Hydraulic chain tensioner device for a motorcycle engine
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202521802362.2
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-08-22
- Publication Date
- 2026-09-08
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-08-22
AI Technical Summary
参考其说明书附图1-6可知,液压张紧器设置在缸体内,使得缸体与张紧板之间留有较大空间,进而导致缸体积较大,占用空间大,且张紧器不便于安装在一体式结构的缸体中
[0021]This invention places the tensioner assembly on the cylinder body, leaving a small space between the cylinder body and the tensioning plate. The cylinder body is small in size and occupies little space. At the same time, the mounting hole is located on the side wall of the cylinder body, eliminating the need to insert the tensioner into the inner cavity of the cylinder body, thus facilitating the installation of the tensioner. Meanwhile, an oil return hole is provided, with one inlet and one outlet, which keeps the oil pressure entering the inner bushing cavity stable. The oil in the outer bushing cavity seeps out through oil outlet gap one and oil outlet gap two to the chamber where the timing chain is located. During the oil seepage process, damping is generated, which can reduce some of the vibration caused by the movement of the timing chain, thus playing a buffering role.
Smart Images

Figure CN224730033U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical fields:
[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of motorcycle engine technology, and specifically refers to a hydraulic chain tensioner device for motorcycle engines. Background technology:
[0002] During the operation of a car engine, the crankshaft drives the camshaft, which in turn drives the valves to open and close at the correct times, driven by the timing belt or timing chain. This, in conjunction with the pistons, completes the four processes of intake, compression, power stroke, and exhaust, ensuring the normal operation of the engine. With the development of automotive technology, timing chain drives are increasingly replacing timing belt drives in engine timing systems. Timing chain systems are more compact, reliable, and wear-resistant. Engine timing chain tensioners are devices used to prevent excessive slack on the timing chain after long-term wear, which can cause abnormal chain meshing and noise. Traditional tensioners mostly use mechanical structures, which suffer from unstable operation and low durability. To solve the problems of traditional tensioners, hydraulic tensioners have emerged on the market. They utilize the oil pressure in the engine's lubrication circuit to automatically adjust the tension, primarily used to maintain appropriate chain tension, ensuring smooth, efficient, and stable operation, reducing maintenance costs and wear.
[0003] Chinese invention patent (publication number CN104482143A, application date 2014.12.01, publication date 2025.04.01) discloses a timing chain tensioning mechanism, including a moving rail guide (tensioning plate) for pressing the timing chain, a set of moving rail spring steel plates disposed within the moving rail guide to apply pressure to the moving rail guide, a bolt mounting hole at one end of the moving rail guide, and a guide rail support surface at the other end; it also includes a moving rail bracket fixedly mounted on the engine block, with a moving rail bracket support surface that mates with the guide rail support surface. The moving rail structure, composed of the moving rail guide and the moving rail spring steel plates, simultaneously serves the guiding function of a typical timing chain moving rail and the function of a hydraulic tensioner providing tension force. (Refer to the appendix of the specification.) Figure 1 As shown in -6, the hydraulic tensioner is located inside the cylinder, which leaves a large space between the cylinder and the tensioning plate, resulting in a large cylinder volume and a large space occupation. Furthermore, the tensioner is not convenient to install in a cylinder with an integrated structure. Utility Model Content:
[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a hydraulic chain tensioner device for motorcycle engines, which has a small cylinder volume, occupies little space, and is easy to install.
[0005] This utility model is implemented as follows:
[0006] A hydraulic chain tensioner device for a motorcycle engine includes a cylinder body. The cylinder body has a mounting hole, a return oil hole, and an oil inlet hole connected to an oil supply line on its side wall. A tensioner assembly is housed within the mounting hole. The tensioner assembly includes an outer bushing slidably disposed within the mounting hole, an inner bushing slidably disposed within the outer bushing, and a compression spring disposed between the outer bushing and the inner bushing. The inner end of the outer bushing extends out of the mounting hole and abuts against a tensioning plate for pressing the timing chain. The inner cavity of the inner bushing connects to the oil inlet hole and the return oil hole. The inner cavity of the inner bushing and the inner cavity of the outer bushing are sealed and connected by a one-way valve. An oil outlet gap one is left between the inner side wall of the outer bushing and the outer side wall of the inner bushing, and an oil outlet gap two is left between the outer side wall of the outer bushing and the wall of the mounting hole, connecting to the oil outlet gap one.
