Patent Application
20250083277
The present disclosure relates generally to tracking mechanisms for belt machines. In particular, self-contained tracking mechanisms for abrasive belt machines are described.
Belt machines are utilized for a wide variety of applications. For example, abrasive belt machines, such as belt grinders, are useful for sanding, sharpening, and polishing items. Conveyor systems are another application category of belt machines. Making belt machines with commercially available component parts and/or customizing stock belt machines with different components is a popular undertaking for belt machine hobbyists and enthusiasts.
Tracking mechanisms are used to adjust and maintain alignment of belts on belt driven machines. Failing to properly align a belt on a belt machine can reduce the performance of the machine, degrade the belt, and/or cause the belt machine to become inoperable.
Conventional tracking mechanisms for belt driven machines are not entirely satisfactory. For example, existing tracking mechanisms are complicated to install. Often conventional tracking mechanism require cutting multiple holes through a frame with tight tolerances that are difficult to achieve. Multiple components on both sides of a frame are required to be installed with conventional tracking mechanisms.
Another drawback of conventional tracking mechanisms is that they are complicated and cumbersome. For example, conventional tracking mechanisms often include springs, handles, bearing mounts, forks, covers, housings, and cradles. Conventional tracking members tend to stick out to a considerable degree beyond the frame and around the tracking mechanism, which can limit where they may be installed and can make operating the machine less convenient.
Thus, there exists a need for tracking mechanisms that improve upon and advance the design of known tracking mechanisms. Examples of new and useful tracking mechanisms relevant to the needs existing in the field are discussed below.
The present disclosure is directed to self-contained tracking mechanisms for an abrasive belt machine. The self-contained tracking mechanisms include an axle, a crowned wheel, a cam assembly, and an actuator. The axle and the cam assembly collectively define a bore. The bore defines bore threads. The crowned wheel is configured to support an abrasive belt. The crowned wheel is mounted on the axle. The cam assembly is configured to selectively tilt the axle. The cam assembly is mounted to the axle. The actuator is configured to selectively actuate the cam assembly to tilt the axle. The actuator includes a shaft defining shaft threads complementarily configured with the bore threads. The actuator is supported by the axle. The shaft extends through the bore and selectively abuts the cam assembly. The shaft selectively translates relative to the axle when rotated relative to the bore.
In select embodiments, the cam assembly is configured to support the axle, the crowned wheel, and the actuator from the frame.
As described below, in particular instances the axle and the crowned wheel are disposed between the handle and the frame.
In some examples, the cam assembly includes a mounting shaft configured to mount to the frame.
This document describes certain examples where the mounting shaft is configured to be recessed within the frame when coupled to the frame to not extend beyond the frame on a side of the frame opposite the crowned wheel.
In select embodiments, the cam assembly includes a pivoting member fixed to the mounting shaft and is configured to pivot relative to the axle.
As described below, in particular instances the cam assembly includes a collar fixed to the axle. The pivoting member may be pivotally coupled to the collar.
As described below, in particular instances the cam assembly is configured to mount to a frame of the abrasive belt machine.
In some examples, the actuator includes a handle coupled to the shaft. The handle may be adapted for a user to selectively rotate the shaft to selectively translate the shaft relative to the axle.
This document describes certain examples where the handle is disposed on a distal side of the crowned wheel distal the cam assembly and distal the frame.
In select embodiments, the handle is a sprocket.
This document describes certain examples where the shaft selectively abuts the pivoting member to selectively tilt the pivoting member relative to the collar and to selectively tilt the axle.
In some examples, the bore is defined through a longitudinal axis of the axle.
In certain examples, the actuator includes a key mounted for translation in a keyway defined in the axle.
The disclosed self-contained tracking mechanisms will become better understood through review of the following detailed description in conjunction with the figures. The detailed description and figures provide merely examples of the various inventions described herein. Those skilled in the art will understand that the disclosed examples may be varied, modified, and altered without departing from the scope of the inventions described herein. Many variations are contemplated for different applications and design considerations; however, for the sake of brevity, each and every contemplated variation is not individually described in the following detailed description.
