Annular tensioner with removable flange

Abstract

The flanged annular tensioner has at least one removable and replaceable side flange. The annular tensioner may be broken down into two or more different components, parts, or elements. In one embodiment, the annular body part has a belt engagement surface and a first side flange, and the flanged body part has a second side flange. In another embodiment, the annular body part has a band.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to a belt system having a belt, one or more sprockets or wheels, and a belt tensioner. More specifically, this application relates to an annular belt tensioner with a flange. Background Technology

[0002] Belt tensioners are well-known devices used in many belt drive systems. Tensioners typically apply a constant belt tension to compensate for increases in belt length due to wear, belt expansion (e.g., due to temperature rise), and other factors.

[0003] In some synchronous belt drives, the distance between the centers of the pulleys is predetermined and cannot be changed. This raises the issue of matching the belt length with the length of the belt drive. The belt length is selected to ensure a tight fit after installation and sufficient tension within the belt.

[0004] In systems where the distance between sprockets, idlers, or pulleys cannot be changed, a device is needed to generate tension in the belt. Some systems or applications do not have the feature to attach a conventional belt tensioner. For some of these systems or applications, a floating belt tensioner is used.

[0005] A floating tensioner is positioned in the belt between the drive pulley and the driven pulley. To position the tensioner in the belt, it can be partially compressed from a circular shape to an elliptical shape, especially when the tensioner has edge flanges. However, for some flexible tensioners, the allowable compression reduces the tensioner's strength.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for a belt tensioner that can be containerized and easily used in systems with fixed distances. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This disclosure provides a flanged annular tensioner for belt systems (such as fixed two-point systems) having a toothed belt that runs between two gears, pulleys, idlers, or sprockets fixed in position.

[0008] The annular tensioner disclosed herein has at least one removable and replaceable side flange. In other words, the annular tensioner can be disassembled into two or more different parts, components, or elements. In some embodiments, the annular tensioner of this disclosure has two removable and replaceable side flanges. In other words, the annular tensioner can be disassembled into three different parts, components, or elements.

[0009] In one particular embodiment, this disclosure provides an annular tensioner for a belt system, the annular tensioner having a first part and a second separate part, the first part having a belt engagement surface and a circumferential flange, and the second separate part having a second circumferential flange and configured to releasably engage with the first part.

[0010] In another particular embodiment, this disclosure provides a belt tensioner having: an annular belt engagement surface; a first circumferential flange on a first side edge of the belt engagement surface; and a second circumferential flange on a second side edge of the belt engagement surface, the second circumferential flange being removable and replaceable relative to the belt engagement surface.

[0011] In another specific embodiment, this disclosure provides a method for installing an annular tensioner in a timing belt. The method includes inserting an annular body between a first span and a second span of the timing belt, the annular body having a belt-engaging surface, and, after inserting the annular body between the spans, engaging at least one side flange with the annular body. In some embodiments, the method includes engaging a second flange with the annular body.

[0012] These and other aspects of the tensioner described herein will become apparent upon consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that the scope of the claimed subject matter should be determined by the published claims, and not by whether the given subject matter solves any or all of the problems mentioned in the background art or whether it includes any of the features or aspects listed in the summary of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a side view of a fixed belt system with a floating tensioner.

[0014] Figure 2A , 2B Figures 2C and 2D are side view diagrams with the system.

[0015] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional diagram of an example ring tensioner.

[0016] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A perspective view of an annular tensioner, wherein a removable flange is removed from the annular tensioner.

[0017] Figure 5 for Figure 3 Along the ring tensioner Figure 3 The sectional view obtained from line 5-5.

[0018] Figure 6 for Figure 3 Along the ring tensioner Figure 3 The sectional view obtained from line 6-6.

[0019] Figure 7 for Figure 3 Along the ring tensioner Figure 3 The sectional side view obtained from line 7-7.

[0020] Figure 8 This is a three-dimensional diagram with the system.

[0021] Figure 9 for Figure 8 A perspective view of a belt system, wherein an annular tensioner body is positioned within the belt system.

[0022] Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of a portion of an annular tensioner, showing the belt without the removable flange.

[0023] Figure 11 This is a perspective view of the belt system, in which the annular tensioner is fully installed in the belt system.

