Patent ID: 6334292
Filing Date: 2002-01-01
Classification: A01D,F16H

Abstract:
A method for mounting/disassembly and automatic tension adjustment of at least one endless transmission member of an agricultural machine equipped with a bearing structure, the agricultural machine including a first shaft and a first wheel, a second shaft and a second wheel, an axis of rotation of the second shaft being at least approximately parallel to an axis of rotation of the first shaft, said endless transmission member wrapped around said first wheel and said second wheel, a first bearing guiding a rotation of the first shaft and fixed to the bearing structure, a second bearing guiding a rotation of the second shaft and connected to the bearing structure by an articulation having a geometric axis which is at least approximately parallel to the axis of rotation of the second shaft, said method comprising the steps of:providing a device for mounting/disassembly and automatic tension adjustment of said endless transmission member, said device for mounting/disassembly and automatic tension adjustment including at least one spiral spring positioned to act on the second bearing so as to tension said endless transmission member and a telescopic arm including a first arm part and a second arm part which are guided in translation one with respect to the other and between which said at least one spiral spring acts, the first arm part being connected to the bearing structure and the second arm part being connected to the second bearing at a connection point away from the geometric axis of the articulation connecting the second bearing to the bearing structure, in such a way that said telescopic arm acts on the second bearing with a lever arm which increases as the at least one spiral spring relaxes; fitting said device for mounting/disassembly and automatic tension adjustment in such a way that an action generated by the at least one spiral spring acts on the second bearing with a lever arm with respect to the geometric axis of the articulation connecting the second bearing to the bearing structure which increases once said at least one spiral spring relaxes so that a tension created in the endless transmission member is high enough in a range of permissible values for an elongation of said endless transmission member; tensioning said at least one spiral spring so as to bring the second bearing closer to the first bearing by pivoting about the geometric axis of the articulation connecting the second bearing to the bearing structure; mounting said endless transmission member; dismounting a worn endless transmission member and remounting a new endless transmission member; and releasing the at least one spiral spring so as to move the second bearing away from the first bearing by pivoting about the geometric axis of the articulation connecting the second bearing to the bearing structure.