[0007] In the aforementioned hydraulic chain tensioner device for a motorcycle engine, the mounting hole and the return oil hole are respectively provided through the side wall of the cylinder body. The outer end of the oil inlet hole penetrates the cylinder body, and the inner end is connected to the oil supply line. A tensioning cover is provided on the outer side of the cylinder body. The tensioning cover is provided on the mounting hole, the return oil hole, and the oil inlet hole. An oil inlet channel connecting the oil inlet hole and the inner cavity of the inner bushing, and an oil return channel connecting the return oil hole and the inner cavity of the inner bushing are provided between the tensioning cover and the cylinder body.
[0008] In the aforementioned hydraulic chain tensioner device for a motorcycle engine, the tensioning cover is fixedly connected to the cylinder body by screws.
[0009] In the aforementioned hydraulic chain tensioner device for a motorcycle engine, the tensioning cover includes a cover body and a plug for sealing the outer end of the mounting hole. The plug is hollow and open at its inner end. The outer end face of the inner bushing abuts and seals against the inner end face of the plug. A small oil inlet hole and a small oil return hole are provided through the side wall of the plug. A sealing gasket fitted over the plug is provided between the cover body and the cylinder body. The outer end face of the cylinder body is concave to form an oil inlet groove and an oil return groove, the oil return groove connecting to the return oil... The oil inlet and return oil holes are provided. The oil inlet groove is connected to the oil inlet hole. The inner surface of the cover is recessed to form an oil passage groove. The sealing gasket is provided with an oil passage hole one connecting the oil inlet hole and the oil passage groove and an oil passage hole two connecting the oil passage groove and the oil inlet groove. The oil passage hole one, the oil passage groove, the oil passage hole two, the oil inlet groove and the oil inlet hole form the oil inlet channel. The oil return hole is the oil return channel. An oil passage cavity is provided between the plug and the outer bushing, connecting the oil outlet gap one and the oil outlet gap two.
[0010] In the aforementioned hydraulic chain tensioner device for a motorcycle engine, the second oil passage is a groove that connects to the inner hole of the sealing gasket.
[0011] In the aforementioned hydraulic chain tensioner device for a motorcycle engine, the dimensions of the first oil outlet gap and the second oil outlet gap are 0.03mm-0.067mm.
[0012] In the aforementioned hydraulic chain tensioner device for a motorcycle engine, the diameter of the oil inlet hole is the same as the diameter of the oil return hole, and multiple oil passage holes are provided, with a diameter smaller than that of the oil inlet hole.
[0013] In the aforementioned hydraulic chain tensioner device for a motorcycle engine, the diameters of the oil inlet hole and the oil return hole are 0.76 mm, and the diameter of the first oil passage hole is 0.74 mm.
[0014] In the aforementioned hydraulic chain tensioner device for a motorcycle engine, the inner diameter of the plug is smaller than the outer diameter of the inner bushing.
[0015] In the aforementioned hydraulic chain tensioner device for a motorcycle engine, the inner diameter of the plug is 6.8 mm, and the outer diameter of the inner bushing is 8 mm.
[0016] In the aforementioned hydraulic chain tensioner device for a motorcycle engine, the inner bushing is hollow and open at the outer end. The inner end of the inner bushing is provided with an oil outlet hole that connects the inner cavity of the inner bushing with the inner cavity of the outer bushing. The one-way valve includes a steel ball that blocks and opens the oil outlet hole. The steel ball is located outside the inner end of the inner bushing. The inner bushing is provided with a bracket that limits the movement of the steel ball. Between the steel ball and the bracket, there is a compression spring that causes the steel ball to move toward the oil outlet hole.
[0017] In the aforementioned hydraulic chain tensioner device for a motorcycle engine, the inner sidewall of the outer bushing is recessed to form an annular groove, and a retaining ring is fitted on the outer side of the inner bushing. The retaining ring abuts and limits the end face of the annular groove near the tensioning cover, and the inner end of the inner bushing abuts and limits the end face of the annular groove away from the tensioning cover.
