Automatic mechanical tensioner with adjustable initial position
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2024123030
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-07-31
- Filing Date
- 2024-07-30
- Publication Date
- 2025-02-13
- Estimated Expiration
- 2044-07-30
Smart Images
Figure 2025021457000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
[Technical field]
[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims one or more inventions disclosed in Provisional Application No. 63 / 516,749, filed July 31, 2023, and entitled "Adjustable Pole Tensioner with Ratchet," and is hereby claiming the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of the U.S. provisional application, the foregoing application being incorporated herein by reference.
[0002] The present invention relates to tensioners, and more particularly to adjustable position automatic mechanical tensioners. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0003] According 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, an anti-rotation 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 delivery groove. 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 that receives the hollow sleeve and a notch. The anti-rotation washer includes a body defining a hole for receiving the second end of the hollow sleeve. A spring is provided between the movable housing and the anti-rotation washer to bias the movable housing toward the first end of the hollow sleeve. The collar includes a semicircular body defining an inner periphery extending from a first end to a second end of the semicircular body, the semicircular body including two axially extending flanges defining a notch and a collar tab extending radially from the semicircular body, the outer periphery of the collar receiving a plurality of outer periphery teeth and a delivery groove. In the shipping and installed position, the first end of the collar engages the delivery groove of the hollow sleeve, biasing the movable housing toward the anti-rotation washer and compressing the spring.
[0004] According to another embodiment of the present invention, an automatic mechanical tensioner assembly is disclosed that includes a hollow sleeve, a movable housing, a ratchet clip, a retaining clip, an anti-rotation washer, and a spring. 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 mounting groove having a plurality of circumferential teeth and a first mounting groove edge and a second mounting groove edge defined on the outer periphery proximal to the second end. The movable housing has a body including 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, the body including a ratchet clip groove proximal to the first end of the body and a shipping-installed housing groove proximal to the second end of the body, the shipping-installed housing groove including a first undercut groove, a first housing groove edge, a second undercut groove, and a second housing groove edge, the movable housing bore receiving the hollow sleeve. A ratchet clip is received within the ratchet clip groove of the movable housing and is engageable with a plurality of circumferential teeth of the hollow sleeve. A retaining clip is received within the shipping-installed housing groove and / or the installation groove of the hollow sleeve. An anti-rotation washer has a body defining a bore for receiving the second end of the hollow sleeve. A spring is disposed between the movable housing and the anti-rotation washer and biases the movable housing toward the first end of the hollow sleeve. In the shipping and installation position, the retaining clip engages the first mounting groove edge of the mounting groove of the hollow sleeve and the second housing groove edge of the movable housing, and in the operating position, the retaining clip engages the first undercut groove and the first housing groove edge.
[0005] According to another embodiment, a method of installing an automatic mechanical tensioner assembly is disclosed that includes the steps of inserting an automatic mechanical tensioner assembly into a bore of a chain drive system in a shipping and installed position, the automatic mechanical tensioner assembly including a hollow sleeve having 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 delivery groove proximal to 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 including a ratchet clip groove proximal to the first end of the body, the bore receiving the hollow sleeve, a ratchet clip received within the ratchet clip groove of the movable housing and engageable with the plurality of circumferential teeth of the hollow sleeve, an anti-rotation washer including a body defining a hole for receiving the second end of the hollow sleeve, and a ratchet clip disposed between the movable housing and the anti-rotation washer, the movable housing having a body defining a hole for receiving the second end of the hollow sleeve. and a collar including a semicircular body defining an inner periphery extending from the first end to the second end of the semicircular body, two axially extending flanges defining the notch, and a collar tab extending radially from the semicircular body, wherein in a shipping and installed position, the first end of the collar engages an outlet groove of the hollow sleeve, urging the movable housing against the anti-rotation washer and compressing the spring; inserting a threaded rod into a bore of a chain drive and an inner bore of the hollow sleeve; installing a tensioner face on the radially extending flanges of the movable housing of an automatic mechanical tensioner installed within the bore of the chain drive; pretensioning the automatic mechanical tensioner assembly; and removing the collar by disengaging the collar from the outlet groove on the hollow sleeve such that the automatic mechanical tensioner is in an activated position.
