Abstract: A belt tensioner having a tensioner base and a tensioning arm axially aligned about a pivot shaft defining a pivot axis, the tensioning arm pivotal in relation to the tensioner base about the pivot axis. The tensioner has a bearing positioned around and sealed against the pivot shaft, with the tensioning arm positioned around the bearing. The bearing forms a radial seal between the bearing and the tensioning arm and between the bearing and the pivot shaft. A torsion spring is positioned externally around a portion of the tensioning arm.

Abstract: A tensioner comprising a base, a pivot arm pivotally engaged with the base, a pulley journalled to the pivot arm, a torsion spring urging the pivot arm, the torsion spring loaded in the unwinding direction, the torsion spring engaged with a damping shoe, the damping shoe frictionally engaging the base, and the damping shoe having a damping shoe portion comprising PTFE mixed within a plastic matrix material, the PTFE comprising between 2% and 4% of the plastic matrix material by weight.

Abstract: A belt connection structure for a vehicle is provided. The belt connection structure includes a damper pulley mounted on a crankshaft of an engine, a water pump mounted on the engine separated in an upward direction from the damper pulley, a mild hybrid starter and generator on an upper part of the engine separated from the water pump, and an air conditioner mounted on the engine separated from the compressor damper pulley. A first belt connects the damper pulley, water pump, and mild hybrid starter and generator and a second belt connects the damper pulley and the air conditioner compressor. A first tensioner is mounted on the mild hybrid starter and generator and selectively in contact on the first belt to adjust a tension and a second tensioner is mounted on a chain cover and selectively in contact under the first belt to adjust the tension of the first belt.

Abstract: A tensioner for reducing vibration and noise associated with a vehicle engine includes: a tensioner arm having a cylindrical protrusion extending from a first side of the tensioner arm; the cylindrical protrusion having at least one counter-bore disposed on a surface of the cylindrical protrusion and an inner bore extending through the cylindrical protrusion; an axle adapted to be received by the inner bore, the tensioner arm being adapted to rotate about the axle; a spring disposed proximate a second side of the tensioner arm, opposite the first side, the spring being adapted to bias the tensioner arm in a first direction; and a damping structure that includes a gripping seat adapted to engage a portion of the tensioner arm, in which the damping structure limits rotation of the tensioner arm in a second direction opposite the first direction.

Abstract: A pulley device for a belt that includes an eccentric adjusting member fixed on a support, an eccentric hub rotatably mounted on the eccentric adjusting member, a torsion spring between the eccentric adjusting member and hub to exert a biasing force, and a pulley rotatably mounted on the hub. The hub provides an upper radial surface and the eccentric adjusting member provides a radially outwardly projecting flange formed at an upper end of the eccentric adjusting member and forming an axial abutment for the upper radial surface. The upper radial surface provides a pair of axially projected stops formed integrally within, each stop being dedicated to come into abutment against a corresponding stop provided by the radially outwardly projecting flange of the eccentric adjusting member. The hub further provides engaging means adapted to cooperate with an external tool, the engaging means circumferentially located between the projected stops of the hub.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for tensioning a belt of a belt drive of an internal combustion engine. In one example, a movable tensioning means assigned to an active tensioner is provided, which applies a force to a belt of a belt drive, and the active tensioner is controlled such that a compression of a spring of the tensioner is at least countered, so that a movement of the tensioning means under the load of the belt is at least hindered. The belt is then excited to vibration in a contact zone between the belt and the movable tensioning means by use of a starter so that the tensioning means exposed to the force of the spring is moved further in the direction of the belt under expansion of the spring, whereby the belt is tensioned.

Abstract: Zed-type belt tensioners are described that include an arm having a first end rotatable about a first axis to move a second end of the arm into engagement with a belt, a tensioner component coupled to the first end of the arm, and a supplemental force element positioned between the arm and the tensioner component. The second end of the arm while tensioning a belt experiences a hub load applied by the belt and the supplemental force element is positioned at a point to apply a force that counteracts the hub load thereby reducing cocking of the arm. Also described herein are methods of counteracting the hub load using such belt tensioners and methods of assembly of such belt tensioners.

