U.S. patent application number 12/421944 was filed with the patent office on 2010-10-14 for cable guide tensioner for regulator system.
This patent application is currently assigned to FAURECIA INTERIOR SYSTEMS U.S.A., INC.. Invention is credited to Michael J. Twork.
Application Number | 20100258664 12/421944 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42933582 |
Filed Date | 2010-10-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100258664 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Twork; Michael J. |
October 14, 2010 |
CABLE GUIDE TENSIONER FOR REGULATOR SYSTEM
Abstract
Methods and apparatus for applying tension to a cable in a
regulator system, include: permitting the cable to slide over a
length of the peripheral surface extending between an entry point
and exit point on a cable guide tensioner; and urging the cable
guide tensioner to rotate where the rotation results in varying at
least one of the length and a distance between the entry point and
exit point, and induce tension in the cable.
Inventors: |
Twork; Michael J.; (White
Lake, MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GIBSON & DERNIER LLP
900 ROUTE 9 NORTH, SUITE 504
WOODBRIDGE
NJ
07095
US
|
Assignee: |
FAURECIA INTERIOR SYSTEMS U.S.A.,
INC.
Auburn Hills
MI
|
Family ID: |
42933582 |
Appl. No.: |
12/421944 |
Filed: |
April 10, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
242/155R |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65H 57/14 20130101;
B65H 59/16 20130101; B65H 57/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
242/155.R |
International
Class: |
B65H 77/00 20060101
B65H077/00; B65H 59/20 20060101 B65H059/20 |
Claims
1. A regulator system, comprising: an object; a cable coupled to,
and operating to move, the object in response to a driving source;
and at least one cable guide tensioner including first and second
spaced apart opposing surfaces, and a peripheral surface extending
between the first and second surfaces, the at least one cable guide
tensioner operating to: (i) slidingly engage the cable over a
length of the peripheral surface, the length extending between an
entry point and exit point; and (ii) vary at least one of the
length and a straight-line distance between the entry point and the
exit point as a function of rotation about a pivotal axis, the
pivotal axis extending transversely through the first and second
opposing surfaces.
2. The regulator system according to claim 1, wherein peripheral
edges of the first and second opposing surfaces circumscribe shapes
selected from the group consisting of: a circle, an oblong shape, a
curvilinear shape, an ellipse and an oval.
3. The regulator system according to claim 1, wherein the pivotal
axis is located at a position such that at least one of the length
and the straight-line distance increases as the cable guide
tensioner rotates about the pivotal axis.
4. The regulator system according to claim 3, further comprising: a
biasing mechanism that urges the cable guide tensioner to rotate
about the pivotal axis; a stationary surface that operates to
provide a base about which the cable guide tensioner can rotate;
and a connecting mechanism that operates to connect the cable guide
tensioner to the stationary surface.
5. The regulator system according to claim 4, wherein the biasing
mechanism comprises at least one spring having first and second
ends, the first end of the spring coupled to the first opposing
surface of the cable guide tensioner and the second end coupled to
the stationary surface.
6. The regulator system according to claim 4, wherein the cable
guide tensioner further comprises a rod disposed transversely on
the first opposing surface and engages a channel located in the
stationary surface and functions to guide the cable guide tensioner
along the channel.
7. The regulator system according to claim 6, wherein the biasing
mechanism comprises at least one spring having first and second
ends, the first end of the spring adjacent being coupled to the
channel located in the stationary surface and the second end of the
spring being coupled to the rod of the cable guide tensioner, and
the at least one spring operating to urge the cable guide tensioner
to rotate about the pivotal axis.
8. The regulator system according to claim 4, wherein the
stationary surface is integrated with a carrier module of a vehicle
door panel.
9. The regulator system according to claim 4, wherein: the
connecting mechanism further comprises a ratchet apparatus having a
first set of teeth disposed on the first opposing surface of the
cable guide tensioner, and a second set of teeth disposed on the
stationary surface; and the first and second sets of teeth are
situated and shaped such that engagement thereof permits the cable
guide tensioner to rotate about the pivotal axis only in one
direction.
