Camshaft alignment

Details Camshaft alignment Camshaft alignment

1999-09-03

2001-10-23

Bucci, David A. (Department: 3682)

Machine element or mechanism

Elements

Cams

C123S090270, C123S090310, C029S464000, C029S808000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06305242

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the alignment of a camshaft with another component during assembly.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The phasing of a camshaft in relation to an engine crankshaft is of critical importance to engine operation and it is important to be able to position the camshaft in a predetermined orientation during its assembly with other components such as the gear that forms part of its drive train.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to the present invention, there is provided a camshaft having alignment formations by means of which the camshaft can be supported, which formations additionally serve to enable the camshaft to be correctly oriented in relation to another component during assembly.
Preferably, means are provided at one axial end of the camshaft for driving the camshaft and the alignment formations are located at the opposite axial end of the camshaft. The means for driving the camshaft may conveniently comprise a collar formed integrally with the camshaft and a gear secured to the collar and meshing with a gear fitted directly to one end, preferably the flywheel end, of the crankshaft.
The alignment formations may suitably comprise two bores of the same diameter but different depth which are preferably located diametrically opposite each other. When two bores of the same diameter are used as alignment formations, they can be drilled using the same tool thereby simplifying the manufacture of the camshaft while still enabling the camshaft to be located in a unique angular position by the use of a jig having two prongs of unequal length.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of assembling an engine having a camshaft with alignment formations by means of which the camshaft can be supported, which formations additionally serve to enable the camshaft to be correctly oriented in relation to another component during assembly, which method comprises the steps of mounting the crankshaft in the engine block, positioning the crankshaft with a predetermined orientation in the engine block, inserting the camshaft into the engine block, positioning the camshaft with a predetermined orientation in relation to the engine block with the aid of a jig engaging said alignment formations, placing a drive gear on the camshaft to mesh with a gear on the crankshaft while the camshaft and the crankshaft are held in their respective predetermined positions and securing the drive gear to a collar on the camshaft for rotation therewith.


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