Transmission belt

Abstract

The utility model relates to a transmission belt (1) which is provided with a first conduction element (4) embedded in a polymer material (2) and used for transmitting electric energy, and the first conduction element (4) is formed by at least one tensile member (4) extending in the longitudinal direction (X) of the transmission belt (1). The drive belt (1) is preferably formed by a plurality of tensile members (4) extending in the longitudinal direction (X) of the drive belt (1) and arranged parallel to each other. The drive belt (1) has at least one contact element (12) to which the first conductive element (4) is electrically connected at the end.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The utility model relates to a drive belt according to the preamble of claim 1. BACKGROUND

[0002] In many applications and fields, drive belts are used for driving work machines, transport devices, vehicles and the like and for transmitting forces therein, in particular both as endless drive belts in traction belt drives and as drive belts of limited length in linear drives or elevator systems.

[0003] In particular, in the case of linear drives, parts of the respective device are moved by means of the drive belts used therein, for example in the case of carriages which are moved in multiple directions of a work machine, such as a milling machine or a storage and retrieval unit, or in the case of a driven print head of a 3D printer.

[0004] Generally, in the case of such linear drives for transmitting energy and / or for transmitting measurement and control signals, what is referred to as a "cable carrier" is additionally carried essentially between the moving parts of the work machine and the drive or central control device which also processes signals from stationary operating devices which are likewise connected thereto. The term "cable carrier" refers to an energy chain by means of which longer cables, energy supplies and control lines are guided on a supported, movable, chain-like holder of the mobile machine or movable device. In this case, the cable carrier therefore travels with the moving parts of the work machine, can also have to be deflected and requires a corresponding installation space.

[0005] Alternatively, a wide variety of embodiments of a sliding contact, for example in the form of a current-carrying rail, can be used. Sliding contacts are particularly sensitive to contamination, for this reason, it is very complex and expensive to maintain the sliding contacts for reliable current and / or signal transmission.

[0006] Such an energy chain of course complies with the relevant regulations regarding repair and maintenance and has to be checked regularly, as is generally the case with actual drives via the drive belts. Compliance with such regulations therefore also requires regular monitoring and maintenance of the energy chain and thus involves considerable additional expenditure.

[0007] EP 3 462 055 B1 discloses an elevator system having a load bearing belt in the form of a drive belt, which has a tensile resistant member for signal or data transmission. The signal or data is fed in or read out between the signal conducting element and a further line or signal processing device via contact at the respective terminal connection points or fastening points of the cable clamp, via the signal conducting element. Disadvantageously, the method for contacting the tensile resistant member is very complex, since each individual tensile resistant member of the tensile resistant member has to be manually released from the surrounding elastomer material before being electrically contacted with the cable clamp. This complex contacting of the tensile resistant member results in correspondingly high production costs. Utility model content

[0008] The utility model is based on the following purposes, provide a drive belt, wherein, the contact of the tensile resistant member quickly and / or cost-effective and / or in the way that can be automated occurs.

[0009] This object is achieved by a drive belt having the features of independent claim 1. Further advantageous embodiments are disclosed in the dependent claims.

[0010] Further advantages and features can be found in the general description and the exemplary embodiments.

[0011] The present application relates to a drive belt having a first conducting element for transmitting electrical energy embedded in a polymer material, wherein the first conducting element is formed by at least one tensile resistant member extending in the longitudinal direction of the drive belt, preferably by a plurality of tensile resistant members extending in the longitudinal direction of the drive belt and arranged parallel to each other. The drive belt can be designed as a toothed belt, a flat belt, a V-belt or a V-ribbed belt, for example. The drive belt can be a non-closed drive belt having a predetermined length and two ends. It is particularly advantageous to cut the drive belt to a size such that it can be provided in any desired length without incurring the costs of separate tools for producing drive belts of a specific length.

