Chain tensioning mechanism and method of tensioning

Abstract

This invention discloses a chain tensioning mechanism and method, belonging to the field of chain technology. The chain tensioning mechanism and method include a transmission box, within which are disposed a rotatably engaged driving sprocket, a chain mechanism driven by the driving sprocket, and a driven sprocket driven by the chain mechanism. The transmission box also includes a driven shaft that is inserted into the driven sprocket, a movable frame that is rotatably engaged with the driven shaft, and a tensioning power mechanism connected to the movable frame. The chain tensioning mechanism and method provided by this invention allow the tensioning power mechanism to drive the movable frame to move. The movable frame is provided with a rotatably engaged driven shaft, which is inserted into the driven sprocket. The tensioning power mechanism can drive the driven shaft and driven sprocket to move laterally, keeping the chain mechanism taut. This allows multiple output sprockets to rotate synchronously with sufficient force during rotation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of chain technology, specifically relating to a chain tensioning mechanism and its tensioning method. Background Technology

[0002] Chain drive mechanisms are widely used in various conveying equipment, packaging machinery, agricultural machinery, and automated production lines due to their advantages such as accurate transmission ratio, high load capacity, and strong adaptability. In the field of conveyors, chain drive mechanisms typically consist of a driving sprocket, a driven sprocket, and a chain wound between them. Power is transmitted to the conveyor drums through multiple output sprockets, thereby achieving continuous material transport. To ensure reliable meshing between the chain and each sprocket, the chain must maintain appropriate tension during operation.

[0003] Existing chain drive systems typically include a tensioning mechanism, which adjusts the position of the driven sprocket to change the center distance of the chain, thereby compensating for the chain elongation and restoring the chain to a taut state.

[0004] Currently, common chain tensioning mechanisms are mainly divided into rigid adjustment types. Rigid adjustment tensioning mechanisms usually use cylinders, hydraulic cylinders, or screw and nut mechanisms to drive the driven sprocket to move. Their adjustment position can be locked, and they can provide a large tension force.

[0005] However, such mechanisms lack flexible buffering during adjustment. When the instantaneous impact load on the chain is too large, the rigid tension cannot be released in time, easily causing the chain to bear tension exceeding its limit, resulting in chain breakage or sprocket damage. Furthermore, rigid tensioning mechanisms lack an effective compensation mechanism when the chain length changes, making it difficult to ensure the chain remains within a suitable tension range. Therefore, this application proposes a chain tensioning mechanism and its tensioning method. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a chain tensioning mechanism and its tensioning method to solve the problem that the existing rigid adjustable tensioning mechanism mentioned in the background art lacks flexible buffering during the adjustment process. When the instantaneous impact load on the chain is too large, the rigid tension cannot be released in time, which can easily cause the chain to bear a tension exceeding its limit, resulting in chain breakage or sprocket damage.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a chain tensioning mechanism, comprising a transmission box, wherein the transmission box is provided with a rotatingly engaged drive sprocket, a chain mechanism drivenly connected to the drive sprocket, and a driven sprocket drivenly connected to the chain mechanism; The transmission box is provided with a driven shaft that is inserted into the driven sprocket, a movable frame that is rotatably coupled to the driven shaft, and a tensioning power mechanism connected to the movable frame; A sprocket following mechanism is provided at the transmission box. One end of the sprocket following mechanism is connected to the movable frame, and the other end of the sprocket following mechanism is connected to the tensioning power mechanism. The sprocket following mechanism includes a sprocket push rod, a storage box that slides with the sprocket push rod, and a spring installed in the storage box. One end of the spring is connected to the sprocket push rod, and the other end of the spring is connected to the inner wall of the storage box. The sprocket push rod is connected to the movable frame.

[0008] Preferably, the transmission box includes a frame and a cover plate that is fastened to the frame, and the frame and the cover plate are fixedly connected by bolts and nuts.

[0009] Preferably, a drive device is provided on the outside of the transmission box. The drive device is used to provide power for the rotation of the chain mechanism. The drive device includes a servo motor and a reducer.

