Stenter-chain drive mechanism with transverse drive belt - and horizontal drive pinions continuously displaceable along belt

摘要

The pin or clip chains of a stenter pass around horizontal chain wheels rotating around a vertical axis, and connected by vertical shafts to horizontal drive pinions. The pinions on each side of the machine are driven by a single motor via an endless drive-belt which crosses transversely the full width of the machine, whereby the drive pinions may be displaced along the drive belt to vary the separation between the chains. Auxiliary pulleys give an arc of contact of the drive belt with the drive pulley of 1/3 - 3/4 of the circumference, and at least one of the drive shafts connecting a pinion to a chain wheel incorporates a differential gear. This is a simple, inexpensive drive which ensures uniform speed of the two chains, or a precisely-adjustable speed differential between them.