Method for detecting a plate type for a chain

Abstract

A method for detecting a link plate type when assembling a chain having a plurality of chain links having various link plates. A particular link plate form is associated with a specific link plate thickness, and the respective material thicknesses of the link plates is used as the recognition feature for detecting the respective plate types as the link plates are conveyed along a transport path.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a method for detecting a plate type when assembling a chain having a plurality of chain links with different link plates. [0003] 2. Description of the Related Art [0004] Known chains include chain links with various link plates, for example outer plates, inner plates, and middle plates. When assembling the chains, it is important for the correct link plate to be supplied in each case, so that correct assembly of the chain is made possible. In a known method for detecting a certain plate type, the different link plates are detected by means of their different outside contours. That approach serves to prevent a link plate of an incorrect plate type being installed during assembly. [0005] Recognizing the particular outside contour of every link plate is, however, very complicated. That is due to the fact that using outside contours as a recognition feature for a plate type is very diffi...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008] That type of detection of the particular plate type is especially advantageous during assembly, since that type of detection is especially simple and straightforward, and hence chain assembly errors are prevented.

[0011] A different embodiment of the invention can provide for the material thickness of each link plate to be determined through an inquiry of its height above a link plate conveyor plane, or the like. Preferably, a maximum height above the conveyor plane along which the link plates move can be set as the height limit, where the maximum height corresponds substantially to the defined material thickness. In that way, for example, only link plates that have at least the defined material thickness can be conveyed further. As a result, link plates of a different plate type that does not conform to the defined material thickness are simply sorted out. In that way, incorrect assembly of the chain can be prevented. Other arrangements for performing the height inquiry are also possible, however.

Problems solved by technology

Recognizing the particular outside contour of every link plate is, however, very complicated.

That is due to the fact that using outside contours as a recognition feature for a plate type is very difficult, because of similar outside contours or outside shapes.

In addition, there is a risk that confusion can occur with the outside contours, so that erroneous detections occur with the known method.

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