Electrically actuated variable camshaft timing phaser with removable fasteners

Abstract

An electrically actuated variable camshaft timing (VCT) phaser is employed for use with an internal combustion engine (ICE). The electrically actuated VCT phaser includes a gearset assembly and a fixture. The gearset assembly has an input gear and an output gear, among other possible components. The input gear receives a rotational drive input from an engine crankshaft, and the output gear delivers a rotational drive output to an engine camshaft. The fixture is secured in the gearset assembly. During installation of the electrically actuated VCT phaser on the ICE, the fixture constrains rotational movement of the gearset assembly. After installation, the fixture can be removed from the gearset assembly.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to variable camshaft (CANshaft) timing (VCT) phasers that are employed for use with internal combustion engines (ICEs) and, more particularly, to electrically actuated VCT phasers. BACKGROUND

[0002] Automotive internal combustion engines typically have a crankshaft and one or more camshafts that are fixed at an angular position relative to one another. The angular relationship between the crankshaft and the camshaft(s) finely controls the opening and closing of valves to regulate combustion relative to the linear position of reciprocating pistons. Increasingly, variable camshaft timing (VCT) phasers can be used with one or more camshafts to vary the angular position of the camshaft(s) relative to the angular position of the crankshaft. The VCT phaser can advance or retard the angular position of the camshaft(s) relative to the crankshaft to improve operation of the ICE using a hydraulically actuated mechanism or an electrically actuated mechanism. The mechanism can have an input that receives rotational force from the crankshaft and an output that is angularly displaced relative to the input by the mechanism and that transmits rotational force to the camshaft(s).

[0003] During assembly of an ICE, it is important to establish and maintain the precise angular position of the crankshaft and the camshaft(s) that results in the linkage of these elements via an endless loop of links such as a chain or belt. Once the endless loop of links is engaged with the crankshaft and the camshaft(s) and is tensioned, the relative positions of the crankshaft and the camshaft(s) are maintained. With electrically actuated VCT phasers, the relative position of the input to the output is not always known. Thus, maintaining the precise relationship between all of the electrically actuated VCT phaser, the camshaft(s), and the crankshaft can be challenging. Additionally, assembly of the electrically actuated VCT phaser to the camshaft can involve applying torque to a center bolt that can in turn transmit the applied torque through the gear case of the VCT phaser. SUMMARY

[0004] In one embodiment, an electrically actuated variable camshaft timing (VCT) phaser can include a gearset assembly and a fixture. The gearset assembly has an input gear and an output gear. When the electrically actuated VCT phaser is installed with an internal combustion engine, the input gear receives a rotational drive input from an engine crankshaft. In the installation, the output gear transmits a rotational drive output to an engine camshaft. The fixture is secured in the gearset assembly and is removable therefrom. During installation of the electrically actuated VCT phaser on the internal combustion engine, the fixture constrains rotational movement of the gearset assembly. The fixture lacks direct securement between the input gear and the output gear.

[0005] In another embodiment, an electrically actuated variable camshaft timing (VCT) phaser can include a planetary gearset and a pin. The planetary gearset includes a carrier disk and a housing assembly, among other possible components. The carrier disk has a first opening and the housing assembly has a second opening. The pin is received in the first opening of the carrier disk and is received in the second opening of the housing assembly. The pin is removable from both the first opening and the second opening. During installation of the electrically actuated VCT phaser on the internal combustion engine, the pin constrains rotational movement of the planetary gearset. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0006] Figure 1 is an exploded view of an embodiment of an electrically actuated variable camshaft timing (VCT) phaser and a fixture;

[0007] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the electrically actuated VCT phaser and the fixture of

[0008] Figure 3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an electrically actuated VCT phaser and a fixture;

[0009] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the electrically actuated VCT phaser and the fixture of Figure 3

[0010] Figure 5 is another cross-sectional view of the electrically actuated VCT phaser and the fixture of Figure 3 taken at arrowed line 5-5 in Figure 4

[0011] Figure 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an electrically actuated VCT phaser and a fixture;

[0012] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the electrically actuated VCT phaser and the fixture of Figure 6 taken at arrowed line 7-7 in Figure 6 ​​​

[0013] Figure 8 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an electrically actuated VCT phase shifter and fixture;

[0014] Figure 9 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an electrically actuated VCT phase shifter and fixture; Figure 8

[0015] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the electrically actuated VCT phase shifter and fixture of Figure 8 taken at arrowed line 10-10 in Figure 9

[0016] Figure 11 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an electrically actuated VCT phase shifter and fixture;

[0017] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of the electrically actuated VCT phase shifter and fixture of Figure 11

[0018] Figure 13 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an electrically actuated VCT phase shifter and fixture;

[0019] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of the electrically actuated VCT phase shifter and fixture of Figure 13 taken at arrowed line 14-14 in Figure 13

[0020] Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of an electrically actuated VCT phase shifter and fixture;

[0021] Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of an electrically actuated VCT phase shifter and fixture taken at arrowed line 16-16 in Figure 15 Figure 15

[0022] Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view of yet another embodiment of an electrically actuated VCT phase shifter and fixture; Figure 15

[0023] Figure 18 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an electrically actuated VCT phase shifter and fixture;

[0024] Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view of the electrically actuated VCT phase shifter and fixture of Figure 18

[0025] Figure 20 ​​​​​​​​is a perspective view of another embodiment of an electrically actuated VCT phaser and fixture; and

[0026] Figure 21 is a cross-sectional view of the electrically actuated VCT phaser and fixture of Figure 20 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] A number of embodiments of electrically actuated variable camshaft timing (VCT) phasers with removable fixtures are illustrated in the figures and described herein. The removable fixtures can be temporarily secured in the VCT phaser prior to or during installation of the VCT phaser on an internal combustion engine of a vehicle. The VCT phaser can be shipped with the fixture secured in place. The fixture functions to constrain rotational movement of a gearset assembly of the VCT phaser and to fix movement between an input gear and an output gear. With the fixture secured, the gearset assembly cannot move. Thus, a known angular position of the input gear relative to a known angular position of the output gear is maintained via the fixture. In keyless timing applications, where the camshaft of the engine lacks a means of measuring to position the VCT phaser relative to the camshaft for installation purposes, maintaining the angular positions ensures desired and proper timing function of the VCT phaser at the time of installation of the VCT phaser on the internal combustion engine and thereafter in use thereof. Further, the fixture establishes a load path through the gearset assembly of the VCT phaser, whereby the VCT phaser can more easily withstand torque loads applied during installation and when the center bolt is tightened. As used in this specification, unless otherwise indicated, the terms "axially," "radially," "circumferentially," "angularly," and their related forms are with respect to the generally circular and annular and cylindrical components of the VCT phaser.

