CHECK VALVE WITH SPRING RETAINED BALL

Abstract

A portion of a bore of a hydraulic tensioner is used as a check valve seat for a check ball and an end of the plunger biasing spring received in the bore of the hydraulic tensioner has a tang with a length extending in from an outer diameter of the spring, to limit and retain the travel of a check ball from the check valve seat when the pressure of an external source is not greater than the pressure in a fluid chamber formed between the bore of the housing and the plunger.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention pertains to the field of check valves. More particularly, the invention pertains to a check valve with a spring retained ball.

2. Description of Related Art

Hydraulic tensioners are used to control excessive movement in a power transmission chain, or similar power transmission device, as the chain travels between a plurality of sprockets. In a power transmission system, power is transmitted by the continuous loop chain from a driving sprocket, such as the crankshaft, to one or more driven sprockets, such as those that operate the camshaft. During varying power demands, a portion of the chain will be tight and another portion of the chain will be slack. Engine torque fluctuations will also severely affect the tension experienced by the strands of the chain.

It is necessary to maintain a certain degree of tension in the chain to prevent noise, or slippage due to tooth jumping, when using a toothed chain. Prevention of such excessive movement is particularly important in the case of a chain driven camshaft, because the jumping of teeth on any of the sprockets may result in error associated with timing of the camshaft, potentially causing severe damage to the engine or complete inoperability of the engine.

Over prolonged use, wear experienced by the components of the power transmission system can cause a decrease in chain tension. Also, wide variations in the temperature and different coefficients of thermal expansion among the various parts of the engine can cause the chain tension to vary from excessively high to very low levels. Other factors that affect chain tension are torsional vibrations of the camshaft or the crankshaft or the reverse rotation of the engine, such as during the stopping of the engine or the failed attempts at starting the engine. For these reasons, a hydraulic tensioner is used to mitigate the excessive tension on the tight strand while ensuring that adequate tension is present on the slack strand of the chain.

Hydraulic tensioners are conventionally used in conjunction with a lever arm that pushes against the slack strand of the chain to tighten the strand. It must then retain rigidity when the chain tightens. A hydraulic tensioner typically contains a hollow piston housed within a cylindrically shaped bore of the housing. A pressure chamber is formed between the hollow piston and the bore of the housing. The pressure chamber is connected to an exterior reservoir of hydraulic fluid. The size of the pressure chamber changes with the movement of the piston in the housing. A spring is also located within the pressure chamber to bias the piston away from the housing. Check valves are used to regulate the flow of hydraulic fluid into and out of the pressure chamber when the pressure inside of the chamber has decreased, due to the movement of the piston towards the chain during slack conditions. When the pressure inside the pressure chamber rises, as a result of an increase in chain tension pushing back on the piston, the check valve closes, which prevents fluid from exiting the pressure chamber, and in turn prevents the piston from abruptly retracting away from the chain. A typical prior art check valve of a hydraulic tensioner includes a retainer, a ball, a biasing spring, a seat, and a seal.

Prior art FIGS. 1 and 2 show another example of a check valve 11 used with a hydraulic tensioner 1 is in Yoshida et al.'s US Patent Publication No. 2004/0266572. The hydraulic tensioner in FIG. 1 has a plunger 3 slidable in a plunger receiving hole 2a formed in the housing 2. The plunger is hollow 3a with an opening at the rear end of the plunger. The hollow space receives a spring 4 which biases the plunger away from the housing. A rack 3b is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the plunger for engagement with the pawl 21. A high pressure oil chamber 5 is formed between the housing and the hollow space of the plunger. The chamber 5 is supplied with fluid from an external source through a check valve assembly 11.

The check valve assembly 11 includes a guide 12, a check ball 14, a ball seat attached to the guide 12 and having a seating surface 13b, and a check ball coil spring 15. The check ball coil spring 15 biases the check ball 14 towards seating surface 13b and retainer 16, attached to ball guide 12 for retaining check ball coil spring 15, limiting the stroke of the check ball 14.

