FI114627B - Arrangements for monitoring the condition of a carrier - Google Patents

Description

1 114627 Arrangement for conveyor condition monitoring

Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a method for monitoring the condition of a belt conveyor comprising at least two conveyor rollers about which 5 closed loop conveyor belts are driven, the method comprising: monitoring the condition of at least one conveyor roll by means of at least one measuring device connected to the conveyor roll; and transmitting information from the measuring device to the device outside the conveyor roller.

The invention further relates to a measuring device for monitoring the condition of a conveyor conveyor roller 10, which comprises at least one sensor conveyor roller for measuring at least one physical property.

The invention further relates to a conveyor roll comprising at least one shaft, a casing, at least one bearing, and at least one sensor adapted to measure at least one physical property of the conveyor roll.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Belt conveyors are commonly used e.g. process industry,:,: mining, ports, and other locations where there is a need to move:: material from one location to another. The belt conveyor structure comprises a closed loop conveyor belt driven by the conveyor belts *: 20 at the ends of the conveyor. Further, the conveyor belt is typically supported at intervals of about one meter by means of support rollers such that the conveyor belt is capable of carrying material fed from the conveyor feed end and transferring it to the conveyor discharge end.

The returning portion of the conveyor belt, or lower belt, is also supported by support rollers, *; ; however, the distance between the rollers may be greater than that of the upper strap. Each roller of each roller is mounted on a conveyor body and is mounted on a bearing so that the roller: sheath can rotate about its longitudinal axis. The conveyors can be very long, with a large number of different rolls in one conveyor. Further, in process plants, several conveyors may be connected together as a conveyor line. Thus, one object may have a very large number of rolls, the condition of which is laborious to control. However, in order to ensure trouble-free operation, condition monitoring must be carried out as, as with any mechanical device, conveyor rollers wear out and fail. The most common cause of roller bearing failure is vibration, overheating and misalignment of the conveyor belt. In the worst case, the roller gets stuck to size 35 as a result of bearing damage, causing the conveyor belt to rub against the roller and wear.

114627 2

If a defective conveyor roller is detected at an early stage before it has caused any damage to the conveyor belt and other parts of the conveyor, a single roller can be replaced even during the run. Thus, the condition of the rolls is checked by means of checks at predetermined intervals.

5 In this case, service personnel will manually check the condition of the rollers by monitoring the temperature, sound, vibration and external appearance of the rollers. However, this revision is very slow and cumbersome. Dust and material dropped from the conveyor, as well as the conveyor cover, make it difficult to inspect the rollers. In addition, some of the rollers may be located in cumbersome objects, for example, narrowly between the process machines and other conveyors 10 so that they cannot be checked from the conveyor maintenance level. There is therefore a risk that some of the rolls may be left unchecked or the quality of the check may be poor. Since only existing faults can be detected in the manual check, the missing and starting faults are completely ignored.

In DE 3131963, sensors for measuring the condition of the conveyor are arranged in connection with the conveyor. The measurement data is transmitted to the conveyor central: computer which alerts you to a faulty component. However, such a fixed system is difficult and expensive to implement. In addition to sensors and central:; the distance between the computer is long, which causes mo-. 20 such disorders. Still under demanding conditions of sensors and central information. ·: The conductors between the machine and their joints are prone to failure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a novel and improved arrangement for monitoring the condition of conveyor rollers.

The method according to the invention is characterized in that a radio transmitter in the measuring device establishes a connection from the measuring device to a receiver device external to the conveyor roller and transmits information from the measuring device to said receiver device by means of radio waves.

I * I

The measuring device according to the invention is characterized in that the measuring device 30 comprises means for attaching the measuring device to the conveyor roll and further for transmitting the information of the radio transmitter outside the conveyor roll.

The conveyor roll according to the invention is characterized in that the conveyor roll has at least one measuring device comprising at least said sensor and a radio transmitter for transmitting information about the condition of the conveyor roll outside the conveyor roll.

114627 3

An essential idea of the invention is that at least one measuring device is arranged in connection with the conveyor roll, comprising at least one sensor and a transmitter. The sensor is adapted to measure one or more physical phenomena occurring on the conveyor roller, such as vibration, temperature or sound. By measuring these physical phenomena, the condition of the roll can be inferred, and it is still possible to obtain indications of latent and incipient defects. The transmitter of the measuring device is capable of communicating with the receiver device outside the conveyor roll by utilizing radio waves. The receiver device is a compact mobile device that can be brought near the conveyor so that the receiver device and the conveyor roller measuring device can establish a radio connection between them.

