Testing device and method for testing performance of bearing matched with conveyor belt

Abstract

The invention relates to a testing device for testing the performance of a bearing matched with a conveyor belt and a corresponding testing method. The testing device comprises a testing rack and a testing assembly. The test bench defines a first bearing space and a second bearing space which are respectively used for accommodating a first bearing and a second bearing, the test assembly comprises an alignment shaft, an alignment piece and a force sensor, the alignment shaft is connected with the force sensor, so that force applied to the alignment shaft can be transmitted to the force sensor; the alignment piece is provided with an alignment face used for being connected with the first shaft portion of the first bearing during adjustment of the tension force of the conveyor belt. And the positions of the alignment shaft and the alignment piece are arranged in a way that the bottom of the alignment shaft is aligned with the alignment surface of the alignment piece.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a testing device and a corresponding testing method for testing the performance of a bearing matched with a conveyor belt. Background Art

[0002] In practice, it's often necessary to test the performance of bearings used with conveyor belts. This test involves setting the pressure of the conveyor belt on the bearing and testing the bearing's performance under that pressure. This test requires accurate measurement of the belt's pressure.

[0003] The most common method for measuring the pressure of conveyor belts on bearings is non-contact measurement, which involves measuring the belt's vibration frequency. This method is simple, but because it only estimates the tension based on the correlation between the belt's force and vibration frequency, the measurement results are not accurate.

[0004] Another measurement method is contact measurement, which requires the operator to hold the tester and perform direct measurement. This method is difficult to implement if the test location has limited operating space. Furthermore, the measurement results are easily affected by the operator's actions.

[0005] When the bearing is a high-speed bearing, the problem of the above measurement method is more prominent

[0006] It would be desirable to provide a device that can accurately and reliably measure the pressure of a conveyor belt against a bearing, particularly in the case of high-speed bearings. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In response to the above-mentioned problems and needs, the present disclosure proposes a testing device and a corresponding testing method for testing the performance of bearings used in conjunction with conveyor belts, which solves the aforementioned problems of traditional measurements and brings other technical effects.

[0008] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a testing apparatus comprising: a test bench defining a first bearing space and a second bearing space for accommodating a first bearing and a second bearing, respectively; and a test assembly comprising an alignment shaft, an alignment member, and a force sensor, wherein the alignment shaft engages the force sensor so that a force applied to the alignment shaft can be transmitted to the force sensor; the alignment member has an alignment surface configured to engage a first shaft portion of the first bearing during adjustment of conveyor belt tension; and the alignment shaft and the alignment member are positioned such that a bottom portion of the alignment shaft is aligned with the alignment surface of the alignment member.

[0009] According to a preferred embodiment, the alignment surface of the alignment member is a curved surface with a circular arc cross section.

[0010] According to a preferred embodiment, a portion of the alignment shaft engages the alignment surface and occupies a portion of the alignment surface, and another portion of the alignment surface is configured to engage the first shaft portion of the first bearing.

[0011] According to a preferred embodiment, the testing device further comprises a height adjustment mechanism connected to the testing assembly to adjust the height of the testing assembly relative to the testing bench.

[0012] According to a preferred solution, the height adjustment mechanism is a height adjuster located below the force sensor, and the force sensor is engaged with the height adjuster via threads, so that the height of the force sensor can be adjusted by rotating the height adjuster.

[0013] According to a preferred solution, the height adjuster is mounted on the bracket and is engaged with the bracket through threads, so that the height of the height adjuster can be adjusted by rotating the height adjuster.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment, the bracket includes a horizontal portion supporting the height adjuster and a vertical portion mounted to the test bench and perpendicular to the horizontal portion.

[0015] According to a preferred solution, the second bearing space is larger than the first bearing space, and the second bearing is allowed to be displaced in the second bearing space in a direction transverse to the axis of the second bearing.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment, the testing device further comprises a data acquisition and display system, which is configured to receive data from the force sensor and display the data in real time.

