Cam Patents (Class 123/90.6)
  • Patent number: 7610889
    Abstract: A camshaft assembly including a target wheel is manufactured using an assembly process in which the camshaft is formed from a hollow tube. After the cam rings and a target wheel ring have been correctly positioned on the hollow tube, the tube is pressurized to expand its diameter, locking the rings into position on the tube. Locating the target wheel along the axis of the camshaft and spaced from the camshaft end allows the sensor to be located along the axis of the camshaft, and precludes the need to increase the overall length of the head to accommodate the target wheel and the sensor. In a dual overhead engine, the target wheels may be mounted on the two camshafts so that they may be read by a dual element sensor that is mounted between the two wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: Michael S. Boggess, Mark R. Arcori, David W. Fiddes
  • Publication number: 20090255492
    Abstract: A camshaft may include a first shaft, a first lobe member, and a second lobe member. The first shaft may include an annular wall defining a first bore. The wall may include a first portion having a first radial outer surface and a second portion having a second radial outer surface that is radially offset relative to the first radial outer surface. The first lobe member may define a second bore having the first portion of the first shaft located therein and frictionally engaged with the first shaft for rotation with the first shaft. The second lobe member may define a third bore having the second portion of the first shaft located therein. The second lobe member may be rotatably disposed on the second portion of the first shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2008
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Glenn E. Clever, Frederick J. Rozario, Shekhar G. Wakade, Joseph E. Robbins
  • Patent number: 7597078
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a camshaft (1) having cams (3 and 4) rotatable with respect to one another about the camshaft axis (2) over limited circumferential angles, whereby an inside shaft (5) and an outside shaft (6) are arranged coaxially one inside the other. The cams (3 and 4) that are rotatable with respect to one another each consist of first cams (3) and second cams (4), whereby the first cams (3) are fixedly connected to the inside shaft (5) and the second cams (4) are fixedly connected to the outside shaft (6), each by means of a fixation device (8). It is essential to this invention that the first cams (3) each have a first through-bore (11) which is aligned with a respective second through-bore (12) in the inside shaft (5) when the first cam (3) is installed. In addition, the fixation device (8) is formed by two essentially identical fixation pins (10 and 10?) with respect to their axial longitudinal extent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Mahle International GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Kroos, Markus Lettmann, Falk Schneider
  • Publication number: 20090241869
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine for a vehicle, such as a motorcycle, includes a crankcase, two banks of cylinders projecting from the crankcase in a 56-57 degree V-configuration, a plurality of pushrods, and a plurality of camshafts supported by the crankcase. The two banks of cylinders include a first cylinder bank that projects from the crankcase to a first cylinder head, and a second cylinder bank that projects from the crankcase to a second cylinder head. The plurality of intake and exhaust valve pushrods extend between the crankcase and the first and second cylinder heads, driven by one intake camshaft and two exhaust camshafts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2009
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Inventors: Geoffrey W. Burgess, Roy Meyer, Bill Swiggum, Dan Kinsey, Scott Sjovall, Joseph A. Gudgeon, Jeffrey Bailey, Kyle Ridlon, Michael J. Scaletta, Nathan L. Oium
  • Publication number: 20090241871
    Abstract: The degree of freedom in a mounting position of a fuel pump driving cam (115) is improved by making valve operating cams (130R) separate members from a camshaft main body (30R) and mounting the valve operating cams (130R) from the outside in the axial direction of the camshaft main body (30R) after mounting the fuel pump driving cam (115) onto the camshaft main body (30R). Also, the valve operating cams (130R) are formed of solid phase sintered material while the fuel pump driving cam (115) is formed of liquid phase sintered material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2007
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yasushi Hibino, Toshio Imamura, Shuji Morita
  • Publication number: 20090229550
    Abstract: A camshaft may include a first shaft, a bearing sleeve member located on and fixed to the first shaft, and a first lobe member located on the first shaft and displaceable between first and second positions. The first lobe member may be axially offset relative to the bearing sleeve member when in the first position to allow for machining of an outer surface of the bearing sleeve member and removal of machining debris from the outer surface. The first lobe member may be axially aligned with and bearingly supported on the bearing sleeve member when in the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Glenn E. Clever, Roy Glenn Kaywood