Throughout the following detailed description, examples of various self-contained tracking mechanisms are provided. Related features in the examples may be identical, similar, or dissimilar in different examples. For the sake of brevity, related features will not be redundantly explained in each example. Instead, the use of related feature names will cue the reader that the feature with a related feature name may be similar to the related feature in an example explained previously. Features specific to a given example will be described in that particular example. The reader should understand that a given feature need not be the same or similar to the specific portrayal of a related feature in any given figure or example.
The following definitions apply herein, unless otherwise indicated.
“Substantially” means to be more-or-less conforming to the particular dimension, range, shape, concept, or other aspect modified by the term, such that a feature or component need not conform exactly. For example, a “substantially cylindrical” object means that the object resembles a cylinder, but may have one or more deviations from a true cylinder.
“Comprising,” “including,” and “having” (and conjugations thereof) are used interchangeably to mean including but not necessarily limited to, and are open-ended terms not intended to exclude additional elements or method steps not expressly recited.
Terms such as “first”, “second”, and “third” are used to distinguish or identify various members of a group, or the like, and are not intended to denote a serial, chronological, or numerical limitation.
“Coupled” means connected, either permanently or releasably, whether directly or indirectly through intervening components.
With reference to the figures, tracking mechanisms for abrasive belt machines will now be described. The self-contained tracking mechanisms discussed herein function to adjust the alignment of a belt driven by a belt driving machine, such as an abrasive belt machine. The self-contained tracking mechanisms help maintain the performance level of belt machines, avoid abrasive belts degrading or wearing excessively, and keep the belt machine operating effectively.
The reader will appreciate from the figures and description below that the presently disclosed self-contained tracking mechanisms address many of the shortcomings of conventional self-contained tracking mechanisms.
For example, the novel self-contained tracking mechanisms described herein are easier to install than conventional tracking mechanisms. The novel self-contained tracking mechanisms can be installed by cutting a single hole in a belt machine frame rather the multiple holes required with conventional tracking mechanisms. The novel self-contained tracking mechanisms do not require tight tolerances and are thus easier for hobbyist and enthusiast belt machine builders to achieve. Conveniently, the novel self-contained tracking mechanisms require installing only a tensioner and a single, self-contained component primarily on one side of a machine frame rather than installing multiple components on both sides of a frame as is generally required with conventional tracking mechanisms.
Another benefit of the novel self-contained tracking mechanisms is that they are simple and convenient to use. Unlike large and awkward conventional tracking mechanisms with springs, handles, bearing mounts, forks, covers, housings, and cradles, the novel self-contained tracking mechanisms are compact and self-contained. Beneficially, the novel self-contained tracking mechanisms do not require hardware mounted around them like conventional self-contained tracking mechanisms
In contrast to conventional tracking members that stick out to a considerable degree beyond the frame, the novel self-contained tracking mechanisms are relatively compact and extend only minimally beyond the belt. In some examples, the novel self-contained tracking mechanisms do not extend beyond the machine frame at all on the side opposite the belt, but instead are recessed within the frame. As a result of their compact and self-contained design, the novel self-contained tracking mechanisms can be installed in more places on a machine frame and make operating the machine more convenient.
Ancillary features relevant to the self-contained tracking mechanisms described herein will first be described to provide context and to aid the discussion of the self-contained tracking mechanisms.
The self-contained tracking mechanisms described herein are typically used with abrasive belt machines. However, the reader should appreciate that the novel self-contained tracking mechanisms may readily be used with other types of belt machines as well. The self-contained tracking mechanisms serve to finely adjust the path or alignment of a belt driven by the belt machine.
One suitable abrasive belt machine, abrasive belt machine 101, is shown in
The size, shape, and configuration of the abrasive belt machine and its components may differ in different examples. The self-contained tracking mechanisms described in this document may be used with any currently known or later developed type of belt machine.
The reader can see in
Mounting the self-contained tracking mechanisms described herein at one, the other, or both of these drive wheel flanking positions provides more effective control over the path or alignment of abrasive belt 105. The reader should understand that two tracking mechanisms like shown in
With reference to
The reader can see in
As shown in
The size and shape of the self-contained tracking mechanism may be varied as needed for a given application. In some examples, the self-contained tracking mechanism is larger or smaller relative to the other components than depicted in the figures.
