Hydraulically actuated variable camshaft timing (VCT) phaser assembly with exhaust gas

Abstract

A hydraulic actuated variable camshaft timing (VCT) phaser assembly is used in an automotive internal combustion engine. The VCT phaser assembly has a housing, a rotor, a first plate, a second plate, and a control valve. The rotor is located within the housing, and a plurality of chambers are formed between the rotor and the housing. The first plate is located on one side of the housing and the rotor, and the second plate is located on an opposite side of the housing and the rotor. One or more vent holes are in one or more of the housing, the rotor, the first plate, the second plate, or the control valve. Air that is separated from hydraulic fluid in the VCT phaser assembly during use and enters the vent holes can escape from the VCT phaser assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to variable camshaft timing (VCT) technology mounted in internal combustion engines. Background Technology

[0002] In automobiles, internal combustion engines (ICEs) use one or more camshafts to open and close intake and exhaust valves in response to cam lobe angles, selectively actuating valve stems as the camshaft rotates and overcomes the valve spring force that holds the valves in place. The shape and angular position of the cam lobe angles affect the operation of the ICE. In the past, the camshaft angular position relative to the crankshaft was fixed. However, variable camshaft timing (VCT) technology can now be used to change the camshaft angular position relative to the crankshaft. VCT technology is implemented using VCT devices (sometimes called camshaft phasers), which change the camshaft angular position relative to the crankshaft. These camshaft phasers are typically hydraulically actuated.

[0003] A hydraulically actuated VCT typically includes a housing, rotor, inner and outer plates, control valves, and other possible components. Hydraulic fluid in the form of oil is fed into and discharged from chambers formed between the housing, rotor, and plates to perform the advance and delay functions of the VCT. Control valves manage the oil flow as it enters and exits the chambers, responding to commands from the engine control unit (ECU). Summary of the Invention

[0004] In one embodiment, a hydraulically actuated variable camshaft timing (VCT) phaser assembly may include a housing, a rotor, a first plate, a second plate, and a center bolt body. The rotor is located within the housing. The first plate is located on a first side of the housing and the rotor, and the second plate is located on a second side of the housing and the rotor. The VCT phaser assembly may further include one or more vent ports. The vent ports are located in the housing, rotor, first plate, second plate, or center bolt body, or in a combination of these components. The vent ports are located at the center of the rotational region of the particular component in which they are located. The center of the rotational region is relative to the rotational movement of the hydraulically actuated VCT phaser assembly. During use, air brought to the center of the rotational region and contained in the vent ports escapes from the hydraulic fluid remaining in the hydraulically actuated VCT phaser assembly.

[0005] In another embodiment, a hydraulically actuated variable camshaft timing (VCT) phaser assembly may include a housing, a rotor, multiple chambers, a first plate, and a second plate. The chambers are formed between the housing and the rotor. The first plate is located on a first side of the chamber, and the second plate is located on a second side of the chamber. The VCT phaser assembly may further include multiple vent ports. The vent ports are located in the first plate, the second plate, or both. The vent ports are in fluid communication with the chambers and are located at or near the hub of the rotor. During use of the hydraulically actuated VCT phaser assembly, air separated from the hydraulic fluid in the chambers and contained in the vent ports exits the chambers.

[0006] In another embodiment, a hydraulically actuated variable camshaft timing (VCT) phaser assembly may include a housing, a rotor with a hub, multiple chambers, multiple ports, a first plate, and a second plate. The chambers are formed between the housing and the rotor. The ports are located in the hub of the rotor and are in fluid communication with the chambers. The first plate is located on a first side of the chamber, and the second plate is located on a second side of the chamber. The VCT phaser assembly may further include multiple vent ports. The vent ports are located in the hub of the rotor. The vent ports are in fluid communication with some or more of the ports. During use of the hydraulically actuated VCT phaser assembly, air separated from the hydraulic fluid in the VCT phaser assembly and contained in the vent ports exits the ports through the vent ports. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1 A first embodiment of a hydraulically actuated variable camshaft timing (VCT) phaser assembly is depicted, which has an exhaust port on the outer plate of the VCT phaser assembly;

[0008] Figure 2 A first embodiment is depicted, wherein the outer panel is transparent for illustrative purposes;

