Device for indication and setting of operating tension of an endless chain strand

A chain tension adjustment device for an endless chain strand of a chain conveyor, comprising:

• a first wheel and a second wheel at opposite ends of the endless chain strand, the second wheel driving the endless chain strand of the chain conveyor;
• a pre-tensioning device connected to the first wheel for adjusting pre-tension in the endless chain strand;
• a deflection portion of the chain strand which is deflected by a pivoting arm;
• a shaft, supported by at least two bearings, having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end connects to the pivoting arm and the second end connects to a tension indicator arm;
• at least two position indicators offset from a free end of the tension indicator arm;
• a locking sprocket, substantially centered along the shaft, adapted to engage a locking pin at regular rotational intervals,
• wherein moving the tension indicator arm from a first position indicator of the at least two position indicators to a second position indicator of the at least two position indicators directly adjusts a compressive force applied by the pivoting arm to the chain strand at a contact point in the deflection portion,
• wherein the compressive force is applied perpendicular to a movement direction of the chain strand at the contact point.

An operating tension indicating and adjustment device for an endless chain strand of a chain conveyor, comprising:

• a tensioning device for generating a pre-tensioning force acting in a first direction of movement of the chain strand;
• a concave section formed in the chain strand next to an area of a transport section;
• and
• a pivoting arm having a fixed point mounted on a shaft and a contact point resting and sliding on the chain strand,
• wherein the shaft is pivoted in a bearing positioned in a frame of the chain conveyor and extends in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction of the movement of the chain strand,
• wherein the pivoting arm is coupled with a tension indicator displaying an operating tension of the chain strand,
• wherein the compressive force has a third direction substantially perpendicular to a tangent of the chain strand at the contact point of the pivoting arm,
• wherein components of the compressive force on the chain strand on both sides of the contact point take a value of 2-35% of the pre-tensioning force,
• wherein a source of the compressive force comprises a torsion spring freely fitted on the shaft and braced between the frame of the chain conveyor and the pivoting arm,
• wherein one end of the torsion spring is coupled with the pivoting arm and another end of the torsion spring is attached to a locking disc, which is pivoted on the shaft and equipped with a lock to fix the locking disc with respect to the frame.