[0024] Figure 12 A perspective view of another example of a ring tensioner.

[0025] Figure 13 for Figure 12 Side view of the annular tensioner.

[0026] Figure 14 for Figure 12 An exploded three-dimensional view of the annular tensioner.

[0027] Figure 15 for Figure 12 Enlarged sectional side view of the annular tensioner. Detailed Implementation

[0028] As described above, this disclosure relates to belt tensioners for systems (e.g., existing in fixed two-point belt systems) where a fixed distance exists between belt engagement points (e.g., gears, sprockets, pulleys, idlers, etc.). Such fixing systems can be applied to, for example, synchronous belt drives, such as automotive timing belts, and numerous industrial applications, including printing presses, conveyor systems, cleaning systems, and industries such as breweries, aluminum processing plants, power plants, sandblasting machines, agriculture, and mining. The belt tensioner of this disclosure includes at least one side flange that is removable and replaceable on the tensioner. In some embodiments, the flange is provided as a second part, component, or element that can be completely removed from the rest of the tensioner.

[0029] In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form part of this description, in which at least one specific embodiment is illustrated by way of example. Additional specific embodiments are provided in the following description. It should be understood that other embodiments may be conceived and made without departing from the scope or spirit of this disclosure. Therefore, the following detailed description should not be considered limiting. While this disclosure is not limited thereto, an understanding of various aspects of this disclosure will be obtained through the discussion of the examples provided below, including the accompanying drawings. In some cases, reference numerals may have associated sublabels consisting of lowercase letters to indicate one of a plurality of similar components. When a reference numeral is used without specifying a sublabel, the reference is intended to refer to all such plurality of similar components.

[0030] Turn to the attached diagram. Figure 1 A common configuration of a belt system 100 is shown, which includes a flexible belt 120 extending between two rotation points 130, 132, which can be gears, sprockets, pulleys, idlers, etc., one of which can be driven.

[0031] An annular tensioner 140 engages with belt 120. When one of the rotation points 130, 132 is driven or otherwise rotated such that belt 120 rotates, for example clockwise, the generally annular annular tensioner 140 rotates in the same direction, for example, also clockwise, because it engages with both the top side or top span and the bottom side or bottom span of belt 120. During the rotation of belt 120, the annular tensioner 140 continuously acts on both spans with the same radial tension and the same damping.

[0032] The annular tensioner 140 is not attached, mounted, or otherwise secured to any fixed or stationary structure, but is held in place between the two spans of the belt 120 by means of the belt 120. It can be said that the annular tensioner 140 is floating.

[0033] The annular tensioner 140 increases the tension within the belt 120 by adjusting its tracking position. The presence of the annular tensioner 140 increases the distance between the top and bottom spans of the belt 120, thereby increasing the path length of the belt 120. Additionally, in some systems, the presence of the annular tensioner 140 distributes tension more evenly across the top and bottom spans. Without the annular tensioner, the span pulled by the driver has significantly more tension than the span pushed by the driver; the presence of the annular tensioner 140 reduces the tension on the pulled spans and increases the tension on the pushed spans. In some systems, this results in smoother belt operation, manifested as reduced noise and vibration.

[0034] For annular tensioners 140 with side flanges, mounting the tensioner 140 between belt spans can be difficult because the diameter of the side flanges is larger than the belt engagement surface of the tensioner on which the belt 120 runs, requiring the belt 120 to be mounted on the side flanges. Therefore, to facilitate mounting the flanged tensioner 140 between belt spans, the tensioner 140 is flexible, allowing it to be compressed for assembly between the belt spans. However, the lifespan of a flexible tensioner may be reduced due to its flexibility. Furthermore, in some systems, the annular tensioner 140 is too flexible, causing the forces at the top and bottom spans of the belt 120 to deform (e.g., break), thereby reducing or even eliminating the tensioning effect.

