TENSIONER WITH SELF-LIMITING ANGULAR STROKE

摘要

A tensioner for tensioning engine driven driving elements, such as belts or chains, is disclosed. The tensioner is initially installed with the pivot structure spaced past the perpendicular angular position thereof, with the angle ( beta ) between a line joining the pivot axes (34, 26) of the pulley (12) and pivot structure (14), respectively and the line of action of the hub load force (Fb) set at greater than 90 degreas. The tensioner has a stop at the miximun travel position thereof and the tension required to move the pivot structure to its maximum travel position is at least 30 % more than at the hot engine angular position thereof. The tension required to move the pivot structure to a potential tooth skip angular position is greater than the maximum tension the engine is capable of creating.