WO2003053624A1

WO2003053624A1 - System comprising an operator adapted computer for producing chains

Info

Publication number: WO2003053624A1
Application number: PCT/SE2002/001999
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hans Gustav Erik Wahlbeck
Original assignee: Hans Gustav Erik Wahlbeck
Priority date: 2001-11-15
Filing date: 2002-11-04
Publication date: 2003-07-03
Also published as: SE0103810D0; SE0103810L; AU2002347713A1

Abstract

A system for producing chains comprises a rotatable table carrying a row of chain links. The links are interlinked and closed by welding or soldering. Parameters, such as temperature and feeding speed, are measured and shown on a computer display. The operator manually controls the process from the display.

Description

System comprising an operator adapted computer for producing chains

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to an operator adapted or managing system, and more particularly to an operator adapted system by means of which a plurality of production line parameters can be set and controlled, with the aid of a computer equipment that includes memories, a display unit and a display surface.

The present invention relates also to a more particular application, in which said parameters are required for the production of closed-link chains from a chain extension consisting of open links. More particularly, the operator adapted system is based on allowing said chain extension to be transported to and applied against a peripherally orientated surface part through the medium of a first member, said surface part belonging to the upper surface of a rotatable table, whereby said chain extension is transported in a chosen direction by a rotation of said table. The chain extension shall also be caused to pass a second member, in the form of a unit, which heats the open links in said chain extension and welds and/or solders the open links to obtain closed links, and preferably a third member, in the form of a unit, that functions to cool a series of closed links.

DESCRIPTION OF THE BACKGROUND ART

With regard to the earlier standpoint of techniques in a production line, particularly proposed and utilised in accordance with the present invention, reference is made to the contents of an International Patient Application PCT/SE83/00321 , having an International Patent Publication No. WO 84/01788. This publication illustrates and describes a method and an apparatus for producing non-allergenic objects, particularly metal objects that are intended for direct contact with the skin of a living creature, the present invention also being intended to fulfil such requirements. By way of example of objects of this nature can be mentioned chains of different kinds that have mutually different link structures, necklaces, bracelets, armbands, earrings and/or nose rings, pieces of jewellery, watches, spectacles, etc., where completely pure metal, particularly precious metals, such as gold, silver, platinum, palladium or rhodium that are alloyed with optimally pure zinc, copper, aluminium, nickel or chromium, and where treatment processes carried out within heating and cooling stations are performed without access to air and without any contact with surface reacting substances, such as salts or acids.

The heating and cooling processes will preferably be carried out in a shielding gas environment.

The illustrated apparatus uses a production line for the production of a series of closed links, which together form a flexible chain, from a series of chain- orientated or related open links.

The production line includes working stations comprising a first station, which positions open links in the form of a band onto a rotatable table, a second station, which closes the open links with welding material to form closed links, a third station, which cools the newly welded links, and a further station, which feeds cooled links from the production line.

The particular arrangement, or apparatus, for carrying out the method shall comprise of a rotatable table (61 ), which allows cold-worked objects (66), in the form of an open-link chain, to pass through an open link welding arrangement (63) or passageway, while using a heating gas or a shielding gas (70), and a downstream oriented link cooling arrangement (68), which uses the waste gases from the link welding arrangement (63) to this end, these gases being transported by or conducted in channels (71 , 73) as a cooling and a shielding gas during the cooling sequence, wherewith displacement of the object (66) in the cooling channel takes place simultaneously with a supply of cooling and shielding gas.

Figure 7 of this prior patent publication can be considered significant with regard to the earlier standpoint of techniques in relation to the present invention. The teachings of Patent Publication US-A1 -4,073,428 also form part of the earlier standpoint of techniques.

This publication also illustrates and describes a method and an apparatus for continuously soldering or welding together mutually opposing ends of "open" links included in a chain orientation or chain extension. Particular mention is made to the fact that the chain extension (4) is fed down onto a rotatable table (1 ), at position (8), at a speed, which is adapted so that the individual links will be slightly brought together or mutually displaced towards one another.

The open links are each welded together in this somewhat compacted state, where after the thus closed links and the chain are led by a rail or a bar (9) prior to cooling and hardening of the welding/soldering material, so that the newly welded and/or soldered links will be brought further together.

l o SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

TECHNICAL PROBLEMS

When taking into consideration the technical deliberations that a person skilled in this particular art must make in order to provide a solution to one or more technical problems that he/she may encounter, it will be seen that it is necessary

15 initially to realise the measures and/or the sequence of measures that must be taken to this end on the one hand, and to realise which means is/are required to solve one or more of said problems on the other hand. On this basis, it will be evident that the technical problems listed below are highly relevant to the development of the present invention.

