AUTOMATIC MECHANICAL CLAMPING DEVICE WITH ADJUSTABLE OUTPUT POSITION

Abstract

An automatic mechanical clamping device arrangement with a shipping and installation position in which a cuff engages with a fixed hollow sleeve, thereby constraining or securing a movable clamping device housing in place against the force of a spring. The cuff has a semicircular body defining an inner circumference extending from a first end to a second end of the body. The semicircular body has two axially extending flanges defining a cutout and a cuff tab extending radially from the semicircular body. In the shipping and installation position, the first end of the cuff engages with a feed groove of the hollow sleeve, thereby pre-tensioning the movable housing against a rotating locking washer, as if engaged with one end of the fixed hollow sleeve, and compressing the spring.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONSThis application claims one or more inventions disclosed in Provisional Application No. 63 / 516,749 filed July 31, 2023, entitled "ADJUSTABLE POLE TENSION WITH RATHET" (adjustable bar tensioning device with ratchet). The benefit under 35 USC § 119(e) of the U.S. provisional application is hereby claimed and the aforementioned application is hereby incorporated by reference.PRIOR ARTThe present invention relates to jigs, and more particularly to automatic mechanical jigs having an adjustable position.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTIONAccording to one embodiment of the present invention, an automatic mechanical tensioner assembly is disclosed. The automatic mechanical tensioner includes: a hollow sleeve, a movable housing, a rotation lock washer, a spring, and a collar. The hollow sleeve has a first end and a second end, an inner bore extending from the first end to the second end, and an outer periphery including a feed groove. The movable housing includes a body having a first end and a second end and a flange extending axially therefrom, the body defining a bore receiving the hollow sleeve and a cutout. The anti-rotation washer includes a body defining a hole for receiving the second end of the hollow sleeve. The spring between the movable housing and the anti-rotation washer biases the movable housing toward the first end of the hollow sleeve. The collar includes a semi-circular body defining an inner periphery extending from a first end to a second end of the semi-circular body, the semi-circular body including two axially extending flanges defining a cut-out and a collar tab extending radially from the semi-circular body; wherein the inner periphery of the collar receives the plurality of circumferential teeth and the feed groove. In a shipping and installation position, the first end of the collar engages the feed groove of the hollow sleeve, biasing the movable housing toward the anti-rotation washer and compressing the spring.According to another embodiment of the present invention, an automatic mechanical tensioner assembly is disclosed. The automatic mechanical tensioner includes: a hollow sleeve, a movable housing, a locking bracket, a retaining bracket, a rotation lock washer, and a spring. The hollow sleeve has a first end and a second end, an internal bore extending from the first end to the second end, and an outer periphery including a plurality of peripheral teeth and an installation groove having a first installation groove edge and a second installation groove edge defined on the outer periphery proximate the second end. The movable housing has a body having a first end and a second end and a flange extending axially therefrom, the body defining a bore extending from the first end to the second end and including a locking clip groove proximate the first end of the body and a shipping installation housing groove proximate the second end of the body, the shipping installation housing groove including a first undercut groove; a first housing groove edge and a second undercut groove and a second housing groove edge, the bore of the movable housing receiving the hollow sleeve. The locking bracket is received in the locking bracket groove of the movable housing and may engage the plurality of circumferential teeth of the hollow sleeve. The retaining clip is received in the shipping installation housing groove and / or the installation groove of the hollow sleeve. The anti-rotation washer includes a body defining a hole for receiving the second end of the hollow sleeve. The spring is between the movable housing and the anti-rotation washer and biases the movable housing toward the first end of the hollow sleeve. In a shipping and installation position, the retaining clip engages the first installation groove edge of the installation groove of the hollow sleeve and the second installation groove edge of the movable housing. In an operating position, the retaining clip is engaged with the first undercut groove and the first housing groove edge.According to another embodiment, a method of installing an automatic mechanical tensioner assembly is disclosed. The method comprises: inserting an automatic mechanical tensioner assembly into a bore in the chain drive system in a shipping and installation position, the automatic mechanical tensioner assembly comprising: a hollow sleeve having a first end and a second end, an internal bore extending from the first end to the second end, and an outer periphery comprising a plurality of circumferential teeth and a feed groove proximate the plurality of circumferential teeth and the first end; a movable housing having a body with a first end and a second end and a flange extending axially therefrom, the body defining a bore comprising a locking clip groove proximate the first end of the body, the bore receiving the hollow sleeve; a locking clip received in the locking clip groove of the movable housing and engageable with the plurality of circumferential teeth of the hollow sleeve; a rotation locking washer comprising a body defining a hole for receiving the second end of the hollow sleeve; a spring between the movable housing and the rotation locking washer biasing the movable housing toward the first end of the hollow sleeve; a collar comprising a semi-circular body defining an inner periphery extending from a first end to a second end of the semi-circular body, the semi-circular body comprising two axially extending flanges defining a cut-out and a collar tab extending radially from the semi-circular body, wherein in the shipping and installation position the first end of the collar engages the feed groove of the hollow sleeve, biasing the movable housing toward the anti-rotation washer and compressing the spring; inserting a screw rod into the chain drive bore and the hollow sleeve inner bore; mounting the tensioner surface to the radially extending flange of the movable housing of the automatic mechanical tensioner installed in the