Guide Roll Spring Biased In Belt-tensioning Direction Patents (Class 474/135)
  • Patent number: 7901309
    Abstract: A tensioner has a base plate and a pivot arm. A first end of the pivot arm is pivotally mounted to the base plate for rotation about a first axis. A spring biases the pivot arm to rotate in a tensioning direction. A push rod assembly is pivotally mounted to the second end of the pivot arm. The push rod assembly is rotatable about a second axis extending parallel to the first axis. The push rod assembly frictionally engages the pivot arm generating frictional forces counter acting and damping the spring bias. When the tensioning guide is forced to rotate in the tensioning direction, the acting moment arm of the push rod force causing the guide to rotate towards the endless drive, is considerable longer at the end of the tensioning stroke than in the beginning of the stroke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Litens Automotive Partnership
    Inventors: Jorma J. Lehtovaara, Marek Frankowski
  • Patent number: 7901310
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Dayco Europe S.R.L.
    Inventors: Sergio Lolli, Luca D'Amicantonio
  • Patent number: 7896765
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a belt tension adjustment mechanism for use with a device including a main body and a belt pulley set. The belt pulley set includes a belt. The belt tension adjustment mechanism includes a slab, at least two tension pulleys and a fixing element. A tight tension force and a slack tension force are exerted on the opposite sides of the belt to define a tight side and a slack side of the belt when the belt pulley set runs. A counterforce is generated from the tight side of the belt to exert on the tension pulley contacting with the tight side, the slab is moved in response to the counterforce. The slack side of the belt is suppressed by the tension pulley contacting with the slack side such that the slack tension force is adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Teco Image Systems Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ping-Hung Kuo, Cheng-Ming Liao, Ke-Wei Chen, Yu-Pang Chen, Chien-Min Chen, Hsiu-Hui Chiu
  • Patent number: 7892125
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Aaron T. Nelson, Ng Boon Hang, Alan Boo Keng Aik, Brent R. Jones
  • Patent number: 7887445
    Abstract: A tensioner for tensioning a belt includes a support housing that defines, at least in part, a spring cavity and an arm pivotably attached to the support housing. A spring is disposed in the spring cavity and is operatively connected to the arm and support housing to bias the arm to pivot relative to the support housing. The spring is a round wire coil spring having an unloaded axial height and wherein the spring cavity has a height greater than the unloaded axial height of the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Dayco Products, LLC
    Inventors: James G. Quintus, Edward A. Rammel
  • Publication number: 20110034281
    Abstract: A tensioning device has a tension arm mounted on a base. A pulley is mounted on the tension arm for engaging a looped belt. By changing mounting bushings, one can select either a static mode wherein the tension arm is held stationary relative to the base, or a dynamic mode wherein, in response to a changing force applied between the pulley and the belt (due to vibrations or load changes, for example), the tension arm moves relative to the base such in a manner as to maintain the force substantially constant. Several such devices can be employed in a system for controlling the tension of a looped belt, one or more of the devices being in the static mode and one or more being in the dynamic mode. Several such systems can be employed in a complex machine such as a photocopier or medical apparatus for controlling the tension in a number of different belts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2010
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Applicant: YORK INDUSTRIES INC.
    Inventors: Hartmut SCHMID, Paul O'DONNELL
  • Patent number: 7883436
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Fenner U.S., Inc.
