What Is a Chain Tensioner?
A chain tensioner is a device designed to maintain the appropriate tension in a chain.
Its primary function is to prolong the chain’s lifespan and enhance the efficiency of the associated drive system. Chain tensioners are widely used in various fields, including automobile and motorcycle engines, transmission systems, and industrial machinery such as belt conveyors and chain-driven forklifts.
The key mechanism of a chain tensioner involves the tensioner arm, which extends or retracts based on the chain’s tension, thereby adjusting it. This function is critical for both extending the chain’s life and improving drive efficiency. The tensioner arm operates via forces like springs or hydraulic pressure, expanding as the chain tension increases and contracting when it decreases.