TW201328933A - Belt drive pulley with a non-integrally formed centering flange - Google Patents

Abstract

A pulley for use with a belt drive, the drive belt comprising a plurality of longitudinally spaced inner lugs each having an alignment groove dividing each lug into first and second segments. The pulley comprises a circular frame configured to rotate about a rotation axis. A plurality of circumferential teeth extend radially and axially of a peripheral edge of the circular frame. Each tooth is configured to be received between adjacent inner lugs of the drive belt. A tooth groove is provided in each of the teeth. The tooth groove is configured to align with the alignment groove of the drive belt. A circular alignment flange formed separately from the circumferential teeth is received in the tooth grove of each tooth. With the circular alignment flange received in the tooth groove of each tooth, the alignment flange is received in the alignment groove of a drive belt operatively associated therewith.

Description

Belt drive pulley with non-formed centering flange

A belt drive system, in particular a belt drive pulley having a centering flange that is not integrally formed.

U.S. Patent Publication No. US 2011/004983, entitled "Belt Drive System," which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference in its entirety, the entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire entire portion The bodies each have an alignment groove. The system further includes at least one pulley that includes a frame. The plurality of peripheral teeth extend radially and axially along the pulley rim, and each of the teeth is configured to be received between adjacent inner blocks of the drive belt. An alignment flange extends radially between the peripheral teeth. The alignment flange is constructed to be received within the alignment groove. In the system disclosed in the '831 publication, the alignment flange is shown to be integrally formed with the teeth of the pulley. While there are some advantages, integrating the alignment flange with the teeth can overly complicate the process and increase cost.

The present invention is to overcome one or more of the aforementioned problems.

The first aspect is a pulley that is used in conjunction with a drive belt. The drive belt includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced apart inner blocks, each of which has an alignment groove that divides each block into first and second block sections. The pulley includes A circular frame constructed to rotate about an axis of rotation. A plurality of peripheral teeth extend radially and axially along a peripheral edge of the circular frame. Each of the teeth is configured to be received between adjacent inner blocks of the drive belt. A toothed groove is provided in each of the teeth. The dentate groove is configured to align with the alignment groove of the drive belt. A circular alignment flange formed separately from the peripheral teeth is received in the toothed groove of each of the teeth. The alignment flange is received in the aligning groove of a drive belt operatively associated therewith by the circular alignment flange being received in the toothed groove of each tooth.

The alignment flange can, for example, comprise two or more circular segments that are joined together with their distal ends. Alternatively, the alignment flange can comprise a single or multiple turns of flat wire spiral coils.

The second aspect is a self-aligning pulley and drive belt system comprising a drive belt as described in the preceding paragraph, and a pulley as described in the preceding paragraph.

Yet another aspect is a bicycle comprising a crankset, a rear wheel hub, and a pulley and drive belt system as described in the preceding paragraph, having a first pulley operatively associated with the crankset, an operationally relevant An inner side surface of each of the first and second pulleys is engageable in the second pulley of the hub and the drive belt.

Unless otherwise stated, the numbers used in this specification and the scope of the claims to represent the quantity, size, reaction conditions, etc. of the ingredients are understood. All examples are modified by the word "about".

The use of singular nouns encompasses the plural unless it is specifically stated otherwise. In addition, the use of the word "or" means "and/or" unless specifically stated otherwise. Furthermore, the use of the term "comprising", as well as other forms, such as "include" and "include", is not limiting. In addition, terms such as "element" or "component" are used to encompass an element and component having a single unit and an element and component having more than one unit, unless specifically stated otherwise.

A. Representative belt drive system

A representative belt drive system will be described in this section of the application, which is fully detailed in U.S. Patent Publication No. US 2011/0049831. The belt drive system described herein can be applied to a wide range of belt drive-based devices including, but not limited to, wheeled vehicles such as motorcycles and bicycles. Based on the special advantages of the belt drive system on the bicycle, the belt drive system will be described herein for use on a bicycle. This particular embodiment is not limiting except as specifically defined in the appended claims.

