Flexible track tension test tool and test method

Abstract

This invention relates to a flexible track tensioning test fixture and method for measuring the tensioning stroke of a flexible track. The test fixture includes a first component and a second component. The first component includes a first slide rod and a first support rod; the second component includes a second slide rod and a second support rod. The first and second support rods support the two ends of the flexible track, and the first support rod has a first support surface with an arcuate shape, and the second support rod has a second support surface with an arcuate shape. The test fixture also includes an adjusting component and a blocking component. When the first and second slide rods are connected, one end of the adjusting component abuts against the blocking component. By rotating the adjusting component, the first and second slide rods are driven to slide away from each other to tension the flexible track. Using the test fixture of this invention to test the tensioning stroke of a flexible track can obtain test data under a fixed bending radius, and the data is more reliable and accurate, saving time and labor for manual installation of the flexible track mechanism.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of track tensioning technology, specifically to a flexible track tensioning test fixture and test method. Background Technology

[0002] Flexible tracks are widely used in engineering machinery, agricultural machinery, and special vehicles. Traditionally, the installation of flexible track mechanisms does not require testing the tension stroke of the flexible track before installing idlers or drive wheels. However, for some... Figures 1 to 3 The flexible track mechanism shown requires the installation of multiple sequentially abutting idler roller assemblies within the flexible track. The two ends of the idler roller assemblies can be slidably mounted on the track frame and then tensioned using tensioning bolts. The outer diameter of the idler rollers used in the idler roller assembly is also relatively small. Before installing the idler roller assemblies, the tension stroke of the flexible track needs to be measured to provide data support for the structural design of the flexible track mechanism.

[0003] Currently, the common practice for measuring the tension stroke of flexible tracks is to tension the tracks using jacks, tensioners, or manual methods, and then measure the deformation using measuring tools. However, these methods cannot guarantee that the track will be tensioned under a fixed bending radius, affecting the reliability of the data. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, the present invention provides a flexible track tensioning test fixture, thereby solving or at least alleviating one or more of the above-mentioned problems and other problems existing in the prior art.

[0005] The second objective of this invention is to provide a method for testing the tension of flexible tracks.

[0006] To achieve the aforementioned objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0007] A flexible track tensioning test fixture for measuring the tensioning stroke of a flexible track, the test fixture comprising:

[0008] The first component includes a first slide bar and a first support bar laterally disposed at the end of the first slide bar;

[0009] The second component includes a second slide rod that can be separated from the first slide rod or slidably connected to the first slide rod along the length direction of the first slide rod, and a second support rod that is laterally disposed at the end of the second slide rod.

[0010] The first support rod and the second support rod are used to support the two ends of the flexible track. The first support rod has a first support surface that can contact the inner side of one end of the flexible track, and the second support rod has a second support surface that can contact the inner side of the other end of the flexible track. The first support surface and the second support surface are arc-shaped surfaces.

[0011] The test fixture also includes an adjusting member connected to the first slide rod via a connecting assembly and a blocking member disposed on the second slide rod. The adjusting member is threadedly connected to the connecting assembly, and when the first slide rod and the second slide rod are connected, one end of the adjusting member abuts against the blocking member. By rotating the adjusting member, the first slide rod and the second slide rod are driven to slide away from each other to tension the flexible track.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present invention, optionally, the arc radii of the first support surface and the second support surface are equal.

[0013] Alternatively, the first support rod and the second support rod may be circular tubes with the same outer diameter.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the present invention, optionally, the adjusting member is an adjusting bolt, which extends along the length direction of the first slide rod.

[0015] According to some embodiments of the present invention, optionally, the adjusting member is provided on opposite sides of the first slide rod, and the blocking member is provided on opposite sides of the second slide rod.

[0016] Alternatively, each of the blocking members is provided with a limiting ring, and one end of the adjusting member is located inside the limiting ring.

[0017] According to some embodiments of the present invention, optionally, the connecting assembly includes a lug fixedly connected to the side of the first slide bar and a nut fixedly disposed on the lug, and the adjusting member is threadedly connected to the nut.

[0018] According to some embodiments of the present invention, optionally, the first slide rod and the second slide rod are both square tubes, and the second slide rod can be inserted into the first slide rod.

[0019] According to some embodiments of the present invention, optionally, a rib is provided between the blocking member and the first sliding rod.

[0020] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the flexible track may optionally be a rubber track.

[0021] The second technical solution adopted by the present invention is: a flexible track tensioning test method, wherein the method uses the flexible track tensioning test fixture described above, and the method includes the following steps:

[0022] Step S1: Measure the distance D1 between the two ends of the flexible track along its length direction without external force.

[0023] Step S2: Insert the test fixture into the flexible track, and then rotate the adjusting member to make the first slide bar and the second slide bar slide away from each other, thereby tensioning the flexible track;

[0024] Step S3: Measure the distance D2 between the two ends of the flexible track in the length direction under tension.

