Chain tensioner mechanism

Abstract

The utility model provides a kind of sprocket tensioning mechanism, it includes: support, the both sides of support are equipped with slide respectively;Sprocket assembly component, the both ends of inner central shaft of sprocket assembly component are slidably installed in slide by sliding block;Tensioning force adjusting assembly, tensioning force adjusting assembly is equipped in the both ends of central shaft, to drive sliding block to drive sprocket assembly component along slide to slide, tensioning force adjusting assembly has with the tensioning force adjusting rod of parallel arrangement of slide, one end of tensioning force adjusting rod is fixed on support, after the other end of tensioning force adjusting rod is passed through sliding block and is screw-connected with adjusting nut, adjusting nut and sliding block between be equipped with the elastic adjusting member of being set on tensioning force adjusting rod.The utility model can solve the problem of insufficient tensioning reliability, weak polygon effect inhibition ability in prior art, by setting elastic adjusting member in tensioning structure to realize dynamic tensioning force adjustment, and optimize component cooperation structure to improve operating stability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of chain drive structure technology, and in particular to a sprocket tensioning mechanism. Background Technology

[0002] Chain drives are widely used in industry due to their advantages such as high load-bearing capacity, high transmission efficiency, and adaptability to harsh working conditions (such as dust, oil, and high temperatures). However, during long-term operation, chain drives are prone to chain slack due to factors such as chain wear, thermal expansion and contraction, and load fluctuations. Chain slack leads to poor meshing between the sprocket and chain, causing problems such as skipped teeth and chain derailment. It also exacerbates speed fluctuations and impact noise caused by the polygonal effect, affecting transmission accuracy and equipment operational stability. Therefore, the sprocket tensioning mechanism, as a key auxiliary device in chain drive systems, is of paramount importance to the reliability of chain drive equipment.

[0003] Existing sprocket tensioning mechanisms, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, support 01 serves as the fixed foundation for the entire tensioning mechanism. Its body is machined with a slide rail and pressure plate that cooperate with other parts. The slide rail provides a guide trajectory for the sliding of slider 02, while the pressure plate is used to install the tensioning bolt 05, forming a fulcrum for applying the tensioning force. Slider 02 can slide along the length of the slide rail, and its interior has a slot that matches the shaft 04. The sprocket assembly 03 is a transmission component that directly meshes with the chain and is fixedly mounted on the shaft 04. Both ends of the shaft 04 are correspondingly embedded in the slots of slider 02, allowing the sprocket assembly 03 to move synchronously with the sliding of slider 02. The tensioning bolt 05 is connected to the pressure plate of support 01 via threads, with the bolt end pointing towards the top surface of slider 02, and is fitted with a lock nut. When chain tensioning is required, the tensioning bolt 05 is rotated to push it downwards along the threads of the pressure plate until it presses against the top surface of slider 02. The axial thrust of the bolt drives slider 02 to move along the slide rail, pushing shaft 04 and sprocket assembly 03 to move, thereby tensioning the chain.

[0004] The above-mentioned sprocket tensioning mechanism has the following defects:

[0005] (1) Insufficient tensioning reliability: The above structure uses independent manual bolt adjustment on both sides without adjustment feedback. Adjustment error can easily cause the shaft 04 to drive the sprocket assembly 03 to tilt. When the tilted sprocket meshes with the chain, it will cause the chain to be subjected to concentrated force on one side, and the wear on one side of the chain will increase. At the same time, the fit clearance between the slider 02 and the slide rail will be partially blocked due to the offset, which will affect the flexibility of subsequent tensioning adjustment. The tensioning force depends entirely on the operator's experience and there is no quantitative standard. If the adjustment is too loose, the chain will still have the risk of loosening, and the accident rate of skipping teeth and chain derailment will increase. If the adjustment is too tight, it will aggravate the wear of the chain drive assembly. Especially in the hoisting and transportation equipment in the mining and metallurgical fields, such failure may cause safety hazards such as material falling and equipment shutdown, affecting the continuity of production.

