Synthetic chain, forming machine and manufacturing method

Abstract

The present invention relates to a synthetic chain comprising a plurality of links (1), each link (1) configured by a Moebius strip comprising a plurality of layers (2) formed by winding the strip on itself, wherein each link (1) comprises at least 13 layers (2), a length of at least 50 cm, a height of at least 75 mm, the layers (2) of each link (1) being attached by stitching (3) in groupings of up to 20 layers (2), and the stitches (3) being evenly distributed along each of the longitudinal sides of the link (1) in a number of between 1 and 30 stitches (3), so that the attachment of the layers (2) is prepared to withstand aggressive environments. The invention also relates to a machine that manufactures the chain and the method of manufacturing the chain.

Description

[0001] SYNTHETIC CHAIN, FORMING MACHINE AND MANUFACTURING PROCEDURE.

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention relates to a synthetic chain, the links of which are configured by winding the tape in the form of a Moebius, with the additional particularity that it is focused on large loads, which requires that, in addition to large dimensions of the links, it also incorporates a large number of synthetic layers for the generation of each link, whereby the layers are joined in groups of a certain number of layers and each group is joined by sewing to prevent it from collapsing.

[0005] Furthermore, the invention also describes a forming machine and the method for forming the chain.

[0006] It finds particular application in the sector of chains used for lifting or securing large loads.

[0007] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0008] During the transportation of goods, it is often necessary to lift very heavy loads. For this purpose, lifting cranes are typically used, which incorporate a hook through which the loads are secured using chains, usually made of metal.

[0009] This type of metal chain has several drawbacks, making moving goods complicated and laborious. Specifically, metal chains are very heavy, which adds additional weight to the load the crane must move.

[0010] Furthermore, they are very susceptible to wear and tear, since, apart from the strong impacts they may suffer during use, they usually work outdoors, and can rust or suffer some other type of alteration, so when this happens it can have serious consequences.

[0011] An alternative to metal chains are synthetic chains made with Moebius-shaped links by winding several layers around themselves. These chains are made from very strong materials, and because they comprise a single layer of fibers, they can offer much better performance than metal chains, allowing them to transport heavier loads.

[0012] Furthermore, these fiber tapes are much lighter, making them easier to use and transport. Finally, since they comprise a set of fibers on a single tape, if the tape wears out, the fibers break off one by one, in a highly visible manner. The tape can then be replaced, thus avoiding unforeseen accidents.

[0013] On the other hand, it is worth highlighting the Möbius strip or loop, which is a surface with only one side and one edge. It has the mathematical property of being a non-orientable object. It is also a ruled surface. This strip has been extensively studied over time due to its unique characteristics, which are applicable in a wide variety of fields.

[0014] To form a Moebius strip, you start with a strip of a certain material, twist one of its ends 180° around itself, and finally join the two ends together.

[0015] The main advantage of the Moebius strip is that the entire fabric that makes up the thickness of the strip is subject to the same working requirements, whereas, in a normal strip, the fabric on the inside of the strip is shorter than the fabric on the outside, so it is subject to greater tension during work.

[0016] A typical application of Möbius strips is their manufacture as a chain in which each link is generated as a Möbius strip, where each link can be made up of a single layer or, more commonly, multiple layers, increasing its technical specifications in terms of load support. The problems of metal chains are further aggravated when the load to be handled is of considerable weight. In this case, metal chains further increase the relative disadvantage they contribute to the load being handled, as they are larger links and, therefore, considerably heavier. Meanwhile, the synthetic Möbius chains available in the state of the art have the disadvantage of not being able to withstand such high loads, since the number of layers in the links is limited.

[0017] Document EP3869063A1 describes a device for forming links in the shape of a Möbius strip, comprising a rotating module with an internal path in which a 180° turning widening of a strip inserted into the rotating module is arranged. It also describes a synthetic chain former in which each link is a Möbius strip, thus having excellent wear properties and supporting very high loads. It also describes a method for forming the synthetic chain that uses the forming device and comprises a step of link pretensioning, stitching, and final tensioning.

[0018] The invention, in addition to presenting a chain with links made from Moebius strips, also describes the method for manufacturing the links and a machine with which this method is carried out.

[0019] DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] The present invention presents a solution to the problems identified in the background relating to the current state of the art.