10. The regulator system according to claim 4, wherein: the cable
guide tensioner further comprises an aperture extending through at
least one of the first and second opposing surfaces at the pivotal
axis; and the connecting mechanism further comprises a shaft having
first and second ends, the shaft extending through the aperture of
the cable guide tensioner and coupling to the stationary surface
such that the cable guide tensioner is rotatable about the
shaft.
11. The regulator system according to claim 10, wherein: the
connecting mechanism further comprises a ratchet apparatus having a
first set of teeth disposed on the first opposing surface of the
cable guide tensioner, and a second set of teeth disposed on the
stationary surface; and the first and second sets of teeth are
situated and shaped such that engagement thereof permits the cable
guide tensioner to rotate about the pivotal axis only in one
direction.
12. The regulator system according to claim 11, wherein the
connecting mechanism further includes at least one compliance
spring coaxial with the shaft, and operating to provide a spring
force to expand a distance between the cable guide tensioner and
the stationary surface and to urge the first and second plurality
of teeth to snugly engage one another while also providing a
sufficient amount of give to allow the first and second sets of
teeth to slide over one another.
13. The regulator system according to claim 12, wherein at least
one compliance spring is situated between the cable guide tensioner
and the stationary surface.
14. The regulator system according to claim 12, wherein at least
one compliance spring is situated between the cable guide tensioner
and the stationary surface and a second compliance spring is
situated between a widened end cap and the opposing surface of the
cable guide tensioner.
15. The regulator system according to claim 11, wherein the cable
guide tensioner further comprises at least one integrated spring
finger disposed on the first opposing surface and operates to
provide a spring force to expand a distance between the cable guide
tensioner and the stationary surface and to urge the first and
second plurality of teeth to snugly engage one another yet provide
a sufficient amount of give to allow the first and second sets of
teeth to slide over one another.
16. The regulator system according to claim 11, wherein the
stationary surface further comprises at least one integrated spring
finger thereon and operates to provide a spring force to expand the
distance between the cable guide tensioner and the stationary
surface and urge the first and second plurality of teeth to snugly
engage one another yet provide a sufficient amount of give to allow
the first and second sets of teeth to slide over one another.
17. The regulator system of claim 1, further comprising at least
one pulley that is connected to a motor and functions to drive the
cable.
18. The regulator system of claim 1, wherein one of: the object is
a window and the base structure is a carrier module of a vehicle
door; the object is a sunroof of a vehicle; the object is a sliding
door of a vehicle; the object is a lift gate of a vehicle; the
object is a lift platform of a handicap ramp for a vehicle; and the
object is a movable portion of a vehicle seat.
19. A method of applying tension to a cable in a regulator system,
comprising: permitting the cable to slide over a length of a
peripheral surface of a cable guide tensioner having an entry point
and an exit point; and rotating the cable guide tensioner such that
at least one of the length and a straight-line distance between the
entry point and exit point are increased and induce tension in the
cable.
20. The method of claim 19, further comprising: permitting the
cable guide tensioner to rotate in one direction that results in
increasing at least one of the length and the straight-line
distance between the entry point and exit point, and prohibiting
the cable guide tensioner from rotating in an opposite direction.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] The present invention is directed to regulator systems that
employ cables to move components, such as in a vehicle to open and
close a window, a sunroof, a power sliding door, a power lift gate,
etc., or make seat adjustments, activate handicap ramps, or the
like.
[0002] By way of example, regulators that utilize a cable drive
mechanism (e.g., rail or rail-less regulators) typically employ
cables for moving windows, doors, ramps, etc. to various positions
within a system. The cable is attached to the item or object to be
moved, such as to the window and/or a window lift plate (a plate
that connects the lift mechanics to an edge, usually the bottom
edge, of the window) and is guided by pulleys, conduits, channels,
and other types of guide mechanisms to a driving source, such as an
actuator drum or the like.