  • Publication number: 20090229546
    Abstract: An engine assembly may include an engine structure and a camshaft supported on the engine structure. The camshaft may include a first shaft, a first lobe member fixed to the first shaft and including a bore and first and second lobe portions that are axially spaced from one another and fixed to one another. The bore may include a first radial inner surface at the first lobe portion and a second radial inner surface at the second lobe portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Glenn E. Clever, Roy Glenn Kaywood
  • Publication number: 20090229551
    Abstract: A camshaft may include a first shaft, a first lobe member fixed to the first shaft, a second lobe member fixed to the first shaft, and a third lobe member. The first lobe member may include a first lobe portion and a first bearing portion extending axially from the first lobe portion. The second lobe member may include a second lobe portion and a second bearing portion extending axially from the second lobe portion toward the first bearing portion. The third lobe member may include a first end that is rotatably supported on the first bearing portion and a second end that is rotatably supported on the second bearing portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Glenn E. Clever, Rodney K. Elnick, Roy Glenn Kaywood
  • Patent number: 7588006
    Abstract: A camshaft for automotive engines in particular having contra-rotating cams capable of rotating over a limited circumferential angle about the camshaft axis in which an inside shaft (2) and an outside shaft (1) are arranged concentrically one inside the other, the contra-rotating cams (3, 4) include first and second cams, of which the first cam (4) is fixedly connected to the inside shaft, and the second cam (3) is fixedly connected to the outside shaft (1), the outside shaft (1) and the inside shaft (2) are mounted with respect to one another, is to be manufacturable economically and with a high manufacturing precision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Mahle Ventiltrieb GmbH
    Inventors: Tilo Hentschel, Martin Lechner, Falk Schneider
  • Patent number: 7578272
    Abstract: A multiple cylinder engine includes a plurality of cylinders. Each cylinder includes a valve configured to open and close a port associated with each of the respective cylinders. The cylinders comprises at least a first cylinder group and a second cylinder group. A drive shaft is configured to rotate about an axis. A plurality of valve actuators are configured to transmit rotational movement of the drive shaft to the valve. A change mechanism comprises a control member that is configured to change a transmission state of the rotational movement transmitted from the drive shaft to the valve actuators. The change mechanism is configured to sequentially change an open period and a lift amount of each valve by changing a control amount of the control member. The control member is common to the first and second cylinder groups and the transmission states for the first cylinder group differs from the transmission states of the second cylinder group in accordance with the control amount of the control member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hideo Fujita
  • Publication number: 20090205594
    Abstract: Hydraulic spring drive apparatus comprising: a rotatable cam shaft having fixed thereon a number of cams; a number of rocker arms, one following each cam, each pivotally attached at one end to a pressure bar and at another to an expansible, compressible connecting means in turn connected to a crank portion of a crank shaft. The cams, crank shaft, and expansible compressible connecting means are arranged so that a number of connecting means expand against the compression of one connecting means. The pressure bar is movable to position the rocker arms for a selected degree of connecting means compression.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventor: Cloyce M. Harlan
  • Publication number: 20090199795
    Abstract: A camshaft and a method for manufacturing the camshaft as described. A gear wheel of the camshaft is mounted on a camshaft tube. A collar that is attached to the gear wheel and a locating bearing element that is mounted on the camshaft tube delimit a locating bearing seat of the camshaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2006
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Applicant: Daimler AG
    Inventors: Tobias Eberhard, Sebastian Hartmann, Ralf Quaas
  • Publication number: 20090178630
