiling liquid 25 is exposed to microwave energy without contact and this and the drive element 2 at least in the area in which the channel 24 years is ordered, is heated. The channel 24 expediently extends over the entire length of the drive element 2. This drive element 2 can in turn be of endless or finite design. Furthermore, there is the possibility that the reinforcing members 9 have a spiral and, by applying a DC voltage, the reinforcing members 9 essentially function as a heating element, with energy being supplied to the heat-transferring liquid in a controlled manner. This measure enables even temperature control of robust drive elements 2. If thick cross sections of the drive element 2 are present, channels 24 can be arranged in several planes running one above the other.

6 shows another embodiment variant of the device 11, in particular of the module 12, which is shown in a highly simplified and schematic manner. As already explained in the previously described figures, the movement unit 1 has at least one drive element 3 and at least one drive element 4, via which the endlessly rotating drive element 2 is driven with a predeterminable peripheral speed and feed movement or direction of travel - according to arrow 5 becomes. In the present embodiment, this forms

Drive element 2, for example, a load-carrying conveyor element, in particular a conveyor belt, for example continuous conveyor, which is used in areas in which low ambient temperatures prevail, in particular in a deep-freeze area. Of course, the temperature-controllable drive element 2, such as a belt, belt or the like, can also be used as a measuring belt on a system having the movement unit 1. As shown in the

In the area of the empty run, at least one module 12 is provided, which extends at least over part of the length of the drive element 2 and via which the predeterminable minimum temperature of the drive element 2 is maintained by supplying energy in a contact or contact way. In this special application, the module 12 has at least one means 27, for example a plurality of rollers 28, contact strips or the like, which generates internal or external frictional energy which causes heat in or between the drive element 2 and the means.

Expediently, in the longitudinal direction and on the two running and cover layers 6, 7 facing away from each other, spaced apart rollers 28, in particular friction rollers, are arranged, which at least in some areas and the maximum permissible deformation of the drive element 2 and a temperature increase depending on the peripheral speed of the drive element 2 and cause the deformation energy generated. The rollers 28, which are spaced apart from each other by a thickness for the longitudinal extent of the drive element 2, are adjustable relative to one another, so that when the thickness of the drive element is reduced, organes 2 corresponding distance an increase in the deformation energy is effected. For this adjustment of at least one, preferably a plurality of rollers 28 in the direction perpendicular to the feed movement - according to arrow 5 - an adjustment drive, not shown, is connected to the control device 15. The at least one actual value of the temperature of the drive element 2 is determined via the at least one connected to the control device 15

Measuring means 17 detected and transmitted to the control device 15 in the form of data, where it is processed in the control algorithm and forms a manipulated variable for the parameter, in particular for the adjustment of a distance measured between superimposed rollers 28. In this case, the module 12 for transmitting energy is activated by the control device 15 when the actual value of the temperature of the drive element 2 drops below the minimum temperature limit value in the positive temperature range or exceeds an upper limit value.

An optimal setting can be found in that the distance between the rollers 28 arranged one above the other is dimensioned only slightly smaller than the maximum thickness of the drive element 2 and the peripheral speed is increased to a maximum. Of course, the rollers 28 can also be heated and the thermal energy can be transferred to the drive element 2 by contact or heat transfer. For this purpose, the rollers 28 are made of a good heat-conducting material. In order to enlarge the heat-transferring surface of the means 27, at least one heated contact strip can be provided on the running and cover layers 6, 7 instead of the rollers 28. The temperature of the drive element 2 can in turn be measured contactlessly or via at least one measuring means 17 (not shown further).

In the jointly described FIGS. 7 and 8, a further embodiment variant of the

Device 1 1 assigned to movement unit 1 is shown in a highly simplified, schematic illustration. As already described in detail above, the movement unit 1 has at least one drive element 3 and at least one output element 4, by means of which the drive element 2 can be moved at a predeterminable peripheral speed and a predeterminable feed movement or direction of travel - according to arrow 5. In this embodiment variant, the temperature is regulated by the fact that the energy to be supplied is carried out by contact or contact. For this application, an endlessly rotating V-belt is preferably proposed, which has an approximately trapezoidal or wedge-shaped cross-sectional shape and whose belt running surfaces 30 delimited by belt pulley contact surfaces 29 are inclined towards one another in the direction of an axis of rotation 31 the run up. The drive member 2 furthermore has the cover layer 7 covering the running layer 6, between which the tensile layer 8 with the strength members 9 is arranged.