[0003] Maintaining tension in the cable is important for effective
operation of the regulator system. A loose cable can result in an
inoperable regulator, especially if the cable or a portion of the
cable separates from the guide mechanics. Typically, springs in
combination with pulleys and/or guide blocks, are used to maintain
the desired tensioning force on the cable. However, the use of
springs, guide blocks and pulleys in regulator systems increases
the costs and complexities of manufacturing and/or repairing the
systems.
[0004] Therefore, there is a need in the art for a mechanism for
maintaining tension in the cable of a regulator system that reduces
the costs and complexities of manufacture and repair of the
system.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] One or more embodiments of the present invention provide a
regulator system that employs a tensioning source to maintain
desired tension of a cable while reducing the parts count and
complexity (e.g., by eliminating one or more springs and/or
pulleys), reducing costs, and providing design flexibility for
pulley clearances, item travel (e.g., window pane travel),
Bowden-less cable systems, or the like.
[0006] In accordance with at least one aspect of the present
invention, systems are disclosed for employing one or more cable
guide tensioners, such as with at least a window lift plate in a
vehicle or the like, for opening and closing a window in response
to an actuator or driving source.
[0007] In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present
invention, a cable guide tensioner includes: first and second
spaced apart opposing surfaces, and a peripheral surface extending
between the first and second surfaces. The tensioner operates to:
slidingly engage the cable over a length of the peripheral surface
extending between an entry point and exit point; and vary at least
one of the length and a straight-line distance between the entry
point and exit point as a function of rotation about a pivotal
axis, the pivotal axis extending transverse to the first and second
surfaces.
[0008] The cable guide tensioner is operable to provide a spring
force to the cable such that the spring force is biased to rotate
the cable guide tensioner and expand a distance of cable travel,
and induce tension in the cable. Through a series of rotational
orientations, the cable guide tensioner rotates from a starting
`rest position` orientation, where the tensioner has not yet been
activated or engaged to expand a distance of cable travel, to one
of a series of engaged `activated position` orientations, which
serve to expand the distance of cable travel so that any cable
slack (resulting in a lowered cable tension) is compensated for by
the increase in distance. In this manner the cable tension of the
regulator system is maintained at a selected cable tension.
[0009] The cable guide tensioner may be operable to rotate through
a series of orientations from a resting position orientation to an
activated position orientation as the cable stretches such that
tension is maintained sufficiently high within the cable. For
example, the cable guide tensioner may be operable to attain the
first activated position orientation when the tension in the cable
falls below a selected threshold tension. The spring force of cable
guide tensioner may be biased toward the activated position
orientation, thereby applying the spring forces to the cable and
tending to expand the distance of cable travel, and induce tension
in the cable.
[0010] Alternatively or additionally, the cable guide tensioner is
operable to rotate through a series of orientations in only one
direction by a ratchet mechanism, each orientation representing one
sliding movement of a complementary plurality of ratchet teeth. The
ratchet teeth are orientated to allow movement of the cable guide
tensioner in only one direction so that the distance of cable
travel, and thus cable tension, will increase.
[0011] Alternatively or additionally, the cable guide tensioner is
operable to rotate through a series of orientations preferably in
one direction to increase the distance of cable travel, and thus
cable tension. However, if the cable tension is overcompensated for
by the rotation of the cable guide tensioner, a second spring force
of the cable guide tensioner biased toward the resting position
would disengage the unidirectional ratchet teeth by a release latch
and rotate the cable guide tensioner back one or more orientations
to reduce the cable tension.
[0012] Other aspects, features, advantages, etc. will become
apparent to one skilled in the art when the description of the
invention herein is taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] For the purposes of illustration, there are forms shown in
the drawings that are presently preferred, it being understood,
however, that the invention is not limited to the precise
arrangements and instrumentalities shown.
[0014] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a cable regulator system
employing a cable guide tensioner in accordance with at least one
aspect of the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a cable guide tensioner in
accordance with at least one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0016] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken through line 3-3 of
the cable guide tensioner of FIG. 2.
[0017] FIG. 4 is a side view of the cable guide tensioner of FIG. 2
in accordance with at least one aspect of the present invention
where the tensioner is in the resting position having the shortest
available length and distance between the entry point and exit
point of the cable.