    Inventors: Eric S Mosser, Francis B Fatato
  • Publication number: 20110028253
    Abstract: A tensioning device for a flexible driving means, in particular a chain tensioner for a timing chain of an internal combustion engine, with a housing, a tensioning piston guided in a piston bore of the housing and a latching element arranged outside on the housing, is provided. A latching profile is provided on the front region of the tensioning piston in the tensioning direction. The latching element has at least one spring arm protruding over the housing in the tensioning direction, which engages the latching profile of the tensioning piston outside of the housing. The latching element for the delimitation of the free working range between a front end-stop and a rear end-stop in and against the tensioning direction is arranged movably on the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: IWIS MOTORSYSTEME GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Renzo Perissinotto
  • Patent number: 7874950
    Abstract: A tensioner enables easy and reliable reinstallation of the tensioner and belt in the field service while simultaneously making it possible to utilize a one-way clutch device to ensure continuous belt tension control without cumbersome manual alignment and/or realignment procedures. The tensioner has a pivot shaft configured for mounting on an engine surface. A tensioner arm is mounted on the pivot shaft for pivotal movement between a free arm stop position and premount stop position. A belt-engaging pulley is mounted for rotation on the tensioner arm. A base cup is rotatably mounted around an end of the pivot shaft. The base cup has an arcuate slot having a free arm stop end and a premount stop end. The tensioner arm cooperates with the arcuate slot limiting the pivotal movement of the tensioner arm. A spring is coupled between the tensioner arm and the base cup biasing the tensioner arm in a belt-tensioning direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Litens Automotive Inc.
    Inventors: Jorma J. Lehtovaara, Marek Frankowski
  • Patent number: 7874949
    Abstract: In a power unit, a counter shaft of a transmission and a crank shaft of an internal combustion engine, both located below a main shaft of the transmission, are arranged parallel to each other on a separating plane H of a crankcase. In a transmission mechanism T which drives an oil pump located below the separating plane H, a drive sprocket is placed on the main shaft of the transmission and a driven sprocket is placed on a drive shaft of the oil pump. An endless chain slidably touches a slender long chain guide along the running direction of the endless chain. The chain guide is fitted only to an end wall of an upper crankcase at its fitting part. The chain guide stretches across the end wall of the upper crankcase and an end wall of a lower crankcase, and effectively suppresses vibration of the endless chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yuichi Tawarada
  • Publication number: 20110015017
    Abstract: A tensioner comprising a base having a shaft, a pivot arm engaged with the shaft, a pulley journalled to the pivot arm, an arcuate damping member frictionally engaged with a pivot arm inner surface, a torsion spring having a first end engaged with the pivot arm, the torsion spring having a second end bearing upon the damping member so that upon loading of the torsion spring in the unwinding direction the damping member is compressed between the second end of the torsion spring and the base thereby causing a normal force to be imparted upon the pivot arm by said damping member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2009
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Inventor: Alexander Serkh
  • Publication number: 20110015016
    Abstract: A tensioner comprising a base having a shaft, a pivot arm engaged with the shaft, a pulley journalled to the pivot arm, an arcuate damping member frictionally engaged with a pivot arm inner surface, a torsion spring having a first end engaged with the pivot arm, the torsion spring having a second end bearing upon the damping member so that upon loading of the torsion spring in the unwinding direction the damping member is compressed between the second end of the torsion spring and the base thereby causing a normal force to be imparted upon the pivot arm by said damping member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Inventor: Alexander Serkh
  • Publication number: 20100331127
    Abstract: A dual tensioner assembly for a two-belt drive system including a mounting bracket, a first and second cup coaxial and integrally formed on opposite sides of the mounting bracket with a common base wall having a hub formed therein, a first and second pivot arm each having an integral cylindrical member and each having a tensioner pulley journaled thereon, a tensioning mechanism in each cup biasing its respective pivot arm, a pivot shaft in each cup that is fitted into the hub, and a sleeve bushing on each pivot shaft pivotably supporting its respective cylindrical members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: THE GATES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Piotr Dec, Sorin Ciobotaru
