Camshaft adjuster with discontinuous contour and camshaft adjuster device

Abstract

The invention relates to a camshaft adjuster for adjusting the phase of a camshaft relative to a crankshaft in a motor vehicle drive train, having a drive element, a driven element rotatable relative to the drive element over a defined angular range, and an output anchor, wherein the output anchor serves to connect the driven element in a torque-proof manner to the camshaft and the driven element is secured to the output anchor by means of a force-fit and / or form-fit connection, wherein at least one radial side of the driven element and / or the output anchor, which acts together with the connection, has a surface-contoured first section and a second section, which is connected to the first section in the circumferential direction and / or in the axial direction, the second section having a constant diameter, the second section being configured annularly and, in the case of a sealing being implemented, surrounds a radial-side output of a hydraulic channel into an access region. The invention also relates to a camshaft adjuster arrangement having a camshaft adjuster and a camshaft.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a camshaft adjuster for adjusting the phase of a camshaft relative to a crankshaft in a motor vehicle powertrain. The camshaft adjuster includes a drive member, a follower rotatable relative to the drive member within a defined angular range, and an output anchor. The output anchor serves to torsionally connect the follower to the camshaft, and the follower is secured to the output anchor via a force-fit and / or form-fit connection, particularly via a (longitudinal) press-fit. The invention also relates to a camshaft adjuster device comprising a camshaft adjuster and a camshaft connected thereto. Background Technology

[0002] This type of camshaft adjuster is already known from the prior art. For example, EP 2875216 B1 discloses a camshaft for an internal combustion engine, the camshaft having a shaft and at least one member engaging with the shaft, the member being connected to a shaft-side engagement surface via a engagement surface on the member side. The engagement surface on the member side and / or the engagement surface on the shaft side have a roughness introduced and hardened by laser, wherein the roughness also has a trajectory composed of individual laser points, and the midpoints of the individual laser points are staggered and the individual laser points are overlapped.

[0003] Other prior art is known from EP 2427285 B1, DE 102011005408 B4, DE 54224 B4 and DE 102005062522 B4. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a camshaft adjuster that is as simple to construct and manufacture as possible and that can be connected to the camshaft under high loads, wherein sufficient sealing is provided for the existing hydraulic passages.

[0005] This is achieved according to the invention by having the radial side of the driven member and / or output anchor, which acts in conjunction with the connecting portion, have a surface-profiled first segment and a second segment connecting the first segment in the circumferential direction and / or axial direction. The second segment has a constant diameter, is annularly constructed, and, in the case of a seal, surrounds the access area of ​​the hydraulic passage facing the radial side. In other words, the driven member or output anchor has a surface structure / surface profile that is (only) locally constructed in the circumferential direction. The surface structure is understood, for example, as a macroscopic structure. This surface structure improves the contact surface of the components to be interconnected, thereby increasing the strength of the connection. By selectively adjusting the surface profile, the connection is locally strengthened while simultaneously locally avoiding disadvantages arising from the surface profile (e.g., stress or chips formed during engagement).

[0006] Thus, even under high loads, the driven member is securely fixed to the output anchor, while simultaneously ensuring the most precise possible centering of both components. Furthermore, the hydraulic passage is reliably sealed at the engagement point between the driven member and the output anchor via the protruding portion of the second section.

[0007] Other advantageous further improvements are claimed using dependent claims and are described in detail below.

[0008] Therefore, it is particularly advantageous that the output anchor has at least one first section and at least one second section on its radial side (radial outer side). More preferably, the radial side (radial inner side) of the follower thus extends circumferentially (with the same diameter). This further reduces manufacturing costs.

[0009] Instead, it is particularly advantageous that the output anchor has at least one first section and at least one second section on its radial side (radial inner side). More preferably, the radial side (radial outer side) of the follower thus extends circumferentially (with the same diameter). This also reduces manufacturing costs.

[0010] Particularly preferably, the output anchor is thus constructed as a machined part. The follower is preferably constructed as a sintered structural part. This further reduces manufacturing costs.

[0011] In another preferred embodiment, not only the driven member but also the output anchor has at least one first section and at least one second section on its radial side.

