What kind of wheel is an idler wheel? Common types and functions of idler wheels
Idler wheel is a wheel that does not do work and plays a transitional role. It does not change the transmission ratio. It is used to make the force of the gear train more reasonable or to meet the layout of the entire transmission system. In automated mechanical transmission, idlers have many different uses. They are also called driven wheel, tension pulley, guide wheel, etc. There are rolling bearings inside that can rotate freely relative to the fixed axis. The main functions of idlers are to change the direction of the driven wheel, extend the wheelbase, adjust the pressure angle, make the force of the gear train more reasonable to meet the layout of the transmission system, and play a role in smooth transmission of the system.
Idler pulley function:
Change the transmission direction: You can change the direction of the driven wheel to make it the same as the driving wheel.
Increase the transmission distance: The idler can extend the wheelbase and increase the transmission distance.
Adjust the pressure angle: Adjust the pressure angle to make the transmission smoother.
Tension adjustment: Choose a longer belt and use the idler to press the belt to adjust the tension.
Do not change the transmission ratio: The number of teeth on the idler has no effect on the value of the transmission ratio.
Types and characteristics of idlers: Idlers can be divided into toothed idlers and toothless idlers. The outer diameter shape matches the shape of the belt used. There are rolling bearings inside the idler, which can rotate freely relative to the fixed axis.
With rolling bearings-toothed idlers
With rolling bearings-toothless idlers
Synchronous wheel idlers: for synchronous belts
Smooth wheel idlers: for synchronous belts or flat belts
Sprocket idlers: for chains