[0010] Preferably, the drive device is connected to the drive sprocket, the output shaft of the reducer is connected to the drive sprocket, and the transmission box is provided with a plurality of output sprockets, which are connected to the chain mechanism for transmission and are rotatably mounted in the transmission box.

[0011] Preferably, the movable frame is provided with a bearing seat, and the driven shaft is inserted into the bearing seat.

[0012] Preferably, the transmission box is provided with a lower support frame and a side support frame. One end of the lower support frame is used to install the tensioning power mechanism, and the other end of the lower support frame is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the transmission box. The side support frame includes an L-plate and a rib plate. The rib plate is fixedly installed on the L-plate, and the side support frame abuts against the end of the tensioning power mechanism away from the driven sprocket.

[0013] Preferably, the transmission box is provided with a chain anti-detachment plate, and the chain mechanism includes an inner chain plate, an outer chain plate, a pin, and a sleeve. The chain anti-detachment plate abuts against the sleeve and is fixedly installed on the transmission box by bolts.

[0014] Preferably, the transmission box is provided with a tension guide groove, and the movable frame is slidably engaged with the tension guide groove.

[0015] Preferably, a buffer is provided at the tensioning power mechanism, with one end of the buffer connected to the movable frame and the other end of the buffer connected to the tensioning power mechanism.

[0016] A chain tensioning method includes the following steps: activating the tensioning power mechanism to drive the moving frame and driven sprocket to move, thereby straightening the chain mechanism.

[0017] Beneficial effects: This invention provides a chain tensioning mechanism and its tensioning method. The tensioning power mechanism can drive a movable frame to move, and the movable frame is provided with a driven shaft that is rotatably engaged. The driven shaft is inserted into a driven sprocket. The tensioning power mechanism can drive the driven shaft and the driven sprocket to move laterally. The operator can change the position of the driven sprocket according to actual needs to keep the chain mechanism taut. This allows multiple output sprockets to rotate synchronously, and the force applied during rotation is sufficient.

[0018] This invention provides a chain tensioning mechanism and its tensioning method. The sprocket follower mechanism is connected to the sprocket push rod and the moving frame, while the storage box is connected to the output end of the tensioning power mechanism. In this way, when the chain mechanism is subjected to excessive pressure, it will share some of the squeezing force. At this time, the moving frame will move towards the side closer to the driving sprocket under the action of force, relieving the force on the chain mechanism, avoiding damage to the chain mechanism, and also providing displacement compensation for the chain mechanism to keep it in a tensioned state.

[0019] A buffer is installed at the tensioning power mechanism. One end of the buffer is connected to the moving frame, and the other end of the buffer is connected to the tensioning power mechanism. The buffer is used to prevent the driven sprocket and the moving frame from moving quickly. In this way, the driven sprocket can only move slowly. The slow movement can reduce the tension of the chain mechanism, but will not cause the chain mechanism to separate from the driven sprocket. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the chain tensioning mechanism in this invention; Figure 2 For the present invention Figure 1 Enlarged structural diagram at point A; Figure 3 For the present invention Figure 1 Enlarged structural diagram at point B; Figure 4 This is one of the internal structural diagrams of the chain tensioning mechanism in this invention; Figure 5 This is a second schematic diagram of the internal structure of the chain tensioning mechanism in this invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the driven sprocket and chain anti-detachment plate in this invention; Figure 7 In this invention Figure 6 A magnified structural diagram at point C.

[0021] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1. Transmission box; 101. Frame; 102. Cover plate; 103. Tensioning guide groove; 2. Drive device; 3. Drive sprocket; 4. Chain mechanism; 5. Output sprocket; 6. Driven sprocket; 7. Bearing seat; 8. Moving frame; 9. Tensioning power mechanism; 10. Lower support frame; 11. Side support frame; 12. Sprocket following mechanism; 1201. Sprocket push rod; 1202. Storage box; 1203. Spring; 13. Buffer; 14. Chain anti-drop plate. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below, but it should be understood that the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments.

