Chain tensioner

In a device for tensioning a chain comprising a frame (9), a ratchet wheel (4) mounted to said frame on a ratchet wheel shaft (11), said ratchet wheel adapted for turning by means of an operating lever (3) and a push pawl (10) fastened to said lever, a chain wheel (1) mounted on said ratchet wheel shaft (11) with said ratchet wheel (4) and turnable together with said ratchet wheel, and a locking pawl (5) having a component (22) for engaging said ratchet wheel teeth, by means of which backwards movement of said ratchet wheel can be prevented, the improvement comprising:

• a traverse fastening shaft (13) of said operating lever (3) passing through said operating lever and said frame at a longitudinal distance from said ratchet wheel shaft (11);
• an instant-release lock (2) fastened to said frame (9) at a fastening end, said lock adapted to receive a fastening link;
• said lock including a locking loop (7) mounted to said frame on a locking loop shaft (13) and a locking pin (2) mounted to said frame on a locking pin shaft (12), whereby an outer end of said locking pin can be arranged inside said locking loop;
• and
• said locking pawl (5) being mounted on a locking pawl shaft (18) at an opposite end of the frame (9) from said fastening end, said locking pawl shaft (18) being located in the direction of rotation of said ratchet wheel with respect to said component (22) of said locking pawl (5).