CHAIN ASSEMBLY TOOL AND METHOD FOR INSERTING OR REMOVING A HINGE PIN

Abstract

Disclosed is an assembly tool and corresponding method for inserting and removing a hinge pin that is arranged for pivotably connecting a first chain link and a second chain link of a conveyor chain about a hinge axis. The assembly tool comprises a push rod for applying an axial force on the hinge pin, and an actuation module for driving the push rod. An alignment block rigidly connected to the actuation module comprises a guide channel for axially guiding the push rod and / or hinge pin, a support surface for supporting the first and second chain links, and alignment means for aligning the first and second chain links in an aligned position. A clamping arrangement is arranged for clamping the first and second chain links onto the support surface, for thereby constraining movement of the first and second chain links With respect to the alignment block.

Description

l P 138449NL00 Title: CHAINASSEMBLYTOOLANDMETHOD FOR INSERTING ORREMOVINGAHINGE PIN The invention relates to an assembly tool for inserting and removing a hinge pin that is arranged for pivotably connecting a first chain link and a second chain link ofa conveyor chain about a hinge axis. BACKGROUND A conveyor chain is a series ofinterconnected links designed to carry materials or objects along a conveyor system. These chains are widely used in industrial settings such as manufacturing, packaging, and material handling. They are robust, durable, and often customized for specific applications. The chain comprises a plurality oflinks, whichmay be made of metal (e.g. steel, stainless steel, or alloy) or a polymer material. The links of the chainmay be connected in a continuous loop, or in an open loop. The links are usually joinedby connecting pins that pass through hinge openings in the links. These connecting pins thus act as hinge shafts or pivot points, allowing the chain to ex andbend around sprockets or curves. To ensure reliable operation ofthe conveyor chain, it is important that the connecting pins remain in position. As such, the connecting pins and the chain links may be joined by an interference fit, also known as a pressed t or friction fit, a form offastening between two tighttting mating parts that produces a joint which is held together by friction after the parts are pushed together. In known assembly methods, the chain is assembled and disassembledby driving the connecting pin into or out ofthe chain links using ahammer and a punch. In order to properly align the connecting pin and chain links with respect to each other, a mounting block can be used. However, since driving the connecting pin requires a significant force, e.g. typically more than 2000 Newton, it remains a challenge to hold the punch in the correct position and orientation while hammering, without damaging the chain and without self-injury to the person performing the assembly. The present invention aims to solve one or more ofthe problems mentioned above. SUMMARY In one aspect, the invention provides an assembly tool as dened in the appended claims, preferably a portable assembly tool, for inserting and removing a hinge pin that is arranged for pivotably connecting a rst chain link and a second chain link ofa conveyor chain about a hinge axis. The assembly tool comprises a push rod, an actuation module, an alignment block, and a clamping arrangement. The push rod has a distal end which is arranged for applying an axial force on the hinge pin, to push the hinge pin in an axial direction. For example, the axial force can be applied to push the hinge pin into one or more hinge eyes ofthe rst and second chain link for assembling these parts, or to push an already assembled hinge pin out. The actuation module is arranged for driving the push rod in the axial direction. The alignment block is rigidly connected to the actuation module, and comprises a guide channel arranged for guiding the push rod and / or the hinge pin in the axial direction, a support surface arranged for simultaneously supporting the first and second chain links substantially parallel to a conveying plane ofthe conveyor chain, and alignment means for aligning the rst and second chain links in an aligned position, in which the hinge axis is centered, i.e. in line, with respect to the push rod. The clamping arrangement is mounted to the alignment block and is arranged for clamping the rst and second chain links onto the support surface, for thereby constrainingmovement ofthe first and second chain links with respect to the alignment block. The clamping arrangement comprises a clamp arm that is operable between an open position in which the clamp arm is pivoted