[0028] In Figure 1 , an embodiment of an electrically actuated variable camshaft timing (VCT) phaser 10 is shown in an exploded view. The VCT phaser 10 is a multi-piece mechanism having components that work together to transfer rotation from a crankshaft 12 and to a camshaft 14 of an internal combustion engine, and that can work together to angularly displace the camshaft 14 relative to the crankshaft 12 for advancing and retarding engine valve opening and closing. In different embodiments, the VCT phaser 10 can have different designs and constructions and components depending on, among other possible factors, the application in which the phaser is employed and the crankshaft and camshaft with which the VCT phaser 10 works.

[0029] In the embodiments illustrated in the figures, for example, and with particular reference to Figure 1The VCT phaser 10 has a gearset assembly 16 that transmits rotational motion through the VCT phaser 10. Generally, the gearset assembly 16 includes an input gear 18 and an output gear 20. The input gear 18 receives rotational drive input from the crankshaft 12, and the output gear 20 transmits rotational drive output to the camshaft 14. One or more intermediate gears 22 are located in the path of rotational transmission between the input gear 18 and the output gear 20. The intermediate gear(s) 22 are positioned downstream of the input gear 18 and upstream of the output gear 20. In different embodiments, the gearset assembly 16 can have varying gearcase arrangements and types. Figures 1 to 21 In the depicted embodiment, for example, the gearset assembly 16 has a planetary gearcase type of gearcase arrangement, but it can be a harmonic drive gearcase type, an eccentric gearcase type, a cycloidal gearcase type, or another gearcase type.

[0030] Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The planetary gearset 24, in accordance with embodiments, includes a housing assembly 26, a carrier assembly 28, a sun gear 30, an inner disc 32, a disc 34, and a rotor clamp 36. The housing assembly 26 receives rotational drive input from the crankshaft 12 and rotates about an axis XI, and thus functions as the input gear 18 in these embodiments. A timing chain or timing belt is looped around a sprocket 38 and also looped around the crankshaft 12, such that rotation of the crankshaft 12 is converted into rotation of the housing assembly 26 via the timing chain or belt. Other techniques for shifting rotation between the housing assembly 26 and the crankshaft 12 are still possible. At the exterior, the sprocket 38 has a set of teeth 40 for mating with the timing chain or belt. A wall 42 extends axially and surrounds other components of the planetary gearset 24 in the assembly. An outer retainer disc 43 can be connected to the wall 42 via swage forming or another connection technique, such that the two structures move and rotate in unison. At the interior, the housing assembly 26 has a first ring gear 44. The first ring gear 44 is a unitary extension of the wall 42, constituting a monolithic construction. But the first ring gear 44 can be connected to the wall 42 via cutouts and lugs interconnecting each other, bolting, or some other manner. The first ring gear 44 receives rotational drive input from the sprocket 38, such that the first ring gear 44 and the sprocket 38 rotate together about the axis XI in operation. The first ring gear 44 engages with the planetary gears (described below) of the carrier assembly 28, and has a set of teeth 46 at its interior for tooth-to-tooth meshing with the planetary gears. The teeth 46 project radially inwardly relative to the annular shape of the first ring gear 44.

[0031] With respect to the path of rotational transmission between the housing assembly 26 and the inner disk 32, a carrier assembly 28 is interposed between the housing assembly 26 and the inner disk 32. The carrier assembly 28 includes a first carrier disk 48 and a second carrier disk 50. The first carrier disk 48 is positioned at an axial outboard end relative to the camshaft 14 when installed on the internal combustion engine, and the second carrier disk 50 is positioned at an axial inboard end relative to the camshaft 14 opposite the first carrier disk 48. A cylindrical portion 52 links the first carrier disk 48 and the second carrier disk 50 for establishing a connection therebetween. A plurality of planetary gears 54 are supported by the first carrier disk 48 and the second carrier disk 50. The planetary gears 54 rotate about their respective rotational axes X2 as the VCT phaser 10 is in the middle of bringing the camshaft 14 to or away from an advanced and retarded angular position. When no advancement or retardation is taking place, the planetary gears 54 revolve about the axis X1 along with the housing assembly 26, the sun gear 30, and the inner disk 32. The planetary gears 54 are supported by the first carrier disk 48 and the second carrier disk 50 in a manner that allows the planetary gears 54 to rotate about their respective rotational axes X2 as the VCT phaser 10 is in the middle of bringing the camshaft 14 to or away from an advanced and retarded angular position. When no advancement or retardation is taking place, the planetary gears 54 revolve about the axis X1 along with the housing assembly 26, the sun gear 30, and the inner disk 32. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In

[0032] Still referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the sun gear 30 is connected to and driven by an electric motor 58 for rotation about the axis X1. The connection between the sun gear 30 and the electric motor 58 can be established such that rotation is transmitted from the electric motor 58 to the sun gear 30. A pin and slot interconnection is an example of such a connection. The sun gear 30 is engaged with the planetary gears 54 and has a set of teeth 60 at its exterior for tooth-to-tooth engagement with the planetary gears 54. A cylindrical body wall 62 spans from the set of teeth 60 for interconnection with the electric motor 58.