[0035] Figure 2A and 2B And 2C illustrates a common belt system 200, 200' using annular tensioners that are either too flexible or too rigid. Belt systems 200, 200' comprise a flexible belt 220 extending between two rotation points 230, 232, one of which can be driven. Figure 2A and 2B In this system, rotation points 230 and 232 are fixed, with a fixed center-to-center distance C1. Figure 2C In this configuration, at least one of the rotation points 230 and 232 is movable, thereby allowing adjustment of the distance between the centers; Figure 2C In the system, the distance between centers is C2, where C2 is greater than C1. In the two systems 200 and 200', the two rotation points 230 and 232 have a diameter D1.

[0036] like Figure 2A As seen in the diagram, the annular flexible belt 220 is long enough to be mounted on the rotation points 230, 232 (including any flanges that may be present at the rotation points 230, 232 to prevent the belt 220 from slipping off). However, after being mounted on the rotation points 230, 232 with a fixed center-to-center distance C1, a certain tension must be applied to the long, slack belt 220. An annular tensioner with a diameter greater than D1 is inserted between two spans of the belt 220 to apply tension to the belt 220; in some designs, the diameter of the annular tensioner is approximately 50 mm (5 cm) larger than D1. As the length of the belt increases, the diameter of the annular tensioner also increases. The annular tensioner is typically a flanged annular tensioner with raised flanges on both sides to hold the belt 220 on the tensioner.

[0037] During the installation of the annular tensioner between spans of 220°, the annular tensioner will experience a certain degree of compression or deflection, with the deflection amplitude typically being significant. For example, from... Figure 2BThe circular shape shown as 240 is transformed into an elliptical shape shown as 242. This deflection is necessary to allow the tensioner to be fitted between the belt spans; when the tensioner has side flanges, a greater deflection is required. To provide flexibility to the annular tensioner so that it can easily change from the circular shape 240 to the elliptical shape 242, the annular tensioner can be made of plastic. However, in some designs, plastic is less strong than other materials such as metal. Furthermore, regardless of whether it is made of plastic or metal, repeated bending and deformation of the ring will weaken the annular tensioner over time.

[0038] One design aimed at eliminating the need for deformation of the annular tensioner to install it between span sections of 220 is to employ an adjustable system, such as... Figure 2C The system 200' in which one or both of the rotation points 230 and 232 are movable, thereby enabling the center-to-center distance C2 to be adjusted to a greater distance after the tensioner is installed.

[0039] However, many timing belt systems lack adjustable elements. Therefore, a better flanged annular tensioner and a better tensioner installation method are needed. Figures 3 to 7 This example illustrates a flanged annular tensioner.

[0040] However, returning Figure 2C and 2D This shows an example of a floating annular tensioner. Figure 2C In this system 200' (whether with fixed or adjustable rotation points 230, 232), there is a belt 220 surrounding the rotation points 230, 232 and an annular tensioner 250, wherein the belt has a top span section 222 and a bottom span section 224. When the annular tensioner 250 is installed between the span sections 222, 224 and before activation, the tension on the two span sections 222, 224 is substantially the same and the central axis of the annular tensioner is aligned with the rotation points 230, 232. Assuming that the rotation point 230 is a drive wheel rotating in a clockwise direction and the rotation point 232 is a driven wheel, when the system 200' is activated, as... Figure 2D As seen in the diagram, due to the high tension on the driven pulley and belt 220, system 200'' now has a high load, thereby pulling the bottom span section 224 and pushing the top span section 222. This tension on belt 220 is transmitted to the annular tensioner 250. In this way, the annular tensioner 250 "floats" above the centerline of rotation points 230, 232 according to the load resistance of the driven pulley.

[0041] For information on better flanged annular tensioners and better tensioner installation methods, please refer to [link / reference]. Figures 3 to 7 .

[0042] Figure 3 Showing for use with belt systems (e.g.) Figure 1 The annular tensioner 300 is included in system 100. The annular tensioner 300 has an annular ring or sprocket body 302 with a first side 304 and a second side 306. The body 302 includes a belt receiving surface 305 between the first side 304 and the second side 306; when the tensioner 300 is installed in a system such as system 100, the belt receiving surface 305 is the outer peripheral surface of the tensioner 300 that is in contact with the belt. Opposite to the belt receiving surface 305 is the inner surface 308 of the body 302.