[0009] Figure 3 A second embodiment of a hydraulically actuated VCT phaser assembly is described, which has an exhaust port on the inner plate of the VCT phaser assembly;

[0010] Figure 4 A second embodiment is depicted, wherein the inner panel is transparent for illustrative purposes;

[0011] Figure 5 A rear view of a third embodiment of a hydraulically actuated VCT phaser assembly is depicted, which has an exhaust port in the rotor of the VCT phaser assembly;

[0012] Figure 6 A rear view of the third embodiment is depicted, wherein the rotor is partially transparent for illustrative purposes;

[0013] Figure 7A front view of the third embodiment is depicted;

[0014] Figure 8 A perspective view depicting a fourth embodiment of a hydraulically actuated VCT phaser assembly is shown, which has an exhaust port in the form of a gap between the inner plate and the rotor;

[0015] Figure 9 A perspective view depicting a fifth embodiment of a hydraulically actuated VCT phaser assembly is shown, which has an exhaust port in the form of a gap between the outer plate and the rotor;

[0016] Figure 10 A perspective view depicting a sixth embodiment of a hydraulically actuated VCT phaser assembly is shown, which has an exhaust port in the form of a gap between the outer plate and the rotor; and

[0017] Figure 11 A sixth embodiment is depicted, wherein the outer panel is partially transparent for illustrative purposes. Detailed Implementation

[0018] Various embodiments of a hydraulically actuated variable camshaft timing (VCT) phaser assembly 10 with exhaust are presented in the accompanying drawings and described in detail in this specification. Typically, the VCT phaser assembly 10 is fitted into automotive internal combustion engine (ICE) applications. Unlike conventional VCT devices, one or more exhaust ports 12 are located in one or more components of the VCT phaser assembly 10 to remove air from the hydraulic fluid (in the form of oil circulating within the VCT phaser assembly). Overcharged oil can exhibit instability and tends to become compressible in nature. By removing air, the VCT phaser assembly 10 enhances the hydraulic stiffness of its own oil, thus providing improved overall system stability and more efficient and responsive performance. Furthermore, as used herein, the terms "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" and their associated grammatical forms are used in conjunction with the generally circular and cylindrical shape of the illustrated VCT phaser assembly and some of its components. In this sense, axial direction refers to the direction roughly along or parallel to the central axis of a circle or cylinder, radial direction refers to the direction roughly along or parallel to the radius of a circle or cylinder, and circumferential direction refers to the direction roughly along the circumference of a circle or cylinder or in a similar direction.

[0019] Exhaust and exhaust port 12 can be incorporated into VCT phaser assemblies with various designs, constructions, and components. An example VCT phaser assembly is shown in the accompanying drawings. Here, the VCT phaser assembly 10 typically includes a housing 14, a rotor 16, a first or inner plate 18, a second or outer plate 20, and a central bolt body 22 as its main components. The housing 14 may have a camshaft sprocket 24 or pulley for engagement with an annular ring (such as a chain or belt), which further engages a crankshaft sprocket or other components of the ICE. Through engagement, rotation is transmitted from the ICE to the housing 14, causing the housing 14 to rotate. The rotor 16 has a hub 26 and a plurality of blades 28 extending radially outward from the hub 26. The rotor 16 is connected to a camshaft such that rotation of the rotor 16 causes rotation of the camshaft. A plurality of ports 30 are located in the hub 26 and extend radially outward from the inner surface 32 of the hub 26 to the outer surface 33 of the hub 26. Fluid communication is provided during this period via the ports 30. The first plate 18 is mounted on the first axial side of the housing 14 and the rotor 16, and the second plate 20 is mounted on the opposite second axial side of the housing 14 and the rotor 16. The mounting can be achieved by bolt fixing.