[0033] The inner disk 32 transmits a rotational drive output to the camshaft 14 and rotates about the axis X1. By way of connection to the camshaft 14, the inner disk 32 drives rotation of the camshaft 14 about the axis X1. The connection can be established in different ways, including by way of a center bolt 64 (e.g., in Figure 4The sleeve 66 projects axially in the direction of the camshaft 14 and can guide the connection with the camshaft 14. The cylindrical wall 68 projects axially in the opposite direction of the sleeve 66. Internally, the inner plate 32 has a second ring gear 70. The second ring gear 70 is axially adjacent to the first ring gear 44 and the two ring gears 44, 70 together make up a split ring gear configuration for the VCT phaser 10. In other embodiments, the planetary gear box type arrangement can still vary and does not need to have the split ring gear configuration depicted and described herein. The second ring gear 70 is an integral extension of the inner plate 32 and specifically of the cylindrical wall 68, making a monolithic configuration. But the second ring gear 70 can be connected to the cylindrical wall 68 via a cutout and lug, bolted or some other manner. As a result of this configuration, in operation, the second ring gear 70 and the inner plate 32 rotate together about the axis XI. The second ring gear 70 is engaged with the planet gears 54 and has a set of teeth 72 internally thereof for tooth-to-tooth engagement with the planet gears 54. The teeth 72 project radially inwardly relative to the annular shape of the second ring gear 70. The number of teeth between the first ring gear 44 and the second ring gear 70 relative to each other can vary by the number of planet gears 54 provided. For example, the teeth 46 of the first ring gear 44 can count eighty individual teeth while the teeth 72 can count seventy-seven individual teeth - a difference of three individual teeth for three planet gears 54 in this example. This relationship provides the advance and retard capability by transferring relative rotational motion and relative rotational speed between the first ring gear 44 and the second ring gear 70 in operation.

[0034] Further, a pair of stop lugs 74 are provided adjacent the cylindrical wall 68 of the inner plate 32. When assembled, the stop lugs 74 are received at cutouts 76 placed in a front wall 78 of the inner plate 32. The projections of the stop lugs 74 ride in grooves 80 of the plate 34. The stop lugs 74 and the plate 34 act to resist and limit angular displacement caused by the VCT phaser 10 during the process of advancing and retarding engine valve opening and closing. The rotor clamp 36 axially secures the plate 34, the inner plate 32 and the housing assembly 26 together.

[0035] In use, the VCT phaser 10 transfers rotation from the crankshaft 12 and to the camshaft 14, and, when commanded by a controller, can angularly displace the camshaft 14 to an advanced angular position, or to a retarded angular position, relative to its normal operating position. In normal operation and without valve advance or retard, the sprocket 38 is driven by the crankshaft 12 in a first direction (e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise) and at a first rotational speed to rotate about the axis XI. The first ring gear 44 also rotates in the first direction and at the first rotational speed. At the same time, the electric motor 58 drives the sun gear 30 to rotate about the axis XI in the first direction and at the first rotational speed. In this case, the housing assembly 26, the sun gear 30, the first and second ring gears 44, 70, and the inner disc 32 all rotate together in unison in the first direction and at the first rotational speed. In addition, the planet gears 54 revolve together about the axis XI in the first direction and at the first rotational speed, and do not rotate about their respective rotational axes X2. In other words, in normal operation, there is no relative rotational motion or relative rotational speed between the housing assembly 26, the sun gear 30, the planet gears 54, the first and second ring gears 44, 70, and the inner disc 32.

[0036] In an example, to bring the camshaft 14 to an advanced angular position, the electric motor 58 temporarily drives the sun gear 30 at a second rotational speed, which is lower than the first rotational speed of the sprocket 38. This results in relative rotational motion and relative rotational speed between the sun gear 30 and the sprocket 38. And because the first and second ring gears 44, 70 have different numbers of independent teeth relative to each other, the second ring gear 70 rotationally moves relative to the first ring gear 44. At the same time, the planet gears 54 rotate about their respective rotational axes X2. The precise duration of driving the sun gear 30 at the second rotational speed will depend on the desired degrees of angular displacement between the camshaft 14 and the sprocket 38. Once the desired degrees of angular displacement have been induced, the electric motor 58 will again be commanded to drive the sun gear 30 at the first rotational speed. The camshaft 14 is thus held at the advanced angular position, while the sun gear 30 is driven at the first rotational speed under these conditions.

[0037] To ensure that the VCT phaser 10 can be advanced and retarded as described and as intended, the angular position of the gearset assembly 16 should be maintained during the installation procedure at the camshaft 14. For example, when the center bolt 64 is tightened in past installations, the torque applied to tighten can be transferred through the gearset assembly 16 and, thus, can rotate the gearset assembly 16 out of its correct angular position. Being out of position can upset the timing of the VCT phaser 10 at installation and can in turn upset the timing of the VCT phaser 10 in subsequent use. In a keyless timing application, in which the camshaft 14 lacks provisions for positioning the VCT phaser 10 relative to the camshaft 14 at installation, this can result in particular disadvantages.

[0038] The removable fixture 82 addresses these issues. The fixture 82 is removable in the sense that it can be easily set in place and pre-installed in position at the camshaft 14, such as at shipping, can be held in place during installation, and can then be withdrawn from the installed fixture and employed prior to use of the VCT phaser 10. The fixture 82 is not permanent in installation. When installed in position in the VCT phaser 10, and with reference to the embodiment involving the planetary gearset 24, the fixture 82 acts to maintain the angular position of the housing assembly 26, the carrier assembly 28, the sun gear 30, and the inner disc 32. Thus, the known angular position of the housing assembly 26, which is related to the known angular position of the inner disc 32, is maintained via the fixture 82. In particular, in various embodiments, the fixture 82 constrains the rotational motion of the first and second ring gears 44, 70, the planetary gears 54, and the sun gear 30, thereby fixing and causing invariant relative rotational motion between the housing assembly 26 and the inner disc 32. Maintaining the angular position at a known state prior to installation ensures that the VCT phaser 10 can be set to the intended and correct timing with respect to the camshaft 14 after installation, even in a keyless timing application. Moreover, maintaining the angular position at a known state during installation and even when torque is applied to the planetary gearset 24 as the center bolt 64 is tightened, further ensures that the timing setting persists after installation. Off-positioning experienced in past installations is precluded. Moreover, the fixture 82 and the constraints it provides establish a more suitable torque load path through the planetary gearset 24, whereby the gears and components of the planetary gearset 24 can more readily withstand the torque load applied as the center bolt 64 is tightened.

[0039] In the illustrated embodiment, the fixture 82 lacks a direct fastening between the input gear 18 and the output gear 20, which in the embodiment of the planetary gear set 24 also means a lack of a direct fastening between the first ring gear 44 and the second ring gear 70. In this sense, direct fastening is used to indicate that, when put in place, the fixture 82 does not immediately and directly engage (and thus tie together) both the input gear 18 and the output gear 20, and both the first ring gear 44 and the second ring gear 70. The embodiments described herein are examples of a lack of such direct fastening. Instead, the fixture 82 directly engages at least one intermediate moving part in the path of rotational transmission between the input gear 18 and the output gear 20. In the embodiment of the planetary gear set 24, this intermediate moving part can be, for example, one of the carrier disks 48, 50, one of the planetary gears 54, and / or the sun gear 30. In embodiments of other types of gearboxes (e.g., harmonic drive gearboxes, eccentric gearboxes, cycloidal gearboxes), the intermediate moving part would be a similar component.

