Cam phase adjuster

Abstract

A cam phase adjuster includes a stator (10), a rotor (20), a front cover (30) and at least one locking pin (60, 70), wherein the rotor (20) is rotatably mounted on the radial inner side of the stator (10), and the front cover (30) is fixed to one axial end of the stator (10). The cam phase adjuster has a plurality of compartments formed between the rotor (20) and the stator (10), each compartment being divided into an advance cavity (A1, A2, A3, A4) and a retard cavity (B1, B2, B3, B4) along the circumferential direction, and each locking pin (60, 70) is mounted in a corresponding mounting hole of the rotor (20), and the back of each locking pin (60, 70) faces the front cover ( The ends of the front cover (30) abut against the bottoms of the corresponding mounting holes through corresponding elastic return members (81, 82); the front cover (30) has at least one locking groove (31, 32) on the end surface facing the rotor (20) and matched with at least one locking pin (60, 70); the end of each locking pin (60, 70) facing the front cover (30) can be axially inserted into the corresponding locking groove (31, 32); the front cover (30) has an unlocking flow channel (33, 34) connecting the corresponding locking groove (31, 32) to an advance chamber (A1, A2, A3, A4) or a retard chamber (B1, B2, B3, B4); the cam phase adjuster has a simple structure and can be reliably locked.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of vehicles, and in particular to a cam phase adjuster for an engine timing system. Background Art

[0002] In modern vehicle internal combustion engines, variable valve timing (VVT) systems are often used to adjust the phase relationship between the crankshaft and camshaft between advanced and retarded positions to adjust the engine's valve opening and closing times and intake and exhaust volumes for optimal combustion efficiency. The key component of a VVT system is the cam phaser. The cam phaser comprises a stator and a rotor that can rotate relative to each other. The rotor is coaxially mounted radially inward of the stator, forming multiple hydraulic chambers between the rotor and stator. An oil control valve installed in the rotor controls the flow of hydraulic fluid into and out of these hydraulic chambers, thereby enabling targeted changes in the phase relationship between the crankshaft and camshaft. When the oil control valve is able to supply hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic chambers, the amount of hydraulic fluid supplied can be used to control the phase of the rotor relative to the stator. However, in certain situations, such as during engine startup, when the hydraulic fluid supply is insufficient, a locking mechanism may be required to lock the rotor in a specific rotational position.

[0003] For example, CN 103670567 B discloses a cam phase adjuster that can lock a rotor in multiple different rotational positions relative to a stator. A plurality of locking pins are mounted on the radially inner side of the stator, while a plurality of locking grooves are formed on the radially outer side of the rotor. When the locking pins are aligned with the locking grooves, the locking pins can be inserted into the locking grooves under the push of a spring, thereby locking the rotor relative to the stator. In order to unlock the rotor by supplying oil to the locking grooves through an oil control valve, the structure of the oil control valve needs to be changed. At the same time, since the cam phase adjuster is a rotating component, the locking pins may move radially outward under the action of centrifugal force, which may lead to accidental unlocking. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a cam phase adjuster which has a simple structure and can be reliably locked.

[0005] The above technical problems are solved by a cam phaser according to the present invention. The cam phaser comprises a stator, a rotor, a front cover, and at least one locking pin. The rotor is rotatably mounted radially inwardly of the stator, and the front cover is fixed to one axial end of the stator. The cam phaser has multiple compartments formed between the rotor and the stator. The rotor has multiple vanes extending radially into corresponding compartments, thereby circumferentially dividing each compartment into an advance chamber and a retard chamber. Each locking pin is mounted in a corresponding mounting hole in the rotor. The end of each locking pin facing away from the front cover abuts the bottom of the corresponding mounting hole via a corresponding elastic return member. The front cover has at least one locking groove on its end surface facing the rotor that mates with the at least one locking pin. The end of each locking pin facing the front cover is axially insertable into the corresponding locking groove. The front cover also has an unlocking channel connecting the corresponding locking groove to one of the advance chambers or the retard chamber, thereby enabling hydraulic fluid from the corresponding advance chamber or the retard chamber to push the locking pin in the corresponding locking groove axially away from the front cover.