20 When considering the earlier standpoint of techniques, as described above, it will be seen that a technical problem resides in the ability to realise the significance of and the advantages associated with creating conditions in respect of an operator managing or adapted system of the aforesaid kind that will enable the operator to control most of the parameters associated with the production line

25 with a direct access to only a few criteria, such as to enable a closed link chain to be produced from a chain extension consisting of a series of open links.

Another technical problem resides in the ability to realise the significance of and the advantages afforded by selecting a few, such as only one, of the available parameters and/or criteria and to create, with the aid of this single or few

30 parameters conditions, in which computer equipment is able to control other parameters relevant to the production line, an automatic sequence through the medium of appropriate computer programs.

It will also be seen that a technical problem resides in the ability to realise the significance of and the advantages associated with choosing one parameter and/or one criterion as a control magnitude, for instance adjusting the temperature of the closed links in respect of a fixed predetermined temperature value, with the use of a highly accurate sensor or detector unit to this end.

Another technical problem resides in the ability to realise the significance of and the advantages associated with choosing a relevant temperature for the upper surface of a rotatable table, onto which a chain extension shall rest, as an initial and temporary parameter.

It will also be seen that a technical problem is to use in the production line a first device, for feeding a chain extension down onto a table surface that has a predetermined temperature.

Another technical problem resides in the ability to realise the significance of and the advantages afforded by positioning a temperature sensor or temperature detecting unit immediately downstream of a further device - as seen in the transport direction - in the form of a unit, that functions to heat the open links in the chain extension and also to weld and/or solder said open links such as to form close links. A further technical problem resides in the ability to realise the significance of and the advantages associated with allowing operator-managed or controlled computer equipment to show, on the display surface of said computer, with the aid of at least one computer-related software, a first production line parameter in the form of the current temperature sensed by said temperature sensor or unit, and provide the operator with the choice of a temperature value, around which a production line adapted control can take place.

A further technical problem resides in the ability to realise the significance of and the advantages afforded by adapting the computer equipment, through the medium of at least one computer-related software, so that a second production line parameter, in the form of the current transportation speed of the chain extension and/or the chain to be shown to the operator on the display surface of said computer, therewith enabling the current or instant transportation speed to be evaluated with the aid of a device, designated the fifth device, required to this end. A further technical problem resides in the ability to realise the significance of and the advantages afforded by enabling the operator, via said display surface, to change manually one and/or the other of the current parameters, i.e. the temperature parameter and/or the transportation speed parameter.

Yet another technical problem resides in the ability to realise the significance of and the advantages afforded by adapting computer-related software so as to present, on the display surface to the operator, a production line parameter, designated a third parameter, in the form of the current table surface temperature, which can be evaluated through the medium of a separately used device, designated the sixth device. Another technical problem resides in the ability to realise the significance of and the advantages afforded by adapting, at least one computer-related software to present to the operator on said display surface a chosen production line parameter, designated the fourth parameter, in the form of the current chain width. Another technical problem resides in the ability to realise the significance of and the advantages associated with adapting a piece of computer-related software to present to the operator on said display surface a further chosen production line parameter, designated the fifth parameter, in the form of the current chain weight. Another technical problem resides in the ability to realise the significance of and the advantages that are afforded by adapting a piece of computer-related software to present a further production line parameter, designated the sixth parameter, to the operator on said display surface, said sixth parameter constituting the current residual length of the chain extension and/or the current length of a produced chain.

Another technical problem resides in the ability to realise the significance of and the advantages afforded by adapting computer-related software to present to the operator on said display surface a further, separate production line parameter, designated the seventh parameter, relating to the currently following step to be taken during a loading sequence or starting sequence.

Another technical problem resides in the ability to realise the significance of and the advantages afforded by adapting computer-related software to present to the operator on said display surface a number of production line parameters, designated the eighth parameters, relating to a number of buttons related to and serving said surface.

Another technical problem resides in the ability to realise the significance of and the advantages afforded by adapting computer-related software to present on said display surface the manual activation of one or more of these buttons for activation of production line parameters, designated the ninth parameters relating to the fact that said parameters are allotted solely to authorised or authenticated and attendant service personnel.

A further technical problem resides in the ability to realise the significance of and the advantages that are afforded by adapting computer-related software to present to the operator on said display surface, via manual actuation of one of said buttons, an overview of the production line concerned and its associated parameters.