[0006] (2) Weak ability to suppress polygon effect: When the chain drive meshes, the trajectory of the chain moving around the sprocket is a regular polygon (the side length is the chain pitch, and the number of sides is the number of sprocket teeth), which is the polygon effect. This effect causes the instantaneous speed of the chain to fluctuate periodically with the rotation of the sprocket, and the fewer the number of teeth and the larger the pitch, the more violent the fluctuation. The above structure adopts a static tensioning method, which only applies a fixed thrust through the tensioning bolt 05 to achieve one-time tensioning. It cannot dynamically adjust the tensioning force according to the instantaneous speed fluctuation. The speed fluctuation causes impact noise and aggravates chain fatigue damage, shortening the life of the chain drive mechanism. Utility Model Content

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to provide a sprocket tensioning mechanism that solves the problems of insufficient tensioning reliability and weak polygon effect suppression in the prior art. By setting an elastic adjustment component in the tensioning structure to achieve dynamic tensioning force adjustment, and optimizing the component matching structure to improve operational stability.

[0008] The above-mentioned technical objectives of this utility model are mainly achieved through the following technical solutions.

[0009] This utility model provides a sprocket tensioning mechanism, which includes:

[0010] The support has slides on both sides;

[0011] A sprocket assembly, wherein the two ends of the central shaft of the sprocket assembly are slidably mounted in the slide rail via sliders;

[0012] A tension adjustment assembly is provided at both ends of the central shaft to drive the slider to move the sprocket assembly along the slide. The tension adjustment assembly has a tension adjustment rod arranged parallel to the slide. One end of the tension adjustment rod is fixed to the support, and the other end of the tension adjustment rod passes through the slider and is threaded to an adjusting nut. An elastic adjusting element is provided between the adjusting nut and the slider and sleeved on the tension adjustment rod.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the elastic adjusting member is a disc spring.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the tension adjustment assembly further includes a disc spring positioning cover. The disc spring positioning cover is sleeved on the tension adjustment rod and disposed between the adjusting nut and the slider. The opening groove of the disc spring positioning cover faces the slider, and the disc spring is disposed in the opening groove. The adjusting nut drives the disc spring positioning cover to compress the disc spring, so that the opening end of the disc spring positioning cover abuts against the slider, and the two ends of the compressed disc spring abut against the disc spring positioning cover and the slider, respectively.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the tension adjusting rod is a bolt, the bolt thread passes through the through hole on the support and the bolt nut is circumferentially locked in the through hole.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the adjusting nut includes a locking nut and an anti-loosening nut.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a tension adjustment rod is provided on each side of the slider at one end of the central shaft.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the slide has two slide rails arranged opposite to each other and parallel to each other, and the two ends of the slider are respectively slidably mounted on the two slide rails.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment of this utility model, a fitting gap of 0.1mm-0.2mm is reserved between the slider and the slide rail.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the sprocket assembly includes the central shaft and a sprocket body mounted on the central shaft via bearings.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment of this utility model, a square hole is provided on the slider, and the square end of the central shaft is inserted into the square hole to form an interference fit.

[0022] Compared with the prior art, the technical solution of this utility model has the following features and advantages:

[0023] The sprocket tensioning mechanism described in this invention has significant advantages in terms of quantification standards, tensioning reliability, and suppression of polygon effects.

[0024] Regarding the quantitative standards for tension adjustment, disc springs can be precisely selected and assembled based on the chain's designed tension force. The depth of the disc spring positioning cap is strictly customized according to the compression amount of the disc spring, ensuring that a basic tension force meeting quantitative requirements is provided when static. This provides a precise basis for tension adjustment from the root, avoiding arbitrariness caused by the lack of quantitative standards. During equipment operation, the disc springs can automatically and accurately adjust the tension force dynamically according to the actual condition of the chain, always maintaining the chain at its optimal tension. This greatly reduces wear caused by improper tension, effectively reduces the probability of jamming, significantly reduces the potential safety hazards caused by over- or under-tension, and strongly guarantees the long-term stable and safe operation of the equipment.

[0025] To address the polygon effect, the disc spring exhibits dynamic response performance. When the chain experiences momentary slack due to the polygon effect, the disc spring can quickly rebound, prompting the sprocket to follow up promptly and rapidly replenish the chain slack. This significantly reduces the amplitude of chain speed fluctuations, effectively suppresses the impact caused by sudden speed changes, and ensures that the sprocket maintains stable operation throughout the entire adjustment process. This greatly reduces impact noise, significantly reduces chain fatigue damage, and substantially improves chain durability, making the chain drive system operate more smoothly and reliably. Attached Figure Description

[0026] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort. In the drawings:

[0027] The accompanying drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this invention in any way. Furthermore, the shapes and proportions of the components in the drawings are merely illustrative to aid in understanding the invention and do not specifically limit the shapes and proportions of the components. Those skilled in the art, under the guidance of this invention, can select various possible shapes and proportions to implement this invention according to specific circumstances.

