CHAPTER 7: Belt and
Chain Drives
7.1 Overview
7.2 Belt Drive Geometry and Kinematics
7.3 Chain Drive Geometry and Kinematics
This slide is based the this course’s textbook:
“Myszka D. H., [2012], Machines and mechanisms: Applied kinematic analysis,
4e., Pearson”
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7.1. Overview
• The primary function of a belt or chain drive
is identical to that of a gear drive.
• Belt and chain drives are commonly referred
to as flexible connectors.
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7.2. Belt Drive Geometry
and Kinematics
A flat belt is is the simplest type but is typically
limited to low-torque applications because the
driving force is restricted to pure friction
between the belt and the pulley.
A V-belt is the most widely used type of belt,
particularly in automotive and industrial
machines. The V shape causes the belt to
wedge tightly into the pulley, increasing friction
and allowing higher operating torque.
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7.2. Belt Drive Geometry
and Kinematics
Multi-V-belt design is identical to several V-
belts placed side by side but is integrally
connected. It is used to increase the amount
of power transferred.
A cog belt.
A timing belt.
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7.2. Belt Drive Geometry
and Kinematics
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7.2. Belt Drive Geometry
and Kinematics
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7.2. Belt Drive Geometry
and Kinematics
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7.2. Belt Drive Geometry
and Kinematics
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7.2. Belt Drive Geometry
and Kinematics
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7.2. Belt Drive Geometry
and Kinematics
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7.2. Belt Drive Geometry
and Kinematics
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7.2. Belt Drive Geometry
and Kinematics
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7.2. Belt Drive Geometry
and Kinematics
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7.2. Belt Drive Geometry
and Kinematics
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7.3. Chain Drive Geometry
and Kinematics
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7.3. Chain Drive Geometry
and Kinematics
Roller chains are classified by a pitch, p, which is the distance
between the pins that connect the adjacent links.
Roller chains have a size designation
ranging from 25 to 240
Thus, a 120 chain has a pitch of 120/80
or 1.5 inches.
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7.3. Chain Drive Geometry
and Kinematics
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7.3. Chain Drive Geometry
and Kinematics
Sprockets are commonly referenced by the
corresponding chain size and the number
of teeth.
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7.3. Chain Drive Geometry
and Kinematics
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7.3. Chain Drive Geometry
and Kinematics
The pitch diameter of a sprocket with N teeth for a chain with a pitch of p is
determined by
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7.3. Chain Drive Geometry
and Kinematics
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7.3. Chain Drive Geometry
and Kinematics
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7.3. Chain Drive Geometry
and Kinematics
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7.3. Chain Drive Geometry
and Kinematics
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ASSIGNMENT
Review: [1]: 7.1 to 7.3.
Do homework.
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