The strength members 9 are formed from an electrically conductive material. At least some of the strength members 9 are designed such that they form electrical contacts 32 in the area of the belt running surface 30, which are connected to contact points 33 arranged at least through a partial region of the belt pulley running surfaces 29 for supplying electrical energy. Due to the belt tension against the pulley and the at least sliding connection between the contacts 32 and contact points

33, a conductive connection for regulating the temperature of the drive element 2 is formed. A surface of the pulley-side contact points 33 runs parallel and flat to the pulley contact surface 29 so as not to impair the circumferential forces to be transmitted. Of course, the belt pulley can also be designed such that an edge zone facing the drive element 2 and surrounding a core zone of the belt pulley is made of conductive material and the core zone is made of an insulating material, in particular plastic, for example polyurethane. This multi-part construction of the pulley means that no transmission of electrical current to other machine parts is triggered. The structural design and the use of different materials for the pulley are already general state of the art.

In order to enable reliable contacting between the belt-side contacts 32 and the pulley-side contact points 33, there is also the possibility of designing the contact points 33 as spring-elastic elements which, when the drive element 2 is in the released state, protrude beyond the belt pulley contact surfaces 29 and only through the selectable preload of the Drive member 2 against the pulley, the contact points 33 are pressed by the contacts 32 against their bias and the planar surface is thus restored. The positive potential is applied via the drive element 3 forming the first module 12 and the negative potential via the further module 12 forming the output element 4.

The drive and / or output element 3, 4 forming the module 12 can of course also enable the contactless energy supply for regulating the temperature described in FIGS. 1 to 5, and also one or more, not shown, in or on the pulley. Induction coils 13 or the microwave generator 26 is provided and in the Strength members 29 or in the loop 10 formed by this current or voltage induced. In this exemplary embodiment, the at least one measuring means 17 is formed by a pyrometer, not shown, which is set up slightly distant from the drive element 2 and by means of which the actual value of the temperature is detected without contact.

FIG. 9 shows a further embodiment variant of the movement unit 1 and the device 11 assigned to it in a highly simplified, schematic representation. The device 11 has, for example, two modules 12 set up separately from one another, one of the modules 12 by an induction coil 13, the mode of operation of which has already been described in detail above in conjunction with the strength members 9 arranged in the drive element 2, and the further module 12 is formed by a non-contact heating element. The latter module 12 can be formed, for example, by the heat radiating module 12, in particular a drive 34, heat exchanger or the like. In the case of the drive 34, the power loss is used to control a temperature at least in certain areas or to maintain a predeterminable minimum temperature

Drive member 2 is used. The radiating heat energy generates a heat flow 35 which acts on the drive element 2 at least in some areas, so that the supply of the energy also takes place in a contactless manner in this application example.

At this point it should be noted that of course the module 12 compared to the

Drive member 2 can be arranged to be relatively adjustable, so that especially when the drive member 2 is at a standstill, for example during a dwell time of a movement unit 1 in a waiting position, it is at least heated to a flow temperature which is lower than the minimum temperature and within a predeterminable, limited one during driving operation Time interval by increasing the energy or power supplied to the drive element 2 and / or by switching on at least one further module 12 which sets the minimum temperature which can be determined via the at least one, preferably a plurality of measuring means 17 and subsequently the actual value of the current temperature of the drive element 2, at least in some areas and at times is recorded and compared with a predetermined target value of the minimum temperature and upon detection of a deviation of the measured actual value from the predetermined target value or if the actual value of the minimum temperature deviates of at least one predetermined limit value of the minimum temperature, by appropriately loading at least one of the modules 12 with its relevant parameters, such as frequency, current intensity, power etc., the actual value of the temperature is adapted to the target value of the minimum temperature. Thanks to the closed control loop and the At least temporary recording of the actual values can be made possible in all operating conditions and taking into account the environmental influences such as ambient temperature, air humidity etc., and above all the maintenance of the optimally set minimum temperature.