The number of self-contained tracking mechanisms in the self-contained tracking mechanism may be selected to meet the needs of a given application. The reader should appreciate that the number of self-contained tracking mechanisms may be different in other examples than is shown in the figures. For instance, some self-contained tracking mechanism examples include additional or fewer self-contained tracking mechanisms than described in the present example.
Axle 102 serves to rotatably support crowned wheel 104. Axle 102 couples to cam assembly 106 and tilts in response to input from cam assembly 106.
As depicted in
In the particular example shown in
As explained in more detail below, shaft 109 selectively extending beyond bore 103 causes it to selectively engage cam assembly 106. Shaft 109 selectively engaging cam assembly 106 causes cam assembly 106 to tilt axle 102 relative to mounting shaft 116. Tilting axle 102 causes crowned wheel 104 to tilt, which adjusts the alignment of abrasive belt 105 supported by crowned wheel 104 as abrasive belt 105 is driven by motor 151 and drive wheel 150.
The size and shape of the axle may be varied as needed for a given application. In some examples, the axle is larger or smaller relative to the other components than depicted in the figures.
The reader can see in
As depicted in
As indicated by the name, crowned wheel 104 has a crowned profile subtly tapering from its longitudinal center towards each longitudinal end. However, the size and shape of the crowned wheel may be varied as needed for a given application. In some examples, the crowned wheel is larger or smaller relative to the other components than depicted in the figures.
The crowned wheel may be any currently known or later developed type of crowned wheel. Various crowned wheel types exist and could be used in place of the crowned wheel shown in the figures. In addition to the types of crowned wheels existing currently, it is contemplated that the self-contained tracking mechanisms described herein could incorporate new types of crowned wheels developed in the future.
As shown in
With reference to
As depicted in
The cam assembly may be any currently known or later developed type of cam assembly. Various cam assembly types exist and could be used in place of the cam assembly shown in the figures. In addition to the types of cam assemblies existing currently, it is contemplated that the self-contained tracking mechanisms described herein could incorporate new types of cam assemblies developed in the future.
The size and shape of the cam assembly may be varied as needed for a given application. In some examples, the cam assembly is larger or smaller relative to the other components than depicted in the figures.
The role of collar 114 is to link pivoting member 115 with axle 102. An additional role for collar 114 is to threadingly engage shaft 109 within bore 103 extending through collar 114.
As depicted in
As shown in
The size and shape of the collar may be varied as needed for a given application. In some examples, the collar is larger or smaller relative to the other components than depicted in the figures.
The collar may be any currently known or later developed type of collar. Various collar types exist and could be used in place of the collar shown in the figures. In addition to the types of collars existing currently, it is contemplated that the self-contained tracking mechanisms described herein could incorporate new types of collars developed in the future.
Pivoting member 115 functions to pivot axle 102 relative to mounting shaft 116. The reader can see in
In particular, as shown in
The pivoting member may be any currently known or later developed type of pivoting member. Various pivoting member types exist and could be used in place of the pivoting member shown in the figures. In addition to the types of pivoting members existing currently, it is contemplated that the self-contained tracking mechanisms described herein could incorporate new types of pivoting members developed in the future.
The size and shape of the pivoting member may be varied as needed for a given application. In some examples, the pivoting member is larger or smaller relative to the other components than depicted in the figures.
The role of mounting shaft 116 is to mount self-contained tracking mechanism 100 to frame 111. More specifically, the reader can see in
As shown in
In the present example, as depicted in
In the present example, the mounting shaft is composed of metal. However, the mounting shaft may be composed of any currently known or later developed material suitable for mounting applications. Suitable materials include metals, polymers, ceramics, wood, and composite materials.
The size and shape of the mounting shaft may be varied as needed for a given application. In some examples, the mounting shaft is larger or smaller relative to the other components than depicted in the figures.
The mounting shaft may be any currently known or later developed type of shaft. Various shaft types exist and could be used in place of the mounting shaft shown in the figures. In addition to the types of shafts existing currently, it is contemplated that the self-contained tracking mechanisms described herein could incorporate new types of shafts developed in the future.
