阅读说明：本技术 拉铲挖掘机链条 (Chain of dragline excavator ) 是由 M·R·斯托尔兹 于 2018-04-10 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种用于维护链条或者链节的方法,其包括：在不使用工具的情况下检查链条或者链节的磨损迹象,并且如果检测到磨损迹象,则改变链条或者链节的方位,或者更换链条或者链节。(A method for servicing a chain or chain links, comprising: the method includes the steps of inspecting the chain or links for signs of wear without the use of tools, and if signs of wear are detected, changing the orientation of the chain or links, or replacing the chain or links.)

1. A chain assembly, comprising:

at least two links interconnected with each other; and

at least one of the links comprises:

a body comprising two end portions, wherein at least one end portion defines an engagement region comprising an engagement contact surface configured to contact the other link and which defines a load vector, the at least one end portion comprising a first portion having a reduced cross-section defining a first thickness measured in a direction non-parallel to the load vector and a raised rib disposed between the engagement region and the first portion in a direction parallel to the load vector, the raised rib defining a second thickness in the direction non-parallel to the load vector, wherein the second thickness is greater than the first thickness;

wherein the body defines a center of mass and a Cartesian coordinate system having an X axis, a Y axis, a Z axis, and an origin positioned at the center of mass, both end portions defining a load vector for the main body of the at least one chain link, and the X axis of the coordinate system is oriented parallel to the load vector, and the body further comprises a first intermediate portion and a second intermediate portion, the first intermediate portion and the second intermediate portion connect the two end portions together, thereby forming a closed perimeter and the first intermediate portion defines a first region including a first wear indicator having an elongated shape perpendicular to the load vector and a second region including a second wear indicator.

2. The chain assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one end portion defines a first curved portion extending from the first intermediate portion to the second intermediate portion, and the raised rib extends from the first intermediate portion to the second intermediate portion along the first curved portion.

3. The chain assembly of claim 2, wherein the body further defines an arcuate portion that transitions from the raised rib to the first portion having a reduced cross-section.

4. The chain assembly of claim 1, wherein the first and second intermediate portions are straight, extending in a direction parallel to the X axis.

5. The chain assembly of claim 4, wherein the second wear indicator has an elongated shape extending in a direction parallel to the load vector.

6. The chain assembly of claim 1, wherein the first thickness and the second thickness are measured in a direction perpendicular to the load vector, and the ratio of the second thickness to the first thickness is in a range of 1.1 to 1.5.

7. The chain assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one end portion defines a first end along a direction parallel to the load vector, and the first portion having a reduced cross-section defines a third thickness measured from the first end to the raised rib along the direction parallel to the load vector, and the raised rib defines a fourth thickness measured from the first portion having a reduced cross-section to the articulating contact surface along the direction parallel to the load vector, and a ratio of the fourth thickness to the third thickness is in a range of 0.30 to 0.50.

8. A link, comprising:

a body comprising two end portions, wherein at least one end portion defines a bite region comprising a bite contact surface defining a load vector, the at least one end portion comprising a first portion having a reduced cross-section defining a first thickness measured in a direction non-parallel to the load vector and a raised rib disposed between the bite region and the first portion in a direction parallel to the load vector, the raised rib defining a second thickness in the direction non-parallel to the load vector, wherein the second thickness is greater than the first thickness; and is

The body further includes a first intermediate portion and a second intermediate portion connecting the two end portions together and defining a first region including a first wear indicator and a second region including a second wear indicator, the first wear indicator having an elongated shape perpendicular to the load vector.

9. The link of claim 8, wherein the body defines a center of mass and a cartesian coordinate system having an X-axis, a Y-axis, a Z-axis, and an origin positioned at the center of mass, the two end portions each defining a load vector for the body, and the X-axis of the coordinate system oriented parallel to the load vector.

10. The link of claim 9, wherein the at least one end portion defines a first curved portion extending from the first intermediate portion to the second intermediate portion, and the raised rib extends from the first intermediate portion to the second intermediate portion along the first curved portion.

11. The link of claim 10, wherein the body further defines an arcuate portion that transitions from the raised rib to the first portion having a reduced cross-section.

