Coupling Facilitates Relative Rotary Displacement Between Coupled Members Patents (Class 464/160)
  • Patent number: 7578271
    Abstract: A valve timing controller is provided with a first rotary element including a first gear part, a second rotary element including a second gear part, and a third rotary element including a third gear part and a fourth gear part. The third gear part and the fourth gear part are meshed respectively with the first gear part and the second gear part. A stopper is provided so as to extend in the first rotary element in the radial direction for regulating a relative rotational phase shift angle between the first rotary element and the second rotary element. An interposing assembler is provided on the second rotary element for rotatably interposing the stoppers in an axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Taei Sugiura, Yasushi Morii, Akiyuki Sudou
  • Publication number: 20090199801
    Abstract: A valve timing adjusting apparatus includes a driving-side rotor, a driven-side rotor, a sun gear, and a planet gear. The driving-side rotor is rotatable synchronously with the crankshaft. The driven-side rotor is received in the driving-side rotor and rotatable synchronously with a camshaft. The sun gear is rotatable integrally with the driving-side rotor. The planet gear moves epicyclically relative to the sun gear. The driving-side rotor includes a peripheral wall member and a bottom wall member. One of the sun gear and the bottom wall member is fitted with an inner peripheral side of one axial end portion of the peripheral wall member. The other one is fitted with an outer peripheral side of the other axial end portion of the peripheral wall member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2009
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Akio Imai, Yasushi Morii
  • Patent number: 7572117
    Abstract: A crankshaft and an mounting hole have two main circular arc parts on the same circle; and two connecting parts for connecting the adjacent main circular arc parts, and have a cross-sectional shape in which the connecting parts facing each other are substantially parallel. The connecting parts of the mounting hole are formed in the shape of a large circular arc which projects inward. The torque of the crankshaft is transmitted to the mounting hole in a state where the connecting parts of the crankshaft and the connecting parts of the mounting hole which are formed in the shape of a large circular arc come into line contact with each other; therefore, the value of any local stress generated in the mounting hole can be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Materials PMG Corporation
    Inventor: Katsuaki Hosono
  • Patent number: 7571700
    Abstract: A valve timing control apparatus includes a rotor linked to a camshaft of an internal combustion engine. A drive member is linked to the drive shaft of the internal combustion engine and supports the rotor in a relatively rotational manner. A hydraulic chamber is partitioned by a vane and is disposed between the rotor and the drive member 30. The drive member includes an outer rotor forming the hydraulic chamber together with the rotor 2, a housing member including a front plate portion joined to one axial end of the outer rotor and a tubular portion linked the front plate portion and positioned on the outer radial side of the outer rotor, and a rear plate member joined to the other axial end of the outer rotor and to the housing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazumi Ogawa, Atsushi Sato
  • Patent number: 7568458
    Abstract: A variable cam timing system for an engine with at least one camshaft comprising: a housing, a rotor, and a controlled bypass. The housing has an outer circumference for accepting drive force and chambers. The rotor has a connection to a camshaft coaxially located within the housing. The housing and the rotor define at least one vane separating a chamber in the housing into advance and retard chambers. The vane is capable of rotation to shift the relative angular position of the housing and the rotor. The controlled bypass provides fluid communication between the chambers. When the valve is closed, the valve blocks passage between the chambers and when the valve is open fluid flows through the passage extending between the advance chamber to the retard chamber. A method for reducing the valve event is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: David B. Roth, Braman Wing
  • Patent number: 7565889
    Abstract: A valve timing control apparatus includes a locking mechanism that can minimize the accumulation of foreign material in a concave engagement part, can minimize the penetration of foreign material to the sliding parts of a locking member, and can reduce the sliding resistance of the locking member. A locking mechanism is provided with a sliding groove provided to an outer rotor; a locking member for sliding along the sliding groove; and a concave engagement part that is provided to the inner rotor, for engaging with the locking member in a state in which the phase of relative rotation is a lock phase, and has an inlet port for introducing hydraulic fluid. Flow channels for hydraulic fluid are provided to at least one of the sliding groove and the locking member, are formed along the sliding direction of the locking member, and are communicatingly connected to the concave engagement part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Taiyu Iwata, Kenji Fujiwaki, Shigeru Nakajima
  • Publication number: 20090183702
    Abstract: The present invention provides a cam shaft adjuster, which is designed for controlling a double cam shaft, which has a layered construction. The cam shaft adjuster is equipped with a first rotor-type output body and a second rotor-type output body which are arranged parallel to each other with their rotary vane body parts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2009