[0021] To do this, a synthetic chain is generated consisting of links configured by Moebius strips that have two main characteristics:

[0022] - be of large dimensions,

[0023] - be configured using a very high number of layers.

[0024] With this configuration, each link has the following characteristics: a minimum of 13 layers, and can reach up to 100; a height of between 75 and 400 mm; and a length of between 50 and 300 cm.

[0025] This configuration allows for a breaking capacity (MBL) of between 200 and 4,000 tonnes.

[0026] However, these characteristics of a synthetic chain are not sufficient for lifting or securing heavy loads. Simply incorporating larger links seems obvious when working with larger-than-usual loads. In fact, it seems logical that the size of the links should increase linearly with the size of the load being handled. Furthermore, this requirement for increased size applies not only to longitudinal dimensions but also to link thickness.

[0027] From this it follows that, when applied to a synthetic Moebius chain, the requirements for a heavy load will require longer belts with a greater number of layers, logically increasing the thickness.

[0028] The problem that these requirements pose for a chain due to having to support heavy loads is that the links in Moebius chains with a high number of layers are not stable in terms of the relative position of the different layers. Instead, they separate, preventing the chain from performing the intended function to meet much lesser requirements. This problem does not arise when the chain is already operating, under load and tension, but rather during the logistics process, from the moment the chain is manufactured until it is positioned to perform a specific task.

[0029] Under the current state of the art, a synthetic chain secures the layers of the links by stitching, both on the flat side and in the Moebius region. The maximum total production capacity is between 14 and 20 layers, due to the technical limitations of existing stitching machines and their accessories. Therefore, increasing the number of layers of the winding is impossible with this method.

[0030] This problem has been solved through various methods, albeit only partially. One solution is the use of adhesives to bond the different layers of the links. However, this solution presents a problem: these adhesives do not provide the reliability required in very high-security situations or in aggressive environments, such as submarines, with high demands on long-term fatigue, high temperatures, or saline environments, for example.

[0031] Another solution consists of toroidal winding of each of the links using tape.

[0032] All of this presents a huge problem that is difficult to address and, in practice, is the reason why the use of high-performance synthetic chains is not implemented in practice.

[0033] The present invention describes a synthetic chain in which these problems are solved.

[0034] Thus, to prevent slippage between the different layers of the links, stitching is done in groups of layers, forming groups and maintaining perfect alignment so they work together.

[0035] In the chain manufacturing process, the Moebius strips are first generated, accumulating them up to the target number to form the first link. Two options then apply.

[0036] One of them consists of, once the first link has been manufactured, it is pre-tensioned and sewn to subsequently build the next link linked over the first and proceed successively with the rest of the links.

[0037] The other option is to make a first link, build the following links successively linked over the previous one and, once the chain is formed, proceed to sew the different links individually.

[0038] In either case, once a link has been manufactured, it is prestressed and then stitched. The stitching process consists of the following stages: - Releasing the tension on the link to be stitched, so that a specified number of layers can be separated from the link, which will form the group of layers to be stitched.

[0039] - Fastening by means of mechanical elements, of the transversal area to be sewn to avoid displacement of layers.

[0040] - Separation of the grouping of layers to be sewn to perform the stitching.

[0041] - Stitching a section of the link.

[0042] - Fastening the already sewn area to prevent layers from shifting.

[0043] - Carry out the same operation for the different sections that have been decided to be sewn along the entire length of the link.

[0044] - Repeat this process as many times as layer groupings have been planned.

[0045] - Repeat the sewing process indicated above on the opposite side.

[0046] •• Repeat the process on the remaining links.

[0047] These stitches are preferably performed automatically, although they can also be done manually. The number of stitched sections can be 2 to 3 for longitudinal stitches, and 3 to 30 for transverse stitches, depending on the link length.

[0048] Preferably, the link also incorporates a sleeve, located at each end of the link, which is preferably made of the same material as the link itself, with the aim of reinforcing the ends of the link against fatigue, since this area of ​​the link is the one that supports the most friction and tension.

[0049] The sheath can be closed, for which it is assembled into a link before manufacturing, by inserting the different layers through it. However, it can also be open, so that it is assembled into the tape groups of each link once the chain is made, closing it mechanically using reversible fastening means or by stitching.