12. The link of claim 9, wherein the first and second intermediate portions are straight, extending in a direction parallel to the X axis.

13. The link of claim 8, wherein the second wear indicator has an elongated shape extending parallel to the load direction.

14. The link of claim 8, wherein the first thickness and the second thickness are measured in a direction perpendicular to the load vector, and the ratio of the second thickness to the first thickness is in a range of 1.1 to 1.5.

15. The link of claim 8, wherein the at least one end portion defines a first tip in a direction parallel to the load vector and the first portion having a reduced cross-section defines a third thickness measured from the first tip to the raised rib in the direction parallel to the load vector and the raised rib defines a fourth thickness measured from the first portion having a reduced cross-section to the bite contact surface in the direction parallel to the load vector and a ratio of the fourth thickness to the third thickness is in a range of 0.30 to 0.50.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to chain assemblies used in dragline mining operations and the like. More particularly, the present invention relates to a dragline bucket chain assembly including a wear indicator.

Background

Referring first to fig. 1, a chain 100 has been used in the lifting and hauling circuit in a dragline bucket 102. Some rigging configurations also use chains in the dump loop (single dump frame system). The chain 100 has been conventionally cast, forged, and assembled from structural steel plates and the like.

These chains include a plurality of links that are interconnected and engage one another in a region known as the "bite" region of the links. This generally corresponds to the inner radial portion of the end of the link. This area may be subject to tensile loads in use and/or wear from materials located in the work area. Over time, this bite area may wear, thereby compromising the strength of the links and thus the chain as a whole. Thus, the chain may need to be replaced.

Similarly, the intermediate portions of the links (sometimes referred to as "rails") between the ends of the links may also be subject to wear due to the wearing away of material located in the working area, necking down due to tensile loads, and the like. Once the middle portion of the link becomes too thin, the link strength, as well as the overall chain strength, may be compromised. Thus, the chain may need to be replaced.

Current practices to monitor these various types of wear include observation methods to determine when the chain needs to be replaced, rotated 90 degrees, or flipped. In some cases, a gauge, tape measure, and caliper may be used to determine whether the minimum size of the link has been reached. When viewing the bite area on the links, it may be necessary to pry the links apart for measurement and viewing. This can be time consuming and can undesirably damage the chain.

Accordingly, it would be desirable to develop a better method for observing the wear of the links than has been devised.

Disclosure of Invention

A link according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a body including two end portions and two intermediate portions connecting the two end portions together, wherein at least one intermediate portion defines at least one region including at least one wear indicator.

A chain assembly according to an embodiment of the invention comprises at least two chain links, which are interconnected with each other, and at least one chain link comprises a main body, which comprises two end portions, wherein at least one end portion defines an engagement region including an engagement contact surface configured to contact another link and which defines a load vector, the at least one end portion includes a first portion having a reduced cross-section and a raised rib, the reduced cross-section defines a first thickness measured in a direction non-parallel to the load vector, the raised rib is disposed between the bite region and the first portion in a direction parallel to the load vector, the raised rib defining a second thickness in the direction non-parallel to the load vector, wherein the second thickness is greater than the first thickness.

A method for maintaining a chain or chain links according to an embodiment of the invention comprises: the method includes the steps of inspecting the chain or links for signs of wear without the use of tools, and if signs of wear are detected, changing the orientation of the chain or links, or replacing the chain or links.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a side view of a dragline bucket that is suspended and towed using a chain as is known in the art.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a chain that may be used in an application such as that shown in FIG. 1, shown isolated from a bucket or any other equipment, giving an example of a chain in which a plurality of links have wear indicators and/or ribs near the bite area of the chain, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a link showing a wear indicator and ribs proximate an articulation region of the link according to an embodiment of the present invention. The links are shown in a generally horizontal orientation.

FIG. 4 is an alternative perspective view of the link of FIG. 3, shown in a generally vertical orientation.

Fig. 5 is a top view of the link of fig. 3 or a side view of the link of fig. 4.

Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the link of fig. 5, taken along line 6-6 thereof, depicting the addition of ribs in the bite region of the link member.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the link of FIG. 5, taken along line 7-7 thereof, depicting the configuration of pockets on the intermediate portion of the link, which serve as wear indicators.

Fig. 8 is a side view of the link of fig. 3 or a bottom view of the link of fig. 4.

Fig. 9 and 10 illustrate the link of fig. 3, wherein the engagement region of the link has reached a first level of wear.

Fig. 11 and 12 illustrate the link of fig. 9 and 10 after the engagement region of the link has reached a second level of wear, indicating that the link will soon need to be replaced.

Fig. 13 and 14 show the engagement region of the links of fig. 11 and 12 after the links have reached a third level of wear, the links needing to be replaced.

Fig. 15 and 16 depict the chain link of fig. 3, wherein both the bottom surface and the side surfaces of the chain link have become worn, requiring the chain link to be replaced.

Fig. 17 and 18 illustrate the link of fig. 3 in which the bottom surface of the link has been worn, at least requiring the link to be rotated 90 degrees from a horizontal orientation to a vertical orientation.

Fig. 19 and 20 depict the chain link of fig. 3, where the side surfaces of the chain have been worn, requiring the chain link to be rotated 90 degrees from a horizontal orientation to a vertical orientation.

Fig. 21 contains a flow chart depicting a method for using or servicing a link having a rib in its bite region and/or a wear indicator on any intermediate portion thereof.

Detailed Description

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. In some cases, reference numerals will be indicated in the present specification, and the drawings will show reference numerals followed by letters (e.g., 100a, 100b) or with an apostrophe (e.g., 100', 100 "), etc. It should be understood that the use of letters or prime marks immediately following reference numerals indicate that these features are similar in shape and have similar functionality, as is often the case when the geometry is mirrored about a plane of symmetry. Letters and superscripts are not generally included herein for ease of explanation in this specification, but are shown in the drawings to indicate repetition of features discussed in this written description, having similar or identical functions or geometries.

In various embodiments, a link may be provided having a wear indicator that does not require the use of a gauge, tape measure, caliper, or the like. This may make viewing safer without the need to pry the links apart to view the bite area. In some embodiments, raised ribs may be provided in the bite area, which may serve two functions. First, the raised ribs may provide a wear indicator. Second, the raised ribs may provide increased bearing surface area (such as 15% or more), thereby strengthening the link and possibly slowing the wear rate in the bite area of the link. Various embodiments of such links may allow a user to use a method for using or monitoring wear and replacing a link, chain, or changing the orientation of a link or chain without the use of tools.

Turning to fig. 2-5, a chain assembly 200 is illustrated according to an embodiment of the present invention. The chain assembly 200 includes at least two links 202, 202' interconnected to one another, and at least one link 202 includes a body 204, the body 204 including two end portions 206. At least one end portion 206 defines an engagement region 208 that includes an engagement contact surface 210, the engagement contact surface 210 being configured to contact another link and which defines a load vector L.

As best seen in fig. 6, the end portion 206 may include a first portion 212 and a raised rib 216, the first portion 212 having a reduced cross-section defining a first thickness 214 measured in a direction non-parallel to the load vector L, the raised rib 216 disposed between the bite region 208 and the first portion 212 in a direction parallel to the load vector L. The raised rib 216 may define a second thickness 218 along a direction non-parallel to the load vector L, wherein the second thickness 218 is greater than the first thickness 214. The raised ribs may be used on the body or on the middle link 202 or end links 202 ". The end links may also have a wear indicator, as will be described later herein. In some embodiments, the end links or body links of the chain may be free of raised ribs or wear indicators or the like.

Referring back to fig. 2-5, the body 204 defines a center of mass C and a cartesian coordinate system having an X-axis, a Y-axis, a Z-axis, and an origin 0 positioned at the center of mass C. For this embodiment, the two end portions 206 define a load vector L for the body 204 of the link 202, and the X-axis of the coordinate system is oriented parallel to the load vector L. The body 204 further includes a first intermediate portion 220 and a second intermediate portion 220 '(which may be referred to as rails in some embodiments), the first and second intermediate portions 220 and 220' connecting the two end portions 206 together to form a closed perimeter. In some cases, links 202 may not form a closed perimeter. For the embodiment shown in fig. 3, the links have an oval shape (more specifically, a "racetrack" shape), but other shapes are also contemplated, such as circular, rectangular, elliptical, and the like.