[0020] Multiple fluid chambers 34 are established through the opposing surfaces between the housing 14, rotor 16, first plate 18, and second plate 20. The fluid chambers 34 are advance and delay fluid chambers that receive pressurized oil via advance and delay lines during use of the VCT phaser assembly 10. The oil is drawn to the VCT phaser assembly 10 via an ICE source and pressurized by a pump. The fluid chambers 34 are in direct and tight fluid communication with port 30. The oil travels through port 30 as it enters and exits the advance and delay fluid chambers. Figure 1 The central bolt body 22, schematically depicted, is part of a control valve that helps manage the flow of oil into and out of the advance and delay fluid chambers, thereby enabling the advance and delay functions of the VCT phaser assembly 10 as commanded by the engine control unit (ECU). Among its other possible components, the VCT phaser assembly 10 may also include a locking pin assembly and an actuator, such as a variable force solenoid valve (VFS) actuator. The locking pin assembly will be used to maintain the angular position of the rotor 16 relative to the housing 14, and the actuator will move the spool of the control valve back and forth against the bias of the spring.

[0021] It has been found that air can enter the oil as it circulates through the larger system and upstream and downstream of this VCT phaser assembly. Due to manufacturing tolerances, leakage paths may exist in some components that introduce excess air into the oil, and these leakage paths can continue to develop over time and be used in some components. It has been shown that oil filled with a large amount of air exhibits instability and becomes compressible in nature, in a sense, it possesses a so-called elastic effect. Therefore, the camshaft used in conjunction with it may experience a certain degree of oscillation and timing problems may occur. Noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) problems, as well as durability issues, may also arise. Ultimately, the VCT phaser assembly may exhibit reduced effectiveness and performance. The exhaust and exhaust port 12 are designed to remove excess air and thoroughly purge the VCT phaser assembly 10, especially its air fluid chamber 34. The air-expelled VCT phaser assembly 10 has minimal hydraulic compressibility, thus enhancing the hydraulic stiffness of its oil. This improves overall system stability and achieves more efficient and responsive performance.

[0022] Figure 1 and Figure 2 A first embodiment of a VCT phaser assembly 10 with vents and vent holes 12 is presented. In this embodiment, a plurality of individual vent holes 12 are located in an outer plate 20. The vent holes 12 axially span the entire structure of the outer plate 20 relative to its generally circular shape. There are a total of eight individual vent holes 12, of which two vent holes are in fluid communication with each fluid chamber 34, one vent hole is in fluid communication with the advance fluid chamber side, and one vent hole is in fluid communication with the delay fluid chamber side. In this and other embodiments, the exact number of individual vent holes can vary depending on the expected mixing of air in the oil and the desired degree of venting for a particular VCT phaser assembly. For example, each fluid chamber may have a single vent hole, or each fluid chamber may have multiple vent holes; however, not all fluid chambers necessarily need to be in direct fluid communication with the vent holes. Furthermore, the formation of the vent holes 12 in a particular component can vary. In the first embodiment, the vent holes 12 can be formed by laser drilling in the outer plate 20, by drilling in the outer plate 20, or by another fabrication and forming technique.

[0023] The precise dimensions of the vent 12 can also vary. Again, the precise dimensions of the vent 12 can depend on the expected mixing of air in the oil and the desired degree of venting for a particular VCT phaser assembly. In one example, the vent 12 can have a diameter of approximately 0.10 mm. In other examples, the diameter of the vent 12 can be in the range of approximately 0.1 mm and 0.5 mm, or less than approximately 0.5 mm. However, in some examples, the vent 12 can have a diameter of approximately 0.01 mm.2 Up to 1.1mm 2 The total cross-sectional area within the range. Other values ​​are possible for these dimensions. Regardless of size, the vent 12 is located in a position suitable for removing air from the oil and purging air. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In this embodiment, the exhaust port 12 is located at the center of the rotation region 36. The center of the rotation region 36 is here determined by the rotational movement relative to the VCT phaser assembly 10, and especially relative to the rotational movement relative to the outer plate 20 and its positional relationship with the hub 26. Figure 1 The area is approximated by the depicted dashed circle. The center of the rotating region 36 coincides with the radially inner region of the fluid chamber 34 and is located near the hub 26. According to the embodiment, air removal and air purging are effective and efficient at the center of the rotating region 36. Furthermore, exhaust ports 12 are located at the corners or corner regions of the fluid chamber 34; here, there is a single exhaust port 12 at each corner of each fluid chamber 34. In addition, the exhaust ports 12 are located in both circumferential and radial positions relative to their specific positions on the outer plate 20 so as to be in fluid communication with the formed fluid chamber 34.