[0012] If at least one first section is formed directly together during the initial forming process (sintering process) of the follower or output anchor, manufacturing costs are further reduced.

[0013] Furthermore, it is advantageous that the radial side of the driven member and / or output anchor has multiple first sections and multiple second sections, which are arranged alternately in the circumferential direction. The first sections locally strengthen the force-fitting (press) connection. At the same time, deformation through the second sections during engagement / pressing is minimized or compensated, or fixed to a specific area, i.e., the first section. In other words, the connection is locally constructed with a higher surface roughness (first section) and locally constructed with a lower surface roughness (second section) in the circumferential direction.

[0014] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous for macroscopic structures that can be manufactured in the shortest possible time to have their surface structure constructed / introduced as a laser structure or a lattice structure.

[0015] According to an advantageous improvement, at least one second section is configured to provide a radial support surface for centering the output anchor on the driven member. This ensures centering support for the two members to be connected. In other words, deformation during the joining / pressing of the knurled / surface structure has no effect on the radial support.

[0016] Furthermore, it is advantageous that the camshaft adjuster is configured as a blade-type (hydraulic) camshaft adjuster and is used to introduce a hydraulic channel for adjusting the driven member relative to the driving member into the driven member and / or the output anchor. This achieves a reliable seal in the hydraulic channel. It also prevents chips from reaching the hydraulic channel during engagement of the connection.

[0017] Alternatively, the camshaft adjuster is also configured as an electric camshaft adjuster. That is, the configuration of the surface structure at the connection between the follower and the output anchor is set regardless of the type of adjustment.

[0018] Furthermore, it is advantageous that the follower has a smaller inner diameter in at least one second section than in at least one first section. This ensures that the second section serves as a radial support surface.

[0019] Therefore, according to the alternative implementation, it is suitable that the output anchor has a larger outer diameter in (at least) the second section than in (at least) the first section. This also ensures that the second section serves as a radial support surface.

[0020] Furthermore, it is advantageous that the output anchor has a radially outwardly extending edge in the axial end region, configured to be supported on the driven member, which is connected to the first section in the axial direction. This allows for the provision of an axial stop / axial limiting portion for the driven member.

[0021] Advantageously, the first component assembly is arranged along the first circumference on the second section, and the second component assembly is arranged along a second circumference that is axially offset from the first circumference on the second section. Thus, the opposing chambers of the camshaft adjuster can be reliably sealed to each other.

[0022] Furthermore, the first section has multiple axially extending and circumferentially arranged recesses / elongated grooves. This further enhances the sealing performance of the hydraulic passage.

[0023] The sealing effect is further improved if the corresponding second section is defined / enclosed by an additional surrounding closed / annular laser trajectory.

[0024] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is also solved by a camshaft adjuster device having a camshaft adjuster and a camshaft according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, the camshaft being torsionally connected to an output anchor via a press fit. Attached Figure Description

[0025] The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0026] Figure 1 The illustration shows a perspective view of a longitudinally sectional camshaft adjuster according to a preferred embodiment, which has been mounted on the camshaft of an internal combustion engine.

[0027] Figure 2 A full view shows the camshaft adjuster with a follower having a surface profile according to the invention. Figure 1 The diagram shown is a perspective view of the camshaft adjuster device.

[0028] Figure 3 An exploded perspective view of an output anchor with a surface profile according to the invention, located next to the follower and camshaft, is shown.

[0029] Figure 4 It has been shown that Figure 3 The figure shows a partially exploded perspective view of the components, in which the follower has been fixed to the output anchor. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The accompanying drawings are merely illustrative and are intended only to understand the invention. The same reference numerals are used for the same parts.

[0031] Figure 1 and Figure 2 A camshaft adjuster 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention is shown. This camshaft adjuster 1 is used to adjust the phase of the camshaft 2 relative to the crankshaft of an internal combustion engine (not shown). Therefore, the camshaft adjuster 1 is preferably used in the internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle powertrain.

