Tensioning system and method
By designing tensioning systems for pulleys, timing belts, tensioners and brackets, and adjusting the position of the brackets by using the adjustment mechanism, the problem of additional components required when tensioning timing belts in the prior art is solved, achieving high efficiency tensioning effect.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202410952294.1
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-08-02
- Filing Date
- 2024-07-16
- Publication Date
- 2025-02-18
AI Technical Summary
The prior art requires additional components when tensioning timing belts, resulting in time delays and inefficiencies and taking up space.
A tensioning system is designed, which includes pulleys, timing belts, tensioners and brackets. By means of the adjustment mechanism, the bracket is moved relative to the pulley, thereby increasing or decreasing the tension of the timing belt.
It is possible to efficiently tension the timing belt without additional components, avoid space occupancy and time delay, and improve the performance of the conveyor belt system.
Smart Images
Figure CN119460574A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to tensioning systems. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a tensioning system for tensioning a timing belt. Background Art
[0002] Timing belts used in conveyor belt systems and / or similar systems must maintain the required tension throughout operation, otherwise the performance of the conveyor belt may be negatively affected (e.g., increased noise, damage to drive components, reduced timing belt life). In situations where it is not possible to move the drive or driven pulleys to tension the timing belt, internal pulleys can be used to tension the timing belt, but this requires additional components and may cause time delays and lead to inefficiencies. Additional pulleys (internal) also take up space that could be used for other components.
[0003] Through effort, ingenuity and innovation, applicants have solved the problems associated with tensioning systems by developing the solutions embodied in the present disclosure, which are described in detail below. Summary of the invention
[0004] Generally speaking, embodiments of the present disclosure provide methods, systems, and the like.
[0005] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, a tensioning system is provided, which includes one or more pulleys, wherein at least one of the one or more pulleys is configured to drive one or more rollers of a conveyor belt system; a timing belt, wherein the timing belt is operably engaged with the one or more pulleys, wherein the timing belt is configured to control one or more motion trajectories of the one or more rollers of the conveyor belt system; a tensioner, wherein the tensioner is configured to increase or decrease the tension of the timing belt; and a bracket, wherein the bracket is connected to the tensioner and is configured to move relative to the one or more pulleys so that the tension of the timing belt is increased or decreased.
[0006] In some embodiments, the tensioning system includes a housing, wherein the housing is fixedly attached to the frame of the conveyor belt, and wherein one or more of the one or more pulleys, the bracket, and the timing belt are disposed on or within the housing.
[0007] In some embodiments, the one or more motion trajectories include a rotation speed and a rotation direction.
[0008] In some embodiments, the tensioner is configured to receive the timing belt on a top portion of the tensioner.
[0009] In some embodiments, the system further includes a mounting joint fixedly attached to a frame of the conveyor system, wherein the bracket is connected to the mounting joint.
[0010] In some embodiments, the mounting joint is at least partially disposed between the housing and the frame of the conveyor belt system.
[0011] In some embodiments, the system further includes an adjustment mechanism, wherein the adjustment mechanism is configured to selectively disconnect and connect the bracket to the frame of the conveyor belt system, such that the bracket thereby moves relative to the one or more pulleys, thereby increasing or decreasing the tension of the timing belt.
[0012] In some embodiments, the adjustment mechanism includes a nut and a tensioner bolt.
[0013] In some embodiments, the bracket includes one or more bracket slots configured to receive one or more fasteners, wherein the mounting joint includes one or more joint slots configured to receive the one or more fasteners, and wherein the bracket slot is aligned with the joint slot.
[0014] In some embodiments, the one or more bracket slots are elongated slots, and wherein the bracket is configured to move relative to the one or more fasteners when the adjustment mechanism selectively disconnects and connects the bracket to the frame.
[0015] According to various embodiments, there is provided a conveyor belt system including a conveyor belt having a frame and one or more rollers; one or more pulleys, wherein at least one of the one or more pulleys is configured to drive one or more rollers of the conveyor belt system; a timing belt, wherein the timing belt is operably engaged with the one or more pulleys, and wherein the timing belt is configured to control one or more motion trajectories of the one or more rollers of the conveyor belt system; a tensioner, wherein the tensioner is configured to increase or decrease tension in the timing belt; and a bracket, wherein the bracket is connected to the tensioner and is configured to move relative to the one or more pulleys such that the tension in the timing belt is increased or decreased.
