Long life tensioner

Abstract

The application discloses a long-life tensioner, which comprises a fixed part, a swing part and a rotating part, the swing part comprises a swing arm, a clamping plate and an end cover which are sequentially arranged along a first direction and take the fixed part as an axis, the swing arm and the clamping plate can swing around the fixed part to enable the rotating part to be in tension, a first damping element between the swing arm and the clamping plate is sequentially connected with the end cover through the inner hole of the clamping plate and a second damping element, the second damping element between the clamping plate and the end cover is connected with the swing arm through the clamping plate, in a first swing state of the swing arm, the main body of the first damping element, the clamping plate and the second damping element swing with the swing arm, and the second damping element and the end cover are relatively rubbed, in a second swing state of the swing arm, the clamping plate and the second damping element still swing with the swing arm, and in addition to the relative rubbing between the second damping element and the end cover, the first damping element and the swing arm are also relatively rubbed. The long-life tensioner can effectively reduce the wear of plastic parts, reduce system transmission resonance and ensure the service life.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of gear train transmission technology, and in particular to a long-life tensioner. Background Technology

[0002] Belt drives are widely used in automobile engines. During the operation of the belt, it is essential to maintain the appropriate belt tension using a tensioner. The belt drive pulley system is usually mounted on the front surface of the engine. Each accessory is mounted on a pulley on the shaft to receive power from some form of belt transmission.

[0003] Most older truck engines typically use a single V-belt, meandering between various auxiliary components to drive all accessories. The use of belts makes the engine assembly more compact, reduces costs, and improves efficiency. For the belt to function properly, it must have sufficient tension. Insufficient belt tension can easily cause slippage, leading to a series of system failures such as belt noise, reduced pulley drive capability, and increased friction loss. Therefore, maintaining proper tension in the tensioner is crucial.

[0004] The tension of the tensioner comes from its tensioning structure. According to the failure modes of previous tensioners, most of them are due to the wear of plastic parts, which leads to a decrease in the parallelism of the tensioner, and then causes noise and other failures. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To overcome the shortcomings of existing gear train transmission technology, the main objective of this invention is to provide a long-life tensioner that can effectively reduce wear of plastic parts, reduce system transmission resonance, and ensure service life.

[0006] The objective of this invention is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0007] This invention provides a long-life tensioner, comprising a fixed part, a swinging part, and a rotating part. The swinging part includes a swing arm, a clamping plate, and an end cap arranged sequentially along a first direction with the fixed part as an axis. The end cap is fixedly connected to the fixed part. The swing arm and the clamping plate can swing about the fixed part as an axis to enable the rotating part to perform a tensioning action.

[0008] A first damping element is provided between the swing arm and the card plate, and a second damping element is provided between the card plate and the end cap. The first damping element passes through the inner hole of the card plate and the inner hole of the second damping element in sequence along a first direction and is connected to the end cap. The second damping element is connected to the swing arm through the card plate.

[0009] The swing arm has a first swing state and a second swing state. In the first swing state, the connection between the first damping member and the end cap can deform, and the main body of the first damping member, the clamping plate, and the second damping member swing with the swing arm so that the second damping member and the end cap rub against each other. In the second swing state, the deformation at the connection between the first damping member and the end cap is constant, and the clamping plate and the second damping member swing with the swing arm so that the second damping member and the end cap rub against each other, and the main body of the first damping member rubs against the swing arm.

[0010] As a further description of the above technical solution, the swinging part further includes a spring, and the fixing part includes a spring housing. The spring is disposed inside the spring housing and can abut against the inner wall of the swing arm.

[0011] As a further description of the above technical solution, the spring housing includes a body and an extension, the extension is disposed inside the swing arm, and the end of the extension away from the body is riveted to the end cap.

[0012] As a further description of the above technical solution, the first damping member has a first snap-fit ​​portion on the end face facing the card plate, and the end cover has a second snap-fit ​​portion on the end face facing the card plate. The first snap-fit ​​portion passes through the inner hole of the card plate and the inner hole of the second damping member in sequence and snaps into the second snap-fit ​​portion.

[0013] As a further description of the above technical solution, the inner hole of the card plate and the inner hole of the second damping member both have a preset gap with the first snap-fit ​​portion.

