Timing belt tensioner
US7980976B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 18, 2006 |
| Grant date | Jul 19, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 11, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16H2007/088
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A tensioner for tensioning a flexible drive means, such as a timing belt or chain, includes a pulley to contact the belt. The pulley is mounted on a tensioner arm and the tensioner arm can be rotated about a pivot shaft mounted to the tensioner by a spring. The axis about which the pulley rotates is spaced from the axis of the rotation of the tensioner arm with respect to the pivot shaft and the spacing of these axes of rotation results in the pulley moving through an eccentric towards or away from the belt when the tensioner arm is rotated. A stop is used to limit the range of movement of the tensioner arm between a desired range of movement defined by a free arm stop and a backstop. The position of the stop is adjustable by an installer. The angular range of movement of the tensioner arm is adjustable from a position suitable for installation of the tensioner to a position suitable for operation of the installed tensioner. In one embodiment, the movement of the stop from the installation position to the nominal operating position also compensates the spring.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.