An adjustable guide wheel

Abstract

This invention provides an adjustable guide wheel, including a support frame for supporting the guide wheel. The support frame includes an end plate and two side plates that slide and are perpendicularly arranged on the same side of the end plate. The two side plates are connected to the end plate through an adjustment mechanism, and the guide wheel is installed on the inner side of the two side plates. The adjustment mechanism controls the two side plates to move closer or further apart relative to each other, and can control the movement of the two side plates relative to the end plate, thereby driving the guide wheel to correct the track deviation. The guide wheel of this invention is installed on a state-adjustable support frame, and the support frame is equipped with an adjustment mechanism to adjust its state. That is, when the angle sensor detects the wheel tilt, the main controller instructs the adjustment mechanism to move, thereby driving the guide wheel to move in the axial direction to compensate for the track deviation caused by installation errors or terrain, and to correct uneven wear.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of guide wheel technology, and in particular to an adjustable guide wheel. Background Technology

[0002] In mechanical transmission systems, especially tracked equipment and conveyor systems, idler wheels play a crucial role. Their core function is to guide, support, and adjust the operating state of transmission components such as tracks, chains, and conveyor belts, thereby ensuring stable and efficient operation of the equipment. Simultaneously, the stable guiding effect of the idler wheels effectively prevents excessive localized wear on transmission components due to misalignment, thus extending the overall system's service life.

[0003] However, in practical engineering applications, the traditional fixed-axle idler wheel correction mechanism has significant technical bottlenecks. When construction machinery operates in complex terrain, the track system often experiences lateral deviation due to factors such as differences in ground slope, uneven load distribution, or component aging. When the idler wheel cannot be axially adjusted, existing correction technologies mainly rely on a passive contact correction principle: when the track deviates laterally, the side of the track chain and the tapered rim surface of the idler wheel form asymmetrical contact. Based on the principle of action and reaction, the inclined rim surface generates a lateral reaction force pointing towards the center of the track, causing the track to gradually return to the preset trajectory.

[0004] While this passive correction method can achieve basic guidance, long-term operation will cause multiple problems. On the one hand, continuous asymmetric contact leads to high-frequency sliding friction between the idler wheel rim and the track chain. According to engineering wear test data, the wear rate of the idler wheel surface under this condition is 3-5 times higher than that under normal conditions, significantly shortening its service life. On the other hand, the lateral load concentrated on the rim will cause stress concentration, which can easily lead to fatigue cracks on the rim surface under alternating stress, and even cause the wheel structure to fail. In addition, this forced correction method will increase the running resistance of the track system, increasing the overall energy consumption by 15%-20%, while also aggravating abnormal wear of the track plates and chain links, forming a systemic wear problem.

[0005] Excessive wear of the guide wheel not only reduces its own service life, but also affects its guiding, supporting and adjusting effect on the transmission components, making the transmission components more prone to problems such as deviation, which in turn affects the stable operation of the entire equipment and increases the maintenance cost and downtime of the equipment. Utility Model Content

[0006] This utility model discloses an adjustable guide wheel, which mainly solves the problem of severe wear caused by the non-axial adjustment of the guide wheel and the track.

[0007] To achieve the aforementioned objective, the technical solution of this utility model is implemented as follows:

[0008] This utility model provides an adjustable guide wheel, including a support frame for supporting the guide wheel. The support frame includes an end plate and two side plates that slide and are vertically arranged on the same side of the end plate. The two side plates are connected to the end plate through an adjustment mechanism. The guide wheel is installed on the inner side of the two side plates. The adjustment mechanism controls the two side plates to move closer or further apart, and can control the movement of the two side plates relative to the end plate, thereby driving the guide wheel to correct the track.

[0009] Preferably, a sliding groove with an open end is provided on the side wall where the end plate contacts the side plate along its length direction. The sliding plate installed at the end of the side plate is located in the sliding groove, and the sum of the lengths of the two sliding plates is less than the length of the sliding groove.

[0010] Preferably, the adjusting mechanism includes a bidirectional threaded rod, and threaded holes with opposite threads are provided on the two side plates. The two ends of the bidirectional threaded rod are respectively inserted into the threaded holes of the two side plates; a polygonal groove is provided on the end face of the bidirectional threaded rod.

[0011] Preferably, the adjusting mechanism further includes a threaded post, which is inserted into a threaded hole in a side plate, and a gap is left between the threaded post and the bidirectional threaded rod.

[0012] Preferably, the threaded column is connected to a support plate that passes through the end of the end plate via a bearing, and a worm gear is sleeved on the end of the threaded column. A worm is meshed on the side of the worm gear, and the worm is connected to the power output shaft of the motor.