More specifically, first intermediate portion 220 and second intermediate portion 220' are straight, extending in a direction parallel to the X-axis. This may not be the case for other embodiments. In some cases, the links may not form a closed perimeter. The end portion 206 defines a first curved portion 222 extending from the first intermediate portion 220 to the second intermediate portion 220', and the raised rib 216 extends from the first intermediate portion 220 to the second intermediate portion 220' along the first curved portion 222. The first ramp 224 is configured to transition from the lowest portion 226 of the intermediate portion 220 to the raised rib 216.

Focusing on fig. 6, first thickness 214 and second thickness 218, respectively, are measured in a direction perpendicular to load vector L, and the ratio of second thickness 218 to first thickness 214 is in the range of 1.1 to 1.5 for some embodiments and more specifically about 1.25 for some embodiments. Likewise, the end portion 206 defines a first end 228 along a direction parallel to the load vector L, and the first portion 212 having a reduced cross-section defines a third thickness 230 measured from the first end 228 to the raised rib 216 along the direction parallel to the load vector L.

Likewise, the raised rib 216 defines a fourth thickness 232 measured from the first portion 212 having a reduced cross-section to the bite contact surface 210 in a direction parallel to the load vector L, and a ratio of the fourth thickness 232 to the third thickness 230 may be in the range of 0.30 to 0.50 and more particularly for some embodiments may be about 0.38. The body 204 further defines an arcuate portion 234, the arcuate portion 234 transitioning from the raised rib 216 to the first portion 212 having a reduced cross-section. Arcuate portion 234 may have a radius in a plane similar to that shown in fig. 6 having a value in the range of 0 (near the bevel region) to 1.0 inch. In some embodiments, the full radius 234 may be employed so as to not have a straight surface between the raised rib 216 and the first portion having the reduced cross-section. In this case, the radius may vary between 0.25 inches and 4 inches. When measuring the third thickness 230 of the first portion 212, an arcuate portion 234 transitioning from the first portion 212 having a reduced cross-section to the raised rib 216 may be included. Similarly, when measuring the fourth thickness 232 of the raised rib 216, etc., any blend radii or the like at the corners may be included. Other transition geometries may be substituted for the radius, such as chamfers or other curved surfaces, etc.

Returning to fig. 2-5, intermediate portion 220 of link 202 defines a first region 236 and a second region 240, with first region 236 including at least a first wear indicator 238 and second region 240 including at least a second wear indicator 238'. In some embodiments, only one region 236, 240 may have a wear indicator 238, for reasons that will be explained later herein. The second wear indicator 238' has an elongated shape extending in a direction parallel to the load vector L, and the first wear indicator 236 has an elongated shape extending in a direction perpendicular to the load vector L.

Fig. 8 shows that the top and bottom portions 227 of the middle portion 220 of the link 202 are substantially coplanar with the top and bottom ends of the raised ribs 216. Likewise, a second ramp 242 is provided that transitions from the top or bottom end of the intermediate portion 220 to the plane of the first portion 212 having a reduced cross-section. Other configurations are also possible. Nine pockets 242 are provided on a top or bottom surface 244 of the intermediate portion 220 as wear indicators 238. The middle pocket 242 is centered with respect to the origin 0 of the cartesian coordinate system and thus the center of mass C of the link 202. The pockets on the bottom surface are positioned equidistant from each other along the X-axis. For other embodiments, the number, configuration, and placement of wear indicators may vary. For example, for some embodiments, five to fourteen pockets may be provided on the middle portion.

Looking at FIG. 5, two wear indicators 238 are similarly disposed on a side surface 246 of the middle portion 220 of the chain link 202. Which is located approximately midway between the Y-Z plane defined by the coordinate system and the beginning of the curved portion 222 of end 206 of link 202. Again, for other embodiments, the number, configuration, and placement of wear indicators 238 may vary. Any of the wear indicators 238 discussed herein may be convex (e.g., ribs) or concave (e.g., pockets) depending on the embodiment or application, etc. The struts 248 are provided to help the links 202 resist necking when loaded in tension. The strut may be omitted in other embodiments.