[0050] The chain can also incorporate a layer of resin, to improve both the rigidity and impermeability of the links. In addition, the chain can also incorporate the application of a substance that combats microorganisms to prevent the adhesion of marine flora and fauna.

[0051] Finally, the links can also incorporate toroidal retaining rings, both in the flat area and in the Moebius area, to keep all the groups of bands together.

[0052] The invention also describes a synthetic chain-forming machine such as the one described above. The machine is composed of three distinct stations or zones that operate sequentially:

[0053] - a training station,

[0054] - A prestressing station, and

[0055] - a link sewing station.

[0056] The training station is similar to that described in document EP3869063A1 cited in the background. It comprises the following elements:

[0057] - - a fixed structure comprising a pair of shafts into which hollow rollers are inserted and can be extracted,

[0058] - a shuttle with a piston configured to be fixed to the end of a tape from which the chain is to be manufactured,

[0059] - a mechanism configured to grip the end of the tape and wind it around the hollow rollers, making a 180-degree turn to generate the Moebius loop,

[0060] •• a fixing device configured to fix the tape of the second lap to the section of the first lap,

[0061] - a supply device, configured to successively grab, move and release the tape, and thus supply it in sections,

[0062] - a cutting device, configured to cut the tape once the link has been made with the determined number of layers,

[0063] - a support configured to hold an already finished link,

[0064] The prestressing station, for its part, comprises the following elements:

[0065] - a fixed structure comprising a pair of shafts into which hollow rollers are inserted and can be extracted,

[0066] - a first locking device and a second locking device, both movable, - a movable pin in each of the locking devices,

[0067] - an associated tensioning device capable of displacing one of the locking devices,

[0068] The sewing station, for its part, comprises the following elements:

[0069] - a fixed structure comprising a pair of shafts into which hollow rollers are inserted and can be extracted,

[0070] - a mobile base associated with the fixed structure, which incorporates the axes,

[0071] - a few second axes,

[0072] - a pressing device,

[0073] - a separating device, and

[0074] - a sewing machine.

[0075] The invention also describes the manufacturing process of the links described.

[0076] In general, the procedure comprises the following steps: a) manufacturing a link (1), b) pre-tensioning the link (1), c) selecting a group of layers (2) of the link (1), d) sewing the group of layers (2), e) repeating steps c) and d) until all the layers (2) of the link (1) are included in some group.

[0077] In more detail, this procedure can be carried out in two different ways.

[0078] The first implementation focuses on individual chain links, so that when a link is manufactured, it moves to the next stations until the process is complete, and then the entire process is repeated for each of the remaining links.

[0079] The second embodiment consists of completing the entire chain process at each of the stations. Thus, according to the first embodiment, the method comprises the following steps: a1) making a link at a forming station, b1) moving the link, if it is the first, or the generated chain, if another link has already been manufactured, to a pretensioning station, c1) placing a link on the axes of the fixed structure of the pretensioning station, d1) moving the interlocking devices and fixing the jesters in the hollows of the hollow rollers, aligned with the axes, e1) activating the tensioning device to distance the interlocking devices and thus tension the link, f1) removing the interlocking devices, g1) extracting the link (1) with the robotic arm, h1) moving the chain to the stitching station,

[0080] 11) placing the link (1) on the axes of the stitching station, j1) inserting the separator between two layers of the link to form a grouping of a given number of layers, k1) performing at least one stitching section of the grouping formed in the area of ​​the Moebius loop,

[0081] 11) remove the link from the axles and place it on second axles, m1) repeat steps o) and p) until all layers of the link belong to a group, n1) perform at least one stitching section (3) on the flat area of ​​the link, o1) repeat steps 11) to n1) until all layers (2) of the link belong to a group, p1) place the stitched link on the support of the forming station, q1) if the chain has not been finished, return to step a) r1) finish the process.