[0028] Figure 1 This is a side view schematic diagram of the sprocket tensioning mechanism in the prior art;

[0029] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure along the AA direction;

[0030] Figure 3 This is a side view of the sprocket tensioning mechanism described in this utility model.

[0031] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure along the BB direction.

[0032] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0033] Existing technology

[0034] 01. Support; 02. Slider; 03. Sprocket assembly; 04. Shaft; 05. Tensioning bolt.

[0035] This application:

[0036] 10. Support; 11. Slide rail; 12. Slider; 13. Central shaft; 14. Sprocket body; 15. Bolt; 16. Adjusting nut; 17. Disc spring; 18. Disc spring positioning cover. Detailed Implementation

[0037] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions of this utility model, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort should fall within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0038] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is referred to as being "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only embodiments.

[0039] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0040] This utility model provides a sprocket tensioning mechanism, such as... Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, it includes: a support 10, with slide rails 11 on both sides of the support 10; a sprocket assembly, with both ends of the central shaft 13 inside the sprocket assembly slidably mounted in the slide rails 11 via sliders 12; and a tension adjustment assembly, which is located at both ends of the central shaft 13 to drive the sliders 12 to move the sprocket assembly along the slide rails 11. The tension adjustment assembly has a tension adjustment rod arranged parallel to the slide rails 11. One end of the tension adjustment rod is fixed to the support 10, and the other end of the tension adjustment rod passes through the sliders 12 and is threadedly connected to an adjusting nut 16. An elastic adjusting element is provided between the adjusting nut 16 and the sliders 12 and sleeved on the tension adjustment rod.

[0041] The sprocket tensioning mechanism described in this utility model has significant advantages in terms of quantitative standards, tensioning reliability, and suppression of polygon effects. The specific technical effects will be described in detail later in conjunction with the specific structure.

[0042] The following will provide a detailed description of the specific structure of each part of the sprocket tensioning mechanism described in this utility model, as well as the position and connection relationship between each part.

[0043] The sprocket tensioning mechanism has a support 10, which serves as the fixed foundation for the entire sprocket tensioning mechanism. Its core function is to provide precise sliding guidance for the slider 12, and at the same time, it serves as the installation reference for the tension force adjusting rod and the elastic adjusting component, and bears the reaction force during the tensioning process.

[0044] Specifically, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the support 10 is machined with a rectangular slide rail 11 that matches the slider 12. Since the support 10 is used to install and fix the two ends of the central shaft 13 inside the sprocket assembly, a slide rail 11 is provided on each of the opposite sides of the support 10, and the two slide rails 11 are arranged parallel to each other; each slide rail 11 has two slide rails arranged opposite to each other and parallel to each other. The bottom of the support 10 is provided with a through hole for installing and fixing the tension adjustment rod.

[0045] The sprocket tensioning mechanism has a sprocket assembly that is mounted on the support 10 and used to connect with the chain. Its core function is to directly engage with the chain and transmit power. Its stable movement is the key to ensuring the chain tension.

[0046] Specifically, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, the sprocket assembly includes a central shaft 13 and a sprocket body 14 mounted on the central shaft 13 via bearings; the central shaft 13 is also equipped with a dust cover and a nut. The two ends of the central shaft 13 are square structures (for interference fit with the square holes on the slider 12), and the middle is a stepped shaft (for positioning the sprocket body 14); the core function of the central shaft 13 is to connect the slider 12 and the sprocket body 14, and to transmit the sliding displacement of the slider 12 to the sprocket body 14.

[0047] Furthermore, sliders 12 are fixedly installed at both ends of the central shaft 13. The sliders 12 have square holes that fit the central shaft 13. The square end of the central shaft 13 is inserted into the square hole and locked using an interference fit. The square hole design prevents the central shaft 13 from rotating relative to the sliders 12, ensuring the stability of the sprocket body 14 axis. The sliders 12 have a cuboid structure, with both ends slidably mounted on the two slide rails of the slideway 11, allowing them to slide freely along the length of the slideway 11 on the support 10. The sliders 12 have through holes for the tension adjustment rod to pass through. The core function of the sliders 12 is to drive the sprocket assembly to move synchronously, thereby adjusting the chain tension.

[0048] The sprocket assembly in this embodiment adopts a fixed shaft structure, but it is not limited to this. The sprocket assembly can also adopt a rotating shaft structure, that is, the two ends of the central shaft 13 are fixedly connected to the slider 12 through bearing seats.

