V-belts

Belts V-belts are used in belt drives, and among all belts this type is the most popular. Unlike flat belts, they have a trapezoidal or wedge-shaped cross-section. As in other belt drives, torque is transmitted from the driving V-pulley to the belt and from it to the driven pulley due to friction forces. But in a V-belt drive, the working surfaces are the side surfaces of the belt. In this case, the contact area is much larger than in a flat belt. This means greater friction force and, consequently, greater transmitted torque. To increase the contact area, it is not necessary to increase the pulley diameter. It is more reasonable, from the point of view of overall dimensions, to choose a pulley of small diameter, but with several belts. In this case, it is called a multi-groove pulley. Advantages of using V-belts: Simple design. A belt and two pulleys is simpler than a gear or chain drive, whose parts are structurally more complex and require greater manufacturing precision. Simple design means low cost. Easy maintenance. Belt drive does not require special care and lasts until the belt wears out. Quiet operation. The belt is made of rubber or similar materials that dampen any noise well. In a chain drive, the noise level will always be higher. Ability to withstand excessive loads without drive failure. When the force on the pulley exceeds the design value, the V-belt or any other belt will simply slip. In a chain drive, overload will lead to chain breakage or key shearing, in a gear drive — to tooth chipping. Ability to transmit forces over significant distances. If a chain drive is used — the chain has a significantly greater weight compared to a belt drive, which will require additional drive power.