WO2019120359A1

WO2019120359A1 - Load receiving component for chains

Info

Publication number: WO2019120359A1
Application number: PCT/DE2018/100811
Authority: WO
Inventors: Bernhard Norpoth
Original assignee: Thiele Gmbh & Co. Kg
Priority date: 2017-12-18
Filing date: 2018-09-25
Publication date: 2019-06-27
Also published as: DE102017130328B4; DE102017130328A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a load-receiving component (1) for chains, in particular link chains, comprising a sensor module (11) having at least one sensor (12) for detecting component stresses and strains. The sensor module (11) is fixed in a recess (6) of the load-receiving component (1) and comprises a processing unit (36), a digital storage medium (39) and a voltage source (44). The sensor module (11) has a measuring element console (15) and a cover console (16), wherein a first plug contact (30) connected to the sensor (12) is integrated in the measuring element console (15), and a second plug contact (41) connected to the processing unit (36) is arranged in the cover console (16), wherein the measuring element console (15) and the cover console (16) are detachably connected to one another, producing a plug connection between the first plug contact (30) and the second plug contact (41).

Description

Load-bearing component for chains

The invention relates to a load-receiving component for chains according to the features in the preamble of claim 1. In particular, the load-bearing member is intended for link chains.

The fatigue life prediction of fatigue-stressed mechanical equipment, especially vibratory chains in the conveyor and / or extraction technology with high operating times, is an important task to ensure proper operation and to avoid or prevent damage.

In this context, it is known to attach sensors to machine components in order to determine their damage and the load collective. These sensors, usually consisting of strain gauges, are on Component attached and coupled to a readout / evaluation unit and power supply.

A load-bearing component made of steel for the lifting, lifting, lashing, conveying or extraction technology is one of the prior art by DE 100 36 014 C2. This is a chain link for a round steel chain or a tab for a link chain. In an area of the load-bearing component which is not or only slightly loaded by the operational stresses, an energy-free contactless readable data medium or transponder is fixed.

DE 102 34 626 B4 deals with the integration of a pulse generator and a sensor at a distance from each other in a load-receiving component.

WO 2004/085985 A1 discloses a life-time sensor which can also be used in particular for load-bearing components, such as a round steel chain.

By US Pat. No. 5,421,204 A, a method and a device for determining the service life of fatigue-stressed technical structures or structures, such as bridges and the like, are state of the art. The device comprises a sensor with strain gauges for detecting component voltages and component expansions and a data memory, a control and evaluation device, a transmitter, a receiver, an antenna arrangement and a battery as a voltage source. The components are fixed in position as a unit on the object to be monitored. A damage calculation can be carried out with the measured loads and the load collectives determined therefrom with the aid of counting methods.

The invention is based on the prior art, the object to provide a component technology and application technology improved load-carrying component for chains, which allows the image of the load collective of the chain.

The solution of this problem consists according to the invention in a device according to the features of claim 1.

Advantageous embodiments of the load receiving component according to the invention are the subject of the dependent claims 2 to 11. In particular, the invention relates to load-bearing components in the form of chain links or modified chain links.

The load-receiving component according to the invention enables a reliable mapping of the load collective of a chain. In this case, the load on the chain during operational use is mapped in a certain period of time. The course of the acting force or the occurring voltage is detected by means of the at least one sensor and determined over time. This allows conclusions about the operating parameters of the chain, for example, their biasing force, which can then be intervened in regulating if necessary. Also, the information can be used for a wear or damage prediction.

The load-receiving component according to the invention and its integrated sensor module are particularly advantageous in terms of component technology and application technology. An essential advantageous aspect of the invention is that the sensor module can be opened. This allows the storage medium to be removed, read out externally and / or exchanged. This applies in particular to the case that a data transmission by radio due to the environmental conditions is not possible or an all-round metallic protection is necessary. Also, if necessary, the voltage source can be exchanged or replaced in the simplest way.

The load-receiving component according to the invention for chains, in particular for link chain, is equipped with a sensor module. The sensor module comprises at least one sensor for detecting component voltages and component expansions. The sensor module is fixed in a receptacle of the load-receiving component. The at least one sensor or the sensors are in particular strain gauges (DMS). These are defined at suitable locations on the load-bearing component. The sensor or several sensors are individually or collectively referred to as measuring members.

The sensor module comprises a processing unit, a digital storage medium and a voltage source. The processing unit may be a data processing unit in the form of a microprocessor consisting of a program in a chip. Furthermore, the processing unit may be an analog-to-digital converter (A / D converter) or include an analog-to-digital converter. By means of the A / D converter, the analog input signals of the sensors are converted into digital data, which are then further processed or stored on the storage medium.