[0018] FIG. 5 is a side view of the cable guide tensioner of FIG. 2
in accordance with at least one aspect of the present invention
where the tensioner is in an activated position in which the
tensioner has rotated and increased the length and distance between
the entry point and exit point of the cable in response to cable
slack.
[0019] FIG. 6 is a side view of the base structure in accordance
with at least one embodiment of the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken through line 7-7 of
the base structure of FIG. 6 in accordance with at least one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 8 is a peripheral view of the cable guide tensioner of
FIG. 2 connected to the base structure of FIG. 6.
[0022] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the cable guide
tensioner of FIG. 2 connected to the base structure of FIG. 6.
[0023] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a cable guide tensioner in
accordance with at least one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0024] FIG. 11 is a side view of the base structure in accordance
with at least one embodiment of the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 12 is a peripheral view of the cable guide tensioner of
FIG. 10 connected to the base structure of FIG. 11.
[0026] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the cable guide
tensioner taken through line 3-3 of the cable guide tensioner of
FIG. 2.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0027] For the purposes of describing various aspects of the
present invention, reference may be made to using a cable guide
tensioner in a window regulator system of a vehicle. Indeed,
embodiments of the invention have specific utility in the window
regulator context. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the
art, however, that the various embodiments of the cable guide
tensioner described and claimed herein may have application to many
other areas, including movement of a window, a sunroof, a sliding
door, a lift gate, a lift platform (such as for a handicap ramp),
one or more portions of a seat (such as the seat back, seat base,
forward/rearward position, etc.), or the like. In the case of
window regulator systems, the embodiments of the present invention
have applicability for use in operating windows of a vehicle, such
as a car, truck, van, boat, motor vehicle, or the like.
[0028] In particular, the cable guide tensioner of the present
invention is directed to guide a cable in the system, apply tension
in the cable, and maintain the tension (at least to a degree) as
the cable stretches over its life.
[0029] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a cable guide regulator system
100 in accordance with at least one aspect of the present
invention. The cable guide regulator system 100 may be for a
vehicle window (and may be referred to as such) or any of the
aforementioned other applications. The cable guide regulator system
100 is operable to move an object (generally designated 10) and
includes at least one cable guide tensioner 102, a base structure,
a cable 106, a driving source 108, and another cable guide element
110. The cable 106 may have springs 14 (such as a coil spring) at
the ends of the cable 106.
[0030] As discussed above, the object 10 may take on any number of
forms, such as for a window of a vehicle. In such an example, the
object 10 may include a window lift plate coupled to a bottom edge
of a window panel. Respective ends of the cable 106 originate at,
and are coupled to, the object 10 and traverse the cable guide
tensioner 102, the driving source 108, and the cable guide element
110. The driving source 108 engages the cable 106 such that it is
operable to actuate and move the cable 106 around the cable guide
element 110 and cable guide tensioner 102, thereby moving the
object 10 down or up (in the example of FIG. 1) or in other
directions depending on the application. Those skilled in the art
will recognize that any type of driving source 108 may be used to
actuate and/or drive the cable 106, such as an actuator drum or the
like, either motorized or manual.
[0031] In some embodiments, such as in a window regulator system,
the cable guide regulator system 100 may include a base to couple
the cable guide tensioner 102 to a carrier module of a vehicle
door. The base may be part of, or integrated to, the carrier
module, the carrier module being a regulator rail, sheet metal
inner or other component known to a skilled artisan. A guide rail
12 may be coupled to the carrier module to provide a guide for the
object (e.g., the window lift plate and window) along a
predetermined path or direction as shown by the arrows.
[0032] In accordance with one or more aspects of the present
invention, the cable guide tensioner 102 is operable to impart
tension to the cable 106. As will be discussed in more detail later
in this description, this is accomplished by providing a spring
functionality at the cable guide tensioner 102, which engages the
base such that the cable guide tensioner 102 tends to be biased to
expand the length and/or axis between the entry point and exit
point of the cable 106, and induce tension in, the cable 106. This
eliminates the need for a separate springs 14 (such as a coil
spring) at the end of the cable 106.