[0018] In the aforementioned hydraulic chain tensioner device for a motorcycle engine, a mounting post protruding from the cylinder body is provided on the side wall of the cylinder body, and the mounting hole, oil return hole, and oil inlet hole are all located inside the mounting post.
[0019] In the aforementioned hydraulic chain tensioner device for a motorcycle engine, one end of the tensioning plate is hinged to the right housing, the tensioning plate is positioned above the timing chain, and a chain guide is provided below the timing chain, with the chain guide positioned between the timing chain and the right housing.
[0020] The outstanding advantages of this utility model compared to the prior art are:
[0021] This invention places the tensioner assembly on the cylinder body, leaving a small space between the cylinder body and the tensioning plate. The cylinder body is small in size and occupies little space. At the same time, the mounting hole is located on the side wall of the cylinder body, eliminating the need to insert the tensioner into the inner cavity of the cylinder body, thus facilitating the installation of the tensioner. Meanwhile, an oil return hole is provided, with one inlet and one outlet, which keeps the oil pressure entering the inner bushing cavity stable. The oil in the outer bushing cavity seeps out through oil outlet gap one and oil outlet gap two to the chamber where the timing chain is located. During the oil seepage process, damping is generated, which can reduce some of the vibration caused by the movement of the timing chain, thus playing a buffering role. Attached image description:
[0022] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the present invention;
[0023] Figure 2 This is a partial sectional view of the present invention;
[0024] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the cylinder body of this utility model;
[0025] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the sealing gasket of this utility model;
[0026] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the tensioning cover of this utility model.
[0027] Reference numerals: 1. Cylinder block; 2. Mounting hole; 3. Oil return hole; 4. Oil inlet hole; 5. Outer bushing; 6. Inner bushing; 7. Compression spring one; 8. Timing chain; 9. Tensioner plate; 10. Tensioner cover; 10a. Cover body; 10b. Plug; 11. Small oil inlet hole; 12. Small oil return hole; 13. Sealing gasket; 14. Oil inlet groove; 15. Oil return groove; 16. Oil passage groove; 17. Oil passage hole one; 18. Oil passage hole two; 19. Oil passage cavity; 20. Oil outlet hole; 21. Steel ball; 22. Bracket; 23. Compression spring two; 24. Annular groove; 25. Retaining ring; 26. Mounting post; 27. Screw; 28. Right gearbox; 29. Chain guide. Detailed implementation method:
[0028] The present invention will be further described below with reference to specific embodiments. See also: Figure 1 —5:
[0029] A hydraulic chain tensioner device for a motorcycle engine includes a cylinder 1. The side wall of the cylinder 1 has a mounting hole 2, an oil return hole 3, and an oil inlet hole 4 connecting to an oil supply line. A tensioner assembly is provided in the mounting hole 2. The tensioner assembly includes an outer bushing 5 slidably disposed in the mounting hole 2, an inner bushing 6 slidably disposed in the outer bushing 5, and a compression spring 7 disposed between the outer bushing 5 and the inner bushing 6. The inner end of the outer bushing 5 extends out of the mounting hole 2 and abuts against a tensioning plate 9 for pressing a timing chain 8. The inner cavity of the inner bushing 6 connects to the oil inlet hole 4 and the oil return hole 3. The inner cavity of the inner bushing 6 and the inner cavity of the outer bushing 5 are sealed and connected by a one-way valve. An oil outlet gap 1 is left between the inner side wall of the outer bushing 5 and the outer side wall of the inner bushing 6, and an oil outlet gap 2 connecting the outer side wall of the outer bushing 5 and the wall of the mounting hole 2 is left.
[0030] The working principle of this utility model is as follows: Figure 1-5 As shown, oil in the crankcase is pumped into the oil supply line by the oil pump, and then enters the inner cavity of the inner bushing 6 through the oil inlet 4. Part of the oil flows into the inner cavity of the outer bushing 5 through the one-way valve, causing the outer bushing 5 to extend inward and press the timing chain 8 against the tension plate 9. The other part of the oil flows out through the oil return hole 3 to the chamber where the timing chain 8 is located, and finally returns to the crankcase. The oil return hole 3 is provided, with one inlet and one outlet, to keep the oil pressure entering the inner cavity of the inner bushing 6 stable. The oil in the inner cavity of the outer bushing 5 seeps out to the chamber where the timing chain 8 is located through the oil outlet gap one and oil outlet gap two. During the oil seepage process, damping is generated, which can reduce some of the vibration caused by the movement of the timing chain 8, and plays a buffering role.