away from the support surface, and a clamping position in which the clamp arm is pivoted towards the support surface for thereby clamping the rst and second chain links between the clamp arm and the support surface. Accordingly, the assembly tool holds the first and second chain links in the correct position during assembly or disassembly, such that the push rod is coaxially aligned with the hinge axis, and while the push rod is driving the hinge pin the assembly tool prevents movement ofthe rst and second chain links. As a result, assembly and disassembly ofthe hinge pin is facilitated. For example, to insert the hinge pin, the hinge pinmay first be placed in the guide channel on a side ofthe alignment block facing the actuation module, and in line with the push rod. Using the alignment block the first and second chain links may be positioned and aligned such that the hinge axis, e.g. dened by one or more hinge eyes ofthe chain links, is in line with the hinge pin and the push rod. After using the clamping arrangement to secure the position ofthe rst and second chain links, the push rod can be driven in the axial direction by the actuation module to push the hinge pin through the hinge eyes, until the hinge pin is in the correct position in which it pivotably connects the rst and second chain link to each other. Conversely, to remove the hinge pin, the rst and second chain link including the hinge pinmay first be positioned and aligned using the alignment block such that the hinge axis is coaxially aligned with the push rod. The push rodmay subsequently be driven forward in the axial direction until it abuts the hinge pin, and driven further in the forward axial direction to push the hinge pin out the hinge eyes. The hinge pin may come out the alignment block on its distal side facing away from the actuation module. At the distal end ofthe push rod, the outer diameter ofthe push rod is preferably slightly smaller than the outer diameter ofthe hinge pin, e.g. about 70-90% ofthe outer diameter ofthe hinge pin. In this way, the push rod can be pushed through the hinge eyes ofthe first and second chain links, while the diameter is still sufciently large to apply a force of2000 Newton or more without buckling. Said reduced diameter is preferably present over a length ofthe push rod that spans 50-100% ofthe length of the hinge pin, so that the hinge pin can be pushed at least halfway out the hinge eyes ofthe rst and second chain links without the push rod buckling. During assembly or disassembly, the force between the push rod and the hinge pin is absorbed by the rigid, structural connection between the alignment block and the actuation module. In other words, this force is not felt by the operator or the conveyor chain, in contrast to known assembly / disassembly methods in which the operator must brace themselves and the conveyor chain must be secured separately. As a result, the risk ofhurting the operator or damaging the conveyor chain is reduced. The rigid connection between the actuation module and the alignment block can e.g. be formedby an intermediate frame part, or can alternatively be formedby a direct connection between the actuation module and the alignment block. Preferably, the alignment block is removably mounted to the actuation module, so that the same actuation module can be used with different, interchangeable alignment blocks, e.g. to be compatible with different types and sizes ofchain links. For the same reason, the push rodmay be removably connected to the actuation module, or at least the distal end ofthe push rodmay be interchangeable to adapt the diameter of the push rod to be compatible with the diameter ofthe hinge pin. When an intermediate frame part is mounted between the actuation module and the alignment block, the length ofthe intermediate frame part in the axial direction ofthe push rod, i.e. the spacingbetween the actuation module and the alignment block, can be used to set the maximum stroke ofthe push rod. Hence, by replacing the intermediate frame part to a version with a different length, the maximum stroke ofthe push rod can be adapted. For example, different push heads, or adapter pieces, may be placed over the distal end ofthe push rod, to adapt the size, length and / or shape ofthe distal end ofthe push rod. The clamping arrangement preferably comprises a knee-lever tensioner mechanism, wherein the clamp arm is pivotably connected to the alignment block about a first pivot axis, and wherein a lever arm is pivotably connected to the clamp arm about a second pivot axis. An auxiliary link pivotably connects the lever arm to the alignment block about a third pivot axis. The lever arm may be manually operable