[0024] Due to the density difference between air and oil and the relative buoyancy of air, and because of the centrifugal force experienced by both air and oil during the rotation of the VCT phaser assembly 10 during use, air is drawn away and separated from oil to some extent. As the VCT phaser assembly 10 rotates, the applied centrifugal force naturally draws the relatively lighter air to the center of the rotation area 36. Air and the air / oil mixture reaching the corner area and vent 12 can escape and leave the fluid chamber 34. Any escaping oil can then be discharged from there into the ICE's oil pan. This air venting is integrated into the normal operating mode of the VCT phaser assembly 10, and therefore can occur, for example, when the VCT phaser assembly 10 performs its advance and delay functions. In other words, no additional or dedicated operating mode is required to achieve venting.

[0025] Figure 3 and Figure 4A second embodiment of the VCT phaser assembly 10 with vents and vent holes 12 is presented. Much of the description of the vent holes 12 for the first embodiment is fully applicable to the second embodiment and will not be repeated here. In the second embodiment, a plurality of individual vent holes 12 are located in the inner plate 18. The vent holes 12 axially span the entire structure of the inner plate 18 relative to its generally circular shape. As before, there are a total of eight individual vent holes 12, wherein two vent holes are in fluid communication with each fluid chamber 34, one vent hole is in fluid communication with the advance fluid chamber side, and one vent hole is in fluid communication with the delay fluid chamber side. Similarly, the exact number of individual vent holes can vary depending on the desired mixing of air in the oil and the desired degree of venting for a particular VCT phaser assembly. Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the vent holes 12 can be formed by laser drilling in the inner plate 18, by drilling in the inner plate 18, or by another fabrication and forming technique.

[0026] Similarly, as before, the precise dimensions of the vent 12 can vary and can depend on the expected mixing of air in the oil and the desired degree of venting for a particular VCT phaser assembly. In one example, the vent 12 can have a diameter of approximately 0.10 mm. In other examples, the diameter of the vent 12 can be in the range of approximately 0.1 mm and 0.5 mm, or less than approximately 0.5 mm. However, in some examples, the vent 12 can have a diameter of approximately 0.01 mm. 2 Up to 1.1mm 2 The total cross-sectional area within the range. Other values ​​are possible for these dimensions. Regardless of size, the vent 12 is located in a position suitable for removing air from the oil and purging air. Also in this second embodiment, the vent 12 is located at the center of the rotation region 36. The center of the rotation region 36 is here determined by the rotational movement relative to the VCT phaser assembly 10, and especially relative to the rotational movement relative to the inner plate 18 and its positional relationship with the hub 26, and Figure 3 The center of the rotating region 36 is approximately represented by the depicted dashed circle. The center of the rotating region 36 coincides with the radially inner region of the fluid chamber 34 and is located near the hub 26. Furthermore, vent holes 12 are located at the corners or corner regions of the fluid chamber 34; here, there is a single vent hole 12 at each corner of each fluid chamber 34. Moreover, the vent holes 12 are located in both circumferential and radial positions relative to their specific positions on the inner plate 18, so as to provide fluid communication with the formed fluid chamber 34.

[0027] Figures 5 to 7A third embodiment of the VCT phaser assembly 10 with exhaust vents and exhaust ports 12 is presented. Much of the description of the exhaust ports 12 for the first embodiment is fully applicable to the third embodiment and will not be repeated here. In the third embodiment, a plurality of individual exhaust ports 12 are located in the rotor 16, and specifically in the hub 26. The exhaust ports 12 axially span the entire structure of the hub 26 relative to its generally circular shape. There are a total of eight individual exhaust ports 12, wherein a single exhaust port 12 intersects and is in fluid communication with each port 30. In this embodiment, each exhaust port 12 is arranged orthogonally relative to its respective port 30 (i.e., the port 30 is radially oriented, while the exhaust port 12 is axially oriented). It has been shown that orthogonal arrangement can appropriately remove air from the oil. The exact number of individual exhaust ports can vary depending on the desired mixing of air in the oil and the desired degree of venting for a particular VCT phaser assembly. Furthermore, in the third embodiment, the exhaust ports 12 can be formed by laser drilling in the hub 26, by drilling in the hub 26, or by another fabrication and forming technique.

