Dual friction surface asymmetric damped tensioner

A method of utilizing a tensioner for maintaining a predetermined tension on a power transmission belt to be operated on an endless path, the method comprising the steps of:

• providing an arm comprising a belt engaging section and a drum section;
• providing a support member configured to be secured relative to the belt, the support member comprising a hub having a longitudinal axis and being fixed from movement relative to the belt engaging section, the hub moveably holding the arm;
• providing a spring operatively interconnected to the arm and the support member, the spring being configured to urge the belt engaging section relative to the support member and against the belt with a force to provide the predetermined tension on the belt;
• providing a stator held by the hub, the stator being positioned relative to an inside surface of the drum section to form arcuate spaces between the outside surface of the stator and the inside surface of the drum section;
• providing arcuate shaped wedges positioned in the arcuate spaces;
• and
• providing Bellville spring coupled to the arm;
• and
• providing a friction device positioned between the wedges and the Bellville spring.

A tensioner for a power transmission belt that operates on an endless path and that utilizes asymmetric motion control, the tensioner comprising an arm including a belt engaging section and a drum section, a support member securing the tensioner relative to the belt, the support member comprising a hub having a longitudinal axis and being fixed from movement relative to the belt engaging section, the hub moveably holding the arm, a spring operatively interconnected to the arm and the support member, the spring being configured to urge the belt engaging section relative to the support member and against the belt with a force to tension the belt, the improvement wherein the tensioner further comprises:

• a stator held by the hub, the stator being positioned relative to an inside surface of the drum section to form arcuate spaces between an outside surface of the stator and the inside surface of the drum section;
• arcuate shaped wedges positioned in the arcuate spaces
• a Bellville spring coupled to the arm;
• and
• a friction device positioned between the wedges and the Bellville spring.

A method of utilizing a tensioner for maintaining a predetermined tension on a power transmission belt to be operated on an endless path, the method comprising the steps of providing an arm comprising a belt engaging section and a drum section, providing a support member configured to be secured relative to the belt, the support member comprising a hub having a longitudinal axis and being fixed from movement relative to the belt engaging section, the hub moveably holding the arm, providing a spring operatively interconnected to the arm and the support member, the spring being configured to urge the belt engaging section relative to the support member and against the belt with a force to provide the predetermined tension on the belt, the improvement wherein the method further comprises the steps of:

• providing a stator held by the hub, the stator being positioned relative to an inside surface of the drum section to form arcuate spaces between the outside surface or the stator and the inside surface of the drum section;
• providing arcuate shaped wedges positioned in the arcuate spaces;
• coupling a Bellville spring to the arm;
• and
• positioning a friction device between the wedges and the Bellville spring.