SOLUTION The present invention thus takes as its starting point the known technology described in the introduction, and is based on the principles applicable to an operator managing or adapted system, in which a plurality of production line parameters can be set and controlled with the aid of a computer equipment, computer associated memories, and a display surface related to a display unit. More specifically, the invention is concerned with the ability to set and to control a plurality of production line parameters, required in the production line for the production of a closed-link chain from a chain extension consisting of open links, where said chain extension can be transported to and applied onto a peripherally oriented surface portion of the upper surface of a rotatable table, via a first device, and where the chain extension is transported in a chosen direction by a rotary movement of the table, whereby said chain extension is intended to pass a second device, in the form of a unit, which functions to heat the open links in said chain extension and to close said open links with weld and/or solder to obtain closed links. The system will also preferably include a third device that functions to cool a series of formed closed links.

With the intention of solving one or more of the aforesaid technical problems, it is particularly proposed, in accordance with the present invention, that the known technology is supplemented with a fourth device, in the form of a unit which senses the temperature of the closed links and which is positioned immediately downstream of said second device, as seen in the direction of transportation.

The computer equipment is adapted to present to the operator onto said display surface, with the aid of, at least one computer-related software, a first production line parameter, in the form of the current temperature that is evaluated via said fourth device.

The computer equipment is also adapted to present to the operator onto said display surface, with the aid of at least one piece of computer-related software, a second production line parameter, in the form of the current speed at which the chain extension and/or the chain is transported, this speed being evaluated via a fifth device.

The operator shall be able to change and/or to adjust one and/or the other current parameter, relating to said temperature and/or said transport speed, at least manually via said display surface. By way of proposed embodiments, lying within the scope of the inventive concept, it is proposed that at least one piece of computer-related software is adapted to present to the operator onto said display surface a third production line parameter, representing the current temperature of a table surface, that can be evaluated via a sixth device. Computer-related software is also adapted to present to the operator onto said display surface a fourth production line parameter, representing the current chain width, evaluated or ascertainable via a seventh device.

Computer-related software is also adapted to present to the operator onto said display surface a fifth production line parameter, representing the current chain weight, evaluated or ascertainable via an eighth device.

Computer-related software is also adapted to present to the operator onto said display surface a sixth production line parameter, representing the current residual length of an open-link chain extension and/or the current length of the produced chain, evaluated or ascertainable via ninth and tenth devices. In addition, it is proposed that a computer-related software is adapted to present to the operator onto said display surface a seventh production line parameter, representing the currently following step to be taken during a loading or starting sequence, evaluated or ascertainable via an eleventh device.

Computer-related software is also adapted to present to the operator onto said display surface a plurality of eight production line parameters, representing manually actuable buttons, evaluated or ascertainable via a twelfth device (L).

Computer-related software is also adapted to present onto said display surface via manual actuation of one or more of said buttons, a parameter representing the fact that one or more of said parameters are allocated solely to responsible or authenticated and authorised service personnel.

Computer-related software is also adapted to present onto said display surface, via manual actuation of one of said buttons, an overview of the current production line and its parameters.

ADVANTAGES

The advantages primarily specific to the present invention and to its significant characteristic features reside in provisions for enabling, on the basis of the aforesaid technology, an operator to set and control a few product line parameters, required to produce in a complex production line a closed link chain from an open link chain extension, with the aid of computer equipment, associated memories, and a display unit that includes a display surface, solely by observing and manually setting one or more parameters, where one parameter relates to a current chain temperature, that can be evaluated immediately downstream of a unit which functions to heat open links in said chain extension and to weld and/or solder said open links so as to form closed links, and where a second parameter may relate to the speed, at which the chain extension and/or the chain is currently transported.

The extremely complex control of parameters and/or criteria, related in general to different production stages in the production line, can therewith be effected through the medium of different computer-related software, that can be activated and controlled by control circuits and regulating circuits associated with the production line.

The primary characteristic features of the present invention are set forth in the characterising clause of the accompanying Claim 1. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

An embodiment of the invention at present preferred and having features characteristic of the present invention will now be described in more detail by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which; Figure 1 illustrates a picture, presented on a display surface via computer equipment and computer software, which enables an operator to choose and to set a few production line parameters;

Figure 2 shows the ability of the operator to activate computer-related software, so as to present to the operator onto said display surface an overview of the current production line and its parameters, by actuating a button;

Figure 3 shows the ability of an authorised service person to activate computer-related software, so as to present onto said display surface a picture of a section of the current production line and its parameters, by actuating a button;

Figure 4 illustrates highly schematically a control function, having a starting point from maintaining the known temperature of a chain at a constant level; and

