Internal-combustion engines – Poppet valve operating mechanism – With means for varying timing
Reexamination Certificate
2000-08-11
2001-03-13
Lo, Weilun (Department: 3748)
Internal-combustion engines
Poppet valve operating mechanism
With means for varying timing
C123S090170, C074S56800M, C464S002000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06199523
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to apparatus for selecting different positions of one or more phase selectors, such as the positions of an adjustable phase selector for a camshaft in the combustion engine of the power train in a motor vehicle.
The invention further relates to improvements in methods of selecting any one of a plurality of different positions of a least one adjustable phase selector, such as a phase selector for a camshaft in the combustion engine of the power train in a motor vehicle.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
An object of the invention is to provide a novel and improved apparatus which can adjust one or more phase selectors in a space- and material-saving manner.
Another object of the invention is to provide a relatively simple and inexpensive apparatus which can be utilized with advantage in an internal combustion engine for motor vehicles to adjust the phase selector for a camshaft in the engine.
A further object of the invention is to provide an apparatus which comprises a relatively small number of simple, sturdy and inexpensive parts.
An additional object of the invention is to provide a novel and improved method which can be practiced with the above outlined apparatus and which is capable of compensating for potential functional deficiencies attributable to the relative simplicity of the apparatus.
Still another object of the invention is to provide a method which can be practiced by taking into consideration any desired practical number of variables capable of affecting the adjustment of a phase selector for a camshaft in a combustion engine.
A further object of the invention is to provide an engine with one or more camshafts adapted to be phase adjusted by an apparatus and in accordance with a method of the above outlined character.
An additional object of the invention is to provide a novel and improved combination of hydraulic (and/or electrical) and electromagnetic components for the adjustment of a reciprocable and/or otherwise movable phase selector for camshafts in the internal combustion engines of power trains in motor vehicles.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
One feature of the invention resides in the provision of an apparatus for selecting any one of a plurality of different positions of an adjustable phase selector. Basically, the improved apparatus comprises at least one actuatable proportional hydraulic or electrical adjusting component for the phase selector, and a nonproportional actuator component for the adjusting component.
The phase selector can be arranged to assume an infinite number of different positions (such as the positions of a piston in the cylinder of a double-acting fluid-operated cylinder and piston unit) and to select the phase of an adjustable camshaft in an internal combustion engine forming part of a power train in a motor vehicle.
The actuator component can include or constitute a switching electromagnet.
Alternatively, the actuator component can include or constitute a lifting electromagnet.
The at least one adjusting component can exhibit a shifting characteristic or a proportional characteristic.
The improved apparatus can be constructed and assembled in such a way that the at least one adjusting component is movable between two end positions (for example, the spool of a hydraulic valve which embodies the at least one adjusting component can be installed for such movement in the body of the valve) and through a plurality of intermediate positions between the two end positions. Such at least one adjusting component can exhibit a shifting characteristic in each of its end positions and a proportional characteristic in at least some of its intermediate positions.
Alternatively, the at least one adjusting component can be installed for movement between two end positions and through a plurality of intermediate positions disposed between the two end positions and including at least one first intermediate position adjacent each of the end positions and a plurality of additional intermediate positions between the first intermediate positions. Such at least one adjusting component can exhibit a shifting characteristic in each of its first intermediate positions (i.e., close to the respective end positions) and a proportional characteristic in at least some of the additional intermediate positions.
The arrangement can be such that the phase selector is adjustable by a plurality of hydraulic or electrical adjusting components.
Another feature of the present invention resides in the provision of a novel and improved method of selecting any one of a plurality of different positions of an adjustable phase selector. The method comprises the steps of adjusting the phase selector with at least one actuatable normally proportional hydraulic or electrical adjusting component, actuating the at least one adjusting component by a normally linear nonproportional actuating component, and utilizing at least one auxiliary function to compensate for at least one of (a) absence of proportionality of the at least one adjusting component, and (b) absence of linearity of the actuating component.
The method can further comprise one of the presently preferred applications of the selector, namely the step of utilizing the phase selector for adjustments of the phase of an adjustable crankshaft in the internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle.
The utilizing step can include at least intermittently (or continuously) determining the extent of departure from the normal proportionality of the at least one adjusting component and/or the extent of departure from normal linearity of the actuating component, and utilizing the thus determined or obtained information to select the extent of compensation for the absence of proportionality and/or for the absence of linearity.
The at least one adjusting component can be selected and mounted in such a way that it can assume a plurality of positions in which it exhibits a shifting characteristic; the auxiliary function of the method of adjusting the phase selector with an adjusting component of the just outlined character can include a determination of the positions of the at least one adjusting component (i.e., of those positions in which such adjusting component exhibits a shifting characteristic).
Alternatively, the at least one adjusting component can have a plurality of positions in which such adjusting component exhibits a proportional characteristic; the auxiliary function of the method according to which the phase selector is adjustable by such an adjusting component can include a determination of the positions of the at least one adjusting component.
The at least one adjusting component can assume a predetermined position in which the phase selector is maintained in an unchanging position; the auxiliary function of the method which can be practiced with such apparatus can include the step of determining the predetermined position of the at least one adjusting component. Such auxiliary function can further include the step of continuously conforming the position of at least one of the adjusting and actuating components to the unchanging position of the phase selector.
The arrangement can be such that the phase selector is adjustable at a plurality of speeds. The auxiliary function of the method which is being practiced with an apparatus for the adjustment of such phase selector can include the step of determining the speed of the phase selector during adjustment and the step of selecting the duration of adjustment of the phase selector as a function of the determined speed.
The novel features which are considered as characteristic of the invention are set forth in particular in the appended claims. The improved apparatus itself, however, both as to its construction, its mode of operation and the method of utilizing the same, together with numerous additional important and advantageous features and attributes thereof, will be best understood upon perusal of the following detailed description of certain presently preferred specific embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.
RE
Heintzen Dirk
Neubauer Dirk
Schilly Helmut
Schmitz Harald
AFT Atlas Fahrzeugtechnik GmbH
Darby & Darby
Lo Weilun
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