[0006] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the at least one locking groove may include a first locking groove and a second locking groove extending circumferentially, respectively, and the at least one locking pin may include a first locking pin and a second locking pin spaced apart circumferentially. The rotor has an advanced position, a retarded position, and an intermediate position relative to the stator. The front cover has an unlocking flow channel for each of the first locking groove and the second locking groove. The unlocking flow channel of the first locking groove communicates with an advanced chamber, and the unlocking flow channel of the second locking groove communicates with a retarded chamber. When the rotor is in the retarded position, the first locking pin and the second locking pin are circumferentially aligned with opposite ends of the first locking groove and can be inserted into the first locking groove. When the rotor is in the advanced position, the first locking pin and the second locking pin are circumferentially aligned with opposite ends of the second locking groove and can be inserted into the second locking groove. When the rotor is in the intermediate position, the first locking pin is circumferentially aligned with an end of the first locking groove proximal to the second locking groove and can be inserted into the first locking groove, while the second locking pin is circumferentially aligned with an end of the second locking groove proximal to the first locking groove and can be inserted into the second locking groove.

[0007] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cam phaser may further include an oil control valve mounted radially inwardly of the rotor and a reservoir chamber capable of replenishing hydraulic fluid to the advance and retard chambers of each compartment in response to negative pressure, wherein a first compartment of the plurality of compartments is circumferentially divided into a first advance chamber and a first retard chamber. The rotor has a first advance passage connecting the first advance chamber with the oil control valve; a second advance passage connecting the first advance chamber with the oil control valve; a first retard passage connecting the first retard chamber with the oil control valve; and a second retard passage connecting the first retard chamber with the oil control valve. The first locking pin has a first advance connecting passage and a first retard connecting passage spaced axially apart, and the second locking pin has a second advance connecting passage and a second retard connecting passage spaced axially apart. When the first locking pin is located at the position farthest from the front cover, the first advance channel and the first lag channel are connected by the first advance connecting channel and the first lag connecting channel respectively, and when the first locking pin is inserted into the first locking groove or the second locking groove, the first advance channel and the first lag channel are respectively cut off by the first locking pin; when the second locking pin is located at the position farthest from the front cover, the second advance channel and the second lag channel are connected by the second advance connecting channel and the second lag connecting channel respectively, and when the second locking pin is inserted into the first locking groove or the second locking groove, the second advance channel and the second lag channel are respectively cut off by the second locking pin.

[0008] According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, when the first locking pin abuts the front cover but is not inserted into the first locking groove or the second locking groove, the first advance passage is connected to the first advance connecting passage, and the first retard passage is blocked by the first locking pin. When the second locking pin abuts the front cover but is not inserted into the first locking groove or the second locking groove, the second advance passage is blocked by the second locking pin, and the second retard passage is connected to the second retard connecting passage. Furthermore, the advance chamber connected to the unlocking flow passage of the first locking groove and the retard chamber connected to the unlocking flow passage of the second locking groove are respectively located in compartments different from the first compartment.

[0009] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, at least one of the first early connecting passage, the first retarded connecting passage, the second early connecting passage, and the second retarded connecting passage may be an annular groove formed on an outer side surface of the first locking pin or the second locking pin.

[0010] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the unlocking flow channel of the first locking groove and / or the second locking groove may be a groove formed on the end surface of the front cover facing the rotor. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The present invention is further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Elements with the same function are represented by the same reference numerals in the drawings.

[0012] Figure 1A schematic diagram showing a cam phase adjuster according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0013] Figure 2a and Figure 2b An exploded view showing various components of a cam phase adjuster according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0014] Figure 3 A sectional view showing a cam phase adjuster according to a first embodiment of the present invention; and

[0015] Figures 4 to 7 Schematic diagrams showing different states of a cam phase adjuster according to a first embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] The following detailed description and accompanying drawings are used to illustrate the principles of the present invention. The present invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments described. The scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the claims.