[0082] According to the second embodiment, the method comprises the following steps: a2) making a link at the forming station, b2) placing the stitched link on the support of the forming station, c2) making a series of links, each of which is connected to the previous one, d2) transferring the generated chain to the prestressing station, e2) placing a link on the axes of the fixed structure of the prestressing station, f2) moving the locking devices and fixing the bolts in the recesses of the hollow rollers, aligned with the axes, g2) activating the tensioning device to distance the locking devices and thus tension the link, h2) removing the locking devices,

[0083] 2) remove the link with the robotic arm, j2) repeat steps d)-h) with all links, k2) if all links have been pretensioned, move the chain to the stitching station,

[0084] 12) placing one of the links on the shafts of the stitching station, m2) inserting the separator between two layers of the link to form a grouping of a given number of layers, n2) performing at least one stitching section of the formed grouping in the area of ​​the Moebius loop, o2) removing the link from the shafts and placing it on second shafts, p2) performing at least one stitching section in the flat area of ​​the link, q2) repeating steps 12) to p2) until all the layers of the link belong to a grouping, r2) placing the stitched link on the support of the forming station, s2) ending the process.

[0085] DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0086] To complement the description being made and in order to help better understand the characteristics of the invention, in accordance with a preferred example of practical embodiment thereof, a set of drawings is attached as an integral part of said description, in which the following has been represented for illustrative and non-limiting purposes: Figure 1.- Shows a perspective view of a link of the chain of the present invention with the configuration of a Moebius strip, with a series of transverse stitches made along the link.

[0087] Figure 2.- Shows a perspective view of the link in figure 1 with covers at the ends.

[0088] Figure 3.- Shows a perspective view of the chain with three links.

[0089] Figure 4.- Shows a perspective view of a chain of the invention with the links in Figure 2.

[0090] Figure 5.- Shows a link made up of a pair of groups of sewn layers.

[0091] Figure 6.- Shows a perspective view of the link forming station.

[0092] Figure 7.- Shows a perspective view of the formation process of the first layer of the link.

[0093] Figure 8.- Shows the forming station with the robotic arm

[0094] Figure 9.- Shows a perspective view of the prestressing station.

[0095] Figure 10.- Shows a perspective view of the stitching station at the time of stitching in the Moebius loop area.

[0096] Figure 11.- Shows the sewing station in figure 10 at the time of stitching the flat part of the link.

[0097] Figure 12 - Shows the perspective of the end of the formation process, in which the link is fully formed.

[0098] Figure 13 - Shows a perspective view of the process of transporting the link once it has been formed, using the robot with the gripper attached, to the prestressing station. Figure 14 - Shows a perspective view of the orientation of the robot gripper together with the link upon arrival at the prestressing station, where it is positioned above the rollers.

[0099] Figure 15 - Shows in perspective the pretensioning process, in which the two pins have fixed the link and the hydraulic / electrical means are applying the pretension.

[0100] Below is a list of the different elements represented in the figures with the associated numerical references:

[0101] 1. Link.

[0102] 2. Layers.

[0103] 3. Stitching.

[0104] 4. Covers.

[0105] 5. Robotic arm.

[0106] 6. Robotic arm gripper.

[0107] 10. Training station.

[0108] 12. Axes.

[0109] 13. Hollow rollers.

[0110] 14. Shuttle.

[0111] 15. Piston.

[0112] 16. Fixing device.

[0113] 17. Supply device.

[0114] 18. Cutting device.

[0115] 19. Support.

[0116] 20. Prestressing station.

[0117] 21. First interlocking device.

[0118] 22. Second interlocking device.

[0119] 23. Bolt.

[0120] 24. Tensioning device.

[0121] 30. Sewing station.

[0122] 31. Mobile base.

[0123] 32. Second axes.

[0124] 33. Pressing device. 34. Sewing machine.

[0125] PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0126] As indicated, the invention relates to a synthetic chain whose links are configured by winding a Moebius-shaped strip where each link is generated from a high number of layers, so that the layers are joined in groups of a certain number and each group is joined by sewing.

[0127] In addition, the invention also describes the process for forming the chain and a machine responsible for carrying out this process.

[0128] Figure 1 represents a link (1) of the synthetic chain of the invention. It can be seen that it is configured by winding several layers (2) of synthetic tape, which also incorporates a twist on its own axis to achieve the Moebius configuration.

[0129] In this link (1) it can be seen that the layers (2) have a transverse stitching (3) which means that, when the link is not tensioned, the layers (2) do not separate from each other and the link collapses.

[0130] Figure 2 represents the link in Figure 1 which additionally incorporates a sheath (4) at each of the curved ends of the link (1). The purpose of the sheath (4) is to create protection in the area of ​​maximum tension of the chain, where the links (1) will suffer the most, so that premature wear of the layers (2) of the link (1) can be avoided and thus cause its premature wear.