[0023] like Figures 1-7 As shown, an embodiment of the present invention provides a chain tensioning mechanism, including a transmission box 1. The transmission box 1 includes a frame 101 and a cover plate 102 that is fastened to the frame 101. The frame 101 and the cover plate 102 are fixedly connected by bolts and nuts.

[0024] Specifically, a drive device 2 is provided on the outside of the transmission box 1. The drive device 2 is used to provide power for the rotation of the chain mechanism 4. It should be noted that the drive device 2 includes a servo motor and a reducer.

[0025] Specifically, the transmission box 1 is equipped with a rotating drive sprocket 3, a chain mechanism 4 that is connected to the drive sprocket 3, and a driven sprocket 6 that is connected to the chain mechanism 4. The drive device 2 is connected to the drive sprocket 3. Specifically, the output shaft of the reducer is connected to the drive sprocket 3, and the two can be connected by a coupling.

[0026] When the drive device 2 is turned on, it can drive the drive sprocket 3 to rotate. The drive sprocket 3 is connected to the chain mechanism 4 for transmission. Together with the driven sprocket 6, which is also connected to the chain mechanism 4 for transmission, when the drive device 2 is turned on, it can drive the drive sprocket 3, the chain mechanism 4, and the driven sprocket 6 to rotate.

[0027] It should be noted that the transmission box 1 is equipped with several output sprockets 5. The output sprockets 5 are connected to the chain mechanism 4. The output sprockets 5 are rotatably installed in the transmission box 1 and are connected to the conveyor roller. When the chain mechanism 4 rotates, it can drive the output sprockets 5 to rotate, and the conveyor roller inserted into the output sprockets 5 can rotate synchronously with it. This achieves the effect of driving the conveyor roller to rotate. As one of the most important components of the conveyor, the rotation of the conveyor roller can transport materials. The conveyor roller and the output sprockets 5 can be connected by a key or keyway.

[0028] To provide sufficient thrust to the output sprocket 5, the chain mechanism 4 connected to it needs to be kept taut. Therefore, the transmission box 1 is equipped with a driven shaft that is inserted into the driven sprocket 6, a movable frame 8 that is rotatably engaged with the driven shaft, and a tensioning power mechanism 9 connected to the movable frame 8. The tensioning power mechanism 9 can be a cylinder. The tensioning power mechanism 9 can drive the movable frame 8 to move. The movable frame 8 is equipped with a driven shaft that is rotatably engaged with the driven sprocket 6. The tensioning power mechanism 9 can drive the driven shaft and the driven sprocket 6 to move laterally. According to actual needs, the operator can change the position of the driven sprocket 6 to keep the chain mechanism 4 taut. This allows multiple output sprockets 5 to rotate synchronously and with sufficient force during rotation.

[0029] It should be noted that the movable frame 8 is equipped with a bearing seat 7, and the driven shaft is inserted into the bearing seat 7.

[0030] In order to fix the position of the tensioning power mechanism 9, a lower support frame 10 and a side support frame 11 are provided on the transmission box 1. One end of the lower support frame 10 is used to install the tensioning power mechanism 9, and the other end of the lower support frame 10 is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the transmission box 1. The side support frame 11 includes an L plate and a rib plate. The rib plate is fixedly installed on the L plate, and the side support frame 11 abuts against the end of the tensioning power mechanism 9 away from the driven sprocket 6.

[0031] It should be noted that, in order to guide and limit the movement of the movable frame 8, a tension guide groove 103 is provided in the transmission box 1, and the movable frame 8 slides in conjunction with the tension guide groove 103.

[0032] If the driven sprocket 6 is rigidly connected, the chain mechanism 4 connected to it is prone to being subjected to forces exceeding its limits, which may lead to the chain mechanism 4 breaking. To avoid the above problem, a sprocket following mechanism 12 is provided at the transmission box 1. One end of the sprocket following mechanism 12 is connected to the moving frame 8, and the other end of the sprocket following mechanism 12 is connected to the tensioning power mechanism 9.

