Patent ID: 8617013
Filing Date: 2013-12-31
Classification: F16H

Abstract:
1. A tensioner comprising: an arm rotatable about a first axis, the arm comprising an arm arbor defining an interior cavity and having a slot through a portion thereof, the arm arbor having a fixed diameter; a bushing having a protrusion dimensioned to extend through the slot and into the interior cavity of the arm arbor, the bushing being positioned adjacent the arm arbor with the protrusion extending through the slot of the arm arbor and into the interior cavity thereof; and a spring within the interior cavity of the arm arbor with a coil juxtaposed to the protrusion and operatively coupled to the arm, wherein the spring urges the arm to rotate about the first axis into tensioning engagement with an endless power transmitting element, and wherein the protrusion of the bushing is positioned relative to the spring such that the coil of the spring radially expands to contact and urge the protrusion of the bushing as the arm is rotated in a direction opposite the direction of tensioning engagement, and wherein radial expansion of the spring urges the bushing radially outward away from the arm arbor to provide frictional damping.