[0017] First embodiment:

[0018] According to the present invention, a cam phaser for an engine timing system of a motor vehicle is provided. Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a cam phase adjuster according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown. The cam phase adjuster includes a stator 10, a rotor 20, a front cover 30, a rear cover 40 and an oil control valve 50. The stator 10 and the rotor 20 are respectively generally annular. The rotor 20 is coaxially mounted on the radial inner side of the stator 10, and the oil control valve 50 is coaxially mounted on the radial inner side of the rotor 20. The front cover 30 and the rear cover 40 are respectively fixed to the axial ends of the stator 10, thereby closing the rotor 20. The stator 10 has a plurality of spacers 11 extending radially inward and abutting the rotor 20, thereby forming a compartment between each two circumferentially adjacent spacers 11. The rotor 20 has a blade 21 in each compartment extending radially outward and abutting the stator 10, thereby dividing each compartment into an advance chamber and a retard chamber in the circumferential direction. The advance chamber in each compartment is positioned in the same circumferential direction relative to the retard chamber, for example, in Figure 1 In each compartment, the advancing chamber is located counterclockwise from the corresponding retarding chamber. In this embodiment, four compartments are schematically shown, divided into four advancing chambers A1, A2, A3, and A4 and corresponding four retarding chambers B1, B2, B3, and B4. However, the cam phaser may have more or fewer compartments as desired.

[0019] Figure 2aA schematic diagram of the front cover 30 viewed from the side facing away from the rotor 20 is shown in perspective. The front cover 30 is formed with two locking grooves (i.e., a first locking groove 31 and a second locking groove 32) and two unlocking channels (i.e., a first unlocking channel 33 and a second unlocking channel 34) on the end surface facing the rotor 20. The first locking groove 31 and the second locking groove 32 respectively extend the same length in the circumferential direction, are radially aligned, and are spaced apart in the circumferential direction. When the front cover 30 is assembled with the rotor 20, the circumferential positioning direction of the first locking groove 31 relative to the second locking groove 32 is the same as the circumferential positioning direction of the advance cavity relative to the retard cavity in the compartment, for example, Figure 1 and Figure 2a , the first locking groove 31 is located counterclockwise from the second locking groove 32. The two unlocking channels can preferably be grooves formed on the end surface of the front cover 30 facing the rotor 20, or can also be formed as holes in the front cover 30. The first unlocking channel 33 connects the first locking groove 31 to the advance chamber in one compartment, such as the second advance chamber A2, while the second unlocking channel 34 connects the second locking groove 32 to the retard chamber in one compartment, such as the fourth retard chamber B4. The opening of each unlocking channel that communicates with the corresponding compartment is preferably located near the septum 11 of the compartment to ensure that it can communicate with the corresponding chamber when the rotor 20 rotates to different positions.

[0020] Figure 2b A schematic diagram of the rotor 20 is shown. Two axially extending mounting holes are formed in the rotor 20 and open toward the front cover 30. Each mounting hole is provided with an axially slidable locking pin, namely, a first locking pin 60 and a second locking pin 70. Each locking pin is generally cylindrical and is fitted into its corresponding mounting hole, allowing it to slide axially therein in a piston-like manner. The two locking pins are radially aligned and circumferentially spaced apart. The rotor 20 also has four passages connecting the oil control valve 50 with a first compartment of the plurality of compartments: a first advance passage 22 and a second advance passage 24, respectively connecting the advance chamber inlet A of the oil control valve 50 with the first advance chamber A1 of the first compartment; and a first retard passage 23 and a second retard passage 25, respectively connecting the retard chamber inlet B of the oil control valve 50 with the first retard chamber B1 of the first compartment. The first advance passage 22 and the first retard passage 23 are axially spaced apart and are penetrated by the first locking pin 60, and the second advance passage 24 and the second retard passage 25 are axially spaced apart and are penetrated by the second locking pin 70. The first compartment here is different from the compartment communicating with the two unlocking flow passages.

