Patent ID: 10323637

Abstract:
A stepping motor-driven system includes a stepping motor, an output device, and a belt and pulley system operably coupling the stepping motor with the output device to impart rotation therebetween. The belt and pulley system includes an input pinion engaged with the stepping motor, an output pinion engaged with the output device, and a timing belt. The timing belt is disposed about the input and output pinions, inhibits elongation, and defines a plurality of spaced-apart grooves on an inwardly-facing surface thereof that are wider than the teeth of the pinions and are configured to receive the teeth of the pinions in meshed engagement therewith. As a result, a gap is defined within each groove. The gaps permit backlash of the timing belt in response to changes in a rotational speed input to the belt and pulley system from the stepping motor, thereby inhibiting loss of control.