[0040] In different embodiments, the fixture 82 can have various designs and configurations and components, depending on the VCT phaser 10 in which the fixture 82 is employed, and the components of the VCT phaser 10 that the fixture 82 temporarily ties together, among other possible factors. A first embodiment of the fixture 82 is illustrated in Figures 3 to 5 . In this embodiment, the fixture 82 ties together the first carrier disk 48 and the housing assembly 26. As a result of this fixture, the fixture 82 constrains the rotational motion of the first ring gear 44 and the second ring gear 70, the planetary gears 54, and the sun gear 30, thereby constraining the relative rotational motion between the housing assembly 26 and the inner disk 32. Here the fixture 82 is in the form of a pin 84. The pin 84 has a unitary, one-piece configuration, and can be composed of a metallic material. In one example, the pin 84 can have a cross-sectional diameter of 1.6 millimeters (mm); in other examples, other diameter values are still possible. With particular reference to Figure 4 , the pin 84 has a first prong 86, a second prong 88, and a bridge 90 extending between the first prong 86 and the second prong 88. The first prong 86 and the second prong 88 are unidirectional along their respective extents, and are geometrically straight. When put in place, as depicted in Figure 4 , the first prong 86 and the second prong 88 are oriented axially with respect to the circular shape of the VCT phaser 10, and present a parallel relationship to one another. The second prong 88 has a greater length than the first prong 86. The bridge 90 is in the shape of a donut, and is illustrated as a loop for the installer to put the pin 84 in place and remove it by hand.

[0041] For receiving the insertion of the first fork 86 of the pin, the first support disc 48 has a first opening 92 disposed in its structure. The first opening 92 is complementary to the circular shape of the first fork 86 and completely spans through the first support disc 48. In a similar manner, for receiving the insertion of the second fork 88 of the pin, the housing assembly 26 has a second opening 94 disposed in its structure. The second opening 94 is located in the radially extending wall 96 of the sprocket 38. The radially extending wall 96 extends radially outward of the wall 42. The second opening 94 is complementary to the circular shape of the second fork 88 and completely spans through the radially extending wall 96.

[0042] In the first embodiment, the fastener 82 serves an additional functional purpose. In some VCT phase modulators, and now referred to... Figure 5 A backlash spring 98 is provided as a component of the VCT phase adjuster 10. The backlash spring 98 applies a biasing force designed to fill any gaps that may exist between the gear teeth of the input gear 18 (i.e., sprocket 38 in this embodiment) and the timing chain or belt. These gear teeth are actuated together by the backlash spring 98. In this embodiment, the backlash spring 98 is in the form of a scissor spring. The backlash spring 98 is pressed directly against the extension 100 of the inner disc 32. The extension 100 extends axially from the radial extension wall 102. When the gear teeth are actuated together, a challenge arises at the camshaft 14 during the installation process—typically, the gear teeth must resist the actuation of the spring and be slightly separated from each other for proper installation. To facilitate installation and eliminate the influence of the biasing force, the second fork 88 of the pin is also inserted through a third opening 104 located in the inner disc 32. The third opening 104 is positioned in the radial extension wall 102 and in the extension 100. The third opening 104 complements the circular shape of the second fork 88 and completely spans through the radially extending wall 102 and the extension 100. With the second fork 88 of the pin in place and passing through the second opening 94 and the third opening 104, as... Figure 4 As depicted in the text, the gear teeth are kept slightly apart from each other.

[0043] Figure 6 and Figure 7 A second embodiment of the fastener 82 is shown in the image. Figure 6 In this context, fastener 82 is depicted as disassembled and removed from VCT phase modulator 10; Figure 7In this embodiment, fastener 82 is shown in place. Fastener 82 binds the first support disc 48 and the sun gear 30 together. Due to this fastening, fastener 82 restricts the rotational movement of the first ring gear 44 and the second ring gear 70, the planetary gear 54, and the sun gear 30, thereby restricting the relative rotational movement between the housing assembly 26 and the inner disc 32. Here, fastener 82 is in the form of a pin 184. Pin 184 has an integral, one-piece construction and may be made of metal. In one example, the cross-sectional diameter of pin 184 may be 1.6 mm; in other examples, other diameter values ​​are still possible. (See also: Special Reference) Figure 6 The pin 184 has a single fork 106 and a bridging portion 108 extending therefrom. The fork 106 is unidirectional along its extension and is geometrically straight. When placed in place, the fork 106 is axially oriented relative to the circular shape of the VCT phase tuner 10. The bridging portion 108 is loop-shaped and presented as a ring for the installer to place and remove the pin 184 by hand. To receive the insertion of the fork 106 of the pin, a first support disc 48 has an opening 110 disposed in its structure. The opening 110 is complementary to the circular shape of the fork 106 and extends completely through the first support disc 48 in the axial direction. (See also: Special Reference) Figure 7 In the cross-sectional view, when pin 184 is positioned in the VCT phase tuner 10, the pin's fork 106 travels through opening 110 and is positioned, clamping between a pair of individual and adjacent teeth 60 of the sun gear 30 adjacent to the terminal section of pin 184. Due to the position of the fork 106, pin 184 fixes the rotational movement of the sun gear 30 to the first support disk 48.

[0044] Figure 8 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 A third embodiment of the fastener 82 is shown. Figure 8 In this context, fastener 82 is depicted as disassembled and removed from VCT phase modulator 10; Figure 9 and Figure 10In this embodiment, fastener 82 is shown in place. Fastener 82 binds the first support disc 48 and the sun gear 30 together. Due to this fastening, fastener 82 restricts the rotational movement of the first ring gear 44 and the second ring gear 70, the planetary gear 54, and the sun gear 30, thereby restricting the relative rotational movement between the housing assembly 26 and the inner disc 32. Here, fastener 82 is in the form of a body 112. Body 112 has an integral, one-piece construction and may be made of plastic material. The main portion of body 112 has an annular shape. In terms of size and shape, the annular shape is complementary to the cylindrical shape of the sun gear 30. A first axial extension 114 extends axially from the main portion of body 112 relative to the annular shape, and a second axial extension 116 extends axially from the main portion of body 112 relative to the annular shape; in other embodiments, it may still be possible to provide only one of the first or second axial extensions instead of both. The first axial extension 114 and the second axial extension 116 are positioned opposite each other on the main portion of the body 112. The radial extension 118 extends from the side of the main portion of the body, and the third axial extension 120 extends directly from the radial extension 118 in the axial direction relative to the annular shape of the body 112.

