Inventors:
Randy C. Foster - Springfield MO
Roger G. Hackard - Sparta MO
Leslie B. Wilson - Reeds Spring MO
Assignee:
Dayco Corporation - Dayton OH
International Classification:
F16H 712
F16D 5700
F16F 914
F16F 948
Abstract:
A tensioner for a power transmission belt that is adapted to be operated in an endless path and a method of making the same are provided, the tensioner comprising a support unit for being fixed relative to the belt, a belt engaging unit carried by the support unit and being movable relative thereto, a mechanical spring unit operatively associated with the support unit and the belt engaging unit for urging the belt engaging unit relative to the support unit and against the belt with a force to tension the belt, and a fluid dampening unit operatively associated with the support unit and the belt engaging unit to dampen the movement of the belt engaging unit relative to the support unit in at least one direction of movement thereof, the dampening unit comprising a piston unit and a cylinder unit having the piston unit therein and defining two chambers for fluid in the cylinder unit on opposite sides of the piston unit. An accumulator chamber is disposed remote from the two chambers and a passage arrangement leads from one of the two chambers of the cylinder unit to the accumulator chamber.