chain drive bore; biasing the automatic mechanical tensioner assembly; and removing the collar by releasing the collar from the feed groove on the hollow sleeve so that the automatic mechanical tensioner is in a working position.According to another embodiment, an automatic mechanical tensioner assembly is disclosed. The automatic mechanical tensioner assembly includes: a hollow sleeve, a movable housing, a locking bracket, a rotation lock washer, a spring, a bolt, and a collar. The hollow sleeve has a first end and a second end, an inner bore extending from the first end to the second end, and an outer periphery including a plurality of circumferential teeth and a feed groove proximate the plurality of circumferential teeth and the first end. The movable housing has a body having a first end and a second end and a flange extending axially therefrom, the body defining a bore comprising a locking bracket proximate the first end of the body, the bore receiving the hollow sleeve and a bolt hole. The locking bracket is received in the locking bracket groove of the movable housing and may engage the plurality of circumferential teeth of the hollow sleeve. The anti-rotation washer includes a body defining a hole for receiving the second end of the hollow sleeve. The spring between the movable housing and the rotation prevention washer biases the movable housing toward the first end of the hollow sleeve; and a bolt receivable in the bolt hole of the movable housing. The collar includes a semi-circular body defining an inner periphery extending from a first end to a second end of the semi-circular body, the semi-circular body including two axially extending flanges defining a cut-out and a collar tab extending radially from the semi-circular body; wherein the inner periphery of the collar receives the plurality of circumferential teeth and the feed groove. In a shipping and installation position of the automatic mechanical tensioner device, the first end of the collar engages the feed groove of the hollow sleeve, biasing the movable housing toward the anti-rotation washer and compressing the spring, and receiving the bolt in the bolt hole of the movable housing, thereby maintaining the movable housing in a stationary position.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSFIG. 1 shows a top view of the clamping device arrangement. FIG. 2 shows a bottom view of the clamping device arrangement. FIG. 3 shows a front view of the clamping device arrangement. FIG. 4 is a sectional view of FIG. 3 taken along line 4- 4. FIG. 5 shows a top view of the body of the clamping device arrangement. FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the tensioner body with the anti-rotation washer removed. FIG. 7 is an end view of FIG. 6. FIG. 8 is a sectional view of FIG. 7 taken along line 8-8. FIG. 9 is a sectional view of FIG. 6 taken along line 9-9. Fig. 10 shows a locking clip in a free state for a feeding position. FIG. 11 shows a top view of the rotation prevention disk. FIG. 12 shows an isometric view of a spring of the tensioner assembly. FIG. 13 is a plan view of the cuff. FIG. 14 is a sectional view of FIG. 13 taken along line 14- 14. FIG. 15 is a side view of FIG. 13. FIG. 16 is a front view of the cuff. Figure 17 shows a view of the flange of the collar. Figure 18 shows a detailed view of the sleeve and body of the tensioner housing of an alternative embodiment. FIG. 19 shows a sectional view of the tensioner assembly of the alternative embodiment of FIG. 18. FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the collar engaged with the movable housing. Figure 21a shows the tensioner assembly installed in the chain drive system with the collar present and the tensioner surface removed in the shipping and installation position. Figure 21b shows the tensioner assembly installed in the chain drive system with the collar present and the tensioner surface present in the shipping and installation position. Figure 22a shows the tensioner assembly installed in the chain drive system with the collar removed and the tensioner surface removed with the tensioner assembly in a working position. Figure 22b shows the tensioner assembly installed in the chain drive system with the collar removed and the tensioner surface present with the tensioner assembly in the working position. Figure 23 is a sectional view of the movable housing of the alternative embodiment of Figure 18. FIG. 24 shows a cross-sectional view of another alternative embodiment of a tensioner assembly in which the hollow sleeve does not have a plurality of grooves. FIG. 25 is a perspective view of FIG. 24. Figure 26a shows an alternative hollow sleeve with a flange. Figure 26b shows an alternative hollow sleeve with a flange with a rotation locking disc. FIG. 27 shows the tensioner assembly installed in the chain drive system with the collar removed and the tensioner surface removed, with the tensioner assembly in a working position with the section of the movable housing rotated ninety degrees. FIG. 28 shows the tensioner assembly installed in the chain drive system with the collar removed and the tensioner surface removed, with the tensioner assembly in a working position with the portion of the movable housing proximate the anti-rotation disk or spring. Figure 29 shows another alternative tensioner arrangement in the chain drive system, wherein a feed pin is present and inserted into the movable housing. Figures 30a-30b show the cuff with different lengths of material between the tab and the cut-out.DETAILED DESCRIPTIONFigures 1-30b show an automatic mechanical tensioner assembly. The automatic mechanical tensioner assembly 100 is preferably installed in a hole or bore 176 of a drive chain box or housing 177 which receives a chain drive system having a chain spanning a driven sprocket and a driving sprocket.The automatic mechanical tensioner assembly 100 includes a hollow sleeve 110 having a first end 110 aand a second end 110 b, with a series of circumferential teeth 111 on an outer periphery 110 cthereof that extends a length between the first end 110 aand the second end 110 b. At least one of the circumferential teeth is a stopping groove 112. The circumferential teeth 111 are formed and spaced to receive a locking clip 130. The circumferential teeth 111 and the stopper groove 112 are angled toward the second end 110 bof the hollow sleeve 110. In an embodiment, the circumferential teeth 111 and the stop groove 112 are proximate the first end 110 aof the hollow sleeve 110. Alternatively, the circumferential teeth 111 and the stopper groove 112 are near the second end 110 bof the hollow sleeve 110.The hollow sleeve 110 defines an internal bore 113 having at least one diameter along a central axis C-C. The inner bore 113 of the hollow sleeve 110 receives a threaded screw rod (not shown). A feed groove 114 is also provided along the outer periphery 110c