Idler assembly for a sanding/polishing device

摘要

An idler or tensioning assembly for an electronically controlled sanding/polishing machine is provided, the sanding/polishing machine utilizing a plurality of exchangeable polishing wheel assemblies of which the idler assembly is one. Each polishing wheel assembly (30) interfaces with the sanding/polishing machine (20) through a coolant manifold (34) and a polishing wheel shaft receptor. The idler assembly (36) is operative to provide releasable tension to a sanding/polishing belt (38) that is situated around the idler and the associated sanding/polishing wheel (32). The idler assembly (36) has a pivoting idler (54) that is actuated by a hydraulic cylinder. The hydraulic cylinder (72) utilizes coolant tapped from the coolant manifold (34) of the idler assembly (36) for actuation. Coolant is provided to the hydraulic cylinder (72) in response to a valve signal. The idler assembly (36) thus has a tensioned mode and an untensioned mode. <IMAGE>