    Abstract: A camshaft apparatus includes rolling bearings which support a camshaft rotatably, whereby a reduction in torque when an engine is started or is running at low speeds, a reduction in vibration of the camshaft and an extension of the lives of the bearings can be realized. In the rolling bearings, one rolling bearing is made to constitute a main ball bearing which restrains an axial relative movement of the camshaft relative to a shaft case, and the other rolling bearings are made to constitute a plurality of needle roller bearings, whereby a mechanical movement of the camshaft in an axial direction can be restricted in an ensured fashion by the main ball bearing. As to relative displacements due to thermal expansion or contraction of the camshaft and/or the shaft case, an axial relative displacement can be absorbed by needle rollers relatively moving on inter-cam outer circumferential surface areas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2009
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Applicant: JTEKT Corporation
    Inventors: Mikio Kuromatsu, Hiroshi Ueno
  • Publication number: 20090165737
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a bearing device (1) for supporting a camshaft (2) in a cylinder head with at least two bearing blocks (3) which support the camshaft (2), and which are axially penetrated by the camshaft (2) to be supported in a first through-opening (6), and with a connection element (5), at which the at least two bearing blocks (3) are fastened in an aligned position, wherein the bearing blocks (3) together with the connection element (5) and the camshaft (2) form a prefabricatable module which is mountable in an aligned position at the cylinder head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Inventors: Michael Kreisig, Falk Schneider, Markus Walch
  • Publication number: 20090145379
    Abstract: A valve system includes a first valve provided on an intake or exhaust port; a second valve provided on another intake or exhaust port; a first cam unit on a camshaft, defining first and second lobe heights; and a second cam unit on the camshaft, defining a third lobe height. The first cam unit moves the first valve by a distance of either the first or the second lobe height, and the second cam unit moves the second valve by a distance of the third lobe height.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2008
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Inventor: Yoonho Cho
  • Patent number: 7540267
    Abstract: An engine includes a camshaft with outer and inner elongate members. The outer elongate member can include a lobe that actuates a valve. The inner elongate member can be axially disposed within a passageway defined by the outer elongate member. The inner elongate member can be movable relative to the outer elongate member. A tab can be attached to the inner elongate member and can extend into an aperture defined by the outer elongate member. Crankshaft and camshaft pulleys can be respectively attached to the crankshaft and camshaft. A flexible transmitter can be routed over the camshaft pulley, a first deflection member, the crankshaft pulley, and a second deflection member. A first deflection actuator can be engaged with the first deflection member and can facilitate variation in a phase relationship between the camshaft and crankshaft pulleys. A vehicle may also be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Honda Motor Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Daniel Thomas Sellars
  • Patent number: 7536986
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a camshaft (1) having an inner shaft (3) arranged coaxially in an outer shaft (2) and mounted to rotate with respect to the outer shaft (2). The camshaft (1) has a first phase adjuster (7) and a second phase adjuster (8), the first phase adjuster (7) adjusting a phase relation of the inner shaft (3) and thus of the first cams in relation to a drive, in particular a crankshaft, while the second phase adjuster (8) adjusts a phase relation of the outer shaft (2) in relation to the drive. Thus the first and second phase adjusters (7, 8) each have a switchable hydraulic valve (9, 10), both being arranged inside the inner shaft (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: MAHLE International GmbH
    Inventor: Falk Schneider
  • Publication number: 20090126674
    Abstract: In an engine, a cam cap is attached to an upper portion of a cylinder head by a plurality of bolts. The cam cap includes a fuel injection device fixing base. The fuel injection device fixing base has a fixed portion attachment element and an opening having an elongated shape. A fixed portion of a fuel injection device is fixed to this fixed portion attachment element by a bolt while the fuel injection device is inserted into the opening. In addition, the fuel injection device fixing base includes a camshaft fixing portion that fixes a camshaft. Furthermore, a head cover is attached to the cam cap by a plurality of bolts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2006
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Applicant: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Koji Takasu, Yuji Oku
  • Publication number: 20090114176