[0031] This utility model sets the tensioner assembly on the cylinder body 1. The space between the cylinder body 1 and the tensioning plate 9 is small, the cylinder body is small in size and occupies little space. At the same time, the mounting hole 2 is set on the side wall of the cylinder body 1, so there is no need to insert it into the inner cavity of the cylinder body 1 to install the tensioner, which facilitates the installation of the tensioner. A compression spring 7 is set for low-pressure pre-tensioning. That is, when the low pressure is low, the outer bushing 5 presses the timing chain 8 through the tensioning plate 9 under the elastic force of the compression spring 7.
[0032] To facilitate the installation of the tensioner assembly, and the machining of mounting hole 2, oil return hole 3, and oil inlet hole 4, such as... Figure 1-5 As shown, the mounting hole 2 and the oil return hole 3 are respectively provided through the side wall of the cylinder body 1. The outer end of the oil inlet hole 4 penetrates the cylinder body 1 and the inner end is connected to the oil supply pipeline. A tensioning cover 10 is provided on the outer side of the cylinder body 1. The tensioning cover 10 covers the mounting hole 2, the oil return hole 3 and the oil inlet hole 4. An oil inlet channel connecting the oil inlet hole 4 and the inner cavity of the inner bushing 6 and an oil return channel connecting the oil return hole 3 and the inner cavity of the inner bushing 6 are provided between the tensioning cover 10 and the cylinder body 1.
[0033] Installation structure of tension cover 10: The tension cover 10 is fixedly connected to the cylinder body 1 by screws 27.
[0034] The specific structure and installation structure of the tensioning cover 10 and cylinder 1 are as follows: The tensioning cover 10 includes a cover body 10a and a plug 10b for sealing the outer end of the mounting hole 2. The plug 10b is hollow and open at the inner end. The outer end face of the inner bushing 6 abuts and seals against the inner end face of the plug 10b. An oil inlet hole 11 and an oil return hole 12 are provided through the side wall of the plug 10b. A sealing gasket 13 is provided between the cover body 10a and the cylinder 1, fitted over the plug 10b. The outer end face of the cylinder 1 is concave to form an oil inlet groove 14 and an oil return groove 15. The oil return groove 15 connects to the oil return hole 1. 2 and oil return hole 3, the oil inlet groove 14 is connected to the oil inlet hole 11, the inner surface of the cover 10a is recessed to form an oil passage groove 16, the sealing gasket 13 is provided with an oil passage hole 17 connecting the oil inlet hole 4 and the oil passage groove 16 and an oil passage hole 18 connecting the oil passage groove 16 and the oil inlet groove 14, the oil passage hole 17, the oil passage groove 16, the oil passage hole 18, the oil inlet groove 14 and the oil inlet hole 11 form the oil inlet channel, the oil return hole 12 is the oil return channel, and the plug 10b and the outer bushing 5 are provided with an oil passage cavity 19 connecting the oil outlet gap 1 and the oil outlet gap 2. The structure is simple and easy to install and process.
[0035] Furthermore, the second oil passage 18 is a groove that connects to the inner hole of the sealing gasket 13.
[0036] Furthermore, the dimensions of the first oil outlet gap and the second oil outlet gap are 0.03mm-0.067mm.
[0037] In order to filter the oil entering the oil inlet hole 11 and avoid clogging the oil inlet hole 11 and the oil return hole 12, the diameter of the oil inlet hole 11 is the same as the diameter of the oil return hole 12. Multiple oil passage holes 17 are provided, and their diameters are smaller than the diameter of the oil inlet hole 11.
[0038] Furthermore, the diameters of the oil inlet hole 11 and the oil return hole 12 are 0.76 mm, and the diameter of the oil passage hole 17 is 0.74 mm.
[0039] To ensure a better seal between the plug 10b and the inner liner 6, the inner diameter of the plug 10b is smaller than the outer diameter of the inner liner 6.
