Chain sensor device and method for determining wear

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for setting up two sensor systems to monitor the wear condition of a chain, the method comprising the steps of: a first positioning of a first sensor system relative to a calibration object; a first positioning of a second sensor system relative to the calibration object; performing a first signal detection using the first sensor system; and performing a first signal detection using the second sensor system, wherein the first signal detection using the first sensor system and the first signal detection using the second sensor system are performed simultaneously.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for setting up two sensor systems to monitor the wear condition of a chain, the method comprising the steps of: a first positioning of a first sensor system relative to a calibration object; a first positioning of a second sensor system relative to the calibration object; performing a first signal detection using the first sensor system; and performing a first signal detection using the second sensor system, wherein the first signal detection using the first sensor system and the first signal detection using the second sensor system are performed simultaneously. Background Technology

[0002] Chain drives are used for driving or transport purposes in a variety of industrial applications. Multiple chain tracks are typically used. In addition to the chain, which usually cycles endlessly, a complete chain drive includes multiple sprockets for deflecting the chain, and drive or transmission elements connected to and actuated by the chain. The chain wears during operation due to the wear of components that move relative to each other in the link. Other factors, such as chain elongation, stretching, bearing clearance, and bearing wear during trial runs, can also cause chain elongation and ultimately drive unit failure. Other factors affecting chain wear are the forces acting on the chain and the load, or external influences determined by the environment. Due to the complexity of these relationships, it is impossible to predict chain wear, and therefore impossible to predict possible interruptions during operation, or even drive unit failure. Because wear or elongation of the drive chain is unavoidable and cannot be reliably predetermined, continuous monitoring of the chain drive using a measuring system is necessary to allow for timely inspection, adjustment of the synchronization process, and replacement of defective chains.

[0003] Conventional measurement systems require accurate measurement of chain elongation in transmissions operating at constant speeds and must respond to measurement errors caused by anomalies in the transmission system, such as relative slippage between the drive wheel and the chain or wear on the sprocket.

[0004] Furthermore, it is known from existing technology that wear on the drive chain can be determined by measuring the force, path, or rotation angle of the chain tensioner, or by using two rotation angle sensors on the drive wheel and the load wheel. However, chain tensioners are not needed everywhere, and rotation angle sensors cannot be used everywhere. Additionally, these are subsequently affected by wear or chain elongation. However, these methods must be precisely matched to specific methods because measurements in these cases depend on the total chain length and the wear of the sprockets. Adjustments are very complex and error-prone. Therefore, these methods are not universally applicable. Other known measurement systems have at least two optical or inductive sensors positioned at a defined distance from each other and continuously measure the chain length during operation.

[0005] For example, U.S. Patent No. 5,291,131 presents such a measurement system. In this method, two markers spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the chain are provided on the drive chain. The positions of these markers are detected during operation by two inductive or optical sensors, also arranged at a distance from each other. The rotational speed of the chain and the chain elongation in the chain segment between the markers can be determined from the measurements of the two sensors via a connected data acquisition system.

[0006] Setting a defined distance between two sensors is typically a lengthy process involving several passes. To optimize the manufacturing process, a reproducible method is needed to accurately determine the optimal distance between the sensors. Sensor positions are prone to fluctuation due to sensor geometry, the influence of different chain geometries, and mechanical and metrological tolerances. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a method for setting up two sensor systems to monitor the wear state of a chain, which allows for the reliable, accurate, and rapid setting and determination of the position and distance between the sensor systems. A further object of the present invention is to provide a sensor device that can reliably and rapidly detect the error state of the monitored chain, determine the elongation of each individual chain segment, eliminate the need for the monitored chain to have a minimum speed, and statistically detect chain elongation over a longer time period.

[0008] This objective is achieved by a method according to the invention for setting up two sensor systems to monitor the wear condition of the chain. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are set forth in the dependent claims.