for thereby moving the clamp arm between the open and clamping position. Such a knee-lever tension mechanism provides an easy to use, yet effective clamping arrangement for constraining the position ofthe first and second links. An advantage of a knee-lever mechanism is that it bistably biases the clamp arm towards the open position or the clamping position, and that the mechanism can be congured such that the clamp arm provides a relatively large clamping force in the clamping position, while the force required to move the lever arm is relatively low. Alternatively, other types ofclamping arrangement known in the artmay be used to clamp the first and second chain link onto the support surface, although these may be more complex to operate. In preferred embodiments, the clamp arm simultaneously covers a section ofthe first chain link and a section ofthe second chain link in the clamping position. In other words, the rst and second chain link are both constrained to prevent relative movement between the links during assembly or disassembly. In some embodiments, the alignment means are provided by a cavity in the support surface. The cavity can for example be sized and shaped for receiving hinge eyes ofthe first and second chain links when supportedby the support surface, such that one or more rst walls ofthe cavity are arranged for constraining an axial position ofthe hinge eyes with respect to the alignment block, and one or more second walls ofthe cavity are arranged for constraining a lateral position ofthe hinge eyes with respect to the alignment block. The location ofthe hinge axis with respect to the hinge eyes is usually well dened, e.g. due to a press t between the hinge eyes and the hinge pin. Therefore, by constraining the position ofthe hinge eyes, the position ofthe hinge axis can also be constrained and coaxially aligned with the push rod. The actuation modulemay comprise a handle, a trigger that is movable with respect to the handle, and an actuator arranged for driving the push rod in the axial direction in response to a movement ofthe trigger towards the handle. The handle thus provides a grip for the operator, while the trigger can be movedby the operator pressing their nger(s) andpalm towards each other, thereby driving the push rod forward in the axial direction, i.e. away from the operator. The trigger is preferably mechanically coupled to the actuator rod by a one-way clutch, e.g. like in a caulking gun or cartridge gun. This provides a simple, low cost, yet effective solution for actuating the push rod. Such a one-way clutch can be arranged for transferring a force applied on the trigger to an actuation force on push rod in the axial direction towards the alignment block when the trigger is moved towards the handle, and for allowing a movement ofthe trigger away from the handle without transferring a force on the push rod in a reverse axial direction. The one- Way clutch can or example comprise a ratchet mechanism, for incremental advancement ofthe push rod and holding the position ofthe push rod between incremental advancements. In such a ratchet mechanism the push rodmay be notched or threaded, and be arranged to interact with a spring- loadedpawl that is coupled to the trigger, and that allows the rod to move forward in steps and hold its position under pressure in the reverse axial direction. In order to allow the push rod to manually be retracted away from the alignment block in the reverse axial direction, the actuation module may comprises a release mechanism, arranged for releasing the mechanical coupling between the trigger and the push rod. In some embodiments, the actuation module comprises a spindle drive. This variantmay be particularly suitable in case a relatively high force is needed to insert or remove the hinge pin, e.g. a force ofmore than 3000 Newton, since the transmission ratio ofthe spindle drive is relatively high in general, depending on the pitch ofthe spindle, and due to coulomb friction the spindle drive may be self-locking in the reverse axial direction. To further facilitate operation ofthe assembly tool, the actuation module may comprise an electric motor for actuating the spindle drive, and a battery pack for powering the electric motor. Preferably, the assembly tool further comprising an abutment plate that is movably mounted to the alignment block beyond the alignment means, wherein the abutment plate is movable transverse to the axial between a rst state in which the abutment plate extends across the guide channel for thereby providing an axial end stop for the hinge pin during insertion, and a second position in which the abutment plate clears the guide channel for allowing the hinge