Factors that may cause a change in the configuration or placement of pockets or other wear indicators include: chain thickness, soil erosion, material of the links, historical data regarding areas with high wear rates, etc.

Further details of embodiments of links 202 according to the present invention will now be discussed with reference to fig. 3-5. As already mentioned, the body 204 of the link 202 comprises two end portions 206 and two intermediate portions 220, the two intermediate portions 220 connecting the two end portions 206 together. The at least one intermediate portion 220 defines at least one area 236, 240 that includes at least one wear indicator 238. For example, the region may be on a side surface 246 or a bottom surface 244 of the middle portion 220 of the link 202. The body 204 defines a center of mass C and a cartesian coordinate system having an X-axis, a Y-axis, a Z-axis, and an origin 0 positioned at the center of mass C.

Further, the end portion 206 defines a load vector L for the body 204 of the link 202, and the X-axis of the coordinate system is oriented parallel to the load vector L. In this embodiment, the X axis is generally coextensive with the load vector L in use. This is not the case, however, if the links are configured differently or the chain becomes kinked such that the articulating contact surface 210 changes position, etc. along the curved portion 222 of the end 206 of the link 202. End portion 206 is C-shaped or one-half the diameter of a circle to facilitate movement of one link relative to another, but other curved or arcuate shapes are possible.

For this embodiment, as best seen in fig. 7, the at least one intermediate portion 220 defines a first surface 250, the first surface 250 defines a first surface normal 252 that is not parallel to the X-axis, and the at least one wear indicator 238 is disposed on the first surface 250. For example, the surface may be the bottom surface 244 or the side surface 246 shown in fig. 7. For the bottom surface 244, the first surface normal 252 is parallel to the Y-axis. For side surface 246, first surface normal 252' is not parallel to the Z and Y axes. In some embodiments, the first surface normal 252' forms an angle α with a direction parallel to the Z axis, the angle α being in the range of 5 degrees to 10 degrees. Stated another way, the first surface normal 252' forms an angle β with a direction parallel to the Y axis, the angle β being in the range of 80 degrees to 85 degrees. These angles may vary. For example, the side surfaces may be perpendicular to the Y-axis, etc.

Similarly, for this embodiment, as best seen by viewing fig. 7 and 8, the at least one wear indicator 238 includes a first pocket 242 defined by a first surface 250 (such as bottom surface 244), the first pocket 242 being elongated in a direction parallel to the Y-axis, defining a maximum dimension 254 thereof oriented along the Z-axis, the first pocket 242 further defining a width 256 in a direction parallel to the X-axis and a depth 258 in a direction parallel to the Y-axis. For example, for some embodiments, the dimension 254 may vary between 0.5 inches and 5 inches, the width 256 may vary between 0.12 inches and 1.5 inches in some embodiments, and the depth 258 may vary between 1.5 inches and 7 inches in some embodiments.

Referring to fig. 5 and 7, a second surface 250 '(such as side surface 246) may also be provided that defines a second surface normal 252' that is not parallel to the X-axis. The second surface 250 'may include a second wear indicator 238 in the form of a second pocket 242', the second pocket 242 'being elongated in a direction parallel to the X-axis, defining a maximum dimension 254' thereof oriented along the X-axis, the second pocket further defining a width 256 'in a direction parallel to the Y-axis and a depth 258' in a direction parallel to the Z-axis. For example, for some embodiments, the dimension 254' may vary between 0.5 inches and 5 inches, the width 256' may vary between 0.12 inches and 1.5 inches in some embodiments, and the depth 258' may vary between 1.5 inches and 7 inches in some embodiments.