  • Publication number: 20100323833
    Abstract: A tensioner for tensioning a belt includes a support housing at least in part defining a spring cavity. A damping member having a first friction bearing surface is at least partially disposed in the spring cavity. An arm pivotally attached to the support housing has a second friction bearing surface. A spring is located in the spring cavity and operatively connected to the arm and damping member to pivot the damping member about a pivot location such that the first friction bearing surface of the damping member is biased against the second friction bearing surface of the arm to dampen relative movement between the arm and the support housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Applicant: DAYCO PRODUCTS, LLC
    Inventors: James G. Quintus, Robert C. Joslyn
  • Patent number: 7850560
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Roland Arneth, Niels Flamig
  • Patent number: 7850561
    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).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Manfred Wilhelm, Horst Adel, Scott Ribey, Fred Seebeck, Scott Thompson
  • Patent number: 7837582
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Fenner, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Smith, William McCotter, Thomas Hughes, Carl Cura
  • Patent number: 7824286
    Abstract: A tensioning device has a tension arm mounted on a base. A pulley is mounted on the tension arm for engaging a looped belt. By changing mounting bushings, one can select either a static mode wherein the tension arm is held stationary relative to the base, or a dynamic mode wherein, in response to a changing force applied between the pulley and the belt (due to vibrations or load changes, for example), the tension arm moves relative to the base in such a manner as to maintain the force substantially constant. Several such devices can be employed in a system for controlling the tension of a looped belt, one or more of the devices being in the static mode and one or more being in the dynamic mode. Several such systems can be employed in a complex machine such as a photocopier or medical apparatus for controlling the tension in a number of different belts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: York Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Hartmut Schmid, Paul O'Donnell
  • Patent number: 7819765
    Abstract: An arm (3) supporting a tension pulley (2) around which an endless torque transmitting member (B) is looped is supported by a fixed member (E) via a base member (7). A torsion coil spring (8) is interposed between the base member (7) and the arm (3). The base member (7) is brought into pressure-contact with the fixed member (E) by a tightening force of a bolt (6). A pivot shaft (5) is fitted onto the outer circumference of the bolt (6) so as not to cause a tip to contact the fixed member (E). By transmitting an axial force generated by tightening the bolt (6) to the base member (7) via a flange (5A) formed on the outer circumference of the pivot shaft (5), the distribution of a contact pressure between the fixed member (E) and the base member (7) is optimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignees: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Gates Unitta Asia Company
    Inventors: Kentaro Kawahara, Keisuke Azuma
  • Publication number: 20100261564
    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. An 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. A sealing element provides prevents migration of debris into the housing and provides a biasing force to impede translatory movement of a first half of the housing from a second half of the housing, while allowing rotation of the first half relative to the second half.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2009
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Inventor: Thomas E. Hughes
  • Publication number: 20100234155
    Abstract: A tensioner in accordance with the present invention employs a spindle and a tensioner arm which are preferably manufactured by a suitable manufacturing process, such as die casting, negating a requirement for machining operations. The biasing spring of the tensioner is wound with wire having a non-circular cross section to increase the spring force of the spring compared to a similar spring wound with wire of circular cross section and, as the tensioner arm is moved away from the flexible drive, the diameter of the biasing spring expands and the coils press a dampening shoe into contact with a wall of the tensioner arm producing a dampening force. The tensioner is simple to assemble and requires a relatively small package volume for the biasing force it can produce.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Inventors: John R. Antchak, James W. Dell, Gerald J. Hamers, Feng Liu
  • Publication number: 20100222169