A bicycle 10 having a drive belt system 12 is shown schematically in FIG. The bicycle 10 includes a frame 14, and a rear wheel 16 having a hub 18 is coupled to the frame by a rear hook (not shown). The bicycle 10 further includes a crankset 20. The belt drive system 12 includes a first pulley 22 that is operatively associated with the crankset 20 for rotation about a rotational axis common to the crankset 20. A second pulley 24 is operationally related The rear wheel hub 18 is rotatable about a common axis of rotation. A synchronous drive belt 26 extends between the first pulley 22 and the second pulley 24. As shown in Fig. 1, the diameter of the first pulley 22 is larger than that of the second pulley. In other embodiments, the pulleys may have the same size or the second pulley may have a larger diameter than the first pulley. Additionally, one or more additional coaxial pulleys may be provided adjacent the first or second pulley for varying the gear ratio. This embodiment may further include a front or rear derailleur for shifting between adjacent pulleys. Alternatively, the gear meshing action can be achieved by engaging the rear hub with a gear of the type known in the art.

2 is a perspective view of the second pulley 24 removed from the hub 18 and the belt drive system 12. Figures 3 through 4 present different patterns of the second pulley 24. The second pulley 24 includes a frame 28 constructed to form a hub 18 connectable to the rear wheel 16, and includes a circular outer edge 30 having opposing sides 32, 34, a hub attachment ring 36, and a hub for attachment To a support structure, for example, on the outer ring, a plurality of spokes 37 extend between the hub connecting ring 36 and the circular outer edge 30. The second pulley 24 further includes a plurality of peripheral teeth 38. As shown, the peripheral teeth are evenly spaced apart by the pulley pitch PP and extend along the radial and axial directions of the rim. In other embodiments, the teeth may have a variable pitch to engage a drive belt having variable pitch bumps.

Each of the teeth further has a width W that is parallel to the axis of rotation. The width W is at least equal to the width of the drive belt 26, but in some embodiments it may be equal to, greater than, or less than the width of the drive belt. Preferably, the width of the teeth and the width of the belt are substantially equal so that the skin can be The belt and the teeth have the smallest individual width, maximizing the transmission of force between the belt and the teeth. Each of the teeth 38 is constructed to fit within the space between adjacent inner blocks 42 on the drive belt 26, as shown in Figures 5 and 6. In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, the teeth may substantially fill the space between adjacent blocks. This feature can be used to minimize slippage between the belt and the pulley when the direction of rotation of the pulley is reversed. These inner block systems are spaced apart by a belt pitch BP. The second pulley 24 includes an alignment flange 44 that extends between adjacent peripheral teeth. The alignment flanges 44 are constructed to fit within the alignment grooves 46 of the drive belt 26 for dividing each block into first and second block sections. See Figures 5 through 7. Referring to Figure 7, the alignment grooves 46 have parallel side walls. In other embodiments, the side walls may be tapered to facilitate placement of the alignment flange 44 therein. Again, the alignment flange 44 can be tapered to facilitate engagement of the centering groove. Whether or not it is tapered, the alignment flange 44 can further include a distal end that is rounded or otherwise shaped to facilitate engagement. In the illustrated embodiment, and as seen in FIG. 7, alignment groove 46 divides block 42 into equal first and second block segments. However, in other embodiments, the first and second block segments can have different widths. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the teeth of the second pulley 24 extends the same distance along the length direction from each side of the rim. In embodiments where the first and second block sections have different widths, the teeth will have substantially different widths corresponding thereto. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the teeth of the second pulley 24 extends in a radial direction from the axis of rotation to beyond the alignment flange 44 (see Figure 6), but in other embodiments they may extend to equal distances or the alignment flanges 44 may extend further. In some embodiments, the peripheral teeth, the alignment flanges, and the alignment grooves are configured to drive the belt ride over the peripheral teeth when the alignment flanges are received within the alignment grooves. Another way is to construct the peripheral teeth, the alignment flanges, and the alignment grooves while straddle the alignment flanges.

Figure 9 shows an embodiment in which the alignment flange is parallel to the side wall and has a rounded distal end. In this embodiment, the width H of the pulley is about 11 mm and the width of the teeth is about 11 mm. In most embodiments, the width of the teeth is at least equal to the width of the belt. In Fig. 9, the alignment groove has a width I of about 1.5 mm, and the alignment flange has a width J of about 1.0 mm. In general, the width of the alignment grooves is slightly larger than that of the alignment flanges to provide some sort of mesh clearance, but should not be too wide to allow the belt to make an undesirable amount of travel over the width of the teeth. In general, the width of the alignment grooves should be minimized so that the amount of belt surface available to engage the teeth is maximized and the force transfer surface therebetween is maximized. Minimizing the width of the alignment grooves also minimizes the possibility of debris entering the alignment grooves. Assuming a belt width of about 11 mm, in some embodiments, the width of the alignment grooves can be between about 1-3 mm, and in other embodiments, about 1-2 mm, while in other embodiments about 1- 1.5mm. The alignment flange will typically have a width that is about 0.5 mm smaller than the alignment groove.