Abstract: There is provided a belt tension adjusting device for an engine having a chain cover; a mount attaching portion; and a driving belt. An arm is swingably supported about a hinge pin fixed to the engine. A tensioner pulley is supported by the arm to be in contact with the driving belt. An auto tensioner is connected to the arm and configured to press the arm. The auto tensioner is arranged in a space, which is overlapped with the chain cover as viewed from a front side of the engine and located between the mount attaching portion and a crank pulley.

Abstract: A tensioner assembly includes a pulley arm pivotable about a pivot shaft, and a tension pulley mounted on the pulley arm at its end remote from the pivot shaft and pressed against a belt to keep the tension of the belt. The tension pulley is rotatably mounted around a base portion of the pulley arm through a rolling bearing with the inner surface and axial rear end surface of the bearing inner race in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the base portion and an end surface of a shoulder of the base portion, respectively. The base portion has an axial through hole formed with an internal thread on its inner surface. A support bolt is threaded into the through hole from the axial front end to press the rolling bearing against the end surface of the shoulder. The internal thread has an axial front end located in the vicinity of, or axially rearwardly of, the end surface of the shoulder.

Abstract: A roller clutch includes an outer ring, an inner ring, a roller, a first spring member, a retainer, and a protrusion portion. The roller is disposed between the inner ring and the outer ring and is movable between a transmitting position and a non-transmitting position. The retainer has a roller holding space holding the roller and a support section supporting the first spring member. The protrusion portion is configured to regulate the movement of the roller, and resist the biasing force of the first spring member at a predetermined position.

Abstract: A tensioner comprising a first pivot arm having a first pulley journalled thereto and engagable with a mounting surface through a first pivot axis, a second pivot arm having a second pulley journalled thereto, the second pivot arm pivotally engaged to the first pivot arm through a second pivot axis, the second pivot axis disposed from the first pivot axis, a biasing member engaged between the first pivot arm and the second pivot arm urging the first pulley toward the second pulley, and the second pivot axis is between the first pulley and the first pivot axis.

Abstract: A belt tensioning device for a belt drive comprises a base member that is firmly connectable to a stationary component; at least one tensioning arm, which is pivotably supported relative to the base member around a pivot axis; a spring element, with which the tensioning arm is supported elastically in circumferential direction, wherein the ratio of the nominal diameter to the axial length of the spring element is larger than 3.0 in the mounted condition; and a tensioning roller for tensioning the belt, which is rotatably supported on the tensioning arm around an axis of rotation; wherein the base member and the tensioning arm are each at least partially made from plastic material.

Abstract: A tensioner assembly includes a pulley arm pivotable about a pivot shaft, and a tension pulley mounted on the pulley arm at its end remote from the pivot shaft and pressed against a belt to keep the tension of the belt. The tension pulley is rotatably mounted around a base portion of the pulley arm through a rolling bearing with the inner surface and axial rear end surface of the bearing inner race in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the base portion and an end surface of a shoulder of the base portion, respectively. The base portion has an axial through hole formed with an internal thread on its inner surface. A support bolt is threaded into the through hole from the axial front end to press the rolling bearing against the end surface of the shoulder. The internal thread has an axial front end located in the vicinity of, or axially rearwardly of, the end surface of the shoulder.

Abstract: A bicycle derailleur is provided that basically includes a base member, a movable member, a chain guide, a biasing element and a rotational resistance structure. The base member is configured to be mounted to a bicycle. The movable member is movably coupled to the base member. The chain guide is pivotally coupled to the movable member to rotate around a rotational axis with respect to the movable member. The biasing element biases the chain guide in a first rotational direction around the rotational axis with respect to the movable member. The rotational resistance structure is operatively arranged between the movable member and the chain guide to frictionally provide rotational resistance to the chain guide around the rotational axis in a second rotational direction. The rotational resistance structure applies the rotational resistance at an area disposed radially outward of the biasing element with respect to the rotational axis.