[0017] The present disclosure also proposes a method for testing the performance of a bearing that cooperates with a conveyor belt, comprising: providing a test device as described in any of the foregoing items and a first bearing and a second bearing, so that the first shaft portion of the first bearing extends through the first bearing space and the second shaft portion of the second bearing extends through the second bearing space; adjusting the height of the test assembly so that the first shaft portion of the first bearing engages the alignment surface of the alignment member, and then withdrawing the first bearing from the alignment surface along its axis; setting the conveyor belt so that it engages the alignment shaft and the second shaft portion of the second bearing; adjusting the position of the second bearing to change the tension of the conveyor belt until the data from the force sensor is the same as the expected conveyor belt compression force; removing the test assembly of the test device or changing the position of the test assembly, and moving the first bearing along its axis to the test position, and setting the conveyor belt so that it engages the first shaft portion of the first bearing and the second shaft portion of the second bearing.

[0018] Hereinafter, the best embodiment for implementing the present disclosure will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that the features and advantages of the present disclosure can be easily understood. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the following briefly introduces the drawings of the embodiments of the present disclosure. The drawings are only used to illustrate some embodiments of the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit all embodiments of the present disclosure to these drawings.

[0020] Figure 1 shows a side view of a test apparatus of the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a testing device of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 3 and Figure 4 Partial components of the testing device of the present disclosure are shown from different perspectives.

[0023] Reference Signs List

[0024] 1First bearing

[0025] 2First bearing retaining seat

[0026] 3Test bench

[0027] 4Data acquisition and display system

[0028] 5. Align the axis

[0029] 6 force sensors

[0030] 7 Height adjuster

[0031] 8 brackets

[0032] 9 Second bearing

[0033] 10 conveyor belts

[0034] 11 Second bearing retainer

[0035] 13 First bearing space

[0036] 14 Second bearing space

[0037] 15 first shaft

[0038] 16 Second shaft

[0039] 17 First bearing outer ring

[0040] 19 alignment pieces

[0041] 20 Alignment surface DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] In order to make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the technical solution of the present disclosure clearer, the technical solution of the embodiment of the present disclosure will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings of the specific embodiments of the present disclosure. The same figure marks in the drawings represent the same parts. It should be noted that the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present disclosure, not all of the embodiments. Based on the described embodiments of the present disclosure, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

[0043] Compared to the embodiments shown in the drawings, feasible embodiments within the scope of protection of the present disclosure may have fewer components, additional components not shown in the drawings, different components, differently arranged components, or differently connected components, etc. In addition, two or more components in the drawings may be implemented in a single component, or a single component shown in the drawings may be implemented as multiple separate components.

[0044] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used herein shall have the ordinary meaning understood by persons of ordinary skill in the field to which the present disclosure belongs. The words "first", "second" and similar terms used in the patent application specification and claims of the present disclosure do not indicate any order, quantity or importance, but are only used to distinguish different components. Similarly, words such as "one" or "a" do not necessarily indicate a quantity limitation. Words such as "include" or "comprise" mean that the elements or objects appearing before the word include the elements or objects listed after the word and their equivalents, without excluding other elements or objects. Words such as "connect" or "connected" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but may include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect. "Up", "down", "left", "right" and the like are only used to indicate relative positional relationships. When the absolute position of the object being described changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly.

[0045] The testing device proposed in the present disclosure is suitable for testing the performance of a bearing matched with a conveyor belt 10 .

[0046] like Figure 1-2As shown, the test bench 3 includes a test bench 3, which is the supporting structure of the test bench. The test bench 3 supports the bearing to be tested and multiple components of the test bench. The specific structure and form of the test bench 3 are not limited. In the preferred embodiment shown in the drawings, the test bench 3 has a main body that is perpendicular to the ground and is roughly in the shape of a thick plate. The main body has a first bearing space 13 and a second bearing space 14 extending through its thickness. The first shaft portion 15 of the first bearing 1 can extend from the rear side of the test bench 3 through the first bearing space 13 and emerge from the front side of the test bench 3. More preferably, the first bearing retainer 2, to which the first bearing 1 is mounted, extends from the rear side of the test bench 3 into the first bearing space 13 and can partially emerge from the front side of the test bench 3. Similarly, the second shaft portion 16 of the second bearing 9 can extend from the rear side of the test bench 3 through the second bearing space 14 and emerge from the front side of the test bench 3. More preferably, the second bearing retainer 11, to which the second bearing 9 is mounted, can extend from the rear side of the test bench 3 into the second bearing space 14 and partially emerge from the front side of the test bench 3. The test bench 3 may also have a base portion adapted to be placed on the ground.

