Spring-Loaded Tensioning Head for Rock Drill Chain
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rock drill rigs face challenges in maintaining optimal drive chain tension due to wear, which can lead to slack and safety issues, as previous tensioning mechanisms are either force-based or require complex adjustments that complicate maintenance and inspection.
Innovation Solution
A tensioning device with a spring-loaded tensioning head and adjustable fastening members on a slide, combined with an indirect chain tension sensor and safety brake, ensures consistent chain tension and enhanced safety by preventing excessive compression and detecting tension levels, thereby reducing the risk of equipment failure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pressing means are used to press laterally against the chain to absorb slack, then chain tension is maintained, but the device complexity increases and maintenance becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the tensioning function from complex lateral pressing mechanisms and implements it through a simple displacement device for a wheel in the chain transmission. The wheel can be displaced to adjust chain tension, eliminating the need for complicated pressing means while maintaining reliable chain tension.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of pressing laterally against the chain to create tension, the invention inverts the approach by using a displacement device that moves a wheel within the chain transmission path. This vertical displacement approach simplifies the mechanism while achieving the same tensioning effect.
2Reliability
If adjustment means are added to fastening members for adjusting chain tension, then chain tension can be optimized, but the ease of operation and maintenance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention makes the fastening members dynamic and adjustable, allowing the chain tension to be optimized during operation. The displacement device for the wheel can be adjusted to accommodate chain elongation from wear, ensuring continuous optimal tension without requiring complex adjustment procedures.
3Ease of manufacture
If the tensioning device is integrated on the slide, then no specialized measures are needed for chain path, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The slide is designed to serve multiple functions: it supports the rock drilling machine, guides the chain transmission, and houses the tensioning device with displacement capability. This multi-functionality integrates the tensioning mechanism into the existing slide structure without requiring separate specialized components or altering the chain path.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution allows for easy adjustment and maintenance of drive chain tension, enhances operator safety by preventing equipment falls, and ensures reliable movement transfer between the driver device and the slide, reducing the risk of accidents and equipment damage.
Implementation Method 1
a spring device is arranged between the tensioning head and the slide for spring loading the tensioning head in the tension direction
Data Source
AI summary
A tensioning device for a chain transmission for movement transfer between a driver device and a slide to be driven by a drive chain along a linear guide of a rock drill rig. A first fastening member fastens a first end of the drive chain on the slide. A second fastening member fastens a second end of the drive chain on a tensioning head, which is arranged displaceable in a tension direction of the drive chain on the slide. A spring device is arranged between the tensioning head and the slide for spring loading the tensioning head in the tension direction. At least one of the first and second fastening members includes an adjuster for adjusting tension in the drive chain. Also a method, a handling device and a rock drill rig.