[0025] Step S4: Calculate the tension stroke D of the flexible track, where the tension stroke D is the difference between distance D2 and distance D1.

[0026] In this invention, the tension stroke D of the flexible track refers to the difference between the distance D2 between the two ends of the flexible track after tension and the distance D1 between the two ends of the flexible track when there is no external force.

[0027] Due to the application of the above technical solution, the present invention has the following advantages compared with the prior art:

[0028] The flexible track tensioning test fixture of the present invention can be used to test the tensioning stroke of the flexible track, and test data under a fixed bending radius can be obtained. The data is more reliable and accurate, and saves the time and labor of manual installation of the flexible track mechanism. Attached Figure Description

[0029] The disclosure of this invention will become more apparent from the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this invention.

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the flexible track mechanism;

[0031] Figure 2 This is a full sectional view of the flexible track mechanism;

[0032] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the idler assembly used in the flexible track mechanism;

[0033] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the flexible track tensioning test fixture provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 5 for Figure 4 Front view of the flexible track tensioning test fixture;

[0035] Figure 6 for Figure 4 Exploded view of the flexible track tensioning test fixture;

[0036] Figure 7 The images show the side view (A) and top view (B) of the flexible track under no external force.

[0037] Figure 8 To be Figure 4 Side view (A) and top view (B) of the test fixture being installed in the flexible track.

[0038] Figure 9 The images show a side view (A) and a top view (B) of the flexible track after it has been tensioned.

[0039] In the picture:

[0040] 1. First slide bar; 2. Second slide bar; 3. First support rod; 31. First support surface; 4. Second support rod; 41. Second support surface; 5. Adjusting component; 6. Nut; 7. Blocking component; 8. Limiting ring; 9. Ear plate; 10. Rib plate; 11. Track; 12. Limiting rod; 13. Idler support rod; 14. Stop bar; 15. First idler assembly; 16. Second idler assembly; 17. Third idler assembly; 18. Central shaft; 19. Idler; 20. Slider; 21. Adjustment space; 22. Tensioning bolt. Detailed Implementation

[0041] Referring to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, the structure, composition, features, and advantages of the flexible track tensioning test fixture of the present invention will be described below by way of example; however, all descriptions should not be construed as limiting the present invention in any way.

[0042] For any single technical feature described or implied in the embodiments submitted herein, or any single technical feature shown or implied in the various drawings, the present invention still operates in any combination or deletion among these technical features or their equivalents without any technical obstacle, and thus these further embodiments according to the present invention should also be considered within the scope of the description herein.

[0043] Figures 4 to 6 A flexible track tensioning test fixture is shown for measuring the tensioning stroke of a flexible track. The test fixture includes a first component and a second component. The first component includes a first slide rod 1 and a first support rod 3 laterally disposed at the end of the first slide rod 1. The second component includes a second slide rod 2 that can be separated from the first slide rod 1 or slidably connected to the first slide rod 1 along the length direction of the first slide rod 1 and a second support rod 4 laterally disposed at the end of the second slide rod 2.

[0044] The first support rod 3 and the second support rod 4 are used to support the two ends of the flexible track. The first support rod 3 has a first support surface 31 that can contact the inner side of one end of the flexible track, and the second support rod 4 has a second support surface 41 that can contact the inner side of the other end of the flexible track. The first support surface 31 and the second support surface 41 are arc-shaped surfaces. During the tension stroke test of the flexible track, the tension stroke under a fixed bending radius can be obtained, providing more reliable data support for the design of the flexible track mechanism.

[0045] The test fixture also includes an adjusting member 5 connected to the first slide rod 1 via a connecting assembly and a blocking member 7 disposed on the second slide rod 2. The adjusting member 5 is threadedly connected to the connecting assembly, and when the first slide rod 1 and the second slide rod 2 are connected, one end of the adjusting member 5 abuts against the blocking member 7. By rotating the adjusting member 5, the first slide rod 1 and the second slide rod 2 are driven to slide away from each other to tension the flexible track.

[0046] The first support surface and the second support surface have the same arc radius. In some optional embodiments, the first support rod 3 and the second support rod 4 are circular tubes with the same outer diameter. The outer diameter of the circular tube is equal to the outer diameter of the idler roller to be installed in the flexible track, so as to obtain more accurate data.

[0047] Optionally, the adjusting element 5 is an adjusting bolt, which extends along the length of the first slide rod 1.

[0048] The adjusting element is provided on both sides of the first slide rod 1, and the blocking element 7 is provided on both sides of the second slide rod 2.

[0049] Each side of the blocking member 7 is provided with a limiting ring 8, and one end of the adjusting member 5 is located inside the limiting ring 8 to prevent the adjusting member 5 from deviating or sliding out of the blocking member 7.