Abstract: A belt unit includes an endless belt, a tension roller, at least one extension roller, a first bearing portion supporting a first end of the tension roller such that the first end is movable in a tension direction and is detachably mounted to be able to release the tension force by the first end coming off from the first bearing portion, a second bearing portion supporting a second end of the tension roller to be movable in the tension direction, a first urging portion urging the first end of the tension roller, a second urging portion urging the second end of the tension roller, a first frame portion integrally supporting the first bearing portion, the first urging portion, and the extension roller, and a second frame portion integrally supporting the second bearing portion, the second urging portion, and the tension roller and detachably mounted on the first frame portion.

Abstract: A liquid jetting apparatus includes: a liquid jetting head; a carriage which carries the liquid jetting head and moves in a scanning direction; a plurality of pulleys arranged on a first plane, each having an axis extending perpendicular to the first plane, and including at least a first pulley and a second pulley separated from the first pulley in the scanning direction; an endless belt put around the plurality of pulleys to make contact with a circumference of each of the first and second pulleys and connected to the carriage; a pulley holder having a fixing portion, holding a tension adjusting pulley which adjusts a tension applied to the belt, being movable along the first plane together with the tension adjusting pulley; two plates sandwiching the fixing portion of the pulley holder; and a fastening member which fixes the fixing portion to the two plates.

Abstract: A device for mounting a derailleur of a rear gearshift on a bicycle frame is provided. The device includes a pin suitable for being fixed in a corresponding seat of said bicycle frame, an annular seat formed on said pin, a support body of said derailleur, a through hole formed in said support body and crossed by said pin, an abutment element associated with said pin in said annular seat, wherein said abutment element provides a support in the axial direction on said pin. Said abutment element comprises a first and a second component, which are shaped like an annular sector and that can be connected together through respective shaped attachment portions.

Abstract: In one aspect, a tensioner is provided, comprising, a first tensioner arm and a second tensioner arm, a first wheel and a second wheel. The first tensioner arm is pivotable about a first pivot axis. The second tensioner arm is pivotally connected to the first arm so as to be pivotable about a second pivot axis located at a selected distance from the first pivot axis. The first wheel is rotationally connected to the first tensioner arm about a first rotation axis. The second wheel is rotationally connected to the second tensioner arm about a second rotation axis. The first and second wheels are configured to engage an endless drive member. The first and second wheels are biased in respective first and second free arm directions.

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 includes an arm that is rotatable about a first axis and a spring. The spring has at least one inner winding, an outer winding, and a transition zone. The outer winding has an outer coil that defines an outer diameter. The inner winding has an inner coil that defines an inner diameter. The inner diameter of the inner coil is less than the outer diameter of the outer coil such that at least a portion of the inner winding is received by the outer winding. The outer winding and the inner winding of the spring both urge the arm to rotate about the first axis and into tensioning engagement with the power transmitting element.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention generally provide tensioner for varying tension applied to a continuous drive member based on temperature changes. In one embodiment, a temperature compensating chain tensioner is provided. The temperature compensating chain tensioner includes a fixed support member, a first idler sprocket coupled to the fixed support member, a support arm having a proximal end pivotably coupled to the fixed support member, a second idler sprocket coupled to a distal end of the support arm, and a spring form coupled intermediate of the fixed support member and the support arm, wherein the spring form has a spring constant that increases with increasing temperature, which causes the distal end of the support arm to move relative to the fixed support member.

Abstract: A clamping device (2) for a starter generator belt drive of an internal combustion engine. The clamping device includes a tensioner housing (8), a tensioning arm (17) mounted movably therein, and two idlers (6, 7), one of which is mounted to the tensioning arm and the other of which is mounted to the tensioner housing (8) in a stationary manner. A spring component which generates the pre-load force includes two helical compression springs (20a, 20b) connected in series, the facing spring ends (23a, 23b) of which are separated by an intermediate piece (24) mounted in the tensioner housing in a sliding manner. The tensioning arm has a pin projection (28), which extends through the helical compression springs running inside the tensioning arm and which is mounted in the intermediate piece in a sliding manner.