[0009] A method according to the invention for setting up two sensor systems to monitor the wear condition of a chain comprises four steps. In a first step, a first sensor system is positioned relative to a calibration object. In a second step, a second sensor system is positioned relative to the calibration object. Thus, both sensor systems are aligned and positioned using the calibration object such that they are separated by a defined distance from each other. The distance between the two sensor systems depends on the pitch of the chain to be monitored by the sensor system. Therefore, different distances between the sensor systems are necessary for different pitches of different chains to be monitored. In a third step, a first signal detection is performed using the first sensor system. In a fourth step, a first signal detection is performed using the second sensor system. According to the invention, the first signal detection of both sensor systems is performed simultaneously regarding whether the two sensor systems detect chain components at the same time. By using the calibration object, the method according to the invention provides a reproducible distance between the two sensor systems. In further developments of the invention, the two sensor systems form a sensor device.

[0010] In this invention, the first positioning of the first sensor system and the first positioning of the second sensor system are performed simultaneously. The first and second sensor systems are typically arranged in a single component, such as a housing. This component is positioned together with the sensor system mounted therein.

[0011] In another embodiment of the invention, the first sensor system and / or the second sensor system perform a second positioning relative to the calibration object, the second positioning being different from the first positioning, and / or the second signal detection is performed together with the first sensor system and / or the second sensor system. Advantageously, the method according to the invention is performed multiple times consecutively at different locations on the calibration object in order to detect and compensate for any fault conditions caused by different chain geometries in chain length and by mechanical and metrological tolerances.

[0012] In another embodiment of the invention, the second positioning of the first sensor system and the second sensor system, and / or the second signal detection performed by the first sensor system and the second sensor system, are performed simultaneously. The first sensor system and the second sensor system are typically arranged in a single component, such as a housing. This component is positioned together with the sensor system mounted therein. According to the invention, the first signal detection of the two sensor systems is performed simultaneously regarding whether the two sensor systems simultaneously detect the chain component.

[0013] In another embodiment of the invention, the calibration object is designed as two parts. In this development, the first part of the calibration object is a chain. Specifically, the chain is of a type to be monitored by a sensor system.

[0014] In another embodiment of the invention, the second part of the calibration object is an element that allows the chain components to be positioned relative to each other with its assistance. Depending on the chain component to be positioned, the second part of the calibration object has elements that allow the chain components to be connected or whose positions can be clearly identified. These elements can function, for example, mechanically (e.g., grooves) or optically (e.g., through image recognition).

[0015] In another embodiment of the invention, the method for setting up two sensor systems to monitor the wear condition of the chain is based on the type of chain for which the sensors are to be used. Various dimensions (e.g., pitch) differ among chain types. Therefore, the method according to the invention must be matched to each type of chain to be monitored.

[0016] In another embodiment of the invention, the chain type is a standard chain. The standard chain has standard components that have standard dimensions conforming to DIN 8187 or DIN 8188.

[0017] In this invention, the chain type is a standard chain conforming to either British Standard (DIN 8188) or ANSI Standard (DIN 8187). The dimensions of the chain components differ somewhat between British Standard and ANSI standards. For example, the roller diameters are typically different.

[0018] In another embodiment of the invention, the method for setting up two sensor systems to monitor the wear condition of the chain is based on the pitch of the chain to which the sensors are targeting. The distance between the two sensor systems is typically an integer multiple of the pitch of the chain to be monitored, so that the second sensor system can be used to detect the position of a second chain component while the first sensor system is used to detect the position of a first chain component.

[0019] In this invention, the chain pitch corresponds to 12.700 mm, 15.875 mm, 19.050 mm, 25.400 mm, 31.750 mm, 38.100 mm, 44.450 mm, or 50.800 mm. Standard chains conforming to British Standard (DIN 8188) or ANSI Standard (DIN 8187) have the same pitch.