An advantage of the invention is that no fixed connection to the conveyor is required to connect the sensors to the central computer, but in the invention the inspection of the conveyor rollers can be conveniently performed by means of a separate mobile receiver device by moving it in the vicinity of the conveyor. In its simplest form, a service technician walks the receiver device in his hand along the conveyor maintenance plane from end to end of the conveyor, as if scanning the condition of the conveyor rollers. The maintenance department can even have only one receiver unit, which it can use to check the condition of conveyors at multiple locations. The measuring device according to the invention can be easily mounted on its transport rollers: 20 or when it is possible to manufacture a conveyor roll.

It is an essential idea of a preferred embodiment of the invention that the measuring device comprises a control unit with predetermined limit values for the measurement results. If the limit values are exceeded, the control unit commands the transmitter to send an alarm signal. When the receiver device comes in the vicinity of such a conveyor roll, it receives an alarm signal and indicates it to: the user, thereby exposing the faulty conveyor roll. If necessary, can measurement; the alarm signal emitted by the device may be classified, for example, according to the degree of failure, severity, using a different transmitter frequency or other predefined identifier.

It is an essential idea of another preferred embodiment of the invention that the receiver device is adapted to transmit a signal in its immediate vicinity which activates a conveyor roll measuring device at the receiver device. When the measuring device is activated, it is adapted to send real-time or, alternatively, the measurement information it collects to the receiver device. Alarm limits 114627 4 for the received measurement data can be set in the receiver device. When the receiving device receives measurement data that exceeds the alarm limit, it can alert and notify the user of a defective conveyor roll. On the other hand, the receiver device can be used to automatically collect measurement data. By transporting the receiver device from end to end of the conveyor 5, measurement data of all or, alternatively, only selected conveyor rolls can be stored in the receiver. This enables subsequent analysis and processing of the measurement data, for example on a separate computer.

An essential idea of a third preferred embodiment of the invention is to identify different measuring devices by using a different transmission frequency or an identifier associated with the transmitted signal. Identification can only be done after the conveyor roller is mounted on the conveyor.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be explained in more detail in the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 schematically shows, in side view, a conveyor structure in which the invention can be applied: Figure 2 schematically shows a top view and a sectional view; . a conveyor roller bearing a portion of the ends of the conveyor roller, and. ·. equipped with a measuring device according to the invention,, ·; Fig. 3 schematically shows a top view and sectional views; Fig. 4 is a schematic view, viewed from the direction of conveyance; and Fig. 5 is a schematic and side elevational view of a measuring device according to the invention.

In the figures, the invention is illustrated in simplified form for the sake of clarity, i: The like parts are denoted by like reference numerals.

Detailed Description of the Invention

Fig. 1 shows a belt conveyor 1 comprising a closed-loop conveyor belt 2 which is driven around two or more conveyor drums 3, 4. At least one of the drums 3, 4 is Drive, that is, it is rotated by its power unit about its axis. The conveyor belt 2 passes through the conveying portion of the conveyor 35, i.e. the upper portion, in the conveying direction A and returns with the lower portion in the opposite direction to the stove. The material to be conveyed is fed to the conveyor belt from the feed end 5 and is moved by the conveyor belt 2 supported by the conveyor outlet end 6. Further, the conveyor belt 2 is supported by support rollers 7 arranged below it so that the conveyor belt 2 is able to carry the mass 5. In long conveyors, the returning portion of the conveyor belt is also supported from below by the support rollers 7. For the portion of the return conveyor belt, the distance between the support rollers 7 may be greater than for the portion of the top belt. By adjusting the support rollers 7 in the U-shape, the conveyor belt 2 can be supported in the trough shape, whereby the bulk material is better supported by the conveyor belt 2. Each support roller 7 is supported on the conveyor 10 body 11 and supported so that at least the shell 7 All conveyor rollers of the conveyor 1, i.e. conveyor drums, support rollers and any guide rollers, can be provided with a measuring device according to the invention. Alternatively, only the most critical or difficult to access conveyor rollers with respect to operation and failure are provided with measuring devices according to the invention. Note that the shape and dimension of the conveyor and the number and position of different conveyor rollers may vary from case to case.