Abstract: A tensioner includes a base and an idler support assembly slidably retained on the base, the idler support assembly including a support element having a cam surface at a first end. A spring loaded handle assembly includes a tension bar rotatably mounted to the base, and a handle longitudinally adjustably mounted to the tension bar, an engagement element, and a biasing element intermediate the engagement element and the handle. The handle is assembly rotatable between a first position and a second position. The engagement element disengages the cam surface in the first position and the engagement element engages the cam surface in the second position.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a drive apparatus for a rotor of a revolving door, wherein the drive apparatus comprises a drive device, which is motion-coupled to the rotor via a drive belt. The drive apparatus further comprises a tensioning device for tensioning and deflecting the drive belt, wherein the drive belt runs via the drive device and via the tensioning device. The tensioning device and/or the drive device are mounted with a variable distance between one another, so that an extension of the drive belt caused by acceleration or deceleration of the rotor is compensated by varying the distance between the tensioning device and the drive device.

Abstract: A chain-tensioning device comprises at least one main chain-tensioning sprocket wheel on which a chain engages, a main spring that urges a shaft of the main chain-tensioning sprocket wheel in a direction of tensioning of the chain, and an auxiliary cam element that engages a cam-follower element operatively connected to the shaft of the main chain-tensioning sprocket wheel so as to tend to push this shaft in the tensioning direction under the action of auxiliary elastic means. The auxiliary cam element automatically recovers any play that is generated owing to wear of the chain and prevents a movement of the chain-tensioning sprocket wheel in a direction opposite to the tensioning direction. In a variant, two main chain-tensioning sprocket wheels are provided, each having a respective auxiliary cam element. The two auxiliary cam elements may form part of a single pivoted lever.

Abstract: A chainsaw includes a chainsaw body, a chainsaw bar configured to be operably coupled to a cutting chain, and a clutch cover disposed proximate to a portion of the chainsaw bar to facilitate clamping the chainsaw bar to the chainsaw body. The clutch cover may be configured to receive a tension sub assembly disposed at a portion of the clutch cover to enable both adjustment of chain tension in a first mode of operation and clamping of the chainsaw bar in a second mode of operation. The tension sub assembly may include a mode shift mechanism configured to move between a first position in which the tension sub assembly operates in the first mode and a second position in which the tension sub assembly operates in the second mode.

Abstract: A tensioner may be part of a power system to tension an endless power transmitting element. The tensioner includes an arm having an arm arbor with a slot therethrough that is rotatable about a first axis, a bushing having a sleeve that includes a cut-out and a removable sleeve-segment that has a protrusion thereon, the sleeve-segment being receivable in the cut-out with the protrusion in the slot, and a spring coupled to the arm for rotation of the arm 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, at least the protrusion on the sleeve-segment, 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.

Abstract: A shock absorbing bicycle frame includes a front frame unit connected to a bottom bracket shell by which the drive tension is applied to a drive chain, a rear wheel swing arm attached to the front frame unit at a single pivot point and presenting a mounting end to receive a rear axle of a rear wheel. The distance between the mounting end and the bottom bracket shell is variable over the full rear wheel travel. The frame further includes a rear wheel suspension assembly including a compressible shock absorbing unit connecting the rear wheel swing arm to the front frame unit and a chain unit pivotably mounted on the front frame unit, rigidly connected to both the rear wheel swing arm and to the drive chain to maintain the drive chain length over the full rear wheel travel so that the shock absorbing unit is not affected by pedalling forces due to the rider pedalling, the pedalling forces being then not wasted.