The processing unit can have an additional radio module with which the parameterization and the reading of the measured data can take place. Without a radio module, the processing unit can be parameterized by means of a PC software via a wired interface (not shown). The adjustable parameters relate, in particular, to radio parameters and frequencies, voltage and temperature monitoring, memory manipulations, sampling rates, sensor settings, status messages, measurement and processing modes, timed switching on and off, correction factors.

The processing unit has a built-in timer with clock and date functions. With an additional backup battery, these functions are maintained even when the power source is removed.

The digital storage medium may in particular be an SD card or micro SD card.

The voltage source is in particular a battery or an accumulator. In the sensor module, a corresponding holder for receiving the voltage source is provided. The voltage source supplies the electronic components of the sensor module with electrical energy.

The sensor module has a Meßgliedkonsole and a cover console. A first electrical contact is integrated in the measuring element console. The first electrical contact is in electrically conductive connection with the sensor or sensors and is preferably wired to them. In the cover console, a second electrical contact is arranged, which is connected to the processing unit. The measuring element console and the cover console are under Fierstellung an electrical Connection between the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact releasably connected to each other.

Preferably, the electrical contacts are electrical connectors in the form of a plug (male part) with outwardly facing contact pins and a coupling (female part) with inwardly facing contact openings.

When merging the cover bracket and the measuring element console reach the electrical contacts in electrically conductive connection. In particular, this results in a positive connection between the connector parts. In this way, the electrical connection between the sensor or the sensors and the processing unit is produced.

An advantageous embodiment provides that the cover console are associated with a lid and a sealing element. The lid bracket can be connected or connected together with the lid to the measuring element console. The sealing element is in particular an O-ring. This seals the sensor module against external influences.

The lid may be integral with the lid panel. Particularly preferably, the lid is designed as a separate component. In particular, the lid consists of a metallic material. For receiving the sealing element, the cover is provided on its outer circumference with a circumferential groove. The cover bracket is joined to the lid designed as a separate component, in particular glued.

The processing unit, the storage medium and the voltage source are preferably arranged in or on the cover console.

The main body of the load-receiving component is provided with a receptacle for the sensor module. This can be done by cutting by milling. The sensor or sensors are then fixed to the load-receiving component. This is done in particular on the inner surfaces of the recording. Preferably, the receptacle has two webs arranged parallel to one another. These are uniform material integral part of the load-carrying component. The sensors are wired to the first electrical contact. Subsequently, the measuring element console is pushed into the receptacle and the first electrical contact is placed in a holder of the measuring element console.

The Meßgliedkonsole has a chamber for receiving the cover bracket. The chamber is bounded by side walls and a bottom wall. Outside the chamber in the areas adjoining the inner walls of the receptacle, the measuring element console has at least one sleeve, preferably two sleeves, for the passage of a connecting means. The sleeves correspond with one opening in the cover console or the lid. Furthermore, the Meßgliedkonsole is provided outside the chamber with webs, struts and / or support elements for stabilization.

After the measuring element console has been placed in the receptacle, the areas outside the chamber are filled with a potting compound and the measuring element console is thereby fixed in the receptacle. In this case, a firm connection or joining of the measuring element console is made to the load receiving member in the recording. Furthermore, the wiring between the sensors and the first electrical contact is fixed.

The potting compound is preferably a polyurethane-based resin. This serves to fix the measuring element console in the receptacle, as well as for mechanical reinforcement and protection. The outer cavities between the chamber and the receptacle are filled with potting compound.

Subsequently, the cover console equipped with the processing unit, the digital storage medium and the voltage source as well as the second electrical contact is installed in the sensor module. For this purpose, the cover console is inserted into the chamber of the measuring element console. Here, the electrically conductive connection between the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact is made.

Preferably, the cover bracket is already firmly connected to the lid prior to assembly, so that the unit of cover console and cover together with the Sealing element is installed. About connecting means, in particular Schraubverbindungsmittel such as bolts and nuts, the cover bracket is fastened together with the lid on the measuring element console. In the bottom of the measuring element console mounting holes are provided. These correspond with the sleeves. In each case a bolt is passed through a mounting hole, a sleeve and an opening in the lid and braced in a bore with internal thread or with a nut. A releasable securing of the screw connection can also be done by applying an adhesive.

Another advantageous aspect of the invention provides that the measuring element console and / or the cover console are made of plastic. In particular, the measuring element console and / or the cover console consist of a light-curing plastic.

If at least the measuring element console or the cover console with the lid made of plastic, it is possible to communicate by radio with the processing unit.