proximate the first end 110a, sized to receive a collar 160, as will be described in more detail below.The locking clip 130 is shown in a free state in Fig. 10. The lock bracket 130 has a curved portion 131 biased inward to have a free state diameter less than or equal to a root circle diameter of the circumferential teeth 111 of the hollow sleeve 110. A pair of lock clip legs 132, when moved toward each other against the bias of the curved portion 131, allow the radius of curvature of the curved portion 131 to be increased. The locking bracket 130 is preferably a shape wire having a round cross section, and more specifically, a substantially circular cross section of the curved portion 131.Referring to FIGS. 6-9, a movable tensioner housing 102 includes a body 103 connected to a radially extending flange 104. The body 103 has a first end 103 aand a second end 103 band defines a bore 105 coaxial with the hollow sleeve along the central axis C-C and surrounds at least a portion of the hollow sleeve. The bore 105 extends from the first end 103 ato the second end 103 bof the body 103. The radially extending flange 104 is perpendicular to the bore 105 defined by the body 103 of the movable tensioner housing 102 and receives a tensioner surface (not shown). Within the bore 105 of the body 103 are locking clip grooves 109 which include a series of varying diameters depending on the portion of the bore 105. The lock clip grooves 109 include the first portion 105 aat the first end 103 a, the second portion 105 b, the transition portion 105 d, and the third portion 105 c. A first diameter d1 of the bore 105 is present at a proximal end of the bore and corresponds to a first portion 105a. Adjacent to the first portion 105a is a second portion 105b having a second diameter d2. The second portion 105 bis connected to a third portion 105 cthrough a transition portion 105 d. The third portion 105 ccomprises a third diameter d 3 that is greater than the first and second diameters d 1, d 2. After the third diameter d3, the bore returns to the first diameter d1 and a first portion 105a. Note that the second diameter d 2 is larger than the first diameter d 1 and smaller than the third diameter d 3.In the free state of the locking bracket 130, a diameter of the curved portion 131 is greater than the first diameter d 1 and less than the third diameter d 3 of the bore 105 in the body 103 of the movable tensioner housing 102 (see FIG. 4 ).It is noted that the tensioner body has a cutout 107 at the location of the grooves (see FIGS. 5 and 8 ) to allow the locking clip legs 132 to extend outwardly therefrom such that manual manipulation of the locking clip 130 can take place. The cutout 107 in the body 103 of the movable tensioner housing 102 has milling or rolling edges 108 to prevent rotation of the locking bracket 130 in the bore 105 of the movable tensioner housing 102 and around the hollow sleeve 110.Engagement of the ratchet bracket 130 with the circumferential teeth 111 of the hollow sleeve 110 in combination with the bore 105 of the movable tensioner housing 102 guides the movement of the movable tensioner housing 102 relative to the hollow sleeve 110 that is fixed, thereby permitting the expansion of the hollow sleeve 110 from the movable tensioner housing 102.A spring 140 is adjacent to the second end 103 bof the body 103 of the movable tensioner housing 102 and surrounding the outer periphery 110 cof the hollow sleeve 110 extending from the second end 103 bof the body 103. As shown in FIG. 4, a first end 140 aof the spring 140 engages a shoulder 106 of the radially extending flange 104, and a second end 140 of the spring 140 engages a rotation lock washer 150 that engages the second end 110 bof the hollow sleeve 110. The spring 140 surrounds the outer periphery 110 cof the hollow sleeve 110 between the anti-rotation washer 260 and the second end 103 bof the movable tensioner housing 102. The spring 140 biases the movable tensioner housing 102 toward the first end 110 aof the hollow sleeve 110. The spring 140 is preferably a coil spring as shown in FIG. 12.Referring to FIG. 11, the anti-rotation washer 150 includes a body 151 defining a hole 152 that receives the second end 110 bof the hollow sleeve 110. The rotation prevention washer 150 is preferably press-fitted to the second end 110 bof the hollow sleeve 110.Referring to Figs. 4 and 13-17, the collar 160 includes a semi-circular body 161 having a first end 161a and a second end 161b and two axially extending flanges 162 extending from the first end 161a to the second end 161b. The half-round body 161 defines an inner periphery 161c. The two axially extending flanges 162 define a cutout 163. The cutout 163 may include a milling edge portion 166. Along each of the axially extending flanges 162 is a ridge 164. Extending radially from the half-round body 161 is a cuff tab 165. A length is present between the cuff flap 165 and the cutout 163.Figures 30a-30b show different lengths that are present between the cuff flap 165 and the cutout 163 of the cuff 160. The length L 3 is less (FIG. 30 b ) than the length L 2 (FIG. 30 a ) and length L 1 (FIG. 16 ). By varying the length between the collar tab 165 and the collar cutout 163, the position of the collar 160 relative to the screw rod 175 is varied, as is the distance between the movable housing and the anti-rotation washer 150.For example, if the length L2 between the boot flap 165 and the cut 163 is greater, as in Figure 30a, the distance between the anti-rotation washer and the bottom of the bore 176 is less than if the boot of length L3 had been used, as in Figure 30b. Alternatively, the length of the axially extending flanges 162 may be increased.The collar 160 replaces and acts as a conventional shipping stud. The collar 160 is received at the first end 110 aof the hollow sleeve 110 such that the first end 161 aof the semi-circular body 161 of the collar 160 engages at least the feed groove 114 of the hollow sleeve 110. The semi-circular body 161 of the collar 160 between the first end 161 aand the second end 161 bis adjacent to at least a portion of the circumferential teeth 111 of the hollow sleeve 110. The two axially extending flanges 162 are engaged with the first end 103 aof the movable tensioner housing 102, as shown in FIG. 19.The automatic mechanical tensioner assembly 100 has a shipping and installation position in which the automatic mechanical tensioner assembly 100 is snapped and immobilized. The shipping and installation position allows easier installation into the chain drive system, especially in smaller construction spaces. In the shipping and installation position, the collar 160 engages the feed groove 114 of the hollow sleeve 110 moving the movable tensioner housing 102 to a position where the spring 140 is compressed.In one embodiment, the shipping and installation position is maintained by engaging the