Abstract: A tensioner (1) for a belt drive comprises a base(2, 3) defining an axis (A), a mobile element (4) hinged onto axis (A) and defining a guiding surface (22), an elastic helical element (18) having a square or rectangular cross section for actuating the mobile element (4) and an idle pulley (5) surrounding the guiding surface (22). The tensioner (1) further comprises a journal bearing (4, 29, 32, 33) for supporting the pulley (5) on the guiding surface (22).

Abstract: A tensioner includes a base and an idler support assembly slidably retained on the base, the idler support assembly including a support element having a cam surface at a first end. A spring loaded handle assembly includes a tension bar rotatably mounted to the base, and a handle longitudinally adjustably mounted to the tension bar, an engagement element, and a biasing element intermediate the engagement element and the handle. The handle is assembly rotatable between a first position and a second position. The engagement element disengages the cam surface in the first position and the engagement element engages the cam surface in the second position.

Abstract: A tensioner arm comprises a tool-engagement portion for engaging with a tensioner-arm rotation tool, and a jig-holding portion which has a through hole for accepting a tensioner-arm fixation bar jig being inserted thereinto from above at a portion of the tensioner arm extending upward from the base end portion. A bearing case comprises a contact face portion which is provided at a face located below the jig-holding portion of the bearing case so as to accept the bar jig being inserted into the through hole of the tensioner arm, and an engagement stair portion which is provided at the contact face portion so as to engage with the bar jig such that move of the tensioner arm toward the belt by the biasing mechanism is restricted. A belt tensioner which enables an easy belt exchanging even by a single worker without detaching surrounding components of the engine can be provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a traction mechanism drive (1) of an internal combustion engine, which comprises an output member (2) and also a drive member (3) in which the associated belt pulleys (5, 7) are connected via a traction mechanism (6). In this case, the pivotably arranged drive member (3) is supported via a spring means (9) which can pivot, in conjunction with a deflection lever (13), between an assembly position (17) and an operating position (18).

Abstract: A belt tensioning unit (1?), in particular for a belt pulley plane of an internal combustion engine, including a base part (2) arranged in a rotationally fixed manner and a tensioning part, which is mounted on the base part (2) and can perform relative rotations to a limited extent about a rotation angle (?) with respect to the base part against the action of at least one torsion spring (6). During a relative rotation between the base part (2) and tensioning part, the at least one torsion spring (6) forms a frictional engagement by changing a diameter thereof via a friction device (8a) formed by at least one friction segment (9) acted on by the at least one torsion spring (6) and a friction surface (10a) provided on the tensioning part.

Abstract: A stable and play-free pivot connection of a bicycle derailleur between a parallelogram link and either a base member or a chain cage. The pivot points are formed with first and second bushings that are arranged as far from one another as possible. The parts are connected by pivot pins having a anti-rotation contour for preventing rotation of the pin within an inner pivot part. The axial displacement of the pivot pin is prevented by a securing element or by a deforming element engaging a holding contour on the pivot pin. One of the first and second bushings is protected and arranged in a blind hole and the other of the first and second bushings is covered on the outside by a pin head of the pivot pin.

Abstract: A clamping device with mechanical damping for a traction mechanism drive is provided. The device includes a clamping arm which carries a tension roller on one end thereof and is rotatably mounted in a housing at the other end thereof via a shaft connected thereto in a rotationally fixed manner, and is elastically supported on the housing by a torsion spring. A free end of the shaft is connected to a friction disk in a rotationally fixed manner, and a friction lining is arranged between the friction disk and an axial abutment surface of the housing. The invention reduces the friction lining wear and increases the damping capacity thereof. To accomplish this, a separate friction disk (7??) is connected to a separate friction lining (8??) in a positively locked manner without play, and the separate friction lining ((8??) is in frictional contact with the axial abutment surface (10) of the housing (1).

Abstract: The invention relates to a tensioning device of a traction mechanism drive, having a tensioning lever mounted on a base housing and rotatable by a pivot bearing. A coil spring is arranged coaxially to the pivot bearing. The pivot bearing comprises a bearing journal, a bearing hub and at least one plain bearing sleeve which is arranged between the bearing journal and the bearing hub, and a central radial force application plane of the tensioning roller is axially spaced apart from a central radial bearing plane of the pivot bearing.

