Patents by Inventor Norbert Nitz

Norbert Nitz 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).

  • Patent number: 10544709
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a sliding cam module for a camshaft, which comprises at least one sliding cam with at least one cam segment, comprising at least two cams with cam tracks that are different to one another as well as a closed bearing element, which is arranged on the sliding cam in a rotatable and axially non-displaceable manner for mounting the sliding cam, wherein the bearing element comprises a recipient area to hold at least one section of a locking device to lock the sliding cam in an axial position. Furthermore, the invention relates to a camshaft with at least one corresponding sliding cam module as well as a shaft, on which the sliding cam module is arranged in a rotationally fixed manner and can be moved in an axial direction along a longitudinal axis of the shaft and a cover module, which comprises a cylinder-head cover as well as a closed bearing element, which comprises a recipient area to hold at least one section of a locking device to lock the sliding cam in an axial position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignees: Thyssenkrupp AG, ThyssenKrupp Presta TecCenter AG, Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG
    Inventors: Norbert Nitz, Jens Schirmer, Tobias Mehlhorn, Dietmar Schwarzenthal
  • Publication number: 20190112950
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a sliding cam module for a camshaft, which comprises at least one sliding cam with at least one cam segment, comprising at least two cams with cam tracks that are different to one another as well as a closed bearing element, which is arranged on the sliding cam in a rotatable and axially non-displaceable manner for mounting the sliding cam, wherein the bearing element comprises a recipient area to hold at least one section of a locking device to lock the sliding cam in an axial position. Furthermore, the invention relates to a camshaft with at least one corresponding sliding cam module as well as a shaft, on which the sliding cam module is arranged in a rotationally fixed manner and can be moved in an axial direction along a longitudinal axis of the shaft and a cover module, which comprises a cylinder-head cover as well as a closed bearing element, which comprises a recipient area to hold at least one section of a locking device to lock the sliding cam in an axial position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2018
    Publication date: April 18, 2019
    Inventors: Norbert NITZ, Jens SCHIRMER, Tobias MEHLHORN, Dietmar SCHWARZENTHAL
  • Patent number: 9027520
    Abstract: A slide cam unit with a cam region is provided with an adjusting device having an actuator for adjusting the slide cam unit to different axial positions via slide grooves on the circumference of the slide cam unit. The adjusting device is arranged in a stationary manner and a device for fastening the slide cam unit in the different axial positions is provided. The cam region and the slide groove region of the slide cam unit are designed as separate cam and slide groove components which are fastened to each other with a positive-fit connection and fixed in place to each other by their support on the base shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Ronny Gunnel, Norbert Nitz, Arne Manteufel
  • Patent number: 8794205
    Abstract: The invention concerns a switchable lever (1) for a valve train of an internal combustion engine, said lever (1) comprising on one end (5), a bearing (6) for enabling a pivotal support of said lever (1) and, on another end (7), a support (9) for a gas exchange valve, a crossbar (2) of the lever (1) comprising a recess (10) comprising two cam rollers (11, 12) which are seated on an axle (15) mounted in bores (13, 14) of side walls (3, 4) of the lever (1) and displaceable in axial direction, a hollow axle (16) arranged on said axle (15) extending inwards out of the bore (13) of the first side wall (3), a first one of the cam rollers (11) being guided, axially fixed on said hollow axle (16) in front of an inner side (17) of the first side wall (3), said first cam roller (11) serving for a permanent contact of a first low lift cam (18) of a cam assembly (19), a second one of the cam rollers (12) being axially fixed on said axle (15) and being displaceable by said axle (15) into two positions, a first one of said
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Norbert Nitz, Robert Heinemann
  • Patent number: 8783219