[0043] In this design, the belt receiving surface 305 is formed by a plurality of parallel teeth or crossbars 310 extending across the belt receiving surface 305. When the belt is mounted on the tensioner 300, the teeth 310 engage with the lands present between the teeth of the belt. The teeth 310 may extend laterally across the belt receiving surface 305 and be orthogonal to the sides 304, 306, or may be at an angle to them.

[0044] The annular tensioner 300 has a first circumferential flange 314 on its first side 304 and a second circumferential flange 316 on its second side 306. The radii of the flanges 314 and 316 are larger than the radius of the tape receiving surface 305, such that the flanges 314 and 316 extend above the tape receiving surface 305. At least one of the flanges 314 and 316 is separable from the body 302 and the tape receiving surface 305. Figure 4 The flange 316 removed from the body 302 is shown. In this embodiment, the flange 314 is integral with the body 302, but in other embodiments, the flange 314 may also be removed from the body 302.

[0045] A flange 316 is present on an annular flange body 320, which includes a flange 316 extending radially therefrom and a plurality of engaging tabs 330 extending orthogonally to the flange 316, such that when the flange body 320 engages with the body 302, the tabs 330 extend laterally across the body 302 toward a first side 304. The tabs 330 have cantilever 332 with claws 326. Various mechanisms are provided on the inner surface 308 of the body 302 for engaging the tabs 330 and securing the flange body 320 to the body 302. The flange body 320 with the flange 316 can be repeatedly engaged with and removed from the body 302. Note that other embodiments of the body 302 and / or flange body 320 of the annular tensioner 300 may have a solid center or may be shapes other than annular.

[0046] Turning Figure 5This shows a cross-section of a portion of the annular tensioner 300, wherein the flange body 320 engages with the body 302. Figure 5 The flange 314, integral with the main body 302, the receiving surface 305, and the flange body 320 with flange 316 can be seen. (As previously...) Figure 4 As shown, the flange body 320 has a tab 330 extending therefrom. An arm 332 of the tab 330 has a distal end 335, and a pawl 334 is positioned on the arm 332, the pawl 334 having a chamfer 336 on its distal side. The proximal side of the pawl 334 defines a shoulder 338 (in...). Figure 5 Not shown in, but in Figure 4 (As can be seen in the image).

[0047] When the flange body 320 engages with the body 302, the tab 330, particularly the shoulder 338, engages with the ridge or bump 340 present on the inner surface 308 of the body 302. The bump 340 may extend around the entire inner periphery of the inner surface 308, or may exist only at the location of the tab 330 at engagement.

[0048] Arm 332 is flexible enough to deform to a sufficient degree so that pawl 334 passes over (e.g., through) protrusion 340 in both directions. Additionally, arm 332 is flexible enough so that the distal end 335 of arm 332 can be moved (e.g., manually, for example, by a tool) to release pawl 334 from protrusion 340.

[0049] The engagement of the claw 334 of arm 332 with the protrusion 340 typically provides sufficient stability to hold the flange body 320 to the body 302. However, in some embodiments, different or additional physical engagements or fasteners are included. For example, screws, rivets, studs, clips, or other mechanical fasteners may be used with, or in place of, the claw 334 and arm 332 to secure the flange body 320 to the body 302.

[0050] The main body 302 includes protrusions 322 ( Figure 4 and Figure 5 The protrusion 322 is disposed within and engages with the groove 324 of the flange body 320 to ensure proper alignment of the flange body 320 with the body 302. The protrusion 322 and the groove 324 may extend around the entire inner periphery, or may only be present near the tab 330 when engaged.

[0051] exist Figure 6 The image shows another cross-section of a portion of the annular tensioner 300, where the flange body 320 engages with the body 302. Figure 5 As seen in the image, flange 314 and receiving surface 305 can be observed. Figure 6(Not shown in the image), and a flange body 320 with a flange 316, as well as protrusions 322 and grooves 324. However, in this view, there is no tab (e.g., tab 330) engaging with a protrusion 340 on the inner surface 308 of the body 302. Figure 6 It also includes 620.

[0052] As described above, the protrusions 322 and grooves 324 provide structural stability, for example, resistance to compressive forces generated by belt tension. Figure 6 The deformation is caused by a force (D). This compressive force D acts on the joined annular tensioner body 302 and flange body 320, thereby causing the two bodies 302 and 320 to deform.