[0047] The first bearing 1 is the bearing whose performance is to be tested. It includes a first shaft portion 15 and a cylindrical first bearing outer ring 17 surrounding the first shaft portion 15. The first bearing outer ring 17 of the first bearing 1 is fixed to the first bearing retaining seat 2, and the first shaft portion 15 is rotatable relative to the first bearing outer ring 17 and the first bearing retaining seat 2. When testing the performance of the first bearing 1, the first bearing 1 acts as a component that stretches the conveyor belt 10 and engages the surface of the conveyor belt 10. When the conveyor belt 10 is tightened, it applies a compressive force to the first bearing 1, causing the movement of the conveyor belt 10 to drive the first shaft portion 15 of the first bearing 1 to rotate.

[0048] The structure of the second bearing 9 can be the same as that of the first bearing 1. The second bearing 9 includes a second shaft portion 16 and a second cylindrical bearing outer ring (not shown) surrounding the second shaft portion 16. The second bearing outer ring of the second bearing 9 is fixed to the second bearing retainer 11, and the second shaft portion 16 can rotate relative to the second bearing outer ring and the second bearing retainer 11. The conveyor belt 10 is also engaged with the second shaft portion 16 of the second bearing 9. When the conveyor belt 10 is tensioned, it applies a compressive force to the second shaft portion 16 of the second bearing 9, so that the movement of the conveyor belt 10 also causes the second shaft portion 16 to rotate. The second bearing retainer 11 and the second bearing 9 can move relative to the test bench 3, thereby changing the force applied by the second shaft portion 16 to the conveyor belt 10, and thus changing the compressive force applied by the conveyor belt 10 to the first shaft portion 15.

[0049] The structures of the first bearing 1 and the second bearing 9 in this disclosure may differ from those shown in the accompanying drawings, but they only need to have shaft portions capable of engaging with the conveyor belt 10. The first bearing retainer 2 and the second bearing retainer 11 may have the shape of a hollow cylinder as shown in the figures, with the first bearing outer ring 17 and the second bearing outer ring respectively fixed to the inner walls of the first bearing retainer 2 and the second bearing retainer 11. The first bearing retainer 2 and the second bearing retainer 11 may also have other structures or shapes.

[0050] The first bearing space 13 and the second bearing space 14 can be arranged side by side, that is, the height of the centers of the two bearings is approximately the same. In the exemplary embodiment, the two bearings are arranged so that, in the initial position, the first shaft portion 15 and the second shaft portion 16 are at approximately the same height, and the conveyor belt 10 is arranged approximately horizontally between the first bearing 1 and the second bearing 9.

[0051] It is preferred that the shafts of the first bearing 1 and the second bearing 9 respectively engage opposite surfaces of the conveyor belt 10. For example, the first shaft portion 15 of the first bearing 1 engages the inner surface of the conveyor belt 10, and the second shaft portion 16 of the second bearing 9 engages the outer surface of the conveyor belt 10. In this way, when the force applied by the second shaft portion 16 to the conveyor belt 10 increases, the force applied by the conveyor belt 10 to the first shaft portion 15 of the first bearing 1 also increases.

[0052] like Figure 2 As shown by the arrow in , the second bearing retainer 11 can move up and down relative to the test bench 3. When the second bearing retainer 11 moves downward, the force applied by the second shaft portion 16 of the second bearing 9 on the conveyor belt 10 increases, thereby increasing the pressing force of the conveyor belt 10 on the first shaft portion 15 of the first bearing 1. When the second bearing retainer 11 moves upward, the force applied by the second shaft portion 16 of the second bearing 9 on the conveyor belt 10 decreases, thereby also decreasing the pressing force of the conveyor belt 10 on the first shaft portion 15 of the first bearing 1. In this way, by changing the height of the second bearing retainer 11, the tension of the conveyor belt 10 can be changed, thereby changing the pressing force of the conveyor belt on the first bearing 1 to be tested.