[0021] Figure 3A cross-sectional view of the cam phase adjuster is shown. The first locking pin 60 and the second locking pin 70 are two cylindrical components with the same overall size. The two locking pins are respectively abutted against the bottom of the mounting hole facing away from the front cover 30 through the first elastic return member 81 and the second elastic return member 82. The mounting hole can be a blind hole open to the front cover 30 or a through hole passing through the rotor 20. Therefore, the bottom of the hole abutted by the two elastic return members can be either the bottom of the blind hole of the rotor 20 or the surface of the rear cover 40. The two elastic return members can preferably be coil springs, or other elastic components. The first locking pin 60 has a first early connection channel 61 and a first delayed connection channel 62 arranged at intervals along the axial direction, and the second locking pin 70 has a second early connection channel 71 and a second delayed connection channel 72 arranged at intervals along the axial direction. These connection channels can preferably be formed as annular grooves on the outer surface of the locking pin, or can also be formed as holes in the locking pin.

[0022] The rotor 20 can rotate within a certain range relative to the stator 10. When the blades 21 of the rotor 20 abut against the spacers 11 of the stator 10 in the counterclockwise direction, the volume of each advance chamber is basically zero, and the volume of each lag chamber reaches its maximum. This position is called the lag position; when the blades 21 of the rotor 20 abut against the spacers 11 of the stator 10 in the clockwise direction, the volume of each advance chamber reaches its maximum, and the volume of each lag chamber is basically zero. This position is called the advance position; when the blades 21 of the rotor 20 are located in the middle of the compartment, the volumes of the advance chamber and the lag chamber are roughly the same. This position is called the middle position. Figure 1 As shown, when the various components of the cam phaser are assembled, the two locking grooves on the front cover 30 are radially aligned with the two mounting holes / locking pins on the rotor 20, so that when the rotor 20 rotates to a certain position, the two locking pins can be axially inserted into the locking grooves on the front cover 30. In the retarded position, the two locking pins are circumferentially aligned with the ends of the first locking groove 31 and can be axially inserted into the first locking groove 31, thereby locking the rotor 20 in the retarded position. In the advanced position, the two locking pins are circumferentially aligned with the ends of the second locking groove 32 and can be axially inserted into the second locking groove 32, thereby locking the rotor 20 in the advanced position. In the intermediate position, the first locking pin 60 is circumferentially aligned with the end of the first locking groove 31 near the second locking groove 32 and can be axially inserted into the first locking groove 31, while the second locking pin 70 is circumferentially aligned with the end of the second locking groove 32 near the first locking groove 31 and can be inserted into the second locking groove 32, thereby locking the rotor 20 in the intermediate position.

[0023] The axial length of the two locking pins is less than the depth of the mounting hole, so that when the locking pins compress the elastic return member to the lower position farthest from the front cover 30, the locking pins are completely located inside the mounting hole and the top ends of the locking pins are separated by a certain distance from the lower end surface of the rotor 20. Figure 3 As shown, the axial width of the first advance connection channel 61 is greater than that of the first lag connection channel 62, while the axial width of the second advance connection channel 71 is smaller than that of the second lag connection channel 72. When a locking pin is circumferentially aligned with any part of any locking groove, if no hydraulic fluid is introduced into the locking groove from the corresponding unlocking channel, the top end of the locking pin will be inserted into the locking groove under the push of the corresponding elastic return member. At this time, neither the advance channel nor the lag channel passed through by the locking pin is aligned with the corresponding connection channel in the locking pin, and both the advance channel and the lag channel are cut off by the locking pin. If hydraulic fluid is introduced into the locking groove from the corresponding unlocking channel, the locking pin will be pushed downward by the hydraulic fluid, thereby overcoming the elastic force of the elastic return member and reaching the lower position in the mounting hole farthest from the front cover 30. At this time, the advance channel is connected to the corresponding advance connection channel, and the lag channel is also connected to the corresponding lag connection channel. If a locking pin is circumferentially located between the two locking grooves and is not acted upon by hydraulic fluid, the locking pin will, under the action of elastic force, axially abut the end surface of the front cover 30 facing the rotor 20, causing the top end of the locking pin to be substantially flush with the end surface of the rotor 20. In this case, for the first locking pin 60, the first advance connecting passage 61 remains aligned with the first advance passage 22, but the first retard connecting passage 62 does not align with the first retard passage 23. Therefore, the first advance passage 22 is connected while the first retard passage 23 is blocked. For the second locking pin 70, the second retard connecting passage 72 remains aligned with the second retard passage 25, but the second advance connecting passage 71 does not align with the second advance passage 24. Therefore, the second retard passage 25 is connected while the second advance passage 24 is blocked.