[0006] According to another embodiment, an automatic mechanical tensioner assembly is disclosed. The automatic mechanical tensioner assembly includes a hollow sleeve, a movable housing, a ratchet clip, an anti-rotation washer, a spring, a pin, 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, a plurality of circumferential teeth, and an outer periphery including the plurality of circumferential teeth and a delivery groove proximal to 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 including a ratchet clip groove proximal to the first end of the body, the bore receiving the hollow sleeve and the pin bore. The ratchet clip is received within the ratchet clip groove of the movable housing and is engageable with the plurality of circumferential teeth of the hollow sleeve. The anti-rotation washer includes a body defining a bore for receiving the second end of the hollow sleeve. A spring is provided between the movable housing and the anti-rotation washer to bias the movable housing toward the first end of the hollow sleeve, and a pin is provided receivable within the pin hole of the movable housing. The collar includes a semicircular body defining an inner periphery extending from the first end of the semicircular body to the second end, two axially extending flanges defining a notch, and a collar tab extending radially from the semicircular body, the inner periphery of the collar receiving a plurality of circumferential teeth and a delivery groove. In the shipping and installation position of the automatic mechanical tensioner assembly, the first end of the collar engages the delivery groove of the hollow sleeve to bias the movable housing toward the anti-rotation washer, compressing the spring, and the pin is received within the pin hole of the movable housing to maintain the movable housing in a stationary position. [Brief description of the drawings]
[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a top view of the tensioner assembly. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 shows a bottom view of the tensioner assembly. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 shows a front view of the tensioner assembly. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 shows a top view of the main body of the tensioner assembly. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows a bottom view of the tensioner body with the anti-rotation washer removed. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows an end view of FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9 in FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 shows the ratchet clip in its free state in the delivered position. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 shows a top view of the anti-rotation washer. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 shows an isometric view of the spring of the tensioner assembly. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 shows a top view of the collar. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line 14-14 in FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 shows a side view of FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 shows a front view of the collar. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 shows a view of the flange of the collar. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 shows a detailed view of the sleeve and body of the tensioner housing of an alternative embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the alternative embodiment tensioner assembly of FIG. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 shows a perspective view of the collar engaged with the moveable housing. [Figure 21a] FIG. 21a shows the tensioner assembly installed in a chain drive system in the shipping and installation position, with the collar in place and the tensioner face removed. [Figure 21b]FIG. 21b shows the tensioner assembly installed in the chain drive system with the collar in place and the tensioner face in place in the shipping and installation position. [Figure 22a] FIG. 22a shows the tensioner assembly installed in a chain drive system with the collar and tensioner face removed and the tensioner assembly in its operating position. [Figure 22b] FIG. 22b shows the tensioner assembly installed in a chain drive system with the collar removed, the tensioner face in place and the tensioner assembly in an operative position. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 shows a cross-sectional view of the moveable housing of the alternative embodiment of FIG. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 illustrates a cross-sectional view of another alternative embodiment of a tensioner assembly without multiple grooves in the hollow sleeve. [Diagram 25] FIG. 25 is a perspective view of FIG. [Figure 26a] Figure 26a shows an alternative hollow sleeve with a flange. [Figure 26b] FIG. 26b shows an alternative hollow sleeve that includes a flange with an anti-rotation washer. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 shows the tensioner assembly installed in a chain drive system with the collar and tensioner face removed, the tensioner assembly in the operating position, and the moveable housing cutout rotated 90 degrees. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 shows the tensioner assembly installed in a chain drive system with the collar and tensioner face removed and the tensioner assembly in the operating position with the notch in the moveable housing proximal to the anti-rotation washer or spring. [Figure 29] FIG. 29 shows another alternative tensioner assembly in a chain drive system with a delivery pin present and inserted into a moveable housing. [Figure 30a]FIG. 30a shows a collar with different lengths of material between the tab and notch. [Figure 30b] FIG. 30b shows a collar with different lengths of material between the tab and notch. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0008] 1-30b show an automatic mechanical tensioner assembly 100. The automatic mechanical tensioner assembly 100 is preferably mounted within a bore or aperture 176 in a drive chain case or chain drive housing 177 that receives a chain drive system including a chain that straddles a driven sprocket and a drive sprocket.
[0009] The automatic mechanical tensioner assembly 100 includes a hollow sleeve 110 having a first end 110a and a second end 110b, the outer periphery 110c of which is provided with a series of circumferential teeth 111 extending a length between the first end 110a and the second end 110b. At least one of the circumferential teeth is a stop groove 112. The circumferential teeth 111 are shaped and spaced to receive a ratchet clip 130. The circumferential teeth 111 and the stop groove 112 are angled toward the second end 110b of the hollow sleeve 110. In one embodiment, the circumferential teeth 111 and the stop groove 112 are proximate the first end 110a of the hollow sleeve 110. Alternatively, the circumferential teeth 111 and the stop groove 112 are proximate the second end 110b of the hollow sleeve 110.
[0010] The hollow sleeve 110 defines at least one diameter bore 113 along a central axis CC. The bore 113 of the hollow sleeve 110 receives a threaded rod (not shown). A delivery groove 114 is also present along an outer periphery 110c proximal to the first end 110a, which is sized to receive a collar 160, which is described in more detail below.
[0011] Ratchet clip 130 in its free state is shown in Figure 10. Ratchet clip 130 has a curved portion 131 that is inwardly biased such that its free diameter is equal to or less than the root diameter of the circumferential teeth 111 of hollow sleeve 110. A pair of ratchet clip legs 132 can be moved toward each other against the bias of curved portion 131 to increase the radius of curvature of curved portion 131. Ratchet clip 130 is preferably a formed wire having a circular cross section, and more preferably curved portion 131 is substantially circular in cross section.
