Chain wear measuring apparatus and method using two fixed sensors and two chain markers, and a control box with excessive chain elongation alarm

摘要

A chain wear monitoring apparatus, suitable for monitoring elongation in a chain drive assembly, comprises first and second sensors S1, S2, mounted a fixed distance apart on a stationary support, and first and second markers M1 and M2 mounted, initially at a fixed and recorded distance apart, on the chain. A control unit 12 comprises a timer 15 which, triggered by electrical signals from the sensors S1, S2 generated as the chain markers M1, M2 pass the sensors S1,S2, measures the time elapsed between the signals generated for each of markers M1,M2 passing each of sensors S1, S2. From the signals generated the control unit processor 16 calculates the length of chain between the two markers M1,M2 and compares it to the original pre-measured length of the chain span which is stored a memory bank. Should any elongation in the chain exceed a pre-set threshold value, the control unit 12 sends a signal to activate an alarm, such as a visual 13 or audio 14 alarm to alert an operator of the apparatus. Also disclosed is an associated method and a kit of parts forming the apparatus. The system may incorporate magnets as the markers M1,M2 and Hall effect sensors S1,S2 or an optical / laser based system. The chain may feature further pairs of markers dividing the chain into a plurality of sections over each of which elongation may be measured separately. The control unit 12 may be configured to measure and display a variety of variables associated with chain motion, eg. velocity, average chain wear.