[0020] In another embodiment of the invention, a first sensor system and / or a second sensor system are adapted to detect the position of chain components. The sensor systems are spaced apart by a defined distance, which corresponds to the pitch or an integer multiple of the chain pitch. The distance between the two sensors is a parameter used to calculate the length value of the chain. The length value (such as the distance between chain components) is determined continuously and simultaneously.

[0021] In another embodiment of the invention, a first sensor system and / or a second sensor system are adapted to detect signals from chain components in order to determine the position of the chain components within a path length of the chain (to which sensors (sensor systems) are provided). The sensor systems are constructed in such a way that the position of the chain components is determined within a length range. Thus, the chain components cover a distance within the detection range of the sensors, within which the position of the chain components is determined.

[0022] In another embodiment of the invention, the path length is greater than or equal to 1 / 2 of the chain pitch, preferably greater than or equal to 3 / 4 of the chain pitch, and particularly preferably greater than or equal to the chain pitch to which the sensor (sensor system) is provided. The segments provide complete coverage of at least some portions of the chain to which the chain sensor device can reach to detect positions. The length or number of segments depends on the length of the chain to be monitored.

[0023] In an optional embodiment of the invention, a first and / or second sensor of the sensor device detects measurements used to determine the position of a chain component independently of the speed and / or position of the chain to be monitored. In another optional embodiment, the first and / or second sensor detects measurements used to determine the position of the chain component when the chain speed is 0. In yet another embodiment of the invention, measurements used to determine the position of the chain component are continuously detected, and the position of the chain component is continuously determined from these measurements.

[0024] In an optional development of the invention, the first sensor and / or the second sensor simultaneously detect measurements used to determine the position of the chain component within the path length of the chain.

[0025] In this invention, the sensor device simultaneously detects measurements from a first sensor and / or a second sensor over a length range of the chain. The length range of the chain extends in the direction of chain movement.

[0026] In another embodiment of the invention, the length range is greater than or equal to half the length of the link, preferably greater than or equal to three-quarters of the length of the link, and particularly preferably greater than the length of the link. The length of the link is obtained according to the standard definition of a standard chain conforming to British Standard (DIN 8188) or ANSI Standard (DIN 8187).

[0027] In another embodiment of the invention, the first sensor and / or the second sensor has at least two sensor elements forming the first sensor and / or the second sensor. These elements are the primary and secondary coils of a differential transformer, or, for example, two or more photodiodes of a CCD chip arranged along the direction of chain movement. The distance between the at least two sensor elements is limited to less than twice the length of a link of the chain to be monitored. The length of the link is determined according to a standard chain definition conforming to British Standard (DIN 8188) or ANSI Standard (DIN 8187).

[0028] This objective is also achieved by a sensor device for determining the wear condition of the chain. Additional advantageous embodiments of the invention are set forth in the dependent claims.

[0029] The sensor device for determining the wear condition of a chain according to the invention has a first sensor system and a second sensor system. According to the invention, the sensor device is configured for a standard chain and / or a standard pitch. The standard chain has standard components with standard dimensions conforming to DIN 8187 or DIN 8188.

[0030] In another embodiment of the invention, the chain type is a British Standard chain or an ANSI Standard chain. The dimensions of the chain components differ partially between British Standard and ANSI standards. For example, the roller diameters are typically different from each other.

[0031] In this invention, the chain pitch corresponds to 12.700 mm, 15.875 mm, 19.050 mm, 25.400 mm, 31.750 mm, 38.100 mm, 44.450 mm, or 50.800 mm. Standard chains conforming to British Standard (DIN 8188) or ANSI Standard (DIN 8187) have the same pitch.

[0032] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first sensor system is adapted to determine the position of the first chain component specifically based on measurements detected by the first sensor system, and / or the second sensor system is adapted to determine the position of the second chain component specifically based on measurements detected by the second sensor system. The distance between the two chain components is determined by their positions.