2 shows a support roll 7 comprising a sheath 8 which is supported on the shaft 9. At each end of the shaft 9 are bearings 10 having the shaft 9: mounted on the conveyor body 11. The measuring device 12 according to the invention : 20 is fitted in the space between the sheath 8 and the shaft 9 to a central portion of the support roll 7 so that it can simultaneously monitor the condition of both bearings 10. Alternatively, the measuring device 12 is disposed in one or both ends of the shaft 9. The measuring device 12 can be mounted on the shaft 9, since the vibration and temperature are well conducted along the shaft 9 and thus the measurement can be carried out; 25 with sufficient accuracy, even at a distance from the bearing 10. The measuring device • * 12 is relatively small in size and can be fixed, for example, by means of an adhesive: V, a screw or a suitable quick locking member.

Fig. 3 shows a conveyor roll with a diaper 8 mounted on its portion by bearings 10. In Fig. 3, a measuring device 12 is arranged on the inner surface of the diaper 8 \ 30. As the sheath 8 is subjected to a load on the conveyor belt and the mass of the material being transported, the sheath 8 begins to vibrate easily as a result of minor bearing damage. Thus, the measuring device 12 fitted to the inner surface of the sheath 8 can also register incoming defects. As shown in Figures 2-4, the conveyor roll may comprise one or more measuring devices which may be mounted on an axis, a sheath 35, an end or directly in contact with a bearing.

114627 6

Fig. 4 is an exploded view of a guide roller having a single bearing 10 disposed in the central portion of the roller 7. The bearing 10 comprises an outer periphery 16 fixed to the diaper 8 of the roll 7 and an inner peripheral 17 disposed on the shaft 9 of the roll 7. The bearing 10 may allow the roll 7 to swing up and down in direction B shown in the figure. Further, the roller 7 may be mounted in the center by means of a vertical pin, whereby the roller may serve as a guide roller, guiding the conveyor belt 2 which has traveled to the edge of the conveyor 1 back to the center of the conveyor. The measuring device 12 according to the invention can be arranged in the immediate vicinity of the central bearing 10.

The ends 20 of the roll 7 may be formed so that they are well transmitted by radio waves. Otherwise, the location and dimensioning of the measuring device 12 always take into account that a sufficient radio connection is established between the transmitter of the measuring device 12 and an external receiver.

The measuring device 12 shown in Fig. 5 comprises at least one measuring vessel-15 Turin 13 for measuring physical quantities during use of the fiber roller. The measuring sensor 13 may thus be, for example, an acceleration sensor, a temperature sensor or a sound pressure sensor. Further, the measuring device 12 has a transmitter 14 that allows it to: · 'be your wireless! communicating with the receiver outside the coil roll 7.

:: Transmitter 14 is adapted to transmit radio frequency waves. Typically, it is sufficient for the signal transmitted by the measuring sensor 12 to be read within 1 to 5 meters.

; Thus, the invention is applicable to short - range radio technology, whereby,. the power of the transmitter 14 may be relatively low. If necessary, the radio waves can be directed as shown in Figure 5, which facilitates identification of the conveyor rollers. In some cases, transmitter 14 may also act as a radio-receiving component, thereby enabling bidirectional communication as illustrated in Figure 4. A control unit 15 may be provided for controlling the operation of the sensor 13 and the transmitter 14, which is preferably an integrated circuit.

; The control unit 15 may further comprise a memory means for storing measurement data. Further, the measuring device 12 has a power source, which may be a battery or a device * ► · \\ 30, which induces the electricity required by the sensor from the rotational motion of the coil.

* * · '·! Figures 2 and 4 show a receiver device 19 which is a relatively small portable device separate from the conveyor. The receiver device 19 comprises at least a radio receiver capable of receiving radio signals transmitted by a measuring device 12 fitted to the conveyor roller 7. The receiver device 35 19 may also have a transmitter for transmitting radio signals, so that the receiver device 19 and the measuring device 12 may have a bidirectional communication 114627 7. On the other hand, the receiver device 19 may communicate with a third device by means of a transmitter.

Figures 2 and 4 illustrate a check of the condition of the conveyor rollers 7 by means of the receiver device 19. In Fig. 2, the receiver device 19 is moved in the longitudinal direction B of the conveyor 1. The user may hold the compact receiver device 19 in his hand and walk with it from end to end of the conveyor 1. Alternatively, the receiver device 19 may be conveyed in direction B by means of transfer means outside the conveyor. When the receiver device 19 is conveyed in the longitudinal direction of the conveyor, it receives the radio signals transmitted by the measuring devices 12 arranged on the conveyor rollers 7. When the receiver device 19 receives an alarm signaling a faulty conveyor roller, the receiver device 19 alerts the user by means of a suitable detector, such as a beep or an indicator, that it has received the alarm signal. In addition, in order to identify from which conveyor roller the alarm signal originates, the receiver device 19 may include means for indicating the strength of the received signal. An alternative for identifying the conveyor roller 7 is to use different transmission frequencies in the measuring devices 12 or to combine the signal transmitted by the measuring devices to identify the conveyor rollers 7. In particular, when the receiver device 19 is adapted to collect measurement data from the conveyor rollers 20, each conveyor roller 7 must be able to identify.