[0131] Figures 3 and 4 represent chains made with the links (1) of figures 1 and 2 respectively.

[0132] Figure 5 represents a link (1) made up of a high number of layers (2), where the layers (2) are joined by means of stitching (3) forming groups of a certain number of them. As has been mentioned, the fact of being able to make links (1) by stitching a small number of layers (2) is something already known in the state of the art. However, when manufacturing links (1) where the groupings of layers are greater than a number between 13 and 20, depending on the thickness of the layers (2), it is something that cannot be done directly, because the needles of the stitching machines cannot pass through the thicknesses generated by this high number of layers (2) of tape.

[0133] Thus, the link (1) in Figure 5 is formed by a series of groups of 20 layers (2), where each group has a series of stitching (3) intended to keep the layers (2) of each group together. These stitching (3) prevent the links (1) from falling apart, and the link can be formed by several groups that are not joined together.

[0134] In order for the links (1) to be able to present this high number of layers (2), they must have large dimensions, considering that the minimum can be a width of 75mm and a length of 50cm.

[0135] Machine description.

[0136] The invention also describes a machine for manufacturing a chain with the links (1) that have been described.

[0137] The machine is made up of three distinct stations or zones that operate sequentially:

[0138] - a forming station (10),

[0139] - a prestressing station (20), and

[0140] - a link stitching station (30).

[0141] The movement of the links (1) between the different stations (10, 20, 30) is produced by a robotic arm (5) programmed to grab the links using a gripper (6).

[0142] The following is a description of the machine elements and how the chain manufacturing process is carried out. Figure 6 represents the forming station (10) of the machine.

[0143] In this forming station (10) there is a difference in the process of forming the chain of the invention, when considering whether it is the manufacture of the first link (1) or if the first one has already been manufactured and it is the manufacture of a subsequent link, which would be coupled to the first one already manufactured. This second case is the one represented in figure 6, where the first link (1), already manufactured, has been deposited in the support (19), as will be indicated later. The machine is not affected, but the manufacturing process that follows is.

[0144] In the first case to be considered, considering the manufacture of the first link (1), the way in which the machine carries out the process is described below.

[0145] The forming station (10) consists of a fixed structure (11) comprising a pair of shafts (12) where two hollow rollers (13) are inserted.

[0146] It also includes a shuttle (14) with a piston (15) where the end of a tape is fixed, which is used to make the links (1) of the chain. The tape is located in a storage area from where it will be supplied to the machine for making the chain.

[0147] This piston (15) moves to an area where the end of the tape is grabbed by a mechanism that is responsible for moving it around the first hollow roller (13), turning on its longitudinal axis, to configure the Moebius turn, and taking it around the second hollow roller (13), completing a layer (2) of the link (1).

[0148] Once the first layer (2) is finished, a fixing device (16) is responsible for fixing the tape that is beginning to form the second layer (2) to the final section of the first layer (2), so that the link (1) is closed. This fixing step is only applied at the end of the first layer (2). The fixing device (16) can perform the fixing by applying ultrasound, adhesive or any known element.

[0149] A supply device (1 / ) is responsible for providing tape to the forming station (10), so that the piston (15) can move without having to pull all the stored tape. To do this, the fixing device (16) is responsible for gripping, moving and releasing the tape, successively, to supply it in sections.

[0150] The process is repeated until the link (1) is formed with the predetermined number of layers (2) that have been decided to form it.

[0151] A cutting device (18) proceeds to cut the tape and subsequently the free end is fixed to the last layer (2) of the link (1) that has been formed. The mechanism that kept the tape gripped and in charge of generating the layers (2) releases the tape and returns to its initial position so that the piston (15) grabs the end of the tape and thus makes a new link (1) or ends the process.

[0152] In the second case to be considered, where the first link (1) has already been manufactured, two options can be given.

[0153] A first option consists of removing the already manufactured link (1) from the forming station (10) and taking it to the following stations (20, 30), first to the prestressing station (20), and subsequently to the stitching station (30). Then, the link (1) is returned to the forming station (10) to be placed on the support (19) and proceed to generate the next link (1).

[0154] A second option is to generate the complete chain at the forming station (10) and then go to the other stations (20, 30) with the chain already formed.

