Tension-adjustable belt tensioning mechanism

Abstract

The invention relates to a mechanism developed to facilitate tension adjustment in belt and chain drive systems, to ensure constant tension during installation without applying preload, and to continuously compensate for gaps that may occur over time In particular, the invention relates to a tensioning mechanism that not only prevents belt (K) slack caused by vibrations or mechanical shifts but also includes a spring (30) and / or an adjustment shaft (40) that adjusts the compression of the spring (30), which compensates the gap by extending when the system loses tension for any reason.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] TENSION-ADJUSTABLE BELT TENSIONING MECHANISM TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The invention relates to a mechanism developed to facilitate tension adjustment in belt and chain drive systems, to provide constant tension during assembly without preloading, and to continuously compensate for looseness that may occur over time.

[0004] In particular, the invention pertains to a tensioning mechanism that not only prevents belt slack caused by vibrations or mechanical shifts, but also comprises a spring and / or an adjustment shaft that compensates the gap created by extension due to the structural properties of the spring when the system loses tension for any reason, and allows adjustment of the compression of the spring.

[0005] STATE OF THE ART

[0006] Belts and tensioning mechanisms are critical components in mechanical systems for effective transmission of rotary motion and power. Belts, typically made of rubber or similarly flexible materials, transfer motion between two or more pulleys. These systems are notable for their quiet operation, low energy loss, and shock absorption properties. Tensioning mechanisms enhance system efficiency by keeping the belt or chain at optimal tension. While fixed tensioning systems provide constant tension, spring-loaded mechanisms offer flexibility and serve to dampen vibrations. These mechanisms are used in many sectors such as automotive, agricultural machinery, and industrial applications. Considering their design in terms of durability, maintenance requirements, and energy efficiency, belts and tensioning systems are indispensable in modern engineering. Thanks to innovative tensioning mechanisms, assembly is simplified, system efficiency is increased, and maintenance procedures are facilitated.In the existing art, adjusting the tension in belt and chain drive systems often leads to issues. Conventional tensioning mechanisms rely on components like springs to provide a preload. Over time, the applied force in these systems tends to decrease, resulting in slack in the belt or chain. This adversely affects system efficiency and leads to energy losses and failures in power transmission.

[0007] Additionally, the assembly process poses a significant challenge with existing technologies. In traditional systems, adjusting the desired tension in the belt or chain during installation is often difficult. Post-installation adjustments are time-consuming and may lead to long-term performance problems due to changes in settings. Failure to achieve the necessary tension during assembly can lead to accelerated wear of other system components, eventually causing breakdowns.

[0008] Continuous monitoring and adjustment of tensioning mechanisms present another issue in the current state of the art. Over time, mechanisms may loosen, increasing backlash in the drive elements. Monitoring these gaps places an extra burden on system operators and maintaining proper tension requires constant observation and regular maintenance. These needs increase maintenance costs and reduce system reliability.

[0009] System complexity during installation also constitutes a major problem in the existing solutions. Conventional tensioning mechanisms often require preloading during setup. This means that sag must be corrected after assembly, a process that requires technical knowledge and experience. Consequently, inexperienced users may make installation errors, leading to poor system performance.

[0010] As a result, due to the inadequacies of current solutions and the need for a reliable, applicable, and economical tensioning system that eliminates the above-mentioned risks, it has become necessary to develop a new approach in the relevant technical field.OBJECTIVE OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The present invention relates to a mechanism developed to eliminate the disadvantages mentioned above and to bring new advantages to the relevant technical field by facilitating tension adjustment in belt and chain drive systems, ensuring constant tension without preloading during assembly, and continuously compensating for gaps that may occur over time.

[0012] The primary objective of the invention is to significantly simplify tension adjustment in belt and chain drive systems. The problem of tension loss frequently encountered in conventional mechanisms is eliminated with this invention, ensuring the system always operates under optimal tension. The preload-free design provides users with flexibility, resulting in a faster and more efficient installation process. This not only saves time but also reduces errors during the process.

[0013] Another important goal of the invention is to minimize maintenance requirements of the system. The developed mechanism enables continuous monitoring of clearance in drive elements overtime and allows automated control of tension. Consequently, users can increase system reliability without frequent maintenance, reducing overall costs and extending the life of the system.

[0014] Another objective of the invention is to enhance the flexibility of the mechanism. The innovative design allows users to disable the spring component for a fixed positioning. This feature enables users to establish a more stable setup as needed, allowing the system to perform better depending on its intended use. Thus, it is easier to adapt the invention to different application requirements.

[0015] Another ambition of the invention is to increase energy efficiency. When optimal tension is maintained and the mechanism is adjusted according to the current condition, energy losses can be minimized. This enhances the performance of the drive system andreduces overall operational costs. Additionally, lower energy consumption contributes significantly to reducing environmental impact.

[0016] The structural and characteristic features of the invention and all its advantages will be more clearly understood through the figures provided below and the detailed descriptions referring to these figures. Therefore, the assessment must also be made considering these figures and the detailed description.

[0017] DRAWINGS TO HELP UNDERSTAND THE INVENTION

[0018] FIGURE -1: Exploded view of the tensioning mechanism.

[0019] FIGURE -2: Exploded view of the tensioning mechanism.

[0020] FIGURE -3: View showing the tensioning mechanism.

[0021] FIGURE -4: View showing the tensioning mechanism.