: It is still possible to pre-supply the required number of conveyor rollers using standard measuring sensors, and to identify each measuring device only after the conveyor roller is installed in the conveyor. This significantly facilitates and speeds up the maintenance of the conveyor. The identification of the conveyor roller / measuring device may be accomplished, for example, by transmitting a receiver device or * * '·; 'Means, by means of a corresponding device, a signal containing a tag to a measuring device. Measurement: A: The device can store the tag in its memory and / or adjust its function accordingly *; ti. After identification, said measuring device may recognize signals comprising said tag and / or the measuring device may start transmitting a signal: "30 using the tag defined in the identification. Alternatively, the measuring device may be tuned to operate at a specific transmission frequency after identification. The tag may be changed later if necessary for some reason. Conveyor roll-specific identifiers can be marked on the rolls, for example with paint markings, which further facilitates the operation of maintenance personnel.

The drawings and the description related thereto are only intended to illustrate the idea of the invention. The details of the invention may vary within the scope of claims 1146278. Thus, the measuring device according to the invention can be fitted in the conveyor in addition to the supporting rollers, but also to other conveyor rollers, such as conveyor drums, folding rollers, guide rollers, tensioning rollers, etc.

• · i * »t * • *» »« · »

Claims (12)

114627 A method for monitoring the condition of a belt conveyor, the belt conveyor (1) comprising at least two conveyor rollers (3, 4, 7) around which a closed-loop conveyor belt (2) is driven, comprising: observing at least one conveyor roller (3, 4, 7). ) by means of at least one measuring device (12) connected to the conveyor roller, transmitting information from the measuring device (12) to a device external to the conveyor roller (3, 4, 7), characterized in that a radio transmitter (14) in the measuring device (12) ) to an external receiver device (19) on the conveyor roller (3, 4, 7), and transmitting by radio waves information from the measuring device (12) to said receiver device (19). Method according to claim 1, characterized in that a limit value is set in the measuring device (12) for measuring the result of at least one physical value to be measured, that an alarm signal is sent when said limit value is exceeded, and that the receiver device (19) (1) longitudinal: ': parallel to receiving said alarm signal and locating said measuring device (12) transmitting the alarm signal. : 20 3. A method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by transmitting a signal from the receiver device (19) to activate the measuring device (12) and transmitting real-time measurement information from the activated measuring device (12) to the receiver device (19). »· Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that measuring data is stored in the memory of the measuring device (12), a signal is sent from the receiving device (19) to activate the measuring device (12), and et- is transmitted from the activated measuring device. (12) measuring data stored in the memory to the receiver device (19). : t Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the conveyor roll (3, 4, 7) is located on the basis of the signal strength transmitted by the measuring device (12). Method according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the conveyor roll (3, 4, 7) is located on the basis of the frequency of the signal transmitted by the measuring device (12). 114627 Method according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the conveyor roll (3, 4, 7) is located on the basis of an identifier in the signal transmitted by the measuring device (12). A measuring device for monitoring the condition of a conveyor conveyor belt 5, which measuring device (12) comprises at least one sensor (13) for measuring at least one physical property of the conveyor roller (3, 4, 7), characterized in that the measuring device (12) comprises for attaching to the conveyor roll (3, 4, 7), and further for transmitting information from the radio transmitter (14) outside the conveyor roll (3, 4, 7). Measuring device according to claim 8, characterized in that the radio transmitter (14) of the measuring device (12) is arranged to operate over a short range. Measuring device according to Claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the measuring device (12) comprises a control unit (15) to which a limit value can be set for at least one measurement result, and the measuring device (12) is adapted to send an alarm signal. Measuring device according to one of the preceding claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the radio transmitter (14) is arranged to both transmit et-; to receive radio signals. A conveyor roll comprising at least one shaft (9), a sheath (8), at least one bearing (10), and at least one sensor (13) adapted to measure at least one physical property of the conveyor roll (3, 4, 7). characterized in that the conveyor roll (3, 4, 7) has at least one measuring device (12) comprising the condition of at least said sensor (13) and the conveyor roll (3, 25 25, 7) of the radio transmitter (14). for transmitting descriptive information outside the conveyor roller (3, 4, 7). »· • · t f · 114627