[0033] Specifically, the sprocket following mechanism 12 includes a sprocket push rod 1201, a storage box 1202 that slides with the sprocket push rod 1201, and a spring 1203 installed in the storage box 1202. One end of the spring 1203 is connected to the sprocket push rod 1201, and the other end of the spring 1203 is connected to the inner wall of the storage box 1202. The sprocket push rod 1201 is connected to the moving frame 8. The spring 1203 is in a compressed state, which can provide a thrust to move the sprocket push rod 1201 away from the active sprocket 3, so that the chain mechanism 4 driven by the active sprocket 3 is in a tensioned state.

[0034] The natural length of spring 1203 is 40-50cm, and the minimum length after compression is 20-25cm. During use, spring 1203 is in a compressed state, and under normal circumstances, its length is 25-35cm and its wire diameter is 15mm.

[0035] The sprocket push rod 1201 in the sprocket follower mechanism 12 is connected to the moving frame 8, while the storage box 1202 is connected to the output end of the tensioning power mechanism 9. In this way, when the pressure on the chain mechanism 4 is too great, it will share some of the squeezing force. At this time, the moving frame 8 will move towards the side closer to the drive sprocket 3 under the action of force, which will relieve the force on the chain mechanism 4 and prevent the chain mechanism 4 from being damaged.

[0036] It should be noted that a buffer 13 is provided at the tensioning power mechanism 9. The buffer 13 is a liquid buffer. One end of the buffer 13 is connected to the moving frame 8, and the other end of the buffer 13 is connected to the tensioning power mechanism 9. The buffer 13 is used to prevent the driven sprocket 6 and the moving frame 8 from moving quickly. In this way, the driven sprocket 6 can only move slowly. The slow movement can reduce the tension of the chain mechanism 4, but will not cause the chain mechanism 4 to separate from the driven sprocket 6.

[0037] For details, please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 The transmission box 1 is provided with a fixedly connected guide frame and a guide rod that slides with the guide frame. One end of the guide rod is fixedly connected to the movable frame 8, and the other end of the guide rod is connected to the sprocket following mechanism 12.

[0038] To prevent the chain mechanism 4 from detaching, a chain anti-detachment plate 14 is provided inside the transmission box 1. The chain mechanism 4 includes an inner chain plate, an outer chain plate, a pin, and a sleeve. The chain anti-detachment plate 14 rests against the sleeve and is fixedly installed on the transmission box 1 by bolts. (Refer to...) Figure 6 The chain anti-detachment plate 14 abuts against the sleeves distributed laterally on one side of the chain mechanism 4, so that the chain anti-detachment plate 14 is located on the lower side of the chain mechanism 4, while the output sprocket 5 is located on the upper side of the chain mechanism 4. In this way, the upper and lower limits are set to prevent the chain mechanism 4 from falling off.

[0039] A chain tensioning method includes the following steps: activating the tensioning power mechanism 9, driving the moving frame 8 and the driven sprocket 6 to move, and straightening the chain mechanism 4.

[0040] In summary, this invention provides a chain tensioning mechanism and its tensioning method. The tensioning power mechanism 9 can drive the movable frame 8 to move, and the movable frame 8 is provided with a driven shaft that is rotatably engaged. The driven shaft is inserted into the driven sprocket 6. The tensioning power mechanism 9 can drive the driven shaft and the driven sprocket 6 to move laterally. According to actual needs, the operator can change the position of the driven sprocket 6 to keep the chain mechanism 4 taut. This allows multiple output sprockets 5 to rotate synchronously, and the force applied during rotation is sufficient.

[0041] The sprocket push rod 1201 in the sprocket follower mechanism 12 is connected to the moving frame 8, while the storage box 1202 is connected to the output end of the tensioning power mechanism 9. In this way, when the pressure on the chain mechanism 4 is too great, it will share some of the squeezing force. At this time, the moving frame 8 will move towards the side closer to the drive sprocket 3 under the action of force, which will relieve the force on the chain mechanism 4 and prevent the chain mechanism 4 from being damaged.