[0013] Preferably, the end plate is slidably disposed inside the limiting frame, and the limiting frame is fixedly mounted on the base. A telescopic cylinder is provided at the end of the limiting frame away from the guide wheel, and the telescopic end of the telescopic cylinder is connected to the end plate.

[0014] Preferably, a sliding hole is provided on the side wall of the limiting frame along its length, and a guide rail is provided above the limiting frame; a threaded post is provided through the sliding hole; a slider is fixedly provided below the bracket supporting the motor, and the slider is slidably installed in the guide rail.

[0015] Preferably, the guide wheel includes a first wheel body and a second wheel body. The first wheel body has a first shaft that is connected through the middle of the first wheel body via a bearing and is interference-fitted to a side plate. The second wheel body has a second shaft that is connected through the middle of the second wheel body via a bearing and is interference-fitted to another side plate. A linear bearing is installed on the second wheel body, and the end of the first shaft that protrudes from the first wheel body is inserted into the linear bearing.

[0016] The advantages or beneficial effects of the above technical solutions include at least the following:

[0017] 1. The guide wheel of this utility model is installed on an adjustable support frame, and the support frame is equipped with an adjustment mechanism to adjust its state. When the angle sensor detects that the wheel is tilted, the main controller commands the adjustment mechanism to move the guide wheel in the axial direction to compensate for the track deviation caused by installation error or terrain, so as to correct uneven wear.

[0018] 2. The support frame of this utility model is slidably installed within the limiting frame, and the support frame is connected to the telescopic cylinder. When the telescopic cylinder is activated, the guide wheel can be controlled to move along the length of the track. In conjunction with the action of the support frame and the adjustment mechanism, the bidirectional movement adjustment of the guide wheel can be realized. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The accompanying drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description thereof, serve to explain the principles of the present invention. These drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model;

[0021] Figure 2 This is a structural schematic diagram of the guide wheel and limiting frame of this utility model;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the limiting frame of this utility model;

[0023] Figure 4 This is a structural schematic diagram of the guide wheel, support frame, adjustment mechanism, and telescopic cylinder of this utility model;

[0024] Figure 5 This is a structural schematic diagram of the support frame of this utility model;

[0025] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the adjustment mechanism of this utility model;

[0026] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the guide wheel of this utility model.

[0027] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0028] 1. Base;

[0029] 2. Guide wheel;

[0030] 21. First wheel body; 22. Second wheel body; 23. First axle body; 24. Second axle body; 25. Linear bearing;

[0031] 3. Limiting frame;

[0032] 31. Sliding hole; 32. Guide rail;

[0033] 4. Support frame;

[0034] 41. Side plate; 42. Threaded hole; 43. Sliding plate; 44. End plate; 45. Sliding groove;

[0035] 5. Adjustment mechanism;

[0036] 51. Double-ended threaded rod; 52. Polygonal groove; 53. Threaded post; 54. Slider; 55. Motor; 56. Bracket; 57. Worm gear; 58. Worm wheel;

[0037] 6. Telescopic cylinder Detailed Implementation

[0038] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. While some embodiments of the present invention are shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the present invention can be implemented in various forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to provide a more thorough and complete understanding of the present invention. It should be understood that the accompanying drawings and embodiments of the present invention are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0039] It should be noted that, where there is no conflict, the embodiments and features described in these embodiments can be combined with each other. The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0040] The term "comprising" and its variations as used herein are open-ended, meaning "including but not limited to". The term "based on" means "at least partially based on". The term "one embodiment" means "at least one embodiment"; the term "another embodiment" means "at least one additional embodiment"; the term "some embodiments" means "at least some embodiments". Definitions of other terms will be given in the following description. It should be noted that the concepts of "first", "second", etc., mentioned in this utility model are only used to distinguish different devices, modules, or units, and are not used to limit the order of functions performed by these devices, modules, or units or their interdependencies.

[0041] It should be noted that the terms "a" and "a plurality of" used in this utility model are illustrative rather than restrictive. Those skilled in the art should understand that, unless otherwise expressly indicated in the context, they should be understood as "one or more".

[0042] The names of the messages or information exchanged between the multiple devices in this embodiment of the invention are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of these messages or information.

[0043] Example 1

[0044] The base 1 of tracked equipment typically includes a track frame and a base frame connecting the left and right track frames. The base frame bears the weight of the upper part of the equipment (such as the turntable of an excavator or the working device of a bulldozer). Track rollers, carrier rollers, idler rollers and other wheel bodies are installed on the track frame, and tracks are installed on the track rollers, carrier rollers, idler rollers and other wheel bodies, which can reduce track wear while guiding the running direction of the tracks and supporting the weight of the equipment.