In some embodiments, the ratio of the alignment groove width to the belt width can be as large as 1:3. In other embodiments, it can be 1:4. In still other embodiments, it can be 1:8, 1:10, or even smaller. The ratio of the aligned flange width to the tooth width can also be 1:3, 1:4, 1:10, or even smaller.

As seen in Figure 9, the alignment flange is constructed so as not to extend to the bottom of the alignment groove. In the embodiment of Figure 9, there is a distance of about 0.75 mm between the distal end of the flange and the bottom of the alignment groove. This configuration is useful in belt and pulley drive systems where there is a lot of debris present, such as mountain biking. This space allows some debris to accumulate without filling the alignment grooves, causing the belt to slip off the pulley. In other applications where there is less need to care about debris accumulation, the alignment flanges can be constructed to extend over the full depth of the alignment grooves. In most embodiments it may be desirable for the alignment flange not to extend too far into the alignment groove to allow the belt to ride over the alignment flange rather than the pulley teeth.

The present application describes a pulley having a centering flange that is not integrally formed, which is supplied to the belt drive system 12 for the aforementioned formation. A pulley having a non-integral centering flange can have any of the attributes of the pulleys previously described and is supplied for use in any of the embodiments described above.

B. Belt drive pulley with non-formed centering flange

Figure 10 shows a pulley 100 having a centering flange that is not integrally formed. This pulley is very similar to the pulley described above, and in Figure 10 a comparable reference number is used. Briefly, the pulley 100 includes a frame 28 that is configured to be coupled to a hub of the tire and includes a circular outer rim 30, a hub attachment ring 36, and a plurality of extensions extending from the hub attachment ring 36 and the circular outer rim 30. Spokes 37. The pulley 100 further includes a plurality of peripherals Tooth 38. As shown, the peripheral teeth 38 are evenly spaced apart and extend along the radial and axial directions of the rim. This can be seen more clearly in Figure 11. The peripheral teeth 38 are substantially identical to those previously described in section A above, except that each tooth has a toothed groove 102 that is constructed to align with a drive belt of the type described in detail above. Align the grooves. The toothed grooves 102 are most clearly shown in Figures 13 and 14. In Figures 10 through 12, a circular alignment flange 104 is shown received within the toothed groove 102 of each tooth. As seen in Figures 1 through 3, the circular alignment flange 104 extends radially from the axis of rotation of the pulley 100 without exceeding the peripheral teeth 38. In other embodiments, the circular alignment flanges may extend an equal distance, while in other embodiments they may extend beyond the circumferential teeth 38 from the axis of rotation.

Figures 13 and 14 show that the circular alignment flange 104 is configured to be separated from the peripheral teeth 38 of the pulley 100 (i.e., "not formed integrally"). The circular alignment flange 104 can take many types. For example, it may be composed of two or more sections of a circular ring, the ends of adjacent sections being joined to each other to form a circular alignment flange. These segments can be joined together by any suitable means. For example, if the segments are metallic, they can be joined together by spot welding, rivets, screws, glue, or other suitable structure. If the sections are plastic, they can be joined together by glue. In the embodiment shown herein, the circular alignment flange 104 includes a generally flat sidewall. These flat side walls can be parallel to each other. In the illustrated embodiment, the circular alignment flange 104 includes a two-turn flat-line helical coil that is bent using a circular coil that is interconnected at the ends. The folded portion has a substantially uniform width. This is shown, for example, in the Sprilox® retaining ring 108 shown in Figure 16. Other embodiments of the circular alignment flange 104 include a single turn flat wire or three or more turns of flat wire spiral coils. One known source of suitable flat wire spiral coils that can be used as alignment flanges is the Smalley Steel Ring Company. An example of a suitable item that Smolley can provide is their Sprilox® retaining ring. Other suitable annulus includes a stationary cross-section ring or wavy ring of the Smolly.