Particular robustness against external influences is achieved by the fact that the lid and the measuring element console are made of metal. For this case, however, usually no radio is available and the disclosure is of particular advantage.

Particularly preferably, the measuring element console and / or the cover console are produced by additive manufacturing processes. The measuring element console, as well as the cover console, can be individually adapted to specific load-bearing components and the receptacles provided there in this production technology. The production of molds for the consoles can be omitted. Even material-removing processing steps are not required or significantly reduced.

The sensors or strain gauges installed in the main body of the load-bearing component form a unit with specific measuring properties due to their specific positioning by the gluing together with the specific properties of the basic body. As a result, one calibration is every Load-receiving component necessary to determine the load-receiving component inherent typical relationship between change in force and resistance change of the sensors. For the measurements to be carried out during operational use of the load-bearing component, this relation must also be taken into account.

Due to the interchangeability of the sensor modules, each sensor module must be made aware of this relation during installation in the body of a load-receiving component. The sensor module is initialized accordingly. This can take place in that the corresponding relation is stored in the form of a numerical value in a transponder cast in the base body, in particular an RFID chip, and is automatically read out by the built-in sensor module. Alternatively, via a software interface, the relation in the sensor module can be set prior to its installation or taken into account in the subsequent data processing by means of a computer.

One aspect of the invention therefore provides that in the load-receiving component or its base body a non-contact readable data carrier, in particular a transponder, preferably an RFID transponder, is integrated.

The invention is described below with reference to an embodiment shown in the drawings. Show it:

Figure 1 shows a section of a link chain with one between two

Chain links integrated load-bearing component;

Figure 2 shows the views of Figure 1 in a plan view;

Figure 3 shows the representation of Figure 1 in a side view;

Figure 4 is a section through the representation of Figure 1 along the line A-A;

Figure 5 is a section through the representation of Figure 1 along the line B-B;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of the invention

Load-receiving component with an exploded view of the individual parts of the sensor module; FIG. 7 shows the illustration corresponding to FIG. 6 from another

Perspective;

FIG. 8 shows the basic body of a load-receiving component in a view;

FIG. 9 shows a measuring element console in a perspective view from the front;

FIG. 10 shows the measuring element console in a perspective view from behind;

FIG. 11, which is integrated in a receptacle of a load-receiving component

Measuring element console;

FIG. 12 shows the illustration corresponding to FIG. 11 in a perspective view

View and a potting console fixed with potting compound;

FIG. 13 shows the volume of the potting compound;

FIG. 14 shows a cover console fixed on a cover in a perspective;

FIG. 15 shows the illustration corresponding to FIG. 14 in another view;

FIG. 16 shows the cover console in a view of the data processing unit and the second electrical contact;

17 shows the cover console in a perspective view of the holder for a voltage source;

FIG. 18 shows the illustration of the cover console with built-in voltage source;

Figure 19 is a perspective view of the load receiving member with a

View on the bottom of the measuring element console and

FIG. 20 shows the load-receiving component in a perspective view of FIG

Cover of the sensor module.

A load-receiving component 1 according to the invention and its component components as well as individual parts thereof will be described with reference to FIGS. Figures 1 to 7 show the load receiving member 1 integrated into a chain strand of chain links, of which only the left and right adjacent in the load receiving member 1 incorporated chain link 2, 3, are shown.

The load-receiving component 1 has a base body 4, which is a modified chain-link member (see also FIG. 8). The chain link is a forged part made of a chain steel. In the central web 5 of the main body 4, a receptacle 6 is prepared by milling. The receptacle 6 passes through the central web 5 across its entire width. In the longitudinal direction of the base body 4, the receptacle 6 is bounded on the left and on the right by two webs 7, 8 arranged parallel to one another. In the vertical direction, the receptacle 6 extends to the upper leg 9 and the lower leg 10 of the main body. 4

In the load receiving member 1, a sensor module 11 is integrated. The sensor module 11 is fixed in the receptacle 6 of the load-receiving component 1. The sensor module 11 comprises sensors 12 in the form of strain gauges. In Figures 6 and 7 can be seen two strain gauges. The strain gauges are fixed to the inner walls of the receptacle and that on the upper inner wall 13 and on the lower inner wall 14 of the receptacle. 6

The sensor module 11 has a measuring element console 15 and a cover console 16. The measuring element console 15 and the cover console 16 are preferably made of a light-curing plastic and are manufactured by additive manufacturing processes.

