Energy Saving Technology of Flat Belts

―Meandering Control of Belts―

Abstract

Flat-belt drives show lower bending loss and friction loss, and give higher transmission power compared to V-belt drives. However, control of meandering flat-belts has been the most concerned issue in practical use. Conventionally, flange pulleys and crown pulleys have been used to prevent belts from meandering. But, with these methods, it has been difficult to sufficiently demonstrate the performance of flat-belts and to avoid decreasing lifetime or transmission capability of belts. In this report, we introduce a new simple mechanism that doesn’t need external force such as electrical control and doesn’t have flange pulleys and crown pulleys. Also this mechanism offers autonomous control of meandering belts by tension of themselves. Finally, the abilities of flat-belts are fully demonstrated and that gives more energy-saving transmission system.