Patent · US Expired

Linear tensioner

US6607459B1 · kind B1 · utility

7Cited by
9References
12Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateFeb 20, 2001
Grant dateAug 19, 2003
Priority date
Expiry dateMar 5, 2021

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
  • CPC primaryF16H2007/0891
  • WIPO fieldMechanical elements
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A tensioner having a base. A spring connected to the base biases a plate, having a pulley, toward a belt. Frictional blocks are aligned on the base in a staggered fashion along a spring centerline. The plate slidingly moves in a linear path between the blocks. The blocks constrain the path of the plate allowing movement in only a single axis parallel to a spring axis. A hubload from a belt running on the pulley combined with the spring force acting on the plate creates a force couple acting on the plate through the frictional blocks. The engaging surfaces between the plate and the blocks have a predetermined coefficient of friction thereby creating a damping force as the pulley and plate move in a linear path on the blocks.

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