[0049] The sprocket tensioning mechanism also has a tension adjustment component, which is set at both ends of the central shaft 13. Its core function is to drive the slider 12 to move the sprocket assembly along the slide rail 11, thereby realizing the adjustment of the chain tension.

[0050] Specifically, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the tension adjustment assembly includes a tension adjustment rod, an adjustment nut 16, and an elastic adjustment element.

[0051] The tension adjusting rod is arranged parallel to the slide rail 11. One end of the tension adjusting rod is fixed to the support 10, and the other end passes through the slider 12 and is threadedly connected to the adjusting nut 16. In this embodiment, the tension adjusting rod can be made of a high-strength bolt 15 (performance grade 8.8 or above). The nut end of the bolt 15 has a hexagonal structure (for positioning and locking with the bottom of the support 10), and the screw end of the bolt 15 has an external thread (for fitting with the adjusting nut 16). The length of the screw can be designed according to the compression stroke of the elastic adjusting element and the assembly requirements of the components.

[0052] The elastic adjusting element is located between the adjusting nut 16 and the slider 12 and is sleeved on the tension adjusting rod (bolt 15). Its core function is to achieve dynamic tension adjustment: when the chain experiences momentary slack due to the polygonal effect, the elastic adjusting element extends to push the slider 12 to move and supplement the tension; when the chain experiences momentary tension due to impact, the elastic adjusting element is compressed to absorb the impact force and prevent excessive tension. In this embodiment, the elastic adjusting element is composed of multiple disc springs 17 stacked together, using a "paired stacking" method (ensuring stable elastic force and controllable stroke); the elastic force parameters of the disc springs 17 are determined according to the chain's designed tension (it must meet the following requirements: providing basic tension force in static conditions and compensating for displacement as the chain fluctuates in dynamic conditions). Other types of springs, such as coil springs, can also be used for the elastic adjusting element.

[0053] The sprocket tensioning mechanism described in this utility model has a static tensioning adjustment process and a dynamic tensioning compensation process, as detailed below.

[0054] Static tension adjustment (assembly stage): Rotate the adjusting nut 16 so that it moves downward along the screw of the bolt 15, pushing and compressing the disc spring 17. The elastic force generated by the disc spring 17 is transmitted to the slider 12. Under the action of the elastic force, the slider 12 moves downward along the slide rail 11 of the support 10, and at the same time drives the sprocket assembly to move downward synchronously until the chain generates the basic tension required by the design, thus completing the static tension adjustment.

[0055] Dynamic tension compensation (operation phase): When the chain drive system is running, if the chain experiences momentary slack due to load fluctuations or polygonal effects (such as the moment the sprocket tooth tip disengages from the chain roller), the tension of the chain on the sprocket body 14 decreases. The disc spring 17 extends and pushes the slider 12 downward, simultaneously driving the sprocket body 14 downward to compensate for the chain slack and maintain tension. Throughout the operation, the slider 12 slides along the rectangular slide rail 11 on the support 10. The cooperation between the square hole on the slider 12 and the central shaft 13 ensures that the axis of the sprocket body 14 is always parallel to the axis of the drive wheel, preventing the sprocket body 14 from tilting and causing unilateral wear of the chain.

[0056] The structure and technology of the preferred embodiment of the sprocket tensioning mechanism of this utility model will be further described below.

[0057] According to one embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, the tension adjustment assembly also includes a disc spring positioning cover 18. The disc spring positioning cover 18 is sleeved on the tension adjustment rod and located between the adjusting nut 16 and the slider 12. The opening groove of the disc spring positioning cover 18 faces the slider 12, and the disc spring 17 is located in the opening groove. The disc spring positioning cover 18 is driven by the adjusting nut 16 to compress the disc spring 17, so that the opening end of the disc spring positioning cover 18 abuts against the slider 12, and the two ends of the compressed disc spring 17 abut against the disc spring positioning cover 18 and the slider 12 respectively.

[0058] Specifically, the disc spring positioning cover 18 adopts a circular structure with both the top and bottom being flat (the bottom flat surface of the disc spring 17 fits against the top surface of the slider 12 when the disc spring 17 is compressed to the minimum design height); the bottom of the disc spring positioning cover 18 has a circular opening groove, the groove depth is the same as the height of the disc spring 17 after compression, and the groove diameter is adapted to the outer diameter of the disc spring 17; the center of the top of the disc spring positioning cover 18 has a through hole for the bolt 15 to pass through.