[0012] 6-9, the movable tensioner housing 102 has a body 103 connected to a radially extending flange 104. The body 103 has a first end 103a and a second end 103b, defines a bore 105 coaxial with the hollow sleeve along a central axis CC, and surrounds at least a portion of the hollow sleeve. The bore 105 extends from the first end 103a to the second end 103b of 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 face (not shown). Within the bore 105 of the body 103 is a ratchet clip groove 109 that includes a series of different diameters depending on the portion of the bore 105. The ratchet clip groove 109 includes a first portion 105a at the first end 103a, a second portion 105b, a transition portion 105d, and a third portion 105c. The first diameter d1 of the hole 105 is at the proximal end of the hole and corresponds to the first portion 105a. Adjacent to the first portion 105a is a second portion 105b having a second diameter d2. The second portion 105b is connected to the third portion 105c by a transition portion 105d. The third portion 105c has a third diameter d3 that is larger than the first diameter d1 and the second diameter d2. After the third diameter d3, the hole returns to the first diameter d1 and the first portion 105a. Note that the second diameter d2 is larger than the first diameter d1 and smaller than the third diameter d3.
[0013] In the free state of the ratchet clip 130, the diameter of the curved portion 131 is greater than the first diameter d1 and less than the third diameter d3 of the bore 105 in the body 103 of the movable tensioner housing 102 (see FIG. 4).
[0014] Note that the tensioner body has a notch 107 (see FIGS. 5 and 8) where the groove is located, through which the ratchet clip legs 132 extend outwardly to allow manual actuation of the ratchet clip 130. The notch 107 in the body 103 of the movable tensioner housing 102 has a milled or rolled edge 108 to prevent rotation of the ratchet clip 130 within the bore 105 of the movable tensioner housing 102 and around the hollow sleeve 110.
[0015] The ratchet clip 130 engages the circumferential teeth 111 of the hollow sleeve 110 and mates with the holes 105 in the movable tensioner housing 102 to guide movement of the movable tensioner housing 102 relative to the fixed hollow sleeve 110 and allow the hollow sleeve 110 to extend from the movable tensioner housing 102.
[0016] A spring 140 is provided adjacent the second end 103b of the body 103 of the movable tensioner housing 102 and surrounding the outer periphery 110c of the hollow sleeve 110 extending from the second end 103b of the body 103. As shown in FIG. 4, a first end 140a of the spring 140 engages the shoulder 106 of the radially extending flange 104, and a second end 140b of the spring 140 engages an anti-rotation washer 150 that engages the second end 110b of the hollow sleeve 110. The spring 140 surrounds the outer periphery 110c of the hollow sleeve 110 between the anti-rotation washer 150 and the second end 103b of the movable tensioner housing 102. The spring 140 biases the movable tensioner housing 102 toward the first end 110a of the hollow sleeve 110. The spring 140 is preferably a coil spring, as shown in FIG. 12.
[0017] 11, anti-rotation washer 150 has a body 151 defining a bore 152 that receives second end 110b of hollow sleeve 110. Anti-rotation washer 150 is preferably press fit onto second end 110b of hollow sleeve 110.
[0018] 4 and 13-17, collar 160 has a semicircular body 161 having a first end 161a and a second end 161b, and two axially extending flanges 162 extending from first end 161a to second end 161b. Semicircular body 161 defines an inner periphery 161c. Two axially extending flanges 162 define notches 163. Notches 163 may have milled edge portions 166. Along each of axially extending flanges 162 is a ridge 164. Radially extending from semicircular body 161 is a collar tab 165. There is a length between collar tab 165 and notches 163.
[0019] 30a and 30b show different lengths between the collar tab 165 and the notch 163 in the collar 160. Length L3 (FIG. 30b) is shorter than length L2 (FIG. 30a) and length L1 (FIG. 16). Changing the length between the collar tab 165 and the collar notch 163 changes the position of the collar 160 relative to the threaded rod 175 and also changes the distance between the moveable housing and the anti-rotation washer 150.
[0020] For example, if the length L2 between the collar tab 165 and the notch 163 is large, as in Figure 30a, the distance between the anti-rotation washer and the bottom of the hole 176 will be less than if a collar of length L3 were used, as in Figure 30b. Alternatively, the length of the axially extending flange 162 could be increased.
[0021] The collar 160 replaces and fulfills the function of a conventional shipping pin. The collar 160 is received in the first end 110a of the hollow sleeve 110, and the first end 161a of the semicircular body 161 of the collar 160 engages at least the delivery groove 114 of the hollow sleeve 110. The semicircular body 161 between the first end 161a and the second end 161b of the collar 160 is adjacent to at least a portion of the circumferential teeth 111 of the hollow sleeve 110. Two axially extending flanges 162 engage the first end 103a of the movable tensioner housing 102 as shown in FIG. 19.
[0022] The automatic mechanical tensioner assembly 100 has a shipping and installation position where the automatic mechanical tensioner assembly 100 is locked in place and prevented from moving. The shipping and installation position allows for easy installation into a chain drive system, especially when packaging space is small. In the shipping and installation position, the collar 160 engages the delivery groove 114 of the hollow sleeve 110 and moves the movable tensioner housing 102 to a position where the spring 140 is compressed.
[0023] In one embodiment, the shipping and installation position is maintained by the collar 160 engaging with the delivery groove 114 on the first end 110a of the hollow sleeve 110 and with the circumferential teeth 111 and stop groove 112 on the outer periphery 110c of the hollow sleeve 110.
