A clip lock for securing an expandable clip of a chain tensioner includes an elongated member having a first surface configured to engage an exterior surface of the chain tensioner and a second surface, spaced apart from the first surface, that is configured to engage the expandable clip and maintain the expandable clip in contact with an annular groove of a chain tensioner component preventing radially-outward expansion and axial movement of the expandable clip with respect to the chain tensioner component while the first surface engages that exterior surface of the hydraulic tensioner and the second surface engages the expandable clip.

A tensioner comprising a base having a shaft and having a radially projecting tab therefrom, a pivot arm pivotally engaged with the shaft about a pivot axis A-A, a torsion spring disposed between the base and the pivot arm, the torsion spring in a compressed state, a pulley journalled to the pivot arm, a first axial member extending from the pivot arm, the first axial member comprising a radially projecting portion adjacent to a radially receding portion, and the radially projecting portion engaging the radially projecting tab in a first pivot arm position and the radially receding portion cooperating with the radially projecting tab in a second pivot arm position.

A sealed tensioner is used in an automotive application to keep a belt or chain under its intended tension as it wears and stretches. The sealed tensioner is hydraulic but lacks an outside oil supply. The sealed tensioner, in an example, includes an outer body having a first bore. A cartridge body is received in the first bore. The cartridge body has a second bore. A piston is carried in the second bore. A check valve is situated between a low pressure reservoir and a high pressure chamber. One or more baffle walls are located at the low pressure reservoir. The baffle wall(s) block an air pocket in the low pressure reservoir from entering the high pressure chamber.

A hydraulic tensioner (10) and method of manufacture can include a housing (12), a piston (16) moveable from a retracted position toward an extended position with respect to the housing (12) in response to fluid pressure, and a tensioner spring (36) biasing the piston (16) toward the extended position. The hydraulic tensioner (10) can include a modular sleeve (14) supported by the housing (12) and defining an aperture (15) for slidably receiving the piston (16) and defining an expandable fluid chamber (18). The housing (12) can provide a fluid passage (39) for fluid communication between the expandable fluid chamber (18) and a source of pressurized fluid. The housing (12) can have a seat (25) in fluid communication with the aperture (15). An end (38) of the modular sleeve (14) can be seated with respect to a seat (25) of the housing (12) to seal the fluid passage (39).

An object of the present invention is to provide a tensioner that has a reduced number of components and lighter weight and is easy to assemble. The tensioner according to the present invention is configured such that a base member is detachably and mechanically joined to a rear end opening of a cylindrical plunger with a closed front end against the resilience of biasing means that is accommodated inside the plunger such as to be freely extend and contract. The joint between the plunger and the base member is a mechanical connection that is one of a thread engagement, a press-fit, and a pin connection.

A clip lock for securing an expandable clip of a chain tensioner includes an elongated member having a first surface configured to engage an exterior surface of the chain tensioner and a second surface, spaced apart from the first surface, that is configured to engage the expandable clip and maintain the expandable clip in contact with an annular groove of a chain tensioner component preventing radially-outward expansion and axial movement of the expandable clip with respect to the chain tensioner component while the first surface engages that exterior surface of the hydraulic tensioner and the second surface engages the expandable clip.

A hydraulic tensioner includes piston retaining, anti-return, and anti-rotation functions. A ratchet clip for the tensioner preferably has straight sides or legs substantially perpendicular to a connecting portion. The ratchet clip preferably is substantially rectangular or U-shaped. The ends of the ratchet clip opposite the connecting portion are preferably bent inwards after the ratchet clip has been assembled on the tensioner. The ratchet clip performs the piston retaining function, the anti-rotation function and the anti-return functions. It is unnecessary for the user to remove the ratchet clip after the tensioner is assembled on the engine.

A tensioning device (1) for tensioning a traction mechanism of a traction mechanism drive, including a housing (2), a piston (3) that is mounted such that the piston can be displaced in an axial direction inside the housing (2), and a transport securing element (4), which in at least one transport position of the tensioning device (1) is arranged in the housing (2) transversely to the piston (3) and in abutment with the piston (3) such that a displacement of the piston (3) in at least one first axial direction is blocked. The transport securing element (4) is provided with a support portion (5), wherein in the transport position at least one first web area (6) of the support portion (5) is in abutment with one end face (7) of the piston (3), and an additional web area (8) of the support portion (5) extending in an axial direction away from the first web area (6) is supported in the housing (2), at least in a radial direction.

This invention relates to a hydraulic tensioner comprising a tensioner body, a hollow piston, a hydraulic pressure chamber, a piston spring, and a check valve assembly. The check valve assembly includes a ball, a spring, and a retainer that are assembled directly on the tensioner body. The retainer is preferably press-fit onto the tensioner body. The check valve assembly preferably does not include a seal or a seat.

A tensioner comprising a base, a pivot arm pivotally engaged with the base, a pulley journalled to the pivot arm, a torsion spring engaged between the base and the pivot arm, the torsion spring comprising a planar cylindrical portion integrally formed into an end of the torsion spring, and a damping member engaged with the planar cylindrical portion, the damping member frictionally engaging the base and being loaded in an unwinding direction.