# US 2018/0320765 A1 · Clearance-free self-aligning bearnig on the decoupling tensioner > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 2018/0320765 A1 - Document ID: US20180320765A1 - Status: Published application - Kind: A1 - Application number: 15/768,228 - Filed: 2016-11-08 - Published: 2018-11-08 - Earliest claimed: 2015-11-11 - Assignees: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG - Applicants: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG - Inventors: Christian HAUCK - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20180320765A1 ## CPC - F16H 7/1281: {where the axis of the pulley moves along a substantially circular path} - F02B 67/06: driven by means of chains, belts, or like endless members - F16H 7/1218: {of the dry friction type} - F16H 2007/0806: {Compression coil springs} - F16H 2007/0874: {Two or more finally actuated members} - F16H 2007/0893: {Circular path} - F16H: GEARING - F02B: INTERNAL-COMBUSTION PISTON ENGINES; COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL (gas-turbine plants F02C; hot-gas or combustion-product positive-displacement engine plants F02G) ## Abstract A self-aligning tensioner (1) for an endless traction mechanism drive in an internal combustion engine is provided, including a base unit (2) and a separate annular tensioning arm (3), the tensioning arm (3) being slidably mounted in a sliding bearing area (4) of the base unit (2) in order to allow a rotational movement relative to the base unit (2); at least one spring element (5, 6) that tensions the base unit (2) and the tensioning arm (3) against each other is inserted between the sliding bearing area (4) of the base unit (2) and the tensioning arm (3). ## Claims ### Claim 1 A self-aligning tensioner for an endless traction mechanism drive of an internal combustion engine, the self-aligning tensioner comprising a base unit and a separate, annular tensioning arm, the base unit including a sliding bearing area in which the tensioning arm is supported for enabling rotational movement relative to the base unit, and at least one spring element located between the sliding bearing area of the base unit and the tensioning arm that tensions the base unit and the tensioning arm against each other. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The self-aligning tensioner according to claim 1, wherein the at least one spring element has a surface that is an anti-friction surface. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The self-aligning tensioner according to claim 1, wherein the at least one spring element applies a spring force in at least one of a radial direction or an axial direction between the base unit and the tensioning arm. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The self-aligning tensioner according to claim 1, wherein the at least one spring element is arranged in at least one of a radial gap or an axial gap between the sliding bearing area and the tensioning arm. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The self-aligning tensioner according to claim 1, wherein the at least one spring element comprises a first spring element that is arranged in a radial gap between the sliding bearing area and the tensioning arm and a second spring element that is arranged in an axial gap between the sliding bearing area and the tensioning arm. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The self-aligning tensioner according to claim 1, wherein the at least one spring element is a corrugated spring. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) The self-aligning tensioner according to claim 1, wherein the at least one spring element is annular or disk-shaped. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) The self-aligning tensioner according to claim 1, wherein the at least one spring element is connected by a rotational lock to the sliding bearing area or the tensioning arm. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) The self-aligning tensioner according to claim 1, wherein the at least one spring element is rotationally locked by a positive-fit connection on the sliding bearing area or the tensioning arm. ### Claim 10 (depends on 1) The self-aligning tensioner according to claim 1, wherein the at least one spring element is supported on an anti-friction lining of the tensioning arm. ### Claim 11 A self-aligning tensioner for an endless traction mechanism drive, the self-aligning tensioner comprising: a tensioning arm, a base unit including a sliding bearing area in which the tensioning arm is supported for rotational movement about an axis relative to the base unit, and at least one spring element located between the sliding bearing area of the base unit and the tensioning arm that tensions the base unit and the tensioning arm against each other. ### Claim 12 (depends on 11) The self-aligning tensioner of claim 11, wherein the tensioning arm is annular and is received in an annular channel defined in the base unit in which the sliding bearing area is located. ### Claim 13 (depends on 11) The self-aligning tensioner of claim 11, wherein the at least one spring element has a surface that is an anti-friction surface that contacts at least one of the base unit or the tensioning arm. ### Claim 14 (depends on 11) The self-aligning tensioner of claim 11, wherein the at least one spring element is arranged in at least one of a radial gap or an axial gap between the sliding bearing area and the tensioning arm. ### Claim 15 (depends on 11) The self-aligning tensioner of claim 11, wherein the at least one spring element comprises a first spring element that is arranged in a radial gap between the sliding bearing area and the tensioning arm and a second spring element that is arranged in an axial gap between the sliding bearing area and the tensioning arm. ### Claim 16 (depends on 15) The self-aligning tensioner of claim 15, wherein the first and second spring elements are corrugated springs. ### Claim 17 (depends on 16) The self-aligning tensioner of claim 16, wherein the corrugated springs are formed of flat sheet metal having a constant thickness. ### Claim 18 (depends on 11) The self-aligning tensioner of claim 11, wherein the at least one spring element is rotationally locked by a positive-fit connection on the base unit or the tensioning arm.