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Applicant: Hydraulik-Ring GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Knecht, Dirk Pohl
  • Publication number: 20090183704
    Abstract: [Object] To keep an air-gap between an electromagnetic clutch and a magnet within a predetermined range even if a camshaft vibrates in a radial direction. [Achieving Means] A bearing 26 and a stopper 51 are attached to a stepped part 20c of an inner cylinder part 20, the bearing 26 is supported by a C ring 28 inserted in a groove 44c of a rotational drum 44, a bearing 52 is attached to a stepped part 51a formed on the side of the outer periphery of the stopper 51, an inner sidewall 122c of an electromagnetic clutch 42 is supported by the bearing 52, the bearing 52 is supported by a clip 128 attached to an annular groove 127 formed in the inner sidewall 122c, the rotational drum 44 is supported by the bearing 26 prevented from moving in an axial direction, the electromagnetic clutch 42 is supported by the bearing 52 prevented from moving in the axial direction, and an air-gap AG between the electromagnetic clutch 42 and the magnet 45 of the rotational drum 44 is easily managed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2006
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Applicant: NITTAN VALVE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Minoru Shiino, Koichi Honma
  • Patent number: 7556000
    Abstract: In a vane-type camshaft phaser, one vane extends over a much larger internal angle than the other two vanes. Because of its size and strength, the large vane is the vane designated for contact with the stator. The other vanes and lobes have extra clearance to prevent contact regardless of rotor position. In one embodiment, a first surface of the large vane engages a surface of a first adjacent lobe at one extreme rotor rotation, and a second surface of the large vane engages a surface of a second adjacent lobe at the opposite extreme of rotation. The contact surfaces of the lobes and the vane may be equipped with hardened wear pads. One or more wear pads may be machined to provide a desired rotor displacement angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald J. Pierik, Dominic Borraccia
  • Publication number: 20090159024
    Abstract: In an adjustment device for adjusting the phase position of a camshaft relative to a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine which includes a hydraulic system for supplying hydraulic fluid under pressure to the adjustment device for the controlled admission to, and release thereof from, operating chambers of the adjustment device under the control of a control device including a control valve, the operating chambers are in communication with one another via control valves to permit flow of hydraulic fluid from one set of operating chambers to another by the varying torques effective on the camshaft or by controlling fluid supply to the operating chambers from the hydraulic fluid supply system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventors: Enrico Paul, Uwe Reuter, Holger Rudzinski, Ulrich Stubbemann
  • Patent number: 7523728
    Abstract: A phaser for controlling the timing between a camshaft and a timing gear having a rotor with at least one vane and a stator with at least one recess the phaser allowing limited rotational movement of the rotor with respect to the stator. The vane divides the recess into first and second pockets, wherein the introduction of a fluid into the first pocket causes the rotor to move in a first rotational direction relative to the stator, and in that the introduction of a fluid in the second pocket causes the rotor to move in the opposite rotational direction. A control ring is provided for selectively opening and closing a fluid connection between the pockets to allow fluid to flow between the pockets using the pressure difference of the fluid in each of the pockets to transport the fluid from the one to the other pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Axel H. Berndorfer
  • Publication number: 20090090322
    Abstract: A variable valve timing control apparatus of an internal combustion engine has a drive rotary member rotated by an engine crankshaft, a driven rotary member fixedly connected to a camshaft and transferring a turning force from the drive rotary member to the camshaft, and a phase-change mechanism changing a relative rotational phase between the drive and driven rotary members and having an intermediate rotary member installed between the drive and driven rotary members for a relative rotational phase control. The variable valve timing control apparatus further has a holding mechanism and a releasing mechanism. The holding mechanism forces the intermediate rotary member and holds the relative rotational phase between the drive and driven rotary members, and the releasing mechanism releases a holding state of the holding mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2008
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventors: Naoki KOKUBO, Yoshiyuki Kobayashi, Masahiko Watanabe
  • Patent number: 7513227
    Abstract: A valve timing control device includes a driving side rotational member, a driven side rotational member, a retarded angle chamber, an advanced angle chamber, a first control valve, a supply passage supplying the fluid to the first control valve, a first pump pumping the fluid to a vapor liquid separating portion, a second pump pumping the fluid in the vapor liquid separating portion to the first control valve, a discharge passage discharging the fluid from the first control valve toward the operational fluid reservoir, and a second control valve provided at the discharge passage and operated to switch the discharge passage between a first discharge passage is discharging the fluid discharged from the first control valve to the operational fluid reservoir and a second discharge passage flowing the fluid to be drawn into the first pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazumi Ogawa, Mitsuru Uozaki