[0033] In this invention, the sensor device is adapted to simultaneously detect measurements used to determine the positions of the first chain component and the second chain component. The distance between the chain components is also determined simultaneously. Furthermore, it is advantageous that the first and second detections, as well as the determination of the distance between the chain components, are performed continuously. Therefore, the fault condition of the monitored chain can be detected quickly and reliably, and the chain elongation can also be detected statistically over a longer time period.

[0034] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first and / or second sensors are adapted to detect measurements used to determine the position of the first or second chain component within a path length of the chain. The sensor system is constructed in such a way that the position of the chain component is determined over a length range. Thus, the chain component covers a distance within the detection range of the sensors, within which the position of the chain component is determined.

[0035] In another embodiment of the invention, the path length is greater than or equal to half the segment length. The segments provide complete coverage of at least some portions of the chain to which the chain sensor device can reach to detect positions. The length or number of segments depends on the length of the chain to be monitored.

[0036] In another embodiment of the invention, the segment length corresponds to the distance between the first chain component and its directly adjacent chain component. Ideally, the number of segments corresponds to the number of links in the chain to be monitored, such that each individual link is monitored relative to its physical characteristics.

[0037] In an optional embodiment of the invention, a first and / or second sensor of the sensor device detects a measurement value used to determine the position of a chain component independently of the speed and / or position of the chain to be monitored. In an optional embodiment, the first and / or second sensor is adapted to detect a measurement value used to determine the position of the chain component when the chain speed is 0. In another embodiment of the invention, the measurement value used to determine the position of the chain component can be acquired at any time.

[0038] In an optional development of the invention, the first sensor and / or the second sensor simultaneously detect measurements used to determine the position of the chain component within the path length of the chain.

[0039] In this invention, the sensor device is adapted and provided for simultaneously detecting measurements from a first sensor and / or a second sensor over a length range of the chain. The length range of the chain extends in the direction of chain movement.

[0040] In another embodiment of the invention, the length range is greater than or equal to half the length of the link, preferably greater than or equal to three-quarters of the length of the link, and particularly preferably greater than the length of the link. The length of the link is obtained according to the standard definition of a standard chain conforming to British Standard (DIN 8188) or ANSI Standard (DIN 8187).

[0041] In another embodiment of the invention, the first sensor and / or the second sensor has at least two sensor elements forming the first sensor and / or the second sensor. These elements are the primary and secondary coils of a differential transformer, or, for example, two or more photodiodes of a CCD chip arranged along the direction of chain movement. The distance between the at least two sensor elements is limited to less than twice the length of a link of the chain to be monitored. The length of the link is determined according to a standard chain definition conforming to British Standard (DIN 8188) or ANSI Standard (DIN 8187). Attached Figure Description

[0042] The accompanying drawings schematically illustrate, in simplified form, exemplary embodiments of a method for setting up two sensor systems to monitor the wear condition of a chain according to the invention, and exemplary embodiments of a sensor device according to the invention, which are explained in more detail in the following description.

[0043] In the diagram:

[0044] Figure 1 The sensor device according to the present invention is shown.

[0045] Figure 2a : is a side view of the first part of the calibration object according to the present invention.

[0046] Figure 2b : is a side view of the second part of the calibration object according to the present invention.

[0047] Figure 2c : is a plan view of the first part of the calibration object according to the present invention.

[0048] Figure 3 The following image shows a calibration object arranged for use according to the present invention.

[0049] Figure 4 Another embodiment of the sensor device with a common distributed control element according to the present invention is shown.

[0050] Figure 5 The method according to the present invention is shown.

[0051] Figure 6 Another example of the method according to the invention is shown.

[0052] Figure 7 : Shows the dimensions of a standardized chain conforming to NASI or British standards. Detailed Implementation

[0053] Figure 1 A sensor device 200 according to the invention for determining the elongation of segments of chain 100 is shown. In this exemplary embodiment and the following exemplary embodiments, the chain 100 to be monitored is designed as a one-piece roller chain with alternating inner portions 110 and outer portions 120, which are connected to each other by link pins 140 inserted into chain bushings 130. When the chain 100 is new, the link pins 140 are spaced apart by a distance p0.

