Patent ID: 7104909

Claim:
A tensioning device for a traction mechanism comprising: a receiving and mounting housing; a roller carrier pivotably connected to the receiving and mounting housing; a bearing which radially and axially supports the roller carrier relative to the receiving and mounting housing; a first spring arranged between the roller carrier and the receiving and mounting housing for applying a tensioning force; a cylindrical damping bush surrounding an inner cylindrical surface of the roller carrier, and having a slot for diameter reduction, the bush damping any movements between the roller carrier and the receiving and mounting housing In such a way that the damping effect is greater in the direction of an increasing tensioning force than in the direction of a decreasing tensioning force, and a flat band spring surrounding and applying a normal force to the damping bush, the flat band spring at a first end being secured to the receiving and mounting housing or to the roller carrier in a rotationally fixed and form-fitting way and, at its second end being secured to the damping bush in a rotationally fixed and bi-directionally form-fitting way.