Patent ID: 7004865

Claim:
Tensioning means for traction mechanisms comprising a receiving and mounting housing, a pulley carrier pivotally connected to the receiving and mounting housing, a bearing supporting the pulley carrier relative to the receiving and mounting housing, a spring positioned between the pulley carrier and the receiving and mounting housing for applying a tensioning force therebetween, and a blocking means which is inactive in a first direction of action for permitting a pivoting motion of the pulley carrier relative to the receiving and mounting housing in said first direction and which is active in an opposite, second direction of action for at least limiting pivoting motion in said opposite, second direction; wherein the blocking means includes a cam disk connected to the receiving and mounting housing, said cam disk having at least one cam surface, wherein the pulley carrier is connected to an outer ball race having at least one clamp body, wherein said blocking means, when active, is operable to produce a frictional connection between the cam disk, the at least one clamp body and an inner jacket surface of said mounting housing which at least limits or prevents the pivoting motion of the pulley carrier relative to the receiving and mounting housing in the second direction; wherein the at least one clamp body has a hole into which a driver fits such that the at least one clamp body is rotatable along said inner jacket surface during pivoting motion of the pulley carrier relative to the receiving and mounting housing in said first direction and wherein the at least one clamp body interacts with the cam disk and the inner jacket surface of the outer ball race to produce frictional adhesion pivoting motion of the pulley carrier relative to the receiving and mounting housing in said opposite, second direction.