Idler assembly
AssigneeGM Global Technology Operations LLC
InventorsKevin W. Herrala, Eric D. Staley
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An idler assembly includes a cam, an idler pulley, a baseplate, an idler pulley bracket, and a belt. The cam is pivotally mounted to an idler pulley bracket, the cam may pivot between a first position and a second position via a first pivot. The idler pulley is mounted to a baseplate. The baseplate is pivotally mounted to an idler pulley bracket. The baseplate may therefore pivot between a first position and a second position relative to the idler pulley bracket. The belt may be easily mounted on the idler pulley when the baseplate and cam are in the second position. The belt is in tension when the baseplate and cam are moved from the second position to the first position.
Claims10
An idler assembly comprising:
- a cam pivotally mounted to an idler pulley bracket, the cam being pivotally moveable between a first position and a second position via a first pivot;
- an idler pulley mounted to a baseplate and the baseplate being pivotally mounted to an idler pulley bracket, the baseplate being pivotally moveable between a first position and a second position via a second pivot;
- and
- a belt operatively configured to engage with the idler pulley and a plurality of engine pulleys.
A method for servicing an idler assembly, the method comprising the steps of:
- pivoting a cam from a first position to a second position;
- pivoting a baseplate and an idler pulley from a first position to a second position;
- removing a first belt from an idler pulley;
- installing a second belt onto the idler pulley;
- pivoting the cam from the second position back to the first position while pivoting the baseplate and the idler pulley from the second position back to the first position;
- and
- securing a final bolt to the baseplate to prevent movement of the baseplate.
A method for servicing an idler assembly, the method comprising the steps of:
- pivoting a cam from a first position to a second position;
- pivoting a baseplate and an idler pulley from a first position to a second position;
- installing a new belt onto the idler pulley;
- pivoting the cam from the second position back to the first position while pivoting the baseplate and the idler pulley from the second position back to the first position;
- and
- securing a final bolt to the baseplate to prevent movement of the baseplate.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.