The check ball coil spring 15 biases the check valve 14 onto the seating surface 13b of the ball seat 13. The spring does not produce tight contact between the ball and seat or exert a large force on the ball when the ball moves away from the seat and into contact with the flat stroke-limiting surface of the retainer. The check valve of Yoshida et al.'s US Patent Publication No. 2004/0266572 requires a separate, check ball coil spring 15 from the tensioner spring 4 to bias the check ball 14 towards the seating surface 13b, in addition to a retainer 16.

Suzaki's U.S. Pat. No. 4,822,320 shows another example of a check valve used with a hydraulic tensioner. The check valve includes a check ball biased towards a ball seat by a check ball spring, which abuts at one end against a retainer, permitting fluid flow into the hydraulic tensioner and blocking reverse oil flow.

JP 9-247311 shows examples of check valves used with hydraulic tensioners. The check valves all include a ball biased to block a passage by a check ball spring with one end abutting the ball and the other end abutting against a retainer.

In all of the above prior art check valves, the complexity is high and multiple parts are required to assemble the check valve assembly within the hydraulic tensioner. Therefore, there is a need for a reduction in both complexity and quantity of parts associated with the check valve of the hydraulic tensioner.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A hydraulic tensioner of the present invention includes a housing, a hollow plunger, a plunger biasing spring, an inlet passage, and a check valve assembly. The housing has a bore with a tapered end and an open end. The hollow plunger is slidably received within the bore and forms a fluid chamber. The plunger biasing spring has a first end and a second end. The first end of the spring contacts the inner end of the plunger and biases the plunger outward from the housing. The second end of the spring has a tang with a length extending in from the outer circumference of the spring blocking the tapered end of the bore. In one embodiment, the tapered end of the bore is the check valve seat in which a moveable sealing member seats and prevents the flow of fluid from the inlet passage connected to an external source of fluid to the fluid chamber. The tang of the second end of the plunger biasing spring retains and limits the travel of the moveable sealing member away from the check valve seat.

In another embodiment, the check valve seat is formed of a housing with angled sides that is dropped into a tapered bore. The moveable sealing member seats on the check valve seat and prevents the flow of fluid from the inlet passage to the fluid chamber of the tensioner.

Additionally, springs, such as a leaf spring, coil spring, or reed-type bias spring may be placed in between the tang of the second end of the plunger biasing spring and the check ball. The additional spring provides preload on the moveable sealing member, biasing the member into contact with the check valve seat. The tang limits and retains the travel of the moveable sealing member and the additional springs.

In any of the above embodiments, a portion of the last coil and the tang of the plunger biasing spring may be flat in order to increase the control contact between the tang and the moveable sealing member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a prior art hydraulic tensioner.

FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a prior art check valve assembly.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the check valve of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows a bottom perspective view of the check valve of the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows a schematic of a sectional view of the check valve of the present invention.

FIG. 6 shows larger view of the check valve assembly of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 shows a schematic of a sectional view of the tensioner with a check valve of a second embodiment.

FIG. 8 shows a larger view of the check valve assembly of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 a shows a top down view of a reed of a check valve for a tensioner of a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 b shows a side view of a reed of a check valve for a tensioner of a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 shows a schematic of the check valve assembly of a tensioner of a third embodiment.

FIG. 11 shows a schematic of a check valve assembly of a tensioner of a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of a spring used with the check valve assembly of the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 13 shows a schematic of a check valve assembly of a tensioner of a fifth embodiment.

FIG. 14 shows a schematic of a check valve assembly of a tensioner of a sixth embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 3-6 show a tensioner with a check valve assembly 106 of the first embodiment. The hydraulic tensioner 101 has a housing 102 with a bore 111 having an open end 111a and a tapered end 111b that receives a hollow plunger 103. A pressure chamber 104 is formed between the plunger 103 and the bore 111 of the housing 102. Within the pressure chamber 104 is a check valve assembly 106 and a plunger biasing spring 105 with a first end 105a and a second end 105b. The first end 105a of the spring abuts the inside end 103a of the plunger 103. The second end 105b of the plunger biasing spring 105 has an additional tang 105c of a length that extends in from the outer diameter of the spring, retaining and limiting the travel of a moveable sealing member, which may be check ball 108 from check ball seat 107 formed by the tapered end 111b of the bore 111 within the pressure chamber 104.

