Patent ID: 6126562
Filing Date: 2000-10-03
Classification: F16H

Abstract:
An arrangement for tensioning and damping vibrations in a drive belt comprising:a first and a second pulley; anda resilient ring member that extends around the first pulley;in which:the drive belt extends around both pulleys for transmitting driving force between the pulleys, with intermediate belt portions of the drive belt extending between the pulleys on either side;a circumferential groove is provided in at least the first pulley;a first length of the ring member seats in the groove, thereby engaging the first pulley;a second length of the ring member extends outward from the first pulley toward the second pulley between and contacting the intermediate belt portions of the drive belt, the ring member being compressed by the drive belt and thereby resiliently biassing the intermediate belt portions away from each other and thereby tensioning and damping vibration in the drive belt;the groove has radially outward-extending teeth; andthe ring member has radially inward-extending teeth that mesh with and engage the outward-extending teeth of the groove.