Blade tensioner with opposing spans
AssigneeBorgWarner Inc.
InventorMichael Smart
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A tensioner for tensioning a strand of chain between two sprockets including a tensioner body and a ramp fixed to ground. The tensioner body has an oval shape defined by first and second arcuately curved sides. Each side has a distal end, a proximal end, and a blade spring. The first and second arcuately curved sides are coupled together at the distal ends and pivotally attached to ground at the proximal ends. When the first arcuately curved side is in contact with the ramp, the second arcuately curved side is in contact with the chain strand, and the tensioner body is positioned relative to the ramp such that the blade springs of the tensioner body are compressed, a tensioning force is applied to the strand of chain.
Claims14
A tensioner for tensioning a strand of chain between two sprockets comprising:
- a tensioner body with an oval shape defined by a first arcuately curved side and a second arcuately curved side, each side having a distal end and a proximal end and blade springs, wherein the two arcuately curved sides are coupled at the distal ends and pivotally attached to a ground at the proximal ends;
- and
- a ramp fixed to the ground contacting the tensioner body;
- wherein when the second arcuately curved side of the tensioner body is in contact with the ramp fixed to the ground and the first curved surface of the tensioner body is in contact with the strand of chain and wherein the second arcuately curved side of the tensioner body slides along the ramp to a position relative to the ramp, such that the blade springs of the tensioner body are compressed, and a tensioning force is applied to the strand of chain.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.