pin to be pushed out beyond the alignment means to remove the hinge pin from the first and second chain links. The alignment block e.g. comprises a slot that extends in the transverse direction, wherein the abutment plate is slidably mounted in the slot, such that different sections ofthe abutment plate may extend across the guide channel. For example, a rst section may comprise a blind surface that provides the end stop for the hinge pin, while a second sectionmay comprise an opening or cutout that allow passage ofthe hinge pin in the axial direction. Alternatively, the abutment plate may be pivotably mounted to the alignment block, so that the abutment plate can be pivotedbetween the first and second position. In other aspects, the present invention provides a method as dened in the appended claims, for inserting or removing a hinge pin that is arranged for pivotably connecting a first chain link and a second chain link of a conveyor chain about a hinge axis. The method comprises: (i) providing a portable assembly tool as dened in any ofthe preceding claims; (ii) positioning the rst and second chain link on the support surface ofthe alignment block in the aligned position, in which the hinge pin is centered with respect to the push rod; (iii) clamping, using the clamping arrangement, the first and second chain links onto the support surface to constrain movement ofthe first and second chain links with respect to the alignment block; and (iv) driving, using the actuator, the push rod in the axial direction, thereby causing the distal end ofthe push rod to push against the hinge pin. BRIEF DESCRIPTIONOFTHE DRAWINGS The invention will be further elucidated in the gures: FIG. 1A illustrates an embodiment of a conveyor chain, e.g. as known in the art. FIG. 1B illustrates an embodiment ofan assembly tool in accordance with the present invention, for inserting and removing a hinge pin onto or from between adjacent chain links ofthe conveyor chain; FIGs. 2A-B illustrate several exemplary embodiments ofan alignment block ofthe assembly tool; FIG. 8 illustrates another or further embodiment ofthe assembly tool; FIG. 4A-B illustrate an embodiment ofthe assembly tool in which its clamping arrangement is open or closed, respectively. FIG. 5AB provide detailed views of another or further embodiment ofthe assembly tool, comprising an abutment plate illustrated in a first or second position, respectively; FIG. 6 represents a method for inserting or removing a hinge pin, using the assembly tool described herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION The invention is described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments ofthe invention are shown. In the drawings, the absolute and relative sizes ofsystems, components, layers, and regions may be exaggerated for clarity. Embodiments may be described with reference to schematic and / or cross-section illustrations of possibly idealized embodiments and intermediate structures ofthe invention. In the description and drawings, like numbers refer to like elements throughout. Relative terms as well as derivatives thereofshould be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description and do not require that the system be constructed or operated in a particular orientation unless stated otherwise. FIG. 1A illustrates an embodiment of a conveyor chain 5, as known in the art. The conveyor chain 5 comprises multiple chain links 10-1, 10-2, 10-3, ..., 10-N, which together form a conveying plane for conveying items. The conveyor chain 5 typically runs over one or more rollers, or sprockets of which at least one is arranged for driving the conveyor chain, such as to convey items placed on the conveying plane in a conveying direction D. Each pair ofadjacent chain links are pivotably interconnected about a hinge axis 20 by a connecting pin, or hinge pin 1 1. Each hinge pin 11 may extend transverse to the conveying direction D, e.g. through one or more hinge eyes 12 ofthe pair of adjacent chain links 10-1, 10-2, so that the conveyor chain 5 is able to bend in a direction normal to the conveying plane. The hinge eyes 12 usually extend on a side ofthe chain links opposite to the conveying plane so that the conveying plane is substantially ush. In order to keep the hinge pins 1 1 axially in position during operation ofthe conveyor chain 5, the hinge pins 1 1 are usually connected to at least one ofthe hinge eyes by means of a friction t, or press t. In order to establish such a press fit connection or, conversely, to release the connection between the hinge pin 11 and the chain links 10-1, 10-2, an axial force ofmore than 2000N may need to be applied on the hinge pin 1 1 with respect to the