[0012] In other words, the tensile resistant member, which can be formed of an electrically conductive material, preferably of a metal, can additionally conduct electrical current in addition to the actual force transmission function. This enables the electrical current to be conducted from an energy source to a load, for example an electric motor of an actuating drive, via the drive belt without the need for an additional cable for carrying the electrical current. The drive belt can preferably be designed as a finite section having a predetermined length having a first end and a second end. Preferably, the polymer material of the drive belt is polyurethane. The drive belt can be designed as a toothed belt, a V-belt or a V-ribbed belt.

[0013] The drive belt has at least one contact element, the first conducting element being electrically connected to the at least one contact element at the end. The drive belt can preferably have a contact element at both the first end and the second end. It has proven particularly advantageous that the electrically conductive contact of the tensile member with the contact element can take place without the polymer material surrounding the tensile member having to be manually stripped from the tensile member. It has also proven advantageous that an interface can be provided via the contact element which enables the first conducting element or the tensile member to be electrically conductively connected to further means for supplying electric current and / or for consuming electric current.

[0014] According to a further aspect of the application, the contact element has at least one pair, preferably a plurality of pairs, of forked tines which are arranged in the transverse direction and which extend in the vertical direction for receiving at least one tensile member which extends in the longitudinal direction of the drive belt, preferably a plurality of tensile members which extend in the longitudinal direction of the drive belt and which are arranged parallel to one another. The contact element is inserted into the polymer material in the vertical direction. The contact element can preferably have the same number of pairs of forked tines as the tensile members. In other words, the contact element can be electrically conductively connected to the tensile members of the drive belt without the tensile members having to be released from the polymer material of the drive belt. In this case, the spacing between the two forked tines of a pair in the transverse direction can correspond at most to the diameter of the tensile member. The spacing between the two forked tines of a pair in the transverse direction preferably corresponds to 80 percent of the diameter of the tensile member. It is particularly advantageous when the spacing between the two forked tines is less than the diameter of the tensile member, a particularly good electrically conductive contact being able to be established between the tensile member and the contact element. Any deformation of the tensile member relative to the spacing of the pair of forked tines, which the tensile member can be received between, advantageously causes an increase in the contact surface area between the tensile member and the pair of forked tines of the contact element. There is no polymer material in the contact region between the tensile member and the pair of forked tines. The pair of forked tines can be arranged in the spacing between the tensile members relative to one another. This makes it possible to ensure that one tensile member is assigned to each pair of forked tines and / or that the tensile members are not damaged when the contact element is inserted into the polymer material of the drive belt and / or the position of the tensile members in the drive belt changes. However, a pair of forked tines can also receive or contact a plurality of tensile members. In order to enable the contact element to be inserted into the polymer material of the drive belt with the least possible force, the polymer material and / or the contact element can be heated. As a result of the influence of the heat, the polymer material can soften, as a result of which the resistance of the polymer material to the insertion of the forked tines of the contact element can be reduced. In addition, the forked tines of the contact element can have a knife-like cutting edge, which also makes it easier to insert the contact element into the polymer material.

[0015] According to a further aspect of the utility model, the contact element has at least one cylindrical sleeve for receiving the tensile member. The cylindrical sleeve is inserted into the polymer material in the longitudinal direction and encloses the tensile member over a partial length in the longitudinal direction, wherein the cylindrical sleeve is pressed onto the tensile member. It is particularly preferred that the drive belt has the same number of cylindrical sleeves as tensile members, so that each tensile member has a cylindrical sleeve as a contact element. In other words, the cylindrical sleeve can be electrically conductively connected to the tensile member of the drive belt without the tensile member having to be released from the polymer material of the drive belt. In order to enable the cylindrical sleeve to be inserted into the polymer material of the drive belt with the lowest possible force, the polymer material and / or the cylindrical sleeve can be heated. As a result of the influence of the heat, the polymer material can soften, with the result that the resistance of the polymer material to the insertion of the cylindrical sleeve can be reduced. The application of force to the drive belt in the vertical direction causes the cylindrical sleeve to be pressed together with the tensile member. This enables an electrically conductive connection between the cylindrical sleeve and the tensile member to be improved and permanently ensured under dynamic loading of the drive belt. There is no polymer material in the contact area between the tensile member and the cylindrical sleeve.