[0053] Back Figure 4 The inner surface 308 of the body 302 includes anti-rotation features 318, such as ribs, which prevent rotational movement of the flange body 320 relative to the body 302, or at least limit the magnitude of rotational movement. In addition, the anti-rotation features 318 can help to properly align the tab 330 into the body 302 and abut against the inner surface 308. Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the annular tensioner 300, showing the tabs 330 disposed between the ribs 318.

[0054] The diameter and width (from the first side 304 to the second side 306) of the annular tensioner 300 are configured according to the belt system in which it will be installed. The width of the belt receiving surface 305 (which is less than the width between the flanges 314 and 316) is not less than the width of the belt, but may be greater than the width of the belt.

[0055] The annular tensioner 300 should have sufficient rigidity to suppress compression or deformation in the radial direction, and should have sufficient elasticity to return to its uncompressed shape when compressed.

[0056] Turning Figures 8 to 11 This illustrates the annular tensioner of this disclosure and its variations (such as annular tensioner 300) in a belt system 800 (with... Figure 1 Installation in a system similar to system 100. The belt system 800 includes a flexible belt 820 extending between two rotation points 830, 832, which can be gears, sprockets, pulleys, idlers, etc., one of which can be driven. The belt 820 located at the rotation points 830, 832 has a top span section 822 and a bottom span section 824. Before the annular tensioner is installed, the belt 820 is slack, with a certain degree of slack that allows the belt to move between a first position A and a second position B (indicated by dashed lines), in which the span sections 822, 824 are closer together, such as... Figure 8 What we see in the video.

[0057] exist Figure 9 In the middle, the body 302 of the annular tensioner 300 is inserted and placed between the top span section 822 and the bottom span section 824 of the belt 820, wherein the body 302 is positioned such that the side without flanges is inserted between the span sections 822 and 824. Figure 10 The body 302 is shown being pushed in direction P relative to the top span segment 822. In this way, the body 302 does not need to be compressed to accommodate the increased diameter of the flange, since no flange passes between span segments 822, 824; the tape receiving surface 305 is simply slid between span segments 822, 824 and stops before reaching the flange 314.

[0058] exist Figure 11 In this process, the flange body 320 with flange 316 is slid onto the installed body 302, such that the tabs 330 on the flange body 320 are positioned between the ribs 318 on the inner surface 308 of the body 302, and the claws 334 engage with the protrusions 340 (e.g., Figure 5 (As seen in the image), thereby locking the flange body 320 to the body 302, thus forming a complete annular tensioner 300. The arm 332 is positioned between the ribs 318 to prevent the flange body 320 from rotating relative to the body 302. In some embodiments, if the flange body 320 is not properly aligned with the body 302 and the ribs 318, resulting in the arm 332 not being positioned between the ribs 318, the flange body 320 may undergo a certain degree of relative rotation relative to the body 302 until the arm 332 encounters the ribs 318, at which point it stops rotating further.

[0059] Since no flange is pushed below the span section 822 or above the span section 824 during the installation of the annular tensioner 300, the main body 302 does not need to resist compressive force. Figure 6 The deformation of D) in the ring tensioner can be designed to provide greater stability than a flexible annular tensioner without any installation problems. This increased stability can be attributed to, for example, increased wall thickness of the body 302 and the flange. Utilizing this low-flexibility design, the annular tensioner 300 and its variations can be used in a wide range of systems with compressive forces, for example, from 0 to 1000 N.

[0060] As mentioned above, in order for the annular tensioner to apply appropriate tension to the belt, the diameter of the annular tensioner is larger than the diameter of the point of rotation. However, due to this increase in diameter, the belt exerts a compressive force on the annular tensioner. This compressive force must be considered when designing annular tensioners with flanges; annular tensioners with excessive flexibility may be compressed due to belt compressive forces, thereby reducing the tension on the belt. Having at least one flange that can be removed from the annular tensioner allows for a more robust and durable tensioner that can withstand higher compressive forces and provide appropriate belt tension.