In use, the pulley 100 having a non-integral centering flange is formed by first forming the pulley body 106 by known techniques, such as molding, forging, or CNC machining. After the fabrication is completed, the form can be processed by the circular alignment flange 104 of the flat wire spiral coil to enlarge the inner diameter and slide over the pulley body with the flat wire spiral coil aligned with the toothed groove 102. The flat wire spiral coil is loosened to self-press to form an inner diameter that can be fixed in the toothed groove 102. The function of the circular alignment flange 104 is the same as the alignment flange described previously in Section A.

The circular alignment flange 104 can be made in other ways. For example, the circular alignment flange 104 can include at least two circular segments that together form a complete circle. These circular segments can be received within the toothed grooves 102 and then welded together to form circular alignment flanges 104 and secure them within the toothed grooves 102. Other forms of non-integral alignment flanges are also within the scope of the present invention, as the broadest concept of the present invention is to provide a non-integral circular alignment flange to accommodate the toothed grooves 102 described herein. Pulley body 106. In some embodiments, alignment The flange is simply housed in the toothed groove and is no longer otherwise fixed to the pulley body. In other embodiments, the alignment flanges can be welded to the pulley body 106, such as spot welding, ultrasonic welding, or the like. A variety of adhesive or attachment means, such as screws, bolts, pins, and the like, can also be used to secure the alignment flange to the pulley body and to receive the alignment flange within the toothed groove 102.

One advantage of the non-integral alignment flange is that it simplifies the manufacture of the pulley body. Thus, even if a second separate part needs to be assembled, the use of a non-integral aligned flange can actually reduce manufacturing time and attendant costs. The non-integral alignment flange and pulley body, as well as the assembled pulley 100, can have any of the properties of the alignment flange and pulley described in Section A, as well as any embodiment of the pulley system and components in the application. For example, a bicycle including the pulley 100 is not limited thereto.

Each of the embodiments herein may also include interchange of various components recited in the scope of the patent application, as each accessory of the patent application scope is a multiple accessory that incorporates the limitations of each pre-attachment and independent item. item. These interchanges are expressly within the scope of this article.

Although the present invention has been shown and described with respect to the embodiments of the present invention, it is understood that the various embodiments disclosed herein may be modified in form and detail without departing from the spirit of the invention. The various embodiments disclosed herein are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. All references cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

10‧‧‧Bicycle

12‧‧‧Drive belt system

14‧‧‧ frame

16‧‧‧ Rear wheel

18‧‧·wheels

20‧‧‧ crank group

22‧‧‧First pulley

24‧‧‧Second pulley

26‧‧‧Drive belt

28‧‧‧Frame

30‧‧‧Circular outer edge

32‧‧‧ side

34‧‧‧ side

36‧‧·Wheel connecting ring

37‧‧‧ spokes

38‧‧‧ teeth

42‧‧‧ inner block

44‧‧‧Aligning the flange

46‧‧‧Aligning the groove

100‧‧‧ pulley

102‧‧‧ toothed grooves

104‧‧‧Circular alignment flange

106‧‧‧ Pulley body

108‧‧‧Fixed ring

I‧‧‧Width

J‧‧‧Width

H‧‧‧Width

BP‧‧‧Belt pitch

PP‧‧‧Pitch pitch

W‧‧‧Width

Figure 1 is a schematic plan view of a bicycle, in particular a bicycle having a pulley and a drive belt system.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the second pulley of Fig. 1.

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the second pulley taken along line 3-3 in Figure 2.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the cross section of Fig. 3.

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the first and second pulleys of Figure 1 engaged with a drive belt.

Figure 6 is a side elevational view of the pulley and drive belt system of Figure 5.

Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the second pulley of Figure 6 taken along line 7-7 of Figure 6.

Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a section of a pulley showing the axial offset.

Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the meshing relationship of the pulley block and the pulley teeth.

Figure 10 is a front elevational view of a pulley having a centering flange that is not integrally formed.

Figure 11 is a perspective view of the pulley in Figure 10.

Fig. 12 is a side view of the pulley in Fig. 10.

Figure 13 is a side elevational view of the pulley of Figure 10, rather than being formed as an integral centering flange that is shown separated from the pulley body.

Fig. 14 is a perspective view of the pulley of Fig. 10, and the centering flange, which is not integrally formed, is shown separated from the pulley body.

Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of the pulley in Figure 10, showing non-formation The integral centering flange is received in the toothed groove of each of the pulley teeth.

Figure 16 is a spiral coil retaining ring suitable for use with the pulley of Figure 10.