[0022] FIGURE -5: View showing the tensioning mechanism.

[0023] FIGURE -6: View showing the tensioning mechanism.

[0024] FIGURE -7: View showing the tensioning mechanism.

[0025] REFERENCE NUMBERS

[0026] 10. Body

[0027] 11. Threaded Hole

[0028] 20. Carrier

[0029] 30. Spring

[0030] 40. Adjustment Shaft

[0031] 41. Key Slot50. Guide Pin

[0032] 60. Lock Bolt

[0033] 70. Lock Nut

[0034] K. Belt

[0035] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0036] In this detailed description, the preferred configurations of the tensioning mechanism are explained for a better understanding of the subject matter and are in no way intended to be limiting.

[0037] Figures 1-6 show the tension-adjustable tensioning mechanism of the invention and its components. The invention comprises a mechanism actively held in place by a spring (30) connected to an adjustment shaft (40).

[0038] In Figure 3, the system is actively providing tension and the guide pin (50) is in the center position of its slot. In Figure 4, the system is loosened, the movable carrier (20) has slid relative to the fixed body (10), and the spring (30) is extended.

[0039] Here, the adjustment shaft (40) is connected to a threaded hole (11) on the body (10) element. The adjustment shaft (40) can be rotated by inserting a key into the keyway (41), allowing the shaft to move in or out of the body (10). Accordingly, rotating the adjustment shaft (40) moves the surface applying pressure to the spring, thereby changing the length of the spring. Without dismantling the mechanism, only with repositioning via the adjustment shaft (40), the spring (30) can be re-compressed (Figure 7) and the system can be returned to the desired tension state.The movement in the relevant direction is constrained by one or more guide pins (50) which slide in the same number of slots positioned on the fixed body (10) and serve to neutralize unwanted forces or moments on the spring (30) and the movable carrier (20). Thanks to the integrated spring (30), the mechanism prevents belt slack caused by vibration or mechanical shifts, and even if the system loses tension for any reason, the spring (30) extends and fills the gap, maintaining tension on components such as an idler pulley mounted on the movable carrier (20).

[0040] The mechanism specified in the invention can be applied to all systems driven by belts (K), chains, or similar components connected to a pulley or similar element mounted at the end of the movable carrier (20).

[0041] The tension adjustment feature can be performed manually through an interface on the adjustment shaft (40), or alternatively, via an automated electrical or hydraulic actuator that adjusts the spring (30) length either once or continuously.

[0042] During installation, the system's load can be absorbed via the lock bolt (60) by securing the movable carrier (20) to the fixed body (10) and thus enabling integration into the system without pre-tensioning. This eliminates the manual application of belt (K) tension via tools, levers, etc.

[0043] If the lock bolt (60) is not used, securing can be performed alternatively with the lock nut (70).

[0044] Once fully assembled into the desired system, tension can easily be adjusted through the interface on the adjustment shaft (40) using common hand tools.The movement axis of the movable carrier (20) may align with the system's motion axis and apply tension without changing the drive direction during adjustment or installation. Alternatively, even if the axis does not align, the spring (30) can still apply tension to a pulley or similar transmission element mounted on the carrier (20).

[0045] Since the tension applied by the system is proportional to the length of the spring (30), it is also possible to observe or measure the system tension or load externally based on the length of the spring (30).

[0046] A marking or indicator can be located next to the slot on the movable carrier (20). The distance or position of this marking relative to the guide pins (50) can be used to monitor or measure how much the movable carrier (20) has moved. This reference measurement taken during setup can also be used later for determining the tension applied to the system by the spring (30).

[0047] Thanks to the spring (30) integrated into the movable carrier (20), impacts due to sudden changes in drive direction in the connected system will be absorbed, and radial loads on the system will be minimized.

[0048] The scope of protection of this application is defined in the claims section and is not limited to the examples given above. It is clear that a person skilled in the art may implement similar configurations or adapt this mechanism to other areas with similar purposes within the field.

Claims

CLAIMS1- The invention relates to a mechanism developed to facilitate tension adjustment in belt and chain drive systems, providing constant tension without preloading during installation, and continuously compensating for looseness that may occur over time, characterized by; comprising a spring (30) that fills the gap by extending due to its structure and prevents loosening of the belt (K) due to mechanical shifts or vibrations and / or an adjustment shaft (40) that enables adjustment of the compression of the spring (30) when the system loses tension for any reason.2- A tensioning mechanism according to claim 1, characterized by; the adjustment shaft (40), connected to a threaded hole (11) on the body (10), is rotated through the key slot (41) to enter or exit the body (10), thus allowing adjustment of the force applied to the spring (30) without disassembling the system.3- A tensioning mechanism according to claim 1, characterized by; a fixed body (10) and a movable carrier (20), to which a pulley or similar element is attached, allow application to belts (K), chains, and similar mechanisms to achieve system tensioning.4- A tensioning mechanism according to claim 1, characterized by; a lock bolt (60) that enables easy integration into the system without applying preload during installation.5- A tensioning mechanism according to claim 1, characterized by; a lock bolt (60) that secures the tension created by the spring (30) by connecting the movable carrier (20) to the fixed body (10) during installation.6- A tensioning mechanism according to claim 1, characterized by; the adjustment shaft (40) may be rotated by hand tools, or alternatively via an electric or hydraulic actuator with a modified interface.

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