[0024] 21a-21b, to install the automatic mechanical tensioner assembly 100 into a chain drive system, in the shipping and installation position, the automatic mechanical tensioner assembly 100 without the tensioner face 250 is dropped into a hole 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 which engages the delivery groove 114 of the hollow sleeve 110, the spring 140 which biases the movable tensioner housing 102, and the associated anti-rotation washer 150 which receives the second end 110b of the hollow sleeve 110. The ratchet clip 130 is engaged into the stop groove 112 of the hollow sleeve 110.
[0025] Threaded rod 175 is then inserted through bore 176 and engages within bore 113 of hollow sleeve 110, stabilizing automatic mechanical tensioner assembly 100 in place.
[0026] The tensioner face 250 is then placed onto the radially extending flange 104 of the moveable housing 102, as shown in FIG. 21b.
[0027] The automatic mechanical tensioner assembly 100 is then pretensioned. After the automatic mechanical tensioner assembly 100 is pretensioned, the collar 160 is removed by grasping and pulling the collar tab 165 of the collar 160, disengaging the collar 160 from the delivery groove 114 of the hollow sleeve 110, and the movable tensioner housing 102 is biased by the spring 140 towards the first end 110a of the hollow sleeve 110 into the operating position as shown in Figures 22a (with tensioner face 250 removed for clarity) and 22b (with tensioner face 250 in place).
[0028] 18-19 and 23, in another embodiment, the shipping and installation position is maintained by a push to release mechanism. In this embodiment, hollow sleeve 210 is the same as hollow sleeve 110, except that delivery groove 114 is not present and hollow sleeve 210 includes a installation groove 214 having a first installation edge 214a and a second installation edge 214b adjacent second end 210b of hollow sleeve 210, and a retaining clip 285 engages shipping installation housing groove 278.
[0029] The hollow sleeve 210 has a first end 210a and a second end 210b, and its outer periphery 210c is provided with a series of circumferential teeth 211 extending a length between the first end 210a and the second end 210b. At least one of the circumferential teeth is a stop groove 212. The circumferential teeth 211 are shaped and spaced apart to receive the ratchet clip 130. The circumferential teeth 211 and the stop groove 212 are angled toward the second end 210b of the hollow sleeve 210. In this embodiment, the circumferential teeth 211 and the stop groove 212 are proximate the first end 210a of the hollow sleeve 210. The hollow sleeve 210 defines an inner bore 213 having at least one diameter along a central axis CC. The inner bore 213 of the hollow sleeve 210 receives a threaded screw rod (not shown).
[0030] The 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, defines a bore 205 coaxial with the hollow sleeve along a central axis CC, and surrounds 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 face (not shown). Within the bore 205 of the body 203 is a ratchet clip groove 209 that includes a series of different diameters depending on the portion of the bore 205. The ratchet clip groove 209 includes a first portion 205a at the first end 203a, a second portion 205b, a transition portion 205d, and a third portion 205c. As in the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the first diameter d1 of the hole 205 is proximal to the hole and corresponds to the first portion 205a. Adjacent to the first portion 205a is a second portion 205b having a second diameter d2. The second portion 205b is connected to the third portion 205c by a transition portion 205d. The third portion 205c has a third diameter d3 that is larger than the first diameter d1 and the second diameter d2. After the third diameter d3, the hole returns to the first diameter d1 and the first portion 205a. Note that the second diameter d2 is larger than the first diameter d1 and smaller than the third diameter d3.
[0031] A shipping-installed housing groove 278 is formed within the bore 205 of the movable tensioner housing body 203 .
[0032] The shipping-installed 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 the first radiused seating portion 272, and can receive the retaining clip 285 when the retaining clip 285 is disengaged from the delivery groove 114. The second portion 271 and the first radiused seating portion 272 form the first undercut groove 280. Between the first undercut groove 280 and the third portion 273 is the first edge 282. The first radiused seating portion 272 is connected to the third portion 273. The third portion 273 is connected to the second radiused seating portion 274. The third portion 273 and the second radiused seating portion 274 form a second undercut groove 281. Between the second undercut groove 281 and the fourth portion 275 is a second mounting edge 283. The second radiused seating portion 274 is connected to the fourth portion 275, which is connected to a second angled portion 276 that is aligned with the second end 203b of 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.
[0033] In the free state of the ratchet clip 130 or the retaining clip 285, the diameter of the curved portion 131 is greater than the first diameter d1 and less than the third diameter d3 of the bore 205 in the body 203 of the movable tensioner housing 202.
[0034] Note that the tensioner body has a notch 207 (see FIGS. 5 and 8) where the groove is located, through which the ratchet clip legs 132 extend outward to allow manual actuation of the ratchet clip 130. The notch 207 in the body 203 of the movable tensioner housing 202 has a milled or rolled edge 208.
[0035] The ratchet clip 130 engages with the circumferential teeth 211 of the hollow sleeve 210 and combines with the holes 205 in the movable tensioner housing 202 to guide movement of the movable tensioner housing 202 relative to the fixed hollow sleeve 210 and allow the hollow sleeve 210 to be extended from the movable tensioner housing 202.
[0036] A spring 140 is disposed adjacent to the second end 203b of the body 203 of the movable tensioner housing 202 and surrounding an outer periphery 210c of a hollow sleeve 210 extending from the second end 203b of the body 203.