Figure 5 is a highly schematic illustration of said computer equipment, its associated memories and a display unit, that includes a display surface, and the computer-related software required for controlling and showing onto said display surface a number of production line parameters, said computer equipment being adapted to sense and to control and also to keep constant a plurality of production parameters.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS AT PRESENT PREFERRED It is pointed out initially that we have chosen to use in the following description of embodiments at present preferred and including significant characteristic features of the invention and illustrated in the figures of the accompanying drawings special terms and terminology, with the intention of illustrating the concept of the invention more clearly. However, it will be noted that the expressions chosen here shall not be seen as limited solely to the chosen terms used in the description, but that each term chosen shall be interpreted as also including all technical equivalents that function in at least essentially the same way, so as to achieve the same or essentially the same intention and/or technical effect. Figure 1 illustrates a picture, which has been presented to an operator onto a display surface 10' and from which the operator is able to set and to control a production line with the aid of computer equipment 10.

The computer equipment 10 is shown more clearly in Figure 5. The display surface 10' shows a number of requisite production line parameters.

Thus, the following reference numbers identify respective production line parameters:

101 is a first production line related parameter, in the form of chain temperature. 102 is a second production line related parameter, in the form of the speed of transportation of the chain extension.

103 is a third production line related parameter, in the form of table temperature.

104 is a fourth production line related parameter, in the form of the current width of the chain. 105 is a fifth production line related parameter, in the form of the current weight of the chain.

106 is a sixth production line related parameter, in the form of the residual length of the chain extension.

107 is a seventh production line related parameter, in the form of the next follow- ing production stage.

108 is an eighth production line related parameter, in the form of a surface section or touch surfaces serving as buttons.

109 is a ninth production line related parameter, in the form of a surface section, or touch section, with which authentication is required in order to expose Figure 3. The display surface 10' is also allocated other production line parameters and/or activation means (not shown in detail) so as to enable stylistic parts of the production line to be presented on the display surface 10' (c.f. Figure 3).

The display surface 10' illustrates the chain temperature in °C, the table temperature in °C, the chain speed in m/h, the chain width in mm and the chain weight in g/m.

Also included are a plurality of buttons, inter alia, (108, 109), which can be manipulated manually by pressing on the display surface 10'. Shown on the left of Figure 1 are five buttons 108, 109 orientated in two rows on a section of the display surface. An information window 107' presents a picture 110 of a chain extension rolled up on a bobbin 110a and a chain rolled up on a bobbin 110b, and also the length in metres (within a shown rectangle).

Located beneath this information window is a row of five buttons 111 of the same nature as that already described with reference to respective buttons 108, 109 although intended for other functions, parameters and/or criteria.

Figure 2 shows schematically a current production line that will be presented on the display surface 10' by said computer equipment.

This presentation is effected by activating a button 108a. Figure 2 shows schematically a number of production line parameters given to enable a closed link chain 2 to be produced in a production line on the basis of an open link chain extension 2'.

As will be seen from Figure 2, the chain extension 2' can be transported to and applied to a peripheral surface part of the upper surface 3' of a rotatable table 3 through the medium of a first device (A), said chain extension 2' being transported in a chosen direction "T" by the rotary movement of the table 3.

The chain extension 2' is caused to pass a second device (B), in the form of a unit, that functions to heat the open links present in said chain extension and to weld and/or solder said open links to obtain closed links, and preferably a third device (C), in the form of a unit that functions to cool the series of closed links.

A fourth device (D), in the form of a unit that functions to sense the temperature of the closed links, is placed immediately downstream of the second device (B), as seen in the transporting direction.

Figure 3 is a schematic illustration of the current production line presented on the display surface 10' by said computer equipment.

This presentation is obtained by manipulating the button 109 and may require authentication, since different functions in Figure 3 can be actuated and/or regulated via the display surface.

As shown in Figure 5, the computer equipment 10 includes a computer unit CPU, a memory M and a bus line "Bus", over which signals are linked to carry out the functions related to the present invention.

With the aid of computer-related software 10a designed to enable the operator to present onto said display surface 10' a first production line parameter P1 , in the form of the current temperature (t), can be evaluated via said fourth device (D(t)).

The computer equipment can also be caused to present to the operator onto the display surface 10' a second production line parameter P2, with the aid of computer-related software 10b, said speed being evaluated via a fifth device (E). The operator shall be able to change one and/or the other current parameter P1 and P2 concerning temperature and/or transportation speed manually via said display surface 10'.

This is effected by manually pressing the display surface 10' adjacent to or above numbers 101 or 102, wherewith there is presented a menu from which desired settings can be regulated and changed.