[0054] In the new state, the length L0 of chain 100 between sensors 201 and 202 is an integer multiple of the distance p0 between two adjacent chain pins 140 (L0 = n * p0). Each sensor system 201, 202 has its own sensor 211, 212, which is designed as a differential transformer in this exemplary embodiment and the following exemplary embodiments. Additionally, each sensor system 201, 202 has controls 221, 222. Sensor systems 201, 202 are arranged together with electrical connections in a housing (not shown) to prevent contamination.

[0055] To determine the elongation of chain 100 during operation, sensor device 200 is positioned perpendicular to the joint axis of the chain 100 to be monitored, such that when chain 100 is new, the distance D between sensor systems 201 and 202 corresponds to an integer multiple of the distance p0 between two adjacent chain pins 140 of the chain 100 to be monitored. A precise calibration of the positioning of sensor systems 201 and 202 at the correct distance D from each other is performed according to method 1 of the invention for setting up two sensor systems 201 and 202 (see [link to method 1]). Figure 5 and Figure 6 ).

[0056] To this end, a first positioning 2 of the first sensor system 201 and a first positioning 3 of the second sensor system 202 relative to the calibration object 400 are performed. Then, the first sensor system 201 is used to perform a first signal detection 4, and simultaneously the second sensor system 202 is used to perform a first signal detection 5. The method according to the invention provides a reproducible distance D between the sensor systems 201 and 202.

[0057] Sensors 211 and 212 consist of a primary coil and two secondary coils, and therefore have three sensor elements. Each of the differential transformers 211 and 212 is thus adapted to simultaneously record measurements over a length range of the chain 100 to be monitored. The length range in the direction of chain movement is based on the lengths p, p0 of the links of the chain 100 to be monitored, and in this exemplary embodiment is equal to p0. The two differential transformers 211 and 212 also simultaneously detect the measurements.

[0058] Figure 2 and Figure 3 The diagram shows a calibration object 400 used in method 1 according to the invention. The calibration object 400 has two parts 410 and 420: the first part 410 is the actual chain 100 to be monitored. Figure 2b , Figure 2c (or a segment of the chain of chain type 100 to be monitored.) Chain 100 is as follows: Figure 1 The described integral sleeve-type chain. Alternatively, roller chains may also be used. The chain 100 to be monitored is a standard chain conforming to the American type ANSI standard (DIN 8187) or the British standard (BS, DIN 8188). Chains conforming to these standards are indistinguishable in their respective pitch p0. Chains conforming to ANSI or British standards differ in other dimensions (e.g., the length of the chain pins) (see...). Figure 7 ).

[0059] The second part of calibrating object 400 is template 420. Figure 2aThe template has grooves 421 and serrations 422. The grooves 421, in the form of semi-circular or arc segments, have a center-to-center distance corresponding to their elongation ΔL, which is monitored by the sensor device 200, representing the pitch p0 of the chain type. The diameter of the grooves 421 also corresponds to the diameter of the chain bushing d, whose elongation ΔL is monitored by the sensor device 200, representing the chain type.

[0060] The chain 100 for performing method 1 according to the invention for setting up two sensor systems 201, 202 is arranged on template 420 for use. Figure 3 This arrangement positions the chain bushing 130 within the groove 421. Then, the sensor systems 201 and 202 are positioned such that the distance D between them corresponds exactly to an integer multiple of the distance p0 between two adjacent chain pins 140 of the chain 100 to be monitored. In the case of a roller chain, the rollers are positioned within the template 420, and the corresponding roller size of the template 420 is used.

[0061] Different integral roller chains conforming to American type ANSI standard (DIN 8187) or British standard (BS, DIN 8188) are available. Figure 7 An exemplary, incomplete list of dimensions is shown in the table below. Method 1 according to the invention can be used for all these chain types. However, the second part 420 of the calibration object 400 must be selected accordingly for each chain type based on the pitch p0 and diameter d of the chain bushing 130.

