Patent ID: 8038555
Filing Date: 2011-10-18
Classification: F16H

Abstract:
1. A tensioner comprising: an arm pivotable about a pivot axis in a first direction and a second direction and translatably fixed about the pivot axis; a rotating bearing plate coupled to the arm, the rotating bearing plate being rotatable with the arm and translatable along the pivot axis relative to the arm, the rotating bearing plate comprising a first face, a second face, and a periphery; a bearing in contact with the second face of the rotating bearing plate; and a brake bearing plate comprising a friction face and a bearing face, the bearing face being in contact with the bearing, the brake bearing plate being translatable along the pivot axis relative to the arm; wherein the bearing is retained between the rotating bearing plate and the brake bearing plate in a first position; wherein rotation of the rotating bearing plate during wind-up moves the bearing to a second position that translates both the rotating bearing plate and the brake bearing plate along the pivot axis away from one another to increase frictional damping force acting on the arm.