Importance

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Abstract

A tensioner enables easy and reliable reinstallation of the tensioner and belt in the field service while simultaneously making it possible to utilize a one-way clutch device to ensure continuous belt tension control without cumbersome manual alignment and/or realignment procedures. The tensioner has a pivot shaft configured for mounting on an engine surface. A tensioner arm is mounted on the pivot shaft for pivotal movement between a free arm stop position and premount stop position. A belt-engaging pulley is mounted for rotation on the tensioner arm. A base cup is rotatably mounted around an end of the pivot shaft. The base cup has an arcuate slot having a free arm stop end and a premount stop end. The tensioner arm cooperates with the arcuate slot limiting the pivotal movement of the tensioner arm. A spring is coupled between the tensioner arm and the base cup biasing the tensioner arm in a belt-tensioning direction. An anti-kickback stop mechanism engages the pivot shaft and has a lost motion connection with the tensioner arm wherein the tensioner arm moves through a free range without engaging the anti-kickback mechanism. The tensioner arm 1) rotates the anti-kickback mechanism as the tensioner arm moves beyond the free range towards the premount stop position and 2) enables the anti-kickback mechanism as the tensioner arm moves beyond the free range towards the free arm stop position, limiting travel of the tensioner arm therebeyond. The spring is fixable relative to the pivot shaft upon the tensioner being mounted on the engine surface.

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First Claim