[0053] The specific shape of the first bearing space 13 is not limited, as long as it allows the first bearing retainer 2 to pass through. Preferably, the first bearing space 13 is a circular through-hole. The second bearing space 14 can also take a variety of specific shapes, but it must allow the second bearing retainer 11 to pass through and leave space for the second bearing retainer 11 to move within it. Therefore, the second bearing space 14 is preferably larger than the first bearing space 13 to allow the second bearing 9 to shift within the second bearing space 14 in a direction transverse to the axis of the second bearing 9.

[0054] The performance test of the first bearing 1 requires presetting one or more pressing forces applied by the conveyor belt 10 to the first bearing 1, and conducting the test under the condition that the first bearing 1 is subjected to the preset pressing forces. In order to know the pressing force applied by the conveyor belt 10 and accurately adjust the pressing force to the preset value, the test device of the present disclosure also designs a test assembly including components such as the alignment shaft 5, the alignment member 19 and the force sensor 6. Figure 1 、 2 The test fixture with the test components installed is shown, and Figure 3 、 4 Shows a separate view of the local components including the test component.

[0055] The test assembly includes an alignment shaft 5, an alignment member 19, and a force sensor 6. The alignment shaft 5 is configured to have the same diameter as the first shaft portion 15 of the first bearing 1 to be tested. The alignment shaft 5 engages the force sensor 6, allowing the force applied to the alignment shaft 5 to be transmitted to the force sensor 6. The alignment member 19 has an alignment surface 20 configured to engage the first shaft portion 15 of the first bearing 1 during belt tension adjustment to align the height of the first shaft portion 15 with the alignment shaft 5.

[0056] The alignment shaft 5 and the alignment member 19 are positioned so that the bottom of the alignment shaft 5 is aligned with the alignment surface 20 of the alignment member 19. In this disclosure, "the bottom of the alignment shaft 5 is aligned with the alignment surface 20 of the alignment member 19" means that when the first shaft portion 15 of the first bearing 1 abuts the alignment surface 20, the alignment shaft 5 and the first shaft portion 15 are located at the same height. "The bottom of the alignment shaft 5 is aligned with the alignment surface 20 of the alignment member 19" also means that the alignment shaft 5 engages the alignment surface 20; alternatively, the alignment shaft 5 does not engage the alignment surface 20, but will engage the alignment surface 20 if the alignment shaft 5 is translated along its axial direction toward the alignment surface 20.

[0057] Through the above-mentioned positional relationship between the alignment shaft 5 and the alignment member 19, when the first shaft portion 15 of the first bearing 1 abuts against the alignment surface 20, the alignment shaft 5 and the first shaft portion 15 of the first bearing 1 are aligned, and the position of the alignment shaft 5 can represent the position of the first shaft portion 15, so that the clamping force from the conveyor belt 10 felt by the alignment shaft 5 can also represent the clamping force from the conveyor belt 10 felt by the first shaft portion 15.

[0058] Preferably, the alignment surface 20 of the alignment member 19 is a curved surface with a circular arc cross-section. Specifically, its curvature is configured to match the curvature of the first shaft portion 15 of the first bearing 1 to stably engage and retain the first shaft portion 15. Preferably, the alignment member 19 has a semi-cylindrical structure. More preferably, as shown in the figure, a portion of the alignment shaft 5 engages with and occupies a portion of the circular arc-shaped alignment surface 20, while the other portion of the alignment surface 20 is configured to engage the first shaft portion 15 of the first bearing 1.

[0059] According to the present disclosure, the test device may further include a height adjustment mechanism to adjust the height of the test assembly relative to the test bench 3. The specific form of the height adjustment mechanism is not limited, as long as it can adjust the height of the test assembly relative to the test bench 3.

[0060] Preferably, the height adjustment mechanism is a height adjuster 7 located below the force sensor 6 of the test assembly, and the force sensor 6 and the height adjuster 7 are threadedly engaged, so that the distance between the force sensor 6 and the height adjuster 7 can be changed by rotating the height adjuster 7, that is, the height of the force sensor 6 and the alignment shaft 5 and the alignment member 19 located above the force sensor 6 are adjusted.