[0014] As a further description of the above technical solution, the end face of the swing arm facing the card plate is provided with a first protrusion, the card plate is provided with a first connecting part, and the first protrusion is engaged with the first connecting part.

[0015] As a further description of the above technical solution, the second damping member has a second protrusion on its end face facing the card plate, and the card plate has a second connecting part, wherein the second protrusion is engaged with the second connecting part.

[0016] As a further description of the above technical solution, the rotating part includes a pulley, a bearing, and a bolt. The bolt passes through the inner ring of the bearing and is connected to the pulley shaft provided on the swing arm. The pulley is sleeved on the outer ring of the bearing.

[0017] The outstanding effects of this invention are:

[0018] In the long-life tensioner provided by this invention, when the swing arm is in the first swing state, the swing amplitude is less than a preset value, and a certain amount of deformation can occur at the connection between the first damping element and the end cap, so that the main body of the first damping element, the locking plate, and the second damping element swing synchronously with the swing arm, and damping is generated only by friction between the second damping element and the end cap; when the swing arm is in the second swing state, the swing amplitude of the swing arm is greater than the preset value, and the friction between the second damping element and the end cap continues to generate damping. Since the deformation of the first locking part no longer increases, a relative displacement will occur between the rocker arm and the main body of the first damping element, and friction will generate damping. Combined with the friction between the second damping element and the end cap, the dynamic tension of the rotating part is reduced, thereby extending the overall life of the system, reducing or even eliminating the transmission resonance of the system, and ensuring the overall stable operation of the system. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of the long-life tensioner in this invention;

[0021] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the long-life tensioner in this invention from one perspective;

[0022] Figure 3 This is another exploded view of the long-life tensioner in this invention.

[0023] Figure label:

[0024] 11. Body; 12. Extension; 21. Swing arm; 211. First protrusion; 22. Clamping plate; 221. First connecting part; 222. Second connecting part; 23. End cap; 231. Second snap-fit ​​part; 24. Spring; 31. Pulley; 32. Bearing; 33. Bolt; 4. First damping element; 41. Main body; 42. First snap-fit ​​part; 5. Second damping element; 51. Second protrusion. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0026] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "upper," "middle," "lower," "inner," "outer," "front," and "rear," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or component referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention. The terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances. The embodiments of this invention will now be described according to its overall structure.

[0027] Please see Figures 1 to 3 One embodiment of the present invention discloses a long-life tensioner, which includes a fixed part, a swinging part, and a rotating part. The swinging part includes a swing arm 21, a clamping plate 22, and an end cap 23 arranged sequentially along a first direction with the fixed part as the axis. The end cap 23 is fixedly connected to the fixed part. The swing arm 21 and the clamping plate 22 can swing about the fixed part as the axis to enable the rotating part to perform a tensioning function.

[0028] A first damping element 4 is provided between the swing arm 21 and the clamping plate 22, and a second damping element 5 is provided between the clamping plate 22 and the end cap 23. The first damping element 4 passes through the inner hole of the clamping plate 22 and the inner hole of the second damping element 5 in sequence along a first direction and is connected to the end cap 23. The second damping element 5 is connected to the swing arm 21 through the clamping plate 22.

[0029] The swing arm 21 has a first swing state and a second swing state. In the first swing state, the connection between the first damping member 4 and the end cap 23 can deform. The main body 41 of the first damping member 4, the clamping plate 22, and the second damping member 5 swing with the swing arm 21 so that the second damping member 5 and the end cap 23 rub against each other. In the second swing state, the deformation at the connection between the first damping member 4 and the end cap 23 is constant. The clamping plate 22 and the second damping member 5 swing with the swing arm 21 so that the second damping member 5 and the end cap 23 rub against each other. The main body 41 of the first damping member 4 rubs against the swing arm 21.

[0030] In the above configuration, the swinging part oscillates radially about the fixed part, transmitting torque to the rotating part to enable it to perform a tensioning action. This ensures the overall stable operation of the long-life tensioner. When the swinging part oscillates radially about the fixed part, the end cap 23, being fixedly connected to the fixed part, does not shift relative to it. The swing arm 21 and the clamping plate 22 oscillate radially synchronously about the fixed part. To reduce wear between the swing arm 21 and the end cap 23, a first damping element 4 is provided between the swing arm 21 and the clamping plate 22, and a second damping element 5 is provided between the clamping plate 22 and the end cap 23. The first damping element 4 passes sequentially through the inner holes of the clamping plate 22 and the second damping element 5 in a first direction and connects to the end cap 23. The second damping element 5 is connected to the swing arm 21 through the clamping plate 22. The two damping elements effectively prevent wear between the swing arm 21 and the end cap 23.

