Abstract: A tensioner comprising a rigid cage provided with a fixing means for fixing to an engine block or to a plate rotatably mounted on the engine block. The cage slidably receives a rigid part that carries, preferably at one of its ends, bearing means for bearing against the belt, which bearing means can be constituted by a wheel. Resilient return means are mounted inside the wheel-supporting part to urge the cage and the part towards a spaced-apart position, the return means being constituted preferably by a helical spring.

Abstract: A tensioner, an engine fitted with such a tensioner, and a method of mounting such a tensioner. The linear tensioner having both a first end fixed to an engine without any degree of freedom, typically via a fixing endpiece having two parallel fixing openings, and also a second end opposite to the first end, and adapted for bearing against the belt, typically being constituted by a skid, a pulley, or preferably, a wheel. The first end and the second end are connected together by a resilient body, typically a coil spring, advantageously associated with a damper, typically hydraulic and/or elastomer, and also possibly adapted for guiding the two ends of the tensioner in relative translation. The present invention applies mainly to the automobile industry.