[0033] In one or more embodiments, the cable guide element 110 may
be a conventional pulley, in which case a spring 14 may be employed
at the end of the cable 106 at the bottom of the object 10.
Preferably, however, the cable guide element 110 is also a cable
guide tensioner 102, in which case no pulleys and/or coil springs
need remain in the system 100 to provide tension to the cable 106.
Elimination of springs 14 and/or pulleys from the system 100
increases the packaging area in the area of the object 10 (such as
the window lift plate), thereby permitting any mechanisms for
coupling the cable 106 to the object 10 to be of a reduced size.
Elimination of parts also reduces manufacturing and repair costs
and/or complexities.
[0034] Reference is now made to FIG. 2, which is a perspective view
of the cable guide tensioner 102. The cable guide tensioner 102
includes a first opposing surface 200 and a second opposing surface
202. The perimeters of the two opposing surfaces 200, 202 are
shaped so that the surfaces are in the form of a circle, oblong
shape, curvilinear shape, ellipse or an oval. As shown in the
embodiment of FIG. 2, the perimeters of the two opposing surfaces
200, 202 form an oval. The cable guide tensioner 102 includes a
peripheral surface 204 between the two opposing surfaces 200, 202.
The first opposing surface 200 and the second opposing surface 202
extend transversely beyond the peripheral surface 204 and form a
first and second channel wall 206 and 208. The peripheral surface
204 and the first and second channel walls 206 and 208 form a
channel operable to permit the cable 106 to slide therein and to
change the direction of travel of the cable 106 (e.g., change the
direction by about 180 degrees) The walls 206 and 208 are sized and
shaped to guide and maintain the cable 106 in the channel, without
permitting the cable 106 to slip off the peripheral surface 204. A
pivotal axis, Pi, is defined as extending transversely through a
pivotal axis aperture 210 situated through the first opposing
surface 200 and second opposing surface 202 of the cable guide
tensioner 102.
[0035] The cable guide tensioner 102 includes a connecting
mechanism 112 that connects the cable guide tensioner 102 to a
stationary surface and functions to allow movement (e.g., rotation)
of the cable guide tensioner 102 in one direction. The connecting
mechanism 112 may be in the form of a ratchet-type system. A shaft
212, having a widened end cap, is situated in the aperture 210 so
that the shaft 212 is transverse to the opposing surfaces 200 and
202 and that one end of the shaft 212 extends through the opposing
surfaces 200 and 202 to permit the cable guide tensioner 102 to
rotate about the shaft 212. The cable guide tensioner 102 includes
a spring 214 having two ends, situated around the pivotal axis
aperture 210. One end of the spring 214 is disposed on opposing
surface 200 at the spring attachment aperture 216, and the other
end of the spring 214 is attached to a base (as shown in FIG. 6).
The spring 214 may also be situated around the connecting mechanism
112 (not shown). The spring 214 functions to provide a spring force
to rotationally bias the cable guide tensioner 102 and expand a
distance of cable travel, and induce tension in the cable 106.
[0036] Reference is now made to FIG. 3, which illustrates a
cross-sectional view taken through line 3-3 of FIG. 2. Disposed on
the opposing surface 200 encircling the spring 214 is a first
plurality of ratchet teeth 218. As shown, the pivotal axis aperture
210 is situated transversely to the opposing surfaces 200 and 202.
The orientation of the pivotal axis aperture 210 relative to the
spring attachment aperture 216 and the first plurality of ratchet
teeth 218 is shown. Also evidenced by this cross-sectional view is
the location of the pivotal axis aperture 210 such that it is
located off-center from the cable guide tensioner 102 and functions
to permit the rotation of the cable guide tensioner 102 in a manner
to expand or contract the distance of cable travel.