[0032] Furthermore, it can be seen that the camshaft adjuster 1 is converted into a vane-type hydraulic camshaft adjuster 1. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the camshaft adjuster 1 is also designed as an electric camshaft adjuster 1.

[0033] Camshaft adjuster 1 in Figure 1In the illustrated camshaft adjuster assembly 20, its follower 3 is fixedly connected to the camshaft 2 via an output anchor 5. The follower 3, also referred to as a rotor or hub, is designed to rotate relative to the drive 4 of the camshaft adjuster 1 within a defined angular range (for phase adjustment). The drive 4, also referred to as a stator, is coupled to the crankshaft rotation during operation via a continuous traction mechanism (here, a chain).

[0034] The output anchor 5 serves as a connecting shaft between the follower 3 and the camshaft 2. In particular, the output anchor 5 is constructed as a hollow shaft. The output anchor 5 thus serves as a camshaft connector for the camshaft adjuster 1.

[0035] The driven member 3 and the output anchor 5 are connected to each other by a force-fitting and material-locking connection part 6. In particular, a (first) press-fit part 14, i.e. a longitudinal press-fit part, is constructed between the driven member 3 and the output anchor 5. The radial side 9 (inner side) / inner peripheral surface of the driven member 3 is connected / pressed to the radial side 10 (outer side) / outer peripheral surface of the output anchor 5 when the connection part 6 is constructed.

[0036] The connection portion 6 between the follower 3 and the output anchor 5 has at least one first section 7 and at least one second section 8, wherein the plurality of first sections 7 have a higher surface roughness and the plurality of second sections 8 have a lower surface roughness. Thus, the corresponding first sections 7 and the corresponding second sections 8 are intentionally, i.e. non-randomly, constructed on the connection portion 6, for example, due to manufacturing undulations.

[0037] The connecting part 6 is constructed between the radial side 9 (inner side) of the driven member 3 and the radial side 10 (outer side) of the output anchor 5. According to... Figures 1 to 4 In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of first segments 7 and a plurality of second segments 8 are selectively introduced into the radial side 10 (outer side) of the output anchor 5. In other words, the first segments 7 form a continuous (i.e., sleeve-shaped / annular) surface structure that is partially interrupted by island-like second segments 8.

[0038] The second section 8 is constructed in a ring shape (viewed in the circumferential surface). The first component group 26a on the second section 8 is arranged along the first circumferential line. The second component group 26b on the second section 8 is arranged along a second circumferential line that is axially offset from the first circumferential line.

[0039] Thus, the radial side 10 (outer side) of the output anchor 5 is provided with a plurality of first sections 7 and a plurality of second sections 8, while the radial side 9 (inner side) of the follower 3 is preferably constructed with a constant / unchanging diameter (no surface profile).

[0040] In this regard, it should be noted that, in another preferred embodiment, only the radial side 9 (inner side) of the follower 3 is provided with a plurality of first segments 7 and a plurality of second segments 8, while the radial side 10 (outer side) of the output anchor 5 is preferably configured to have an invariant / constant diameter (no surface profile). Furthermore, effective for this alternative embodiment is that the corresponding first segments 7 of the surface structure 15 / follower 3 are constructed together directly during the initial forming process of the follower 3 (here, the sintering process). Therefore, the recess 19 is directly produced by the sintering technique.

[0041] On the other hand, according to a further preferred embodiment, it is also advantageous that the plurality of first sections 7 and the plurality of second sections 8 are introduced not only into the radial side 9 (inner side) of the follower 3 but also into the radial side 10 (outer side) of the output anchor 5.

[0042] The first section 7 is provided with a surface structure 15 / surface profile. In the illustrated embodiment, the first section 7 is formed by knurling with axially parallel recesses 19 / elongated grooves / channels.

[0043] The second section 8 is configured as a radial support surface for centering the output anchor 5 on the follower 3. Each of the second sections 8 is equipped with a diameter that remains constant in both the circumferential and axial directions. Furthermore, all second sections 8 have the same diameter. Additionally, the second section 8 has a larger outer diameter than the region of the first section 7.