collar 160 with the feed groove 114 at the first end 110 aof the hollow sleeve 110, and the circumferential teeth 111 and stop groove 112 at the outer periphery 110 cof the hollow sleeve 110.Referring to Figs. 21a-21b, to install the automatic mechanical tensioner assembly 100 into the chain drive system, in the shipping and installation position, the automatic mechanical tensioner assembly 100 is deflated without the tensioner surface 250 into the bore 176 (see Fig. 21a) in the chain drive system. The automatic mechanical tensioner assembly 100 is assembled with the movable tensioner housing 102 surrounding the hollow sleeve 110, the collar 160 engaging the feed groove 114 of the hollow sleeve 110, the spring 140 biasing the movable tensioner housing 102, and the associated anti-rotation washer 150 receiving a second end 110 bof the hollow sleeve 110. The lock bracket 130 is engaged with the stopping groove 112 of the hollow sleeve 110.A screw rod 175 is then unloaded into the bore 176 and engages the inner bore 113 of the hollow sleeve 110 and stabilizes the automatic mechanical tensioner assembly 100 in place.Next, the jig surface 250 is installed on the radially extending flange 104 of the movable housing 102 as shown in FIG. 21 b.The automatic mechanical tensioner assembly 100 is then biased. After the automatic mechanical tensioner assembly 100 is biased, the collar 160 is removed by gripping and pulling the collar tab 165 of the collar 160 to release the collar 160 on the feed groove 114 on the hollow sleeve 110, such that the movable tensioner housing 102 is biased toward the first end 110 aof the hollow sleeve 110 by the spring 140, and in a working position as shown in FIG. 22 a(tensioner surface 250 removed for clarity) and 22 b(tensioner surface 250).Referring to Figs. 18-19 and 23, in another embodiment, the shipping and installation position is maintained by a push-to-release mechanism. In this embodiment, the hollow sleeve 210 is the same hollow sleeve 110, but the feed groove 114 is no longer present and the hollow sleeve 210 includes an installation groove 214 having a first installation edge 214a and a second installation edge 214b is proximate a second end 210b of the hollow sleeve 210 with a retaining clip 285 engaging a shipping installation housing groove 278.The hollow sleeve 210 has a first end 210 aand a second end 210 b, with a series of circumferential teeth 211 on an outer periphery 210 cthereof extending a length between the first end 210 aand the second end 210 b. At least one of the circumferential teeth is a stopping groove 212. The circumferential teeth 211 are formed and spaced to receive a locking clip 130. The circumferential teeth 211 and the stopper groove 212 are angled toward the second end 210 bof the hollow sleeve 210. In this embodiment, the circumferential teeth 211 and the stopper groove 212 are near the first end 210 aof the hollow sleeve 210. The hollow sleeve 210 defines an internal bore 213 having at least one diameter along a central axis C-C. The inner bore 213 of the hollow sleeve 210 receives a threaded screw rod (not shown).A movable tensioner housing 202 includes a body 203 connected to a radially extending flange 204. The body 203 has a first end 203a and a second end 203b and defines a bore 205 coaxial with the hollow sleeve along the central axis C-C and surrounding at least a portion of the hollow sleeve. The bore 205 extends from the first end 203a to the second end 203b of the body 203. The radially extending flange 204 is perpendicular to the bore 205 defined by the body 203 of the movable tensioner housing 202 and receives a tensioner surface (not shown). Within the bore 205 of the body 203 are locking clip grooves 209 which include a series of varying diameters depending on the portion of the bore 205. The lock clip grooves 209 include the first portion 205 aat the first end 203 a, the second portion 205 b, the transition portion 205 d, and the third portion 205 c. As shown in the first embodiment and in Figure 9, a first diameter d1 of the bore 205 is present at a proximal end of the bore and corresponds to a first portion 205a. Adjacent to the first portion 205a is a second portion 205b having a second diameter d2. The second portion 205 bis connected to a third portion 205 cthrough a transition portion 205 d. The third portion 205 ccomprises a third diameter d 3 that is greater than the first and second diameters d 1, d 2. After the third diameter d3, the bore returns to the first diameter d1 and a first portion 205a. Note that the second diameter d 2 is larger than the first diameter d 1 and smaller than the third diameter d 3.A shipping installation housing groove 278 is formed in the bore 205 of the movable fixture housing body 203.Shipping installation housing groove 278 is formed from a first angled portion 270 connected to a first undercut groove 280, a first edge 282, a second undercut groove 281, a second edge 283, a fourth portion 275, and a second angled portion 276. The first angled portion 270 is connected to the second portion 271, which is connected to a first rounded seat portion 272 that can receive the retaining clip 285 when the retaining clip 285 is disengaged from the feed groove 114. The second portion 271 and the first rounded seat portion 272 form a first undercut groove 280. Between the first undercut groove 280 and the third portion 273 is a first edge 282. The first rounded seat portion 272 is connected to a third portion 273. The third portion 273 is connected to a second rounded seat portion 274. The third portion 273 and the second rounded seat portion 274 form a second undercut groove 281. Between the second undercut groove 281 and the fourth portion 275 is a second installation edge 283. The second rounded seat portion 274 is connected to a fourth portion 275 that connects to a second angled portion 276 that aligns with the second end 203 bof the movable tensioner housing body 203. The second portion 271, the third portion 273 and the fourth portion 275 are preferably parallel to the hollow sleeve 210.In the free state of the locking bracket 130 or the retaining bracket 285, a diameter of the curved portion 131 is greater than the first diameter d 1 and less than the third diameter d 3 of the bore 205 in the body 203 of the movable tensioner housing 202.It is noted that the tensioner body has a cutout 207 at the location of the grooves (see FIGS. 5 and 8 ) to allow the locking clip legs 132 to extend outwardly therefrom such that manual manipulation of the locking clip 130 can take place. The cutout 207 in the body 203 of the movable tensioner housing 202 has milling or rolling edges 208.Engagement of the ratchet bracket 130 with the circumferential teeth 211 of the hollow sleeve 210 in combination with the bore 205 of the movable tensioner housing 202 guides the movement of the movable tensioner housing 202 relative