Repair of the tensioning spring of the VOGELE-S1800 paver track

When our company was overhauling a VOGELE-S1800 paver, it was found that the entire spring was twisted when disassembling the track tensioning spring component. This caused the paver to deviate and the track chain to derail. From the outside, the spring has deformed to the point where it cannot be restored. However, after conducting a force analysis on the tensioning spring, we believe that the spring has not undergone plastic deformation and can continue to be used after repair. It is only because during the movement of the paver, the tracks are subjected to strong resistance that the tensioning spring undergoes compression deformation. When the compression amount of the spring exceeds the allowable value (about 200mm), the spring will no longer be compressed and deformed. The resistance encountered by the tracks will all act on the top end of the tensioning device and the spring guide rod, causing the guide rod to deform under the action of external force. When the external force disappears, the spring cannot be straightened as the guide rod cannot return to its original shape.

So, the component was disassembled. As the nut at the back of the component was tightened by the spring tension, it was impossible to turn it with a wrench. For this purpose, we have designed special tools (see attached figure). Due to the considerable force required during disassembly (calculated to be approximately 4X104N), we decided to use a jack to first compress the spring, then loosen the nut 9 and remove the cotter pin 10 on it. To ensure the reliable fixation of the spring, take two square iron plates 1 and 8(with a hole of 60 diameter on the upper one) and connect them with four connecting rods 2 (Angle steel can also be used). These four rods can serve as guardrails to prevent the spring from tilting outward due to uneven force. As the end of the top head 5 is spherical, it cannot be directly subjected to force. Therefore, a top sleeve 4 is added. This not only ensures smooth force application but also reduces the load on the spring guide rod 7, thereby protecting the top head end from damage and making the entire disassembly process easy and safe.

After disassembly, it was confirmed that the front end of the spring guide rod (approximately one-third of the total length) had undergone bending deformation, while the tensioning spring 6 could return to its original state after the external force was removed.

We replaced the bent guide rod and other damaged parts, and then assembled them in the same way as mentioned above. The tensioning spring was in perfect condition and could be used again.