    Abstract: The invention relates to a valve drive assembly for an internal combustion engine. The aim of the invention is to improve the assembly in such a manner that a stationary cam can be reliably connected to a cam that is rotatably mounted on the camshaft and to avoid malfunctions. For this purpose, a groove-type guide is arranged in the area of the base circle of the cam which is rotatably mounted on the camshaft. A pilot locking plunger is mounted in a blind bore of the base circle of the cam that is connected to the camshaft so as to rotate with it. The plunger can be displaced in a controlled manner and can be engaged with the guide disengaged therefrom. The groove-type guide in which the pilot locking plunger engages extends in the base circle of the rotatably mounted cam by approximately 180°.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Inventor: Jorg Wutzler
  • Publication number: 20090107434
    Abstract: Systems and methods for managing camshaft dynamic loads associated with actuation of a camshaft-driven auxiliary device in a multiple-cylinder internal combustion engine apply positive and negative torque to the camshaft in a phased relationship relative to actuation of the auxiliary device and optionally relative to actuation of intake or exhaust valves operated by the camshaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Al Henry Berger
  • Patent number: 7513232
    Abstract: An adjustable camshaft has at least one adjusting element of an adjusting system fixedly connected to inner and outer shafts that is at least partially in tight contact at the end with a connection surface which is formed by a mounting ring of the outer shaft with respect to the two shafts including the mounting ring. The connection surface is crossed by axial passages between hydraulic chambers of the adjusting system and by hydraulic liquid supply ducts which extend through the shafts, between the shafts and/or through annular gaps formed between the outer shaft and the mounting ring, from the connection surface to filling zones which are located in the peripheral surface of the mounting ring and open into circumferential ring-shaped channels associated each with a filling zone of a supply duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Mahle International GmbH
    Inventor: Falk Schneider
  • Patent number: 7506624
    Abstract: A valve actuation system for a power system is provided. The valve actuation system has an engine valve moveable to selectively prevent or allow a flow of fluid relative to the engine valve. The valve actuation system also has a cam assembly with a first cam lobe and a second cam lobe. The valve actuation system also has a cam follower with a first tappet protrusion and a second tappet protrusion. A selective rotation of the cam follower engages either the first tappet protrusion with the first cam lobe to move the engine valve through a first valve event, or the second tappet protrusion with the second cam lobe to move the engine valve through a second valve event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Perkins Engines Company Limited
    Inventor: Daniel Deane
  • Patent number: 7503293
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an adjustable camshaft in which an inside shaft and an outside shaft, each being fixedly connected to cams, are mounted so they are rotatable in relation to one another. To produce the relative movement, a hydraulic adjusting mechanism is provided on one of the ends thereof; in the adjusting mechanism, first and second rotatable adjusting elements are each fixedly connected to one of the two shafts opposite one another. Adjacent to the adjusting mechanism, the outside shaft is fixedly connected to a first bearing ring supporting at least the outside shaft in a stationary first abutment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: MAHLE International GmbH
    Inventors: Markus Lettmann, Falk Schneider
  • Patent number: 7500456
    Abstract: The present invention is a novel non-splined shaft for connecting cam units (cam sections) in a series to construct a camshaft having zero degree backlash for use within an engine. Such engines typically use a camshaft comprised of a plurality of separate camshaft units (cam sections) which are connected in a series by one or more cam connecting shafts. The entire series of camshaft units and cam connecting shafts may be, for example, 40 feet in length. Examples of natural gas engines in which the cam connecting shafts described herein may be used include, but are not limited to, the INGERSOLL-RAND KVR and KVT series of engines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Inventor: Jeffrey B. Horton
  • Publication number: 20090050083
    Abstract: An engine with intake and exhaust valves that may be controlled with a circular cam lobe is provided. The rotating axis of the circular cam lobe is offset from the physical center of the cam lobe. This permits the cam lobe to impart a reciprocal opening and closing of the valve. To maintain the valve in the closed position, the interconnection between the cam lobe and the valve 12 may have a spring which is compressed to allow the valve to remain closed for a set duration of time while the cam lobe continues to rotate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2008
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventor: Julian A. Decuir, JR.