[0016] In some embodiments, the one or more motion trajectories include a rotation speed and a rotation direction.
[0017] In some embodiments, the tensioner is configured to receive the timing belt on a top portion of the tensioner.
[0018] In some embodiments, the system includes a mounting joint fixedly attached to a frame of the conveyor system, wherein the bracket is connected to the mounting joint.
[0019] In some embodiments, the system includes a housing, wherein the housing is fixedly attached to the frame of the conveyor system, and wherein one or more of the one or more pulleys and the timing belt are disposed on or within the housing.
[0020] In some embodiments, the system includes an adjustment mechanism, wherein the adjustment mechanism is configured to selectively disconnect and connect the bracket to the frame of the conveyor belt system so that the bracket moves relative to the one or more pulleys such that the tension of the timing belt increases or decreases.
[0021] In some embodiments, the adjustment mechanism includes a nut and a tensioning bolt.
[0022] In some embodiments, the bracket includes one or more bracket slots configured to receive one or more fasteners, wherein the mounting joint includes one or more joint slots configured to receive the one or more fasteners, and wherein the bracket slot is aligned with the joint slot.
[0023] In some embodiments, the one or more bracket slots are elongated slots, and wherein the bracket is configured to move relative to the one or more fasteners when the adjustment mechanism selectively disconnects and connects the bracket to the frame.
[0024] According to various embodiments, a method of using a tensioning system is provided, the method comprising loosening an adjustment mechanism so that a bracket fixedly attached to a tensioner can be moved relative to one or more pulleys operably engaged with a timing belt; moving the bracket relative to the one or more pulleys so that the tensioner is operably engaged with the timing belt and increases or decreases tension in the timing belt; and tightening the adjustment mechanism so that the bracket is fixed relative to the one or more pulleys.
[0025] The above summary of the invention is provided only to summarize some exemplary embodiments, so that some embodiments of the present disclosure have a basic understanding. Therefore, it should be understood that the above embodiments are merely examples. It should be understood that in addition to those summarized here, the scope of the present disclosure also covers many possible embodiments, some of which will be further described below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] Having thus generally described the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in which:
[0027] Figure 1 shows a side oblique view of an example tensioning system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0028] Figure 2 shows an isometric view of an exemplary tensioning system installed in an exemplary conveyor belt according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0029] Figure 3shows a detail isometric view of an example tensioning system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0030] FIG. 4A to FIG. 4C showing various oblique views of example tensioning systems according to various embodiments of the present disclosure; and
[0031] Figure 5 is a flow chart illustrating an example method of using a tensioning system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0032] Various embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some but not all embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. In fact, the present disclosure can be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein; on the contrary, these embodiments are provided so that the present disclosure meets applicable legal requirements. Unless otherwise indicated, the term "or" (also indicated as " / ") is used herein in both alternative and combined senses. The terms "exemplary" and "exemplary" are examples for which there is no indication of a quality level. Throughout the text, similar reference numerals may refer to similar elements. The phrase "in one embodiment", "according to one embodiment", etc. generally means that the specific features, structures or characteristics following the phrase may be included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, and may be included in more than one embodiment of the present disclosure (importantly, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment).
[0033] Overview
[0034] According to various embodiments, a tensioning system for tensioning a timing belt is provided. The timing belt can be used in a conveyor belt system having one or more rollers disposed on or within a conveyor belt frame. The timing belt can be at least partially wrapped around a tensioner. The timing belt can also be at least partially wrapped around one or more drive wheels and one or more driven wheels, and the timing belt can be configured to control the motion trajectory (e.g., the speed and / or direction of rotation) of one or more rollers. The tensioning system can include a bracket connected to the tensioner, which can be operably engaged with the timing belt. The bracket can be fixed to the conveyor belt frame via one or more fasteners (e.g., bolts and nuts).
[0035] In some embodiments, the tensioning system may further include a mounting joint, and the bracket may be mounted on the mounting joint. The tension of the timing belt may be adjusted by adjusting the position of the bracket relative to the mounting joint. The position of the bracket may be adjusted by loosening and / or removing one or more fasteners, raising or lowering the bracket relative to the mounting joint, and then tightening and / or reattaching one or more fasteners. In some embodiments, when the tensioning bracket is raised relative to the mounting joint, the tensioner may also be raised and cause the timing belt to tighten (increase tension); when the tensioning bracket is lowered relative to the mounting joint, the tensioner may also be lowered and cause the timing belt to loosen (reduce tension).
