Parker-Hannifin Corporation
Belt tensioning method

Abstract:

Provided is an actuator, preferably a linear actuator, including a carriage having a lateral support surface for supporting a first longitudinal section of a belt against lateral deflection and a space adjacent to and longitudinally offset from the lateral support surface for partially surrounding a second longitudinal section of the belt that is deflected relative to the lateral support surface to take up slack and/or tension the belt. By containing the slack within the carriage using the space and the lateral support surface, slack may be removed from the belt or the belt may be tensioned in an easy and cost efficient manner.