  • Patent number: 7484296
    Abstract: The invention relates to a camshaft (50) comprising a shaft (13) onto which one or more annular cams (46?) are pushed and fixed in a positive and/or non-positive fit. To produce said camshaft in a particularly cost-effective, simple and flexible manner, the cams (46?) are produced from one or more strip sections by deformation, in particular by bending into an annular form and by the welding of the free ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Inventor: Karl Merz
  • Patent number: 7484486
    Abstract: A drive for valve drive operating control systems in motor vehicles, preferably for camshaft adjusters, includes at least one drive wheel and functional parts, such as a cover, a stator, a closing ring, and a sealing ring, as well as at least one rotor. The drive wheel and at least one of the functional parts are produced in a single part from a high-resistant, non-metallic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Dr. Ing H.C.F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Andreas Knecht, Guido Schneider, Gerold Sluka, Wolfgang Stephan
  • Patent number: 7475663
    Abstract: The invention relates to an internal combustion engine (1) comprising a housing (2) having at least one opening (4) into its inside, which is preferably the engine-oil feed inlet, and with a camshaft (5), mounted inside the housing for rotation about its geometric shaft. The camshaft (5) and the housing (2) have means cooperating with each other and with a device for locking a turnable shaft (6) with respect to the housing, insertable through this opening. In a second embodiment of the present invention, the device consists of a rod (6), the cooperating means in the housing consist in a bore (7) for receiving an end of the rod (6), and the cooperating means on the cam shaft consist of a notch (9) made in the surface of the shaft, which cooperates with the rod. In this way, when there is a need to adjust, repair and/or replace engine (1) components, the rod (6) is inserted through the opening (4) and locked in this bore (7) of the housing (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: International Engine Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventors: Caetano M. A. Calviti, Fausto Luiz C. S. Neves, Joaquim Rodrigues Neto
  • Patent number: 7475659
    Abstract: A device for controlling valve movements in an internal combustion engine includes a rotating camshaft having a cam curve, the camshaft being designed, via a rocker arm, to interact with a valve mechanism for operating the inlet or exhaust valve by a valve spring. The valve mechanism includes timing gear which allows the return movement of the valve mechanism to be controlled during the closing phase of the inlet valve or exhaust valve, independently of the cam curve. A resilient element is arranged between the rocker arm and a fixed point in such a way that the rocker arm continuously follows the cam curve as the camshaft rotates. The force of the valve spring is adjusted to the moving mass of the valve mechanism and to forces counteracting the valve closure. The force exerted by the resilient element are adjusted to the mass of the rocker arm for the purpose of minimizing the energy losses of the valve mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Volvo Lastvaguar AB
    Inventor: Jan Arnell
  • Patent number: 7472671
    Abstract: A valve drive for an internal combustion engine having at least one camshaft which has a toothed shaft (2) and at least one cam part (3) with a plurality of different cam paths (13, 14) arranged adjacent to one another for the variable actuation of gas exchange valves (8) by displacement of the cam parts (3) by means of actuators (actuator pins 4 and 5) on the toothed shaft (2), the toothed shaft (2) having a shaft profile (9) and the cam parts (3) having a hub profile (10) which is matched to said shaft profile (9), and the number of wedges, notches or teeth (19) of the shaft profile (9) and of the hub profile (10) being such that the different cam positions for four-stroke internal combustion engines of any type such as in-line engines, V-engines or W-engines, and with any numbers of cylinders, can be provided with the same toothed shafts (2) and cam parts (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Schaeffler KG
    Inventors: Harald Elendt, Christof Faria
  • Publication number: 20080314344
    Abstract: A continuous variable valve lift apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a camshaft, an input cam disposed to the camshaft, a variable lever that is rotably connected to the camshaft and includes a first arm including a first connecting shaft and a second arm including a second connecting shaft, a first link rotating around the first connecting shaft corresponding to a rotation of the input cam, an output cam rotating around the camshaft, a valve opening/closing portion that is opened and closed corresponding to a rotation of the output cam, and a connecting portion that is disposed for the output cam to rotate corresponding to a rotation of the first link.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventors: Jin Kook Kong, Won Geun Lee, Kyoung Joon Chang, Kiyoung Kwon, Young Hong Kwak, Ki Uk Shin, Eun Ho Lee, Young Nam Kim
  • Publication number: 20080289592