[0024] In addition, a reservoir chamber 90 is provided at one axial end of the cam phaser. Hydraulic fluid can be stored in reservoir chamber 90. Reservoir chamber 90 is connected to each advance chamber and retard chamber via a one-way valve, and hydraulic fluid can be replenished therein based on the negative pressure in each advance chamber or retard chamber. This negative pressure is typically caused by the alternating torque transmitted from the camshaft to the rotor 20. The operating principle of this reservoir chamber 90 is well known and is disclosed, for example, in patent documents such as CN 110730856 A, CN 108291457 A, and CN 102549241 A of the present applicant. These patent documents are hereby incorporated in their entirety into this application and will not be further elaborated upon herein.

[0025] The following will refer to Figures 4 to 7 To illustrate the process and principle of the cam phase adjuster switching between different positions.

[0026] Locked intermediate position - unlocked advanced position:

[0027] like Figure 4 As shown, when the rotor 20 is locked in the intermediate position relative to the stator 10, if it is desired to unlock the rotor 20 and rotate it to the advanced position, the following operation can be performed. Initially, the first locking pin 60 is inserted into the first locking groove 31, and the second locking pin 70 is inserted into the second locking groove 32, disconnecting the hydraulic fluid passages to the first compartment. Then, the advance chamber inlet A of the oil control valve 50 begins supplying hydraulic fluid to each compartment, while the retard chamber inlet B begins draining hydraulic fluid from each compartment. At this point, all advance chambers except the first advance chamber A1 are filled with hydraulic fluid, while all retard chambers except the first retard chamber B1 are drained of hydraulic fluid. Hydraulic fluid flows from the second advance chamber A2 through the first unlocking channel 33 into the first locking groove 31, pushing the first locking pin 60 to its lowest position, overcoming the elastic force of the first elastic return member 81. This connects the first advance passage 22 to the first advance connecting passage 61, and the first retard passage 23 to the first retard connecting passage 62. The rotor 20 rotates together with the two locking pins relative to the stator 10. At this time, since the second locking pin 70 is not unlocked due to no hydraulic pressure, its upper end will slide in the second locking groove 32. The hydraulic fluid in each advance chamber pushes the vane 21, causing the rotor 20 to rotate to the unlocked advance position (i.e., close to the locked advance position), as shown in FIG. Figure 5 By controlling the amount of hydraulic fluid entering through the oil control valve 50 , the rotor 20 can be stabilized at any point between the advanced position and the intermediate position without being locked in the advanced position.

[0028] The process of transitioning the rotor 20 from the locked intermediate position to the unlocked retarded position is similar.

[0029] Unlocked advanced position - locked intermediate position:

[0030] like Figure 5As shown, when the rotor 20 is near the advance position relative to the stator 10 but not locked, if it is necessary to return the rotor 20 to the neutral position, the following operation can be performed. Initially, the first locking pin 60 axially abuts the end face of the front cover 30 between the two locking grooves, and the second locking pin 70 is inserted into the second locking groove 32. Only the first advance passage 22 is connected via the first advance connecting passage 61, while all other passages leading to the first compartment are disconnected. The oil control valve 50 stops supplying hydraulic fluid to any oil inlet. At this point, hydraulic fluid in all other compartments is discharged, and hydraulic fluid in the first advance chamber A1 of the first compartment is also discharged through the first advance passage 22. Only the first retard chamber B1 of the first compartment has both passages leading to the oil control valve 50 disconnected. Consequently, hydraulic fluid remains in the first retard chamber B1. If the rotor 20 is subjected to alternating camshaft torque, a negative pressure will be generated in the first retard chamber B1 relative to the reservoir 90, causing the reservoir 90 to replenish hydraulic fluid into the first retard chamber B1. Under the action of the hydraulic fluid in the first hysteresis chamber B1, the rotor 20 automatically rotates toward the neutral position. During this rotation, since no hydraulic fluid flows from the second unlocking channel 34, the upper end of the second locking pin 70 continuously slides within the second locking groove 32. When the rotor 20 reaches the neutral position, the first locking pin 31 automatically inserts into the first locking groove 31 under the elastic force of the first elastic return member 81, while the second locking pin 70 remains inserted into the second locking groove 32. As a result, the rotor 20 is automatically locked in the neutral position.

[0031] The process of the rotor 20 switching from the unlocked retarded position to the locked intermediate position is also similar. By this principle, if the oil control valve 50 does not supply hydraulic fluid, the cam phaser can automatically lock the rotor 20 to the intermediate position at any unlocked position.

[0032] Locked intermediate position - locked advanced position:

[0033] like Figure 6 As shown, the process of transitioning the rotor 20 from the locked intermediate position to the locked advanced position is essentially the same as the process of transitioning from the locked intermediate position to the unlocked advanced position. The only difference is that the oil control valve 50 controls the rotor 20 to ultimately rotate to the advanced position, causing the first locking pin 60 and the second locking pin 70 to align with the ends of the second locking groove 32. At this point, since there is no hydraulic fluid in the second locking groove 32, the first locking pin 60 is inserted into the second locking groove 32 under the elastic force of the first elastic return member 82. As a result, the first locking pin 60 and the second locking pin 70 are respectively inserted into the ends of the second locking groove 32, thereby locking the rotor 20 in the advanced position.

[0034] The process of the rotor 20 transitioning from the locked intermediate position to the locked retarded position is similar. Locked advanced position - locked retarded position:

[0035] like Figure 7 As shown, when the rotor 20 is locked in the advance position relative to the stator 10, if it is desired to unlock the rotor 20 and rotate it to the locked retarded position, the following operation can be performed. Initially, the two locking pins are inserted into the two ends of the second locking groove 32, disconnecting the hydraulic fluid passages leading to the first compartment. Then, the retarded chamber oil inlet B of the oil control valve 50 begins to supply hydraulic fluid to each compartment, while the advanced chamber oil supply port A begins to discharge hydraulic fluid from each compartment. At this point, all retarded chambers except the first retarded chamber B1 are filled with hydraulic fluid, while all advanced chambers except the first advance chamber A1 are discharged. The hydraulic fluid flows from the fourth retarded chamber B4 through the second unlocking flow channel 34 into the second locking groove 32, pushing the two locking pins, while simultaneously overcoming the elastic force of their respective elastic return members, to a position farthest from the front cover 30. Thus, both advance and retarded passages are connected. The rotor 20 then rotates relative to the stator 10, along with the two locking pins. The hydraulic fluid in each hysteresis chamber pushes the vanes 21, ultimately rotating the rotor 20 to the hysteresis position. In the hysteresis position, the first locking pin 60 and the second locking pin 70 align with the ends of the first locking groove 31. At this point, since there is no hydraulic fluid in the first locking groove 31, the two locking pins are inserted into the ends of the first locking groove 31 under the elastic force of the corresponding elastic return members. Ultimately, the rotor 20 is locked in the hysteresis position relative to the stator 10.

[0036] The process of transitioning the rotor 20 from the locked retarded position to the locked advanced position is similar.

[0037] The cam phase adjuster according to the embodiment of the present invention realizes a complex locking function of the rotor relative to the stator through a simple flow channel structure, and does not require changing the structure of the oil control valve, so it is low-cost and reliable.

