Patents by Inventor Jens Schafer
Jens Schafer has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 8141527Abstract: A camshaft adjuster (1) having a variable ratio gear unit (2). Usually, a drive movement of an electrical actuating assembly (7) is transmitted into a variable ratio gear unit (2) of a camshaft adjuster (1) on the side which faces away from the camshaft (6). According to the invention, the abovementioned drive movement is transmitted in from the side of the variable ratio gear unit (2) which faces the camshaft (6). As a result, a further assembly, for example a vacuum pump, can be driven by the variable ratio gear unit (2) on the side of the variable ratio gear unit (2) which has become free and faces away from the camshaft (6). An actuating shaft (4) of the actuating assembly (7) is preferably mounted via a bearing (34) which is supported on a circumferential face of the camshaft (6). This results in a reduced axial overall size of the camshaft adjuster and extended possibilities for the arrangement of an actuating assembly and the connection of additional assemblies.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2007Date of Patent: March 27, 2012Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Jens Schafer, Mike Kohrs, Falko Arnold
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Patent number: 8141526Abstract: Impurities of a lubricant in traditional camshaft adjusters can cause a problem, leading to impairment in the function and service life of the camshaft adjuster. In order to address this, flow channel areas are provided in the lubricant circuit, which include a dead chamber (37) where impurities can be deposited as a result of centrifugal force. Alternatively or additionally, a labyrinth is used to deposit impurities.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2006Date of Patent: March 27, 2012Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Mike Kohrs, Jens Schafer
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Patent number: 8132549Abstract: A method for determining a wear value of a transmission element between a crankshaft and a camshaft of a reciprocating piston internal combustion engine, in particular a timing chain or toothed belt, is provided. The camshaft is driven by the transmission element via a drive part, for example a camshaft gearwheel. In each case, at least one measurement value for the phase position of the drive part relative to the crankshaft is determined at time intervals during which the crankshaft drives the camshaft, and the wear value is determined from the difference between the measurement values.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2006Date of Patent: March 13, 2012Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Heiko Dell, Jens Schafer, Thomas Pfund
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Patent number: 8104439Abstract: Traditional camshaft adjusters are connected to a lubricant circuit of an internal combustion engine. Lubricant flows which are too large flood the drive of the camshaft adjuster, which leads to needless churning losses in the drive and needless losses of the pump capacity of the lubricant for other structural components of the internal combustion engine. According to the invention, a flow element (59), which includes a throttle element or screen in the flow channel (26), is used. According to another embodiment of the invention, the throttle element or screen can be used in various ways.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2006Date of Patent: January 31, 2012Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Mike Kohrs, Jens Schafer
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Patent number: 7934478Abstract: A lubricant circuit of a camshaft adjuster is provided. In conventional camshaft adjusters, lubricant is supplied from a cylinder head to the camshaft adjuster via a supply channel (66) and a receiving channel (69), with an annular groove that encircles in a circumferential direction being located between the supply channel and the receiving channel in order to ensure a continuous lubricant supply. According to the invention, the lubricant is transferred from the supply channel to the receiving channel in a discontinuous manner. The omission of the encircling annular groove causes a discontinuous or cyclic flow of lubricant so that lubricant is transferred only when the supply channel (66) is at least partially aligned with the receiving channel (69).Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2006Date of Patent: May 3, 2011Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Mike Kohrs, Jens Schafer
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Patent number: 7912624Abstract: A synchronization device for an engine is provided that has a first active sensor and a second active sensor. The first active sensor is adapted to determine an angular position of a first shaft and the second active sensor is adapted to determine the angular position of a second shaft. The first active sensor and the second active sensor are adapted to provide information on the state of the angular position of the first shaft and the second shaft or the angular position of the first shaft and the phase position between the first shaft and the second shaft to the control device. In addition, the control device is adapted to provide a control signal for setting a given phase difference between the first and the second shaft.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2007Date of Patent: March 22, 2011Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Jens Schafer, Heiko Dell
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Patent number: 7882813Abstract: An adjustment device (1) for adjusting the relative rotational angle position of a camshaft (2) in relation to a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine is provided, with the device having an adjustment mechanism (3), which is embodied as a triple-shaft transmission and provided with an input part (4) fixed to the crankshaft, an output part fixed to the camshaft, and an adjusting shaft (7) connected to an adjusting motor shaft (5) of an adjusting motor (6). The motor (6) is provided as an electric motor and is spatially separated from the adjusting shaft (7), and the torque produced thereby is transmitted to the adjusting shaft (7), either mechanically via a flexible shaft (8), pneumatically via a compressor (9) operating a pneumatic motor (13) using pressurized air, or hydraulically via a hydraulic motor (16) and a pump (14) providing the hydraulic medium.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2008Date of Patent: February 8, 2011Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Jens Schafer, Martin Steigerwald, Jonathan Heywood