[0045] The sun gear 30 has a slot in its cylindrical wall 62 for interconnection with the electric motor 58. A first slot 122 is located on one side of the cylindrical wall 62, and a second slot 124 is located on the opposite side of the cylindrical wall 62. The first slot 122 and the second slot 124 are accessible via the upper open end of the sun gear 30. The first slot 122 and the second slot 124 are features designed into the sun gear 30 for receiving rotational drive from the electric motor 58. A first axial extension 114 is complementary to the first slot 122 in size and shape, and a second axial extension 116 is similarly complementary to the second slot 124 in size and shape. When the body 112 is positioned in the VCT phase tuner 10, the first axial extension 114 is inserted into and received in the first slot 122, and the second axial extension 116 is inserted into and received in the second slot 124. The first support disk 48 has a plurality of openings disposed in its structure for supporting the cylindrical portion 52 and for supporting the planetary gear 54. When the body 112 is positioned in the VCT phase tuner 10, one of the openings (opening 126) receives the insertion of the third axial extension 120. The third axial extension 120 is complementary to the opening 126 in size and shape. Due to the reception and insertion of the first axial extension 114, the second axial extension 116, and the third axial extension 120 with the first slot 122, the second slot 124, and the opening 126, the body 112 secures the rotational movement of the sun gear 30 to the first support disk 48.

[0046] Figure 11 and Figure 12 The fourth embodiment of the fastener 82 is shown in the figure. Figure 11 and Figure 12 In this embodiment, fastener 82 is shown in place. Fastener 82 binds the first support disc 48 and the sun gear 30 together. Due to this fastening, fastener 82 restricts the rotational movement of the first ring gear 44 and the second ring gear 70, the planetary gear 54, and the sun gear 30, thereby restricting the relative rotational movement between the housing assembly 26 and the inner disc 32. Here, fastener 82 is in the form of a body 212. Body 212 has an integral, one-piece construction and may be made of plastic material. Body 212 has both annular and cylindrical shapes, which are complementary to the size and shape of the sun gear 30. A first axial extension 128 extends axially relative to the annular shape from the main portion of body 212, and a second axial extension 130 extends axially relative to the annular shape from the main portion of body 212; in other embodiments, it may still be possible to provide only one of the first or second axial extensions instead of both. The first axial extension 128 and the second axial extension 130 are positioned relative to each other on the main portion of body 212. Furthermore, a plurality of protrusions 132 extend radially relative to the annular shape from the main portion of the body 212. The protrusions 132 (four in total) protrude and expand radially outward from the outer surface of the main portion of the body 212. The protrusions 132 are equidistantly spaced around the circumference of the main portion of the body 212.

[0047] The sun gear 30 has a slot in its cylindrical wall 62 for interconnection with the electric motor 58. A first slot 134 is located on one side of the cylindrical wall 62, and a second slot 136 is located on the opposite side of the cylindrical wall 62. The first slot 134 and the second slot 136 are accessible via the upper open end of the sun gear 30. The first slot 134 and the second slot 136 are features designed into the sun gear 30 for receiving rotational drive from the electric motor 58. A first axial extension 128 is complementary to the first slot 134 in size and shape, and a second axial extension 130 is similarly complementary to the second slot 136 in size and shape. When the body 212 is positioned in the VCT phase tuner 10, the first axial extension 128 is inserted into and received in the first slot 134, and the second axial extension 130 is inserted into and received in the second slot 136. The support disk 48 has a plurality of recesses 138 disposed in its structure at the innermost radially innermost surface of the first support disk 48. For example, the number and position of the recesses 138 may correspond to the number and position of the protrusions 132. In the illustrated embodiment, there are a total of eight recesses 138; in other embodiments, a single protrusion and a single recess may still be present. The recesses 138 extend radially outward in the first support disk 48 and are complementary to the protrusions 132 in size and shape. When the body 212 is positioned in the VCT phase tuner 10, four of the recesses 138 receive the insertion of four protrusions 132. Due to the reception and insertion between the first axial extension 128 and the second axial extension 130 and the first slot 134 and the second slot 136, and the reception and insertion between the protrusions 132 and the recesses 138, the body 212 secures the rotational movement of the sun gear 30 to the first support disk 48.

[0048] Figure 13 and Figure 14 The fifth embodiment of the fastener 82 is shown in the image. Figure 13 In this context, fastener 82 is depicted as disassembled and removed from VCT phase modulator 10; Figure 14 In this embodiment, fastener 82 is shown in place. Fastener 82 binds one of the first support disc 48 and the planetary gear 54 together. Due to this fastening, fastener 82 restricts the rotational movement of the first ring gear 44 and the second ring gear 70, the planetary gear 54, and the sun gear 30, thereby restricting the relative rotational movement between the housing assembly 26 and the inner disc 32. Here, fastener 82 is in the form of a pin 284. Pin 284 has an integral, one-piece construction and can be made of metal. In one example, the cross-sectional diameter of pin 284 may be 1.6 mm; in other examples, other diameter values ​​are still possible. (See also: Special Reference) Figure 13The pin 284 has a single fork 206 and a bridging portion 208 extending therefrom. The fork 206 is unidirectional along its extension and is geometrically straight. When placed in place, the fork 206 is axially oriented relative to the circular shape of the VCT phase tuner 10. The bridging portion 208 is loop-shaped and presented as a ring for the installer to place and remove the pin 284 by hand. To receive the insertion of the fork 206 of the pin, a first support disc 48 has an opening 210 disposed in its structure. The opening 210 is complementary to the circular shape of the fork 206 and extends completely through the first support disc 48 in the axial direction. (See also: Special Reference) Figure 14 In the cross-sectional view, when pin 284 is positioned in the VCT phase tuner 10, the fork 206 of the pin travels through opening 210 and is positioned, clamping between a pair of individual and adjacent teeth 56 of one of the planetary gears 54 adjacent to the terminal end section of pin 284. Due to the position of the fork 206, pin 284 secures the rotational movement of one of the planetary gears 54 to the first support disc 48.