    Abstract: A switchable cam follower (1) of a valve train of an internal combustion engine is proposed, having an inner lever and an outer lever (2, 3), wherein the levers (2, 3) can be connected to one another via coupling means (12) and run on a common pin (15) such that they can be moved pivotably relative to one another, which pin (15) is projected around by at least one group of turns (16) of a swivel pin spring (17) as cam restoring spring, wherein a first limb (19) which protrudes from an end side (18) of the group of turns (16) acts on a first clamping point (20) of the outer lever (3) and a second limb (22) which protrudes from another end side (21) of the group of turns (16) acts on a second clamping point (23) of the inner lever (2), in the rotational direction in such a way that the levers (2, 3) are present such that they are stressed towards one another, wherein the pin (15) runs in a “floating” manner with respect to the holes (13, 14), wherein the group of turns (16) comprises a bush (24) with play, wher
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Ronny Gunnel, Norbert Nitz
  • Publication number: 20140076256
    Abstract: A reciprocating internal combustion engine having a crankcase in which at least one cylinder and one piston are arranged, having a cylinder head sealing the cylinder, the inlet and outlet channels thereof being controlled by at least one gas exchange valve each, designed as an intake and exhaust valve, which can be actuated by cams of at least one camshaft and transfer elements driven thereby, wherein the cams are designed as slide cams having at least one cam per slide cam unit (1) which are arranged in a rotationally fixed but axially movable manner on a base shaft, wherein there is one device having at least one extendable actuator pin and which can be preferably electromagnetically actuated per slide cam unit (1) for adjusting the slide cam unit (1) to different axial positions via slide grooves (10, 11) on the circumference of the slide cam unit (1) interacting with the actuator pin, wherein the adjusting device is arranged in a stationary manner on a component of the internal combustion engine, wherein
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Ronny Gunnel, Norbert Nitz, Arne Manteufel
  • Patent number: 8616165
    Abstract: An arrangement for coupling two components of an internal combustion engine that are arranged movable relative to each other is provided, in particular, for switching multi-stage valve drives, with at least one coupling element (1) arranged to be movable in one of the components for coupling with the other component to be coupled. Here, at the contact point between the coupling element (1) and the component to be coupled, a force acting on the coupling element (1) during coupling is introduced at an angle relative to the coupling direction (2) of the coupling element (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Norbert Nitz, Stefan Gemein, Joachim Krause
  • Publication number: 20130220250
    Abstract: A switchable cam follower (1) of a valve train of an internal combustion engine is proposed, having an inner lever and an outer lever (2, 3), wherein the levers (2, 3) can be connected to one another via coupling means (12) and run on a common pin (15) such that they can be moved pivotably relative to one another, which pin (15) is projected around by at least one group of turns (16) of a swivel pin spring (17) as cam restoring spring, wherein a first limb (19) which protrudes from an end side (18) of the group of turns (16) acts on a first clamping point (20) of the outer lever (3) and a second limb (22) which protrudes from another end side (21) of the group of turns (16) acts on a second clamping point (23) of the inner lever (2), in the rotational direction in such a way that the levers (2, 3) are present such that they are stressed towards one another, wherein the pin (15) runs in a “floating” manner with respect to the holes (13, 14), wherein the group of turns (16) comprises a bush (24) with play, wher
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2011
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Ronny Gunnel, Norbert Nitz
  • Publication number: 20120325168
    Abstract: The invention concerns a switchable lever (1) for a valve train of an internal combustion engine, said lever (1) comprising on one end (5), a bearing (6) for enabling a pivotal support of said lever (1) and, on another end (7), a support (9) for a gas exchange valve, a crossbar (2) of the lever (1) comprising a recess (10) comprising two cam rollers (11, 12) which are seated on an axle (15) mounted in bores (13, 14) of side walls (3, 4) of the lever (1) and displaceable in axial direction, a hollow axle (16) arranged on said axle (15) extending inwards out of the bore (13) of the first side wall (3), a first one of the cam rollers (11) being guided, axially fixed on said hollow axle (16) in front of an inner side (17) of the first side wall (3), said first cam roller (11) serving for a permanent contact of a first low lift cam (18) of a cam assembly (19), a second one of the cam rollers (12) being axially fixed on said axle (15) and being displaceable by said axle (15) into two positions, a first one of said