chain links 10-1, 10-2. FIG. 1B illustrates an embodiment ofan assembly tool 100 for inserting and removing such a hinge pin 11, in accordance with the present invention. The assembly tool 100 comprises a push rod 110, ofwhich a distal end is arranged for applying an axial force on the hinge pin, to push the hinge pin in an axial direction X. An actuation module 120 is arranged for driving the push rod 110 in the axial direction X. As illustrated, the actuation module 120 may comprise a handle 12 1, a trigger 122 that is movable with respect to the handle 12 1, and an actuator 128 arranged for driving the push rod 110 in the axial direction X in response to a movement ofthe trigger 122 towards the handle 122. In a low cost, yet effective variant, the trigger 122 is mechanically coupled to the push rod 110 by a one-way clutch arranged for transferring a force applied on the trigger 122 to an axial force on the push rod 110 in the axial directionX towards the alignment block 180 when the trigger 122 is moved towards the handle 12 1, and for allowing a movement ofthe trigger 122 away from the handle 121 without transferring a force on the push rod 110 in a reverse axial direction X. The one-way clutch preferably comprises a ratchet mechanism, in which the push rod 110 is provided with a plurality ofnotches or grooves, that are engageable by a spring loadedpawl that is coupled to the trigger 122. Upon movement ofthe trigger 122 towards the handle 121, the pawl pushes against one or more ofthe grooves in the push rod 110 in the axial direction X, thereby moving the push rod 110 forward by an increment. When the trigger 122 is released, the spring loaded pawl is able to move backwards to engage with a further notch or groove in the push rod 110, from where the push rod 110 can again be actuated forwardby a further increment. In order to allow rearwardmovement ofthe push rod 1 10, i.e. in the reverse axial direction X, the actuation module 120 may comprise a release mechanism that is arranged for releasing the mechanical coupling, e.g. one-way clutch, between the trigger 122 and the push rod 110. In a released state ofthe release mechanism, the push rod 110 can manually be retracted away from the alignment block in the reverse axial direction X, e.g. by pulling on an axial rearward extension 1 1 1 ofthe push rod. In other or further variants ofthe assembly tool 100, the actuation module 120 comprises a spindle drive. Such a spindle drive e.g. includes a threaded spindle which, when rotated about its axial centerline, drives a nut that is attached to, or that is an integral part of, the push rod 1 10. The spindle can be rotated either manually, e.g. by a rotary knob, or by means of an electric motor. In the latter case, the electric motormay be powered by a battery pack or other type ofpower source. Instead ofthe spindle driving a nut, the nut may drive the spindle. For example, a rotation ofthe nut may induce an axial translation ofthe spindle which, in turn, can be a part of or attached to the push rod 1 10. As illustrated in FIG. 1B, an alignment block 130 is rigidly connected to the actuation module 120. Preferably, the alignment block 130 is removably mounted to the actuation module 120, so that the alignment block 180 can be replacedby a different version, e.g. to be compatible with different types and sizes ofconveyor chain links. To provide some examples, different variants ofthe alignment block 180 are illustrated in detail in FIGs. 2A-B. The alignment block 180 may be connected to the actuation module 120 by an intermediate frame part 125. In this way, the distance in the axial direction between the actuation module 120 and the alignment block 130 can be adapted, e.g. by replacing the intermediate frame 125 by a version with a different length. Accordingly, the maximum stroke ofthe push rod 110 can be adjusted.A shorter stroke may be desired for inserting and removing relatively short hinge pins, while a longer stroke may be desired for relatively long hinge pins. To be compatible with hinge pins with different outer diameters, the distal end ofthe push rod 110 may comprise an interchangeable part, like an adapter or coupling piece, that allows interchangeable to adapt an outer diameter and / or length ofthe distal end. The alignment block 180 comprises a guide channel 181 that is arranged for guiding the push rod and / or the hinge pin in the axial direction X. The guide channel 181 e.g. comprises a slot or hole that extends in the axial direction X.A rst section 181-1 ofthe guide channel, on a side ofthe alignment block 180 facing the actuation module 120, may be arranged for guiding and inserting the push rod 110 and / or the hinge pin