As an example, it should be mentioned that a temperature of -20 ° C, a humidity of 60% prevails in the environment, for example in a cold storage room or outside a building. The machine part 20 which can be moved via the drive element 2 is to be adjusted at a speed of 5 m / sec. According to the invention it can be provided that taking into account the environmental influences and / or at least one operating factor in the control algorithm, the setpoint or limit value of the optimum minimum temperature of, for example, + 15 ° C. of the drive element 2 is specified or calculated and during operation the movement unit 1 has at least one parameter, such as the frequency of the induction coil 13 or the microwave generator 26, the thermal output of a module 12 which transmits energy in a contactless manner, the current strength of the strength members through which the current flows, the distance between superimposed rollers 28, as long as is changed, until the optimal minimum temperature is reached or set. For this purpose, it is necessary to temporarily determine at least one actual value of the temperature in a section of the drive element 2 using at least one measuring means 17, which is then forwarded to the control device 15. In this case, the module 12 is controlled by the control device 15 for the occasional delivery or generation or transmission of energy if the actual value of the temperature of the drive element 2 drops below the limit value of the minimum temperature of, for example, + 15 ° C. lying in the positive temperature range and / or above exceeds the upper limit in the positive temperature range of, for example, + 25 ° C. If the drive element 2 used at, for example, -20 ° C. is to be warmed up to preferably + 15 ° C. during operation of the movement unit I, the actual value of the temperature of the drive element 2 is recorded cyclically via the measuring means 17. If the actual value of the temperature corresponds to or falls below the predeterminable lower limit of the minimum temperature of, for example, + 15 ° C., at least one parameter, such as the frequency of the induction coil 13, is changed such that the minimum temperature of the drive element 2 of + 15 ° C. is reached again , It is therefore necessary to warm up the drive element 2 by supplying energy, for which it is sufficient to supply this energy partially, since due to the relative movement between the module 12 and the drive element 2, the drive element 2 is heated to the predetermined minimum temperature over its entire length and / or thickness is possible. Of course, a positive temperature range, for example + 15 ° C to, can also be used for the minimum temperature + 25 ° C, defined by the lower and upper limit of the minimum temperature. If the upper limit of the minimum temperature of, for example, + 25 ° C is reached, no energy is supplied via the module 12 until the detected actual value of the temperature drops to the predetermined minimum temperature of, for example, + 15 ° C, after which regulated energy is again supplied in order to to keep the minimum temperature of eg + 15 ° C.

Of course, there is also the possibility that the parameters of the modules 12 are pre-assembled for a specific purpose, but the embodiment mentioned above is preferably used. So at the ambient temperature of e.g. -20 ° C required frequency of the induction coil 13 to the minimum temperature of e.g.

To reach + 18 ° C, essentially unchangeable. Such an embodiment has the advantage that no measuring means 17 are required to record the actual value of the temperature of the drive element 2.

As subsequently entered in FIG. 2, it is also possible, according to a development of the invention, to provide at least one electrically conductive film 36, which forms the loop 10, in the drive element 2 for transmitting the induced voltage or the induced current. The loop 10 is made of the electrically conductive film 36 endlessly or finitely and has a small thickness compared to the thickness of the drive element 2, so that the method according to the invention can also be applied to drive elements 2 of small thickness. When using commercially available aluminum foils, it is possible, for example, to produce loops 10 that have a thickness that is between 2 μm and 30 μm. Alternatively, the loop 10 can also be made from an electrically conductive foil 36 made of copper, the thickness of which is between 100 μm and 200 μm. Finally, it is also possible to manufacture the loop 10 from an electrically conductive film 36 made of a steel alloy or spring steel. The loop 10 formed by the film 36 is preferably flat and extends at least over part of the length and width of the drive element 2. Of course, the film 36 can also form the strength members 9 so that the further strength members 9 can be omitted. The film 36 can also be made from a metal-coated plastic film, the metallic coating being printed or evaporated onto the plastic film.

Finally, it should be mentioned again that the structure and the type and mode of operation of the movement units 1 with their drive elements 2 are only exemplary. For example, the drive member 2 can also be designed without a reinforcement 9. The same This also applies to the design and arrangement of the modules 12. The module or modules 12 can be arranged at any point, such as laterally and / or above and / or below the drive element 2.

For the sake of order it should finally be pointed out that for a better understanding of the

Construction of the movement unit and device these or their components were partially shown to scale and / or enlarged and / or reduced.

The task on which the independent inventive solutions are based can be found in the description.

Above all, the individual in FIGS. 1, 2, 3; 4; 5; 6; 7, 8; 9 shown form the subject of independent, inventive solutions. The relevant tasks and solutions according to the invention can be found in the detailed descriptions of these figures.