    Abstract: A tensioner for a belt drive, comprising: a base carrying a pin defining an axis; a tensioning arm, which can rotate about the pin and supports an idle pulley; and a damping element, which is constrained to a hinge point eccentric with respect to the axis and is carried by one between the base and the tensioning arm so as to co-operate with a friction surface carried by the other between the base and the tensioning arm. The belt tensioner further comprises a resilient element having a first end portion connected in a single point to the damping element and a second end portion connected to the other between the base and the tensioning arm to cause a rotation of the damping element about the hinge point against the friction surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2005
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Applicant: DAYCO EUROPE S.R.L. CON UNICO SOCIO
    Inventors: Maria Cesare Meano, Renzo Gozzano
  • Patent number: 7785220
    Abstract: An automotive vehicle has a power operated lift-gate that is opened and closed by two drive units. The typical drive unit has a guide channel, an attachment assembly that is disposed in the guide channel, a flexible drive member that is attached to the attachment assembly and formed in a loop for moving the attachment assembly in the guide channel. The flexible drive member is trained solely around two pulleys at the respective opposite ends of the guide channel to form the flexible drive member in a narrow loop. One of the pulleys is an idler pulley that is part of an adjustable pulley assembly and the other pulley is driven by a power unit that is attached to the guide channel. The adjustable pulley assembly adjusts the distance between the pulleys to take up slack in the flexible drive member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Strattec Power Access LLC
    Inventors: Michael A. Ciavaglia, Lloyd W. Rogers, Jr., Howard W. Kuhlman, Brian N. Orr, Eric R. Hansen, John R. Rice, Joseph M. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20100210385
    Abstract: A tensioner assembly for an endless drive element is provided that utilizes rotary motion and damping with decoupled tensioning and damping components. The tensioner assembly includes a rotatable element in contact with a span of the drive element and rotatable via the drive element, and a first linkage supporting the rotatable element for rotation thereon. A torsion spring connects the first linkage for pivoting about a pivot point with respect to a base. The torsion spring is configured to bias the rotatable element in a direction to tension the drive element. A linear damper is operatively connected to the first linkage at a distance from the pivot point, such as by a second linkage or lever arm, and connected to the base for damping pivoting motion of the first linkage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2009
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: William C. Deneszczuk
  • Patent number: 7771299
    Abstract: A V-belt continuously variable transmission (CVT) for a straddle-type vehicle includes a measurement plate for a rotational speed sensor for detecting a rotational speed of a primary sheave shaft to control a speed change ratio. The measurement plate is disposed on an opposite end of the primary sheave shaft, to one end of which a driving force of an engine is input, with respect to a primary sheave.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shigehiro Mochizuki, Kazuhiko Izumi
  • Publication number: 20100184546
    Abstract: A damping device of a mechanical tensioning system for a traction mechanism drive for damping pivoting movements of a tensioning arm. The tensioning arm is supported at one end by a tensioning roller on a traction mechanism and is rotatably mounted at the other end on a positionally fixed housing part, which has an annular friction element. The periphery of the friction element is a friction lining which interacts with a friction surface of the housing part surrounding the friction element. A torsional spring connects the housing part and tensioning arm. The tensioning arm is acted on with a torsional moment, generating a continuous preload of the traction mechanism which is supported on the friction element and exerts a radially outwardly acting force on the friction lining. Also, surface contact means, which act on the friction lining, transmit radial force between the torsional spring and friction lining.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER KG
    Inventor: Johann Singer
  • Publication number: 20100173738
    Abstract: The invention relates to an automatic belt tensioner comprising a basic part that is connected to a tensioning part so as to be rotatable about a common axis of rotation, a helical spring that is joined to the basic part and the tensioning part, and a wrapping bush which is wrapped at least in some areas with a radial enveloping force by means of the helical spring. According to the invention, the material of the wrapping bush contains reinforced plastic in order to ensure that the belt tensioner provides good damping and good cushioning properties if possible during the entire service life thereof while being universally usable and having a simple design.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2010