[0036] Example tensioning system and conveyor belt system
[0037] Figure 1 An example tensioning system 100 is shown according to various embodiments. In some embodiments, the tensioning system 100 can be configured to increase and / or decrease the tension of the timing belt 102. The timing belt 102 can be operably engaged with one or more pulleys 104A, 104B. The timing belt 102 can be a toothed belt whose teeth are configured to match the teeth of one or more pulleys 104A, 104B. In some embodiments, the example tensioning system 100 can include a drive mechanism (e.g., a motor, such as a stepper motor) that is configured to drive one or more pulleys 104A, 104B in conjunction with the timing belt 102. As desired, the timing belt 102 can be a variety of timing belts and can be selected to have a desired pitch, tooth type, length, width, coating, splint, and / or attachments.
[0038] In some embodiments, at least one of the one or more pulleys (e.g., 104B) can be a drive pulley configured to drive one or more other of the one or more pulleys (e.g., 104A). Two pulleys are shown in the various figures, but it should be understood that the system 100 can include more or less than two pulleys. In some embodiments, the tensioning system 100 can include a housing 101. The housing 101 can be configured to house one or more components of the tensioning system 100. The housing 101 is shown as being open, but it will be understood that a top cover or other covering device can be placed over the housing to protect one or more of the components of the tensioning system 100. In some embodiments, the housing 101 can include one or more attachment points 103A-103D that are configured to receive one or more fasteners and thereby attach the housing 101 to the frame 204 of the conveyor 200 and / or the like.
[0039] In some embodiments, the tensioning system 100 can be coupled to, mounted on, or otherwise integrated with the conveyor belt system 200, such as at least Figure 2 As shown in . One or more pulleys 104A, 104B may be configured to drive one or more rollers 202 disposed on or within a frame 204 of the conveyor system 200. The timing belt 102 may be configured to at least partially control one or more motion trajectories of the one or more rollers, including the rotational speed, rotational direction, positioning, and / or alignment of the one or more rollers 202. In some embodiments, the tension of the timing belt 102 may affect the positioning and / or alignment of the one or more rollers. For example, if the tension of the timing belt is too high, one or more rollers 202 (and / or one or more bearings engaged with the rollers 202) may be subjected to excessive stress levels; in addition, the timing belt 102 may begin to stretch and wear and require replacement. For another example, if the tension of the timing belt is too low, the timing belt 102 may loosen and the rollers 202 may become misaligned, thereby potentially delaying the conveyor system 200 and / or damaging one or more components of the conveyor system 200.
[0040] Reference again Figure 1 , but also refer to FIG. 4A to FIG. 4C In some embodiments, the tensioning system 100 may include a tensioner 106. The tensioner 106 may be a tensioning pulley. The tensioner 106 may be operably engaged with the timing belt 102. In some embodiments, the timing belt 102 may be at least partially wrapped around the tensioner 106. In some embodiments, the timing belt 102 may be disposed on a top portion of the tensioner 106. In some embodiments, the tensioner 106 may be engaged with the timing belt 102 such that the tension of the timing belt 102 may be increased or decreased by the tensioner 106.
[0041] In some embodiments, the tensioning system 100 may include a bracket 108. In some embodiments, the bracket 108 may include one or more flanges. The bracket 108 may be a substantially planar metal piece having one or more slots 111A-111C. One or more mounting fasteners 113A-113C may be disposed through the one or more slots 111A-111C to secure the bracket 108 to the conveyor frame 204. In some embodiments, the one or more slots 111A-111C may be elongated slots, and the bracket 108 may be configured to move along the slots 111A-111C depending on how tightly the one or more mounting fasteners 113A-113C are mounted. The tensioner 106 may be fixedly attached to the bracket 108 by one or more tensioner fasteners 109.
[0042] In some embodiments, the tensioning system 100 may include a mounting adapter 110. The mounting adapter 110 may be similar to the bracket 108 in that it may be a substantially planar metal piece having one or more slots 115A, 115B, 115C. The mounting adapter may also include one or more flanges. In some embodiments, one or more of the one or more slots 115A-115C of the mounting adapter 110 may be aligned with one or more of the one or more slots 111A-111C of the bracket 108. The mounting adapter 110 may be connected (e.g., via one or more mounting fasteners 113A-113C or welds) to the conveyor frame 204. The mounting adapter 110 may be separated from the bracket 108 at least in some portions via the housing 101. In some embodiments, the mounting adapter 110 and the bracket 108 may be flush. In some embodiments, the mounting adapter 110 may be fixed to the conveyor frame 104, and the bracket 108 may be configured to move at least relative to the mounting adapter 110.