[0037] As best seen in FIG. 4, the cable guide tensioner 102 is in
the resting position orientation. The resting position orientation
is defined as an orientation at which the cable guide tensioner 102
does not substantially expand (or minimizes) the distance of cable
travel. The resting position orientation may be when the spring 214
is in the most wound position. The peripheral surface 204 includes
an entry point 220, which is defined as the point where the cable
106 first makes contact with the peripheral surface 204. The
peripheral surface 204 further includes an exit point 222, which is
defined as the point where the cable 106 last makes contact with
the peripheral surface 204. The entry and exit points 220 and 222
change position along the peripheral surface 204 depending on the
rotational orientation of the cable guide tensioner 102 relative to
the base (as shown in FIG. 6) A path length, L, is defined as the
length measured along the peripheral surface 204 between the entry
point 220 and the exit point 222. A distance, D, is defined as the
shortest, straight-line, distance between the entry point 220 and
the exit point 222. The L and D measurements vary as the cable
guide tensioner 102 moves from the resting position orientation to
one of a series of activated position orientations. The activated
position orientation is defined as any of a series of rotational
orientations of the cable guide tensioner 102 about the pivotal
axis, Pi, resulting from a need to increase cable tension. This
expands the distance of cable travel and compensates for cable
slack. It is a preferred function of the cable guide tensioner 102
that both L and D measurements are the greatest at the maximal
activated position orientation.
[0038] As shown in FIG. 5, the cable guide tensioner 102 is
positioned at one rotational orientation of the activated position.
The activated position results when the cable guide tensioner 102
rotates in response to a slackening of the cable tension, and thus
L and D are increased. The increased L and D distances are directly
related to a selected tension level (or within a preferred range)
that permits the cable guide regulator system 100 to function
properly.
[0039] Reference is now made to FIG. 6, which is a side view of the
base 114. The base 114 includes a surface 300 which may be part of,
or integrated to, the carrier module of the vehicle door panel and
functions as a stationary surface to which the cable guide
tensioner 102 may be engaged. The carrier module may be a regulator
rail, sheet metal inner or other component known to a skilled
artisan. The base 114 further includes an aperture 302 disposed
through the surface 300, that functions to receive the exposed end
of the shaft 212 of the cable guide tensioner 102. The aperture 302
further includes threads 304 (as shown in FIG. 7) that function to
receive the shaft 212 having complementary threads so that the
shaft 212 is stationary in the base 114 and permits the cable guide
tensioner 102 to rotate freely. The shaft 212 may also be in the
form of a rivet or axle. The base 114 further includes a connecting
mechanism 112 that connects the base 114 to the cable guide
tensioner 102 and functions to allow movement (e.g., rotation) of
the cable guide tensioner 102 in one direction relative to the base
114. The connecting mechanism 112 may be in the form of a
ratchet-type system. A complementary spring attachment aperture 306
disposed in, or through, the surface 300, functions to receive one
end of the spring 214. Disposed on the surface 300, encircling the
aperture 302 and complementary spring attachment aperture 306, is a
second plurality of ratchet teeth 308. The second plurality of
teeth 308 are complementary to the first plurality of teeth 218 (as
depicted in FIG. 2) so that they contact each other and function to
permit the rotation of the cable guide tensioner 102 about the
pivotal axis Pi in only one direction. Thus, the cable guide
tensioner 102 comes to rest at any of a series of orientations. As
the teeth of the first plurality 218 slide over the teeth of the
second plurality 308, the cable guide tensioner 102 rotates to the
next `active position` orientation. Each orientation differs from
the next orientation by the granularity determined by the
respective sizes and configuration of the teeth.
[0040] FIG. 7 represents a cross-sectional view taken through line
7-7 of FIG. 6. The orientation of the aperture 302 relative to the
complementary spring attachment aperture 306 and the second
plurality of ratchet teeth 308 is shown. The aperture 302 further
includes threads 304 disposed on the interior surface of the
aperture.
