Patent · US Expired

Torsional spring tensioner with stabilizer

US4886484A · kind A · utility

11Cited by
4References
6Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateJun 2, 1989
Grant dateDec 12, 1989
Priority date
Expiry dateJun 2, 2009

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
  • CPC primaryF16H2007/081
  • WIPO fieldMechanical elements
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A belt tensioner suitable for use with an automotive serpentine belt system comprising a fixed structure adapted to be mounted on an automotive engine, a pivoted structure mounted on the fixed structure for pivotal movement about a pivotal axis between an installation position and a maximum extension position, a torsional metal spring operatively connected between the fixed structure and the pivoted structure for resiliently biasing the pivoted structure toward the maximum extension position, and a belt engaging pulley rotatably mounted on the pivoted structure for rotational movement about a rotational axis spaced from the pivotal axis. The torsional metal spring is in the form of a helical coil having opposite end portions connection with the fixed and pivoted structures respectively with a major portion of the helical coil formation between the opposite end portions being disposed in spaced relation with the fixed and pivoted structures. A spring stabilizer is mounted in engagement with the interior of the major portion of the coil formation for altering the natural frequency of the torsional spring and damping the effects of torsional inertia imposed on the spring by the pivota…

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.