The check valve seat 107 in this embodiment is preferably integral with the housing 102 and consists of a seating surface 107 in which the check ball 108 seals against when the pressure inside the pressure chamber 104 is greater than the pressure in the external source of fluid S, blocking the flow of fluid from the external source of fluid S and inlet passage 109 and through the bore inlet hole 109a to the pressure chamber 104.

The tang 105c at the second end 105b of the plunger biasing spring 105 in conjunction with the integral seat geometry of the check valve seat 107 limits the travel of the check ball 108. The length of the tang 105c preferably extends at least past a centerline of the check ball 108. A space D is present between the check ball 108 and the tang 105c of the spring 105, when the check ball 108 is seated on the check valve seat 107. The tang 105c does not provide any preloading on the check ball 108, and as previously stated, the tang retains and limits the travel of the check ball relative to the check valve seat.

When the pressure of the external source of fluid S is greater than the pressure in the pressure chamber 104 formed between the bore 111 of the housing 102 and the plunger 103, the pressure from the external source S lifts the check ball 108 off of the check ball seat 107, towards the plunger biasing spring 105, allowing oil to flow into the chamber 104, providing makeup oil for the next tensioner stroke of the plunger 103. The tang 105c of the plunger biasing spring 105 limits the travel or lift of the check ball 108 away from the check valve seat 107.

By having the check ball seat 107 be integral with the housing 102 and consist of the tapered end 111b of the bore 111 in the chamber 104 formed between the bore 111 and the plunger 103, eliminates fluid lead paths and the need for a check valve seal.

When the pressure of the external source of fluid S is less than the pressure of fluid in the pressure chamber 104, the check ball 108 remains seated on the check valve seat 107 and fluid from the source S is blocked from passing through the bore inlet hole 109a to the pressure chamber 104.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show a tensioner of a second embodiment with a drop in check valve assembly 206. The hydraulic tensioner 101 has a housing 102 with a bore having a first open end 111a and a second end 111b in fluid communication with an inlet passage 109. The second end 111b of the bore receives the drop in check valve assembly 206. A pressure chamber 104 is formed between the plunger 103 and the bore 111 of the housing 102. Within the pressure chamber 104 is the drop in check valve assembly 206 and a plunger biasing spring 105 with a first end 105a and a second end 105b. The first end 105a of the spring abuts the inside end 103a of the plunger. The second end 105b of the plunger biasing spring 105 has an additional tang 105c of a length that extends in from the outer diameter of the spring, retaining and limiting the travel of a moveable sealing member, which in this case is a conical poppet 201 from the check ball seat 207. The length of the tang 105c preferably extends at least past a center line of the check ball 208.

The drop in check valve assembly 206 consists of a housing 207b with an inlet bore 207a, having angled sides 207c at the second end of the bore 111b, with the inlet bore 207a being coupled to the fluid pressure chamber 104 and the other end of the inlet bore 207a coupled to the inlet passage 109. The angled sides 207c form the check valve seat in which the conical poppet 201 seats. The check valve seat 207 of the drop in check valve assembly 206 is preferably heat treated steel.

The tang 105c at the second end 105b of the plunger biasing spring 105, in conjunction with the check valve seat 207 defines travel limits of the conical poppet or moveable sealing member 201. A space D is present between the conical poppet 201 and the tang 105c of the spring 105 when the conical poppet 201 is seated on the check valve seat 207. The tang 105c does not provide any preloading on the conical poppet 201, and as previously stated, the tang 105c retains and limits the travel of the conical poppet 201 relative to the check valve seat.

When the pressure of the external source of fluid S is greater than the pressure in the pressure chamber 104 formed between the bore 111 of the housing 102 and the plunger 103, the pressure from the external source S moves the conical poppet 201 towards the inside end 103a of the plunger 103, lifting the conical poppet 201 away from the tapered sides 207c of the inlet bore 207a, towards the plunger biasing spring 105, allowing oil flow into the chamber 104, providing makeup oil for the next tensioner stoke of the plunger.