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Inventors: Wolfgang GUHR, Michael Fischer
  • Publication number: 20100137084
    Abstract: A tensioner for tensioning flexible drives employs an extruded shaft which can provide a relatively complex cross sectional shape to provide anti-rotation features to inhibit rotation of a pivot bushing located on the shaft. The pivot bushing has a frustoconical outer shape, as does the pivot surface of the hub of the tensioner arm which pivots on the pivot bushing. A dampening spring urges the pivot bushing towards the tensioner arm's pivot surface, providing for wear compensation and for dampening. The degree of dampening which is generated between the pivot bushing and the tensioner hub can be selected in a variety of manners: by varying the spring force; by changing the effective contact surface area between the pivot bushing and pivot surface; and/or by changing the coefficient of friction between the pivot bushing and the pivot surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Inventors: Hubertus G. Mevissen, James W. Dell
  • Publication number: 20100113201
    Abstract: A tensioner is disclosed that achieves asymmetric damping in part by using a ramp-ramp assembly. The tensioner comprises a tensioner axle defining a pivot axis, an arm mounted on the tensioner axle so as to permit the arm to pivot about the pivot axis, a first tensioner component having first ramp features, a second tensioner component having second ramp features, and a ramp bushing having an upper ramp surface and a lower ramp surface. The first tensioner component is engaged to the arm for rotation therewith and the second tensioner component is coupled to the tensioner axle. The ramp bushing is disposed between the first tensioner component and the second tensioner component such that the upper ramp surface seats within the first ramp features and the lower ramp surface seats within the second ramp features.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2008
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventor: Anthony E. Lannutti
  • Publication number: 20100105508
    Abstract: A tensioning device for a belt or chain drive with a tensioning lever (2) which is provided with a rotatable tension roller (6) mounted rotatably a drag bearing (3) constructed as a plain bearing on a base housing (4), and radially at a distance from the axis of rotation (5) of the drag bearing (3); with a pretensioned torsion spring (11), which is constructed as a helical spring (12, 12?), disposed coaxially with the drag bearing (3) and connected at the spring ends (13, 14) thereof at the housing side to the base housing (4), and at the lever side to the tensioning lever (2); and with a brakeshoe (16, 16? 29) which is disposed at one spring end (13, 14) and which can be pressed by the spring end against a component which can rotate about the axis of rotation (5) of the drag bearing (3) relative to the spring end (13, 14).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER KG
    Inventors: Thomas Mennerat, Johann Singer
  • Patent number: 7699732
    Abstract: The invention concerns a device for tensioning belts or chains that may include a fixed support; a moving element that may move relative to the fixed support and designed to be in contact with the belt or the chain; and an actuator designed to exert a permanent tensioning force between the mobile equipment and the fixed support. The device may also include a sensor unit to monitor parameters of angular displacement of the moving element relative to the fixed support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Aktiebolaget SKF
    Inventors: Olivier Message, Frédéric Ponson
  • Patent number: 7686719
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Dayco Products, LLC
    Inventors: Robert C. Joslyn, Stephen G. Webb
  • Patent number: 7686720
    Abstract: A portable power take-off unit for mounting to and dismounting from the rear of a vehicle, such as a pickup truck, providing mechanical operational power to construction and farm implements and machinery includes an engine for driving a belt and pulley assembly that drives a chain and sprocket assembly that, in turn, drives a power take-off shaft at selectable high or low speeds. An elongated drive shaft from the machinery is connected to the power take-off shaft for connection to the implement or machinery so that power can be provided thereto. The power take-off unit includes a hydraulic system, comprising a pump, reservoir, couplers, and hoses, for controlling the operation of the machinery, and a manually operable engagement lever for engaging and disengaging the belt and pulley system thereby controlling the engagement and disengagement of the power take-off shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Inventor: Roger Nikolai
  • Patent number: 7678002