[0061] To remove the annular tensioner 300 from system 800 and belt 802, the flange body 320 is removed from body 302 by releasing the shoulder 338 of ramp 336 from protrusion 340; this can be achieved by flexing arm 332 to release shoulder 338 from protrusion 340. A tool such as a screwdriver, bolt, pencil / pen, or special tool can be used to flex the distal end 335 of arm 332; in some embodiments, no tool is required, and manual operation with the fingers is sufficient.

[0062] The annular tensioner 300 and its variations can be installed in a belt that runs vertically, horizontally, or at an angle, or in a belt with multiple directions (e.g., an "L" shaped belt path). As described above, the annular tensioner can be equidistantly centered between two points of rotation, or it can be positioned closer to one point than the other. More than one annular tensioner can be used in the belt, for example, between two points of rotation or in each branch of the "L" shaped belt path. The annular tensioner 300 can be equidistantly inserted between two points of rotation, or it can be positioned closer to one point than the other (e.g., a sprocket).

[0063] During operation, the annular tensioner 300 rotates together with the belt. That is, one annular side (e.g., the top side) rotates with the belt (e.g., the top span) in the same direction as the belt, while the opposite annular side (e.g., the bottom side) rotates with the belt (e.g., the bottom span) in the same direction as the belt (which is the opposite direction to the first side). Therefore, regardless of the belt speed, the center of the annular tensioner 300 remains stationary.

[0064] Figures 12 to 15 Another embodiment of an annular tensioner with at least one removable and replaceable side flange is shown. This particular annular tensioner has two removable and replaceable side flanges.

[0065] Figure 12 and Figure 13 Showing for use with belt systems (e.g.) Figure 1The system 100 includes an annular tensioner 1200. Similar to the annular tensioner 300, the annular tensioner 1200 has an annular ring or sprocket body 1202 with a first side 1204 and a second side 1206. The body 1202 includes a belt receiving surface 1205 between the first side 1204 and the second side 1206; the belt receiving surface 1205 is the peripheral surface of the tensioner 1200, and the belt contacts the peripheral surface when the tensioner 1200 is installed in a system such as system 100. The belt receiving surface 1205 is formed by a plurality of parallel teeth or crossbars 1210. Opposite to the belt receiving surface 1205 is the inner surface 1208 of the body 1202.

[0066] A first circumferential flange 1214 is located on the first side 1204, and a second circumferential flange 1216 is located on the second side 1206. The radii of flanges 1214 and 1216 are larger than the radius of the tape receiving surface 1205, such that flanges 1214 and 1216 extend above the tape receiving surface 1205. At least one of flanges 314 and 316 is separable from the body 1202 and the tape receiving surface 1205. In this particular embodiment, both flanges 1214 and 1216 are separable from the body 1202. Figure 14 Shown are flanges 1214 and 1216, which have been removed from the body 1202.

[0067] Each of the flanges 1214 and 1216 is removably secured to the body 1202 by a plurality of fasteners (such as bolts, studs, pins, screws, rivets, etc.). A plurality of first pins 1224 are used to hold the first flange 1214 to the body 1202, and a plurality of second pins 1226 are used to hold the second flange 1216 to the body 1202. The sleeve 1225, described further below, retains the pins 1224 and 1226.

[0068] Each of flanges 1214 and 1216 includes slots 1234 and 1236, respectively, through which pins 1224 and 1226 pass to retain flanges 1214 and 1216 to the body 1202; for slots 1234 and 1236, please refer to Figure 12 The body 1202 includes a receiver 1222 for receiving pins 1224, 1226, such as a hole or threaded hole.

[0069] Figure 15The diagram illustrates the engagement of a first pin 1224, a sleeve 1225, and a second pin 1226 that secure flanges 1214 and 1216 to the sprocket body 1202. In this particular embodiment, the end of the first pin 1224 is received in the end of the second pin 1226, and both the first and second pins are housed in the sleeve 1225. The sleeve 1225 has a defined length that defines the minimum width of the tensioner 1200 from the first side 1204 to the second side 1206. Due to the length of the sleeve 1225, pins 1224 and 1226 cannot be pushed together too far.

[0070] In other embodiments, pins 1224, 1226 or other fasteners may engage directly with the body 1202 without engaging with each other; for example, threaded bolts may be received in threaded holes on each side 1204, 1206 of the body 1202, or spring-loaded press-fit pins may be received in holes.