to the hollow sleeve 210 that is fixed, thereby allowing the expansion of the hollow sleeve 210 from the movable tensioner housing 202.A spring 140 is adjacent the second end 203 bof the body 203 of the movable tensioner housing 202 and surrounding the outer periphery 210 cof the hollow sleeve 210 extending from the second end 203 bof the body 203.As shown in FIG. 19, a first end 140 aof the spring 140 engages a shoulder 206 of the radially extending flange 204 and a second end 140 of the spring 140 engages a rotation lock washer 150 that engages the second end 210 bof the hollow sleeve 210. The spring 140 surrounds the outer periphery 210 cof the hollow sleeve 210 between the anti-rotation washer 260 and the second end 203 bof the movable tensioner housing 202. The spring 140 biases the movable tensioner housing 202 toward the first end 210 aof the hollow sleeve 210. The spring 140 is preferably a coil spring as shown in FIG. 12.Referring to FIG. 11, the anti-rotation washer 150 includes a body 151 defining a hole 152 that receives the second end 210 bof the hollow sleeve 210. The rotation lock washer 150 is preferably press-fitted to the second end 210 bof the hollow sleeve 210.In the shipping and installation position, the retaining clip 285 is present between a first installation edge 214 aof the installation groove 214 on the hollow sleeve 210 and a second installation edge 283 of the second undercut groove 281 in the movable tensioner housing such that the first installation edge 214 aand the second installation edge 283 engage the locking clip 130 and edges. With the retaining clip 285 in this position, the movable tensioner housing 202 is snapped and compresses spring 140.After installation of the automatic mechanical tensioner assembly 100 into the chain drive system in the shipping and installation position, the movable tensioner housing 202 is moved such that the retaining clip 285 can travel along the bore 205 of the movable tensioner housing 202 and move into the first undercut groove 280, wherein the movable tensioner housing 202 can slide relative to the hollow shell 210 without the interference with the retaining clip 285.To install the automatic mechanical tensioner assembly 200 into the chain drive system, in the shipping and installation position, the automatic mechanical tensioner assembly 200 is deflated without the tensioner surface 250 into the bore 176 in the chain drive system. The automatic mechanical tensioner assembly 200 is assembled with the movable tensioner housing 202 surrounding the hollow sleeve 210, the collar 160 engaging the installation groove 214 of the hollow sleeve 210, the spring 140 biasing the movable tensioner housing 202, and the associated anti-rotation washer 150 receiving a second end 210 bof the hollow sleeve 210. The lock bracket 130 is engaged with the stopping groove 212 of the hollow sleeve 210. The retaining clip 285 engages between the installation groove 214 and the second undercut groove 281.A screw rod 175 is then unloaded into the bore 176 and engages the inner bore 213 of the hollow sleeve 210 and stabilizes the automatic mechanical tensioner assembly 200 in place.Next, the jig surface 250 is installed on the radially extending flange 204 of the jig housing movable body 203.The automatic mechanical tensioner assembly 200 is then biased. After the automatic mechanical tensioner assembly 200 is biased, the collar 160 is removed by gripping and pulling the collar tab 165 of the collar 160 to disengage the collar 160 from the installation groove 214 on the hollow sleeve 210. After the collar 160 is disengaged from the installation groove 214, the hollow sleeve is forced toward the anti-rotation washer 150 such that the retaining clip 285 slides into the installation groove 214 and moves up and is disposed in the first undercut groove 280 where the retaining clip 285 remains when the automatic mechanical tensioner assembly 200 is in the working position and the chain or belt is tensioned.FIGS. 24 and 25 show a cross-sectional view of another alternative embodiment of the automatic mechanical tensioner assembly 300 in which the hollow sleeve 310 does not have a plurality of grooves. The hollow sleeve 310 includes a body 310 dhaving a first end 310 a, a second end 310 b, and an outer periphery 310 c. In this embodiment, a feed groove 314 is near the first end 310 a, but otherwise no additional grooves are present on the outer periphery 310 cof the body 310 dof the hollow sleeve 310. The feed groove 314 receives a collar 160. The hollow sleeve 310 defines an internal bore 313 having at least one diameter along a central axis C-C. The inner bore 313 of the hollow sleeve 310 receives a threaded screw rod 175.A movable tensioner housing 302 includes a body 303 connected to a radially extending flange 304. The body 303 has a first end 303 aand a second end 303 band defines a bore 305 coaxial with the hollow sleeve 310 along the central axis C-C and surrounds at least a portion of the hollow sleeve 310. The bore 305 extends from the first end 303 ato the second end 303 bof the body 303. The radially extending flange 304 is perpendicular to the bore 305 defined by the body 303 of the movable tensioner housing 302 and receives a tensioner surface (not shown).A spring 140 is adjacent the second end 303 bof the body 303 of the movable tensioner housing 302 and surrounding the outer periphery 310 cof the hollow sleeve 310 extending from the second end 303 bof the body 303. A first end 140a of spring 140 engages shoulder 306 of radially extending flange 304, and a second end 140 of spring 140 engages anti-rotation washer 150 engaging second end 310b of hollow sleeve 310. The spring 140 surrounds the outer periphery 310 cof the hollow sleeve 310 between the anti-rotation washer 260 and the second end 303 bof the movable tensioner housing 302. The spring 140 biases the movable tensioner housing 302 toward the first end 310 aof the hollow sleeve 310. The spring 140 is preferably a coil spring as shown in FIG. 12.Figure 26a shows an alternative hollow sleeve with a flange. The hollow sleeve 410 includes a body 410 dhaving a first end 410 a, a second end 410 b, and an outer periphery 410 c. The outer periphery 410 ccomprises a plurality of grooves 411 and a feed groove near the first end 410 a. The feed groove 414 receives a collar 160. The hollow sleeve 410 defines an internal bore 413. The inner bore 413 of the hollow sleeve 410 receives a threaded screw rod 175. At the second end 410b of the hollow sleeve is a flange 415. The hollow sleeve 410 may replace the hollow sleeve 110, 210.Figure 26b shows an alternative hollow sleeve of Figure 26a with a rotation lock washer 150 used adjacent to and in conjunction with flange 415.FIG. 27 shows the tensioner assembly installed in the chain drive system with the collar removed and the tensioner surface removed, with the tensioner