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Patent number: 7866288Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for varying the control times of an internal combustion engine (100), having a driving wheel (12), a driven element (8) and a swashplate mechanism (2). The torque of a crankshaft (101) is transmitted by means of a primary drive to the driving wheel (12) and further by means of the swashplate mechanism (2) to the driven element (8) which is connected fixedly in terms of rotation to a camshaft (9). The swashplate mechanism (2) is composed of at least one bevel wheel (3) and a swashplate (5) which is mounted on an adjusting shaft (15). It is the aim of the invention to reduce the mass and the installation space of the device (1).Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2005Date of Patent: January 11, 2011Assignee: Schaeffler KGInventors: Jens Schäfer, Mike Kohrs
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Patent number: 7832369Abstract: A device (1) for modifying the control times of an internal combustion engine having a drive wheel (13), an output element (4), and a swashplate gear mechanism (2) is provided. The torque of the crankshaft is transmitted to the drive wheel (13) via a primary drive and is transmitted on to the output element (4) via the swashplate gear mechanism (2), with the output element (4) being connected in a fixed manner to the camshaft (11). The swashplate gear mechanism (2) allows the drive wheel (13) to be rotated relative to the output element (4) allowing a continuous phase shift of the camshaft (11) relative to the crankshaft. In order carry out this function, the drive wheel (13) is rotatably supported by the output element (4). An inexpensive and easy way to supply the swashplate gear mechanism (2) and the radial bearing (28) with lubricant is provided.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2005Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co.Inventors: Jens Schafer, Mike Kohrs
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Patent number: 7793628Abstract: A device (1) which is used to modify the control times of an internal combustion engine (100) is provided. The device (1) includes a drive wheel (13), a drive element (4) and a swashplate mechanism (4). The torque of the crankshaft (101) is transferred via a primary drive to the drive wheel (13) and then, via the swashplate mechanism (2) to the drive element (4) which is secured to the camshaft (11) in a rotationally fixed manner. The configuration of the mounting of the drive wheel (13) on the tooth support (9) of the drive element (4) reduces the axial area of the device (1) due to the construction measures. The invention also relates to an embodiment, wherein the device (1) is fixed to the camshaft (11) by means of a securing screw (12a) without the need for additional space.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2005Date of Patent: September 14, 2010Assignee: Schaeffler KGInventors: Jens Schafer, Mike Kohrs
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Patent number: 7779799Abstract: A device (1) for modifying the control times of an internal combustion engine (100) is provided, including a drive gear (13), a driven element (4) and a swashplate mechanism (2). The torque of the crankshaft (101) is transferred via a primary drive to the drive gear (13), and via the swashplate mechanism (2) to the driven element (4) which is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the camshaft (11). The drive gear (13) can be rotated in relation to the driven element (4) via the swashplate mechanism (2), whereby a continuous phase modification of the camshaft (11) relative to the crankshaft is possible. According to the invention, foreign body collecting pockets (33) are provided in the housing of the swashplate mechanism (2), wherein foreign substances entering into the lubricant can be collected.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2005Date of Patent: August 24, 2010Assignee: Schaeffler KGInventors: Jens Schafer, Mike Kohrs
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Patent number: 7762226Abstract: A method for adjusting a camshaft of an internal combustion engine during a stop phase and during a subsequent new startup phase of the internal combustion engine. Such methods are used, in particular, in so-called start-stop designs for combustion engines. The camshaft controls intake valves and/or exhaust valves of the internal combustion engine and is adjustable by a camshaft adjuster. By a desired startup position of the camshaft adjuster, control time points of the intake valves and/or the exhaust valves are defined in which mechanical work necessary for starting the internal combustion engine is reduced and/or pollutant emissions of the internal combustion engine are reduced. In the method according to the invention it is provided that the camshaft adjuster is set in a desired stop position during the stop phase. During a first section of the startup phase, the camshaft adjuster is set from the desired stop position into the desired startup position.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2009Date of Patent: July 27, 2010Assignee: Schaeffler KGInventors: Jens Schafer, Heiko Dell
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Patent number: 7717072Abstract: An adjustment device (1) for adjusting the relative rotational angle position of a camshaft (2) in relation to a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine is provided, with the device having an adjustment mechanism (3), which is embodied as a triple-shaft transmission and provided with an input part (4) fixed to the crankshaft, an output part fixed to the camshaft, and an adjusting shaft (7) connected to an adjusting motor shaft (5) of an adjusting motor (6). The motor (6) is provided as an electric motor and is arranged parallel to the camshaft (2). The motor generates an adjustment torque that is transmitted to the adjustment shaft (7) via a secondary drive (18) that has a belt drive, a chain drive, a cardan drive, or an additional spur gear stage.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2008Date of Patent: May 18, 2010Assignee: Schaeffler KGInventors: Jens Schafer, Martin Steigerwald, Jonathan Heywood