[0031] When the swing arm 21 is in the first swing state, that is, when the swing amplitude of the swing arm 21 is less than a preset value, a certain amount of deformation can occur at the connection between the first damping member 4 and the end cap 23, so that the main body 41 of the first damping member 4 swings synchronously with the card plate 22 and the second damping member 5 with the swing arm 21. At this time, only the friction between the second damping member 5 and the end cap 23 generates damping. When the swing arm 21 is in the second swing state, that is, when the swing amplitude of the swing arm 21 is greater than the preset value, the friction between the second damping member 5 and the end cap 23 continues to generate damping. Since the deformation at the connection between the first damping member 4 and the end cap 23 no longer increases, the relative displacement occurs between the rocker arm and the main body 41 of the first damping member 4. Therefore, the friction between the rocker arm and the first damping member 4 will also generate damping. Combined with the friction damping between the second damping member 5 and the end cap 23, the dynamic tension of the rotating part is reduced, so as to extend the overall life of the system, reduce or even eliminate the transmission resonance of the system, and ensure the overall stable operation of the system.

[0032] Please see Figures 1 to 3 Specifically, in this embodiment, the fixing part includes a spring housing, which includes a body 11 and an extension 12. The extension 12 is defined to extend from the right side of the body 11 and can be installed in the swing arm 21. Its right end is riveted to the end cap 23.

[0033] Specifically, in this embodiment, the swing part includes a spring 24 disposed inside the spring housing. Specifically, it is sleeved on the extension 12 and can abut against the inner wall of the swing arm 21 to squeeze the swing arm 21 in a radial swinging motion, thereby providing torque to the rotating part.

[0034] Specifically, in this embodiment, the end cap 23 is positioned between the rocker arm 21 and the rotating part in the left-right direction and is riveted to the extension 12 of the spring housing. The first damping member 4, the retaining plate 22, and the second damping member 5 are sequentially arranged between the rocker arm and the end cap 23 from left to right. The main body 41 of the first damping member 4 is annular, with two first engaging portions 42 protruding from its right end face. The two first engaging portions 42 are symmetrically arranged around the inner edge of the main body 41, and their outer edges can also be arc-shaped. The diameter of the arc is smaller than the inner diameter of the retaining plate 22 and the second damping member 5, forming a small pre-set gap to provide deformation space for the first engaging portions. Therefore, after passing through the inner holes of the retaining plate 22 and the second damping member 5, the first engaging portion 42 only engages with the second engaging portion 231 formed on the inner side (left end face) of the end cap 23. Specifically, the inner surface of the end cap 23 has an annular protrusion with a notch, which is the second locking portion 231. Its shape is adapted to the first locking portion 42, allowing the first locking portion 42 to be pressed and embedded therein. This ensures that the first damping member 4 will not dislodge due to friction with the rocker arm during the second swing state, thus guaranteeing stable system operation. Of course, in other embodiments, the first locking portion 42 and the second locking portion 231 can also have other adaptable shapes.

[0035] Specifically, in this embodiment, the card plate 22 is annular, with four fan-shaped connecting parts evenly distributed on its outer edge, including two first connecting parts 221 and two second connecting parts 222. They are symmetrically arranged in pairs to connect with the protrusions of the swing arm 21 and the second damping member 5, thereby connecting the swing arm 21 and the second damping member 5. Specifically, the right end face of the swing arm 21 is provided with two first protrusions 211, which can be correspondingly engaged with the first connecting parts 221, so that the swing arm 21 and the card plate 22 form a fixed connection. The left end face of the second damping member 5 is provided with two second protrusions 51, which are correspondingly pressed and engaged into the second connecting parts 222, which can effectively prevent wear between the swing arm 21 and the end cap 23 when the swing arm 21 swings.