[0016] According to a further aspect of the utility model, the contact element has at least one mandrel which is inserted into the tensile member in the longitudinal direction. In order to enable the mandrel to be inserted into the tensile member of the drive belt with the lowest possible force, the polymer material of the drive belt and / or the mandrel can be heated. As a result of the influence of the heat, the polymer material can soften, with the result that the resistance of the polymer material to the widening of the diameter of the tensile member when the mandrel is inserted into the tensile member can be reduced. The mandrel is preferably designed to have a tapered outer contour, for example conical, so that the force for inserting the mandrel into the tensile member can additionally be reduced. It is particularly preferred that the drive belt has the same number of mandrels as tensile members, so that each tensile member has a mandrel as a contact element. It has proven particularly advantageous for the contact surface area between the tensile member and the mandrel inserted therein for forming an electrically conductive connection to be particularly large. The insertion of the mandrel into the tensile member enables any contact between the mandrel and the electrically insulating polymer material of the drive belt to be avoided. In other words, the contact resistance between the mandrel and the tensile member can particularly advantageously be kept as low as possible, with the result that the electrical losses when carrying a current can likewise be low.

[0017] According to another aspect of the utility model, the contact element has at least one clip, which particularly has a U-shaped design and is inserted into the polymer material in the vertical direction and contacts the tensile member. In other words, the contact element can be designed as a U-shaped conductor wire. In this case, the conductor wire can be designed with a U-shaped radius corresponding to the outer diameter of the tensile member. The conductor wire can be inserted into the polymer material of the drive belt in the vertical direction with a first conductor wire end and a second conductor wire end, so that the tensile member is received between the first conductor wire end and the second conductor wire end. The conductor wire can pass through the drive belt in the vertical direction, so that the first conductor wire end and the second conductor wire end protrude from opposite sides of the drive belt. The conductor wire can be heated, for example by applying a voltage, as a result of which the polymer material of the drive belt can be softened or melted, as a result of which the U-shaped portion of the conductor wire can be moved through the polymer material far enough to the tensile strand with little force, and an electrically conductive contact can be formed between the conductor wire and the tensile strand. As mentioned above, the point at which the conductor wire penetrates into the polymer material of the drive belt can be closed again by heating the conductor wire and the polymer material surrounding the conductor wire. The tensile member can be electrically conductively connected to further means for supplying current and / or for consuming current via the first conductor wire end and the second conductor wire end. It is particularly preferred that the drive belt has the same number of clips or conductor wires as the tensile members, so that a clip or conductor wire is assigned as a contact element to each tensile member.

[0018] It is expressly stated that the above-mentioned aspects of the utility model (used individually or in any technically meaningful combination with one another) can each be combined with the subject matter of claim 1. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0019] Exemplary embodiments of the utility model will be illustrated schematically and explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0020] Figure 1a and Figure 1b A schematic cross-sectional view of a drive belt according to the utility model, according to a first exemplary embodiment for contacting a first conductive element, is shown.

[0021] Figure 2a , Figure 2b and Figure 2c A schematic view of a drive belt according to the utility model, according to a second exemplary embodiment for contacting a first conductive element, is shown.

[0022] Figure 3a and Figure 3b A schematic view of a side view of a drive belt according to the utility model, according to a third exemplary embodiment for contacting a first conductive element, is shown.

[0023] Figure 4a and Figure 4bA schematic cross-sectional view of a drive belt according to a fourth exemplary embodiment for contacting a first conductive element is shown.

[0024] List of reference signs

[0025] 1 drive belt

[0026] 2 polymer material

[0027] 4 first conductive element, tensile member

[0028] 5 heat source

[0029] 12 contact element

[0030] 14 forked prong

[0031] 16 cylindrical sleeve

[0032] 18 mandrel

[0033] 20 wire

[0034] F force

[0035] X longitudinal direction; depth

[0036] Y transverse direction; width

[0037] Z vertical direction; height

[0038] X, Y horizontal plane; horizontal plane DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] The description of the above figures is given in Cartesian coordinates having a longitudinal direction X, a transverse direction Y perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X, and a vertical direction Z perpendicular to both the longitudinal direction X and the transverse direction Y. The longitudinal direction X can also be referred to as a depth X, the transverse direction Y can also be referred to as a width Y, and the vertical direction Z can also be referred to as a height Z. The longitudinal direction X and the transverse direction Y together form a horizontal plane X, Y, which can also be referred to as a horizontal plane X, Y. The longitudinal direction X, the transverse direction Y, and the vertical direction Z can also together be referred to as spatial directions X, Y, Z or Cartesian spatial directions X, Y, Z.