assembly in a working position with the cutout 507 of the movable housing 502 rotated ninety degrees relative to the movable tensioner housing 102. In this embodiment, the hollow sleeve 110 is rotated such that the first end 110a is adjacent to and near the anti-rotation washer 150. In this embodiment, the supply groove 514 is moved to the second end 110 bfor receiving the cuff 160. The movable housing 502 includes a body 503 having a first end 503 aand a second end 503 bthat defines the cutout 507 at the second end 503 band a bore 505. The body 503 is connected to a radially extending flange 504 for receiving a jig surface (not shown). In this embodiment, the radially extending flange 504 is in the same plane as the cutout 507.Within the bore 176 of the chain drive system is a rod 175 which is received within an internal bore 113 of the hollow sleeve 110. Surrounding the hollow sleeve 110 is the movable housing 502. Engaged with the circumferential teeth 111 in the cutout 507 is a locking clip. Spring 140 is present between first end 503 aof body 503 and anti-rotation washer 150.FIG. 28 shows the tensioner assembly installed in the chain drive system with the collar removed and the tensioner surface removed, with the tensioner assembly in a working position with the cutout 707 of the movable housing 702 proximate the anti-rotation washer 150 or spring 140. Compared to the movable case 502, the cutout 707 is rotated 90 degrees.In this embodiment, the hollow sleeve 110 is rotated such that the first end 110a is adjacent to and near the anti-rotation washer 150. The supply groove 714 is moved to the second end 110 bfor receiving the cuff 160. The movable housing 702 has a body 703 having a first end 703a and a second end 703b defining the cutout 707 at the second end 703b and a bore 705. The body 703 is connected to a radially extending flange 704 for receiving a jig surface (not shown). In this embodiment, the radially extending flange 704 and the cutout 707 are in different planes.Within the bore 176 of the chain drive system is a screw rod 175 which is received within an internal bore 113 of the hollow sleeve 110. Surrounding the hollow sleeve 110 is the movable housing 702. Engaged with the circumferential teeth 111 in the cutout 707 is a locking clip. Spring 140 is provided between first end 703 aof body 703 and anti-rotation washer 150.Figure 29 shows another alternative automatic mechanical tensioner assembly 600 in the chain drive system, wherein a feed bolt 610 is present and inserted into the movable tensioner housing 602. The automatic mechanical tensioner assembly 600 is installed in a hole or bore 176 of a chain drive box 177 which receives a chain drive system having a chain spanning a driven and a driving sprocket.The automatic mechanical tensioner assembly 600 includes a hollow sleeve 110 having a first end 110 aand a second end 110 b, with a series of circumferential teeth 111 on an outer periphery 110 cthereof that extends a length between the first end 110 aand the second end 110 b. At least one of the circumferential teeth is a stopping groove 112. The circumferential teeth 111 are formed and spaced to receive a locking clip 130. The circumferential teeth 111 and the stopper groove 112 are angled toward the second end 110 bof the hollow sleeve 110. In an embodiment, the circumferential teeth 111 and the stop groove 112 are proximate the first end 110 aof the hollow sleeve 110. Alternatively, the circumferential teeth 111 and the stopper groove 112 are near the second end 110 bof the hollow sleeve 110.The hollow sleeve 110 defines an internal bore 113. The inner bore 113 of the hollow sleeve 110 receives a threaded screw rod 175. A feed groove 114 is also provided along the outer periphery 110c near the first end 110a, which is sized to receive the collar 160. A ratchet clip 130 engages the circumferential teeth 111 of the hollow sleeve 110.A movable tensioner housing 602 includes a body 603 connected to a radially extending flange 604. The body 603 has a first end 603a and a second end 603b and defines a bore 605 coaxial with the hollow sleeve 110 and surrounds at least a portion of the hollow sleeve 110. The bore 605 extends from the first end 603 ato the second end 603 bof the body 603. The radially extending flange 604 is perpendicular to the bore 605 defined by the body 603 of the movable tensioner housing 602 and receives a tensioner surface (not shown). Locking clip grooves 609 are located in the bore 605 of the body 603.The body 603 has a cutout 607 at the location of the grooves to allow the locking clip legs 132 to extend outwardly therefrom so that manual manipulation of the locking clip 130 can take place.Engagement of the ratchet bracket 130 with the circumferential teeth 111 of the hollow sleeve 110 in combination with the bore 605 of the movable tensioner housing 602 guides the movement of the movable tensioner housing 602 relative to the hollow sleeve 110 that is fixed, thereby allowing the expansion of the hollow sleeve 110 from the movable tensioner housing 602.A spring 140 is adjacent to the second end 603 bof the body 603 of the movable tensioner housing 602 and surrounding the outer periphery 110 cof the hollow sleeve 110 extending from the second end 603 bof the body 603. The first end 140a of the spring 140 engages a shoulder 606 of the radially extending flange 604, and a second end 140 of the spring 140 engages a rotation lock washer 150 that engages the second end 110b of the hollow sleeve 110. The spring 140 surrounds the outer periphery 110 cof the hollow sleeve 110 between the anti-rotation washer 260 and the second end 603 bof the movable tensioner housing 602. The spring 140 biases the movable tensioner housing 602 toward the first end 110 aof the hollow sleeve 110. The movable tensioner housing 602 additionally includes a hole 611 between the first end and the second end for receiving a feed bolt 610 when the automatic mechanical tensioner assembly 100 is in the shipping and installation position.A rotation lock washer 150 that receives the second end 110 bof the hollow sleeve 110.The collar 160 is received at the first end 110 aof the hollow sleeve 110 and engages the feed groove 114 of the hollow sleeve 110. The two axially extending flanges 162 are engaged with the first end 603 aof the movable tensioner housing 602.The automatic mechanical tensioner assembly 600 has a shipping and installation position in which the automatic mechanical tensioner assembly 600 is snapped and immobilized. In the shipping and installation position, the collar 160 engages the feed groove 114 of the hollow sleeve 110, moving the movable tensioner housing 602 to a position where the spring 140 is compressed.The shipping and installation position is maintained by engaging the collar 160 with the feed groove 114 at the first end 110 aof the hollow sleeve 110, inserting the feed bolt 