[0050] See Figure 5 A connecting assembly is fixedly installed on the opposite sides of the first slide rod 1. Each side connecting assembly includes two ear plates 9 fixedly connected to the side of the first slide rod 1 and a nut 6 fixedly connected between the two ear plates 9. The adjusting member 5 is threadedly connected to the nut 6.

[0051] The first slide rod 1 and the second slide rod 2 are both square tubes. The second slide rod 2 is detachably inserted into the first slide rod 1, and there is no circumferential slippage between the first slide rod 1 and the second slide rod 2. A stiffening plate 10 is provided between the blocking member 7 and the second slide rod 2 to enhance the strength of the blocking member 7.

[0052] The flexible track is a rubber track with an inner layer of annular reinforcement, such as an annular metal layer.

[0053] A test method for using the aforementioned flexible track tensioning test fixture to measure the tensioning stroke of a flexible track includes the following steps:

[0054] Step S1, as follows Figure 7 As shown, the distance D1 between the two ends of the flexible track along its length is measured when no external force is applied.

[0055] During this step, the flexible track is in a naturally extended state when no external force is applied.

[0056] Step S2, see Figure 8 The test fixture is inserted into the flexible track, and then the adjusting component 5 is rotated to make the first slide bar 1 and the second slide bar 2 slide away from each other, thereby tensioning the flexible track.

[0057] Step S3, see Figure 9 Measure the distance D2 between the two ends of the flexible track in the length direction under tension.

[0058] Step S4: Calculate the tension stroke D of the flexible track. The tension stroke D is the difference between distance D2 and distance D1.

[0059] Traditional flexible track mechanisms typically do not require testing the tension stroke of the flexible track, but for some... Figures 1 to 3 The flexible track mechanism shown requires testing of the tension stroke of the flexible track before installing the idlers to provide data support for the structural design of the flexible track mechanism, such as guiding the selection of the number of idlers and pre-calculating the length of the guide grooves used to install the idlers.

[0060] Specifically, Figures 1 to 3 The structure of the flexible track mechanism and the idler assembly is shown. The flexible track mechanism includes a track frame, a track 11, an idler unit and a limiting rod 12. The track frame includes idler support rods 13 arranged on opposite sides and a stop rod 14 connected between the two idler support rods 13. The two idler support rods 13 and the stop rod 14 together form an accommodating space. The track 11 extends along the length direction of the idler support rods 13 and is located within the accommodating space.

[0061] The idler unit includes a first idler assembly 15, multiple second idler assemblies 16, and a third idler assembly 17, which are sequentially arranged along the length of the track and all pass through the track. The two ends of the first idler assembly 15, the two ends of each of the second idler assemblies 16, and the two ends of the third idler assembly 17 are respectively connected to two side idler support rods 13. A limiting rod 12 is provided on the two side idler support rods 13. The limiting rod 12 and a stop rod 14 are located on both sides of the track 11. The limiting rod 12 is used to restrict the idler unit to the idler support rod 13. A slot is provided on the idler support rod, and the limiting rod is inserted into the slot. The two ends of the first idler assembly 15, the two ends of each of the second idler assemblies 16, and the two ends of the third idler assembly 17 can be slidably connected to the idler support rod 13 along the length of the idler support rod 13.

[0062] See Figure 3 The first idler assembly 15, multiple second idler assemblies 16, and the third idler assembly 17 each include a central shaft 18, sliders 20 disposed at both ends of the central shaft 18, and an idler 19 sleeved on the central shaft 18 and capable of rotating around the axis of the central shaft 18. Guide grooves are provided on each side of the idler support rod 13 corresponding to the position of the slider. The slider of each idler assembly is located within the guide groove. The first idler assembly 15 is positioned near the stop rod 14, and the third idler assembly 17 is positioned near the limiting rod 12. The slider of the first idler assembly 15 abuts against the slider of the adjacent second idler assembly 16, and the sliders of the multiple second idler assemblies 16 abut against each other. An adjustment space 21 for adjusting the track tension is reserved between the slider of the third idler assembly 17 and the slider of the adjacent second idler assembly 16. The slider of the third idler assembly 17 also abuts against the limiting rod 12.

[0063] The flexible track mechanism also includes a tensioning assembly for adjusting the tension of the track 11. This tensioning assembly includes tension bolts 22 movably mounted on the side idler support rods 13. The tension bolts 22 pass sequentially through a limiting rod 12 and a third idler assembly 17, with the end of each bolt abutting against a second idler assembly 16 adjacent to the third idler assembly 17. The tension bolts 22 are also threadedly connected to the third idler assembly 17. By rotating the tension bolts 22, the limiting rod 12 restricts the movement of the third idler assembly. During rotation, the length of the portion of the tension bolt exposed on the third idler assembly changes, thus altering the length of the adjustment space and consequently changing the track tension. This flexible track mechanism can be used on temporary support equipment for coal mine tunneling machines to form a shield-type temporary support device, such as a top shield in contact with the roadway roof or a side shield in contact with the roadway sidewalls.

