Patent ID: 7537533
Filing Date: 2009-05-26
Classification: F16H

Abstract:
1. A tensioner for imparting tension to a chain in a closed loop chain drive system for an internal combustion engine having a drive sprocket operatively connected to a drive shaft and at least one driven sprocket operatively connected to at least one driven shaft comprising: a) a bracket having an outer surface and an inner surface, b) a first tensioning device located in a first channel on the inner surface of the bracket, the first channel located between a structural rib and a first channel wall on the inner surface, a first resilient chain guide element having a longitudinal chain sliding surface, an inner surface of the first resilient chain guide element opposite the chain sliding surface facing the first channel wall, a hook shaped proximal end of the first resilient chain guide element and a hook shaped distal end of the first resilient chain guide element, the hook shaped proximal end non-permanently engaged around a protrusion within a proximal recess in the first channel and the hook shaped distal end non-permanently engaged around a protrusion within a distal recess in the first channel, c) a second tensioning device positioned in a second channel, the second channel located between the structural rib and a second channel wall on the inner surface of the bracket, a second resilient chain guide element having a longitudinal chain sliding surface, an inner surface of the second resilient chain guide element opposite the chain sliding surface facing the second channel wall, a hook shaped proximal end of the second resilient chain guide element and a hook shaped distal end of the second resilient chain guide element, the hook shaped proximal end non-permanently engaged around a protrusion within a proximal recess in the second channel and the hook shaped distal end non-permanently engaged around a protrusion within a distal recess in the second channel, and d) a single pivot mount for securing the bracket to an engine housing, the pivot mount being positioned equidistant from an approximate mid-point along the longitudinal chain sliding surface of the first resilient chain guide element and an approximate mid-point along the longitudinal chain sliding surface of the second resilient chain guide element: wherein the pivot mount is located on an imaginary vertical centerline formed between the axis of the drive sprocket and the axis of the driven sprocket.