Actuator 107 functions to selectively actuate cam assembly 106. Selectively actuating cam assembly 106 causes cam assembly 106 to selectively tilt axle 102 and crowned wheel 104 supported on axle 102. Selectively tilting crowned wheel 104 serves to adjust the alignment of abrasive belt 105 supported on crowned wheel 104.
The reader can see in
As depicted in
As shown in
The size and shape of the actuator may be vaned as needed for a given application. In some examples, the actuator is larger or smaller relative to the other components than depicted in the figures.
In the present example, the actuator is composed of metal. However, the actuator may be composed of any currently known or later developed material suitable for actuator applications. Suitable materials include metals, polymers, ceramics, wood, and composite materials.
The actuator may be any currently known or later developed type of actuator. Various actuator types exist and could be used in place of the actuator shown in the figures. In addition to the types of actuators existing currently, it is contemplated that the self-contained tracking mechanisms described herein could incorporate new types of actuators developed in the future.
The role of shaft 109 is to selectively actuate cam assembly 106 when translated by user input to handle 112. In more detail, as depicted in
With reference to
The reader can see in
In the present example, the shaft is composed of metal. However, the shaft may be composed of any currently known or later developed material suitable for shaft applications. Suitable materials include metals, polymers, ceramics, wood, and composite materials.
The size and shape of the shaft may be varied as needed for a given application. In some examples, the shaft is larger or smaller relative to the other components than depicted in the figures.
As shown in
With reference to
As depicted in
In the present example, the handle is composed of metal. However, the handle may be composed of any currently known or later developed material suitable for handle applications. Suitable materials include metals, polymers, ceramics, wood, and composite materials.
The size and shape of the handle may be varied as needed for a given application. In some examples, the handle is larger or smaller relative to the other components than depicted in the figures.
With reference to the figures not yet discussed in detail, the discussion will now focus on additional self-contained tracking mechanism embodiments. The additional embodiments include many similar or identical features to self-contained tracking mechanism 100. Thus, for the sake of brevity, each feature of the additional embodiments below will not be redundantly explained. Rather, key distinctions between the additional embodiments and self-contained tracking mechanism 100 will be described in detail and the reader should reference the discussion above for features substantially similar between the different self-contained tracking mechanism examples.
Turning attention to
A distinction between mechanism 200 and mechanism 100 is the actuator configurations. As shown in
As shown in
In contrast to actuator 107 where shaft 109 actuates cam assembly 106, key 209 selectively actuates cam assembly 206 in actuator 207. As shown in
As shown in
In the present example, sleeve 260 is acted on by handle 212, but is not fixed to handle 212. In some examples, the sleeve is fixed to the handle. In examples where the sleeve is fixed to the handle, the handle pulls the sleeve back when the handle moves back from the crowned wheel. In examples where the sleeve is not fixed to the handle, the sleeve slides back freely to allow the key to retract from the cam assembly.
Threaded shaft 209 extends through the bore in axle 202 and engages threads formed within a portion of the bore. Rotating threaded shaft 209 relative to the internal threads formed in the bore translates threaded shaft 209 relative to axle 202.
As shown in
The disclosure above encompasses multiple distinct inventions with independent utility. While each of these inventions has been disclosed in a particular form, the specific embodiments disclosed and illustrated above are not to be considered in a limiting sense as numerous variations are possible. The subject matter of the inventions includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and subcombinations of the various elements, features, functions and/or properties disclosed above and inherent to those skilled in the art pertaining to such inventions. Where the disclosure or subsequently filed claims recite “a” element, “a first” element, or any such equivalent term, the disclosure or claims should be understood to incorporate one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements.
Applicant(s) reserves the right to submit claims directed to combinations and subcombinations of the disclosed inventions that are believed to be novel and non-obvious. Inventions embodied in other combinations and subcombinations of features, functions, elements and/or properties may be claimed through amendment of those claims or presentation of new claims in the present application or in a related application. Such amended or new claims, whether they are directed to the same invention or a different invention and whether they are different, broader, narrower or equal in scope to the original claims, are to be considered within the subject matter of the inventions described herein.
