Tensioner with expanding spring for radial frictional asymmetric damping
US8617013B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 2, 2010 |
| Grant date | Dec 31, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 14, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16H2007/0893
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A tensioner is disclosed that may be part of a power system where the tensioner provides tension to an endless power transmitting element such as a belt, chain, or other continuous loop. The tensioner has an arm that is rotatable about a first axis and includes an arm arbor having a slot therethrough, a bushing having a protrusion and being positioned adjacent the arm arbor with the protrusion received in the arm arbor's slot, and a spring coupled to the arm urging the arm to rotate about the first axis into tensioning engagement with a power transmitting element. The spring is positioned where it can radially expand into contact with the protrusion of the bushing as the arm is rotated in a direction opposite the direction of tensioning engagement such that the bushing is urged radially outward relative to the arm arbor to provide frictional damping.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.