  • 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: 7513226
    Abstract: An engine is provided having an engine block, a cylinder head mounted to the engine block, a valve train mounted to the cylinder head, and a cam cover extending over the valve train and mounted to the cylinder head. A hydraulic system for providing a hydraulic fluid to the valve train is included. The hydraulic system has a first passage extending from the engine block through the cylinder head to the cam cover and connected to a second passage. The second passage extends along a length of the cam cover and is connected to an oil control valve. At least one control passage extends from the oil control valve through the cam cover to the valve train. The oil control valve is mounted to a port in the cam cover and extends into the cam cover in a direction along a width of the cam cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeff L. Swain, Craig D. Marriott, Timothy L. Neal, Joseph J. Moon
  • Patent number: 7513230
    Abstract: A camshaft adjusting system for an internal combustion engine has a camshaft adjusting device with a first hydraulic chamber and a second hydraulic chamber, wherein the first and second hydraulic chambers act in opposition to one another. A control valve group working as a 4/4-way valve system has a first connection to the first hydraulic chamber, a second connection to the second hydraulic chamber, a tank connection, and a connection for pressurization. The camshaft adjusting system in a first state of the control valve group, when starting the internal combustion engine, is pressure-relieved relative to the tank connection by simultaneously hydraulically connecting the first and second connections of the camshaft adjusting device so that the camshaft adjusting device moves into a dwell position with a single locking mechanism. The dwell position also provides a safety function in case of system failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Hydraulik-Ring GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Knecht, Helmut Patze, Udo Diederichs, Udo Schwandt
  • Patent number: 7513233
    Abstract: In a case of switching the control mode between the reference timing control mode and the F/B control mode, when an engine speed is greater than or equal to a predetermined speed, and when target advanced amount of intake valve timing is lower than a switching threshold (vicinity of the most retarded timing), an intake VCT is switched into the reference timing control mode. And when engine speed is more than the predetermined rotating speed, and when the target retarded amount of exhaust valve timing is less than the switching threshold (vicinity of the most advanced timing), an exhaust VCT is switched to the reference timing control mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuki Ichimura, Yasuo Hirata
  • Publication number: 20090078222
    Abstract: A check valve is provided in a fluid passage between a phase change valve and a fluid supply source. The check valve enables a flow of the hydraulic fluid from the fluid supply source to a retarding chamber or an advancing chamber defined in a housing in corporation with a vane rotor received therein. The check valve blocks a flow of the hydraulic fluid from the retarding chamber or the advancing chamber to a fluid supply source side. A filter is provided in the fluid passage between the check valve and the fluid supply source to remove debris from the hydraulic fluid before supplying of the hydraulic fluid to the check valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2008
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Murao, Akihiko Takenaka
  • Publication number: 20090078223
    Abstract: An intake side phase varying mechanism varies an open/close timing of an intake valve, and an exhaust side phase varying mechanism varies an open/close timing of an exhaust valve. Before starting the engine, one of the intake and exhaust side phase varying mechanisms is caused to keep a first position wherein the intake and exhaust valves show the largest valve overlap therebetween and the other of the mechanisms is caused to keep a second position wherein the intake and exhaust valves show the smallest valve overlap therebetween. A controller is configured to carry out, after starting the engine, causing the selected one of the intake and exhaust side phase varying mechanisms to be actually controlled to the first position and causing the other to be actually controlled to the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Inventor: Makoto NAKAMURA
  • Patent number: 7506622
    Abstract: One of retard passages, which supplies working fluid to one of retard chambers, is a dedicated passage. The other remaining retard passages, which supply the working fluid to the other remaining retard chambers, are branch passages, which are branched from a retard passage that serves as a supply passage. With this construction, a flow quantity of working fluid per unit time supplied from the one of retard passages to the one of retard chambers becomes larger than a flow quantity of working fluid per unit time supplied from the other remaining retard passages to the other remaining retard chambers. Thus, the one of retard chambers can be filled with the working fluid earlier than the other remaining retard chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignees: Denso Corporation, Nippon Soken, Inc.
