Abstract
In continuous conveyor systems with circulating traction mechanisms, e.g. chains, the kinematic-dynamic movement behaviour of the traction mechanism is of great importance. Force and vibration analyses can be used to detect overloads and other irregularities in the conveying process. This helps to prevent damage that can lead to a complete failure of the conveyor system. Such analyses are particularly interesting for slide chain conveyors with plastic chains, as these react very sensitively to system overload due to limited thermal and mechanical characteristics as well as often a complex track layout. This article shows how accelerations and tractive forces can be continuously recorded, transmitted and analysed by sensors integrated into the chain links. In addition to the discussion of test results, potential applications of the measuring chain are shown.
Highlights
Chain conveyor systems are often used to realise material flow in many branches of industry
The highest possible reliability and service life are relevant for conveyor systems, which require a maximum load adapted to the overall system
It is known that external influences such as the polygon effect at the drive, the loading and unloading with goods, the track layout as well as the mechanical chain properties can cause a sliding chain conveyor system to oscillate. This results in a time-varying tractive force in the chain, the maximum values of which can significantly exceed the statically calculated tractive force [15]
Summary
Chain conveyor systems are often used to realise material flow in many branches of industry. The used thermoplastics enable an economical production as well as an energy-efficient and lubrication-free operation. Their adaptation to the logistic processes is easy to perform due to a commonly modular structure of racks, drives, redirections, wheeled curves, sliding curves and guiding profiles (see Figure 1). Unexpected failure of the conveyor system must be avoided at all costs, as in most cases this leads to considerable disruptions in the production process. This applies in particular to plastic chains, as these have limited. In order to prevent this and to detect and react to irregularities at an early stage, it is very important to know the exact loads within the chain system during operation
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