    Abstract: A new tensioner is disclosed that achieves asymmetric damping in part by using a moveable ramp plate. The moveable ramp plate is in frictional contact with the arm provides asymmetric frictional damping for the tensioner arm when the arm experiences wind-up and begins to move away from the belt. The ramp plate is rotatably associated with the movement of the tensioner arm through a spring. The tensioner arm may pivot in two directions. As the tensioner arm pivots in a direction toward the belt the ramp plate is urged such that friction between the ramp plate and tensioner are minimized. When the tensioner arm pivots in the opposite direction, as potentially typified by wind-up, the ramp plate is urged such that friction between the ramp plate and tensioner is increased thereby minimizing wind-up of the tensioner arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Dayco Products, LLC
    Inventor: Robert C. Joslyn
  • Patent number: 7678001
    Abstract: An apparatus is described for the intermittent drive of a spindle (1) for a workpiece fixture, especially a forging machine, comprising a traction gear (7) consisting of a traction means (13) guided endlessly about a driving wheel (6) and a driven wheel (8), a continuous rotary drive (5) for the driving wheel (6) and a superposition drive (10) performing rotary oscillations. In order to provide advantageous constructional conditions it is proposed that the superposition drive (10) comprises a support (11) which can be displaced in a rotary oscillating manner about the axis of the driven wheel (8), and deflection rollers (12) held on the support (11) for the traction strands (14) moving towards and away from the driving wheel (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: GFM Beteiligungs- und Management m.b.H. & Co. KG
    Inventor: Alfred Seeber
  • Patent number: 7662057
    Abstract: An eccentric tensioning device is provided for tensioning a power-transmission means constructed, for example, as a flat belt or toothed belt in a power-transmission means drive. The tensioning device can be brought into a pretensioned mounting state in an advantageous way. The eccentric tensioning device has a free roller device that includes a running disk and a roller bearing provided for supporting this disk, a working eccentric for supporting the free roller device, that can be displaced in the radial direction relative to the rotating axis of the roller bearing according to the magnitude of the pivoting of the working eccentric, a bearing journal device for supporting the working eccentric, a torsion spring for pretensioning the working eccentric, a fixing device for securing the working eccentric in a mounting position, in which the torsion spring is located in a pretensioned state, and an adjustment for supporting the bearing journal device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Schaeffler KG
    Inventors: Rainer Baumuller, Roland Arneth, Niels Flamig
  • Publication number: 20100035712
    Abstract: An attachment arrangement (1) for a traction mechanism tensioner (3, 3?) on a motor vehicle is provided, wherein the traction mechanism tensioner (3, 3?) has a tensioning unit (30, 30?) that is in active connection with a lever unit (31, 31?) on which lever unit (31, 31?) a tensioning element (32, 32?) is mounted, and wherein, on the motor vehicle, at least one attachment point (10, 11) is provided both for the tensioning unit (30, 30?) and also for the lever unit (31, 31?). The attachment points (10, 11) are oriented on the motor vehicle and relative to each other such that the attachment points (10, 11) are suitable for the operational attachment of both a hydraulically damped traction mechanism tensioner (3) and also a mechanically damped traction mechanism tensioner (3?).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2009
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER KG
    Inventors: Bernd Hartmann, Stefan Mack
  • Publication number: 20100022340
    Abstract: A tensioning device for a traction mechanism, particularly a belt or a chain, including a tensioning lever over which the traction mechanism is guided and on which a tensioning spring is disposed with one end thereof, the other end thereof being provided on a spring holder by which the tensioning device can be fastened to an external object. A holding pin (11) extends through the tensioning spring (4), with the pin at one end (11) thereof being disposed in a fixed position on the tensioning lever (2) and at the other end thereof having a locking section (22) disposed on a locking element (17) provided on a spring holder (6). The locking element can be adjusted between a locking position of the holding pin end (16), in which the tensioning device (1) is fixed in a position with the pretensioned tensioning spring (4), and a released position of the holding pin end (16), in which the holding pin (10) is axially displaceable in the locking element (17), and limited by a stop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2007
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER KG
    Inventors: Matthias Schmidl, Stefan Mack, Rainer Pflug
  • Publication number: 20100004079