[0038] Other embodiments:

[0039] In addition, according to other embodiments of the present invention, various changes can be made to the cam phase adjuster in the first embodiment. For example, in an alternative embodiment, the hydraulic fluid channel leading to the compartment may not be controlled by a locking pin. In this case, the form of the advance channel and the retard channel leading to the first compartment may also be the same as the channel leading to the other compartments. In this case, the rotor cannot achieve the function of automatically locking from the unlocked position to the intermediate position. In another alternative embodiment, the cam phase adjuster may only include one or more locking grooves in the form of holes. In this case, since the unlocking flow channel of a locking pin can only unlock the locking pin in a single rotation direction, this locking groove is generally only used to lock the rotor in a retarded position or an advanced position relative to the stator, and is not used to lock the rotor in an intermediate position relative to the stator.

[0040] While the foregoing descriptions illustrate possible embodiments, it should be understood that numerous variations exist through combinations of all known and other technical features and implementations readily conceivable to a skilled artisan. Furthermore, it should be understood that the exemplary embodiments serve merely as examples and in no way limit the scope, application, or configuration of the present invention. The foregoing descriptions are intended primarily to provide a skilled artisan with technical guidance for implementing at least one exemplary embodiment. Various modifications, particularly regarding the functionality and structure of the components described, may be made without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0041] Reference Signs

[0042] 10 stator

[0043] 11 Spacer

[0044] 20 rotors

[0045] 21 blades

[0046] 22 First Advance Channel

[0047] 23 First hysteresis channel

[0048] 24 Second advance channel

[0049] 25 Second hysteresis channel

[0050] 30 front cover

[0051] 31 First locking slot

[0052] 32 Second locking slot

[0053] 33 First unlocking channel

[0054] 34 Second unlocking channel

[0055] 40 back cover

[0056] 50 Oil control valve

[0057] 60 First locking pin

[0058] 61 First advance connection channel

[0059] 62 First hysteresis connection channel

[0060] 70 Second locking pin

[0061] 71 Second advance connection channel

[0062] 72 Second hysteresis connection channel

[0063] 81 first elastic reset member

[0064] 82 second elastic reset member

[0065] 90 Liquid Storage Chamber

[0066] A Advance chamber oil inlet

[0067] B Hysteresis chamber oil inlet

[0068] A1 First advance chamber

[0069] A2 Second advance chamber

[0070] A3 third advance chamber

[0071] A4 fourth advance chamber

[0072] B1 First hysteresis cavity

[0073] B2 Second hysteresis cavity

[0074] B3 Third hysteresis cavity

[0075] B4 Fourth hysteresis cavity

Claims

1. A cam phase adjuster, comprising a stator (10), a rotor (20), a front cover (30) and at least one locking pin, wherein the rotor (20) is rotatably mounted on the radial inner side of the stator (10), the front cover (30) is fixed to one axial end of the stator (10), the cam phase adjuster has a plurality of compartments formed between the rotor (20) and the stator (10), the rotor (20) has a plurality of blades (21) respectively extending radially into corresponding compartments, thereby dividing each compartment into an advance chamber and a retardation chamber along the circumferential direction, each locking pin is mounted in a corresponding mounting hole of the rotor (20), the end of each locking pin facing away from the front cover (30) abuts against the bottom of the corresponding mounting hole through a corresponding elastic return member, the front cover (30) has at least one locking groove on the end surface facing the rotor (20) for cooperating with the at least one locking pin, and the end of each locking pin facing the front cover (30) can be axially inserted into the corresponding locking groove, It is characterized in that The front cover (30) has an unlocking flow channel (33, 34) connecting the corresponding locking groove to an advance chamber or a retardation chamber, so that the locking pin in the corresponding locking groove can be pushed to move axially away from the front cover (30) by hydraulic fluid from the corresponding advance chamber or the retardation chamber, and the at least one locking groove includes a first locking groove (31) and a second locking groove (32) extending circumferentially.