[0037] As shown in FIG. 19, a first end 140a of the spring 140 engages a shoulder 206 of the radially extending flange 204, and a second end 140b of the spring 140 engages an anti-rotation washer 150 that engages the second end 210b of the hollow sleeve 210. The spring 140 surrounds the outer periphery 210c of the hollow sleeve 210 between the anti-rotation washer 150 and the second end 203b of the movable tensioner housing 202. The spring 140 biases the movable tensioner housing 202 toward the first end 210a of the hollow sleeve 210. The spring 140 is preferably a coil spring, as shown in FIG. 12.
[0038] 11, anti-rotation washer 150 has a body 151 defining a bore 152 that receives second end 210b of hollow sleeve 210. Anti-rotation washer 150 is preferably press fit onto second end 210b of hollow sleeve 210.
[0039] In the shipping and installed position, the retaining clip 285 resides between the first mounting edge 214a of the mounting groove 214 of the hollow sleeve 210 and the second mounting edge 283 of the second undercut groove 281 of the movable tensioner housing 202, with the first mounting edge 214a and the second mounting edge 283 engaging the ratchet clip 130 and the wedge. With the retaining clip 285 in this position, the movable tensioner housing 202 is locked in place and the spring 140 is compressed.
[0040] After the automated mechanical tensioner assembly 100 is installed on the chain drive system at the shipping and installation location, the moveable tensioner housing 202 is moved to allow the retaining clip 285 to move along the bore 205 of the moveable tensioner housing 202 and into the first undercut groove 280. At this time, the moveable tensioner housing 202 can slide relative to the hollow sleeve 210 without interference from the retaining clip 285.
[0041] To install the automatic mechanical tensioner assembly 200 in a chain drive system, the automatic mechanical tensioner assembly 200 without the tensioner face 250 is dropped into the hole 176 in the chain drive system at the shipping and installation position. The automatic mechanical tensioner assembly 200 is assembled with the movable tensioner housing 202 surrounding the hollow sleeve 210, the collar 160 engaging the mounting groove 214 of the hollow sleeve 210, the spring 140 biasing the movable tensioner housing 202, and the associated anti-rotation washer 150 receiving the second end 210b of the hollow sleeve 210. The ratchet clip 130 engages the detent groove 212 of the hollow sleeve 210. The retaining clip 285 engages between the mounting groove 214 and the second undercut groove 281.
[0042] The threaded rod 175 is then inserted through the bore 176 and engages within the inner bore 213 of the hollow sleeve 210, stabilizing the automatic mechanical tensioner assembly 200 in place.
[0043] The tensioner face 250 is then mounted on the radially extending flange 204 of the movable tensioner housing body 203 .
[0044] The automatic mechanical tensioner assembly 200 is then pretensioned. After the automatic mechanical tensioner assembly 200 is pretensioned, the collar 160 is removed by grasping and pulling the collar tab 165 of the collar 160 to disengage the collar 160 from the mounting groove 214 of the hollow sleeve 210. After the collar 160 is disengaged from the mounting groove 214, the hollow sleeve is pushed towards the anti-rotation washer 150, causing the retaining clip 285 to slide into the mounting groove 214 and move up to and seat in the first undercut groove 280. The retaining clip 285 now remains in the first undercut groove 280 when the automatic mechanical tensioner assembly 200 is in the operating position and tensioning the chain or belt.
[0045] 24 and 25 show cross-sectional views of another alternative embodiment of the automatic mechanical tensioner assembly 300 in which the hollow sleeve 310 does not include a plurality of grooves. The hollow sleeve 310 includes a body 310d including a first end 310a, a second end 310b, and an outer periphery 310c. In this embodiment, the delivery groove 314 is adjacent the first end 310a, but otherwise there are no additional grooves on the outer periphery 310c of the body 310d of the hollow sleeve 310. The delivery groove 314 receives the collar 160. The hollow sleeve 310 defines an inner bore 313 having at least one diameter along the central axis CC. The inner bore 313 of the hollow sleeve 310 receives the threaded screw rod 175.
[0046] The movable tensioner housing 302 includes a body 303 connected to a radially extending flange 304. The body 303 has a first end 303a and a second end 303b and defines a bore 305 coaxial with the hollow sleeve 310 along a central axis CC and at least partially surrounds the hollow sleeve 310. The bore 305 extends from the first end 303a to the second end 303b of 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 face (not shown).
[0047] A spring 140 is provided adjacent the second end 303b of the body 303 of the movable tensioner housing 302 and surrounding the outer periphery 310c of the hollow sleeve 310 extending from the second end 303b of the body 303. A first end 140a of the spring 140 engages the shoulder 306 of the radially extending flange 304 and a second end 140b of the spring 140 engages the anti-rotation washer 150 which engages the second end 310b of the hollow sleeve 310. The spring 140 surrounds the outer periphery 310c of the hollow sleeve 310 between the anti-rotation washer 150 and the second end 303b of the movable tensioner housing 302. The spring 140 biases the movable tensioner housing 302 toward the first end 310a of the hollow sleeve 310. The spring 140 is preferably a coil spring as shown in FIG. 12.
