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Chain |
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The chain is a closed polygon consisting of as many segments as you like. On this polygon any number of nodes move in circles with a speed specified by the drive of the chain. You can adjust the position of each node separately or you can automatically distribute them regularly.
When creating a chain it consists of 4 segments at first. You create new segments by dividing existing ones. You do this by marking a segment and calling the edit mask of the chain by clicking right. Then you select the button ‘divide segment’ in the tabsheet 'parameter'. You can shift and turn the separated segments like a linear mover. To turn a segment you have to position the mouse cursor near to the end of the segment so that the cursor changes into a cross. This is sometimes a little bit tricky, especially with segments that pass exactly along an axis.
The nodes will be created automatically if you fix an element to the chain. The position of the new node is chosen as near as possible to the position of the new fixed element. You can shift the node with the help of the mouse to the desired position. Around edges it is difficult to shift nodes. In these cases you can open the edit mask of the node and correct its position on the chain with the slide controller ‘offset’. Before fixing the nodes you should fix the chain to avoid an unintended movement of the segments.
If you want to detect the movement of the chain, please use the resolver for conveyor/chain.
In connection with chains the on/off pawl and the limit switch nose are quite useful. If you define a chain as master of a limit switch, it will be activated by every node with which it overlaps.
The samples ‘formula_1’ and ‘tree saw’ demonstrate the use of a chain.
In this version the things which are hanging on the nodes are not turned in curves.
The editing of a chain is still in need of improvement.
Tabsheet: Actuators |