2. The cam phase adjuster according to claim 1, characterized in that: The at least one locking pin comprises a first locking pin (60) and a second locking pin (70) arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction, the rotor (20) has an advance position, a retard position, and an intermediate position relative to the stator (10), the unlocking flow channel (33) of the first locking groove (31) is in communication with an advance chamber, and the unlocking flow channel (34) of the second locking groove (32) is in communication with a retard chamber; When the rotor (20) is located at the retarded position, the first locking pin (60) and the second locking pin (70) are respectively aligned with both ends of the first locking groove (31) in the circumferential direction and can be respectively inserted into the first locking groove (31); When the rotor (20) is located at the advance position, the first locking pin (60) and the second locking pin (70) are respectively aligned with both ends of the second locking groove (32) in the circumferential direction and can be respectively inserted into the second locking groove (32); When the rotor (20) is located at the middle position, the first locking pin (60) is aligned with the end of the first locking groove (31) close to the second locking groove (32) in the circumferential direction and can be inserted into the first locking groove (31), while the second locking pin (70) is aligned with the end of the second locking groove (32) close to the first locking groove (31) in the circumferential direction and can be inserted into the second locking groove (32).

3. The cam phase adjuster according to claim 2, characterized in that: The cam phase adjuster further includes an oil control valve (50) mounted radially inside the rotor (20) and a reservoir (90) capable of replenishing hydraulic fluid to the advance chamber and the retardation chamber of each compartment according to negative pressure, wherein a first compartment among the plurality of compartments is circumferentially divided into a first advance chamber (A1) and a first retardation chamber (B1); The rotor (20) has: a first advance passage (22) communicating the first advance chamber (A1) with the oil control valve (50), a second advance passage (24) communicating the first advance chamber (A1) with the oil control valve (50), a first hysteresis passage (23) communicating the first hysteresis chamber (B1) with the oil control valve (50), and a second hysteresis passage (25) communicating the first hysteresis chamber (B1) with the oil control valve (50); The first locking pin (60) has a first early connection channel (61) and a first late connection channel (62) arranged in an axial direction at intervals, and the second locking pin (70) has a second early connection channel (71) and a second late connection channel (72) arranged in an axial direction at intervals; When the first locking pin (60) is located at the position farthest from the front cover (30), the first advance channel (22) and the first retard channel (23) are communicated by the first advance connecting channel (61) and the first retard connecting channel (62), respectively; when the first locking pin (60) is inserted into the first locking groove (31) or the second locking groove (32), the first advance channel (22) and the first retard channel (23) are cut off by the first locking pin (60), respectively; When the second locking pin (70) is located at the position farthest from the front cover (30), the second advance channel (24) and the second retard channel (25) are connected by the second advance connecting channel (71) and the second retard connecting channel (72), respectively. When the second locking pin (70) is inserted into the first locking groove (31) or the second locking groove (32), the second advance channel (24) and the second retard channel (25) are cut off by the second locking pin (70), respectively.

4. The cam phase adjuster according to claim 3, characterized in that: When the first locking pin (60) abuts against the front cover (30) but is not inserted into the first locking groove (31) or the second locking groove (32), the first advance passage (22) is connected by the first advance connecting passage (61), and the first retard passage (23) is cut off by the first locking pin (60); When the second locking pin (70) abuts against the front cover (30) but is not inserted into the first locking groove (31) or the second locking groove (32), the second advance passage (24) is cut off by the second locking pin (70), and the second retard passage (25) is connected to the second retard connecting passage (72); and An advance chamber (A2) communicating with the unlocking flow passage (33) of the first locking groove (31) and a retardation chamber (B4) communicating with the unlocking flow passage (34) of the second locking groove (32) are respectively located in a compartment different from the first compartment.

5. The cam phase adjuster according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that: At least one of the first early connection passage (61), the first late connection passage (62), the second early connection passage (71) and the second late connection passage (72) is an annular groove formed on the outer side surface of the first locking pin (60) or the second locking pin (70).

6. The cam phase adjuster according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The unlocking flow channels (33, 34) of the first locking groove (31) and / or the second locking groove (32) are grooves formed on the end surface of the front cover (30) facing the rotor (20).

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