When the pressure of the external source of fluid S is less than the pressure in the pressure chamber 104, the conical poppet 201 remains seated on the check valve seat 207 and fluid from the source S is blocked from passing through the inlet bore 207a to the pressure chamber 104.

Referring to FIG. 10, a reed-type bias spring 250 is inserted between the tang 105c of the plunger biasing spring 105 and the moveable sealing member or check ball 108 in a tensioner 101 similar to that shown in FIG. 5 for a third embodiment. The reed-type bias spring 250 consists of an outer circumference 250a and a bent reed 250b protruding in from the outer circumference 250a as shown in FIGS. 9a and 9b. The reed-type bias spring 250 is held in place by placing the outer circumference 250a of the spring between the last coil of the bias plunger spring 105 and the bore 111b of the housing 102. The reed-type bias spring 250 has a defined pop up pressure dependent on the spring force of the bent reed 250b. The bent reed 250b is bent downwards toward the check ball 108, preloading the check ball 108 with a positive pop up pressure.

When the pressure of the external source of fluid S is greater than the force of the bent reed 250b on the check ball 108 or the pop up pressure, the pressure from the external source S lifts the check ball 108 towards the plunger biasing spring 105, against the bent reed 250b and away from the check ball seat 207, allowing oil to flow into the pressure chamber 104, providing makeup oil for the next tensioner stoke of the plunger. The tang 105c aids in limiting the travel of the check ball 108 and the upward movement of the bent reed 250b. The reed-type biasing spring 250 prevents the check ball 108 from lifting off of the check valve seat 107 when any positive pressure below an established minimum occurs.

When the pressure of an external source of fluid S is less than the force of the bent reed 250b on the check ball 108 and the pressure in the pressure chamber 104, the check ball 108 remains seated on the check valve seat 107 and fluid from the source S is blocked from passing through the bore inlet hole 109a to the pressure chamber 104.

FIGS. 11 and 12 show a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a portion of the last coil 305d, including the tang 305c, extending in from the outer diameter of the plunger biasing spring 305, is flat. This may be achieved by grinding or other similar means. By flattening a portion of the last coil 305d, including the tang 305c, an increased amount of control is provided for the contact between the check ball 108 and the flattened portion of plunger biasing spring 305. The plunger bias spring 305 may be present in a tensioner 101 similar to that shown in FIG. 5.

The check valve seat 107 in this embodiment is preferably integral with the housing 102 and consists of a seating surface 107 in which the moveable sealing member or check ball 108 seals against when the pressure inside the pressure chamber 104 is greater than the pressure in the external source of fluid S, blocking the flow of fluid from the external source of fluid S and inlet passage 109 and through the bore inlet hole 109a to the pressure chamber 104. Alternatively, the check valve seat may be part of a drop in assembly as in the second embodiment and shown in FIGS. 7 and 8.

The tang 305c of the plunger biasing spring 305 in conjunction with the integral seat geometry of the check valve seat 107 limits the travel of the check ball 108. The length of the tang 305c preferably extends at least past a centerline of the check ball 308. A space D is present between the check ball 108 and the tang 305c of the spring 305, when the check ball 108 is seated on the check valve seat 107. The tang 305c does not provide any preloading on the check ball 108, and as previously stated, the tang 305c retains and limits the travel of the check ball 108 relative to the check valve seat 107.

When the pressure of the external source of fluid S is greater than the pressure in the pressure chamber 104 formed between the bore 111 of the housing 102 and the plunger 103, the pressure from the external source S lifts the check ball 108 off of the check ball seat 107, towards the plunger biasing spring 305, allowing oil to flow into the chamber 104, providing makeup oil for the next tensioner stroke of the plunger 103. The tang 305c of the plunger biasing spring 305 limits the travel or lift of the check ball 108 away from the check valve seat 107.

When the pressure of the external source of fluid S is less than the pressure of fluid in the pressure chamber 104, the check ball 108 remains seated on the check valve seat 107 and fluid from the source S is blocked from passing through the bore inlet hole 109a to the pressure chamber 104.

A portion of the last coil of the plunger biasing spring may be flattened in any of the embodiments in the present application in order to increase the control contact between the tang and the check ball.