[0028] As before, the precise dimensions of the vent 12 can vary and can depend on the expected mixing of air in the oil and the desired degree of venting for a particular VCT phaser assembly. In one example, the vent 12 can have a diameter of approximately 0.10 mm. In other examples, the diameter of the vent 12 can be in the range of approximately 0.1 mm and 0.5 mm, or less than approximately 0.5 mm. However, in some examples, the vent 12 can have a diameter of approximately 0.01 mm. 2 Up to 1.1mm 2 The total cross-sectional area within the range. Other values ​​are possible for these dimensions. The vent 12 is located in a position suitable for removing air from the oil and purging air. In this third embodiment, the vent 12 is located at the center of the rotation region 36. The center of the rotation region 36 is here determined by the rotational movement relative to the VCT phaser assembly 10 and, in particular, relative to the rotational movement relative to the hub 26, and... Figure 7 The area is approximated by the dashed circle depicted. The center of the rotating region 36 typically coincides with the radially inner region of the port 30.

[0029] Figure 8A fourth embodiment of the VCT phaser assembly 10 with an exhaust port 12 is presented. Certain descriptions of the exhaust port 12 in the first embodiment are fully applicable to the fourth embodiment and will not be repeated here. In the fourth embodiment, the exhaust port 12 is in the form of a gap 38. The gap 38 is formed between the inner plate 18 and the rotor 16, and specifically, the gap 38 is defined between the inner plate 18 and the hub 26 of the rotor 16. In this embodiment, the gap 38 is a groove 40 that completely spans the circumference of the inner plate 18. The groove 40 is located within the inner plate 18 itself and at the radially inner end 42 of the inner plate 18. The groove 40 is in fluid communication with all fluid chambers 34 at the center of the rotation region 36. The center of the rotation region 36 is here determined by the rotational movement relative to the VCT phaser assembly 10 and relative to the rotational movement of the inner plate 18, and has a [missing information - likely a specific orientation or feature]. Figure 3 The location shown is similar, but includes the radially inner end 42. Due to its fluid communication with the fluid chamber 34, the groove 40 facilitates the removal of air from the oil and air purging. In other embodiments, the gap 38 may be a plurality of grooves formed on certain portions of the circumference of the inner plate 18; thus, different grooves may be in fluid communication with the fluid chamber 34. In this fourth embodiment, the groove 40 may have a lateral extension of approximately 0.10 mm, ranging from approximately 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm, or less than approximately 0.5 mm. However, other values ​​are possible for this dimension. The groove 40 may be formed using metalworking techniques.

[0030] Figure 9 A fifth embodiment of the VCT phaser assembly 10 with an exhaust port 12 is presented. Certain descriptions of the exhaust port 12 in the first embodiment are fully applicable to the fifth embodiment and will not be repeated here. In the fifth embodiment, the exhaust port 12 is in the form of a gap 38. The gap 38 is formed between the outer plate 20 and the rotor 16, and specifically, the gap 38 is defined between the outer plate 20 and the hub 26 of the rotor 16. In this embodiment, the gap 38 is a groove 40 that completely spans the circumference of the outer plate 20. The groove 40 is located within the outer plate 20 itself and at the radially inner end 44 of the outer plate 20. The groove 40 is in fluid communication with all fluid chambers 34 at the center of the rotating region 36. The center of the rotating region 36 is here established by the rotational movement relative to the VCT phaser assembly 10 and relative to the rotational movement of the outer plate 20, and has a [missing information - likely a specific orientation or feature]. Figure 1The location is similar to that shown, but includes a radially inner end 44. Due to fluid communication with the fluid chamber 34, the groove 40 facilitates the removal of air from the oil and air purging. In other embodiments, the gap 38 may be a plurality of grooves formed on certain portions of the circumference of the outer plate 20; these different grooves may then be in fluid communication with the fluid chamber 34. In this fifth embodiment, the groove 40 may have a lateral extension of approximately 0.10 mm, ranging between approximately 0.1 mm and 0.5 mm, or less than approximately 0.5 mm. However, other values ​​are possible for this dimension. The groove 40 may be formed using metalworking techniques.