through the hinge eyes ofthe chain links. The rst section 181-1 is thus provided between the alignment means 188 and the actuation module 120. The guide channelmay further comprises a second section 181-2 beyond the alignment means 188, i.e. on a side ofthe alignment block 130 facing away from the actuation module 120, for guiding and discharging the hinge pin. The alignment block 180 provides a support surface 182 that is arranged for simultaneously supporting at least two chain links, e.g. adjacent rst and second chain links 10-1, 10-2, substantially parallel to the conveying plane ofthe conveyor chain. For example, a bottom surface ofthe chain links, opposite a top surface ofthe chain links that provides the conveying plane, may be supported by the support surface 182 ofthe l3 alignment block. Alternatively, the top surface ofthe chain links may be supportedby the support surface 182. The alignment block 180 further includes alignment means 188 for aligning the first and second chain links 10-1, 10-2, when supported by the support surface 132, in an aligned position in which the hinge axis ofthe first and second chain links is centered with respect to the push rod. The alignment means 188 may comprise one or more geometrical features that mate with corresponding features ofthe first and second chain link, like protrusions, hooks, edges, holes, pins, and the like. For example, the alignment means 188 may comprise one or more holes or cutouts ofwhich the position, size and shape is congured to mate with one or more corresponding protrusions that extendfrom the bottom side ofthe rst or second chain link. In preferred embodiments, the alignment means 133 are provided by one or more cavities in the support surface 182. The at least one cavity 188 can be sized and shaped for receiving hinge eyes ofthe first and second chain links when supportedby the support surface 182. In case the alignment block 130 is provided with multiple ofsuch alignment cavities, the cavities 133 can be arranged serially in the conveying directionD ofthe chain links, and sized and shaped so that each cavity 133 is able to accommodate a respective hinge connection between subsequent pairs of chain links. In other words, when the chain links are supported by the support surface, their hinge eyes extend into the one or more cavities. Accordingly, the top surfaces ofthe chain links, e.g. the conveying plane, is stabilized in a well-defined position when the chain links are supported by the support surface 182. The top surfaces ofthe supported chain links are not necessarily oriented in a substantially at plane, as illustrated in FIG. 3, but can also be angled with respect to each other, as long as the hinge axis 20 is stably held in line with the push rod while the chain links are clamped onto the support surface, as explained later on in the description of the present invention. To dene the position ofthe chain links, one or more first walls of the cavity 133 may be arranged for constraining an axial position ofthe hinge eyes with respect to the alignment block 130, to prevent movement of the first and second chain links in the axial direction when subjected to an axial force by the push rod. One or more second walls ofthe cavity 133 may be arranged for constraining a lateral position ofthe hinge eyes with respect to the alignment block, to hold the first and second chain links in the centered position, in which the push rod is in line with the hinge axis 20. FIGs. 1 and 3 show that, in accordance with the invention, a clamping arrangement 140 is mounted to the alignment block 130, e.g. via intermediate frame 125. The clamping arrangement 140 is congured to clamp at least two chain links, e.g. the first and second chain links 10-1, 10- 2, onto the support surface 132, for thereby constraining movement ofthe first and second chain links with respect to the alignment block 130. As illustrated in more detail in FIG. 4A-B, the clamping arrangement 140 comprises a clamp arm 141 that is operable between an open position (FIG. 4A) in which the clamp arm 141 is pivoted away from the support surface 132, and a clamping position (FIG. 4B) in which the clamp arm 141 is pivoted towards the support surface 132 for thereby clamping the rst and second chain links between the clamp arm 141 and the support surface 132. The clamping arrangement 140 preferably comprises a knee-lever tensioner mechanism, in which the clamp arm 141 is pivotably connected to the alignment block 130 about a first pivot axis 144-1, a lever arm 142 is pivotably connected to the clamp arm 141 about a second pivot axis 144-2, and an auxiliary link 143 pivotably connects the lever arm 142 to the alignment block 130 