[0048] 26a shows an alternative hollow sleeve with a flange. The hollow sleeve 410 includes a first end 410a, a second end 410b, and a body 410d including an outer periphery 410c. The outer periphery 410c includes a plurality of grooves 411 and a delivery groove proximal to the first end 410a. The delivery groove 414 accommodates the collar 160. The hollow sleeve 410 defines an inner bore 413. The inner bore 413 of the hollow sleeve 410 receives the threaded screw rod 175. The second end 410b of the hollow sleeve includes a flange 415. The hollow sleeve 410 can be used in place of the hollow sleeves 110, 210.
[0049] FIG. 26 b illustrates an alternative hollow sleeve to that of FIG. 26 a , in which an anti-rotation washer 150 is used adjacent to and in combination with flange 415 .
[0050] FIG. 27 shows the tensioner assembly installed in a chain drive system with the collar and tensioner face removed, the tensioner assembly in an operating position, and the notch 507 in the movable housing 502 rotated 90 degrees relative to the movable tensioner housing 102. In this embodiment, the hollow sleeve 110 rotates so that the first end 110a is proximal adjacent the anti-rotation washer 150. In this embodiment, the delivery groove 514 is moved to the second end 110b to receive the collar 160. The movable housing 502 includes a body 503 including a first end 503a and a second end 503b, the second end 503b having a notch 507 and a hole 505 defined therein. The body 503 is connected to a radially extending flange 504 for receiving a tensioner face (not shown). In this embodiment, the radially extending flange 504 is in the same plane as the notch 507.
[0051] Within the bore 176 of the chain drive system is a rod 175 received within the inner bore 113 of the hollow sleeve 110. Surrounding the hollow sleeve 110 is a moveable housing 502. Engaging with the circumferential teeth 111 within the notch 507 is a ratchet clip. Between the first end 503a of the body 503 and the anti-rotation washer 150 is a spring 140.
[0052] 28 shows the tensioner assembly installed in a chain drive system with the collar and tensioner face removed and the tensioner assembly in an operating position with notch 707 in the moveable housing 702 proximal to the anti-rotation washer 150 or spring 140. Compared to the moveable housing 502, notch 707 has been rotated 90 degrees.
[0053] In this embodiment, the hollow sleeve 110 has been rotated so that the first end 110a is proximal adjacent the anti-rotation washer 150. The delivery groove 714 has been moved to the second end 110b to receive the collar 160. The movable housing 702 includes a body 703 having a first end 703a and a second end 703b, the second end 703b having a notch 707 and a hole 705 defined therein. The body 703 is connected to a radially extending flange 704 for receiving a tensioner face (not shown). In this embodiment, the radially extending flange 704 and the notch 707 are in different planes.
[0054] Within the bore 176 of the chain drive system is a threaded rod 175 received within the inner bore 113 of the hollow sleeve 110. Surrounding the hollow sleeve 110 is a moveable housing 702. Engaging with the circumferential teeth 111 within the notch 707 is a ratchet clip. Between the first end 703a of the body 703 and the anti-rotation washer 150 is a spring 140.
[0055] 29 illustrates another alternative automatic mechanical tensioner assembly 600 in a chain drive system with a launch pin 610 present and inserted into a movable tensioner housing 602. The automatic mechanical tensioner assembly 600 is installed in a hole or aperture 176 in a chain drive case 177 that receives a chain drive system including a chain straddling a driven sprocket and a driving sprocket.
[0056] The automatic mechanical tensioner assembly 600 includes a hollow sleeve 110 having a first end 110a and a second end 110b, the outer periphery 110c of which is provided with a series of circumferential teeth 111 extending a length between the first end 110a and the second end 110b. At least one of the circumferential teeth is a stop groove 112. The circumferential teeth 111 are shaped and spaced to receive a ratchet clip 130. The circumferential teeth 111 and the stop groove 112 are angled toward the second end 110b of the hollow sleeve 110. In one embodiment, the circumferential teeth 111 and the stop groove 112 are proximate the first end 110a of the hollow sleeve 110. Alternatively, the circumferential teeth 111 and the stop groove 112 are proximate the second end 110b of the hollow sleeve 110.
[0057] The hollow sleeve 110 defines an inner bore 113. The inner bore 113 of the hollow sleeve 110 receives a threaded rod 175. A delivery groove 114 is also present along the outer periphery 110c proximal to the first end 110a and is sized to receive the collar 160. The ratchet clip 130 engages circumferential teeth 111 of the hollow sleeve 110.
[0058] The movable tensioner housing 602 includes a body 603 connected to a radially extending flange 604. The body 603 includes a first end 603a and a second end 603b and defines a bore 605 coaxial with and at least partially surrounds the hollow sleeve 110. The bore 605 extends from the first end 603a to the second end 603b of 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 face (not shown). A ratchet clip groove 609 is located within the bore 605 of the body 603.
[0059] The body 603 has a notch 607 in the groove location through which the ratchet clip legs 132 extend outwardly to allow manual actuation of the ratchet clip 130.
[0060] The ratchet clip 130 engages the circumferential teeth 111 of the hollow sleeve 110 and mates with the holes 605 in the movable tensioner housing 602 to guide movement of the movable tensioner housing 602 relative to the fixed hollow sleeve 110 and allow the hollow sleeve 110 to extend from the movable tensioner housing 602.