Also shown is the possibility of allowing computer-related software 10c to present to the operator onto said display surface 10' a third product line parameter P3, in the form of the current temperature of the table surface, that can be determined through the medium of a sixth device (F). Further computer-related software 10d is adapted to display to the operator on said display surface 10' a fourth product line parameter P4, in the form of a current chain width, which can be determined through the medium of a seventh device (G).

Further computer-related software 10e is adapted to enable the operator to be presented onto the display surface 10' with a fifth product line parameter P5, in the form of the current chain weight, which can be determined through the medium of an eighth device (H).

Further computer-related software 10f is adapted to allow the operator to present onto said display surface 10' a sixth product line parameter P6, in the form of the current length of an available chain extension and/or the current length of a produced chain, which can be determined through the medium of ninth (I) and tenth (J) devices.

Further computer-related software 10g is adapted to allow the operator to display onto the display surface 10' a seventh production line parameter P7, in the form of the currently following step to be taken during a loading or starting sequence, said step being definable through the medium of an eleventh device

(K).

Computer-related software 10h is adapted to allow the operator to display onto the display surface 10' eight production line parameters P8, in the form of a number of manually actuable buttons, which can be actuated through the medium of a twelfth device (L).

Computer-related software 10i is adapted for presentation onto the display surface 10' of one or more parameters, which can be actuated by buttons 109, such as a ninth production line parameter P9, said parameter/parameters restricting one or more of the aforesaid parameters solely to allocated authorised persons or authenticated and associated service personnel.

Further computer-related software 10j is adapted to allow the operator to display onto the display surface 10', through the medium of one of said buttons 108a, an overview, according to Figure 2, of the current production line and its production line parameters (P10).

The devices A, B, C, . L, shown in Figure 5, are intended to co-act in respect of production line functions and arrangements, said functions, arrangements, and control options or possibilities, being described more specifically in a number of earlier filed Swedish patent applications.

The contents of these patent applications shall be considered as constituting parts of the description of the present invention and thus constitute parts of the present invention, so as to provide a deeper understanding of a chosen embodiment that can be employed in the operator adapted system. In this regard, reference is made to each of the following patent applications, with primary reference to Figure 2:

B1: Swedish Patent Application No. 00 03585-7, filed on October 4, 2000.

This patent application illustrates and describes an arrangement for rotating and/or turning each crooked link in a chain extension 2' into a correct position in the chain, where the links of a chain extension 2' are moved in succession past a number of devices, that deflect the direction of chain movement.

These devices include at least two fixed pin-like units, a first unit which functions to deflect successive chain links in a first direction, and a second unit located downstream of the first unit and functioning to deflect successive links in a second but opposite direction. The pin diameters are chosen to exceed the thickness of the chain extension by a factor of 2-10. B2: Swedish Patent Application No. 00 03586-5, filed on October 4, 2000.

This patent application illustrates and describes an arrangement for determining the weight of a part of an elongate and readily flexed object, such as a rope, a chain extension, a chain, as the object is advanced.

Said part of the elongate object is caused to pass a number of mutually spaced link rollers or the like, such as a first and a second link roller, whereby said part is caused to extend in a curve or arc against a force measuring device, which functions to measure the tension force generated in the object by said part thereof, at least adjacent a link roller.

Said device includes calculating circuits, which transform tension force related signals to signals indicative of the total weight (PS).

B3: Swedish Patent Application No. 00 03587-3, filed on October 4, 2000.

This application illustrates and describes an arrangement, or a device (A), for feeding a chain extension and the individual chain-forming links to a first position from a feed wheel (or feed roller) mounted above a rotatable disc 3 and down onto said disc, wherewith successive links will rest on a peripheral, circular first surface section of the disc. The chain links are caused to move by the feed roller at a speed which is greater than the rotational speed of said first surface section of the disc such that mutually successive links will be brought together so as to rest along said first surface section of the disc in a second position or state.

Disc-like device positioned adjacent said disc close to said first surface section is adapted to move the thus compacted links successively to a second position along the disc to a circular second surface section, so as to bring the chain extension and its links to a mutual third position or state prior to the individual links being subjected to a subsequent welding or soldering operation.

B4: Swedish Patent Application No. 00 03878-6, filed on October 25, 2000.