about a third pivot axis 144-3. The lever arm 142 is manually operable for thereby moving the clamp arm 141 between the open position and the clamping position. To ensure that the rst and second chain link 10-1, 10-2 do not move with respect to each other, or with respect to the alignment block 130 during insertion or removal ofthe hinge pin, the clamp arm 141 is preferably arranged to simultaneously cover a section ofthe rst chain link 10-1 as well as a section ofthe second chain link 10-2 in the clamping position, as shown in FIG. 3. In other words, the clamp arm 141 at least partially overlaps both the rst and second chain links 10-1, 10-2 during the clamping. FIG. 5A-B provide a detailedview ofanother or further embodiment ofthe assembly tool 100, in which an abutment plate 139 is movably, e.g. slidably, mounted to the alignment block 130 beyond the alignment means 133. The abutment plate 139 is movable transverse to the axial directionX between a rst state (FIG. 5A) in which the abutment plate 139 extends across the guide channel 131, in particular the second section 131-2 ofthe guide channel, for thereby providing an axial end stop STOP for the hinge pin during insertion, and a second position (FIG. 5B) in which the abutment plate clears the guide channel, e.g. provides an opening OPEN, for allowing the hinge pin to be pushed out along the hinge axis 20 beyond the alignment means 133 to remove the hinge pin from the rst and second chain links. The alignment block 130 for this purpose may be provided with a slot 138, or groove, that extends transverse to the hinge axis 20 and across the second section 131-2 ofthe guiding channel, and that is arranged for guiding the abutment plate 139. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the abutment plate 139 is preferably longer than the transverse width ofthe alignment block 130, so that one end ofthe abutment plate 139 protrudes from the alignment block 130 when the abutment plate is in the first position, thereby providing a tab for manually operating the abutment plate 139 to the second position (see FIG. 5A). Conversely, when the abutment plate 139 is in the second position (FIG. 5B), a tab is provided on the other side ofthe alignment block 130. FIG. 6 represents an embodiment of a method 500 ofinserting or removing a hinge pin that is arranged for pivotably connecting a rst chain link and a second chain link ofa conveyor chain about a hinge axis. The method 500 comprises providing 501 an embodiment ofan assembly tool as described herein, positioning 502 the rst and second chain link on the support surface ofthe alignment block in the aligned position, in which the hinge pin is centered with respect to the push rod. Subsequently, the method comprises clamping 503, using the clamping arrangement, the first and second chain links onto the support surface to constrain movement of the first and second chain links with respect to the alignment block, and driving 504, using the actuation module, the push rod in the axial direction, thereby causing the distal end ofthe push rod to push against the hinge pin. The alignment block 130 and / or the abutment plate 139 may be provided with a visual indicator for indicating whether the abutment plate 139 is in the first or second position. It will be clear to the skilled person that the invention is not limited to any specic embodiment herein described and that combinations or modications are possible, in as far as these can be considered within the scope ofthe appended claims. In the claims, any reference signs shall not be construed as limiting the claim. The terms 'comprising' and including when used in this description or the appended claims should not be construed in an exclusive or exhaustive sense but rather in an inclusive sense. Thus expression as 'including' or comprising as used herein does not exclude the presence of other elements, additional structure or additional acts or steps in addition to those listed. Furthermore, the words a and an shall not be construed as limited to only one, but instead are used to mean at least one, and do not exclude a plurality. Features that are not specifically or explicitly described or claimedmay additionally be included in the structure ofthe invention without departingfrom its scope. Expressions such as: "means for ... should be read as: "component gured for ..." or "member constructed to " and should be construed to lude equivalents for the structures disclosed. The use ofexpressions like: tical", "preferred", "especially preferred" etc. is not intended to limit the ention. To the extent that structure, material, or acts are considered to essential they are inexpressively indicated as such.