[0061] A spring 140 is disposed adjacent the second end 603b of the body 603 of the movable tensioner housing 602 and surrounding the outer periphery 110c of the hollow sleeve 110 extending from the second end 603b of the body 603. A first end 140a of the spring 140 engages a shoulder 606 of the radially extending flange 604 and a second end 140b of the spring 140 engages an anti-rotation washer 150 that engages the second end 110b of the hollow sleeve 110. The spring 140 surrounds the outer periphery 110c of the hollow sleeve 110 between the anti-rotation washer 150 and the second end 603b of the movable tensioner housing 602. The spring 140 biases the movable tensioner housing 602 toward the first end 110a of the hollow sleeve 110. The movable tensioner housing 602 further includes a hole 611 between the first and second ends for receiving a delivery pin 610 when the automatic mechanical tensioner assembly 100 is in the shipping and installation position.
[0062] Anti-rotation washer 150 receives second end 110 b of hollow sleeve 110 .
[0063] The collar 160 is received in the first end 110a of the hollow sleeve 110 and engages with the delivery groove 114 of the hollow sleeve 110. The two axially extending flanges 162 engage with the first end 603a of the movable tensioner housing 602.
[0064] The automatic mechanical tensioner assembly 600 has a shipping and installation position in which the automatic mechanical tensioner assembly 600 is locked in place and prevented from moving. In the shipping and installation position, the collar 160 engages the delivery groove 114 of the hollow sleeve 110 and moves the movable tensioner housing 602 to a position where the spring 140 is compressed.
[0065] The shipping and installation position is maintained with collar 160 engaging delivery groove 114 in first end 110a of hollow sleeve 110 and delivery pin 610 inserted into hole 611 in movable tensioner housing 602 by circumferential teeth 111 and stop groove 112 on outer periphery 110c of hollow sleeve 110. Note that delivery pin 610 passes through chain drive housing 177 from the rear of the housing to engage hole 611 in movable tensioner housing 602.
[0066] To install the automatic mechanical tensioner assembly 600 into a chain drive system, in the shipping and installation position, the automatic mechanical tensioner assembly 600 without the tensioner face 250 is dropped into the hole 176 in the chain drive housing 177. The automatic mechanical tensioner assembly 600 is assembled with the moveable tensioner housing 102 surrounding the hollow sleeve 110, the collar 160 which engages the delivery groove 114 of the hollow sleeve 110, the spring 140 which biases the moveable tensioner housing 102, and the associated anti-rotation washer 150 which receives the second end 110b of the hollow sleeve 110. The ratchet clip 130 engages the stop groove 112 of the hollow sleeve 110.
[0067] Threaded rod 175 is then inserted into bore 176 and engages within bore 113 of hollow sleeve 110, stabilizing automatic mechanical tensioner assembly 600 in place.
[0068] The tensioner face 250 is then mounted on the radially extending flange 604 of the moveable housing 602 .
[0069] Next, the automatic mechanical tensioner assembly 600 is pretensioned. After the automatic mechanical tensioner assembly 600 is pretensioned, the collar 160 is removed by grasping and pulling the collar tab 165 of the collar 160, disengaging the collar 160 from the delivery groove 114 of the hollow sleeve 110, and the delivery pin 610 is inserted into the hole 611 of the movable tensioner housing 602 and the chain drive housing 177. The delivery pin 610 allows the tensioner to be installed in locations where the cover of the chain drive housing 177 cannot be removed. Once the delivery pin 610 is removed from the hole 611, the movable tensioner housing 602 is biased by the spring 140 towards the first end 110a of the hollow sleeve 110 into the operating position.
[0070] It should be noted that while one anti-rotation washer 150 is shown in each of the above embodiments, multiple anti-rotation washers can be used and stacked on top of each other.
[0071] 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 the details of the illustrated embodiments is not intended to limit the scope of the claims, which themselves recite those features regarded as essential to the invention.
Claims
1. 1. An automatic mechanical tensioner assembly, comprising: a hollow sleeve having 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 delivery groove; a movable housing having a body having the first end and the second end and a flange extending axially therefrom, the body defining a bore for receiving the hollow sleeve and the notch; an anti-rotation washer including a body defining a bore for receiving the second end of the hollow sleeve; a spring disposed between the movable housing and the anti-rotation washer for biasing the movable housing toward the first end of the hollow sleeve; a semicircular body defining an inner periphery extending from the first end to the second end of the semicircular body, the semicircular body including two axially extending flanges defining a notch and a collar tab extending radially from the semicircular body, the inner periphery of the collar receiving a plurality of circumferential teeth and a delivery groove; an automatic mechanical tensioner assembly, wherein in a shipping and installed position, a first end of said collar engages a delivery groove of said hollow sleeve, urging said movable housing toward said anti-rotation washer and compressing said spring;
2. said hollow sleeve a plurality of circumferential teeth on the outer periphery of the a bore in the movable housing including a ratchet clip groove proximate a first end of the body; 2. The automatic mechanical tensioner assembly of claim 1, further comprising: a ratchet clip received within a ratchet clip groove of said movable housing and engageable with a plurality of circumferential teeth of said hollow sleeve.