[0061] Preferably, the height adjuster 7 is mounted on the bracket 8 and is threadedly engaged with the bracket 8, so that by rotating the height adjuster 7, the height of the height adjuster 7 relative to the bracket 8 can be adjusted, thereby adjusting the height of the test assembly located above the height adjuster 7. A threaded rod connected to or integral with the force sensor 6 can be provided, and the threaded rod can be engaged with the threaded portion of the height adjuster 7. By rotating the height adjuster 7, the height of the force sensor 6 can be changed. The height adjuster 7 can be provided with a wrench position to facilitate tightening.

[0062] The present disclosure does not limit the specific structure of the bracket 8. Preferably, as shown in the figure, the bracket 8 includes a horizontal portion that supports the height adjuster 7 and a vertical portion that is mounted to the test bench 3 and is perpendicular to the horizontal portion. The height adjuster 7 can be provided with a threaded rod that extends downward and engages the horizontal portion of the bracket 8, so that by rotating the height adjuster 7, the threaded rod will move up and down relative to the horizontal portion of the bracket 8, causing the height adjuster 7 to move up and down. Preferably, a nut can be provided to secure the threaded rod of the height adjuster 7 at the bottom of the bracket 8.

[0063] In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the test assembly and height adjuster 7 are mounted to the test bench 3 via a bracket 8. Alternatively, the test assembly and height adjuster 7 may not be fixed to the test bench 3 but may be fixed to the ground or other components.

[0064] The testing device of the present disclosure may further include a data acquisition and display system 4, which is configured to receive and display in real time the data from the force sensor 6. The data acquisition and display system 4 may be specifically in the form of a computer.

[0065] The test device disclosed herein can replace traditional measurement methods and accurately measure the pressing force of the conveyor belt 10 on the shaft, thereby ensuring the test effect. At the same time, the test device disclosed herein also has a compact design, ensuring that it can be installed in a smaller space.

[0066] The following describes a method for testing the performance of a bearing used with the conveyor belt 10 using the testing device disclosed herein.

[0067] First, a test device according to any embodiment of the present disclosure is provided, along with a first bearing 1 and a second bearing 9, such that the first shaft portion 15 of the first bearing 1 extends through the first bearing space 13, and the second shaft portion 16 of the second bearing 9 extends through the second bearing space 14. Specifically, a portion of the first bearing retainer 2, on which the first bearing 1 is mounted, can be extended into the first bearing space 13, with at least the first shaft portion 15 exposed from the first bearing space 13. Furthermore, a portion of the second bearing retainer 11, on which the second bearing 9 is mounted, can be extended into the second bearing space 14, with at least the second shaft portion 16 exposed from the second bearing space 14. During this step, the first bearing 1 can be positioned rearward of the second bearing 9 to allow space for test components such as the alignment shaft 5.

[0068] Secondly, the alignment of the alignment shaft 5 and the shaft portion of the first bearing 1 is achieved by adjusting the height of the test assembly. Specifically, this step includes adjusting the height of the test assembly until the first shaft portion 15 of the first bearing 1 engages the alignment surface 20 of the alignment member 19, or in other words, the alignment surface 20 abuts against the first shaft portion 15 and cannot move further. In this step, the initial position of the alignment shaft 5 can be set to be significantly lower than the estimated target position, and the height adjuster 7 can be adjusted upward until the alignment surface 20 engages with the shaft portion of the first bearing 1, at which point the height of the alignment shaft 5 is the same as the height of the first shaft portion 15. Afterwards, the first bearing 1 is withdrawn from the alignment surface 20 along its axis, that is, Figure 1 Withdraw the first bearing 1 in the right direction.

[0069] Next, the conveyor belt 10 is positioned so that it engages the second shaft portion 16 of the alignment shaft 5 and the second bearing 9, as shown in FIG. Figure 2Like that. And adjust the position of the second bearing 9 to change the tension of the conveyor belt 10 until the data from the force sensor 6 is the same as the expected compression force of the conveyor belt 10. Due to the previous alignment steps, the alignment shaft 5 and the first shaft portion 15 of the first bearing 1 are at the same height. The position of the alignment shaft 5 represents the position of the first shaft portion 15, and the compression force from the conveyor belt 10 felt by the alignment shaft 5 is also equal to the compression force from the conveyor belt 10 felt by the first shaft portion 15. Therefore, when the second bearing 9 makes the data of the force sensor 6 reach the force preset by the experiment, it means that the adjustment of the second bearing 9 has met the requirements. At this time, the test component of the test device can be removed or the position of the test component can be changed, such as moving it down, and the first bearing 1 can be moved along the direction of its axis, that is, in Figure 1 The conveyor belt 10 is moved to the left direction to the test position. At this time, the conveyor belt 10 is assembled again to engage the first shaft portion 15 of the first bearing 1 and the second shaft portion 16 of the second bearing 9, and the first bearing 1 can be tested.