    Abstract: The instant invention relates to a cam shaft (1) for internal combustion engines of motor vehicles, which is supported on a cylinder head housing (15) via at least one roller bearing (2), wherein provision is made for at least one thrust bearing (3), which supports the cam shaft (1) in axial direction (4) and which is embodied as ball or also as roller bearing (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2008
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Inventors: Thomas Flender, Michael Kreisig, Falk Schneider
  • Publication number: 20080283003
    Abstract: A two-step roller finger follower assembly for shifting between high-lift and low-lift valve modes in a valve train of an internal combustion engine includes a body having side members defining coaxially disposed shaft orifices, a pallet end, a socket end, a slider arm aperture, and a latch pin channel. The socket end is mountable to a hydraulic lash adjuster, and the pallet end is matable with a valve stem. A slider arm for engaging a high-lift cam lobe is disposed in the aperture, is pivotably mounted to a rotatable cross-shaft extending through the shaft orifices, and includes a slider tip for selectively engaging a latch pin to latch or unlatch the slider arm from the body. Dual rollers on the cross-shaft follow dual low-lift cam lobes. Preferably, the slider arm has a compound radial surface to provide compound lost motion of the slider arm, thereby minimizing rotational inertia.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2007
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventor: Nick J. Hendriksma
  • Publication number: 20080276753
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a cam shaft that prevents cracks during the joining of a cam lobe to a shaft, and improves the degree of freedom of design of the cam lobe is provided. By a method of manufacturing a cam shaft that after an inner circumferential surface 13 of a cam lobe 1 is subjected to treatment for residual compressive stress addition treatment, the cam lob 1 is joined to a shaft, above problem is solved. It is preferred that the residual compressive stress on the inner circumferential surface 13 of the cam lobe 1 is not less than 100 MPa. In addition, an outer peripheral surface 14 of the cam lobe 1 can be also subjected to treatment for residual compressive stress addition treatment. As the treatment for residual compressive stress addition treatment, shot-peening treatment, induction hardening treatment, barrel polishing treatment, carburizing and quenching treatment or carbonitriding treatment is performed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2004
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Takamura
  • Publication number: 20080276888
    Abstract: The invention relates to cams for constructed camshafts, said cams formed from at least one profiled sheet metal strip (2) produced by rolling and having a thickness which varies in the longitudinal direction thereof and two end regions (2a). Said profiled sheet metal strip (2) is bent or deformed to form the cam blank (1) in such a way that the end regions (2a) thereof are welded to the end regions (2b) of at least one other bent or deformed metal strip (2). The cam blank (1) has recess (A) for receiving a carrying shaft (11), said recess (A) having an inner contour region which is essentially circular or partially circular. The aim of the invention is to create one such cam in such a way that it requires as little raw material as possible, the usable width of the running surface is as large as possible, and it can be connected to the carrying shaft in an especially simple and cost-effective manner by a non-positive and/or positive joining method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2005
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Applicant: THYSSENKRUPP AUTOMOTIVE AF
    Inventor: Manfred Muster
  • Patent number: 7431002
    Abstract: A camshaft has contrarotating cams for automotive engines, in which an inside shaft and an outside shaft are arranged concentrically so they are contrarotating, at least one cam has at least one main cam element that can be placed radially on the outside shaft and is supported there so it can rotate. The main cam element is connected to the inside shaft in a manner that is rotationally locked via a fastener passing through a recess in the outside shaft. Further features include a fastener, a main cam element and a locking means. The fastening of the main cam element to the inside shaft is provided by widening the outside diameter of the fastener by the locking means with a resulting tightly seated connection between the fastener and the inside shaft, and the fastener and the locking means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: MAHLE International GmbH
    Inventors: Hermann Hoffmann, Martin Lechner, Falk Schneider
  • Publication number: 20080236553