Abstract: According to aspects illustrated herein, there are provided methods and systems for applying continuous tension on a belt/cable system. The automatic tensioning system includes a pivot mechanism and a locking mechanism. The pivot mechanism includes a pivot arm extending between an idler pulley and a pivot point. The idler pulley is mateable with a belt/cable. The belt/cable is routed about the idler pulley. The idler pulley rotates by the movement of the belt/cable, and the pivot arm pivots in an opposing direction from the belt/cable at the pivot point to apply continuous tension to the belt/cable as the pivot arm pivots. The locking mechanism is in communication with the pivot arm to secure the pivot arm in position, and the locking mechanism is adjustable.

Abstract: A tension device for a drive chain of a bicycle including a first pulley having a first rotational axis swingable around a swing center, and a second pulley having a second rotational axis movable along a movable direction to change a distance between the first rotational axis and the second rotational axis. The first pulley is arranged to be forced around the swing center to apply tension to the drive chain, and the second pulley is arranged to be forced along the moving direction to apply tension to the drive chain.

Abstract: A belt tensioner for a belt drive is designed to connect an engine shaft of an internal-combustion engine to a reversible electric machine which has the function of starting motor and current generator; the belt tensioner comprises a fixed part and a pair of arms, hinged on a common pin carried by the fixed part and provided with respective idle pulleys, and a spring, which forces the two arms towards one another so as to load the pulleys elastically against respective branches of the belt. The two arms of the belt tensioner are provided with respective first arrest elements, which are designed to interact with the fixed portion to define respective positions of arrest of the arms themselves under the action of the spring, and respective second arrest elements, which are designed to interact with the fixed portion to define respective positions of end-of-travel of the arms under the action of the pull of the belt.

Abstract: A device for tensioning a flexible drive member includes a pair of opposing contact elements adapted to simultaneously engage upper and lower spans of the flexible drive member. The device further includes a connecting member to draw the contact elements together and position the contact elements at a selected distance from each other to provide a predetermined tension to the flexible drive member. The tensioning device may be implemented in a print substrate transport subsystem adapted to move media through a print system.

Abstract: Tensioning device (1) for a traction element drive, such as a belt or chain drive, with a tensioning arm (4), which can pivot relative to a body (2) about a pivot axle (3) and on whose distal end a roller (5) supported rotatably is arranged for tensioning the traction element, for the purpose of which there is a torsion spring (6) acting between the pivot axle (3) of the tensioning arm (4) and the body (2), and the pivot axle (3) is supported so that it can slide by at least one radial-bearing arrangement (7) and at least one axial-bearing arrangement (8), wherein the axial-bearing arrangement (8) comprises a friction disk (9) arranged concentric to the pivot axle (3), wherein the friction disk (9) has an axial stop surface (11), which comprises at least one radial circumferential key groove (12) and that at least one radial circumferential friction spring, which extends into the key groove (12), is constructed in the surface adjacent to the stop surface (11) of the friction disk (9).

Abstract: A tensioning device constructed, in particular, as a double eccentric tensioning device for a traction means drive is provided, which guarantees in the installed state a sufficient pretensioning of a traction means of the traction means drive. The invention provides advantages in the installation of the eccentric tensioning devices under assembly-specific aspects. This is provided by an eccentric tensioning device for a traction means drive, with a track roller device, which includes a running disk and a rolling bearing provided for supporting the disk. An operating eccentric for supporting the track roller device such that it can be displaced in a radial direction relative to the rotating axis of the rolling bearing according to a magnitude of the pivoting of the operating eccentric, and a torsion spring for pretensioning the operating eccentric in a pivoting direction are provided. The operating eccentric forces the track roller device carried by the eccentric against an allocated traction means.