[0044] In an alternative embodiment where the first and second sections 7 and 8 are constructed on the follower 3, the second section 8 has a smaller diameter (in this case, the inner diameter) than the region of the first section 7. This avoids the impact on the support function caused by radial deformation of the first section 7 during engagement.

[0045] As already mentioned, in the illustrated embodiment, the camshaft adjuster 1 is configured as a blade-type hydraulic camshaft adjuster 1. The camshaft adjuster 1 has a hydraulic passage 11 for adjusting the driven member 3 relative to the drive member 4. The hydraulic passage 11 extends radially outward into a working chamber / partial working chamber formed between the blades 21 of the camshaft adjuster 1. Therefore, the hydraulic passage 11 connects the radially outer side of the driven member 3 to a radially inner space 23 within the output anchor 5. According to... Figure 1 In its working state, a central valve 22 for controlling the flow of hydraulic medium through the hydraulic channel 11 is provided in the radial internal space 23. The hydraulic channel 11 extends radially through the driven member 3 and the output anchor 5.

[0046] Hydraulic channels 11 are provided in the corresponding second section 8. That is, hydraulic channels 11 enter / exit the corresponding radial sides 9 and 10 in the second section 8. Figure 3 As can be seen particularly clearly, each hydraulic channel 11 introduced into the output anchor 5 is completely surrounded by an annular second segment 8 in its access area 12 facing the radial side 10 (outer side). Therefore, the first segment 7 (in the circumferential direction and in the axial direction) is offset from the hydraulic channel 11.

[0047] It should also be noted that the corresponding second section 8 preferably has a sealing length of 1 mm to 5 mm around the access area 12 in the radial direction. Furthermore, it is even more preferred that the corresponding second section 8 is defined / surrounded by an additional surrounding closed / annular laser trajectory.

[0048] The output anchor 5 has an edge 27 extending outward in the radial direction. The edge 27 is circumferentially circumferentially constructed, for example, according to the type of flange. The edge 27 is located in the axial (away from the camshaft) first end region 18a of the output anchor 5. The edge 27 is axially connected to the first section 7, that is, to the surface structure 15. The edge 27 forms an axial stop for the follower 3. Alternatively, a retaining ring may be used to fix the axial position of the follower 3 relative to the output anchor 5. The follower 3 has an axial clearance 13 on its end side. The edge 27 abuts against the follower 3 in the region of the axial clearance 13.

[0049] The output anchor 5 is connected to the camshaft 2 via another (surface-structured) press-fit portion 24. The output anchor 5 has another surface structure 25 (or surface profile) on its radially outer side in its axial end region 18b (facing the camshaft). In the illustrated embodiment, the surface structure 25 is formed by knurling with axially parallel grooves. The surface structure 25 is constructed circumferentially. When the camshaft 2 / camshaft tube 16 of the camshaft 2 is engaged to the axial end region 18b of the output anchor 5, a press-fit portion 24 reinforced by the surface structure 25 is formed. In the axial region of the second press-fit portion 24, a sensing wheel 17 is provided on the radially outer side of the camshaft tube 16, which reinforces the press-fit portion 24.

[0050] In other words, according to the invention, a local sealing region (second section 8) is proposed to be provided at the mating surface of the output anchor (armature) 5 of the constructed driven member (rotor) 3 in the macrostructure, the sealing region being formed by the macrostructure. These sealing regions are positioned such that, after the armature is engaged into the rotor in an angularly oriented manner, these sealing regions precisely seal the outlets of the radial oil passages (hydraulic channels 11) in the rotor and armature via a slightly smooth press-fit portion 14. To enhance the sealing effect, the sealing regions are additionally defined and sealed using a surrounding, closed laser trajectory.

[0051] The macrostructure (surface structure 15) can be manufactured by laser structuring in an air atmosphere. The hardness difference between the macrostructure on the armature and the second mating surface in the press-fit part is generated by the core hardness of the existing armature material and the relatively soft sintered material of the follower 3 (rotor), wherein the armature material is preferably made of hard steel.

[0052] The sealing length around the oil passage opening in the radial direction is preferably 1 mm to 5 mm.