[0041] Reference is now made to FIGS. 8 and 9, where FIG. 8 is a
peripheral view of the cable guide tensioner 102 disposed on the
base 114 via the connecting mechanism 112, and FIG. 9 is a
cross-sectional view illustrating the function and operation of the
cable guide tensioner 102 to achieve the aforementioned spring
forces against the cable 106. As shown, the cable guide tensioner
102 and base 114 engage one another by the first and second
plurality of teeth 218 and 308. The smooth end of the shaft 212
slides through the pivotal axis aperture 210 of cable guide
tensioner 102, and the threaded end of the shaft 212 is threaded
onto the inner threads 304 of the aperture 302 on the base 114
until the widened end cap of the shaft 212 is snug against the
opposing surface 202. According to one embodiment of the invention,
the connecting mechanism 112 may further include a first compliance
spring 310 coaxial with the shaft 212 and situated between the
cable guide tensioner 102 and the base 114, and a second compliance
spring 312 coaxial with the shaft 212 and situated between the
widened end cap of the shaft 212 and the cable guide tensioner 102.
The compliance springs 310, 312 function to provide a spring force
to the cable guide tensioner 102 such that the spring force is
biased to expand the distance between the cable guide tensioner 102
and the base 114 so as to permit the first and second plurality of
teeth 218 and 308 to snugly engage one another yet provide a
sufficient amount of give to allow the teeth to slide over one
another.
[0042] Reference is now made to FIGS. 10 and 11, where FIG. 10 is a
perspective view of an embodiment the cable guide tensioner 102 and
FIG. 11 is a side view of the base structure 114. In addition to
the features of the cable guide tensioner 102 as described for FIG.
2, excluding the spring 214 and the spring attachment aperture 216,
the cable guide tensioner 102 includes a rod 400 disposed
transversely on the first opposing surface 200. The base 114
includes a curved channel 402 along the surface 300 such that the
curve is complementary to the curvature of the rotation of the
cable guide tensioner 102 along the pivotal axis Pi. The location
of the rod 400 on the first opposing surface 200 may be adapted to
complement the location of the curved channel 402. The length of
the rod 400 is adapted so that one end of the rod 400 extends
through, and is received transversely into, the channel 402 and
will not slip out. A spring 404 is situated within the channel 402
so that one end is adjacent to a channel wall while the other end
is situated against the rod 400. FIG. 12 is a peripheral view of
the cable guide tensioner 102 of FIG. 10 connected to the base
structure and illustrates the orientation of the rod 400 in
relation to the channel 402 and spring 404 of the base 114. The
spring 404 functions to create a spring force to bias the cable
guide tensioner 102 to rotate to the next `active position`
orientation.
[0043] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the
cable guide tensioner 102. The cable guide tensioner 102, as
described above, may further include at least one integrated spring
finger 500 disposed on the opposing surface 200. The integrated
spring fingers 500 function to provide a spring force to the cable
guide tensioner 102 such that the distance between the cable guide
tensioner 102 and the base 114 expands so as to permit the first
and second plurality of teeth 218 and 308 to snugly engage one
another yet provide a sufficient amount of give to allow the teeth
to slide over one another. The amount of spring force may be
optimized by adjusting the height of the integrated spring fingers
500. The integrated spring fingers 500 may or may not be used in
conjunction with the first compliance spring 310 and second
compliance spring 312. It is also understood that one or more
integrated spring finger 500 may alternatively be disposed on the
surface 300 of the base 114, or may be disposed on both the first
opposing surface 200 and surface 300.
[0044] Thus, in accordance with one aspect of the present
invention, the cable guide tensioner 102 provides a spring force to
the cable 106 such that a distance of cable travel expands, and
tension is induced in the cable. The cable guide tensioner 102 is
operable to rotate through a plurality of orientations from a first
resting position orientation to any one of a series of activated
position orientations such that tension is maintained sufficiently
high within the cable 106. In this regard, the length (L) between
the entry point 220 and exit point 222 of the cable 106 varies as
the cable guide tensioner 102 rotates through a plurality of
orientations. Similarly, the distance D between entry and exit
points 220 and 222 of the cable 106 entering and exiting the
channel 200 also varies as the cable guide tensioner 102
rotates.
[0045] Although the invention herein has been described with
reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that
these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and
applications of the present invention. It is therefore to be
understood that numerous modifications may be made to the
illustrative embodiments and that other arrangements may be devised
without departing from the spirit and scope of the present
invention as defined by the appended claims.
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