For the embodiment shown in fig. 5 and 7, the second pocket 242' defines a bottom extremity 260 positioned in a direction parallel to the Z-axis, and the first pocket 242 defines an end extremity 262 positioned in a direction parallel to the Z-axis. Further, as best seen in fig. 7, the cartesian coordinate system establishes a first X-Z plane 264 positioned at the origin of the cartesian coordinate system, and the body of the link defines a second X-Z plane 266 spaced apart from the first X-Z plane 264, the second X-Z plane 266 being disposed between the bottom end 260 of the second pocket 242' and the end 262 of the first pocket 242. Thus, the end tip 262 of the first pocket 242 will be worn away (but only very obscured) before the second pocket 242' is completely worn away. In some cases, the end tip 262 of the first pocket 242 and the bottom tip 260 of the second pocket 242' may lie substantially in the same X-Z plane. That is, as soon as the second pocket 242 'is worn, the end tip 262' of the first pocket 242 may also be worn.

It is contemplated that the second pocket 242' and its function may be replaced by notifying the user when the end tip 262 of the first pocket 242 will be worn, the side surface 246 having been worn to or beyond a minimum acceptable size. It is further contemplated that the orientation of the second pocket 242' may be altered so that it is elongated in a direction generally parallel to the Y-axis so that the first pocket 242 and its function may be replaced by notifying the user when the end tip of the second pocket will be worn, the bottom surface 244 having been worn to or beyond a minimum acceptable size.

The orientation of the pocket on the bottom or top surface may allow trapping material in the work area (such as sand or loose material or the like) in the pocket. As a result, more material may adhere to the entrapped material, thereby forming a protective layer on the underside of the link, helping to reduce the wear rate. Depending on the features and the configuration of the track links, similar benefits may be obtained in other areas of the track links.

For the embodiment shown in the figures, the Cartesian coordinate system establishes an X-Y plane, a Y-Z plane, and a first X-Z plane 264. Body 204 of link 202 is shown as being symmetrical about an X-Y plane, a first X-Z plane, and a Y-Z plane. This increases the variety of possible orientation changes for the track link once signs of wear occur at one or more locations. However, it is contemplated that other embodiments may have one, two, or no planes of symmetry, etc.

Here are some exemplary dimensions of the links. The total length of the links in the X direction may be in the range of 4 inches to 40 inches, and the overall height of the primary link member in the Y direction may be in the range of 2 to 20. The ratio of the length of a link in the X direction to its height in the Y direction is typically 2 to 1. The length of the strut in the X direction and the height in the Z direction may be one quarter of the width of the gap (which is the distance from the inner arcuate surface of one C-shaped end to the inner arcuate surface of the other C-shaped end, which may be in the range of 4 inches to 38 inches, for example). The dimensions of the major cross-section of the links are generally constant around the oval perimeter and may include a height of about one-half inch in the Z-direction and a thickness of about one foot in the Y-direction. The thickness of the chain in the Y direction may be in the range of 1 inch to 7 inches. Any of the dimensions discussed anywhere herein may be varied as needed or desired. Likewise, the ratios of the dimensions discussed herein may be scaled up or down, or otherwise varied as needed or desired, based on the embodiment or application.

The links may be made of any suitable material, including iron, gray cast iron, steel, and the like. Likewise, the links may be cast, forged as a unit, or may be manufactured and assembled by fastening, welding, press-fitting two or more pieces together to form the link.

Fig. 9 and 10 illustrate link 202 after a first level of wear has been reached in bite region 208 during the useful life of the link. This wear occurs over time due to a number of factors including: tension and friction between the links, wear from material in the working area, etc. For some embodiments, at this level of wear, the ratio of fourth thickness 232 to third thickness 230 as shown in fig. 10 may be approximately 0.1 to 1.0. The contact surface area 210 has not yet been greatly reduced, and therefore, the links 202 still have some useful life.

In fig. 11 and 12, link 202 has reached a second level of wear in bite region 208. At this level, the ratio of the fourth thickness 232 to the third thickness 230 approaches zero, which means that the contact surface area 210 will begin to decrease rapidly. Thus, the user is alerted to the point when it is time to begin considering replacing the link 202 or chain 200.

Fig. 13 and 14 present the last stage of wear of the bite area 208. At this level, the ratio of the fourth thickness (now not shown because it has disappeared) to the third thickness 230 has reached zero. Now, the chain 200 or the links 202 need to be replaced, since the contact surface area 210 is reduced, so that the chain 200 or the links 202 are no longer useful in their intended application.