    Inventors: Kinya Takahashi, Masayasu Ushida, Takao Nojiri, Seiji Yaokou, Jun Yamada
  • Patent number: 7506621
    Abstract: A phase control valve, which supplies a drive hydraulic pressure to an advance chamber or a retard chamber, is integrated with a drain switch valve, which controls opening and closing of an advance drain control valve and opening and closing of a retard drain control valve, to form a solenoid spool valve. The advance drain control valve is provided in an advance check valve bypass passage, which bypasses an advance check valve, and is driven by a pilot hydraulic pressure to open and close the advance check valve bypass passage. The retard drain control valve is provided in a retard check valve bypass passage, which bypasses a retard check valve, and is driven by a pilot hydraulic pressure to open and close the retard check valve bypass passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignees: Denso Corporation, Nippon Soken, Inc.
    Inventors: Kinya Takahashi, Masayasu Ushida, Takao Nojiri, Seiji Yaokou, Jun Yamada
  • 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: 7503294
    Abstract: A valve opening/closing timing controlling apparatus includes a housing member 3 rotatable together with a timing gear 110 (drive member), a rotor member 2 rotatably assembled with the housing member 3, a vane 70 portion of the rotor member forming, within the housing member 3, a phase-advanced oil chamber R1 and a phase-lagged oil chamber R2, the rotor member being rotatable together with a cam shaft 10, a torsion coil spring 55 for urging the rotor member 2 relative to the housing member 3 in a phase advancing direction, and a phase-advanced oil passage (hydraulic circuit) 65 or a phase-lagged oil passage (hydraulic circuit) 66 a hydraulic circuit for controlling feeding/discharging of work oil to or from the phase-advanced oil chamber R1 or the phase-lagged oil chamber R2. The torsion coil spring 55 has one end 55a thereof fixed to the housing member 3 and the other end 55b thereof fixed to a projection 28 provided on the rotor member 2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazumi Ogawa, Atsushi Sato
  • Patent number: 7500455
    Abstract: In a guide groove of a guide rotator of a valve timing control apparatus, a stopper surface is planar and is positioned in an end of the guide groove. The stopper surface is engageable with a cylindrical outer peripheral surface of a movable body, which is received in the guide groove, to stop the movable body. An arcuate outer connection surface connects between the stopper surface and an outer guide surface and has a radius of curvature, which is smaller than that of the cylindrical outer peripheral surface of the movable body. An arcuate inner connection surface connects between the stopper surface and an inner guide surface and has a radius of curvature, which is smaller than that of the cylindrical outer peripheral surface of the movable body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignees: Denso Corporation, Nippon Soken, Inc.
    Inventors: Shigeyuki Kusano, Akira Shimadu, Eiji Isobe, Takayuki Inohara
  • Publication number: 20090056655
    Abstract: A variable valve timing control apparatus of an internal combustion engine includes a phase change mechanism configured to control engine valve timing by changing a relative angular phase between a timing sprocket and a camshaft by braking torque application via an electromagnetic brake. A flow control valve is arranged downstream of an oil supply passage that supplies cooling oil into an inside of the phase change mechanism. The flow control valve includes a valve element configured to control a flow rate of the oil supplied into the inside of the phase change mechanism, by changing an opening area of a valve bore communicating the oil supply passage by way of an advancing/retreating motion of the valve element in the valve bore, and a temperature-sensitive member configured to create the advancing/retreating motion of the valve element responsively to a temperature of the oil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki KOBAYASHI, Masahiko Watanabe, Atsushi Yamanaka
  • Patent number: 7497193
    Abstract: The present invention describes a new rotor and a corresponding method of manufacture for a rotor according to the invention in which a sleeve as a structural component takes over oil guidance functions in addition to locking pin bearing functions, wherein the sleeve can be inserted in a vane of the rotor flush with the surface by means of a press fit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Hydraulik-Ring GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Knecht, Dirk Pohl, Jan Eimert
  • Patent number: 7493880
    Abstract: A non-circular sprocket component comprises a rotor (11) having a plurality of teeth (16) arranged around the perimeter of the rotor, each tooth having a crown (9), and each pair of adjacent teeth having a valley (8) therebetween. The crowns of the teeth lie on a curved envelope forming the perimeter of the rotor. The perimeter has a non-circular profile having at least two protruding portions (22, 23) alternating with receding portions (24, 25). The distance between the midpoints (V) of the crowns (9) of each pair of adjacent teeth is substantially the same. The profile of the valley (8) between each pair of adjacent teeth is substantially the same. The distance between the midpoint (V), of each crown (9) and the axis (A) of the rotor varies around the perimeter to produce the said non-circular profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: Litens Automotive Partnership