    Abstract: A bicycle component (e.g., a rear derailleur) is basically provided with a base member and an axle. The axle includes a base supporting part supporting the base member for pivoting about a center axis of the axle and a base attaching part projecting outwardly of the base member for fixedly attachment to a bicycle frame. The base supporting part and the base attaching part overlap to define a coupling interface in which either a fixing element is disposed between the coupling interface of the base supporting part and the base attaching part or one of the base supporting part and the base attaching part is deformed with an interference fit. The base supporting part is formed of a first material with a first specific gravity. The base attaching part is formed of a second material with a second specific gravity that is higher than the first specific gravity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Applicant: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventor: Etsuyoshi WATARAI
  • Patent number: 7637829
    Abstract: An eccentric pivot arm tensioner capable of automatic belt tensioning and substantially simultaneous operating range indexing during installation. The tensioner comprises a stop plate and cooperating lock plate. The tensioner comprises a pivot arm having a pivot arm member that cooperatively engages a base plate member. In a first, or transit mode, the pivot arm member temporarily engages the base plate member to put a torsion spring and thereby the pivot arm in a preloaded condition. The lock plate is engaged with the stop plate. As a mounting fastener is engaged into a mounting surface the pivot arm member is automatically disengaged from the base plate member by an axial movement of the pivot arm, thereby allowing the pivot arm to rotate and thereby impart a torsion spring force to a belt, i.e., tensioning the belt in an operating position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: The Gates Corporation
    Inventors: Roger Derrick Stone, Jerry Booen, Ian Doble, Gordon Charles Hensley, Hans Peter Kutzer, Jim Router, Klaus Conno Steffens
  • Publication number: 20090298631
    Abstract: A belt tensioning device for a belt drive which comprises a driving machine with a driving belt pulley drivable by a driveshaft around a driving axis, and a plurality of further belt pulleys and with an infinite belt which is wrapped around the driving belt pulley and the further belt pulleys wherein the belt tensioning device comprises a housing in which two tensioning arms are supported so as to be pivotable around a common pivot axis, in which tensioning arms there are supported tensioning rollers with axes of rotation extending parallel to the driving axis, wherein the tensioning arms are supported relative to one another by spring means, wherein, with the driving belt pulley mounted at the driving machine, the housing can be mounted in that, in an annular region surrounding the driveshaft of the driving belt pulley, the housing is contact-free relative to the driving machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Inventors: Joachim Jud, Manfred Jung
  • Publication number: 20090286636
    Abstract: A sealed tensioner comprising a base, an arm pivotally engaged with the base, a spring engaged with the base and the arm, a bushing operationally disposed between the base and the arm, the arm being pivotally engaged with the bushing, a first seal engaged with the arm for preventing a fluid from contacting the bushing, and a second seal engaged with the base for preventing a fluid from contacting the bushing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2008
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Inventors: Alexander SERKH, Peter Alan WARD
  • Publication number: 20090286637
    Abstract: A tensioning device for a traction mechanism, in particular a belt or a chain, is provided including a lever arm (2, 19) over which the traction mechanism is guided and on which a tensioning spring is arranged with its one end, the other end of the tensioning spring is arranged on a spring holder (6, 21), by which the tensioning device (1, 18, 30) can be fastened to an external object. A holding element (11, 22, 34), which extends from the lever arm (2, 19) to the spring holder (6, 21) and is detachably arranged on both said lever arm (2, 19) and said spring holder (6, 21), holds the tensioning device (1, 18, 30) in a position with a preloaded tensioning spring (4, 20, 33).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2007
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER KG
    Inventors: Hermann Stief, Michael Bogner
  • Publication number: 20090275432
    Abstract: A tensioner assembly with a drive member, a tensioner arm, a shaft, a pivot bushing, a torsion spring and a load balancing element. The tensioner arm has a hub portion, a drive member mount and an arm disposed therebetween. The drive member is coupled to the drive member mount. The shaft is mounted coaxially within the hub portion. The pivot bushing has a frustoconical bearing surface, which engages a corresponding frustoconical surface in the hub portion, and is slidably mounted on the shaft. The torsion spring is received between the shaft and an outer wall of the hub portion and biases the tensioner arm about the shaft in a predetermined rotational direction. The load balancing element is received between and abuts the outer wall and the torsion spring to transmit a radially outwardly directed force generated by the torsion spring to the outer wall at a predetermined location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Inventor: James W. DELL
