Lindauer Dornier Gesellschaft Mbh

Kai Urbanzyk

Andreas Rutz

An apparatus () with a chain () that is arranged endlessly circulateable in the apparatus () includes a measuring apparatus () for measuring the stretching or elongation of the chain (), with a first signal pick-up () and with a second signal pick-up (), which are arranged at a spacing distance (D) relative to one another, which extends in the running direction over several chain links () of the chain (). A first element for signal generation () is arranged on a first chain link () in such a manner so that with a circulating chain () a signal is produced upon running past the first signal pick-up (). Several further elements for signal generation () are arranged on a second chain link () in such a manner so that with a circulating chain () a further signal is generated with each one of these further elements () upon running past the second signal pick-up (). During one circulation of the chain (), the number (NS) of signals at the second signal pick-up () is counted, which are produced before a first signal is produced at the first signal pick-up ().

Apparatus and method for measuring the stretch of a chain which circulates endlessly in the apparatus

A method and apparatus continuously monitor the functional condition of the successive bearings of the tenter clips or claws of a tenter chain as the bearings roll along a contact surface of the endless guide rail of a tentering machine. A sensing arrangement is integrated into the guide rail in the area of the contact surface thereof. The sensing arrangement senses a physical value indicative of the presence and condition of the respective bearing passing by the sensing arrangement. The sensing arrangement may include a pressurized air outlet and an adjacent pressure measuring channel connected to a pressure sensor to sense the back pressure created by a passing bearing. The sensing arrangement may alternatively include an electromagnetic eddy current sensor, or an optoelectronic light beam sensor.

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Weissensberg, Germany

Kai Urbanzyk