Belts and chain drives 1
BASIC TECHNOLOGY JSS2 Third term
Sub-Theme: Tools, machines and processes
WEEK 1
Belts and chain drives
Performance objectives
Students should be able to:
- Describe belt and chain drive
- Explain the principle of belt and chain drive
Content
Belt and chain drives
Belt and chain drives are used to transmit energy from one shaft to another and for changing speed as in gears, the difference between the drive mechanism and gear is that the shafts in belts and chain drives are at a greater distance to each other than as in gear drives.
Belt drives
In belt drives mechanisms belts and pulleys are used to transmit power and to provide a way of changing speed. A simple belt-driven device consists of two pulleys connected by a belt.
The belts used to drive these pulleys may either be flat or vee belts. The variable speed pulley which uses vee belts is used to change the speed between the driver and the driven pulleys as the engine is running. Belt drives are seen in sewing machines, cassava grinders, record players, radiators, air conditioners, etc. belt drives rely on friction.
Belt drives
Chain drives
These are a reliable and efficient method of transmitting power. Common examples are found in bicycles, motorcycles, between engine and shaft, etc.
In chain drive, gears are used to drive the chain while in belt drives pulley is used to drive the belts. With the increase in temperature, length, and nature of belt change hence chains are more reliable.