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine including a valve system and a breather system. The valve system includes a camshaft having intake cams and exhaust cams. The intake cams open and close intake valves, and the exhaust cams open and close exhaust valves. The breather system includes an upstream-side breather chamber and a downstream-side breather chamber. Blow-by gas flows into the upstream-side breather chamber through a chain chamber. The down-stream side breather chamber is provided in the camshaft, and also formed of a through hole constituted of a plurality of hole portions. The hole portions have different sizes and are aligned in the axial direction. The through bole opens to the chain chamber at a first shaft end portion of the camshaft, and also opens to the down-stream side breather chamber at a second shaft end portion of the camshaft. The down-stream side breather chamber is formed of a cam holder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: Yukihiro Tsubakino, Hidemichi Mori
  • Patent number: 7424877
    Abstract: The invention relates to an internal combustion engine comprising a variable valve drive device provided with at least one camshaft having at least one cam arrangement. Said cam arrangement comprises a cam which can be displaced essentially radially in relation to the camshaft, and at least one, preferably two, base circle disks fixed to the camshaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Assignee: AVL List GmbH
    Inventor: Johann Wagner
  • Patent number: 7421988
    Abstract: A positive-guidance apparatus for conversion of a rotary movement of a driven cam element to a reciprocating movement of a part. The apparatus has a first cam area which pushes the part away in a first direction. A second cam area, which is formed on another cam pulls the part back with the aid of a flexible element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Inventor: Stefan Battlogg
  • Patent number: 7415951
    Abstract: A valve timing mechanism of an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle, having a camshaft having at least one cam (18), via which a switchable valve timing mechanism element (1) can be loaded with a cam stroke (s), in which locking means (12) are arranged on the valve timing mechanism element (1), which locking means (12) have a locking play (16) which is active in the direction of a valve stroke, in which the cam (18) has a base circle region (?) and a ramp region (19) with an opening ramp (?) which adjoins the base circle region (?), and in which at least one ramp section (21) is formed on the opening ramp (?) in order to compensate for the locking play (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Schaeffler KG
    Inventors: Peter Sailer, Oliver Schnell, Jochen Tovar
  • Publication number: 20080184947
    Abstract: An engine includes a crankshaft, a first noncircular gear operatively connected to the crankshaft to be driven thereby, a second noncircular gear meshingly engaged with the first noncircular gear, a cam operatively connected to the second noncircular gear to be driven thereby, and a valve operatively connected to the cam for movement between open and closed positions. The noncircular gears enable the speed of the cam to vary cyclically with constant rotation of the crankshaft speed. Valve lift timing and duration may be variable by moving the second noncircular gear with respect to the first noncircular gear while maintaining meshing engagement therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2007
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Burak A. Gecim
  • Patent number: 7404383
    Abstract: A valve train with cam switching used for intermittent control of a four-cycle internal combustion engine. The valve train comprises a splined shaft, one cam block per cylinder, and a housing-mounted actuator pin. On each end of the cam block is a cylindrical end piece and a mirror-symmetric displacing groove. A housing-mounting actuator pin inserts radially into each displacing groove. The cam block reciprocates axially through the cooperation of the actuator pins and the displacing grooves when the engine is running. Low wear of the valve train and a high switching speed are achieved due to the fact that the displacing grooves possess an accelerating flank with an impact ramp that results in a constant, low initial axial speed of the cam block and a feeble impact force of the actuator pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Schaeffler KG
    Inventor: Harald Elendt
  • Publication number: 20080173128
    Abstract: A shaft comprising functional elements, such as an assembled camshaft for an internal combustion engine, a method for producing such shafts, and internal combustion engines equipped with such shafts. The functional elements each have a bore and are produced separately from the shaft main body, and the bore is subsequently press fit onto the shaft body to attach the functional element in an axially and rotationally fixed manner. The shaft is also provided with at least one roller bearing that includes at least one undivided roller bearing element which is mounted on the shaft body between two functional elements, for example, by press fitting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2008
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Applicant: Neumayer Tekfor Holding GmbH
    Inventors: Manfred Vogel, Matthias Derse, Matthias Bechtold
  • Publication number: 20080170816
    Abstract: A cam shaft assembly is provided which includes a rolling bearing providing for effective oil feeding to a raceway. The assembly includes: a shaft 1; the rolling bearings 3 rotatably supporting the shaft 1; and cams 2 fitted on the shaft 1. The rolling bearing 3 includes a circumferential groove formed on an outer periphery of an outer ring 5 and an axial groove extending from place in the circumferential groove and opening on a lateral side of the outer ring 5.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2006