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Norbert Nitz, Robert Heinemann
  • Patent number: 8256394
    Abstract: A switchable cup tappet for a valve timing mechanism of an internal combustion engine, which has a cup basic body with an annular base loaded by large-lift cams. A hollow-cylindrical projection protrudes from an inner edge of the base and an inner body extends in the hole of the projection. The disc-like base is contacted by a small-lift cam. In a hole of the inner body two coupler pistons are coupled in sections with a driver surface of the cup basic body for a large valve stroke. The small stroke occurs by complete displacement into the radial hole. An annular web, spaced from its end faces at both ends, is attached integrally, in which the radial hole extends with the coupler pistons. The driver surface for the pistons is formed by a lower edge of the projection, which is spaced from the bases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Michael Haas, Mario Kuhl, Norbert Nitz
  • Patent number: 8240285
    Abstract: A switchable bucket tappet for a valve drive of an internal combustion engine, which has a bucket basic body with a ring-like base. A hollow-cylindrical projection protrudes from an inner edge of the base, and in the bore of the projection an inner body extends. Two coupler pistons lie opposite one another and, to achieve full valve stroke, engage in sections with a driver surface of the bucket basic body which run in a radial hole of the inner body. A zero valve stroke is achieved when the coupler piston is displaced completely into the radial hole of the inner body, which is baseless and free of contact with a cam. The projection has a window-like aperture, with the underside acting as the driver surface for an upper side of the coupler piston during coupling. The region of the base is an approximately symmetrical and continuously thin-walled formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & CO. KG
    Inventors: Lucia Hinkovska, Sandra Schaefer, Lothar Von Schimonsky, Norbert Nitz, Mario Kuhl, Michael Haas
  • Patent number: 8161929
    Abstract: The invention proposes a switchable tappet (1) of a valve train of an internal combustion engine, said tappet comprising a hollow cylindrical housing (3) comprising a bottom (2), an inner element (5) being guided for relative axial displacement in a bore (4) of the housing (3), an at least indirect support for a gas exchange valve extending on a cam-distal front end (6) of the inner element (5), two diametrically opposing pistons as coupling elements (8) being arranged in a radial bore (7) of the inner element (5), which coupling elements (8), for effecting coupling [full valve lift], can be displaced partly beyond a parting surface (9) between the housing (3) and the inner element (5) into an entraining surface (12) of the housing (3) by the force of a compression spring (10a) clamped between inner front ends (10) of the coupling elements (8), wherein the entraining surface (12) is an direct constituent of a separate annular member (13) that is fixed in a cam-distal region of the bore (4) of the housing (3),
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Schaeffler KG
    Inventors: Mario Kuhl, Lothar von Schimonsky, Norbert Nitz, Lucia Hinkovska, Sandra Schäfer
  • Publication number: 20120073530
    Abstract: An arrangement for coupling two components of an internal combustion engine that are arranged movable relative to each other is provided, in particular, for switching multi-stage valve drives, with at least one coupling element (1) arranged to be movable in one of the components for coupling with the other component to be coupled. Here, at the contact point between the coupling element (1) and the component to be coupled, a force acting on the coupling element (1) during coupling is introduced at an angle relative to the coupling direction (2) of the coupling element (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Norbert Nitz, Stefan Gemein, Joachim Krause
  • Publication number: 20100077975
    Abstract: A switchable bucket tappet for a valve drive of an internal combustion engine, which has a bucket basic body with a ring-like base. A hollow-cylindrical projection protrudes from an inner edge of the base, and in the bore of the projection an inner body extends. Two coupler pistons lie opposite one another and, to achieve a full valve stroke, engage in sections with a driver surface of the bucket basic body which run in a radial hole of the inner body. A zero valve stroke is achieved when the coupler piston is displaced completely into the radial hole of the inner body, which is baseless and free of contact with a cam. The projection has a window-like aperture, with the underside acting as the driver surface for an upper side of the coupler piston during coupling. The region of the base is an approximately symmetrical and continuously thin-walled formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER KG