[0031] Figure 10 and Figure 11 A sixth embodiment of the VCT phaser assembly 10 with exhaust and exhaust port 12 is presented. Certain descriptions of the exhaust port 12 for the first embodiment are fully applicable to the sixth embodiment and will not be repeated here. In the sixth embodiment, the exhaust port 12 is in the form of a plurality of gaps 38. The gaps 38 are formed between the outer plate 20 and the rotor 16, and in particular, the gaps 38 are defined between the outer plate 20 and the hub 26 of the rotor 16. In this embodiment, the gaps 38 are a plurality of grooves 46 that generally span the radially inner portion of the outer plate 20. Each groove 46 spans from one of the fluid chambers 34 to the radially inner end 48 of the opening of the outer plate 20 and ultimately to the outside of the outer plate 20. The grooves 46 are located in the outer plate 20 and at the axially inner side 50 of the outer plate 20. The grooves 46 are located at the center of the rotation region 36 relative to the outer plate 20. The center of the rotation region 36 in this sixth embodiment is similar to the center described in conjunction with the fifth embodiment. The recess 46 is partially defined by the opposing surfaces of the outer plate 20 and the hub 26 of the rotor 16. (Possibly as...) Figure 10 As best shown, in this embodiment, the groove 46 has a semi-circular shape. Furthermore, there are a total of eight individual grooves 46, of which two grooves are in fluid communication with each fluid chamber 34, one groove is in fluid communication with the pre-fluid chamber side, and one groove is in fluid communication with the delayed fluid chamber side. The exact number of individual grooves 46 can vary depending on the expected mixing of air in the oil and the desired exhaust level of a particular VCT phaser assembly. In this sixth embodiment, the groove 46 can have a lateral extension of approximately 0.10 mm, ranging between approximately 0.1 mm and 0.5 mm, or less than approximately 0.5 mm. However, other values ​​are possible for this dimension. The groove 46 can be formed using metalworking techniques.

[0032] In yet another embodiment, the vent 12 can be located in... Figure 1The central bolt body 22 is used for this embodiment. Certain descriptions of the foregoing embodiments are entirely applicable here and will not be repeated. The vent 12 can axially span the entire structure of the central bolt body 22 relative to its generally cylindrical shape. As before, the vent 12 can be in fluid communication with ports and / or other channels defined in the central bolt body 22. Therefore, air in the oil traveling through the ports and / or channels of the central bolt body 22 can be removed via the vent 12. Similarly, the exact number of vents in this embodiment can vary depending on the desired mixing of air in the oil and the desired degree of venting for a particular VCT phaser assembly. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the vent 12 can be formed by laser drilling in the central bolt body 22, drilling in the central bolt body 22, or by another preparation and forming technique. Likewise, as before, the precise dimensions of the vent 12 can vary and can depend on the desired mixing of air in the oil and the desired degree of venting for a particular VCT phaser assembly. In one example, the vent 12 can each have a diameter of approximately 0.10 mm. In other examples, the diameter of the vent 12 may be in the range of approximately 0.1 mm and 0.5 mm, or less than approximately 0.5 mm. However, in some examples, the diameter of the vent 12 may be approximately 0.01 mm. 2 Up to 1.1mm 2 The total cross-sectional area within the range. Other values ​​are possible for these dimensions. Regardless of size, the vent 12 is located in a position suitable for removing air from the oil and purging air.

[0033] However, other embodiments of the VCT phaser assembly 10 having an exhaust vent and an exhaust port 12 are possible, including embodiments that combine one or more exhaust embodiments described above and depicted in the accompanying drawings. For example, the exhaust port 12 may be located in both the outer panel 20 and the inner panel 18 of the first and second embodiments.

[0034] It should be understood that the foregoing description is a description of one or more embodiments of the present invention. The present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but is defined solely by the following claims. Furthermore, the statements contained in the foregoing description relate to specific embodiments and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention or the definition of terms used in the claims, unless the terms or wording are expressly defined above. Various other embodiments, as well as various changes and modifications to the disclosed embodiments, will be apparent to those skilled in the art. All such other embodiments, changes, and modifications are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims.

[0035] As used in this specification and claims, the terms “e.g.,” “such as,” and “etc.”, as well as the verbs “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and other verb forms thereof, when used with a list of one or more parts or other items, shall be interpreted as open-ended, meaning that the list shall not be considered to exclude other additional parts or items. Other terms shall be interpreted using their broadest reasonable meaning unless used in a context requiring a different description.