[0064] The idler rollers 19 of this flexible track mechanism typically have a small outer diameter, such as 250mm or less. Before manually installing the flexible track mechanism, the tension stroke of the flexible track needs to be measured to estimate the length of the adjustment space 21 and the length H of the guide groove (see...). Figure 2 (i.e., the distance between the blocking plate and the limit rod) and the pre-calculated number of idler roller assemblies so that the idler roller assemblies can be manually installed into the flexible track.

[0065] In this example of a flexible track mechanism, the tension stroke D is approximately equal to the length of the adjustment space 21, and the length H of the guide groove is slightly greater than the value of the distance D2.

[0066] When selecting the test fixture, the outer diameters of the first and second support rods of the test fixture should be the same as the outer diameter of the idler roller. This will allow for obtaining the tension stroke of the track under a fixed bending radius, resulting in more accurate data and saving time and labor for manual installation of the flexible track mechanism.

[0067] The above is just one example of a flexible track mechanism, but the test fixtures in this application are not limited to guiding the structural design of the above flexible track mechanism.

[0068] In summary, this test fixture can not only guide the design of the aforementioned flexible track mechanism, but also be used in other types of flexible track mechanisms where it is necessary to test the tension stroke of the flexible track.

[0069] This test fixture can more accurately measure the tension stroke of flexible tracks under a fixed bending radius. Moreover, the fixture has a simple structure, is quick to install, and is reusable. It uses bolt tensioning, which provides good stability and avoids the risk of slippage. The fixture is also low in manufacturing cost and easy to promote and use.

[0070] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the embodiments of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the embodiments of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the embodiments of the present invention. Therefore, all equivalent technical solutions also fall within the scope of the embodiments of the present invention, and the patent protection scope of the embodiments of the present invention should be defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A flexible track tension testing fixture for measuring the tension stroke of a flexible track, characterized in that, The test fixture includes: The first component includes a first slide bar and a first support bar laterally disposed at the end of the first slide bar; The second component includes a second slide rod that can be separated from the first slide rod or slidably connected to the first slide rod along the length direction of the first slide rod, and a second support rod that is laterally disposed at the end of the second slide rod. The first support rod and the second support rod are used to support the two ends of the flexible track. The first support rod has a first support surface that can contact the inner side of one end of the flexible track, and the second support rod has a second support surface that can contact the inner side of the other end of the flexible track. The first support surface and the second support surface are arc-shaped surfaces. The test fixture also includes an adjusting member connected to the first slide rod via a connecting assembly and a blocking member disposed on the second slide rod. The adjusting member is threadedly connected to the connecting assembly, and when the first slide rod and the second slide rod are connected, one end of the adjusting member abuts against the blocking member. By rotating the adjusting member, the first slide rod and the second slide rod are driven to slide away from each other to tension the flexible track.

2. The flexible track tensioning test fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first support surface and the second support surface have the same arc radius.

3. The flexible track tensioning test fixture according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first support rod and the second support rod are circular tubes with the same outer diameter.

4. The flexible track tensioning test fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The adjusting component is an adjusting bolt, which extends along the length of the first slide rod.

5. The flexible track tensioning test fixture according to claim 1 or 4, characterized in that, The adjusting member is provided on each of the opposite sides of the first slide rod, and the blocking member is provided on each of the opposite sides of the second slide rod.

6. The flexible track tensioning test fixture according to claim 5, characterized in that, Each of the blocking members is provided with a limiting ring, and one end of the adjusting member is located inside the limiting ring.

7. The flexible track tensioning test fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting assembly includes a lug plate fixedly connected to the side of the first slide bar and a nut fixedly disposed on the lug plate, and the adjusting member is threadedly connected to the nut.

8. The flexible track tensioning test fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first slide rod and the second slide rod are both square tubes, and the second slide rod can be inserted into the first slide rod; and / or, A reinforcing rib is provided between the blocking member and the first sliding rod.

9. The flexible track tensioning test fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flexible track is a rubber track.

10. A method for testing the tension of flexible tracks, characterized in that, The method employs the flexible track tensioning test fixture described in any one of claims 1 to 9, and the method includes the following steps: Step S1: Measure the distance D1 between the two ends of the flexible track along its length direction without external force. Step S2: Insert the test fixture into the flexible track, and then rotate the adjusting member to make the first slide bar and the second slide bar slide away from each other, thereby tensioning the flexible track; Step S3: Measure the distance D2 between the two ends of the flexible track in the length direction under tension. Step S4: Calculate the tension stroke D of the flexible track, where the tension stroke D is the difference between distance D2 and distance D1.

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