What is the purpose of using a tension pulley in belt drive?
1 Answers
The purpose of using a tension pulley in belt drive is to adjust the initial tension of the belt. Here are some relevant details: 1. A tension pulley is a follower wheel that presses against the belt to control its tension. It serves as a tensioning device in belt drives. When the center distance of the pulleys cannot be adjusted, a tension pulley can be used to tighten the belt. Belt pulleys rely on friction for transmission, so the belt must be tensioned during installation. However, after some time in operation, the belt may stretch and become loose, leading to slippage, and must be re-tensioned. 2. When the center distance between two drive pulleys cannot be adjusted, a tension pulley must be used to ensure normal transmission and prevent slippage. The tension pulley uses mechanisms such as springs or hydraulic pressure to generate a force that tightens the belt, ensuring it applies appropriate pressure on the working pulley. The tension pulley presses against the outer side of the slack side. The latter causes the belt to undergo reverse bending, which may reduce its lifespan. This type of device is commonly used in drives where an increased wrap angle is needed or where space is limited.