FIG. 13 shows a fifth embodiment of the present invention in which a leaf spring is inserted between the tang 105c of the plunger biasing spring 105 and the moveable sealing member or check ball 108 in a tensioner 101 similar to that shown in FIG. 5. The ends of the leaf spring 260 are held in place between the bore 111 of the housing and the plunger bias spring 105. The leaf spring 260 has a defined pop up pressure dependent on the spring force. A portion 260a of the leaf spring 260 biases or preloads the check ball 108 towards the check valve seat 108. The check valve seat 108 in this embodiment is shown with an integral seat similar to FIG. 5, but may also be part of a drop in check valve assembly as in FIGS. 7 and 8.

When the pressure of the external source of fluid S is greater than the force of the leaf spring 260 on the check ball 108, the pressure from the external source S lifts the check ball 108 towards the plunger biasing spring 105, against the portion 260a of the leaf spring 260 and away from the check ball seat 107, allowing oil to flow into the pressure chamber 104, providing makeup oil for the next tensioner stoke of the plunger. The tang 105c aids in limiting the travel of the check ball 108 and the upward movement of the portion 260a of the leaf spring 260. The leaf spring 260 prevents the check ball 108 from lifting off of the check valve seat 107 when any positive pressure below an established minimum occurs.

When the pressure of an external source of fluid S is less than the force of the leaf spring 260 on the check ball 108 and the pressure in the pressure chamber 104, the check ball 108 remains seated on the check valve seat 107 and fluid from the source S is blocked from passing through the bore inlet hole 109a to the pressure chamber 104.

FIG. 14 shows a sixth embodiment of the present invention, in which a coil spring 270 is inserted between the tang 105c of the plunger biasing spring 105 and the moveable sealing member or check ball 108 in a tensioner 101 similar to that shown in FIG. 5. The coil spring 270 biases or preloads the check ball 108 towards the check valve seat 107. The check valve seat 108 in this embodiment is shown with an integral seat similar to FIG. 5, but may also be part of a drop in check valve assembly as in FIGS. 7 and 8.

When the pressure of the external source of fluid S is greater than the force of the coil spring 270 on the check ball 108, the pressure from the external source S lifts the check ball 108 towards the plunger biasing spring 105, against the coil spring 270 and away from the check ball seat 107, allowing oil to flow into the pressure chamber 104, providing makeup oil for the next tensioner stoke of the plunger. The tang 105c aids in limiting the travel of the check ball 108 and the movement or compression of the coil spring 270. The coil spring 270 prevents the check ball 108 from lifting off of the check valve seat 107 when any positive pressure below an established minimum occurs.

When the pressure of an external source of fluid S is less than the force of the coil spring 270 on the check ball 108 and the pressure in the pressure chamber 104, the check ball 108 remains seated on the check valve seat 107 and fluid from the source S is blocked from passing through the bore inlet hole 109a to the pressure chamber 104.

While the check ball was shown as round, other shapes may be used as a moveable sealing member to block the flow of fluid from the external source S into the pressure chamber 104.

The moveable sealing member is a structure capable of adequately seating on the valve seat to prevent fluid from entering the pressure chamber of the tensioner and capable of moving away from the valve seat, allowing makeup fluid into the pressure chamber as necessary for the next stroke of the plunger. The moveable sealing member is not limited to the shapes shown.

Accordingly, it is to be understood that the embodiments of the invention herein described are merely illustrative of the application of the principles of the invention. Reference herein to details of the illustrated embodiments is not intended to limit the scope of the claims, which themselves recite those features regarded as essential to the invention.

Claims

1. A hydraulic tensioner comprising: a housing having a bore with an open end and a tapered end;a hollow plunger slidably received within the bore, forming a fluid pressure chamber with the bore of the housing;a plunger biasing spring having a first end and a second end, the first end of the plunger biasing spring in contact with the plunger, biasing the plunger in an outward direction from the bore;an inlet passage extending from an external source of fluid to the fluid pressure chamber through the tapered end of the bore; anda check valve assembly within the fluid pressure chamber comprising: a moveable sealing member and a check valve seat formed by the tapered end of the bore; wherein the moveable sealing member is biased into contacting the check valve seat by the second end of the plunger biasing spring;wherein when the pressure of the external source of fluid is greater than the force of the second end of the biasing spring on the moveable sealing member, the moveable sealing member lifts off of the check valve seat, allowing fluid from the external source to flow through the inlet passage and the tapered end of the bore to the fluid pressure chamber, providing fluid for the plunger's next stroke.