[0036] Specifically, in this embodiment, the rotating part includes a pulley 31, a bearing 32, and a bolt 33, which are coaxially arranged. The bolt 33 passes through the inner ring of the bearing 32 and is connected to the pulley shaft of the swing arm 21 to receive the torque generated by the swing part and apply it to the belt connected to the pulley 31 to make it taut, thereby ensuring the overall smooth operation of the system.

[0037] Specifically, in this embodiment, the swing amplitude of the swing arm 21 does not exceed 3°, and the damping of a single damping element is between 15% and 30%. When the swing arm 21 swings, the first locking portion 42 of the first damping element 4 has minimal deformation relative to its main body 41, and no relative displacement or friction occurs between the main body 41 and the swing arm 21. However, the second damping element 5, connected to the swing arm 21 via the locking plate 22, swings synchronously with the swing arm 21, generating relative friction with the end cap 23 to reduce wear.

[0038] Specifically, in another embodiment, the swing amplitude of the swing arm 21 is increased by more than 3°, and the damping of the two damping components is between 25% and 60%. At this time, as the swing arm 21 swings, the deformation of the first engaging portion 42 of the first damping component 4 relative to its main body 41 reaches its maximum, and the force between the first engaging portion 231 of the first damping component 4 and the end cap 23 also reaches its peak. However, its deformation is insufficient to make the main body 41 swing synchronously with the swing arm 21. Therefore, the swing arm 21 will undergo relative displacement with the main body 41, generating friction. The damping generated by this friction consists of two parts: one part originates from the interaction between the second damping component 5 and the end cap 23, and the other part originates from the interaction between the swing arm 21 and the first damping component 4, nearly doubling the damping. Of course, in other embodiments, the swing amplitude of the swing arm 21 and the damping of the two damping components can be selected and adjusted according to the actual application.

[0039] Finally, it should be noted that the above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any changes, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A long-life tensioner, characterized in that, The system includes a fixed part, a swinging part, and a rotating part. The swinging part includes a swing arm, a clamping plate, and an end cap arranged sequentially along a first direction with the fixed part as an axis. The end cap is fixedly connected to the fixed part. The swing arm and the clamping plate can swing about the fixed part as an axis to enable the rotating part to perform a tensioning function. A first damping element is provided between the swing arm and the card plate, and a second damping element is provided between the card plate and the end cap. The first damping element passes through the inner hole of the card plate and the inner hole of the second damping element in sequence along a first direction and is connected to the end cap. The second damping element is connected to the swing arm through the card plate. The swing arm has a first swing state and a second swing state. In the first swing state, the connection between the first damping member and the end cap can deform, and the main body of the first damping member, the clamping plate, and the second damping member swing with the swing arm so that the second damping member and the end cap rub against each other. In the second swing state, the deformation at the connection between the first damping member and the end cap is constant, and the clamping plate and the second damping member swing with the swing arm so that the second damping member and the end cap rub against each other, and the main body of the first damping member rubs against the swing arm.

2. The long-life tensioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The swinging part also includes a spring, and the fixing part includes a spring housing. The spring is disposed inside the spring housing and can abut against the inner wall of the swing arm.

3. The tensioner according to claim 2, characterized in that, The spring housing includes a body and an extension, the extension being disposed inside the swing arm, and the end of the extension away from the body being riveted to the end cap.

4. The long-life tensioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first damping member has a first snap-fit ​​portion on its end face facing the card plate, and the end cover has a second snap-fit ​​portion on its end face facing the card plate. The first snap-fit ​​portion passes through the inner hole of the card plate and the inner hole of the second damping member in sequence and snaps into the second snap-fit ​​portion.

5. The long-life tensioner according to claim 4, characterized in that, The inner hole of the card plate and the inner hole of the second damping member both have a preset gap with the first snap-fit ​​part.

6. The long-life tensioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The swing arm has a first protrusion on its end face facing the card plate, and the card plate has a first connecting part, with the first protrusion engaging with the first connecting part.

7. The long-life tensioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second damping member has a second protrusion on its end face facing the card plate, and the card plate has a second connecting part, the second protrusion engaging with the second connecting part.

8. The long-life tensioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rotating part includes a pulley, a bearing, and a bolt. The bolt passes through the inner ring of the bearing and connects to the pulley shaft provided on the swing arm. The pulley is sleeved on the outer ring of the bearing.

Images