Claims

1. A hydraulically actuated VCT phaser assembly, comprising: The housing, the rotor located within the housing, the first plate located on a first side of the housing and the rotor, the second plate located on a second side of the housing and the rotor, and the center bolt body; as well as At least one vent is provided, the at least one vent being located at the center of a rotational region of at least one of the housing, rotor, first plate, second plate, or center bolt body, the center of the rotational region being relative to the rotational motion of the hydraulically actuated VCT phaser assembly, wherein air brought into the center of the rotational region during use and contained in the at least one vent escapes from hydraulic fluid remaining in the hydraulically actuated VCT phaser assembly, wherein a plurality of chambers are formed between the housing, rotor, first plate, and second plate, the plurality of chambers being advance fluid chambers and delay fluid chambers, and the at least one vent is at least one gap formed between at least one of the first plate or second plate and the hub of the rotor and opposite thereto, the at least one gap being in fluid communication with the plurality of chambers.

2. The hydraulically actuated VCT phaser assembly of claim 1, wherein a plurality of chambers are formed between the housing and the rotor, and the center of the rotating region is located at the plurality of chambers and adjacent to the hub of the rotor.

3. The hydraulically actuated VCT phaser assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one gap is a groove located in at least one of the first plate or the second plate and spanning at least a portion of the circumference of at least one of the first plate or the second plate.

4. The hydraulically actuated VCT phaser assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one gap is a plurality of grooves in at least one of the first plate or the second plate, and the plurality of grooves extend radially generally from the outside of at least one of the first plate or the second plate into the plurality of chambers.

5. A hydraulically actuated VCT phaser assembly, comprising: The housing, the rotor, a plurality of chambers formed between the housing and the rotor, a first plate located on a first side of the plurality of chambers and a second plate located on a second side of the plurality of chambers, the plurality of chambers being an advance fluid chamber and a delay fluid chamber; as well as A plurality of vent holes are located at the center of a rotating region of at least one of the first plate or the second plate, the center of the rotating region being relative to the rotational movement of the hydraulically actuated VCT phaser assembly, the plurality of vent holes being in direct fluid communication with the plurality of chambers and located near the hub of the rotor, wherein air contained in the plurality of vent holes and separated from the hydraulic fluid in the plurality of chambers during use of the hydraulically actuated VCT phaser assembly leaves the plurality of chambers.

6. The hydraulically actuated VCT phaser assembly of claim 5, wherein at least some of the plurality of vent holes are located in corner regions of the plurality of chambers.

7. The hydraulically actuated VCT phaser assembly of claim 5, wherein at least some of the plurality of vent holes cross over at least one of the first plate or the second plate in a generally axial direction.

8. The hydraulically actuated VCT phaser assembly of claim 5, wherein the plurality of vent holes are a plurality of drill holes or a plurality of laser drill holes.

9. The hydraulically actuated VCT phaser assembly of claim 5, wherein the plurality of vent holes are located at circumferential and radial positions on at least one of the first or second plates to be in fluid communication with at least one of the plurality of chambers.

10. A hydraulically actuated VCT phaser assembly, comprising: The assembly includes a housing, a rotor with a hub, a plurality of chambers formed between the housing and the rotor, located in the hub and in fluid communication with the plurality of chambers for multiple ports for hydraulic fluid to enter and exit the plurality of chambers during use of the hydraulically actuated VCT phaser assembly, a first plate located on a first side of the plurality of chambers, and a second plate located on a second side of the plurality of chambers, the plurality of chambers being an advance fluid chamber and a delay fluid chamber; as well as A plurality of vent holes are located in the hub of the rotor, the plurality of vent holes being in direct fluid communication with at least some of the plurality of ports, wherein air contained in the plurality of vent holes and separated from the hydraulic fluid in the hydraulically actuated VCT phaser assembly during use exits the plurality of ports via the plurality of vent holes.

11. The hydraulically actuated VCT phaser assembly of claim 10, wherein at least some of the plurality of vent holes span the hub in a generally axial direction.

12. The hydraulically actuated VCT phaser assembly of claim 10, wherein at least some of the plurality of vent holes span in a direction substantially orthogonal to the direction of the plurality of ports.

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