2. The tensioner of claim 1, wherein the second end of the plunger biasing spring has a tang of a length extending in from an outer diameter of the spring.

3. The tensioner of claim 2, wherein the length of the tang extends at least past a centerline of the moveable sealing member.

4. The tensioner of claim 2, wherein the tang retains and limits travel of the moveable sealing member.

5. The tensioner of claim 2, wherein the tang does not preload the moveable sealing member.

6. The tensioner of claim 2, wherein the tang and a portion of a coil on the second end of the plunger biasing spring are flat.

7. The tensioner of claim 6, wherein the tang and portion of the coil on the second end of the plunger biasing spring that are flat are formed by grinding.

8. The tensioner of claim 2, further comprising a reed-type biasing spring having an outer circumference and a bent reed extending in from the outer circumference between the second end of the plunger biasing spring and the moveable sealing member, the bent reed preloading the moveable sealing member into contact with the check valve seat when pressure of the external source of fluid is less than pressure in the fluid pressure chamber and spring force of the bent reed.

9. The tensioner of claim 8, wherein the tang retains and limits travel of the moveable sealing member and the bent reed.

10. The tensioner of claim 2, further comprising a leaf spring between the second end of the plunger biasing spring and the moveable sealing member, preloading the moveable sealing member into contact with the check valve seat when pressure of the external source of fluid is less than pressure in the fluid pressure chamber and spring force of the leaf spring.

11. The tensioner of claim 10, wherein the tang of the second end of the plunger biasing spring retains and limits travel of the moveable sealing member and the leaf spring.

12. The tensioner of claim 2, further comprising a coil spring between the second end of the plunger biasing spring and the moveable sealing member, preloading the moveable sealing member into contact with the check valve seat when pressure of the external source of fluid is less than pressure in the fluid pressure chamber and spring force of the coil spring.

13. The tensioner of claim 1, wherein the moveable sealing member is round.

14. A hydraulic tensioner comprising: a housing having a bore with an open end and a tapered end;a hollow plunger slidably received within the bore, forming a fluid pressure chamber with the bore of the housing;a plunger biasing spring having a first end and a second end, the first end of the plunger biasing spring in contact with the plunger, biasing the plunger in an outward direction from the bore and the second end has a tang of a length extending in from an outer diameter of the plunger biasing spring;an inlet passage extending from an external source of fluid to the fluid pressure chamber through the tapered end of the bore; anda check valve assembly within the fluid pressure chamber comprising: a moveable sealing member and a check valve seat formed by the tapered end of the bore;wherein when pressure of the external source of fluid is greater than pressure in the fluid pressure chamber formed between the plunger and the bore of the housing, the moveable sealing member lifts off of the check valve seat, allowing fluid from the external source to flow through the inlet passage and the tapered end of the bore to the fluid pressure chamber, providing fluid for the plunger's next stroke.

15. The tensioner of claim 14, wherein the length of the tang extends at least past a centerline of the moveable sealing member.

16. The tensioner of claim 14, wherein the tang retains and limits travel of the moveable sealing member.

17. The tensioner of claim 14, wherein the tang does not preload the moveable sealing member.

18. The tensioner of claim 14, wherein the tang and a portion of a coil on the second end of the plunger biasing spring are flat.

19. The tensioner of claim 18, wherein the tang and portion of the coil on the second end of the plunger biasing spring that are flat are formed by grinding.

20. The tensioner of claim 14, further comprising a reed-type biasing spring having an outer circumference and a bent reed extending in from the outer circumference between the second end of the plunger biasing spring and the moveable sealing member, the bent reed preloading the moveable sealing member into contact with the check valve seat when pressure of the external source of fluid is less than pressure in the fluid pressure chamber and spring force of the bent reed.

