Limited force, self locking tensioner
US7992706B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 10, 2009 |
| Grant date | Aug 9, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 27, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65G23/44
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A tensioning device configured for use in a conveyor system as an idler roller over which a belt is wound under tension includes a housing, an arm mounted in the housing for linear movement in and out of the housing, a roller mechanism mounted at a distal end of the arm including a roller configured for rolling contact with a belt of a conveyor system, and an actuator for extending and retracting the arm from the housing. The actuator includes a worm shaft and a lead screw. A pinion of the worm shaft engages a gear affixed at one end of the lead screw. The tensioning device includes a coupling by which rotation of the lead screw results in outward movement of the arm when the worm shaft is rotated in a first direction, and which results in inward movement of the arm when the worm shaft is rotated in the opposite direction. Engagement of the worm shaft to the gear is self-locking.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.