Compact tensioner with sustainable damping
US9377090B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 30, 2009 |
| Grant date | Jun 28, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 8, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16H2007/0893
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A tensioner assembly that includes a base, an arm, an opening spring (i.e., a torsion spring that opens or radially expands with increasing torque applied thereto), a spring reaction member, and a pivot bushing. The tensioner assembly is configured to orient various loads in predetermined directions. For example, a spring load can be oriented to counteract a hub load to reduce a bushing load that acts on the pivot bushing. As another example, a spring reaction force exerted by the spring reaction member can be employed by a damping mechanism to generate a grounding force that is parallel to the spring reaction force and is directed to intersect an axis about which the arm pivots relative to the base. A tensioner assembly having improved assembly characteristics is also provided.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.