21. The tensioner of claim 20, wherein the tang retains and limits travel of the moveable sealing member and the bent reed.

22. The tensioner of claim 14, further comprising a leaf spring between the second end of the plunger biasing spring and the moveable sealing member, preloading the moveable sealing member into contact with the check valve seat when pressure of the external source of fluid is less than pressure in the fluid pressure chamber and spring force of the leaf spring.

23. The tensioner of claim 22, wherein the tang of the second end of the plunger biasing spring retains and limits travel of the moveable sealing member and the leaf spring.

24. The tensioner of claim 14, further comprising a coil spring between the second end of the plunger biasing spring and the moveable sealing member, preloading the moveable sealing member into contact with the check valve seat when pressure of the external source of fluid is less than pressure in the fluid pressure chamber and spring force of the coil spring.

25. The tensioner of claim 14, wherein the moveable sealing member is round.

26. A hydraulic tensioner comprising: a housing having a bore with a first open end and a second end;a hollow plunger slidably received within the bore, forming a fluid pressure chamber with the bore of the housing;a plunger biasing spring having a first end and a second end, the first end of the plunger biasing spring in contact with the plunger, biasing the plunger in an outward direction from the bore and the second end has a tang of a length extending in from an outer diameter of the plunger biasing spring;an inlet passage extending from an external source of fluid to the fluid pressure chamber to the second end of the bore; anda drop in check valve assembly within the fluid chamber and the second end of the bore comprising:a housing having an inlet bore with angles sides coupled to the fluid pressure chamber at a first end forming a check valve seat and the inlet passage at a second end, anda moveable sealing member for mating with the check valve seat, preventing fluid from flowing from the external source into the fluid pressure chamber;wherein when pressure of the external source of fluid is greater than pressure in the fluid pressure chamber formed between the plunger and the bore of the housing, the moveable sealing member lifts off of the angled sides of inlet bore forming the check valve seat, allowing fluid from the external source to flow through the inlet passage to the fluid pressure chamber, providing fluid for the plunger's next stroke.

27. The tensioner of claim 26, wherein the second end of the plunger biasing spring has a tang of a length extending in from an outer diameter of the spring.

28. The tensioner of claim 27, wherein the length of the tang extends at least past a centerline of the moveable sealing member.

29. The tensioner of claim 27, wherein the tang retains and limits travel of the moveable sealing member.

30. The tensioner of claim 27, wherein the tang does not preload the moveable sealing member.

31. The tensioner of claim 27, wherein the tang and a portion of a coil on the second end of the plunger biasing spring are flat.

32. The tensioner of claim 31, wherein the tang and portion of the coil on the second end of the plunger biasing spring that are flat are formed by grinding.

33. The tensioner of claim 27, further comprising a reed-type biasing spring having an outer circumference and a bent reed extending in from the outer circumference between the second end of the plunger biasing spring and the moveable sealing member, the bent reed preloading the moveable sealing member into contact with the check valve seat when pressure of the external source of fluid is less than pressure in the fluid pressure chamber and spring force of the bent reed.

34. The tensioner of claim 33, wherein the tang retains and limits travel of the moveable sealing member and the bent reed.

35. The tensioner of claim 27, further comprising a leaf spring between the second end of the plunger biasing spring and the moveable sealing member, preloading the moveable sealing member into contact with the check valve seat when pressure of the external source of fluid is less than pressure in the fluid pressure chamber and spring force of the leaf spring.

36. The tensioner of claim 35, wherein the tang of the second end of the plunger biasing spring retains and limits travel of the moveable sealing member and the leaf spring.

37. The tensioner of claim 27, further comprising a coil spring between the second end of the plunger biasing spring and the moveable sealing member, preloading the moveable sealing member into contact with the check valve seat when pressure of the external source of fluid is less than pressure in the fluid pressure chamber and spring force of the coil spring.

38. The tensioner of claim 26, wherein the moveable sealing member is round.

39. The tensioner of claim 26, wherein the moveable sealing member is a conical poppet having angles sides at a first end to mate with the angles sides of the inlet bore.