Tensioner
US6361459B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 14, 2000 |
| Grant date | Mar 26, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 14, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16H2007/0893
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The invention comprises a self-contained mechanical belt tensioner that produces damping which is a function of the applied hubload through the effect of frictional forces derived from the sliding action of mutually opposing wedges. A first wedge or conical piston is contained within a housing. The conical piston cooperates with a second or conical wedge. A surface of the conical wedge slides on the inner surface of the housing. The conical wedge is expandable in a direction normal to the inner surface of the housing. A spring urges the conical wedge into engagement with the conical piston. As the pulley is loaded, as with an impulse load, the piston will move into the conical wedge. This, in turn, will cause the conical wedge to expand against the inner surface of the housing. The expansion of the conical wedge in the housing will increase the frictional force between the conical wedge and the housing. This will have the effect of damping movements of the conical piston and, in turn, of the pulley. The greater the impulse, then the greater the expansion of the conical wedge. This increases the resultant frictional force resisting movement between the conical wedge and the housing.…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.