[0042] A buffer 13 is provided at the tensioning power mechanism 9. One end of the buffer 13 is connected to the moving frame 8, and the other end of the buffer 13 is connected to the tensioning power mechanism 9. The buffer 13 is used to prevent the driven sprocket 6 and the moving frame 8 from moving quickly. In this way, the driven sprocket 6 can only move slowly. The slow movement can reduce the tension of the chain mechanism 4, but will not cause the chain mechanism 4 to separate from the driven sprocket 6.

[0043] The above-disclosed embodiments are merely a few specific examples of the present invention. However, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto, and any variations that can be conceived by those skilled in the art should fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A chain tensioning mechanism, comprising a transmission box (1), characterized in that, The transmission box (1) is provided with a rotating engagement drive sprocket (3), a chain mechanism (4) that is connected to the drive sprocket (3) and a driven sprocket (6) that is connected to the chain mechanism (4). The transmission box (1) is provided with a driven shaft that is inserted into the driven sprocket (6), a movable frame (8) that is rotatably connected to the driven shaft, and a tensioning power mechanism (9) connected to the movable frame (8). A sprocket following mechanism (12) is provided at the transmission box (1). One end of the sprocket following mechanism (12) is connected to the moving frame (8), and the other end of the sprocket following mechanism (12) is connected to the tensioning power mechanism (9). The sprocket following mechanism (12) includes a sprocket push rod (1201), a storage box (1202) that slides with the sprocket push rod (1201), and a spring (1203) installed in the storage box (1202). One end of the spring (1203) is connected to the sprocket push rod (1201), and the other end of the spring (1203) is connected to the inner wall of the storage box (1202). The sprocket push rod (1201) is connected to the moving frame (8).

2. The chain tensioning mechanism as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The transmission box (1) includes a frame (101) and a cover plate (102) that is fastened to the frame (101). The frame (101) and the cover plate (102) are fixedly connected by bolts and nuts.

3. The chain tensioning mechanism as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The transmission box (1) is provided with a drive device (2) on the outside. The drive device (2) is used to provide power for the rotation of the chain mechanism (4). The drive device (2) includes a servo motor and a reducer.

4. A chain tensioning mechanism as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The drive device (2) is connected to the drive sprocket (3), the output shaft of the reducer is connected to the drive sprocket (3), and a number of output sprockets (5) are provided in the transmission box (1). The output sprockets (5) are connected to the chain mechanism (4) for transmission, and the output sprockets (5) are rotatably installed in the transmission box (1).

5. A chain tensioning mechanism as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The movable frame (8) is provided with a bearing seat (7), and the driven shaft is inserted into the bearing seat (7).

6. A chain tensioning mechanism as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The transmission box (1) is provided with a lower support frame (10) and a side support frame (11). One end of the lower support frame (10) is used to install the tensioning power mechanism (9), and the other end of the lower support frame (10) is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the transmission box (1). The side support frame (11) includes an L plate and a rib plate. The rib plate is fixedly installed on the L plate, and the side support frame (11) abuts against the end of the tensioning power mechanism (9) away from the driven sprocket (6).

7. A chain tensioning mechanism as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The transmission box (1) is provided with a chain anti-drop plate (14). The chain mechanism (4) includes an inner chain plate, an outer chain plate, a pin, and a sleeve. The chain anti-drop plate (14) abuts against the sleeve and is fixedly installed on the transmission box (1) by bolts.

8. A chain tensioning mechanism as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The transmission box (1) is provided with a tension guide groove (103), and the moving frame (8) slides in cooperation with the tension guide groove (103).

9. A chain tensioning mechanism as described in claim 1, characterized in that, A buffer (13) is provided at the tensioning power mechanism (9). One end of the buffer (13) is connected to the moving frame (8), and the other end of the buffer (13) is connected to the tensioning power mechanism (9).

10. A chain tensioning method, characterized in that, The chain tensioning mechanism described in any one of claims 1-9 is used, and its use includes the following steps: Start the tensioning power mechanism (9), which drives the moving frame (8) and driven sprocket (6) to move, and straightens the chain mechanism (4).

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