[0062]

[0063] British Standard—DIN 8187; ANSI Standard—DIN 8188

[0064] The relevant standards specify the minimum and maximum dimensions of the chain. The above table shows a specific nominal size as an example.

[0065] Figure 4 A further exemplary embodiment of a sensor device 300, configured according to the invention for determining the elongation of a segment of chain 100, is shown. The sensor device 300 has two sensor systems 301 and 302 connected by an evaluation circuit 330. The sensor systems 301 and 302 are positioned using method 1 according to the invention such that, when chain 100 is new, the distance D between sensor systems 301 and 302 corresponds exactly to an integer multiple of the distance p0 between two adjacent chain pins 140 of the chain 100 to be monitored.

[0066] Sensor systems 301 and 302 can be designed as inductively operated differential transformers to determine the position of chain components. Such sensor systems 301 and 302 detect chain components (chain bushing 140 in this exemplary embodiment) over the length of sensors 311 and 312.

[0067] The symmetry of sensors 311 and 312 is disrupted by the passage of chain member 140. The asymmetry generated by chain member 140 is greatest when it is positioned at the edge of the sensor 311 or 312 region, i.e., when it moves out of or into the sensor region. Then, when chain member 130 is positioned at the edge of sensor 311 or 312, sensor 311 or 312 generates the maximum output voltage U. When chain member 140 is positioned in the middle of sensor 311 or 312, the asymmetry generated by sensor 311 or 312 and the resulting output voltage are U = 0. The length value is determined by the pitch (the distance between two adjacent links of the chain). The length value (such as the distance between chain members) is determined continuously and simultaneously.

[0068] Sensor system 301 generates the position using trigonometric functions Asin and Acos, while sensor system 302 generates the position using trigonometric functions Bsin and Bcos. Then, the elongation ΔL of chain 100 is generated by the position difference calculated from the two sensor systems 301 and 302.

[0069] ΔL / L0=(arctan(Bsin / Bcos)-arctan(Asin / Acos)) / D

[0070] However, sensor systems 301 and 302 can also be optical or magnetic sensors, or combinations of the aforementioned sensor types. Sensor systems 301 and 302 are each connected to evaluation circuit 330. Control units 321 and 322 provide detected measurements to evaluation circuit 330, where analog measurements are converted into digital values ​​and stored on a microcontroller. In this exemplary embodiment, permanent magnet 340 is arranged on chain 100, and the position of the permanent magnet is detected by Hall sensor 350 and evaluation circuit 330. The microcontroller of evaluation circuit 330, connected to Hall sensor 350, registers the position of permanent magnet 340 and enables the identification of individual chain links by continuously counting the passage of permanent magnet 340 on sensor systems 301 and 302.

[0071] Figure 5An exemplary embodiment of method 1 according to the invention for setting up two sensor systems to monitor the wear condition of chain 100 is shown. For this purpose, a first positioning 2.1 of the first sensor system 201 and a first positioning 2.2 of the second sensor system 202 relative to a calibration object 300 are performed. Then, a first signal detection 3.1 is performed using the first sensor system 201, and simultaneously, a first signal detection 3.2 is performed using the second sensor system 202. Subsequently, measurements determined by the first sensor system 201 and the second sensor system 202 regarding whether the two sensor systems 201 and 202 simultaneously detect chain component 130 are evaluated separately 4.1 and 4.2 for each sensor system 201, 202. Method 1 according to the invention provides a reproducible distance D between sensor systems 201 and 202. In this context, the location of chain component 130 within the sensor area is important—this is how the sensors learn the correct distance p0 and compensate for various production-related deviations. Advantageously, method 1 according to the invention is performed repeatedly to detect and compensate for any fault conditions caused by different chain geometries along the chain length and by mechanical and metrological tolerances.