[0040] Figure 1aA first embodiment of a drive belt 1 according to the present invention is shown, the drive belt having contact elements 12 having six pairs of forked teeth 14. The contact elements 12 are designed to be electrically connected to tensile members 4. The forked teeth 14 extend in the vertical direction Z and are arranged in six pairs in the transverse direction Y. In other words, the exemplary embodiment shown has six pairs or twelve forked teeth 14. The schematically shown drive belt 1 has six tensile members 4 embedded in a polymer material 2 (preferably polyurethane). The tensile members 4 form first conductive elements 4 for current transmission and comprise a metallic material. The tensile members 4 extend in the longitudinal direction X of the drive belt 1 and are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the transverse direction Y. The spacing between a pair of forked teeth 14 in the transverse direction Y corresponds to 80 percent of the diameter of the tensile member. The pair of forked teeth 14 are arranged relative to each other in the spacing between the tensile members 4. Thus, one tensile member 4 is assigned to each pair of forked teeth 14. When the contact element 12 is inserted into the polymer material 2 of the drive belt 1, the fork teeth 14 are aligned with the tensile member 4 to prevent damage to the tensile member 4. The polymer material 2 of the drive belt 1 and the contact element 12 are heated by the heat source 5. Heating softens the polymer material 2 and presents lower resistance to the insertion of the contact element 12 into the polymer material 2, resulting in the contact element 12 being able to be inserted into the polymer material 2 in the vertical Z direction with a small amount of force.

[0041] Figure 1b It shows Figure 1a The transmission belt 1 and contact element 12 are configured such that the contact element 12 is inserted into the polymer material 2 of the transmission belt 1 and electrically connected to the tensile member 4. Each of the pair of forked teeth 14 receives a tensile member 4 between them. The contact element 12 can be electrically connected to the tensile member 4 of the transmission belt 1 without the tensile member 4 being released from the polymer material 2 of the transmission belt 1. Due to the fact that the spacing between the pair of forked teeth 14 is smaller than the diameter of the tensile member 4, the tensile member 4 deforms between the pair of forked teeth 14, resulting in an increase in the contact surface area between the tensile member 4 and the pair of forked teeth 14 of the contact element 12.

[0042] Figure 2a A side view of another embodiment of a toothed drive belt 1 according to the present invention is shown. The contact element 12 is designed to receive a cylindrical sleeve 16 of a tensile member 4. The cylindrical sleeve 16 is inserted into the polymer material 2 of the drive belt 1 in the longitudinal direction X and encloses the tensile member 4 for a portion of its length in the longitudinal direction X. To facilitate insertion of the cylindrical sleeve 16, the polymer material 2 of the drive belt 1 and the cylindrical sleeve 16 are heated by a heat source 5.

[0043] Figure 2b It showsFigure 2a A cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of the application. Here it can be seen that a cylindrical sleeve 16 is assigned to each tensile member 4 as a contact element 12 in each case.

[0044] Figure 2c It is shown that, as a result of the application of a force F to the drive belt 1 in the vertical direction Z, the cylindrical sleeve 16 is plastically deformed and is electrically conductively connected to the tensile member 4. There is no polymer material 2 in the contact area between the tensile member 4 and the cylindrical sleeve 16.