[0155] In either case, the formed link (1) is moved by the robotic arm (5).

[0156] Before starting the manufacture of the next link (1), the newly manufactured link (1), regardless of whether it has remained in the forming station (10) or has gone to the other stations (20, 30), is placed by the robotic arm (5) on a support (19), leaving the rest of the links (1) that make up the chain, if they have already been manufactured, hanging. Then, the robotic arm (5) will return the hollow rollers (13) to the axles (12) to begin the manufacturing cycle of a new link (1). Once a link (1) has been manufactured, whether it is the first or a subsequent one, how the following ones are manufactured is described below.

[0157] The shuttle (14) repeats the same process. The piston (80) and the shuttle act again and the tape passes through the link (1) located in the support (19) where the mechanism begins again the formation of the link (1) as described above.

[0158] Figure / represents the formation of the first layer (2) of the link (1) from a different point of view than that of Figure 6.

[0159] Figure 8 shows the forming station (10) together with a robotic arm (5) that incorporates a gripper (6) for manipulating the links (1) through the hollow rollers (13). Thus, in order not to lose the tension of the link (1), the gripper (6) captures the hollow rollers (13), with the link (1) wound on them, and extracts them from the shafts (12) to place them on the shafts (12) of the pretensioning station (20) or on the support (19). In the latter case, the robotic arm (5) will release tension on the link (1) to extract the hollow rollers (13) and return them to the shafts (12) of the forming station (10), as mentioned.

[0160] Figure 9 represents the prestressing station (20), where the prestressing of the link (1) that has been generated in the forming station (10) is carried out.

[0161] Prestressing refers to the axial load applied to a link (1) to ensure the position and geometry of the layers (2). The prestressing load is a percentage of the maximum working load of the chain.

[0162] The robotic arm (5) arrives at the pretensioning station (20) with a link (1) in the gripper (6) and, optionally, the rest of the formed chain. It positions it, housing the hollow rollers (13) on shafts (12), identical to those of the forming station (1), which are located in a fixed structure to begin the pretensioning process.

[0163] The prestressing station (20) comprises a first locking device (21) and a second locking device (22), both with a pin (23). The two locking devices (22, 23) can be disassembled to position the pins (23) in the hole of the hollow rollers (13) where the shafts (12) are inserted, the pins (23) being aligned with the shafts (12).

[0164] Thus, having the hollow rollers (13) fixed, and therefore the link (1) to which they are fixed, the second locking device (22) is subjected to a displacement by means of a tensioning device (25) to distance it from the first locking device (21) and thus tension the link.

[0165] Figure 10 represents the sewing station (30), which is formed by a fixed structure where a mobile base (31) is positioned that incorporates another pair of axes (12), identical to the previous ones, and second axes (32), positioned perpendicularly to the axes (12) of all the stations (10, 20, 30). The sewing station (30) also incorporates a pressing device (33), a separating device and a sewing machine (34).

[0166] Thus, the robotic arm (5) will carry the chain from the pretensioning station (20) to fit the hollow rollers (13) into the axles (12), as in the pretensioning station (20), so that the sewing machine (34) can perform a series of stitches (3) in the area of ​​the Moebius loop.

[0167] It should be noted that the sewing machine (34) has the needles in a vertical position and, in this position, the layers of the link (1) to be sewn are vertical, which could not be sewn, except for the area of ​​the Moebius loop, which is horizontal and is the only area that could be sewn.

[0168] Since the sewing machine (34) cannot sew the entire thickness of the link (1), the machine has a separator that is inserted between two layers (2) of the link (1) to form a grouping of layers (2) of a predetermined number. To insert the separator, the link is relaxed to form a space so that the sewing machine (34) can act.

[0169] Then, the robotic arm (5) is withdrawn and the mobile base (31) moves to position the link (1) in the appropriate area to perform the stitching (3) of the different sections. Once the stitching (3) of the different sections of the Moebius loop area is finished, the mobile base (31) is withdrawn to allow the robotic arm (5) to grab the hollow rollers (13) together with the link (1), to position them on the second axes (32) and thus be able to carry out the stitching (3) on the rest of the length of the link (1), as shown in figure 11.

[0170] After finishing the stitching of a group, the separator selects a new group and the stitching process of this group is repeated in the area of ​​the Moebius loop and in the flat area of ​​the link (1) until all the layers (2) are part of a group.