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Patent number: 7703425Abstract: An electromotive camshaft adjuster for adjusting the angle of rotation of the camshaft (14) of an internal combustion engine relative to the crankshaft thereof is provided. The camshaft adjuster includes a triple-shaft gear mechanism, which has a driving wheel (2, 2a?) that is fixed to the crankshaft and is embodied as a sprocket or a synchronous belt wheel, an output part which is fixed to the camshaft, and an adjustment shaft (18, 18?) which is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to a rotor of an electric adjustment motor, having a stator that is fixed on the internal combustion engine. In order to keep the effort for producing the adjusting gears relatively low, the triple-shaft gear mechanism is preferably constructed as a swashplate or single eccentric internal gear drive (1, 25), the effort for production thereof being minimized by forming the same in a non-cutting manner, reducing the number of components, and inexpensively adjusting or compensating the backlash.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2005Date of Patent: April 27, 2010Assignee: Schaeffler KGInventors: Jens Schafer, Mike Kohrs, Jonathan Heywood
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Patent number: 7703427Abstract: A camshaft adjusting device for an internal combustion engine is provided. A functionally reliable camshaft adjusting device designed for a long-lasting operation is obtained when the camshaft adjuster (13) has a lifelong lubrication located in the housing (28, 36, 37) sealed from the surrounding area be sealing covers (36, 37). The camshaft adjuster is not required to be mounted inside the cylinder head (33), but can be mounted as a separate unit on the cylinder head (33) of the internal combustion engine independent of the lubricating oil circuit. This expands, in particular, the range of possibilities for use of the camshaft adjuster (13) with a belt drive.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2005Date of Patent: April 27, 2010Assignee: Schaeffler KGInventors: Jens Schafer, Martin Steigerwald, Andreas Tholke
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Publication number: 20100058930Abstract: A filter, in particular for compressed gas systems, includes a filter top part having at least one inlet channel and at least one outlet channel and a filter bottom part having a filter element, wherein the filter top part has a pressure-resistant housing and an insert which is suited in an optimal manner to the course of the inlet and outlet channels.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2007Publication date: March 11, 2010Inventors: Hans-Michael Schuster, Jens Schäfer, Abdelkhalic Rbayti, Peter Groth
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Patent number: 7650861Abstract: A camshaft adjuster for adjusting the relative angular positions of a camshaft and a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine in accordance with a setting shaft is provided. In which the setting shaft is driven by a setting assembly and has a driving connection with an adjusting gear through a coupling. The drive moment is transmitted in the coupling by a radial extension (21) of a first coupling half (19), which contacts a second coupling half (25) without play in a circumferential direction and which is movable in a direction of a Y-Y axis relative to a second coupling half (25). This permits compensation of eccentricities between the setting shaft of the setting assembly and the adjusting gear.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2005Date of Patent: January 26, 2010Assignee: Schaeffler KGInventors: Jens Schafer, Martin Steigerwald, Jonathan Heywood
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Patent number: 7644691Abstract: A device (1) for varying the control times of an internal combustion engine (100) is provided. A device (1) is proposed, with a means for limiting the angle of rotation, this being optimized in terms of the magnitude of the transmittable forces. A further aspect of the invention relates to making the mounting of the device (1) more flexible to the effect that the same components can be used in devices (1) with different relative angle-of-rotation ranges.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2005Date of Patent: January 12, 2010Assignee: Schaeffler KGInventors: Jens Schafer, Mike Kohrs
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Publication number: 20090312109Abstract: Groups of camshafts (6) are connected to camshaft adjusters (1) via adapters. According to prior art, adaptations to the camshaft adjuster (1) are necessary for different mounting conditions and/or different geometries of camshafts (6). Here, an adapter (32) is provided between camshaft (6) and camshaft adjuster (1), which adapter can then be adapted to different geometries of the camshaft (6) and/or mounting positions. By this, the multiplicity of parts can be reduced.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2007Publication date: December 17, 2009Applicant: SCHAEFFLER KGInventors: Jens Schafer, Mike Kohrs
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Publication number: 20090288624Abstract: A device (1) which is used to modify the control times of an internal combustion engine (100) is provided. The device (1) includes a drive wheel (13), a drive element (4) and a swashplate mechanism (4). The torque of the crankshaft (101) is transferred via a primary drive to the drive wheel (13) and then, via the swashplate mechanism (2) to the drive element (4) which is secured to the camshaft (11) in a rotationally fixed manner. The configuration of the mounting of the drive wheel (13) on the tooth support (9) of the drive element (4) reduces the axial area of the device (1) due to the construction measures. The invention also relates to an embodiment, wherein the device (1) is fixed to the camshaft (11) by means of a securing screw (12a) without the need for additional space.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 10, 2005Publication date: November 26, 2009Applicant: SCHAEFFLER KGInventors: Jens Schafer, Mike Kohrs