[0072] Figure 6 A variant of method 1 according to the invention for setting up two sensor systems to monitor the wear condition of chain 100 is shown. For this purpose, a first positioning 2.1 of the first sensor system 201 and a first positioning 2.2 of the second sensor system 202 relative to a calibration object 300 are performed. Then, a first signal detection 3.1 is performed using the first sensor system 201, and simultaneously, a first signal detection 3.2 is performed using the second sensor system 202. Subsequently, the measurements determined by the first sensor system 201 and the second sensor system regarding whether the two sensor systems 201 and 202 simultaneously detect the chain component 130 are evaluated 4. Method 1 is also performed multiple times.

[0073] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0074] 1. A method for setting up two sensor systems to monitor the wear condition of a chain.

[0075] 2.1 First Positioning of the First Sensor System

[0076] 2.2 First Positioning of the Second Sensor System

[0077] 3.1 First signal detection using the first sensor system

[0078] 3.2 First signal detection using a second sensor system

[0079] 4.4.1 and 4.2 Assessment

[0080] 100 chains

[0081] 110 Chain Internal Nodes

[0082] 120 chain outer section

[0083] 130 chain bushing

[0084] 140 chain sales

[0085] 200 sensor devices

[0086] 201 First Sensor System

[0087] 202 Second Sensor System

[0088] Sensors 211 and 212

[0089] 221, 222 Control components

[0090] 300 sensor device

[0091] 301 First Sensor System

[0092] 302 Second Sensor System

[0093] Sensors 311 and 312

[0094] 321, 322 Control Components

[0095] 330 Evaluation Circuit

[0096] 340 permanent magnet

[0097] 350 Hall Sensor

[0098] 400 Calibration Objects

[0099] 410 Calibrate the first part of the object / chain

[0100] 420 Calibration Object / Measurement Template Part 2

[0101] 421 Groove

[0102] 422 Serrated

[0103] d Roller diameter

[0104] p0 Pitch under the new conditions (the distance between two adjacent chain pins)

[0105] p Pitch under actual conditions (the distance between two adjacent chain pins)

[0106] L0 is the chain length between the first and second sensor systems, under the new conditions.

[0107] L is the chain length between the first and second sensor systems, under actual conditions.

[0108] ΔL chain elongation

[0109] D. Distance from the first sensor system to the second sensor system

Claims

1. A method (1) for setting up two sensor systems (201, 202, 301, 302) to monitor the wear condition of a chain (100), the method comprising the following steps: ● The first positioning (2.1) of the first sensor system (201, 301) relative to the calibration object (400). ● The second sensor system (202, 302) is positioned (2.2) relative to the calibration object (400). ● Perform first signal detection (3.1) using the first sensor system (201, 301). ● Perform the first signal detection (3.2) using the second sensor system (202, 302). Its features The first signal detection (3.1) using the first sensor system (201, 301) and the first signal detection (3.2) using the second sensor system (202, 302) are performed simultaneously; The first sensor system and / or the second sensor system simultaneously detect measurements used to determine the position of the chain component within the path length of the chain. The calibration object (400) is designed in two parts: the first part (410) of the calibration object (400) is a chain (100), and the second part (420) of the calibration object (400) is an element in which the chain components can be positioned relative to each other with the aid of the chain.

2. The method (1) for setting up two sensor systems (201, 202, 301, 302) to monitor the wear condition of the chain (100) according to claim 1. Its features The first positioning (2.1) of the first sensor system (201, 301) and the first positioning (2.2) of the second sensor system (202, 302) are performed simultaneously.

3. The method (1) for setting up two sensor systems (201, 202, 301, 302) to monitor the wear condition of the chain (100) according to claim 1. Its features A second positioning of the first sensor system (201, 301) and / or the second sensor system (202, 302) relative to the calibration object (400) is performed, the second positioning being different from the first positioning (2.1, 2.2), and / or a second signal detection is performed together with the first sensor system (201, 301) and / or the second sensor system (202, 302).