[0171] To perform the stitching (3) of the different sections in the link (1), the mobile base (31) moves to position itself appropriately with respect to the sewing machine (34).

[0172] In order to create the chain of invention, the process followed by the manufacturing machine can be carried out in two different ways.

[0173] In a first embodiment, the method comprises the following steps: a1) making a link (1) at the forming station (10), b1) moving the link (1), if it is the first, or the generated chain, if another link (1) has already been made, to the prestressing station (20), c1) placing a link (1) on the axes (12) of the fixed structure of the prestressing station (20), d1) moving the locking devices (22, 23) and fixing the bolts (23) in the recesses of the hollow rollers (13), aligned with the axes (12), e1) activating the tensioning device (25) to distance the locking devices (22, 23) and thus tension the link (1), f1) removing the locking devices (22, 23), g1) extracting the link (1) with the robotic arm (5), h1) move the chain to the sewing station (30),

[0174] 11) placing the link (1) on the axes (12) of the stitching station (30), j1) inserting the separator between two layers (2) of the link (1) to form a grouping of a given number of layers (2), k1) performing at least one stitching section (3) of the grouping formed in the area of ​​the Moebius loop,

[0175] 11) remove the link from the axles (12) and place it on second axles (32), m1) repeat steps o) and p) until all the layers (2) of the link (1) belong to a group, n1) carry out at least one stitching section (3) in the flat area of ​​the link (1), o1) repeat steps k1) to q1) until all the layers (2) of the link (1) belong to a group, p1) place the stitched link (1) on the support (19) of the forming station (10), q1) if the chain has not been finished, return to step a) r1) finish the process.

[0176] In a second embodiment, the method comprises the following steps: a2) making a link (1) in the forming station (10), b2) placing the stitched link (1) in the support (19) of the forming station (10), c2) making a series of links (1), each one connected to the previous one, d2) transferring the generated chain to the prestressing station (20), e2) placing a link (1) on the axes (12) of the fixed structure of the prestressing station (20), f2) moving the locking devices (22, 23) and fixing the bolts (23) in the recesses of the hollow rollers (13), aligned with the axes (12), g2) activating the tensioning device (25) to distance the locking devices (22, 23) and thus tension the link (1), h2) removing the locking devices (22, 23),

[0177] 2) remove the link (1) with the robotic arm (5), j2) repeat steps d)-h) with all links (1), k2) if all links (1) have been pretensioned, move the chain to the sewing station (30),

[0178] 12) placing one of the links (1) on the shafts (12) of the stitching station (30), m2) inserting the separator between two layers (2) of the link (1) to form a grouping of a given number of layers (2), n2) performing at least one stitching section (3) of the grouping formed in the area of ​​the Moebius loop, o2) removing the link from the shafts (12) and placing it on second shafts (32), p2) performing at least one stitching section (3) in the flat area of ​​the link (1), q2) repeating steps I2) to p2) until all the layers (2) of the link (1) belong to a grouping, r2) placing the stitched link (1) on the support (19) of the forming station (10), s2) finalizing the process.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Synthetic chain comprising a plurality of links (1), each link (1) configured by a tape comprising a plurality of layers (2) formed by winding the tape on itself, where the tape is a Moebius strip, characterized in that each link (1) comprises: at least 13 layers (2), a length of at least 50 cm, a height of at least 75 mm, where: the layers (2) of each link (1) are joined by stitching (3) in groupings of up to 20 layers (2), and the stitching (3) is distributed evenly along each of the longitudinal sides of the link (1) in a number of between 1 and 30 stitchings (3), such that the union of the layers (2) is prepared to withstand aggressive environments.

2. The synthetic chain of claim 1, wherein each link (1) comprises a sheath (4) at each of the ends.

3. The synthetic chain of claim 2, wherein the sheath (4) is made of the same material as the link (1) in which it is located.

4. The synthetic chain of claim 1, wherein each link (1) comprises at least one toroidal clamping ring located on at least one of the longitudinal sides.