[0045] The idler wheel 2 typically employs a rigid connection structure, meaning its axial position is not adjustable. When construction machinery operates in complex terrain, the track system often experiences lateral deviation due to factors such as differences in ground slope, uneven load distribution, or component aging. The track track sidewall and the tapered rim surface of the idler wheel form asymmetrical contact. Based on the principle of action and reaction, the inclined rim surface generates a lateral reaction force pointing towards the center of the track, causing the track to gradually return to its preset trajectory. This correction method accelerates wear on the idler wheel surface, and under alternating stress, it is prone to fatigue cracks on the rim surface.

[0046] like Figure 1 , Figure 4 As shown, to solve the above problems, this embodiment provides a new installation method for the guide wheel 2. Specifically, it includes a support frame 4 for supporting the guide wheel 2. The support frame 4 includes an end plate 44 and two side plates 41 that slide and are perpendicularly arranged on the same side of the end plate 44. The two side plates 41 are connected to the end plate 44 through an adjustment mechanism 5. The guide wheel 2 is installed on the inner side of the two side plates 41, and the guide wheel 2 is in contact with the track. An inclination sensor is installed on the track frame to detect the wheel tilt angle and feed it back to the controller to adjust the lateral position. In addition, a PLC-based main controller is provided, which receives sensor data and outputs control commands through a PID algorithm to drive the adjustment mechanism 5. When the adjustment mechanism 5 is activated, it drives the guide wheel 2 to move in the axial direction to compensate for track misalignment caused by installation errors or terrain, thereby correcting uneven wear. The main controller can be set to FCT640, FX1 N-40MR, etc., that is, PLC-based main controllers have been publicly used.

[0047] like Figure 5 As shown, in order to control the axial movement of the guide wheel 2 via the support frame 4, a sliding groove 45 with an open end is provided on the side wall of the end plate 44 that contacts the side plate 41 along its length direction. A sliding plate 43, installed at the end of the side plate 41, is located within the sliding groove 45, and the sum of the lengths of the two sliding plates 43 is less than the length of the sliding groove 45. With the cooperation of the sliding plates 43 and the sliding groove 45, the side plate 41 is stably and movably installed relative to the end plate 44, providing support for controlling the synchronous movement of the two side plates 41 relative to the end plate 44 to adjust the axial position of the guide wheel 2.

[0048] like Figure 5 , Figure 6 As shown, the adjustment mechanism 5 also includes a threaded post 53, which is inserted into the threaded hole 42 of one of the side plates 41. The threaded post 53 is connected to a support plate at the end of the end plate 44 via a bearing, and the two side plates 41 are connected by a connector. Thus, when the threaded post 53 rotates, the two side plates 41 are controlled to move synchronously and in the same direction. Since the guide wheel 2 is installed between the two side plates 41, the position of the guide wheel 41 can be adjusted when the side plates 41 move.

[0049] like Figure 6 As shown, in order to adjust the position of the guide wheel 2 during the movement of the tracked equipment, a worm gear 58 is sleeved on the end of the threaded column 53, and a worm 57 is meshed on the side of the worm gear 58. The worm 57 is connected to the power output shaft of the motor 55. The main controller commands the motor 55 to operate, which drives the threaded column 53 to rotate.

[0050] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, with the axial position of the guide wheel 2 adjustable, in order to further control the movement of the guide wheel 2 along the length of the track and adjust the track tension, the end plate 44 is slidably disposed inside the limiting frame 3, and the limiting frame 3 is fixedly mounted on the base 1. A telescopic cylinder 6 is provided at the end of the limiting frame 3 away from the guide wheel 2, and the telescopic end of the telescopic cylinder 6 is connected to the end plate 44. The main controller can instruct the telescopic cylinder 6 to work, forcing the end plate 44 to move within the limiting frame 3, controlling the guide wheel 2 to move along the length of the track to adjust the track tension.

[0051] Example 2

[0052] like Figure 3 , Figure 6 As shown, based on Embodiment 1, with the guide wheel 2 movable relative to the limiting frame 3, a sliding hole 31 is provided on the side wall of the limiting frame 3 along its length direction to adjust the axial position of the guide wheel 2, and a guide rail 32 is provided above the limiting frame 3. A threaded post 53 is provided through the sliding hole 31. A slider 54 is fixedly provided below the bracket 56 supporting the motor 55, and the slider 54 is slidably mounted within the guide rail 32. This configuration provides support for the threaded post 53 and the motor 55 to move along the length direction of the track as the guide wheel 2 moves, thereby enabling bidirectional movement of the guide wheel 2.

[0053] Example 3

[0054] like Figure 5 , Figure 6As shown, based on embodiment 1 or 2, in order to control the synchronous movement of the two side plates 41, the connecting member connecting the side plates 41 can be set as a bidirectional threaded rod 51. At the same time, threaded holes 42 with opposite threads are provided on the two side plates 41. In addition, the two ends of the bidirectional threaded rod 51 are respectively inserted into the threaded holes 42 of the two side plates 41. With this setting, the two side plates 41 can be fastened together by the bidirectional threaded rod 51. In addition, the distance between the two side plates 41 can also be adjusted by rotating the bidirectional threaded rod 51, thereby adapting to guide wheels 2 of different sizes.

