Tensioner with multiple nested torsion springs
AssigneeDayco IP Holdings, LLC
InventorJames Kevin Lindstrom
Life of this patent
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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. The tensioner also includes an outer spring and at least one inner spring. The outer spring has an outer coil that defines an outer diameter. The inner spring 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 spring is received by the outer spring. The outer spring and the inner spring both urge the arm to rotate about the first axis and into tensioning engagement with the power transmitting element.
Claims20
A tensioner comprising:
- an arm rotatable about a first axis;
- an outer spring operatively coupled to the arm, the outer spring having an outer coil that defines an outer diameter;
- and
- at least one inner spring operatively coupled to the arm, the inner spring having an inner coil that defines an inner diameter, the inner diameter of the inner coil being less than the outer diameter of the outer coil such that at least a portion of the inner spring is received by the outer spring, and wherein the outer spring and the inner spring both urge the arm to rotate about the first axis into tensioning engagement with a power transmitting element.
A tensioner comprising:
- a support member including a pivot shaft that defines a first axis;
- an arm having an arm arbor that is mounted on the pivot shaft for rotatable movement of the arm about the first axis, the arm arbor defining a cavity;
- an outer spring received in the cavity of the arm arbor and operatively coupled to the arm and the support member, the outer spring having an outer coil that defines an outer diameter;
- and
- at least one inner spring received in the cavity of the arm arbor and operatively coupled to the arm and the support member, the inner spring having an inner coil that defines an inner diameter, the inner diameter of the inner coil being less than the outer diameter of the outer coil such that at least a portion of the inner spring is received by the outer spring, and wherein the outer spring and the inner spring both urge the arm to rotate about the first axis into tensioning engagement with a power transmitting element, and wherein the support member receives the arm arbor, the inner spring, and the outer spring.
The tensioner of claim 20 further comprising a hub, wherein the hub is rotatable about the pivot shaft, a second end portion of the inner spring is fixedly attached to the hub, and a second end portion of the outer spring is connected to the hub.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.