Tensioning arrangement for an endless linkage
AssigneeCNH America LLC
InventorsTravis L. Harnetiaux, Chad M. Johnson
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A tensioning arrangement to an endless linkage of a drive train is provided. The tensioning arrangement includes a tension arm and a spool mounted at the tension arm. The spool includes a rib generally centrally located between opposing first and second endwalls of the spool. The rib includes a greater outer diameter relative to an outer diameter of adjacent cylindrical portions abutting the rib. Both opposing first and second endwalls of the spool are of greater outer diameter so as to steer the endless linkage therebetween in general alignment with the rib. A spring includes a hook free end engaged at the tension arm, and a linear shaped free end engaged at the frame so as to bias the spool against the endless linkage.
Claims17
A tensioning arrangement used in combination with an endless linkage of a drive train mounted on a frame, comprising:
- at least one tension arm;
- at least one spool mounted at the at least one tension arm and biased in engagement against the endless linkage, wherein the at least one spool includes a rib generally centrally located between opposing first and second endwalls of the spool, the rib having a greater outer diameter relative to an outer diameter of an adjacent cylindrical portion abutting each side of the rib, and
- a spindle configured to insert through a first opening in the at least one tension arm in rotational support of the at least one spool, the spindle including a first stepped portion having a greater outer diameter relative to an outer diameter of a second stepped portion, wherein the first stepped portion receives the spring and wherein the second stepped portion receives the opening of the at least one tension arm and the opening in the at least one spool,
- wherein the spindle includes an opening through both the first and second stepped portions so as to receive a threaded fastener therethrough
- wherein both opposing first and second endwalls are of greater outer diameter relative to the rib and relative to the adjacent cylindrical portions between the rib and the first and second endwalls so as to steer the endless linkage between the first and second endwalls in general alignment with the rib;
- wherein a spring biases the at least one spool in engagement against the endless linkage relative to the frame, the spring including a hook free end spaced apart from a linear-shaped free end, wherein the hook free end engages at the at least one tension arm, and wherein the linear shaped free end engages at the frame.
A row planting unit configured to distribute a particulate product across a field, comprising:
- a drive train having an endless linkage configured to move a metering assembly operable to regulate the distribution of particulate product from the planting unit;
- a wheeled frame in support of the drive train and the endless linkage;
- and
- a tensioning arrangement mounted at the endless linkage of the drive train, the arrangement including:
- a spindle configured to insert through a first opening in the at least one tension arm in rotational support of the at least one spool, the spindle including a first stepped portion having a greater outer diameter relative to an outer diameter of a second stepped portion, wherein the first stepped portion receives the spring and wherein the second stepped portion receives the opening of the at least one tension arm and the opening in the at least one spool, wherein the spindle includes an opening through both the first and second stepped portions so as to receive a threaded fastener therethrough
- at least one spool mounted at an at least one tension arm, and
- a spring configured to bias the at least one spool against the endless linkage,
- wherein the at least one spool includes a rib generally centrally located between opposing first and second endwalls of the spool, the rib having a greater outer diameter relative to an outer diameter of an adjacent cylindrical portion abutting each side of the rib, wherein both opposing first and second endwalls are of greater outer diameter relative to the rib and relative to the adjacent cylindrical portion so as to steer the endless linkage between the first and second endwalls in general alignment with the rib.
An agricultural planting implement in tow to distribute particulate product across a field, comprising:
- a toolbar coupled to at least one planter row unit operable to distribute the particulate product across the field, the at least planter row unit including:
- a) a drive train having an endless linkage configured to move a metering assembly operable to regulate the distribution of particulate product from the planting unit;
- b) a wheeled frame in support of the drive train and the endless linkage;
- and
- c) a tensioning arrangement mounted at the endless linkage of the drive train, the tensioning arrangement including at least one spool mounted at an at least one tension arm,
- wherein the at least one spool includes a rib generally centrally located between opposing first and second endwalls of the at least one spool, the rib having a greater outer diameter relative to an outer diameter of an adjacent cylindrical portion abutting each side of the rib, wherein both opposing first and second endwalls are of greater outer diameter relative to the rib and relative to the adjacent cylindrical portion so as to steer the endless linkage between the first and second endwalls in general alignment with the rib.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.