[0071] Pins 1224 and 1226 are secured such that the fit between flanges 1214 and 1216 and the body 1202 is not tight, but sufficiently loose, allowing flanges 1214 and 1216 to move (e.g., slide) relative to the body 1202, the distance of which is determined by the length of slots 1234 and 1236. This allows the body 1202 to buckle or deform (e.g., under load from a belt held thereon) without deforming flanges 1214 and 1216. Additionally, this allows flanges 1214 and 1216 to be used with bodies of different diameters. By including a sleeve 1225 with a fixed minimum width, pins 1224 and 1226 can only be pushed together along the length of sleeve 1225, thus preventing the fit between flanges 1214 and 1216 and the body 1202 from being too tight. Washers or other spacers may be present between the body 1202 and the flanges 1214 and 1216 to prevent jamming / adhesion between the body 1202 and the flanges 1214 and 1216, for example, when the relative positions of the body 1202 and the flanges 1214 and 1216 change.

[0072] Similar to the annular tensioner 300, the diameter and width (from the first side 1204 to the second side 1206) of the annular tensioner 1200 are configured according to the belt system in which it will be installed. The width of the belt receiving surface 1205 (which is less than the width between the flanges 1214 and 1216) is not less than the width of the belt, but may be greater than the width of the belt.

[0073] The annular tensioner 1200 should have sufficient rigidity (but may not) to suppress compression or deformation in the radial direction. As described above, the slots 1234, 1236 receiving pins 1224, 1226 allow the pins 1224, 1226 to move radially relative to the flanges 1214, 1216 to accommodate compression or deformation of the body 1202.

[0074] Similar to the annular tensioner 300, the annular tensioner 1200 is used in belt systems (with...) Figure 1 Installation in a system (similar to system 100) involves inserting a body 1202 (without flanges attached thereto) between the top and bottom spans of the belt. After the body 1202 is positioned in or on the belt, a sleeve 1225 is inserted into a receiver 1222 in the body 1202. A second flange 1216 is aligned on the body 1202, and a pin 1226 is inserted into the sleeve 1225 through a slot 1236. Then, a first flange 1214 is aligned on the body 1202, and a pin 1224 is inserted into the second pin 1226 through a slot 1234. To remove the annular tensioner 1200 from the belt, one or both flanges 1214 and 1216 are removed from the body 1202 by removing pins 1224 and 1226, with the first flange 1214 being removed first.

[0075] In an alternative installation method for the annular tensioner 1200, the second flange 1216 is already attached to the body 1202 before the body 1202 is inserted between the top and bottom spans of the belt.

[0076] Examples of materials suitable for annular tensioners 300, 1200 and their variations include: polymers (e.g., polycarbonate, polyamide, polyethylene, polyphthalamide), including fiber-reinforced polymers; metals (e.g., steel, stainless steel, nickel, iron, aluminum, alloys); and composite materials. Annular tensioners 300, 1200 can be formed by molding, casting, 3D printing, or other methods. In most embodiments, the annular tensioner body 302 and the flange body 320 are formed separately; similarly, the annular tensioner body 1202 and the flanges 1214, 1216 are formed separately.

[0077] Materials experts are able to design annular tensioners 300, 1200 and their variations as needed by using appropriate fillers, reinforcing materials, additives, coatings, etc., to provide the required annular tensioners.

[0078] Therefore, at least one specific example of an annular tensioner having at least one removable and replaceable flange is described herein.

[0079] The annular tensioners and their variations described in this article can be applied to various belt drive systems. Annular tensioners can be used in many other systems, including ABDS (accessory belt drive systems), SBDS (synchronous belt drive systems), BSG (belt starter-generator, e.g., for hybrid vehicles), water pump systems, timing systems, etc. In general, annular tensioners can be used with synchronous belts, regardless of the application.

[0080] The foregoing description and examples provide a complete description of the structure and use of exemplary embodiments of the invention. Therefore, the detailed description above should not be considered limiting. It should be understood that other embodiments can be conceived and made without departing from the scope or spirit of this disclosure. For example, two side flanges may exist as separate and removable and replaceable parts from the body of the annular tensioner with receiving surfaces. As another example, different engagement mechanisms may be designed for attaching the removable flange body to the body. The embodiment shown in the figures has eight (8) tabs for engaging the flange body with the annular body; other numbers of tabs may be used, such as three (3), four (4), six (6), etc.