    Inventor: Witold Gajewski
  • 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
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20090025668
    Abstract: A variable valve timing control apparatus includes: a relative rotational phase adjusting mechanism capable of adjusting a relative rotational phase between a drive-side rotational member and a driven-side rotational member between the most advanced angle phase and the most retarded angle phase; and a lock mechanism capable of locking the relative rotational phase at an intermediate phase between the most advanced angle phase and the most retarded angle phase; a first pump operated by a driving force of an engine; and an electrically driven second pump operated as an electrically driven pump. Hydraulic fluid is supplied from at least one of the first pump and the second pump, and the second pump is capable of operating even if the first pump is inoperative when the engine is not running.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2005
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Applicant: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Masanobu Matsusaka, Naoto Yumisashi, Katsuhiko Eguchi, Shigemitsu Suzuki, Yoji Kanada, Takeshi Hashizume
  • Patent number: 7481191
    Abstract: A variable valve timing control apparatus of an internal combustion engine, has a drive rotary member rotated by an engine crankshaft; a driven rotary member fixed to a camshaft that has a cam opening/closing an engine valve, the driven rotary member driven by the drive rotary member; a phase-change mechanism provided between the drive and driven rotary members and changing a relative rotational phase between the drive and driven rotary members; and a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism links any two of the drive rotary member, the driven rotary member and the phase-change mechanism or releases the link in accordance with temperature of the phase-change mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiko Watanabe, Atsushi Yamanaka
  • Publication number: 20090020085
    Abstract: A control apparatus controls supply of working fluid to advancing chambers and retarding chambers. The control apparatus alternately and repeatedly implements an advancing supply period, during which the working fluid is supplied to the advancing chambers, and a retarding supply period, during which the working fluid is supplied to the retarding chambers, at time of limiting a phase of a camshaft relative to a crankshaft within a target phase range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Isao Hattori
  • Publication number: 20090020084
    Abstract: When a valve timing is held, even if a Duty value of an operational signal of a variable valve timing controller is slightly changed, a holding unresponsive range will be arisen. In the unresponsive range, a variation speed of the valve timing is very small. As temperature is decreased, the unresponsive range is extended and an individual difference becomes notable. While the valve timing is held, a computer learns a deviation amount of a response characteristic of the valve timing based on a variation speed of the valve timing when the Duty value is slightly changed from the holding unresponsive range to outside thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2008
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Shikata, Minoru Wada
  • Publication number: 20090020086
    Abstract: A supply control apparatus controls advancing supply, which is supply of working fluid to advancing chambers, and retarding supply, which is supply of the working fluid to retarding chambers. The supply control apparatus alternately and repeatedly executes the advancing supply and the retarding supply in such a manner that a rotational torque, which drives a camshaft, changes at a phase of cycle that is opposite from a phase of cycle of a variable torque, which changes with time and is applied to the camshaft, at time of limiting a phase of the camshaft relative to a crankshaft within a target phase range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Isao Hattori
  • Publication number: 20090013948
    Abstract: An apparatus (10) for the variable setting of control times of gas exchange valves (9a, 9b) of an internal combustion engine (1), having an inner rotor (23) and an outer rotor (22) which is arranged such that it can rotate relative to the former, and the inner rotor (22) has a constant phase relationship to a crankshaft (2) of the internal combustion engine (1). The apparatus (10) has one or more coupling elements (44), into which a drive shaft (12) of an additional assembly (11) can engage, and wherein torque can be transmitted from the apparatus (10) to the drive shaft (12) by the coupling element (44) or coupling elements (44). It is provided here to connect the coupling element (44) or coupling elements (44) fixedly in terms of rotation to the inner rotor (23) or to configure it/them in one piece with the inner rotor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER KG
    Inventor: Matthias Friedrichs