[0049] Figure 15 , Figure 16 and Figure 17 The sixth embodiment of the fastener 82 is shown in the image. Figure 15 and Figure 16 In the middle, the center bolt 64 is missing, and the fastener 82 is shown in a fixed state; and in Figure 17 In this embodiment, the central bolt 64 is shown as tightened, and the retainer 82 is in the released state. In this embodiment, when the retainer 82 is in the fixed state, it binds the inner disk 32 and the sun gear 30 together. Due to this fixation, the retainer 82 restricts the rotational movement of the first ring gear 44 and the second ring gear 70, the planetary gear 54, and the sun gear 30, thereby restricting the relative rotational movement between the housing assembly 26 and the inner disk 32. Here, the retainer 82 is in the form of a pin 384. The pin 384 is of the helical roller pin type, having both integral and single-piece constructions, and may be made of metal. The pin 384 has an upper axial end 140. In this embodiment, the sun gear 30 has a groove 142 located at its lower open end 144. In this embodiment, the sun gear 30 constitutes an intermediate member, but in other embodiments (such as harmonic drive gearbox embodiments, eccentric gearbox embodiments, or cycloidal gearbox embodiments), the intermediate member may be other types of gears or components. The groove 142 is situated within the cylindrical wall 62 and completely spans the cylindrical wall 62 in the radial direction. The groove 142 has an open axial end. The groove 142 is sized and shaped to receive a portion or more of the insertion of the pin 384 when the fastener 82 is in its fixed state. For receiving the insertion of the pin 384, the inner disc 32 has an opening 146 situated within its structure. In the fixed state, a portion of the pin 384 is inserted into the opening 146.Figure 15 ), and in the released state, the entire pin 384 is received in the opening 146 ( Figure 17 The opening 146 is complementary in size and shape to the pin 384 and spans completely through the inner disc 32 in the axial direction. Before the center bolt 64 is installed and tightened, the pin 384 is partially inserted and received in both the slot 142 and the opening 146, as shown in... Figure 15 As depicted in the diagram. When the center bolt 64 is installed and tightened, the center bolt 64 directly abuts against the pin 384, causing the pin 384 to displace in the axial direction. The bottom surface 148 of the head 150 of the center bolt 64 directly abuts against the upper axial end 140 of the pin 384. The pin 384 is actuated and displaced from its previous receiving slot 142, and is fully pushed into the opening 146. When this occurs, the retainer 82 is brought to its released state, and the gears and components of the VCT phase tuner 10 are no longer constrained by the pin 384 and cannot rotate.

[0050] Figure 18 and Figure 19 The seventh embodiment of the fastener 82 is shown in the image. Figure 18 In this context, fastener 82 is depicted as disassembled and removed from VCT phase modulator 10; Figure 19 In this embodiment, fastener 82 is shown in place. Fastener 82 connects the first support disc 48, the second support disc 50, and the inner disc 32 together. Due to this fastening, fastener 82 restricts the rotational movement of the first ring gear 44 and the second ring gear 70, the planetary gear 54, and the sun gear 30, thereby restricting the relative rotational movement between the housing assembly 26 and the inner disc 32. Here, fastener 82 is in the form of a pin 484. Pin 484 has an integral, one-piece construction and can be made of metal. In one example, the cross-sectional diameter of pin 484 can be 1.6 mm; in other examples, other diameter values ​​are still possible. (See also: Special Reference) Figure 18 The pin 484 has a single fork 406 and a bridging portion 408 extending therefrom. The fork 406 is unidirectional along its extension and is geometrically straight. When placed in place, the fork 406 is axially oriented relative to the circular shape of the VCT phase tuner 10. The bridging portion 408 is loop-shaped and presented as a ring for the installer to place and remove the pin 484 by hand. To receive the insertion of the fork 406 of the pin, a first support disc 48 has a first opening 410 disposed in its structure, and a second support disc 50 has a second opening 412 disposed in its structure. The first opening 410 and the second opening 412 are complementary to the circular shape of the fork 406 and completely span through the respective first support disc 48 and second support disc 50 in the axial direction. (See also: Special Reference) Figure 19In the cross-sectional view, when pin 484 is positioned in the VCT phase tuner 10, the fork 406 of the pin travels through the first opening 410 and the second opening 412. To receive the insertion of the terminal end section of pin 484, the inner disk 32 has a third opening 414 disposed within its structure. The third opening 414 is complementary to the circular shape of the fork 406 and completely spans the inner disk 32 in the axial direction. When pin 484 is positioned in the VCT phase tuner 10, the terminal end section of the fork 406 of the pin travels through the third opening 414. Due to the position of the fork 406, pin 484 fixes the rotational movement of the first support disk 48 and the second support disk 50 to the inner disk 32.

[0051] Figure 20 and Figure 21 The eighth embodiment of the fastener 82 is shown in the image. Figure 20 In this context, fastener 82 is depicted as disassembled and removed from VCT phase modulator 10; Figure 21 In this embodiment, fastener 82 is shown in place. Fastener 82 connects the first support disc 48 and the second support disc 50, as well as the outer retaining disc 43. Due to this fastening, fastener 82 restricts the rotational movement of the first ring gear 44 and the second ring gear 70, the planetary gear 54, and the sun gear 30, thereby restricting the relative rotational movement between the housing assembly 26 and the inner disc 32. Here, fastener 82 is in the form of a pin 584. Pin 584 has an integral, one-piece construction and can be made of metal. In one example, the cross-sectional diameter of pin 584 can be 1.6 mm; in other examples, other diameter values ​​are still possible. (See also: Special Reference) Figure 20 The pin 584 has a single fork 506 and a bridging portion 508 extending therefrom. The fork 506 is unidirectional along its extension and is geometrically straight. When placed in place, the fork 506 is axially oriented relative to the circular shape of the VCT phase tuner 10. The bridging portion 508 is loop-shaped and presented as a ring for the installer to place and remove the pin 584 by hand. To receive the insertion of the fork 506 of the pin, a first support disc 48 has a first opening 510 disposed in its structure, and a second support disc 50 has a second opening 512 disposed in its structure. The first opening 510 and the second opening 512 are complementary to the circular shape of the fork 506 and completely span through the respective first support disc 48 and second support disc 50 in the axial direction. (See also: Special Reference) Figure 21The cross-sectional view shows that when pin 584 is positioned in the VCT phase adjuster 10, the fork 506 of the pin travels through the first opening 510 and the second opening 512. To receive the insertion of the proximal segment of the fork 506, the housing assembly 26 has a third opening 516 disposed within its structure. Specifically, the third opening 516 is disposed in an outer retaining disc 43, which is connected to the wall 42 via rolling or some other technique. A protrusion 154 of the outer retaining disc 43 defines the third opening 516. The protrusion 154 extends radially inward of the normal inner circumference of the outer retaining disc 43 to align the third opening 516 with the first opening 510 and the second opening 512. The third opening 516 is complementary to the circular shape of the fork 506 and completely spans the protrusion 154 in the axial direction. When pin 584 is positioned in the VCT phase adjuster 10, the proximal segment of the fork 506 of the pin travels through the third opening 516. Due to the position of the fork 506, the pin 584 secures the housing assembly 26 to the rotational movement of the first support disk 48 and the second support disk 50.