[0081] Furthermore, elements or features of one example, embodiment, or implementation may be applied to any other example, embodiment, or implementation described herein, but such content must not conflict. Therefore, the detailed description above should not be considered limiting.

[0082] While this disclosure is not limited thereto, various aspects of this disclosure can be understood through the discussion of the provided examples.

[0083] Unless otherwise stated, all figures representing characteristic dimensions, quantities, and physical properties should be understood to be modified by the term "about," regardless of whether the term "about" is directly present. Therefore, unless otherwise stated to the contrary, the numerical parameters listed are approximate values ​​that can vary according to the desired properties sought by those skilled in the art using the teachings disclosed herein.

[0084] As used herein, the singular form “a” and “the” include embodiments having plural referents, unless the context clearly specifies otherwise. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the term “or” is generally used to mean “and / or”, unless the context clearly specifies otherwise.

[0085] If spatially related terms are used herein, including but not limited to “bottom,” “lower,” “top,” “upper,” “below,” “below,” “above,” “on top,” “on,” etc., the purpose is to facilitate description of the spatial relationship between one or more elements and another one or more elements. In addition to the specific orientations shown in the figures and described herein, such spatially related terms also encompass different orientations of the apparatus. For example, if the structure shown in the figures is flipped or inverted, portions previously described as being below or beneath other elements will be above or on top of those other elements.

Claims

1. A ring-shaped tensioner, comprising: Annular band with mating surface; The first circumferential flange on the first side of the mating surface; as well as A second circumferential flange on the second side of the belt engagement surface, the second circumferential flange being removable and replaceable relative to the belt engagement surface.

2. The annular tensioner according to claim 1, wherein, The second circumferential flange is radially movable relative to the annular band engagement surface.

3. The annular tensioner according to claim 1, wherein, The first circumferential flange is removable and replaceable relative to the mating surface.

4. The annular tensioner according to claim 3, wherein, The first circumferential flange and the second circumferential flange are movable relative to the annular belt engagement surface.

5. The annular tensioner according to claim 1, comprising an annular body having the annular engagement surface and the first circumferential flange.

6. The annular tensioner of claim 5, comprising a flange body having a second circumferential flange, the flange body further comprising a plurality of tabs extending orthogonally to the second circumferential flange and configured to engage the annular body.

7. The annular tensioner according to claim 6, wherein, The plurality of tabs are configured to engage with protrusions on the inner surface of the annular body.

8. The annular tensioner according to claim 7, wherein, Each of the plurality of tabs includes a claw configured to engage with the tab.

9. The annular tensioner according to claim 7, wherein, The protrusions surround the inner surface of the annular body.

10. The annular tensioner according to claim 1, wherein, The annular band engagement surface and the first circumferential flange form a first part, and the second circumferential flange is a separate second part.

11. The annular tensioner according to claim 1, wherein, The annular banded joint surface is the first part, the first circumferential flange is a separate second part, and the second circumferential flange is a separate third part.

12. The annular tensioner according to claim 1, wherein, The annular tensioner comprises a polymer material.

13. The annular tensioner according to claim 1, wherein, The belt engagement surface includes multiple teeth.

14. A method for installing an annular tensioner in a timing belt, the method comprising: The annular body is inserted between the first span segment and the second span segment of the synchronous belt, and the annular body has a belt engagement surface; as well as After inserting the annular body between the first span segment and the second span segment, the side flange engages with the annular body.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein, Engaging the side flange includes engaging the tabs on the flange body of the side flange with the annular body.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein, Engaging the side flange involves connecting the side flange to the annular body using fasteners that pass through the side flange.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein, The side flanges are connected in a manner that allows the side flanges to move radially relative to the annular body.

18. The method of claim 14, further comprising engaging a second side flange with the annular body after engaging the side flange with the annular body.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein, Engaging the second side flange includes connecting the second side flange to the annular body using fasteners that pass through the second side flange.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein, The second side flange is connected in a manner that allows the second side flange to move radially relative to the annular body.

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