Rollers for supporting workpieces in roller hearth furnace - have slip joint with driven sleeves at roller ends to allow for dimensional variation during operation

摘要

The rollers are supported at each end by a retaining sleeve having an internal cylindrical surface loosely surrounding the corresponding roller end to form a slip joint. Frictional engagement between the roller ends and the internal surfaces of the sleeves which are attached to drive devices causes the roller to rotate when the sleeves are rotated. The oversized sleeves provide axial and radial clearance between the rollers and sleeves to allow for roller dimensional variation during various furnace operating conditions. The roller supporting sleeves can be drivingly connected to each other so that all sleeves are rotated simultaneously and continuously so as to minimize uneven heat distribution throughout the rollers and minimize roller sag.