Claims

1. An assembly tool for inserting and removing a hinge pin designed for rotatably connecting a first chain link and a second chain link of a conveyor chain around a hinge shaft, where the assembly tool includes: a push rod, of which a distal end is fitted for applying an axial force to the hinge pin, to the hinge pin in an axial direction to push; an actuation module, configured to drive the push rod in the axial direction; an alignment block, rigidly connected to the actuation module, where the alignment block comprises a guide channel that is designed for guiding the push rod and / or the hinge pin in the axial direction, a support surface that is designed for the simultaneously supporting the first and second chain links, substantially parallel to a transport surface of the transport chain, and alignment tools for aligning the first and second chain links in an aligned position, in which the hinge axis is centered with respect to the push rod; and a clamping device mounted on the alignment block and designed for clamping the first and second chain links on the support surface, to with that the movement of the first and second chain links relative to the alignment block to limit; where the clamping device comprises a clamping arm that is operable between an open position, in which the clamping arm has swung away from the support surface, and a clamping position, in which the clamping arm to the support surface has been swiveled to thereby the first and second chain links between the clamping arm and the to clamp support surface.

2. The assembly tool according to claim 1, where the clamping device includes a toggle lever tensioner mechanism, whereby the The clamping arm is rotatably connected to the alignment block around a first pivot point, and where a lever arm is rotatable connected to the clamping arm around a second pivot point, where an auxiliary coupling connects the lever arm rotatably to the alignment block around a third pivot point, where the lever arm is manually operable to thereby position the clamping arm between the to move open and clamp position.

3. The assembly tool according to one of the preceding conclusions, where the clamping arm in the clamping position simultaneously a part of the first chain link and a part of the second chain link covered.

4. The assembly tool according to one of the preceding conclusions, where the alignment means are formed by a cavity in the support surface, where the cavity is dimensioned and shaped to receive hinge eyes of the first and second chain links when these are supported by the support surface, where one or more first walls of the cavity are designed to limit an axial position of the hinge eyes relative to the alignment block, and where one or more second walls of the cavity are designed to limit a lateral position of the hinge eyes relative to the alignment block.

5. The assembly tool according to one of the preceding conclusions, where the actuation module comprises a handle, a trigger which is movable relative to the handle, and a actuator designed to drive the push rod in the axial direction in response to a movement of the trigger to the handle.

6. The assembly tool according to claim 5, where the trigger is mechanically coupled to the actuator rod by means of a one-way coupling designed for transferring from a force exerted on the trigger to a actuation force on the push rod in the axial direction the alignment block when the trigger is moved to the handle moved, and for allowing a movement of the trigger away from the handle without applying force to the push rod in a to transmit the reverse axial direction.

7. The assembly tool according to claim 6, whereby the one-way clutch includes a ratchet mechanism.

8. The assembly tool according to claim 6 or 7, whereby the actuation module includes a release mechanism, configured for the disengaging a mechanical coupling between the tractor and the push rod, to manually the push rod in the reverse to be able to pull away from the axial direction of the alignment block.

9. The assembly tool according to one of the preceding conclusions, where the actuation module comprises a spindle drive.

10. The assembly tool according to claim 9, where the actuation module furthermore includes an electric motor for driving the spindle drive, and a battery pack for powering the electric motor. 1 1. The assembly tool according to one of the preceding conclusions, where the alignment block is rigidly connected to the actuation module by an intermediate frame part.

12. The assembly tool according to one of the preceding conclusions, where the alignment block is detachably mounted on the actuation module.

13. The assembly tool according to one of the preceding conclusions, where the distal end of the push rod is an adapter includes which is interchangeable for an outer diameter and / or length to adjust from the distal end.

14. The assembly tool according to one of the preceding conclusions, further comprising a stop plate that is movable mounted on the alignment block beyond the alignment aids, where the stop plate is perpendicular to the axial direction is movable between a first position in which the stop plate extends over the guide channel to thereby form an axial to provide an end stop for the hinge pin during insertion, and a second position in which the stop plate the guide channel releases to move the hinge pin past the alignment aids can push and the hinge pin out of the first and second to remove chain links.

15. A procedure for inserting or removing a hinge pin designed for rotatably connecting a first chain link and a second chain link of a conveyor chain around a hinge shaft, the method of operation comprising: providing an assembly tool as defined in one of the preceding conclusions; positioning the first and second chain link on the support surface of the alignment block in the aligned position, in which the hinge pin is centered is relative to the push rod; the clamping, by means of the clamping device, of the first and second chain links on the support surface to the movement of the first and second chain links relative to the to limit alignment block; and driving, by means of the actuator, of the push rod in the axial direction, whereby the distal pushes the end of the push rod against the hinge pin.

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