Patent ID: 6231465
Filing Date: 2001-05-15
Classification: F16H

Abstract:
A belt-tensioning device for tensioning an endless drive belt, said device comprising:a pivot shaft extending along a longitudinal axis;a lever arm mounted pivotally on said pivot shaft and formed with a distant end;a spring for pivoting said lever arm about said longitudinal axis toward an endless drive belt in a belt-tensioning direction;a pulley assembly mounted on said distant end of said lever arm for receiving said endless drive belt and applying a tensioning force thereon upon displacement of said lever arm in said belt-tensioning direction; anda damping assembly mounted on said lever arm and including:a plurality of angularly spaced apart pivot pins rotatable about respective pivot axes parallel to said longitudinal axis, anda plurality of friction elements each formed on a respective one of said pivot pins and extending toward and terminating next to said lever arm, said friction elements being displaceable away from said lever arm and urging thereagainst with a first frictional force as said lever arm rotates in said belt-tensioning direction, said friction elements being displaceable towards said lever arm so as to generate a second frictional force greater than said first frictional force as said lever arm is rotated in a belt-releasing direction opposite to said belt tensioning direction.