[0053] Alternatively, the macrostructure can be manufactured using a dot-matrix printing device. In this method, the macrostructure consists of individual points that are staggered relative to each other in position, with surrounding material protrusions at the edges of the points. These points should be set with a minimum distance of preferably 1 mm to 5 mm around the oil passage opening (access area 12) to avoid deformation of the smooth press-fit portion 14 around the oil passage opening and thus prevent leakage.

[0054] Alternatively, it is also suitable to manufacture the driven gear ring in the transmission of the electric camshaft adjuster using the same technique and connection design.

[0055] List of reference numerals

[0056] 1 Camshaft Adjuster

[0057] 2 Camshafts

[0058] 3 Follower

[0059] 4 drive components

[0060] 5 Output Anchors

[0061] 6 connecting parts

[0062] 7 First Section

[0063] 8 Second Section

[0064] 9. Radial side (inner side)

[0065] 10. Radial side (outer side)

[0066] 11 Hydraulic Channels

[0067] 12 Access Areas

[0068] 13 Axial clearance

[0069] 14 First Pressure Fitting Part

[0070] 15 Surface Structure

[0071] 16 Camshaft Tube

[0072] 17 sensor wheels

[0073] 18a First end region

[0074] 18b Second End Region

[0075] 19 recesses

[0076] 20 Camshaft Assembly

[0077] 21 blades

[0078] 22 Central Valve

[0079] 23 Interior Space

[0080] 24 Second Press Fitting Part

[0081] 25 Surface Structure

[0082] 26a First Component Group

[0083] 26b Second Component Group

[0084] 27 Edge

Claims

1. Camshaft adjuster (1) for adjusting the phase of a camshaft (2) relative to a crankshaft in a motor vehicle drive train, having a drive element (4), a driven element (3) rotatable relative to the drive element (4) within a defined angular range, and an output anchor (5), further having a hydraulic channel (11) extending through the driven element (3) and the output anchor (5) in radial direction, wherein The output anchor (5) serves to connect the follower (3) to the camshaft (2) in a torsionally rigid manner, and the follower (3) is secured to the output anchor (5) by means of a force-fit and / or form-fit connection (6), characterized in that at least one radial side (9, 10), which is a radial side of the follower (3) or of the output anchor (5) for forming the connection (6), has a first section (7) which is profiled in terms of its surface and a second section (8) which connects the first section (7) in the circumferential direction and / or in the axial direction, the second section having a constant diameter, the second section (8) being configured annularly and, in the case of a sealing being achieved, surrounds a passage area (12) of a hydraulic channel (11) which leads out towards the radial side (9, 10).

2. The camshaft adjuster (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The radial sides (9, 10) of the follower (3) and / or of the output anchor (5) are provided with a plurality of first sections (7) and a plurality of second sections (8).

3. The camshaft adjuster (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The surface structure (15) of the first section (7) is configured as a laser structure or as a dot matrix structure.

4. The camshaft adjuster (1) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that The at least one second section (8) is configured as a radial bearing surface for centering the output anchor (5) on the follower (3).

5. The camshaft adjuster (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The camshaft adjuster (1) is configured as a vane-type camshaft adjuster and serves to introduce the hydraulic channel (11) which is adjusted by the follower (3) relative to the drive element (4) into the follower (3) and / or into the output anchor (5).

6. The camshaft adjuster (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The follower (3) has a smaller inner diameter in its second section (8) than in the first section (7).

7. The camshaft adjuster (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The output anchor (5) has a larger outer diameter in its second section (8) than in the first section (7).

8. The camshaft adjuster (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that A first component group (26a) is arranged distributed along a first circumferential line on the second section (8), and a second component group (26b) is arranged distributed along a second circumferential line on the second section (8), the second circumferential line being axially offset relative to the first circumferential line.

9. The camshaft adjuster (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The first section (7) has a plurality of recesses (19) which extend in the axial direction and which are arranged side by side in the circumferential direction.

10. A camshaft adjuster arrangement (20) having a camshaft adjuster (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9 and a camshaft (2), the camshaft being connected to the output anchor (5) in a torsionally rigid manner by means of a press-fit (24).

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