    Inventors: Lucia Hinkovska, Sandra Schaefer, Lothar Von Schimonsky, Norbert Nitz, Mario Kuhl, Michael Haas
  • Publication number: 20100050964
    Abstract: A switchable cup tappet for a valve timing mechanism of an internal combustion engine, which has a cup basic body with an annular base loaded by large-lift cams. A hollow-cylindrical projection protrudes from an inner edge of the base and an inner body extends in the hole of the projection. The disc-like base is contacted by a small-lift cam. In a hole of the inner body two coupler pistons are coupled in sections with a driver surface of the cup basic body for a large valve stroke. The small stroke occurs by complete displacement into the radial hole. An annular web, spaced from its end faces at both ends, is attached integrally, in which the radial hole extends with the coupler pistons. The driver surface for the pistons is formed by a lower edge of the projection, which is spaced from the bases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER KG
    Inventors: Michael Haas, Mario Kuhl, Norbert Nitz
  • Publication number: 20090159029
    Abstract: The invention proposes a switchable tappet (1) of a valve train of an internal combustion engine, said tappet comprising a hollow cylindrical housing (3) comprising a bottom (2), an inner element (5) being guided for relative axial displacement in a bore (4) of the housing (3), an at least indirect support for a gas exchange valve extending on a cam-distal front end (6) of the inner element (5), two diametrically opposing pistons as coupling elements (8) being arranged in a radial bore (7) of the inner element (5), which coupling elements (8), for effecting coupling [full valve lift], can be displaced partly beyond a parting surface (9) between the housing (3) and the inner element (5) into an entraining surface (12) of the housing (3) by the force of a compression spring (10a) clamped between inner front ends (10) of the coupling elements (8), wherein the entraining surface (12) is an direct constituent of a separate annular member (13) that is fixed in a cam-distal region of the bore (4) of the housing (3),
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2008
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventors: Mario Kuhl, Lothar von Schimonsky, Norbert Nitz, Lucia Hinkovska, Sandra Schafer
  • Patent number: 6745737
    Abstract: In an internal combustion engine with a motor block (6) and a longitudinal extending anti-rotation guide (5), which includes receiving recesses situated at apportioned spatial distances, one from the other to receive valve tappets and is affixed in a receiving groove of the motor block (6). The guide (5) is constructed as an injection molded component with a one-piece, molded-on, elastically expanded or deformable clip, which engages in a complementary receiving contour on the motor block (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: INA-Schaeffler-KG
    Inventors: Matthew Evans, David Groh, Norbert Nitz, Oliver Schnell
  • Publication number: 20030070636
    Abstract: In an internal combustion engine with a motor block (6) and a longitudinal extending anti-rotation guide (5), which includes receiving recesses situated at apportioned spatial distances, one from the other to receive valve tappets and is affixed in a receiving groove of the motor block (6). The guide (5) is constructed as an injection molded component with a one-piece, molded-on, elastically expanded or deformable clip, which engages in a complementary receiving contour on the motor block (6).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2002
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Applicant: INA-Schaeffler KG
    Inventors: Matthew Evans, David Groh, Norbert Nitz, Oliver Schnell
  • Patent number: 6273041
    Abstract: A cam follower (1) designed to be switchable between different lifts for at least one gas-exchange valve and includes two adjacent sections (2,4) which can be coupled together via a coupling element (15). The coupling element (15) cooperates with a shutoff slide (14). It is a special feature of the shut-off slide (14) that it is produced as a mechanically closable and openable piston for an inlet (22) in a pressure chamber (20) in front of the coupling means (15), the piston, however, being maintainable hydraulically in its open position via high switching pressure. At the same time, the shutoff slide (14) is completely incorporated in the cam follower (1) and does not extend beyond it. As a result, undesired fluctuations in the pressure of the hydraulic fluid can no longer act on the coupling means (15) during the base circle of the cams acting on the cam follower (1) and an intended turned-off state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: INA Walzlager Schaeffler oHG
    Inventors: Michael Haas, Henning Karbstein, Norbert Nitz