610 with the hole 611 of the movable chuck housing 602, and the circumferential teeth 111 and stop groove 112 at the outer periphery 110 cof the hollow sleeve 110. Note that the feed bolt 610 passes through the chain drive housing 177 from the rear of the housing to engage with the hole 611 of the movable tensioner housing 602.To install the automatic mechanical tensioner assembly 600 into the chain drive system, in the shipping and installation position, the automatic mechanical tensioner assembly 600 is deflated without the tensioner surface 250 into the bore 176 in the chain drive housing 177. The automatic mechanical tensioner assembly 600 is assembled with the movable tensioner housing 102 surrounding the hollow sleeve 110, the collar 160 engaging the feed groove 114 of the hollow sleeve 110, the spring 140 biasing the movable tensioner housing 102, and the associated anti-rotation washer 150 receiving a second end 110 bof the hollow sleeve 110. The lock bracket 130 is engaged with the stopping groove 112 of the hollow sleeve 110.A screw rod 175 is then unloaded into the bore 176 and engages the inner bore 113 of the hollow sleeve 110 and stabilizes the automatic mechanical tensioner assembly 600 in place.Next, the jig surface 250 is installed on the radially extending flange 604 of the movable housing 602.The automatic mechanical tensioner assembly 600 is then biased. After the automatic mechanical tensioner assembly 600 is biased, the collar 160 is removed by gripping and pulling the collar tab 165 of the collar 160 to disengage the collar 160 from the feed groove 114 on the hollow sleeve 177, and the feed bolt 610 is inserted into the bore 611 of the movable tensioner housing 602 and the chain drive housing 177. Use of the feed bolt 610 allows the tensioner to be installed at locations where the covers on the chain drive housing 177 cannot be removed. Once the feed bolt 610 is removed from the bore 611, the movable fixture housing 602 is biased toward the first end 110 aof the hollow sleeve 110 by the spring 140 and in an operative position.It is noted that in any of the above embodiments, while one anti-rotation washer 150 is shown, more than one anti-rotation washer may be used and stacked on top of each other.Accordingly, it is to be understood that the embodiments of the invention described herein are merely illustrative of the application of the principles of the invention. Reference to details of the illustrated embodiments is not intended to limit the scope of the claims, which themselves set forth those features considered essential to the invention.References included in the specificationThis list of documents cited by the applicant has been produced in an automated manner and is only included for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent application or utility model application. The DPMA does not take any adhesion for any faults or omissions.Patent Literature citedUS 63 / 516,749

[0001]

Claims

An automatic mechanical tensioner assembly comprising: a hollow sleeve having a first end and a second end, an internal bore extending from the first end to the second end, and an outer periphery comprising a feed groove; a movable housing having a body with a first end and a second end and a flange extending axially therefrom, the body defining a bore receiving the hollow sleeve and a cutout; a rotation lock washer comprising a body defining a hole for receiving the second end of the hollow sleeve; a spring between the movable housing and the rotation lock washer biasing the movable housing toward the first end of the hollow sleeve; A collar comprising a semi-circular body defining an inner periphery extending from a first end to a second end of the semi-circular body, the semi-circular body comprising two axially extending flanges defining a cut-out and a collar tab extending radially from the semi-circular body; wherein the inner periphery of the collar receives the plurality of circumferential teeth and the feed groove; wherein in a shipping and installation position the first end of the collar engages the feed groove of the hollow sleeve, biasing the movable housing toward the anti-rotation disc and compressing the spring.The automatic mechanical tensioner assembly of claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of circumferential teeth on the outer periphery of the hollow sleeve; the bore of the movable housing comprising a ratchet groove proximate the first end of the body; and a ratchet clip received in the ratchet groove of the movable housing and engageable with the plurality of circumferential teeth of the hollow sleeve.The automatic mechanical tensioner assembly of claim 2, wherein the locking clip grooves comprise a first portion of a first diameter at the first end of the body, the first portion being connected to a second portion of a second diameter, the second portion being connected to a third portion of a third diameter by a transition portion.The automatic mechanical tensioner assembly of claim 1, wherein the movable housing further comprises a shoulder at the second end of the body that engages the spring.The automatic mechanical tensioner assembly of claim 1, wherein the flange is perpendicular to the bore of the movable housing.The automatic mechanical tensioner assembly of claim 1, wherein each of the two axially extending flanges of the collar further comprises a ridge extending from the first end to the second end of the semi-circular body.The automatic mechanical tensioner assembly of claim 1, wherein the cutout of the collar has milling or rolling edges.The automatic mechanical tensioner assembly of claim 1, wherein the collar tab is aligned with the flange of the movable housing in the shipping and installation position.The automatic mechanical tensioner assembly of claim 1, wherein the section of the movable housing is misaligned with the flange of the movable housing.The automatic mechanical tensioner assembly of claim 1, wherein the section of the movable housing is aligned with the flange of the movable housing.The automatic mechanical tensioner assembly of claim 1, wherein the feed groove is proximate the first end of the hollow sleeve.The automatic mechanical tensioner assembly of claim 2, wherein the feed groove is proximate the first end of the hollow sleeve.The automatic mechanical tensioner assembly of claim 2, wherein the feed groove is proximate the second end of the hollow sleeve.The automatic mechanical tensioner assembly of claim 13, wherein the section of the movable housing is misaligned with the flange of the movable housing.The automatic mechanical tensioner assembly of claim 13, wherein the section of the movable housing is aligned with the flange of the movable housing.The automatic mechanical tensioner assembly of claim 2, wherein the second end of the hollow sleeve further comprises a flange.The automatic mechanical tensioner