This patent application relates to a bobbin-related arrangement that comprises, among other things, a centrally-related intermediate part, two end-walls connected to said intermediate part, and a device for latching one end of an elongated object, such as one end of a chain consisting of a row of links, said latching device including a reciprocatingly movable latching part. The latching part is adapted to firmly hold said one end part in an easily released fashion, and is connected to said intermediate part close to a first of the aforesaid two end-walls. The latching device can be urged to a first end latching position by means of a spring force and a manoeuvring device is adapted to co-act with said latching part such as to move said latching part against said spring force to a second position in which said end part is released. This manoeuvring device extends within the intermediate part, through a hole in the second end-wall, with an actuating part positioned adjacent the second end-wall. The arrangement includes an actuator adjacent the second end-wall, for movement of the manoeuvring device in its axial direction. At least one electrically actuable magnet is provided for displacing said latching device to a second posi- tion against the action of a spring force in response to an electric pulse.

B5: Swedish Patent Application No. 00 03879-4, filed on October 25, 2000.

This patent application illustrates and describes an arrangement for removing slag products, or burrs, either completely or partially, from a chain 2 comprised of a row of closed links. Such products are formed when closing together, or filling, open links to form closed links, said closed links being adapted for transportation in an arcuate path on a rotatable disc.

A chain deflecting roller functions to move the chain 2 from said disc 3 and out over the edge of said disc, wherein the force exerted by a freely hanging chain section causes the chain section resting on the disc to be pressed against the deflecting roller.

B6: Swedish Patent Application No. 0+0 04063-4, filed on November 7, 2000.

This patent application illustrates and describes an arrangement for winding onto a chassis-carried bobbin a chain 2 consisting of a number of links, wherein the bobbin is arranged for axial reciprocating movement during a winding sequence so that the chain links will be wound tightly together between the end walls of the bobbin in a first chain layer and then in consecutive second, third and further layers. A chain section 2a fed into the bobbin and situated in the close vicinity of said bobbin is caused to pass a chain-section driving unit, and a chain section is caused to pass a deflecting point between said unit and the bobbin.

The deflecting point is located in a central region of the chain section and is orientated to provide a deflection angle "a" of less than 160 degrees, even when the bobbin is filled with a chain extension. Located adjacent the deflecting point is a length measuring arrangement, which functions to measure the distance between a chassis-associated fixed point and said chain section, wherein, in the event of the measured distance deviating from a predetermined value, the bobbin is caused to move axially by means of a control unit, so as to obtain said determined distance.

B7: Swedish Patent Application No. 00 04064-2, filed on November 7, 2000.

This patent application illustrates and describes a link welding arrangement or device (B) included in a production line for producing from a chain exten- sion comprising a series of open links a series of closed links to form a chain 2, preferably a production line that utilises a rotatable disc 3, to whose peripheral edge region there is fed a chain extension 2' comprising open links with said links having been brought slightly together, wherein said links are fed to a link welding arrangement B by movement of the disc 3, and thereafter to a link cooling arrange- ment C and to a slag product removing arrangement B5, and wherein said link welding arrangement includes a number of gas flames that heat respective welding locations.

A number of structured gas flames are provided sequentially in the transport direction of the open links, each gas flame functioning to deliver an adap- ted amount of thermal energy to the links, wherein the gas flame or a combination of gas flames located last in said transport direction terminates the welding process, and wherein chosen gas flames are controlled to impart a predetermined temperature D(t) to the links exiting from the link welding arrangement, depending on the link temperature. Reference is made primarily to Figure 3 in this regard.

B8: Swedish Patent Application No. 00 04065-9, filed on November 7, 2000. This patent application illustrates and describes a link cooling arrangement or device (C), that can be included in a production line for producing from a series of open links 2' a series of closed links 2 such as to form a chain, preferably a production line which utilises a rotatable disc 3, where a chain or chain extension comprising open links that have been brought slightly together is fed to the peri- pheral edge region of said disc such as to feed said links to a link welding arrangement (B) by rotation of the disc, and thereafter to a link cooling arrangement (C) and to a slag removing arrangement (B5), wherein said link cooling arrangement includes means for lowering the temperature of the welded links in the chain 2 with the aid of a cooling inert gas. The link cooling arrangement or device (C) includes at least one helical flange, which has gas conducting surfaces and the inwardly facing edge line of which is adapted to co-act with at least one helical pipe that conducts a cooling fluid, and wherein the closed chain links are caused to pass through a recess in the gas conducting flange and its associated surfaces.

B9: Swedish Patent Application No. 00 04164-0, filed on November 14, 2000.

