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US 8,025,599 B2Granted
Pivot arm tensioner with sliding ratchet mechanism
AssigneeBorgWarner Inc.
InventorJason W. Chekansky
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An engine chain or belt tensioning system includes a tensioner pivot arm with a ratcheting means that includes backlash in an engine timing system. The tensioner system includes a tensioner pivot arm having a fixed pin, radially projecting ratchet teeth, a tensioner pivot arm biasing device, and a ratchet mechanism that engages the radially projecting ratchet teeth. The ratchet mechanism is oriented such that the tensioner pivot arm freely rotates in one direction, but backdrive is limited in the opposite direction.
Claims14
A tensioner comprising:
- a) a pivot arm rotatable around a fixed pivot pin;
- b) a plurality of radially projecting ratchet teeth that pivot with the pivot arm about the fixed pivot pin;
- c) a bracket having an engagement groove and supporting an engagement mechanism for engaging the ratchet teeth and slidably fit in the groove;
- d) an engagement mechanism biasing device that acts on the engagement mechanism in a direction of ratchet tooth engagement;
- and
- e) a pivot arm biasing device that biases the pivot arm towards a chain or a belt;
- wherein the groove is oriented relative to the ratchet teeth such that a first engaged ratchet tooth over-extends in a direction of the chain or the belt before the engagement mechanism clears the first engaged ratchet tooth.
4 more elements
A tensioner comprising:
- a) a pivot arm rotatable around a fixed pivot pin;
- b) a plurality of radially projecting ratchet teeth that pivot with the pivot arm about the fixed pivot pin;
- c) a pawl that engages the ratchet teeth;
- d) a bracket having a groove and comprising an engagement mechanism engaging the pawl and slidably fit in the groove;
- e) an engagement mechanism biasing device that acts on the engagement mechanism in a direction of pawl engagement with the ratchet teeth;
- and
- f) a pivot arm biasing device that biases the pivot arm towards a chain or a belt;
- such that when transverse travel of the pawl and the engagement mechanism is limited by geometry of the groove, further rotation of the pivot arm and ratchet teeth forces the pawl to disengage the ratchet teeth such that tooth jump occurs.
5 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.