[0059] The disc spring positioning cap 18 has multiple core functions: First, it can accurately position the disc spring 17, preventing displacement deviation during operation and ensuring the stability of the entire sprocket tensioning mechanism. Second, by limiting the depth of the slot, the disc spring positioning cap 18 restricts the minimum height of the disc spring 17. When assembling the disc spring 17, it is compressed to a height consistent with the depth of the slot in the disc spring positioning cap 18. This setting ensures that the initial compression of the disc spring 17 is the same. During subsequent operation, regardless of how many times the disc spring 17 undergoes compression and rebound, its minimum height is always limited by the depth of the slot in the disc spring positioning cap 18, thereby unifying the compression of each set of disc springs 17, ensuring the consistency and stability of the entire disc spring 17 during operation, preventing the slider 12 from jamming due to uneven force, and ensuring that the slider 12 can slide smoothly along the slide rail 11, providing strong support for the precise control of the chain tension.

[0060] According to one embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 3 As shown, on the slider 12 at one end of the central shaft 13, there is a tension adjustment rod (bolt 15) on each side of the slider 12; a bolt 15 is set on each side of a slider 12 to distribute the impact force generated during the chain operation, thereby improving the stability of the sprocket tensioning mechanism during operation.

[0061] According to one embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, the adjusting nut 16 includes a locking nut and a lock nut. The adjusting nut 16 adopts a double-nut structure (matching the bolt 15), and its core function is to fix the compression of the disc spring 17 by locking with the double nuts: the locking nut is used to adjust the compression of the disc spring 17 during static tension adjustment to determine the basic tension force; the lock nut is set close to the locking nut to prevent loosening, avoid the locking nut from loosening due to vibration during equipment operation, and ensure stable tension.

[0062] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a 0.1mm-0.2mm clearance is reserved between the slider 12 and the slide rail to prevent jamming and ensure the flexibility of dynamic adjustment.

[0063] The specific embodiments described above further illustrate the purpose, technical solution, and beneficial effects of this utility model. It should be understood that the above descriptions are merely specific embodiments of this utility model and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the scope of protection of this utility model.

Claims

1. A sprocket tensioner mechanism characterized by, include: Support (10), with slides (11) on both sides of the support (10); A sprocket assembly, wherein the two ends of the central shaft (13) inside the sprocket assembly are slidably mounted in the slide rail (11) via sliders (12); The tension adjustment assembly is located at both ends of the central shaft (13) to drive the slider (12) to drive the sprocket assembly to slide along the slide (11). The tension adjustment assembly has a tension adjustment rod arranged parallel to the slide (11). One end of the tension adjustment rod is fixed on the support (10), and the other end of the tension adjustment rod passes through the slider (12) and is threaded to an adjusting nut (16). An elastic adjusting element is provided between the adjusting nut (16) and the slider (12) and sleeved on the tension adjustment rod.

2. The sprocket tensioning mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The elastic adjusting element is a disc spring (17).

3. The sprocket tensioning mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that, The tension adjustment assembly also includes a disc spring positioning cover (18), which is sleeved on the tension adjustment rod and located between the adjusting nut (16) and the slider (12). The disc spring positioning cover (18) has an opening groove on the side facing the slider (12), and the disc spring (17) is located in the opening groove. The adjusting nut (16) drives the disc spring positioning cover (18) to compress the disc spring (17), so that the opening end of the disc spring positioning cover (18) abuts against the slider (12), and the two ends of the compressed disc spring (17) abut against the disc spring positioning cover (18) and the slider (12) respectively.

4. The sprocket tensioning mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tension adjustment rod is a bolt (15), the bolt (15) passes through the through hole on the support (10) and the nut of the bolt (15) is circumferentially locked in the through hole.

5. The sprocket tensioning mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that, The adjusting nut (16) includes a locking nut and a lock nut.

6. The sprocket tensioner of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, On the slider (12) at one end of the central shaft (13), a tension adjustment rod is provided on each side of the slider (12).

7. The sprocket tensioner of claim 1, wherein, The slide (11) has two slide rails that are arranged opposite to each other and parallel to each other, and the two ends of the slider (12) are respectively slidably mounted on the two slide rails.

8. The sprocket tensioning mechanism according to claim 7, characterized in that, A clearance of 0.1mm-0.2mm is reserved between the slider (12) and the slide rail.

9. The sprocket tensioner of claim 1, wherein, The sprocket assembly includes the central shaft (13) and a sprocket body (14) mounted on the central shaft (13) via bearings.

10. The sprocket tensioning mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The slider (12) has a square hole, and the square end of the central shaft (13) is inserted into the square hole to form an interference fit.

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