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).

  • Publication number: 20090272347
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2005
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER KG
    Inventors: Jens Schafer, Mike Kohrs
  • Publication number: 20090276145
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Applicant: Schaeffler KG
    Inventors: Jens Schafer, Heiko Dell
  • Publication number: 20090250027
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2005
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER KG
    Inventors: Jens Schafer, Mike Kohrs
  • Patent number: 7597075
    Abstract: Adjustment device (1) for adjusting a relative rotational angle position of a camshaft (3) relative to a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine is provided. The adjusting device includes a crankshaft-fixed drive part (4) and a camshaft-fixed driven part (5). The adjustment device (1) has an adjustment motor (2) as a primary adjustment device and an auxiliary drive (11) as a secondary adjustment device. When the adjusting motor fails, the camshaft (3) can be moved into a fixed rotational angle position, an emergency running position, by the auxiliary drive (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Schaeffler KG
    Inventors: Jens Schafer, Mike Kohrs, Martin Steigerwald, Jonathan Heywood
  • Publication number: 20090199797
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2005
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER KG
    Inventors: Jens Schafer, Mike Kohrs, Jonathan Heywood
  • Publication number: 20090199807
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2009
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER KG
    Inventors: Jens Schafer, Heiko Dell
  • Publication number: 20090139478
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2006
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER KG
    Inventors: Heiko Dell, Jens Schafer, Thomas Pfund
  • Patent number: 7541803
    Abstract: A device and a method for determining an angle of rotation between a camshaft (5) and a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine is provided, the device including a camshaft regulator provided with an electronic regulator, and a device for determining the position of the angle of rotation of the camshaft and the crankshaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Schaffler KG
    Inventors: Jens Schäfer, Martin Steigerwald
  • Publication number: 20090120391
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2005
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER KG
    Inventors: Jens Schäfer, Mike Kohrs
  • Patent number: 7506623
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for the electrical adjustment of the relative rotary-angle position between a camshaft (2) and a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine, with an adjusting gear (3) which has a driving part (4) fixed with respect to the crankshaft, a driven part (5) fixed with respect to the camshaft and an adjusting shaft (8) connected fixedly in terms of rotation to an adjustment-unit shaft (6) of an electrical adjustment unit (7). In order to achieve a simpler type of construction which, moreover, is distinguished by quiet running, there is provision, according to the invention, for the adjusting shaft (8) to be arranged in a radially floating manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Schaeffler KG
    Inventors: Jens Schäfer, Martin Steigerwald, Jonathan Heywood
  • Publication number: 20090050088
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2005
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Applicant: Schaeffler KG
    Inventors: Jens Schafer, Martin Steigerwald, Jonathan Heywood
  • Publication number: 20090038570
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER KG
    Inventors: Jens Schafer, Mike Kohrs, Falko Arnold
  • Publication number: 20080314345
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER KG
    Inventors: Jens Schafer, Martin Steigerwald, Jonathan Heywood
  • Publication number: 20080308054
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2006
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER KG
    Inventors: Mike Kohrs, Jens Schafer
  • Publication number: 20080283009
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2006
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER KG
    Inventors: Mike Kohrs, Jens Schafer
  • Publication number: 20080264365
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2006
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER KG
    Inventors: Mike Kohrs, Jens Schafer
  • Publication number: 20080236527
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2005
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER KG
    Inventors: Jens Schafer, Mike Kohrs
  • Publication number: 20080236530
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER KG
    Inventors: Jens Schafer, Martin Steigerwald, Jonathan Heywood
  • Patent number: 7380530
    Abstract: A drive connection with a camshaft adjuster for an internal combustion engine is provided. A free end of the camshaft adjuster is coupled with an accessory unit, especially a vacuum pump, in a camshaft adjuster with a superposition drive and an electrical control unit. The electrical control unit (7) can be constructed as a hollow unit, through which a drive shaft of the accessory unit is passed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Schaeffler KG
    Inventors: Jens Schafer, Mike Kohrs, Falko Arnold
  • Publication number: 20080053389
    Abstract: Adjustment device (1) for adjusting a relative rotational angle position of a camshaft (3) relative to a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine is provided. The adjusting device includes a crankshaft-fixed drive part (4) and a camshaft-fixed driven part (5). The adjustment device (1) has an adjustment motor (2) as a primary adjustment device and an auxiliary drive (11) as a secondary adjustment device. When the adjusting motor fails, the camshaft (3) can be moved into a fixed rotational angle position, an emergency running position, by the auxiliary drive (11).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2005
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER KG
    Inventors: Jens Schafer, Mike Kohrs, Martin Steigerwald, Jonathan Heywood