Referring now to fig. 15 and 16, both regions 236, 240 of the middle portion 220 of the link 202 have become worn, which means that it is also time to replace the chain 200 or the link 202.

Fig. 17 and 18 depict a scenario in which the bottom surface 244 of one intermediate portion 220 has been worn. Thus, it may be necessary to rotate the chain 200 or the links 202 by 90 degrees or 180 degrees around the load vector L in order to continue using the chain. In order to rotate the link 180 degrees, it is desirable to check whether the opposite corresponding surface 244 'on the other intermediate portion 220' is unworn. Alternatively, the chain 200 or the links 202 may be replaced.

Finally, fig. 19 and 20 show a situation in which the side surface 246 of the middle part 220 of the chain link 202 has been worn away, requiring a 90 degree rotation of the chain 200 or the chain link 202 around the load vector L. Alternatively, the chain 200 or the links 202 may be replaced.

Industrial applicability

In practice, links or chains according to any of the embodiments described, illustrated, or discussed herein may be sold, purchased, manufactured, remanufactured, retrofitted, assembled, or otherwise obtained in an aftermarket or OEM (original equipment manufacturer) environment.

Links according to any of the embodiments described herein may be designed using existing link designs and modifying the design as needed or desired. For example, a link design having a trapezoidal shape may be changed to the design shown in fig. 6, wherein a substantially square shape is provided having the same cross-sectional area as the original trapezoidal shape. In particular, the first thickness 212 for the design in fig. 6 is greater than the corresponding dimension at the end 228 of the previous trapezoidal shape. Meanwhile, the second thickness 218 for the embodiment shown in fig. 6 may be about the same as the corresponding maximum trapezoidal dimension of the previous design. The cross-section in the rail or the intermediate portion may remain substantially the same. Other design techniques are also possible.

A chain or link according to any of the embodiments described, discussed, or illustrated herein may be used with the method shown in fig. 21 for using or maintaining the chain or link.

The method 300 includes: the chain or chain links are inspected for signs of wear without the use of tools (step 302). Then, if signs of wear are detected, the method comprises: the orientation of the chain or links is changed, or the chain is replaced (step 304). In some embodiments, the checking step 302 is accomplished without using a tool to actually measure wear (step 306). For example, gauges, templates, or other measurement tools may not be required. In other embodiments, the checking step 302 is accomplished without the use of tools to assemble or disassemble the chain or links (step 308). For example, no tools may be required to pry apart the links or to space one link from another. In other embodiments, one or more links are provided such that wear in two or more directions is provided. In the embodiment shown in the figures, wear in three directions substantially perpendicular to each other may be monitored simultaneously (step 310).

Once the signs of wear are detected, the orientation of the chain or links can be changed in various ways. In some embodiments, the chain or links may be rotated a predetermined amount (step 312). In some cases, the rotation may be around the load vector and at 90 degree intervals. In other cases, the rotation may be about an axis perpendicular to the load vector (such as the Z-axis as shown in the figures). The amount of change in orientation can be any predetermined amount, including those less than or greater than 90 degrees, and the like.

It should be understood that the foregoing description provides examples of the disclosed components and techniques. However, it is contemplated that other embodiments of the invention may differ in detail from the foregoing examples. All references to the invention or examples thereof are intended to reference the particular example being discussed at that time and are not intended to imply any limitation as to the scope of the invention more generally. All discriminatory and light language regarding specific features is intended to indicate a lack of preference for those features, but not to exclude such features from the scope of the invention unless otherwise indicated.

Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the embodiments of the apparatus and methods of assembly as discussed herein without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the various embodiments disclosed herein. For example, some devices may be constructed and function in a manner different from that described herein, and certain steps of any method may be omitted, performed in a different order than that specifically mentioned, or performed in some cases simultaneously or in sub-steps. Moreover, variations or modifications may be made to certain aspects or features of the various embodiments to create additional embodiments, and features and aspects of the various embodiments may be added to or substituted for other features or aspects of other embodiments to provide yet further embodiments.

Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.