  • Patent number: 7611431
    Abstract: A belt tensioner for tensioning the belt of a belt drive system includes an eccentric adjusting member, a pivot structure eccentrically mounted on the adjusting member for pivoting around the adjusting member, a belt-tensioning pulley mounted to rotate on the pivot structure, a biasing member that resiliently biases the pivot structure in a belt-tightening direction, and a coupling structure. The coupling structure temporarily couples the pivot structure to the adjusting member to pivot with it during a belt installation procedure, and the configuration keeps the coupling structure unloaded except for a limited period of time during the installation procedure such that the coupling structure can be installed and removed easily. The tensioner is rendered operative after the pivot structure is uncoupled from the adjusting member, thus allowing the pivot structure to pivot with respect to the adjusting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Litens Automotive Partnership
    Inventors: Flaviu Dinca, Yinchu Tao, Rares I. Comsa
  • Publication number: 20090239696
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2008
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Inventors: Alben D'silva, John Harvey, Oliver Stegelmann
  • Patent number: 7588507
    Abstract: An autotensioner comprises a torsion coil spring interposed between a base and a rocking arm, and a tubular bushing provided between an inside surface of the base and an outside surface of the rocking arm. The torsion coil spring pushes and biases the rocking arm toward the bushing, and brings the pushing direction substantially in coincidence with the axial load direction of the force, acting on a stepped bolt supporting the rocking arm, from a belt. When the belt tension becomes high, the arm axial center displaces slightly from the base axial center, an extremely large first damping force acts on the rocking arm. When the belt tension becomes low, the smaller second damping force acts on the rocking arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Unitta Company
    Inventors: Kazumasa Ayukawa, Hiromi Matsuura
  • Publication number: 20090215564
    Abstract: A tensioner (1, 1?) for a traction mechanism such as a belt, chain or the like, with a tensioning lever (4) which can be acted on by a helical spring (2), can pivot about a stationary shaft and on which a tensioning element is provided for abutment against the traction mechanism to be tensioned. The helical spring (2) is held at its ends by spring receptacles (6, 7) and a means (8, 9, 71) is provided for delimiting the spring excursion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2009
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER KG
    Inventors: Rainer PFLUG, Matthias SCHMIDL, Roland ARNETH, Stefan MACK
  • Publication number: 20090215563
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tensioner (1, 1?, 1?) for a traction means such as a belt, a chain or the like, having a tensioning lever (2) which is in operative connection with a helical spring (32) and is pivotable about a fixed axis (20) and on which a receptacle (21) for a tensioning element for bearing against the traction means to be tensioned is arranged, the helical spring (32) being held at its ends by spring receptacles (30, 31; 30?, 31?; 30?, 31?). It is proposed that the helical spring (32) be screwed to at least one of the spring receptacles (30, 31; 30?, 31?; 30?, 31?). This construction ensures that a reliable and easy-to-assemble connection between the helical spring (32) and the spring receptacle (30, 31) is achieved at this point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER KG
    Inventors: Diethard SAUERMANN, Matthias SCHMIDL, Joerg KAISER, Stefan MACK, Arne BORCHERT
  • Publication number: 20090181815
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a tensioner (1) for an endless drive, in particular of an internal combustion engine, wherein the tensioner has base part (2) and a clamping part (3) which can rotate relative to the former, a spring element (11) which is arranged between the base part and the clamping part (3) so as to impart a force, and a friction apparatus (12) which is provided between the spring element (11) and the base part or the clamping part (3) and by way of which the relative movement between the base part (2) and the clamping part (3) is damped. In order to improve a tensioner of the generic type in such that a simple construction is possible with satisfactory clamping, it is proposed to arrange the friction apparatus (13) radially outside the spring element (11).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Inventor: Wolfgang Guhr