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Applicant: JTEKT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroshi Ueno, Kazuyoshi Yamakawa, Tomoya Hattori
  • Patent number: 7392775
    Abstract: A helical cam device for use with a wide variety of applications generally includes a first cam component, a second cam component and an axial guide. The cam components each have a helical cam track located on an axial end, so that coaxial alignment of the two cam components allows opposing cam tracks to contact and rotate against each other. The helical cam tracks, which are preferably divided into quadrant sections, are designed such that relative rotational movement between the cam components causes a corresponding relative axial movement. According to one embodiment, the axial guide is a cylindrical rod passing through the center of the cam components; in another embodiment, it is a cylindrical sleeve surrounding the cam components. Moreover, barrel slots, detents and/or truncated peaks can be used to control the travel of the cam components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: Helical Cam, LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey Clarence Krozek
  • Publication number: 20080115752
    Abstract: An upper surface of a head part of a valve lifter has a predetermined turn back portion at which, with a valuable valve control device kept controlled to induce a maximum lift of an engine valve, a swing stroke of a rounded cam surface of a swing cam relative to the upper surface of the head part changes a traveling direction from a radially outward direction for opening the engine valve to a radially inward direction for closing the engine valve. An inlet end part of an oil hole formed in the head part is placed at a radially inside position of the upper surface other than a position where side edges of the rounded cam surface of the swing cam are in contact with the inlet end part of the oil hole when the rounded cam surface is placed in the vicinity of the turn back portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Inventors: Shinichi Ishii, Akira Hidaka, Keisuke Takeda
  • Publication number: 20080115750
    Abstract: The invention relates to a contoured body having an additional cam contour for effecting a valve control of a piston combustion engine that is used, in particular, for an internal exhaust gas recirculation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2004
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Inventors: Joachim Hahn, Helge Djie, Sven Lauer, Markus Duesmann, Falk Schneider, Christopher Steinmetz, Hermann Hoffmann, Martin Lechner
  • Patent number: 7363890
    Abstract: A method and a device for operating an internal combustion engine improve the response of the internal combustion engine and increase its torque. An exhaust valve of the combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine is opened during a discharge phase of the internal combustion engine for discharging exhaust gas, generated via combustion, from a combustion chamber into an exhaust system of the internal combustion engine. The exhaust valve is closed again and re-opened during this discharge phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Michael Baeuerle
  • Patent number: 7357108
    Abstract: A valve operating system for an engine that includes a piston that reciprocates along a piston axis. The valve operating system includes a valve member that is movable along a valve axis between a first position and a second position and a crankshaft that is rotatable about a crank axis. A cam member includes a substantially non-planar non-cylindrical surface and a cam profile superimposed thereon. A drive linkage interconnects the cam member and the crankshaft such that the cam member rotates in response to rotation of the crankshaft. A rocker arm is engaged with the valve member and the cam profile to move the valve member in response to rotation of the cam member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventor: Gary Gracyalny
  • Publication number: 20080060594
    Abstract: An engine camshaft assembly includes a hollow tubular shaft mounting a plurality of separate cam sets, each including multiple camps. Each cam includes an outer cam surface bounded by opposite parallel sides and including an axial opening extending through said sides. Each cam set includes at least two associated cams positioned in side-by-side relation with their openings axially aligned. A shoulder protruding from a side of one of the cam engages an adjacent side of another associated cam, thus maintaining the sides of the associated cams in fixed parallel relation. The tubular shaft extends through the cam openings and supports the cam sets on a common rotational axis. During assembly, the shaft is expanded into engagement with the openings so that the cam sets are retained in fixed axial and angular relation on the shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2006
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Inventors: Michael R. Cline, Daniel L. O'Neil