Reference signs list

moving unit

drive member

driving element

output element

arrow

running layer

cover layer

Zugschichte

strengthening support

loop

contraption

module

induction coil

Connection management

Control device, energy field, measuring device, position or holding device, end area, machine part, guide device, guide rod, support strip, channel, liquid, microwave generator, medium, roller, pulley contact surface, belt contact surface, rotary axis, contact, contact point, drive, heat flow, film

Claims

Patent claims

1. Method for regulating a temperature of a drive element to be used in the freezer or deep-freeze area, such as a belt, belt or the like, in which the drive element via an energy-generating and / or transmitting module, at least during a relative movement between the drive element and a machine part is heated at least in a partial area, characterized in that the actual value of the temperature of the drive element is detected and, if the actual value of the temperature deviates from at least a predetermined limit value of the minimum temperature, the module for supplying the energy is controlled by a control device, so that the drive element opens a predeterminable

Minimum temperature is set or a predetermined minimum temperature is maintained.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that an arranged in or on the drive member, electrically conductive loop energy for maintaining the minimum temperature is supplied.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the minimum temperature of the drive member is maintained by supplying energy in a non-contact or contact or touching way.

4. The method according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the minimum temperature of the drive member is maintained by supplying the energy from a heat energy radiating module, in particular a drive, optionally with the interposition of a heat exchanger.

5. The method according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the minimum temperature of the drive member is maintained by supplying the energy loss of the module.

6. The method according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the minimum temperature of the drive element is maintained by means acting in or on the drive element causing frictional energy, for example friction rollers, contact strips.

7. The method according to one or more of the preceding claims, indicates that a high-boiling liquid is carried out by the drive element and the minimum temperature of the drive element is set or maintained by supplying wave energy to the module.

8. The method according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the stationary drive member is heated to a predetermined temperature.

9. The method according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drive element of a movement unit is preheated at least in regions during its standstill and is set to a predeterminable minimum temperature during its operation, after which this set minimum temperature is maintained.

10. The method according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one control algorithm is used to set the minimum temperature in order to keep the minimum temperature of the drive element at least approximately constant.

1 1. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the drive member is moved past or passed through at least one or through at least one energy field.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that the energy field is a mechanical or magnetic or electrical or electromagnetic field.

13. The method according to claim 1 1 or 12, characterized in that the electromagnetic field is a preferably medium or high-frequency alternating field.

14. The method according to one or more of the preceding claims, character- ized in that the drive member is kept at least at least in certain areas and temporarily applied to it with at least one energy field or energy over a large part, preferably over its entire length, to the minimum temperature.

15. The method according to one or more of the preceding claims, character- ized in that the module supplying energy to the drive element when requested Control device is activated or switched off.

16. The method according to claim 1 1, characterized in that the energy field induces an eddy current or a voltage in the loop and thermal power is generated during the current passage through the loop.

17. The method according to claim 1 1, characterized in that the energy generates heat during the passage of current through the loop.

18. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that the loop is acted upon directly by the energy or by the outside of the loop and with this function-related energy field.

19. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that the actual value of the temperature of the drive member is determined at least temporarily and / or in sections.

20. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that the actual value of the temperature of the drive element or the induced voltage or the induced current is detected by a measuring means and transmitted to a control device and that if the actual value deviates from the minimum temperature of at least one predetermined Limit value of the minimum temperature, the control device regenerates a signal for further processing or output in or on the control device.

21. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the actual value of the minimum temperature is specified by an operator or by a control algorithm and that the energy from the module is supplied to the drive element in a controlled manner.

22. Temperature control device for a drive element to be used in the freezer or freezer area, such as a belt, belt or the like. The drive element and a machine part are designed to be adjustable relative to one another and the drive element has at least one energy-generating and / or transmitting module for at least the area assigned heating of the drive element, in particular for carrying out the method according to one of claims 1 to 21, characterized in that the module (12) extends over part of a length of the drive element (2) and that at least one measuring means (17) for Detecting an actual value of the temperature of the drive element (2) to the drive element (2) ordered and connected to a control device (15) controlling the module (12).

23. Temperature control device according to claim 22, characterized in that the module (12) by at least one induction coil (13) or at least one microwave generator (26) for generating an energy field which is functionally connected to the drive element (2)

(16) or heat flow (35) is formed.