[0052] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The ninth embodiment of the fastener 82 is shown in the figure. Figure 1 In this context, fastener 82 is depicted as disassembled and removed from VCT phase modulator 10; Figure 2 In this embodiment, the fastener 82 is shown in place. The fastener 82 binds the housing assembly 26 and the sun gear 30 together. Due to the fastening, the fastener 82 restricts the rotational movement of the first ring gear 44 and the second ring gear 70, the planetary gear 54, and the sun gear 30, thereby restricting the relative rotational movement between the housing assembly 26 and the inner disk 32. Here, the fastener 82 is in the form of a body 612. The body 612 has an integral, one-piece construction and can be made of plastic material. The body 612 has a disk-shaped form that complements the size and shape of the wall 42. A pair of axial extensions 156 (in...) Figure 1 and Figure 2 Only one axial extension is depicted relative to the disc shape from the bore 158; in other embodiments, a single axial extension may still be provided. The bore 158 is located in the central region of the body 612 and has dimensions and shape complementary to those of the sun gear 30. Axial extensions 156 are positioned relative to each other at the bore 158. Furthermore, a cylindrical wall 160 extends axially relative to the disc shape from the main region of the body 612. The cylindrical wall 160 is grooved and discontinuous around the outer circumference of the body 612, but this is not necessary in other embodiments. The inner circumference and outer diameter of the cylindrical wall 160 are slightly smaller than the inner circumference and outer diameter of the wall 42 so as to create a surface-to-surface press fit between them when the fastener 82 is placed in place.

[0053] The sun gear 30 is slotted in its cylindrical wall 62 for interconnection with the electric motor 58. A first slot 162 is located on one side of the cylindrical wall 62, and a second slot 164 is located on the opposite side of the cylindrical wall 62. The first slot 162 and the second slot 164 are accessible via the upper open end of the sun gear 30 and are features designed into the sun gear 30 for receiving rotational drive from the electric motor 58. A single axial extension 156 is complementary to the first slot 162 in size and shape, and another axial extension 156 is similarly complementary to the second slot 164 in size and shape. When the body 612 is positioned in the VCT phase tuner 10, one axial extension 156 is inserted into and received in the first slot 162, and the other axial extension 156 is inserted into and received in the second slot 164. Furthermore, when the body 612 is positioned, the cylindrical walls 160 and 42 directly engage with each other, forming a surface-to-surface press-fit abutment between them. Due to the reception and insertion between the axial extension 156 and the first groove 162 and the second groove 164, and the press-fit between the walls 160 and 42, the body 612 secures the rotational movement of the sun gear 30 to the housing assembly 26.

[0054] In another embodiment not specifically depicted in the accompanying drawings, the retainer 82 can engage one of the planetary gears 54 with the other. The retainer 82 thus restrains the rotational movement of the first ring gear 44 and the second ring gear 70, the planetary gears 54, and the sun gear 30, thereby restraining the relative rotational movement between the housing assembly 26 and the inner disk 32. The retainer 82 may be in the form of a pin having a pair of forks. When positioned, the first of the forks is movable through an opening in the first support disk 48, while the second of the forks is movable through another opening in the first support disk 48. The first fork can be positioned and clamped between a pair of individual, adjacent teeth 56 of one of the planetary gears 54, while the second fork can similarly be positioned and clamped between a pair of individual, adjacent teeth 56 of the other planetary gear 54.

[0055] In the illustrated embodiments, the load path established by the fasteners and gear assembly components that are fastened together facilitates the bearing of torque loads applied during installation and when the center bolt is tightened. The gear ratio of the fastened and constrained components results in a reduced applied torque load that can be more easily borne by the gear assembly. For example, in the example with planetary gear set 24, the support assembly 28 may present a 25:1 gear ratio in the gear set (i.e., a 25-degree rotational movement of the support assembly 28 corresponds to a 1-degree rotational movement difference between the first ring gear 44 and the second ring gear 70), thereby causing a corresponding reduction in torque load at the fastener 82 when the fastener 82 fastens the support assembly 28 and the housing assembly 26 together (as in the first embodiment). For example, if the fastener 82 directly and tightly fastens and constrains the first ring gear 44 and the second ring gear 70 together, where the presented gear ratio may be 1:1, the torque load will relatively increase.

[0056] Furthermore, the illustrated embodiments help maintain the angular position between the input and output gears and improve the accuracy achieved therein. Due to the gear ratio between the components bound together by the fastener, tighter tolerances can be maintained in terms of the angle between the input and output gears. In examples similar to those shown in the figures, similar clearances are maintained at the fasteners and components bound together. The ring gear has a 1:1 gear ratio, while the support assembly has a 25:1 gear ratio relative to the ring gear (i.e., a 25-degree rotational movement of the support assembly corresponds to a 1-degree difference in rotational movement between the ring gears). Small degrees of movement can occur at the fastener. For example, a two-degree rotational movement at the fastener will result in only two degrees divided by twenty-five degrees (2° / 25°) of rotational movement between the ring gears. This contrasts sharply with the relatively reduced amount of movement: a two-degree rotational movement would occur between the ring gears if they were directly and tightly bound together.

[0057] It will be understood that the foregoing is a description of one or more embodiments of the invention. The invention is not limited to the specific embodiments(s) 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 terminology used in the claims, unless the term or phrase is expressly defined above. Various other embodiments and various changes and modifications to the disclosed embodiments(s) will become 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.