This patent publication illustrates and describes a link cooling arrangement that includes a heat dissipating function and adapted for inclusion in a production line for producing from a series of open links 2' a series of closed links 2 so as to form a chain, preferably a production line which utilises a rotatable disc 3 to the peripheral edge region of which there is fed an open link chain extension, in which the links have been brought slightly together, wherein said links are fed by rotation of the disc to a link welding arrangement (B) and thereafter to a link cooling arrangement (C) and to a slag product removing arrangement, wherein said link cooling arrangement (C) includes means for lowering the temperature of the welded links in the chain with the aid of a cooled inert gas, and wherein there is provided upstream of said link cooling arrangement and downstream of said link welding arrangement an arrangement for conducting heat away from the series of newly welded and closed links, said arrangement having the form of a rotatable wheel for movement and displacement of the newly welded closed links.

The wheel has a hat-like configuration with the brim of the hat positioned close to said disc and intended for metallic contact with said closed links and kept cool by passing air streams.

B10: Swedish Patent Application No. 00 04456-0, filed on December 1 , 2000.

This patent application illustrates and describes an arrangement for axial movement of a bobbin, when winding a chain onto a chassis-carried bobbin, said chain 2 consisting of a number of links. During a chain winding stage, the bobbin is caused to move reciprocatingly in an axial direction, so that the chain links will be wound tightly together between the end-walls of the bobbin in a first layer and then in consecutive second, third and further layers. A chain section situated close to the bobbin and fed thereinto is preferably caused to pass a chain section-guiding unit.

Such chain sections are caused to pass a deflecting point situated between said unit and the bobbin, wherein the chain section situated close to the bobbin extends parallel to an inwardly facing surface of an adjacent end wall during a major part of a first revolution.

During the remaining part of said first revolution, the bobbin is caused to move in a first direction through a distance corresponding to the chain width and is caused to move in a second direction during an adapted part of a second revolution adjacent the first revolution.

B11 : Swedish Patent Application No. 00 04570-8, filed on December 11 , 2000.

This patent application illustrates and describes a gas pressure regulating arrangement comprising a generally closed space, which includes at least one inlet port for a chain extension consisting of a series of open links, an outlet port for a chain, whose links have been closed by welding or soldering, and an outlet for waste gases occurring in said space, wherein there is housed within said closed space at least one link welding or link soldering arrangement, to which gas or gases, such as acetylene and oxygen, necessary for the welding or soldering process is/are passed, and where combustion of said gas or gases is controlled to take place under reducing conditions, i.e. in an oxygen gas deficiency, wherein said link welding or link soldering arrangement has the form of a tunnel, which is orientated over an underlying supportive element that supports the chain extension and the chain.

The tunnel surface, which faces towards said underlying support surface, defines a narrow gap with said surface 3' and waste gases generated in the tunnel are given a pressure that exceeds the ambient pressure of the tunnel and the pressure in said space, so as to create conditions for controlled passage of the placed gas from the tunnel interior to said space.

B12: Swedish Patent Application No. 00 04893-4, filed on December 29, 2000.

This patent application illustrates a system for producing a closed link chain from a chain extension consisting of a series of open links, where said chain extension is fed into abutment with and along a peripheral surface part of a rotatable disc, wherein said chain section rests against the disc at a first radius, wherein rotation of the disc causes the chain section to pass a link welding and/or link soldering unit, in which said open links are closed to form a closed link chain, and in which; a) the open links are brought slightly together at a point upstream of the link welding and/or the link soldering unit or device (B); b) the open links that have been brought slightly together in accordance with "a" above are closed in said unit (B); and c) the closed links are moved to a position in which they are closer together downstream of said link welding and/or link soldering unit (B).

Each of said link displacements is effected with the aid of a respective rotatable and radially displaceable wheel.

B13: Swedish Patent Application No. 01 00609-7, filed on February 22, 2001.

This patent application illustrates a holder for an arrangement, such as a link welding arrangement and/or a chain cooling arrangement, included in a production line for producing from a series of open links 2a a series of closed links 2 such as to form a chain, with the aid of a rotatable disc 3 to whose peripheral edge region and/or surface part 3' there is fed a chain consisting of a series of open links with said links having been brought slightly together, wherein rotation of the disc causes said links to be fed to a link welding arrangement and thereafter to a link cooling arrangement and to an arrangement for removing slag products or burrs.

The holder is pivotal about a pivot shaft for movement between at least one first position and one second position. The first position is adapted to enable a holder-carried device to be placed in the close proximity of a peripheral surface part 3a of the rotatable disc 3, and the second position is adapted to enable the holder-carried device to be placed above said peripheral surface part.

Figure 4 illustrates a principle control program by means of which the temperature (t) can be kept constant. A temperature-sensing unit D(t) transmits the sensed temperature on a line 41 and a circuit 42 determines whether the temperature is correct, too high or too low.