[0040] Furthermore, the inner diameter of the plug 10b is 6.8 mm, and the outer diameter of the inner bushing 6 is 8 mm.
[0041] The specific structure of a one-way valve: as follows Figure 2As shown, the inner bushing 6 is hollow and open at the outer end. The inner end of the inner bushing 6 has an oil outlet 20 connecting the inner cavity of the inner bushing 6 to the inner cavity of the outer bushing 5. The one-way valve includes a steel ball 21 that blocks and opens the oil outlet 20. The steel ball 21 is located outside the inner end of the inner bushing 6. A bracket 22 is provided on the inner bushing 6 to limit the movement of the steel ball 21. A compression spring 23 is provided between the steel ball 21 and the bracket 22, which has elasticity to move the steel ball 21 towards the oil outlet 20. The steel ball 21 and the compression spring 23 are used for lateral flow control and pressure stabilization.
[0042] Furthermore, after the steel ball 21 is installed, the bracket 22 is fixed to the inner bushing 6 by welding.
[0043] In order to limit the movement of the outer bushing 5 relative to the inner bushing 6, the inner sidewall of the outer bushing 5 is recessed to form an annular groove 24. The inner bushing 6 is fitted with a retaining ring 25. The retaining ring 25 abuts against the end face of the annular groove 24 near the tension cover 10 and limits its movement. The inner end of the inner bushing 6 abuts against the end face of the annular groove 24 away from the tension cover 10 and limits its movement.
[0044] In order to reduce the overall thickness of the sidewall of the cylinder body 1 and reduce the weight of the cylinder body 1, a mounting post 26 with an outer surface protruding from the cylinder body 1 is provided on the sidewall of the cylinder body 1, and the mounting hole 2, the oil return hole 3 and the oil inlet hole 4 are all located in the mounting post 26.
[0045] Furthermore, the cylinder body 1 and the mounting column 26 are integrally cast.
[0046] Furthermore, one end of the tensioning plate 9 is hinged to the right housing 28. The tensioning plate 9 is positioned above the timing chain 8, and a chain guide 29 is provided below the timing chain 8. The chain guide 29 is positioned between the timing chain 8 and the right housing 28.
[0047] This utility model of hydraulic tensioner automatically adjusts the tension according to the chain's tightness, ensuring the chain always maintains appropriate tension and preventing the transmission system from being affected by loose or overly tight chains. By maintaining constant chain tension, it avoids affecting transmission efficiency due to insufficient or excessive chain tension, thereby reducing energy consumption. The hydraulic tensioner reduces wear between the chain and sprockets, extending the service life of the chain and equipment. Automatic tension adjustment prevents malfunctions caused by unstable chain tension and includes overload protection to prevent equipment damage. This utility model of hydraulic tensioner can adapt to various working conditions and environments, meeting different application needs.
[0048] The above embodiments are only one of the preferred embodiments of this utility model and are not intended to limit the scope of implementation of this utility model. Therefore, all equivalent changes made in accordance with the shape, structure and principle of this utility model should be covered within the protection scope of this utility model.
Claims
1. A hydraulic chain tensioner device for a motorcycle engine, characterized by: The cylinder includes a cylinder body (1), on which a mounting hole (2), an oil return hole (3), and an oil inlet hole (4) connecting to the oil supply line are provided on the side wall. A tensioner assembly is provided in the mounting hole (2), which includes an outer bushing (5) sliding in the mounting hole (2), an inner bushing (6) sliding in the outer bushing (5), and a compression spring (7) disposed between the outer bushing (5) and the inner bushing (6). The inner end of the outer bushing (5) extends outward. The mounting hole (2) abuts against the tensioning plate (9) used to press the timing chain (8). The inner cavity of the inner bushing (6) is connected to the oil inlet hole (4) and the oil return hole (3). The inner cavity of the inner bushing (6) and the inner cavity of the outer bushing (5) are sealed and connected by a one-way valve. There is an oil outlet gap one between the inner side wall of the outer bushing (5) and the outer side wall of the inner bushing (6). There is an oil outlet gap two between the outer side wall of the outer bushing (5) and the hole wall of the mounting hole (2) that connects to the oil outlet gap one.
