System and method for tensioning a traction band and traction assembly therewith

摘要

A system and a method for controllably tensioning a traction band mounted to a traction assembly, and a traction assembly comprising such a system, are disclosed. The system is typically mounted at the front or at the rear of the support frame of the traction assembly such as to support one or more idler wheels. The tensioning system generally comprises a clamping ring assembly having received therein a rotatable cylindrical member. The cylindrical member supports an axle which is eccentrically located with respect to the center axis of the cylindrical member, and which pivotally supports one or more idler wheels. By rotating the cylindrical member within the clamping ring assembly using a torquing tool, the tension of the traction band about the wheels (i.e. drive wheel, idler wheels, and support wheels) of the traction assembly can be controllably adjusted.

主权项

1. A traction assembly for use on a vehicle, the traction assembly comprising:
a) a drive wheel configured to be mounted to the vehicle; b) a support frame comprising a first extremity and a second extremity, the support frame comprising a tensioning mechanism located at one of the first and second extremities, the tensioning mechanism comprising a clamping member rotatably supporting therein a rotating member having a central rotation axis; c) first idler wheels pivotally mounted to the rotating member, the first idler wheels having a first idler wheel rotation axis, the first idler wheel rotation axis being eccentric with respect to the rotation axis of the rotating member; d) second idler wheels pivotally mounted at the other of the first and second extremities of the support frame; e) support wheels pivotally mounted to the support frame; f) a traction band disposed about the drive wheel, the idler wheels and the support wheels;
wherein the drive wheel, the idler wheels and the support wheels define an overall perimeter;wherein rotation of the rotating member within the tensioning mechanism causes a displacement of the first idler wheels about the rotating member rotation axis; andwherein the displacement of the first idler wheels causes the overall perimeter to change, thereby changing the tension in the traction band.