[0058] When used in this specification and claims, the terms “e.g.,” “for example,” “for instance,” “such as,” and “as,” as well as the verbs “comprise,” “have,” “include,” and their other verb forms, when used in conjunction with a list of one or more parts or other items, are each interpreted as open-ended, meaning that the list should not be considered to exclude other, additional parts or items. Other terms will be interpreted using their broadest reasonable meaning unless they are used in a context that requires a different interpretation.

Claims

1. An electrically actuated variable camshaft timing (VCT) phase adjuster, comprising: A gear set assembly having an input gear that receives a rotary drive input from an engine crankshaft and an output gear that transmits a rotary drive output to an engine camshaft; as well as A retaining element, removably fixed in the gear set assembly, constrains the rotational movement of the gear set assembly during the installation of the electrically actuated VCT phase shifter on the internal combustion engine, wherein the retaining element lacks a direct fastening between the input gear and the output gear. The fixing member has a direct removable fastening to the intermediate gear of the gear set assembly, the intermediate gear being located in the rotational transmission path between the input gear and the output gear.

2. The electrically actuated variable camshaft timing (VCT) phase adjuster according to claim 1, wherein the retainer has a directly removable fixed attachment to the support disc, inner disc, or outer retaining disc of the gear assembly.

3. The electrically actuated variable camshaft timing (VCT) phase adjuster according to claim 1, wherein the gear set assembly is a planetary gear set.

4. The electrically actuated variable camshaft timing (VCT) phase adjuster according to claim 3, wherein: The planetary gear set includes a support disk and a housing assembly, the support disk having a first opening and the housing assembly having a second opening; and The fastener is removably received in the first opening of the support disc and removably received in the second opening of the housing assembly.

5. The electrically actuated variable camshaft timing (VCT) phase adjuster according to claim 4, wherein the retainer eliminates the biasing force applied by the backlash-free spring disposed in the housing assembly.

6. The electrically actuated variable camshaft timing (VCT) phase adjuster according to claim 5, wherein the retainer is a pin having a first fork and a second fork, the first fork being received in the first opening of the support disc and the second fork being received in the second opening of the housing assembly.

7. The electrically actuated variable camshaft timing (VCT) phase adjuster according to claim 1, wherein the retainer eliminates the biasing force applied by the backlash-free spring disposed in the housing assembly of the gear set assembly.

8. The electrically actuated variable camshaft timing (VCT) phase adjuster according to claim 3, wherein: The planetary gear set includes a support disk and a sun gear, the support disk having an opening; and The fastener is removably received in the opening of the support disk and is removably located between a pair of adjacent teeth of the sun gear.

9. The electrically actuated variable camshaft timing (VCT) phase adjuster according to claim 3, wherein: The planetary gear set includes a support disk and a sun gear, the support disk having an opening and the sun gear having a slot; and The fastener has a first extension and a second extension, the first extension being removably received in the opening of the support disc, and the second extension being removably received in the slot of the sun gear.

10. The electrically actuated variable camshaft timing (VCT) phase adjuster according to claim 3, wherein: The planetary gear set includes a support disk and a sun gear, the support disk having at least one recess and the sun gear having a groove; and The fastener has at least one protrusion and an extension, the at least one protrusion being removably received in the at least one recess of the support disc, and the extension being removably received in the slot of the sun gear.

11. The electrically actuated variable camshaft timing (VCT) phase adjuster according to claim 3, wherein: The planetary gear set includes a support disk and a plurality of planetary gears supported by the support disk, the support disk having an opening; and The fastener is a pin, which is removably received in the opening of the support disc and removably located between a pair of adjacent teeth of one of the plurality of planetary gears.

12. The electrically actuated variable camshaft timing (VCT) phase adjuster according to claim 9 or 10, wherein: in, When the center bolt is not installed at the electrically actuated VCT phase adjuster, the fastener is removably received in the intermediate member of the gear set assembly and removably received in the opening of the inner disk of the gear set assembly.

13. The electrically actuated variable camshaft timing (VCT) phase adjuster according to claim 12, wherein, The fastener is a pin, wherein when the center bolt is installed at the electro-actuated VCT phase adjuster, the pin is displaced from the slot of the sun gear, and the constrained rotational movement caused by the pin is released.

14. The electrically actuated variable camshaft timing (VCT) phase adjuster according to claim 3, wherein: The planetary gear set includes a support disk and an inner disk, the support disk having a first opening and the inner disk having a second opening; and The fastener is removably received in the first opening of the support disc and removably received in the second opening of the inner disc.

15. The electrically actuated variable camshaft timing (VCT) phase adjuster according to claim 3, wherein: The planetary gear set includes an outer retaining disc and a support disc, the outer retaining disc having a first opening and the support disc having a second opening; and The fastener is a pin, which is removably received in the first opening of the outer retaining disc and removably received in the second opening of the support disc.

16. An electrically actuated variable camshaft timing (VCT) phase adjuster, comprising: A gear assembly having an input component that receives a rotary drive input from an engine crankshaft, an output component that transmits a rotary drive output to an engine camshaft, and at least one intermediate component located in the path of rotary transmission between the input component and the output component; as well as A pin, which is movably fixed in the gear set assembly, constrains the rotational movement of the gear set assembly during the installation of the electrically actuated VCT phase adjuster on the internal combustion engine, wherein the pin lacks a direct fixation between the input component and the output component and has a direct movable fixation with at least one of the at least one intermediate component. Wherein, when the center bolt is not installed at the electrically actuated VCT phase adjuster, the pin is movably received in at least one of the at least one intermediate component, and wherein, when the center bolt is installed at the electrically actuated VCT phase adjuster, the pin is displaced, and the constrained rotational movement caused by the pin is released.

17. The electrically actuated variable camshaft timing (VCT) phase adjuster according to claim 16, wherein, When the center bolt is not installed at the electrically actuated VCT phase adjuster, the pin is movably received in a slot of at least one of the at least one intermediate component, and the pin is received in an opening of the output component.

18. The electrically actuated variable camshaft timing (VCT) phase adjuster according to claim 17, wherein, When the center bolt is installed at the electrically actuated VCT phase adjuster, the pin is displaced from the slot of at least one of the at least one intermediate component, and the pin is fully received in the opening of the output component.

19. The electrically actuated variable camshaft timing (VCT) phase adjuster of claim 16, wherein the displacement of the pin is caused by direct abutment of the center bolt during its installation.

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