Abstract: An assembly for maintaining tension in a drive belt features a housing mounted on a base. The housing contains a biasing element that exerts torque on the housing to bias the housing in a radial direction. A lever arm is connected to the housing and rotates with the housing in response to the bias of the biasing element. A pulley is connected to the lever arm and engages a drive belt in response to the bias force of the biasing element on the lever arm. The pulley deflects the shape of the belt to provide tension in the belt. In one embodiment, the apparatus allows the user to switch the position of the biasing element and alter the direction of torque on the lever arm. In another embodiment, the lever arm and pulley are removable from the housing and replaceable with other arms and pulleys having different configurations.

Abstract: A technique for deflecting an actuator belt includes applying a variable deflection force to the actuator belt. The technique may be used to construct actuators for active orthotics, robotics or other applications. Versions with passive clutches may also be used to construct variable-ratio motor gearheads, or may be scaled up to build continuously variable transmissions for automobiles, bicycles, or other vehicles.

Abstract: A tensioner comprising a base, a pivot arm pivotally engaged with the base, a torsion spring engaged between the base and the pivot arm for biasing the pivot arm, a first damping member and a second damping member disposed between the pivot arm and the base, the first damping member wedgingly engagable between the pivot arm and the second damping member, and the second damping member frictionally engaged between the first damping member and the base.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tensioning device (1) of a traction mechanism drive, comprising a base part (2) and a pivot arm (9), between which base part (2) and pivot arm (9) is inserted a torsional spring (17) which exerts both a torque on the pivot arm (9) and also a spreading force between the base part (2) and the pivot arm (9). To axially secure the pivot arm (9) to the base part (2), a latching connector (10) is provided which has a perforated disc (11) which is supported on a bearing pin (3) of the base part (2) and which extends radially into a region of the hub (8) of the pivot arm (9). An axially projecting extension (12) of the latching connector (10) engages into a receptacle (5), which is designed as a stepped bore (4), of the bearing pin (3), wherein an end region (14) is supported, in a radially flared fashion, on a step (15) of the receptacle (5).

Abstract: A carriage driving apparatus includes: a biaser which biases a pulley holder in a tensioning direction to tension a timing belt; and a biaser holder which holds the biaser such that the pulley holder is allowed to move to the slackening position when the biaser is not held by the biaser holder, and the pulley holder is biased by the biaser in the tensioning direction when the biaser is held by the biaser holder, the biaser holder limiting movement of the pulley holder in a slackening direction to slacken the timing belt, to a disengagement inhibit position between the slackening position and the tensioning position.

Abstract: A belt tensioner is provided for mounting on a mounting surface of a structure. The tensioner comprises a body, which defines a cavity, and a drain hole that is in communication with the cavity. The drain hole is located on the body so as to be facing the mounting surface of the structure when the tensioner is mounted on the structure. In this manner it is more difficult for contaminants to enter the body than to exit the body.

Abstract: A tensioner comprising a base having a sleeve, an arm pivotally engaged with the sleeve, a spring engaged between the arm and the base, a pulley journalled to the arm, an adjuster engaged with the sleeve for rotationally adjusting a position of the sleeve on a mounting surface, three or more concentric cylindrical bushings, each bushing frictionally engaged with the arm and the sleeve for damping an arm movement, and the cylindrical bushings suitable for operation in lubricant.

Abstract: Several embodiments of apparatus and methods are disclosed. One or more of the disclosed example devices includes a flexible member having first and second tensioning members.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a tensioner (10) by mounting an end member (38) on an end of a hollow tensioner shaft (24) includes a step of providing an end member (38) of sheet material with an opening (76) having a plurality of annularly spaced inwardly extending pointed projections (78). A hollow shaft (24) has an outwardly extending shoulder (82) at an end portion thereof. A relative axial movement between the end member (38) and the hollow shaft (24) is effected so that the end member (38) abuts against the shoulder (82) of the hollow shaft (24). The hollow shaft (24) is deformed at the end portion radially outward to embed the projections (78) into the hollow shaft (24) to thereby form a joint (32) therebetween.