assembly of claim 16, wherein the anti-rotation washer is placed adjacent the flange at the second end of the hollow sleeve.An automatic mechanical tensioner assembly comprising: a hollow sleeve having a first end and a second end, an internal bore extending from the first end to the second end, and an outer periphery comprising a plurality of circumferential teeth and an installation groove having a first installation groove edge and a second installation groove edge defined on the outer periphery proximate the second end; a movable housing having a body having a first end and a second end and a flange extending axially therefrom, the body defining a bore extending from the first end to the second end, and comprising a locking clip groove proximate the first end of the body and a shipping installation housing groove proximate the second end of the body, the shipping installation housing groove comprising a first undercut groove; first housing groove edge and a second undercut groove and a second housing groove edge, the bore of the movable housing receiving the hollow sleeve; a locking bracket received in the locking bracket groove of the movable housing and engageable with the plurality of circumferential teeth of the hollow sleeve; a retaining bracket received in the shipping installation housing groove and / or the installation groove of the hollow sleeve; a rotation lock washer comprising a body defining a hole for receiving the second end of the hollow sleeve; and a spring between the movable housing and the rotation lock washer biasing the movable housing toward the first end of the hollow sleeve; wherein, in a shipping and installation position, the retaining clip engages the first installation groove edge of the installation groove of the hollow sleeve and the second installation groove edge of the movable housing; and wherein, in a working position, the retaining clip engages the first undercut groove and the first housing groove edge.The automatic mechanical tensioner assembly of claim 18, wherein the locking clip groove comprises a first portion of a first diameter at the first end of the body, the first portion being connected to a second portion of a second diameter, the second portion being connected to a third portion of a third diameter by a transition portion.The automatic mechanical tensioner assembly of claim 18, wherein the movable housing further comprises a shoulder at the second end of the body that engages the spring.The automatic mechanical tensioner assembly of claim 18, wherein the flange is perpendicular to the bore of the movable housing.A method of installing an automatic mechanical tensioner assembly, comprising: inserting an automatic mechanical tensioner assembly into a bore in the chain drive system in a shipping and installation position, the automatic mechanical tensioner assembly comprising: a hollow sleeve having a first end and a second end, an internal bore extending from the first end to the second end, and an outer periphery comprising a plurality of circumferential teeth and a feed groove proximate the plurality of circumferential teeth and the first end; a movable housing having a body with a first end and a second end and a flange extending axially therefrom, the body defining a bore comprising a locking clip groove proximate the first end of the body, the bore receiving the hollow sleeve; a locking clip received in the locking clip groove of the movable housing and engageable with the plurality of circumferential teeth of the hollow sleeve; a rotation locking washer comprising a body defining a hole for receiving the second end of the hollow sleeve; a spring between the movable housing and the rotation locking washer biasing the movable housing toward the first end of the hollow sleeve; a collar comprising a semi-circular body defining an inner periphery extending from a first end to a second end of the semi-circular body, the semi-circular body comprising two axially extending flanges defining a cut-out and a collar tab extending radially from the semi-circular body, wherein in the shipping and installation position the first end of the collar engages the feed groove of the hollow sleeve, biasing the movable housing toward the anti-rotation washer and compressing the spring; inserting a screw rod into the chain drive bore and the hollow sleeve inner bore; mounting the tensioner surface to the radially extending flange of the movable housing of the automatic mechanical tensioner installed in the chain drive bore; biasing the automatic mechanical tensioner assembly; and removing the collar by releasing the collar from the feed groove on the hollow sleeve so that the automatic mechanical tensioner is in a working position.The method of claim 22, wherein the inner periphery of the collar receives the plurality of peripheral teeth and the feed groove in the shipping and installation position.An automatic mechanical tensioner assembly comprising: a hollow sleeve having a first end and a second end, an internal bore extending from the first end to the second end, and an outer periphery comprising a plurality of circumferential teeth and a feed groove proximate the plurality of circumferential teeth and the first end; a movable housing having a body having a first end and a second end and a flange extending axially therefrom, the body defining a bore comprising a locking clip proximate the first end of the body, the bore receiving the hollow sleeve and a bolt hole; a locking clip received in the locking clip groove of the movable housing and engageable with the plurality of circumferential teeth of the hollow sleeve; a rotation locking washer comprising a body defining a hole for receiving the second end of the hollow sleeve; a spring between the movable housing and the rotation locking washer biasing the movable housing toward the first end of the hollow sleeve; and a bolt receivable in the bolt hole of the movable housing; a collar comprising a semicircular body defining an inner periphery extending from a first end to a second end of the semicircular body, the semicircular body comprising two axially extending flanges defining a cutout and a collar tab extending radially from the semicircular body; wherein the inner periphery of the collar receives the plurality of circumferential teeth and the feed groove; wherein, in a shipping and installation position, the first end of the collar engages the feed groove of the hollow sleeve, biasing the movable housing toward the rotation lock washer and compressing the spring, and the bolt is received in the bolt hole of the movable housing, thereby maintaining the movable housing in a stationary position.The automatic mechanical tensioner assembly of claim 24, wherein the bolt is received by a chain drive housing in which the automatic mechanical tensioner assembly is installed.

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