Method and a device for tensioning endless drive belts

In a device for carrying out a method of automatically monitoring and adjusting a tension of an endless drive belt circulating over drive and return wheels comprising the steps of;

• determining the tension of the endless drive belt by sensors which generate measuring signals;
• processing the measuring signals with an electronic evaluation and actuation unit;
• and
• controlling by means of the electronic evaluation and actuation unit the tension of the endless drive belt to a scheduled value,
• said device comprising;
• a tensioning drive for tensioning the endless drive belt by altering the distance between its drive and return wheels, said tensioning drive comprising at least one hydraulic tensioning cylinder having a movable piston;
• sensors which determine the tension of the endless drive belt and generate a measuring signal;
• and an electronic evaluation and actuation unit for processing the measuring signals of the sensors and which controls the tensioning drive, the improvement comprising pressure and displacement sensors associated with the at least one tensioning cylinder, which measure hydraulic pressure in the at least one tensioning cylinder and the piston movement of the tensioning cylinder, and that the evaluation and actuation unit is provided with a computer for determining the change in pressure in the at least one tensioning cylinder over a predetermined movement of the piston of the at least one tensioning cylinder and for actuating the at least one tensioning cylinder in accordance with the change in pressure, to adjust the tension of the drive belt to the scheduled value.