[0070] During the adjustment of the position of the second bearing 9, the display can show the force in real time, and adjustments can be made based on the display. If the pressing force is less than the target value, the height of the second bearing 9 can be lowered, for example, to increase the pressing force on the conveyor belt 10. If the pressing force is greater than the target value, the height of the second bearing 9 can be raised, for example, to reduce the pressing force on the conveyor belt 10.

[0071] Such a test method can replace the traditional measurement method and measure the pressing force of the conveyor belt 10 on the shaft with high precision, thereby ensuring the test effect.

[0072] The exemplary implementation schemes proposed in the present disclosure are described in detail above with reference to preferred embodiments. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that, without departing from the concept of the present disclosure, various modifications and variations can be made to the above-mentioned specific embodiments, and various technical features and structures proposed in the present disclosure can be combined in various ways without exceeding the scope of protection of the present disclosure, which is determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A testing device for testing the performance of a bearing used in conjunction with a conveyor belt, wherein: The testing device comprises: a test bench defining a first bearing space and a second bearing space for accommodating the first bearing and the second bearing, respectively, A test assembly comprising an alignment shaft, an alignment member, and a force sensor, wherein: The alignment shaft engages a force sensor so that a force applied to the alignment shaft can be transferred to the force sensor; The alignment member has an alignment surface configured to engage the first shaft portion of the first bearing during adjustment of conveyor belt tension; and The positions of the alignment shaft and the alignment member are arranged so that the bottom of the alignment shaft is aligned with the alignment surface of the alignment member.

2. The testing device according to claim 1, wherein: The alignment surface of the alignment member is a curved surface with a circular arc cross section.

3. The testing device according to claim 1, wherein: A portion of the alignment shaft engages the alignment surface and occupies a portion of the alignment surface, and another portion of the alignment surface is configured to engage the first shaft portion of the first bearing.

4. The testing device according to claim 1, wherein: The testing device further comprises a height adjustment mechanism connected to the testing assembly to adjust the height of the testing assembly relative to the testing bench.

5. The testing device according to claim 4, wherein: The height adjustment mechanism is a height adjuster located below the force sensor. The force sensor is engaged with the height adjuster through threads, so that the height of the force sensor can be adjusted by rotating the height adjuster.

6. The testing device according to claim 4, wherein: The height adjuster is mounted on the bracket and is engaged with the bracket through threads, so that the height of the height adjuster can be adjusted by rotating the height adjuster.

7. The testing device according to claim 6, wherein: The bracket includes a horizontal portion supporting the height adjuster and a vertical portion mounted to the test bench and perpendicular to the horizontal portion.

8. The testing device according to claim 1, wherein: The second bearing space has a size greater than that of the first bearing space and allows the second bearing to be displaced within the second bearing space in a direction transverse to the axis of the second bearing.

9. The testing device according to claim 1, wherein: Also included is a data acquisition and display system configured to receive data from the force sensor and display it in real time.

10. A method for testing the performance of a bearing used in conjunction with a conveyor belt, comprising: Providing a test device according to any one of claims 1 to 9 and a first bearing and a second bearing, such that the first shaft portion of the first bearing extends through the first bearing space and the second shaft portion of the second bearing extends through the second bearing space; adjusting the height of the test assembly so that the first shaft portion of the first bearing engages the alignment surface of the alignment member, and then withdrawing the first bearing from the alignment surface in the direction of its axis; positioning the conveyor belt so as to engage the second shaft portion aligned with the shaft and the second bearing; Adjusting the position of the second bearing to change the tension of the conveyor belt until the data from the force sensor is consistent with the expected conveyor belt compression force; Remove the test assembly of the test device or change the position of the test assembly, move the first bearing along its axis to the test position, and set the conveyor belt to engage the first shaft portion of the first bearing and the second shaft portion of the second bearing.

Images