[0043] In some embodiments, the tensioning system 100 can include an adjustment mechanism 112. The adjustment mechanism 112 can operably connect the bracket 108 to the frame 204 of the conveyor system 200. The adjustment mechanism 112 can additionally or alternatively operably connect the bracket 108 to the mounting joint 110. In some embodiments, the adjustment mechanism 112 can be a nut and tension bolt.
[0044] In some embodiments, the adjustment mechanism 112 can be loosened or disassembled so that the bracket 108 can be moved relative to one or more of the one or more pulleys 104A, 104B, the mounting joint 110, and / or the conveyor frame 204. For example, the nut can be loosened and the tensioning bolt raised or lowered to move the bracket 108; once the bracket 108 has been positioned in the desired position, the nut can be re-tightened so that the bracket 108 is fixed relative to the one or more pulleys 104A, 104B, the mounting joint 110, and / or the conveyor frame 204.
[0045] Example usage
[0046] According to various embodiments, Figure 5 A flow chart illustrating an example method 300 of using an example tensioning system is shown. The method 300 is described with respect to the tensioning system 100, the conveyor belt system 200, and various components thereof. It should be understood that the method 300 may be implemented with a variety of suitable systems and components as desired.
[0047] In some embodiments, method 300 may include step 302 of loosening an adjustment mechanism so that a bracket fixedly attached to the tensioner may move relative to one or more pulleys operably engaged with a timing belt.
[0048] In some embodiments, method 300 may include step 304 of moving a bracket relative to one or more pulleys so that a tensioner operably engages the timing belt and increases or decreases tension in the timing belt.
[0049] In some embodiments, method 300 may include step 306 of tightening the adjustment mechanism to secure the bracket relative to the one or more pulleys.
[0050] Many modifications and other embodiments of the disclosure set forth herein will occur to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the foregoing description and the teachings presented in the associated drawings. Therefore, it should be understood that the disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used only in a general and descriptive sense and not for the purpose of limitation.
Claims
1. A tensioning system, comprising: one or more pulleys, wherein at least one of the one or more pulleys is configured to drive one or more rollers of a conveyor belt system; a timing belt, wherein the timing belt is operably engaged with the one or more pulleys, wherein the timing belt is configured to control one or more motion profiles of the one or more rollers of the conveyor belt system; A tensioner, wherein the tensioner is configured to increase or decrease tension in the timing belt; and A bracket is provided, wherein the bracket is connected to the tensioner and is configured to move relative to the one or more pulleys so that the tension of the timing belt is increased or decreased.
2. The tensioning system of claim 1 , further comprising a housing, wherein the housing is fixedly attached to a frame of the conveyor belt system, and wherein one or more of the one or more pulleys, the bracket, and the timing belt are disposed on or within the housing.
3. The tensioning system of claim 1, wherein the one or more motion profiles include a rotational speed and a rotational direction.
4. The tensioning system of claim 1, wherein the tensioner is configured to receive the timing belt on a top portion of the tensioner.
5. The tensioning system of claim 1, further comprising a mounting joint fixedly attached to a frame of the conveyor belt system, wherein the bracket is connected to the mounting joint.
6. The tensioning system of claim 5, wherein the mounting joint is at least partially disposed between a housing and the frame of the conveyor belt system.
7. The tensioning system according to claim 6 further comprises an adjustment mechanism, wherein the adjustment mechanism is configured to selectively disconnect and connect the bracket with the frame of the conveyor belt system, so that the bracket moves relative to the one or more pulleys, thereby increasing or decreasing the tension of the timing belt.
8. The tensioning system of claim 7, wherein the adjustment mechanism comprises a nut and a tensioning bolt.
9. The tensioning system of claim 7, wherein the bracket includes one or more bracket slots configured to receive one or more fasteners, wherein the mounting joint includes one or more joint slots configured to receive the one or more fasteners, and wherein the bracket slot is aligned with the joint slot.
10. The tensioning system of claim 9, wherein the one or more bracket slots comprise elongated slots, and wherein the bracket is configured to move relative to the one or more fasteners when the adjustment mechanism selectively disconnects and connects the bracket to the frame.