5. Link forming machine (1) of the synthetic chain of claim 1, characterized in that it comprises: - a forming station (10), - a prestressing station (20), and •• a stitching station (30) of the link (1). where: - the forming station (10) comprises: - a fixed structure comprising a pair of axles (12) where two hollow rollers (13) are inserted and can be extracted, - a shuttle (14) with a piston (15) configured to be fixed to the end of a tape with which the link (1) is to be manufactured, - a mechanism configured to grab the end of the tape and wind it around the hollow rollers (13) making a 180 degree turn to generate the Moebius loop, - a fixing device (16) configured to fix the tape of the second turn to the section of the first turn, - a supply device (17), configured to grab, move and release the tape, successively, and thus supply it in sections, - a cutting device (18), configured to cut the tape once the link has been made with the determined number of layers (2), - a support (19) configured to hold an already finished link (1), - the prestressing station (20) comprises: - a fixed structure comprising a pair of axles (12) where two hollow rollers (13) are inserted and can be extracted, - a first locking device (21) and a second locking device (22), both movable, - a bolt (23) movable in each of the locking devices (21, 22), - a tensioning device (24) associated with and capable of moving one of the locking devices (21, 22), - the sewing station (30) comprises: - a fixed structure comprising a pair of axles (12) where two hollow rollers (13) are inserted and can be extracted, - a mobile base (31) associated with the fixed structure, incorporating the axes (12), - a second axle (32), - a pressing device (33), - a separating device, and - a sewing machine (34).

6. Method for manufacturing a synthetic chain with the link of claim 1, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: a) manufacturing a link (1), b) pre-tensioning the link (1), c) selecting a grouping of layers (2) of the link (1), d) sewing the grouping of layers (2), e) repeating steps c) and d) until all the layers (2) of the link (1) are included in a grouping.

7. Method for manufacturing a synthetic chain according to claim 6, characterized in that it comprises the following phases: a1) making a link (1) in a forming station (10), b1) transferring the link (1), if it is the first, or the generated chain, if another link (1) has already been manufactured, to a pretensioning station (20), c1) placing a link (1) on the axes (12) of the fixed structure of the pretensioning station (20), d1) moving the locking devices (22, 23) and fixing the bolts (23) in the hollows of the hollow rollers (13), aligned with the axes (12), e1) activating the tensioning device (25) to distance the locking devices (22, 23) and thus tension the link (1), f1) removing the locking devices (22, 23), g1) extracting the link (1) with the robotic arm (5), h1) move the chain to the sewing station (30), i 1) place the link (1) on the axes (12) of the sewing station (30),j1) inserting the separator between two layers (2) of the link (1) to form a grouping of a given number of layers (2), k1) performing at least one stitching section (3) of the grouping formed in the area of the Moebius loop, 11) remove the link from the axles (12) and place it on second axles (32), n1) carry out at least one stitching section (3) on the flat area of the link (1), o1) repeat steps 11) to n1) until all the layers (2) of the link (1) belong to a group, p1) place the stitched link (1) on the support (19) of the forming station (10), q 1) if the chain has not been finished, return to step a) r1) end the process.

8. Method for manufacturing a synthetic chain according to claim 6, characterized in that it comprises the following phases: a2) making a link (1) in the forming station (10), b2) placing the stitched link (1) in the support (19) of the forming station (10), c2) making a series of links (1), each of them connected to the previous one, d2) transferring the generated chain to the pretensioning station (20), e2) placing a link (1) on the axes (12) of the fixed structure of the pretensioning station (20), f2) moving the locking devices (22, 23) and fixing the bolts (23) in the hollows of the hollow rollers (13), aligned with the axes (12), g2) activating the tensioning device (25) to distance the locking devices (22, 23) and thus tension the link (1), h2) remove the locking devices (22, 23), 2) remove the link (1) with the robotic arm (5), j2) repeat steps d)-h) with all links (1), k2) if all links (1) have been pretensioned, move the chain to the sewing station (30), i2) placing one of the links (1) on the shafts (12) of the stitching station (30), m2) inserting the separator between two layers (2) of the link (1) to form a grouping of a given number of layers (2), n2) performing at least one stitching section (3) of the grouping formed in the area of the Moebius loop, o2) removing the link from the shafts (12) and placing it on second shafts (32), p2) performing at least one stitching section (3) in the flat area of the link (1), q2) repeating steps i2) to p2) until all the layers (2) of the link (1) belong to a grouping, r2) placing the stitched link (1) on the support (19) of the forming station (10), s2) finalizing the process.

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