  • Publication number: 20090007867
    Abstract: The invention provides a variable valve train for an internal combustion engine, in which attachment and detachment of a rotation drive source can be performed without an affect on a transmission mechanism and environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2008
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Inventors: Mikio TANABE, Shinichi MURATA
  • Publication number: 20090007865
    Abstract: A method for adjusting the rotational angle position of the camshaft (3) of a reciprocating piston internal combustion engine relative to the crankshaft (5) is provided. The crankshaft (5) is drivingly connected to the camshaft (3) via an adjusting drive (1), which is embodied as a triple-shaft gear mechanism, having a crankshaft-fixed drive shaft, a camshaft-fixed output shaft, and an adjustment shaft drivingly connected to an electric motor (4). A stop element is connected to the drive shaft and a counter-stop element is connected to the camshaft (3). The crankshaft rotational angle measuring signal and a position signal for the rotational angle of the adjusting shaft are detected during the starting step of the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2008
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Applicant: Schaeffler KG
    Inventors: Minh Nam Nguyen, Heiko Dell, Holger Stork
  • Patent number: 7472670
    Abstract: In a valve timing controller, the guide-groove biases the moving element in a direction in which the moving element slides with respect to a radial line connecting a center of the guide-rotational element and the moving element, when the guide-rotational element relatively rotates with respect to the first rotational element. The direction in which the moving elements are pushed and the direction in which the moving elements moves are substantially identical to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignees: Denso Corporation, Nippon Soken, Inc.
    Inventors: Taei Sugiura, Eiji Isobe, Takayuki Inohara
  • Patent number: 7469670
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an adjustable camshaft (1) in which an inside shaft (4) is rotatably mounted with respect to an outside shaft (2). To create a relative rotational movement between the two shafts (2, 4), a hydraulic regulating device (3) is provided at one end of the camshaft (1) and a chain/belt wheel (7) that is connected to a drive, in particular to a crankshaft, via a chain or a belt is also provided. It is essential to the invention here that the chain/belt wheel (7) is designed so that it is rotatable in relation to the regulating device (3) for aligning the camshaft (1) with respect to the drive, and after successful alignment, it is connectable in a rotationally fixed manner to either the inside shaft (4) or to the outside shaft (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: MAHLE International GmbH
    Inventors: Jürgen Rommel, Falk Schneider
  • Patent number: 7467611
    Abstract: A method for controlling dual independent camshaft phasers in an internal combustion engine. The method has three basic steps: a) first, determining if rate balancing between the two phasers is required; b) second, determining the optimal rate balancing commands; and c) third, applying the determined rate balancing commands to the appropriate phaser(s). In determining the rate balancing commands, there are three possible phaser options: the intake phaser requires priority; the exhaust phaser requires priority; or neither phaser requires priority. Lookup tables are stored in the engine controller for each option. When either phaser has priority, the other phaser is actuated after a delay based upon the position error of the priority phaser, generally at a lower phase rate. When neither phaser has priority, both phasers are actuated at a rate consistent with oil-delivery capabilities of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel L. McKay, James P. Waters
  • Publication number: 20080312000
    Abstract: A rotor (2) and/or rotor housing (1) for a camshaft adjuster for a motor vehicle engine and a method for manufacturing the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2008
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Applicant: Neumayer Tekfor Holding GmbH
    Inventors: Rainer Stueckrad, Stefan Malm, Helmut Straub, Walter Richter
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7458351
    Abstract: A valve timing controller includes a guide rotation member provided with a guide groove, a bearing rotation member radially supporting the guide rotation member, and a plurality of movable bodies sliding in the guide groove in accordance with a rotation of the guide rotation member. A plurality of link mechanisms connects the bearing rotation member with each one of movable bodies respectively, and rotates the bearing rotation member in accordance with a movement of the movable bodies. The valve timing of at least one of the intake valve and the exhaust valve is adjusted in accordance with a rotation of the bearing rotation body. A clearance gap is provided between the guide rotation member and the bearing rotation member in order to permit a relative radial movement of the guide rotation member with respect to the bearing rotation member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignees: Denso Corporation, Nippon Soken, Inc., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akihiko Takenaka, Eiji Isobe, Takayuki Inohara, Yoshihito Moriya, Takashi Inoue, Koichi Shimizu