The Meßgliedkonsole 15 has a bottom plate 17 and a chamber 18 for receiving the cover bracket 16. The chamber 18 is bounded by side walls 19, 20 and a bottom wall 21. The outer circumference of the bottom plate 17 is adapted to the contour of the receptacle 6, so that the bottom plate 17 flush with the inner walls 13, 14, 22, 23 of the receptacle 6 fitting can be incorporated into this. Outside the chamber 18 in the areas adjoining the inner walls 22, 23 of the receptacle 6, the measuring element console 15 in each case has a sleeve 24, 25 on, which extend parallel to the webs 7, 8. The sleeves 24, 25 correspond to mounting holes 26 in the bottom plate 17. Furthermore, on the outside of the sleeves 24, 25 support elements in the form of radially projecting struts 27 and ribs 28 are formed. The outer support surfaces of the struts 27 are contoured adapted to the contact area in the inner walls 13, 14 and 22, 23 of the receptacle 6, so that a stable support is ensured.

Furthermore, a holder 29 for receiving a first electrical contact 30 is provided in the measuring element console 15. The first electrical contact 30 is a plug-in coupling (female part) with internal contact openings.

The cover console 16 can also be seen in particular in FIGS. 14 and 18.

The basic structure of the cover panel 16 is also made of the same material in one piece from plastic in the additive manufacturing process. The lid panel 16 has a base plate 31 with walls projecting therefrom. A center wall 32 with two side legs 33, 34 forms a cross-sectionally C-shaped receptacle 35 for a data processing unit 36. The data processing unit 36 comprises a sensor board 37 with a microprocessor arranged thereon. On the sensor board 37, a slot 38 with read / write unit for a digital storage medium 39 is further arranged. The storage medium 39 is a micro SD card.

The receptacle 35 is bounded by an upper transverse bulkhead 40, which extends between the side legs 33, 34. Above the receptacle 35 and the transverse bulkhead 40, a second electrical contact 41 is arranged. The second electrical contact 41 is a plug (male part) with external contact pins.

On the opposite side of the receiving wall 35 of the middle wall 32 extends at right angles from the middle wall 32 directed away a transverse wall 42. At the transverse wall 42, a holder 43 for a voltage source 44 is fixed (see also Figure 17). The voltage source 44 is a battery (see FIG. 18). The cover console 16 is fixed on a cover 45. The lid 45 is preferably a milled metal part. The outer circumference 46 of the lid 45 is matched to the inner circumference of the receptacle 6 in the load-receiving component 1. Surrounding the outer periphery 46 of the lid 45, a groove 47 for receiving a sealing ring 48 is introduced. The cover 45 has a central portion 49 and two opposite the central portion 49 thicker executed end portions 50, 51. In the end portions 50, 51, a threaded bore 52 is introduced in each case.

The length of the central portion 49 in the cover 45 corresponds to the length of the base plate 31 of the cover bracket 16. Accordingly, the cover bracket 16 can be flush mounted on the central portion 49 in the lid 45 between the end portions 50, 51 and joined there cohesively, in particular glued.

The integrated in the Meßgliedkonsole 15 first electrical contact 30 is connected to the sensors 12 which are fixed in the receptacle 6 of the load-receiving component 1. The second electrical contact 41 arranged in the cover console 16 is connected to the processing unit 36. During assembly, the metering member bracket 15 and the lid panel 16 are releasably connected together to make electrical connection between the first electrical contact 30 and the second electrical contact 41.

The structure of the load-receiving component 1 and the sensor module 11 and its individual parts are explained below again with reference to the illustration of Figures 8 to 20.

The basis is the main body 4 made of a modified flat chain link. In the central web 5, a receptacle 6 is milled in the form of an opening. In the receptacle 6, a sensor in the form of a strain gauge is glued to the upper inner wall 13 and the lower inner wall 14 in each case. The strain gauges are wired to the first electrical contact 30 in the metering console 15. In the next step, the outer areas are filled around the chamber of the Meßgliedkonsole 15 with a potting compound 53 and the Meßgliedkonsole 15 fixed in the receptacle 6. At the same time in this case the wiring between the sensors 12 and the first electrical contact 30 is covered and fixed. The volume of potting compound 53 is shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, as well as separately in FIG. 13.

On the milled cover 45 made of metal, the cover bracket 16 is glued. The cover 45 has, as described above, two holes 52 with internal thread. In the outer periphery 46 of the lid 45, a groove 47 is provided. In this a sealing ring 48 is introduced in the form of an O-ring.

In the lid panel 16, the processing unit 36 is positioned with the sensor board 37 including the micro-SD memory card 37 and the holder 43 for the voltage source 44 and the second electrical contact 41 attached.

The fully assembled lid console 16 on the lid 45 can be seen in particular in Figures 16 to 18.

