Patent ID: 6955621
Filing Date: 2005-10-18
Classification: F16H

Abstract:
1. A power transmission chain and tensioner for an automotive system application, said chain tensioner and power transmission chain system comprising: a plurality of sprockets including at least one driving sprocket connected to a power input and at least one driven sprocket connected to a power output; a chain wrapped around the plurality of sprockets, the chain including at least a first stand portion having some of links being pulled by the driving sprocket and a second strand portion having some links pulling the driven sprocket; a hydraulic fluid source for the pressurized flow of hydraulic fluid; a rotary actuating hydraulic tensioner having a stationary portion and a rotatable body in operative relation to the stationary portion, the rotatable body movable in a generally planar rotation about a central pivot point and in flow communication with the hydraulic fluid source and one or more springs disposed within said tensioner; and the rotatable body having an outer face provided with at least one tensioner arm operatively connected thereto, the tensioner arm having a friction surface positioned in contact with at least one of the chain strands to exert force on the strand, and the hydraulic fluid pressure and the one or more springs within the rotary tensioner effective to maintain the rotatable body in a position to hold the friction surface against the strand with sufficient force to provide tension in the chain.