2. A hydraulic chain tensioner device for a motorcycle engine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The mounting hole (2) and the return oil hole (3) are respectively provided through the side wall of the cylinder body (1). The outer end of the oil inlet hole (4) is through the cylinder body (1) and the inner end is connected to the oil supply pipeline. A tensioning cover (10) is provided on the outer side of the cylinder body (1). The tensioning cover (10) is placed on the mounting hole (2), the return oil hole (3) and the oil inlet hole (4). An oil inlet channel connecting the oil inlet hole (4) and the inner cavity of the inner bushing (6) and an oil return channel connecting the return oil hole (3) and the inner cavity of the inner bushing (6) are provided between the tensioning cover (10) and the cylinder body (1).
3. A hydraulic chain tensioner device for a motorcycle engine according to claim 2, characterized in that: The tensioning cap (10) includes a cap body (10a) and a plug (10b) for sealing the outer end of the mounting hole (2). The plug (10b) is hollow and open at the inner end. The outer end face of the inner bushing (6) abuts and seals against the inner end face of the plug (10b). An oil inlet hole (11) and an oil return hole (12) are provided through the side wall of the plug (10b). A sealing gasket (13) fitted outside the plug (10b) is provided between the cap body (10a) and the cylinder body (1). The outer end face of the cylinder body (1) is concave to form an oil inlet groove (14) and an oil return groove (15). The oil return groove (15) connects the oil return hole (12) and the oil return hole (3). The groove (14) connects to the oil inlet hole (11). The inner surface of the cover (10a) is recessed to form an oil passage groove (16). The sealing gasket (13) is provided with an oil passage hole one (17) connecting the oil inlet hole (4) and the oil passage groove (16) and an oil passage hole two (18) connecting the oil passage groove (16) and the oil inlet groove (14). The oil passage hole one (17), the oil passage groove (16), the oil passage hole two (18), the oil inlet groove (14) and the oil inlet hole (11) form the oil inlet channel. The oil return hole (12) is the oil return channel. The plug (10b) and the outer bushing (5) are provided with an oil passage cavity (19) connecting the oil outlet gap one and the oil outlet gap two.
4. A hydraulic chain tensioner device for a motorcycle engine according to claim 3, characterized in that: The dimensions of the first and second oil outlet gaps are 0.03mm-0.067mm.
5. A hydraulic chain tensioner device for a motorcycle engine according to claim 3, characterized in that: The diameter of the oil inlet hole (11) is the same as the diameter of the oil return hole (12). There are multiple oil passage holes (17), and their diameters are smaller than the diameters of the oil inlet holes (11).
6. A hydraulic chain tensioner device for a motorcycle engine according to claim 3, characterized in that: The inner diameter of the plug (10b) is smaller than the outer diameter of the inner bushing (6).
7. A hydraulic chain tensioner device for a motorcycle engine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner bushing (6) is hollow and open at the outer end. The inner end of the inner bushing (6) is provided with an oil outlet hole (20) that connects the inner cavity of the inner bushing (6) with the inner cavity of the outer bushing (5). The one-way valve includes a steel ball (21) that blocks and opens the oil outlet hole (20). The steel ball (21) is located outside the inner end of the inner bushing (6). The inner bushing (6) is provided with a bracket (22) that limits the movement of the steel ball (21). A compression spring (23) is provided between the steel ball (21) and the bracket (22) to make the steel ball (21) move toward the oil outlet hole (20).
8. A hydraulic chain tensioner device for a motorcycle engine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner sidewall of the outer bushing (5) is recessed to form an annular groove (24). The inner bushing (6) is fitted with a retaining ring (25). The retaining ring (25) and the annular groove (24) are in contact and limited at the end face of the tensioning cover (10). The inner end of the inner bushing (6) and the annular groove (24) are in contact and limited at the end face of the tensioning cover (10).
9. A hydraulic chain tensioner device for a motorcycle engine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cylinder body (1) has a mounting post (26) with an outer surface protruding from the cylinder body (1) on its side wall. The mounting hole (2), oil return hole (3) and oil inlet hole (4) are all located inside the mounting post (26).
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Timing chain tensioning device
CN104482143A