28‧‧‧Frame

36‧‧·Wheel connecting ring

37‧‧‧ spokes

38‧‧‧ teeth

100‧‧‧ pulley

102‧‧‧ toothed grooves

104‧‧‧Circular alignment flange

Claims (12)

A pulley for use with a drive belt, the drive belt comprising a plurality of longitudinally spaced inner blocks, each inner block having an alignment groove, the alignment groove dividing each block into first and second blocks Section, the pulley includes: a circular frame configured to rotate about an axis of rotation; a plurality of peripheral teeth extending radially and axially along a peripheral edge of the circular frame, each toothed The object is constructed to be received between adjacent inner blocks of the drive belt; a toothed groove in each of the teeth, the toothed groove being configured to align with the alignment groove of the drive belt; And a circular alignment flange formed separately from the peripheral teeth received in the toothed groove of each of the teeth, wherein the dentate groove is received by each of the teeth The circular alignment flange in the slot is received within the alignment groove of the drive belt that is operatively associated therewith. A pulley as claimed in claim 1 wherein the circular alignment flange extends radially from the axis of rotation without exceeding the peripheral teeth. A pulley as claimed in claim 1 wherein the alignment flange comprises a substantially flat sidewall. A pulley according to claim 1, wherein the alignment flange comprises a single-turn flat wire spiral coil. A pulley according to claim 1, wherein the alignment flange comprises a two-turn flat wire spiral coil. Such as the pulley of claim 1 of the scope of the patent, wherein the alignment flange package Includes one or three or more turns of flat wire spiral coils. A pulley according to claim 1, wherein the alignment flange includes at least two circular segments that are received in the toothed grooves of each of the teeth and welded together. The pulley of claim 1, further comprising the circular alignment flange having a width less than 1/3 of the width of the tooth. A self-aligning pulley and drive belt system comprising: a drive belt comprising a plurality of longitudinally spaced apart inner blocks, each having an alignment groove, dividing each block into first and second blocks a body segment having an aligned groove depth; and a pulley comprising: a circular frame configured to rotate about an axis of rotation; a plurality of peripheral teeth along a peripheral edge of the circular frame Radially and axially extending, each tooth is configured to be received between adjacent inner blocks of the drive belt; a toothed groove is disposed in each of the teeth, the tooth The groove is configured to be aligned with the alignment groove; and a circular alignment flange is formed separately from the peripheral tooth and received in the toothed groove of each tooth, thereby The circular alignment flange is received within the toothed groove of each of the teeth and the alignment flange is received within the alignment groove of the drive belt. The system of claim 9 wherein the alignment flange extends radially from the axis of rotation without exceeding the peripheral teeth. a system as claimed in claim 9, wherein the alignment flange And the alignment groove is configured to be received in the alignment groove, the drive belt straddles the peripheral tooth. A bicycle comprising: a crank set; a rear wheel hub; and a pulley and drive belt system operatively associated with the crank set and the rear wheel hub, the pulley and drive belt system comprising: a drive belt, The drive belt includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced apart inner blocks, each having an alignment groove, dividing each block into first and second block sections; and a first pulley operatively associated with The crank set is constructed to engage an inner side surface of the drive belt, the first pulley comprising: a circular frame configured to rotate about a rotational axis of the crank set; a plurality of peripheral teeth along The peripheral edge of the circular frame extends radially and axially, and each of the teeth is configured to be received between adjacent inner blocks of the driving belt; a toothed groove is disposed on the tooth Each of the dentations is configured to be aligned with the alignment groove; and a circular alignment flange is formed separately from the peripheral teeth and received in each of the teeth Inside the toothed groove, so through the circular alignment convex Retaining within the toothed groove of each tooth, the alignment flange being receivable within the alignment groove of the drive belt; and a second pulley operatively associated with the hub And was constructed Engaging the inner side surface of the drive belt, the second pulley comprising: a circular frame configured to rotate about a rotational axis of the hub; a plurality of peripheral teeth along a peripheral edge of the circular frame Radially and axially extending, each tooth has a tooth width equal to at least the width of the drive belt, and each tooth is configured to be received between adjacent inner blocks of the drive belt a toothed groove disposed in each of the teeth, the toothed groove being configured to be aligned with the alignment groove; and a circular alignment flange separate from the peripheral tooth Formed and received in the toothed groove of each tooth, so that the alignment flange can be received through the toothed groove of each tooth through the circular alignment flange It is housed in the alignment groove of the drive belt.