[0055] like Figure 5 As shown, a polygonal groove 52 is provided on the end face of the bidirectional threaded rod 51 in order to rotate it. In addition, a sliding hole 31 is provided on the side wall of the limiting frame 3 along its length direction. A polygonal wrench can pass through the sliding hole 31 and extend into the polygonal groove 52 to rotate the bidirectional threaded rod 51.

[0056] When the threaded post 53 is inserted into the threaded hole 42 of a side plate 41, there is a gap between the threaded post 53 and the bidirectional threaded rod 51 to avoid the presence of the bidirectional threaded rod 51 affecting the movement of the threaded post 53 relative to the side plate 41, that is, the two side plates 41 can still move synchronously in the same direction.

[0057] Example 4

[0058] like Figure 7 As shown, based on embodiments 1, 2, or 3, in order to reduce the cost of replacing the guide wheel 2 due to wear, the guide wheel 2 includes a first wheel body 21 and a second wheel body 22. The first wheel body 21 is connected to the side plate 41 by a first shaft 23 through a bearing in the middle, and the second wheel body 22 is connected to the other side plate 41 by a second shaft 24 through a bearing in the middle. This arrangement reduces the cost of the guide wheel 2 while ensuring sufficient strength, and allows for the replacement of part of the guide wheel 2 if one wheel body is damaged, further reducing maintenance costs.

[0059] like Figure 7 As shown, in order to ensure that the first wheel body 21 and the second wheel body 22 are installed relatively stably, a linear bearing 25 is installed on the second wheel body 22. The end of the first shaft body 23 protruding from the first wheel body 21 is inserted into the linear bearing 25. While enhancing the connection strength between the first wheel body 21 and the second wheel body 22, the relative movement of the first wheel body 21 and the second wheel body 22 is not affected.

[0060] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0061] Those skilled in the art should understand that the above embodiments are merely for clearly illustrating the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other changes or modifications can be made based on the above-described invention, and these changes or modifications still fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An adjustable guide wheel, characterized in that, The system includes a support frame for supporting the guide wheel. The support frame includes an end plate and two side plates that slide and are perpendicularly arranged on the same side of the end plate. The two side plates are connected to the end plate through an adjustment mechanism. The guide wheel is installed on the inner side of the two side plates. The adjustment mechanism controls the two side plates to move closer or further apart relative to each other and can control the movement of the two side plates relative to the end plate, thereby driving the guide wheel to correct the track deviation.

2. The adjustable guide wheel as described in claim 1, characterized in that, A sliding groove with an open end is provided on the side wall where the end plate contacts the side plate along its length direction. A sliding plate installed at the end of the side plate is located in the sliding groove, and the sum of the lengths of the two sliding plates is less than the length of the sliding groove.

3. The adjustable guide wheel as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The adjusting mechanism includes a bidirectional threaded rod, and threaded holes with opposite threads are provided on the two side plates. The two ends of the bidirectional threaded rod are respectively inserted into the threaded holes of the two side plates; a polygonal groove is provided on the end face of the bidirectional threaded rod.

4. The adjustable guide wheel as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The adjustment mechanism also includes a threaded post, which is inserted into a threaded hole in a side plate, and a gap is left between the threaded post and the bidirectional threaded rod.

5. The adjustable guide wheel as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The threaded column is connected to a support plate through the end of the end plate via a bearing, and a worm gear is sleeved on the end of the threaded column. A worm is meshed on the side of the worm gear, and the worm is connected to the power output shaft of the motor.

6. The adjustable guide wheel as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The end plate is slidably disposed inside the limiting frame, and the limiting frame is fixedly mounted on the base. A telescopic cylinder is provided at the end of the limiting frame away from the guide wheel, and the telescopic end of the telescopic cylinder is connected to the end plate.

7. The adjustable guide wheel as described in claim 6, characterized in that, A sliding hole is provided on the side wall of the limiting frame along its length, and a guide rail is provided above the limiting frame; the threaded post is provided through the sliding hole; a slider is fixedly provided below the bracket supporting the motor, and the slider is slidably installed in the guide rail.

8. The adjustable guide wheel as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The guide wheel includes a first wheel body and a second wheel body. The first wheel body has a first shaft that is connected through the middle of the first wheel body via a bearing and is interference-fitted to a side plate. The second wheel body has a second shaft that is connected through the middle of the second wheel body via a bearing and is interference-fitted to another side plate. A linear bearing is installed on the second wheel body, and the end of the first shaft that protrudes from the first wheel body is inserted into the linear bearing.

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