[0045] Figure 3a A side view of a further embodiment of the drive belt 1 in the form of a toothed belt according to the application is shown, in which the contact elements 12 are designed as mandrels 18. In order to keep the force required for inserting the mandrels 18 into the tensile members 4 of the drive belt 1 in the longitudinal direction X as low as possible, the mandrels 18 are heated by the heat source 5. As a result of the influence of the heat, the polymer material 2 can soften, with the result that the resistance of the polymer material 2 to the widening of the diameter of the tensile members 4 decreases when the mandrels 18 are inserted into the tensile members 4. The diameter of the mandrels 18 widens conically, with the result that the force required for inserting the mandrels 18 into the tensile members 4 is additionally reduced. The drive belt 1 has the same number of mandrels 18 as tensile members 4, so that each tensile member 4 has a mandrel 18 as a contact element 12.

[0046] Figure 3b A cross-sectional view of the drive belt 1 according to the application is shown, in which the mandrels 18 have been inserted into the tensile members 4 in the longitudinal direction X. The diameter of the tensile members 4 has widened in the region around the mandrels 18. The mandrels 18 are substantially surrounded by the tensile members. As a result of the contact between the mandrels 18 and the tensile members 4, an electrically conductive connection is formed between the mandrels 18 and the tensile members 4. Figure 3a

[0047] A cross-sectional view through a further embodiment of the drive belt 1 according to the application is shown, in which the contact elements 12 are designed as U-shaped wires 20. The wires 20 are inserted into the polymer material 2 of the drive belt 1 in the vertical direction Z in the shape of a U with a first wire end and a second wire end, so that the tensile members 4 are received between the first wire end and the second wire end. The wires 20 pass through the drive belt 1 in the vertical direction Z, so that the first wire end and the second wire end protrude from opposite sides of the drive belt 1. The wires 20 are heated, for example by applying a voltage to the first wire end and the second wire end, with the result that the polymer material 2 of the drive belt 1 softens or melts, with the result that the U-shaped portion of the wire 20 is moved through the polymer material 2 far enough away from the tensile strand 4 with little force. The drive belt 1 has the same number of wires 20 as tensile members 4, so that the wires 20 are assigned to each tensile member 4 as a contact element 12. Figure 4a

[0048] ​Figure 4b It is shown Figure 4a A drive belt 1, wherein a conductor wire 4 is inserted in the polymer material 2 of the drive belt 1 in the vertical direction Z to such an extent that the tensile member 4 is surrounded in a U-shaped manner by the conductor wire 20 and an electrically conductive contact is formed between the conductor wire 20 and the tensile strand 4. The U-shaped radius of the conductor wire 20 corresponds to the outer diameter of the tensile member 4.

Claims

1. A drive belt (1) having a first conducting element (4) for transmitting electrical energy embedded in a polymer material (2), wherein the first conducting element (4) being formed by at least one tensile member (4) extending in a longitudinal direction (X) of the drive belt (1), preferably by a plurality of tensile members (4) extending in the longitudinal direction (X) of the drive belt (1) and arranged parallel to one another, characterized in that the drive belt (1) has at least one contact element (12) to which the first conducting element (4) is electrically connected at an end.

2. The drive belt (1) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the contact element (12) has at least one pair of forked tines (14) extending in a vertical direction (Z) for receiving at least one tensile member (4) extending in a longitudinal direction (X) of the drive belt (1), wherein the contact element (12) is inserted into the polymer material (2) in the vertical direction (Z).

3. The drive belt (1) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the contact element (12) has at least one cylindrical sleeve (16) for receiving a tensile member (4), wherein the cylindrical sleeve (16) is inserted into the polymer material (2) in the longitudinal direction (X) and encloses the tensile member (4) over a partial length in the longitudinal direction (X), wherein the cylindrical sleeve (16) is pressed onto the tensile member (4).

4. The drive belt (1) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the contact element (12) has at least one mandrel (18) inserted into the tensile member (4) in the longitudinal direction (X).

5. The drive belt (1) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the contact element (12) has at least one clip, in particular having a U-shaped design, and is inserted into the polymer material (2) in the vertical direction (Z), and surrounds the tensile member (4) while being in contact with the tensile member.

6. A linear drive having a drive belt (1) as claimed in one of claims 1 to 5.

7. A storage and retrieval unit having a linear drive as claimed in claim 6.

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