The populated cover bracket 16 is inserted together with the cover 45 fixed to it in the center console 15 and fastened by means of connecting means 54 in the form of two bolts. Flierzu the bolts are guided through the mounting holes 26 in the bottom plate 17 of the Meßgliedkonsole 15 and the sleeves 24, 25 into the threaded holes 52 in the cover 45 and clamped. In addition, a releasable securing of the screw connection takes place by application of an adhesive.

Through the cover 45 and the sealing ring 48, the sensor module 11 is sealed tight. The sensor module 11 can also be used reliably under a harsh environment.

The load-receiving component 1 integrated in a chain makes it possible to determine the operational load during operation, in particular a detection of component stresses and component expansions. The acting forces and the occurring voltages are detected by the sensors 12 and determined over time. The detected values of the component stress are processed in the processing unit 36 of the sensor module 11 and stored on the storage medium 37 for the evaluation. The information is evaluated and used to set operational parameters such as the chain bias used. In addition, the data allow a statement about the previous load and the remaining life of a chain.

The sensor module 11 can be opened. For this purpose, the cover 45 is removed with the cover panel 16. Subsequently, the storage medium 39 can be removed and read out or replaced externally. Furthermore, the voltage source 44 can be replaced or replaced.

REFERENCE CHARACTERS:

1 - load-carrying component

2 - chain link

3 - chain link

4 - basic body

5 - middle bridge

6 - recording

7 - footbridge

8 - footbridge

9 - Upper thigh

10 - Lower thigh

11 - Sensor module

12-sensor

13- inner wall

14- inner wall

15- Measuring element console

16- cover console

17 - bottom plate

18-chamber

19- side wall

20 - side wall

21 - bottom wall

22 - inner wall

23 - inner wall

24-sleeve

25- sleeve

26 - Mounting hole

27- longwall

28 - rib

29- holder

30 - First electrical contact

31 - base plate - middle wall - side legs

- side legs

- Admission

- Data processing unit - Sensor board

- slot

- Digital storage medium - transverse bulkhead

- Second electrical contact - transverse wall

- Holder

- Voltage source

- Lid

- outer circumference

- groove

- sealing ring

- middle section

- End section

- threaded hole

- Potting compound

- Connecting means

Claims

claims

1. load receiving component for chains, in particular link chains, with a sensor module (11) which comprises at least one sensor (12) for detecting component voltages and strains and the sensor module (11) in a receptacle (6) of the load receiving component ( 1), characterized in that in the sensor module (11) a processing unit (36), a digital storage medium (39) and a voltage source (44) are arranged and the sensor module (11) a Meßgliedkonsole (15) and a Cover console (16), wherein in the Meßgliedkonsole (15) a first electrical contact (30) is integrated, which is connected to the sensor (12) and in the cover bracket (16), a second electrical contact (41) is arranged, which is connected to the processing unit (36), wherein the Meßgliedkonsole (15) and the cover bracket (16) to establish an electrical connection between the first electrical contact (30) and the second electr Ischen contact (41) are detachably connected together.

2. Load-receiving component according to claim 1, characterized in that the cover console (16) is associated with a cover (45) and a sealing element (48) and the

Cover console (16) together with the lid (45) with the Meßgliedkonsole (15) are connected.

3. Load-receiving component according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the processing unit (36), the storage medium (39) and the voltage source (44) in the cover bracket (16) are arranged.

4. Load-receiving component according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first electrical contact (30) and the second electrical contact (41) are plug connectors.

5. Load-receiving component according to one of claims 1 to 4, d a d u r c h e c e n e c e s in that the measuring element console (15) by a potting compound (53) in the receptacle (6) is fixed.

6. load receiving part according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the Meßgliedkonsole (15) has at least one sleeve (24, 25) for performing a connecting means (54) having an opening in the cover bracket (16) or the cover ( 45) corresponds.

7. The load-bearing component according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the measuring element console (15) has a chamber (18) for receiving the cover console (16).

8. Load-receiving component according to one of claims 1 to 7, d a d u r c h e c e n e c e in that the receptacle (6) has two webs (7, 8) arranged parallel to one another.

9. Load-receiving component according to one of claims 1 to 8, d a d u r c h e c e n e c e s in that the measuring element console (15) and / or the cover console (16) made of plastic, in particular a light-curing plastic exist.

10. The load-bearing component according to claim 1, wherein the measuring element console and / or the cover console are produced by an additive manufacturing method.

11. Load-receiving component according to one of claims 1 to 10, in that a load-contact component, in particular on the main body of the load-receiving component, a non-contact readable data carrier, in particular RFID transponder is arranged, with which the processing unit (36) communicates.