  • Patent number: 7451730
    Abstract: In a method for setting the rotary-angle position of the camshaft of a reciprocating piston internal combustion engine relative to the crankshaft, in which the crankshaft has a drive connection to the camshaft via an adjusting gear which is embodied as a triple shaft gear with a drive shaft which is fixed to the crankshaft, an output shaft which is fixed to the camshaft and an adjusting shaft, a phase angle signal for the rotary-angle position of the camshaft relative to the crankshaft is registered. Travel up to a stop is carried out, during which a stop element which is connected to the drive shaft is moved towards a counterstop element which is connected to the camshaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Schaeffler KG
    Inventors: Minh Nam Nguyen, Holger Stork, Helko Dell
  • Patent number: 7444968
    Abstract: A variable phase drive coupling is described for providing drive from an engine crankshaft to two sets of cams. The drive coupling comprising a drive member 12 connectable for rotation with the engine crankshaft and two driven members 18, 20 each connectable with a respective one of the two sets of cams. In the invention, the angular relationship of each of the driven members 18, 20 is independently variable relative to the drive member 12 under the action of camshaft torque reversals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Mechadyne PLC
    Inventors: Timothy Mark Lancefield, Ian Methley
  • Patent number: 7444964
    Abstract: A variable valve timing control device includes a driving side rotational member (2) synchronously rotating with a crankshaft, a driven side rotational member (1) positioned coaxially with the driving side rotational member, and synchronously rotating with a camshaft, a fluid pressure chamber (40), formed in at least one of the driving side rotational member and the driven side rotational member, for generating a biasing force for changing a relative rotational phase between the driving side rotational member and the driven side rotational member by hydraulic fluid supplied into or discharged from the fluid pressure chamber, a lock mechanism (6) movable between a lock position for preventing a relative rotation between the driving side rotational member and the driven side rotational member and a lock release position for allowing the relative rotation, a lock release pressure chamber (62) for generating a biasing force to move the lock mechanism (6) to the lock release position by supply of the hydraulic flu
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoji Kanada, Osamu Komazawa
  • 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: 20080264367
    Abstract: A variable valve timing control apparatus employs a five-blade vane member fixedly connected to a camshaft end and rotatably disposed in a phase-converter housing formed integral with a sprocket driven by an engine crankshaft. Five phase-retard chambers and five phase-advance chambers are defined by five blades of the vane member and the housing, for creating a phase change of the vane member relative to the housing. A circumferential width of each of a first pair of blades, located on both sides of a first blade having a maximum circumferential width, is dimensioned to be less than a circumferential width of each of a second pair of blades, circumferentially spaced apart from the first blade rather than the first pair. The circumferential width of each of the second pair of blades is dimensioned to be less than the maximum circumferential width of the first blade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventors: Seiji Suga, Tomoya Tsukada
  • Patent number: 7441524
    Abstract: In a structure with a variable valve timing mechanism which varies an opening-and-closing timing of an intake valve and/or an exhaust valve due to a rotational phase of a camshaft with respect to a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine being varied, the rotational phase is detected in an arbitrary timing regardless of a rotational period of the camshaft, and the variable valve timing mechanism is controlled on the basis of the detected rotational phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoki Okamoto, Masahiko Watanabe, Yoshiyuki Kobayashi
  • Publication number: 20080257288
    Abstract: A first-side check valve prevents a hydraulic fluid from being discharged out of a retard chamber, and a second-side check valve prevents the hydraulic fluid from being discharged out of an advance chamber. A first-side control valve opens or closes a first-side discharge passage by a pilot pressure received through a retard pilot passage. A second-side control valve opens or closes a second-side discharge passage by the pilot pressure received through an advance pilot passage. Another check valve is disposed in a supply passage between a phase switch valve and a branch point, at which a supply passage is branched.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2007
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Applicants: DENSO CORPORATION, NIPPON SOKEN, INC.
    Inventors: Kinya TAKAHASHI, Masayasu Ushida, Takao Nojiri, Seiji Yaokou, Jun Yamada