3. 2. The automatic mechanical tensioner assembly of claim 1, wherein each of the two axially extending flanges of the collar further includes a ridge extending from the first end to the second end of the semicircular body.
4. The automatic mechanical tensioner assembly of claim 1 , wherein said collar tab is aligned with said flange of said movable housing in a shipping and installed position.
5. The automatic mechanical tensioner assembly of claim 1 , wherein said notch in said movable housing is aligned with said flange in said movable housing.
6. 3. The automatic mechanical tensioner assembly of claim 2, wherein said delivery groove is proximal to a first end of said hollow sleeve.
7. 3. The automatic mechanical tensioner assembly of claim 2, wherein said second end of said hollow sleeve further includes said flange.
8. 8. The automatic mechanical tensioner assembly of claim 7, wherein said anti-rotation washer is disposed adjacent said flange on said second end of said hollow sleeve.
9. 1. An automatic mechanical tensioner assembly, comprising: a hollow sleeve having 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 mounting groove having a first mounting groove edge and a second mounting groove edge defined on the outer periphery proximal to the second end; a movable housing having a body including 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, the body including a ratchet clip groove proximal to the first end of the body and a shipping-installed housing groove proximal to the second end of the body, the shipping-installed housing groove including a first undercut groove, a first housing groove edge, a second undercut groove, and a second housing groove edge, the movable housing bore receiving the hollow sleeve; a ratchet clip received within the ratchet clip groove of the movable housing and engageable with a plurality of circumferential teeth of the hollow sleeve; a retaining clip received within a shipping-installation housing groove and / or an installation groove of the hollow sleeve; an anti-rotation washer including a body defining a bore for receiving the second end of the hollow sleeve; a spring disposed between the movable housing and the anti-rotation washer to bias the movable housing toward the first end of the hollow sleeve; In a shipping and installation position, the retaining clip engages the first mounting groove edge of the mounting groove of the hollow sleeve and the second housing groove edge of the movable housing; In an operating position, the retaining clip engages the first undercut groove and the first housing groove edge.
10. 10. The automatic mechanical tensioner assembly of claim 2 or 9, wherein the ratchet clip groove includes a first portion of a first diameter at the first end of the body, the first portion connected to a second portion of a second diameter, and the second portion connected via a transition portion to a third portion of a third diameter.
11. 10. The automatic mechanical tensioner assembly of claim 1 or 9, wherein the movable housing further includes a shoulder at the second end of the body that engages the spring.
12. 10. The automatic mechanical tensioner assembly of claim 1 or 9, wherein said flange is perpendicular to the bore of said movable housing.
13. 1. A method of installing an automatic mechanical tensioner assembly, comprising: inserting an automatic mechanical tensioner assembly into a bore of a 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 inner bore extending from the first end to the second end, and an outer periphery including a plurality of circumferential teeth and a delivery groove proximal to 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 including a ratchet clip groove proximal to the first end of the body, the bore receiving the hollow sleeve; a ratchet clip engageable with a plurality of circumferential teeth of a hollow sleeve; an anti-rotation washer including a body defining a hole for receiving the second end of the hollow sleeve; a spring disposed between the movable housing and the anti-rotation washer, biasing the movable housing toward the first end of the hollow sleeve; and a collar including a semicircular body defining an inner periphery extending from the first end to the second end of the semicircular body, two axially extending flanges defining the notch, and a collar tab extending radially from the semicircular body, wherein in a shipping and installation position, the first end of the collar engages a delivery groove of the hollow sleeve, biasing the movable housing toward the anti-rotation washer and compressing the spring. Inserting a threaded rod into a hole of the chain drive and into the inner hole of the hollow sleeve; mounting a tensioner face on a radially extending flange of the movable housing of an automatic mechanical tensioner mounted within a bore of the chain drive; pretensioning the automatic mechanical tensioner assembly; removing the collar by disengaging it from a delivery groove on the hollow sleeve so that the automatic mechanical tensioner is in an activated position.
14. The method of claim 13 , wherein the inner circumference of the collar receives a plurality of circumferential teeth and a delivery groove in a shipping and installation position.
15. 1. An automatic mechanical tensioner assembly, comprising: a hollow sleeve having 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 delivery 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 including a ratchet clip groove proximal to the first end, the bore receiving a hollow sleeve and a pin hole; a ratchet clip received within a ratchet clip groove of the movable housing and engageable with the plurality of circumferential teeth of the hollow sleeve; an anti-rotation washer including a body defining a bore for receiving the second end of the hollow sleeve; a spring disposed between the movable housing and the anti-rotation washer for biasing the movable housing toward the first end of the hollow sleeve; a pin receivable within the pin hole of the movable housing; a collar including a semicircular body defining an inner periphery extending from a first end to a second end of the semicircular body, the semicircular body including two axially extending flanges defining a notch and a collar tab extending radially from the semicircular body, the inner periphery of the collar receiving a plurality of circumferential teeth and a delivery groove; In a shipping and installed position, the first end of the collar engages with a delivery groove of the hollow sleeve, urging the moveable housing toward the anti-rotation washer, compressing the spring, and the pin is received within the pin hole of the moveable housing through the chain drive housing in which the automatic mechanical tensioner assembly is installed, maintaining the moveable housing in a stationary position.
Citation Information
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