4. The method (1) for setting up two sensor systems (201, 202, 301, 302) to monitor the wear state of the chain (100) according to claim 3. Its features The second positioning of the first sensor system (201, 301) and the second sensor system (202, 302) and / or the second signal detection performed by the first sensor system (201, 301) and the second sensor system (202, 302) are performed simultaneously.

5. The method (1) for setting up two sensor systems (201, 202, 301, 302) to monitor the wear condition of the chain (100) according to claim 1. Its features The method (1) for setting up two sensor systems (201, 202, 301, 302) to monitor the wear condition of the chain (100) depends on the type of chain for which the sensor systems (201, 202, 301, 302) should be used.

6. The method (1) for setting up two sensor systems (201, 202, 301, 302) to monitor the wear condition of the chain (100) according to claim 5. Its features The chain type is a standard chain.

7. The method (1) for setting up two sensor systems (201, 202, 301, 302) to monitor the wear condition of the chain (100) according to claim 5. Its features The chain type is a standard chain that conforms to British standards or ANSI standards.

8. The method (1) for setting up two sensor systems (201, 202, 301, 302) to monitor the wear condition of the chain (100) according to claim 1. Its features The method (1) for setting up two sensor systems (201, 202, 301, 302) to monitor the wear condition of the chain (100) depends on the type of chain for which the sensor systems (201, 202, 301, 302) should be used.

9. The method (1) for setting up two sensor systems (201, 202, 301, 302) to monitor the wear condition of the chain (100) according to claim 8. Its features The pitch of the chain (100) corresponds to 12.700 mm, 15.875 mm, 19.050 mm, 25.400 mm, 31.750 mm, 38.100 mm, 44.450 mm or 50.800 mm.

10. The method (1) for setting up two sensor systems (201, 202, 301, 302) to monitor the wear condition of the chain (100) according to claim 1. Its features The first sensor system (201, 301) and / or the second sensor system (202, 302) are adapted to detect the position of chain components.

11. The method (1) for setting up two sensor systems (201, 202, 301, 302) to monitor the wear condition of the chain (100) according to claim 9. Its features The path length range is greater than or equal to half of the pitch (P0) of the chain (100) for which the sensor system (201, 202, 301, 302) is provided.

12. A sensor device (200, 300) for determining the wear condition of a chain (100) using a first sensor system (201, 301) and a second sensor system (202, 302), The sensor devices (200, 300) are configured for standard chains and / or standard pitch. in, The first sensor system (201, 301) and / or the second sensor system (202, 302) are adapted to simultaneously detect measurements used to determine the position of the first chain component or the second chain component within the path length of the chain (100).

13. The sensor device (200, 300) according to claim 12. Its features The chain type is a standard chain that conforms to British standards or ANSI standards.

14. The sensor device (200, 300) according to claim 12. Its features The pitch (p0) of the chain (100) corresponds to 12.700 mm, 15.875 mm, 19.050 mm, 25.400 mm, 31.750 mm, 38.100 mm, 44.450 mm or 50.800 mm.

15. The sensor device (200, 300) according to claim 12. Its features The first sensor system (201, 301) is adapted to determine the position of the first chain component specifically from the measurements detected by the first sensor system (201, 301) and / or the second sensor system (202, 302), and / or the second sensor system (202, 302) is adapted to determine the position of the second chain component specifically from the values ​​measured by the second sensor system (202, 302).

16. The sensor device (200, 300) according to claim 15. Its features The sensor devices (200, 300) are adapted to simultaneously detect the measurements used to determine the position of the first chain member and the position of the second chain member.

17. The sensor device (200, 300) according to claim 12. Its features The path length range is greater than or equal to ½ segment length.

18. The sensor device (200, 300) according to claim 17. Its features The segment length corresponds to the distance between the first chain component and the directly adjacent second chain component.

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