If the temperature is correct, no signals are sent on the lines 43 and 44.

If the temperature is too low or too high, the temperature can be adjusted either by adjusting the supply of heat in the device B or by adjusting the speed at which the table 3 rotates, or by carrying out both of said measures.

It is assumed that the operator has chosen to keep the rotational speed constant, and hence signals on line 43 are blocked.

If the temperature (D(t+)) is too high, the supply of heat in the device B is decreased and a signal on the line 44 causes a control unit 45 to throttle the gas supply slightly, by actuating the valves 31 and 32 in Figure 3.

The gas flames, such as the gas flame 33, grow smaller thereby requiring the gas flames to be moved down by an upwardly and downwardly movable holder 34 in order to maximise power yield. If the temperature d(t) is too low (D(t-)), the supply of heat shall be increased with an opposite adjustment to that described above.

A control program, not illustrated in detail, is adapted to determine the degree to which the valves 31 , 32 shall be adjusted in response to the sensed temperature discrepancy. It will be understood that the invention is not restricted to the aforedescribed exemplifying embodiment, and that modifications can be made within the scope of the inventive concept as illustrated in the accompanying Claims.

Claims

1. An operator managing or adapted system intended to enable a number of production line parameters to be presented onto a display surface of a display unit through the medium of computer equipment that includes memory stores, and to control said parameters with the aid of said computer equipment, said parameters being necessary for the production in a production line of a closed link chain from an open link chain extension, wherein said chain extension can be transported to and placed against a peripheral surface part (3') of the upper surface of a rotatable table through the medium of a first device (A), wherein said chain extension is caused to move in a chosen transport direction through the rotary movement of said table, whereby the chain extension is caused to pass a second device (B), in the form of a unit, which functions to heat the open links in the chain extension and to close said open links with weld and/or solder, and preferably also a third device (C), in the form of a unit that functions to cool a series of closed links, characterised by a fourth device (D), in the form of a unit for sensing the temperature of the closed links positioned immediately downstream of said second device (B) in said transport direction; in that the computer equipment is adapted to present to the operator onto said display surface (10'), with the aid of computer- related software (10a), a first production line parameter (P1 ), in the form of a current temperature that can be determined via said fourth device (D); in that the computer equipment is adapted to enable the operator to be presented onto said display surface, with the aid of computer-related software (10b), a second production line parameter (P2), in the form of the current transportation speed of the chain extension and/or the chain that can be determined by a fifth device (E); and in that the operator is able to change manually one and/or the other of the current parameters concerning temperature and/or transportation speed, via said display surface (10').

2. A system according to Claim 1 , characterised by computer-related software (10c), which is adapted to present to the operator onto the display surface (10') a third production line parameter (P3), relating to the current temperature of said table surface, said temperature being determined by a sixth device (F).

3. A system according to Claim 1 , characterised by computer-related software (10d), which is adapted to present to the operator onto the display surface (10') a fourth production line parameter (P4), relating to the current temperature of said table surface, said temperature being determined by a seventh device (G).

4. A system according to Claim 1 , characterised by computer-related software (10e), which is adapted to present to the operator onto the display surface (10') a fifth production line parameter (P5), relating to the current weight of the chain determined by an eight device (F).

5. A system according to Claim 1 , characterised by computer-related software (10f), which is adapted to present to the operator onto the display surface (10') a sixth production line parameter (P6), relating to the current length of the chain section or of the chain, said lengths being determined by a ninth device (I) and a tenth device (J) respectively.

6. A system according to Claim 1 , characterised by computer-related soft- ware (10g), which is adapted to enable the operator to present onto said display surface (10') a seventh production line parameter (P7), relating to the currently following step to be taken during a loading sequence or starting sequence that can be evaluated by an eleventh device (K).

7. A system according to Claim 1 , characterised by computer-related software (10h), which is adapted to enable the operator to present onto said display surface (10') a number of eighth production line parameters (P8), in the form of buttons or keys that can be evaluated by a twelfth device (L).

8. A system according to Claim 7, characterised by computer-related software (10i), which is adapted to enable a ninth production line parameter (P9) to be presented onto said display surface (10') through the medium of said buttons, said ninth parameter having the form of one or more of said parameters allocated solely to authorised or authenticated and authorised service personnel.

9. A system according to Claim 1 or 7, characterised by computer-related software (10j), which is adapted to enable the operator to present onto said display surface (10') an overview of the current production line and its production line parameters (P10) via actuation of one of said buttons.