Gates GmbH Eisenbahnweg 50 D-52068 Aachen Germany Tel: (49) 241 / 5108-0 Fax: (49) 241 / 5108-297

Gates is a world-leading manufacturer of power transmission systems for automotive industry. Traditionally, the Gates product range has included V-belts, Micro-V^® multi-ribbed belts, PowerGrip^® synchronous belts, tensioners, idlers and pulleys; these are complemented by a comprehensive hose line for passenger cars, trucks and buses.

Gates' innovative system solutions are enhanced by key development in belt composites, advanced tensioner designs, computer modelling and prototyping. Over the past few years Gates has developed even more sophisticated system engineering skills which have been employed in the service of its customers. As many of Gates OE partners have learned, Gates can enhance optimisation efforts by getting involved early - right at the design stage. A few minor design modifications can result in major efficiency gains.

Latest belt developments for Synchronous (SBDS) and Accessory belt drives (ABDS) let to higher load capability and life times of more than 250.000 km under wider ranges for temperature and environmental conditions, along with quieter operations. The PowerGrip^® synchronous belts are based on peroxide cured HNBR using high wear resistant fabric and high strength cords. The engine life durability target on Micro-V^® multi-ribbed belts is achieved with EPDM belt technology where new elastomeric composites are patented.

The Gates tensioner range for SBDS and ABDS drive systems is based on a mechanical friction damped concept. This range is extended by a hydraulic tensioner concept, which is a product of a partnership with another supplier.

Gates has developed a wide range of idlers and pulleys for both SBDS and ABDS applications. Both metallic and plastic pulley and torsional vibration damper pulley technologies are available either from in-house manufacturing or from well-established partners.

Gates is now introducing a new module GEM10™, aimed at the power train area, a unit which incorporates both the timing drive to the camshafts and the Front End Accessory Drive or FEAD. The drive machines such as the alternator and air-conditioning compressor are also included, as are the engine oil and water pumps if required. The whole unit is pre-assembled so that the belts are routed, camshaft and other "floating" pulleys are retained in position and the drive tensioners are primed, ready for release by the withdrawal of a pin. Gates is confident that this will allow packaging benefits, both along the crack axis and in front elevation, weight advantages and an NVH improvement over traditional designs. Instead of the traditional 15 or more assembly stations employed to fit all the components, the process is reduced to a minimum needing only 2 or 3 stations. The much simplified assembly process allows dramatic floor space, investment and labour savings to be made in the assembly plant. Furthermore, something of the order of 95 parts and 50 part numbers are reduced to a single module a complexity reduction which permits further savings to be made.

Advances in higher capacity EPDM Micro-V^® belts and automatic tensioner designs are driving Gates' pioneering research and development in electro-mechanical drive systems (EMD). Via a combined starter-generator, the new EMD systems use a belt drive to provide almost completely silent vehicle start-up. The technology enables the practical use of engine stop/start strategies for reduced emissions and increased fuel efficiency. The more advanced versions of EMD also enable brake energy regeneration and torque assist. The system is applicable with either 14 or 42 Volt systems. EMD spins the engine at a high cranking speed, which gives a rapid, silent and fuel-efficient start.

Gates GmbH
Eisenbahnweg 50
D-52068 Aachen
Germany

Tel: (49) 241 / 5108-0
Fax: (49) 241 / 5108-297
Website: www.gates.com/europe
E-mail: ME@gates.com, Els@gates.com

 

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