24. Temperature control device according to claim 22, characterized in that the module (12) is formed by a heating device, such as a heating coil, or a heat radiation element, such as a heat exchanger, blower, for generating a thermal energy field which is functionally connected to the drive element (2).

25. Temperature control device according to claim 22, characterized in that the module (12) is arranged on or in the machine part (20) or is formed by this.

26. Temperature control device according to claim 22, characterized in that the drive member (2) has at least one loop (10) made of electrically conductive material.

27. Temperature control device according to claim 26, characterized in that the loop (12) by at least one, over the length of the drive member (2) extending strength member (9) is formed.

28. Temperature control device according to claim 26 or 27, characterized in that the loop (10), in particular by at least one, over the length and at least over a part of a width of the drive member (2) extending electrically conductive film (36)

Copper foil, a foil (36) made of steel alloy or spring steel.

29. Temperature control device according to one of claims 26 to 28, characterized in that the drive member (2) has the strength members (9) and / or the film (36), the strength members (9) and / or the film (36) through electrically conductive material are formed.

30. Temperature control device according to claim 26, characterized in that the loop (10) has a spiral.

31. Temperature control device according to claim 27, characterized in that at least one of the strength members (9) forms a ferromagnetic core, in particular an iron core.

32. Temperature control device according to claim 27, characterized in that the strength member (9) is formed by aramid or steel and glass fibers.

33. Temperature control device according to claim 22, characterized in that the module (12) outside the drive member (2) is arranged stationary or in the drive member (2) to the loop (12) adjustable parallel or transverse direction.

34. Temperature control device according to one of claims 22 to 33, characterized in that the, the drive member (2) at least largely encompassing module (12) by a preferably perpendicular to a direction of travel (5) of the drive member (2) arranged primary induction coil (13) is formed and the loop (10) operatively connected to the induction coil (13) forms a secondary coil.

35. Temperature control device according to claim 23, characterized in that at least one module (12) for generating the energy field is arranged on, in or within a casing surrounding the drive member (2).

36. Temperature control device according to claim 23, characterized in that a frequency and / or current intensity of the induction coil (13) to be suitably supplied with alternating current is set as a function of a minimum temperature to be set, in particular the operating temperature, of the drive element (2).

37. The temperature control device according to claim 22, characterized in that the drive member (2) has at least one channel (24) which extends over the length and part of the width thereof and which contains a high-boiling liquid (25) and the heat-transmitting, high-boiling channel Liquid (25) can be acted upon by the module (12) generating wave energy.

38. Temperature control device according to one of claims 22 to 37, characterized in that a movement unit (1) has the drive member (2) and the drive member (2) is endless or finite.

39. Temperature control device according to one of claims 22 to 25, characterized in that the movement unit (1) at least one, the endless drive member (2) deflecting and at least partially formed from electrically conductive material drive and driven element (3, 4) in particular disks , of which a positive potential is applied to one of the disks and a negative potential is applied to the further disk and that electrical contacts (32) are provided on the drive element (2) for the contact-related transfer of the preferably electrical energy between the disks and the loop (10) are.

40. Temperature control device according to claim 39, characterized in that the drive element (2) facing, a core zone of the disk surrounding edge zone made of electrically conductive and the core zone made of an insulating material, in particular plastic.

41. Temperature control device according to one of claims 23 to 40, characterized in that a closed loop (10) of the preferably finite, stationary drive member

(2) via electrical contacts, in particular terminal contacts, with a current-generating energy source, in particular a direct current source, is connected to the line and is supplied with current.

42. Temperature control device according to one of claims 22 to 41, characterized in that the drive member is formed by a flat or V-belt or toothed belt.

43. Temperature control device according to one of claims 22 to 42, characterized in that the drive member (2) has a running layer (6), cover layer (7) and at least one tension layer (8) arranged between them and that in the tension layer (8) at least a loop (10) and / or film (36) made of electrically conductive material is arranged.

44. Temperature control device according to claim 22, characterized in that at least one measuring means (17), in particular a strain gauge, thermocouple, is arranged in or directly on the drive element (2), the temperature of the drive element (2).

45. Temperature control device according to claim 44, characterized in that the measuring means (17) is connected to the control device (15) and that the control device (15) has a control algorithm at least for regulating the temperature and / or the peripheral or feed rate of the Has drive member (2).