Control valve assembly for variable cam timing phaser

Abstract

A control valve assembly for a variable cam timing phaser includes a valve housing defining a valve housing interior, a control valve disposed in the valve housing interior, and a weight movably coupled to the valve housing. The valve housing is configured to rotate about an axis during operation of variable cam timing. The weight is movably coupled to the valve housing and configured to actuate the control valve between a first control valve position adjacent an end of the first valve housing and a second control valve position axially spaced from the first control valve position. The weight is configured to actuate the control valve between a first control valve position and a second control valve position during rotation of the valve housing about the axis.

Description

[0001] Cross - reference to related applications This application claims priority and all benefits of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 611,399, filed on December 18, 2023, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Technical field

[0002] The present invention generally relates to a control valve assembly, and more particularly to a control valve assembly for a variable cam phaser of a variable cam timing system. Background art

[0003] Conventional variable cam phasers include a camshaft and a variable cam phaser, where the variable cam phaser includes a housing having an arcuate outer wall disposed about an axis and defining an interior of the housing; a rotor disposed within the housing and movable relative to the housing; and a control valve assembly. The control valve assembly typically includes a valve housing defining an interior of the valve housing, and a control valve disposed within the interior of the valve housing, the control valve being movable between a first control valve position and a second control valve position. To move the control valve between the first control valve position and the second control valve position, conventional variable cam phasers include an actuator (such as a solenoid) that moves the control valve between the first control valve position and the second control valve position. In recent years, there has been a desire for a more compact variable cam phaser that allows the variable cam phaser to occupy less space in the engine compartment.

[0004] Accordingly, there is still a need to provide an improved control valve assembly for a variable cam phaser of a variable cam timing system. Summary of the invention

[0005] A control valve assembly for a variable cam phaser includes a valve housing that extends along an axis between a first valve housing end and a second valve housing end and defines an interior of the valve housing. The valve housing is configured to rotate about the axis during operation of the variable cam phaser. The control valve assembly further includes a control valve disposed within the interior of the valve housing and movable along the axis between a first control valve position adjacent the first valve housing end and a second control valve position axially spaced from the first control valve position toward the second valve housing end. The control valve assembly further includes a weight movably coupled to the valve housing. The weight is configured to actuate the control valve between the first control valve position and the second control valve position during rotation of the valve housing about the axis. Brief description of the drawings

[0006] Other advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as the invention becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a variable cam timing system that includes a variable cam timing phaser and a camshaft, and wherein the variable cam timing phaser includes a control valve assembly and a housing; Figure 2 is Figure 1 a front view of the variable cam timing system of Figure 3 a perspective view of an embodiment of a control valve assembly, wherein the control valve assembly includes a valve housing and a weight; Figure 4 is Figure 3 a cross-sectional view of the control valve assembly of Figure 5 is Figure 3 the control valve assembly of Figure 6 a perspective view of another embodiment of a control valve assembly, wherein the weight is further defined as a first weight, and wherein the control valve assembly further includes a second weight; Figure 7 is Figure 6 a cross-sectional view of the control valve assembly of Figure 8 is Figure 6 the control valve assembly of Figure 9 a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a control valve assembly; Figure 10 is another embodiment of a variable cam timing phaser; Figure 11 is Figure 10 a cross-sectional view of the variable cam timing phaser of Figure 12 is another embodiment of a variable cam timing phaser; and Figure 13 is Figure 12 a cross-sectional view of the variable cam timing phaser of DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0007] Referring to the drawings, in which like numerals indicate like parts throughout the several views, Figure 1 there is shown a control valve assembly 20 of a variable cam timing phaser 22 of a variable cam timing system 24. Refer to Figure 2, the variable cam timing phaser 22 includes a housing 26 that defines an interior 28 of the housing, and a rotor 30 disposed within the interior 28 of the housing and movable relative to the housing 26. The housing 26 may have an outer wall 32 that may have an arcuate configuration. The rotor 30 may include a hub 34 and a plurality of vanes 36 extending from the hub 34 toward the outer wall 32 of the housing 26. The plurality of vanes 36 may be formed integrally with the hub (i.e., be a single piece with the hub 34), or the plurality of vanes 36 may be separate members from the hub 34. The rotor 30 and the housing define a chamber 35, wherein the plurality of vanes 36 divide the chamber 35 into an advance chamber 37 and a retard chamber 39. The variable cam timing system 24 further includes a camshaft 38 rotatably coupled to the rotor 30. The variable cam timing phaser 22 can be used in any combustion engine that utilizes variable cam timing.

[0008] See Figures 3-5 , the control valve assembly 20 includes a valve housing 40 that extends along an axis A between a first valve housing end 42 and a second valve housing end 44. The valve housing 40 defines an interior 46 of the valve housing. The valve housing 40 is configured to rotate about the axis A during operation of the variable cam timing phaser 22. The control valve assembly 20 further includes a control valve 47 disposed within the interior 46 of the valve housing and movable along the axis A between a first control valve position adjacent the first valve housing end 42 (as Figure 4 shown) and a second control valve position axially spaced from the first control valve position toward the second valve housing end 44 (as Figure 5 shown). The first control valve position may be referred to as a default position, which means the position where the control valve 47 is located when the RPM of the valve housing 40 (and thus the RPM of the camshaft 38) is zero or below a predetermined amount. The control valve assembly 20 further includes a weight 48 movably coupled to the valve housing 40. The weight 48 is configured to actuate the control valve 47 between the first control valve position and the second control valve position during rotation of the valve housing 40 about the axis A. It should be appreciated that the control valve 47 may be capable of moving to additional control valve positions between the first control valve position and the second control valve position, such as a third control valve position. As described in further detail below, the control valve 47 may be capable of moving to a number of positions, which typically depends on the revolutions per minute (RPM) of the valve housing 40 about the axis A caused by the rotation of the camshaft 38. In other words, as described in further detail below, depending on the RPM of the valve housing 40 about the axis A, the control valve 47 may move along the axis A.

[0009] The control valve assembly 20 includes a weight 48 movably coupled to a valve housing 40, and wherein the weight 48 is configured to actuate a control valve 47 between a first control valve position and a second control valve position during rotation of the valve housing 40 about an axis A, which provides several advantages. First, movably coupling the weight 48 to the valve housing 40, and wherein the weight 48 is configured to actuate the control valve 47 between a first control valve position and a second control valve position during rotation of the valve housing 40 results in a more compact variable cam timing phaser 22. Having a more compact variable cam timing phaser 22 allows the variable cam timing phaser 22 to occupy less space in the engine compartment. In one example, the variable cam timing phaser 22 may not have an actuator (such as a solenoid) for moving the control valve 47 between a first control valve position and a second control valve position. Making the variable cam timing phaser 22 not have an actuator (such as a solenoid) allows for a more compact design than a variable cam timing phaser that includes an actuator. Additionally, as described in further detail below, the weight 48 can be adjusted based on the requirements of the variable cam timing phaser 22.

[0010] In one embodiment, the weight 48 may be referred to as a centrifugal weight. It should be recognized that, as described in further detail below, other suitable configurations of the weight 48 may be used, such as including two or more weights. Additionally, in embodiments where the control valve assembly 20 includes two weights, the weights may be in the same plane or multiple planes depending on the angular layout. Umbrella weights and ball weights may also be used.

[0011] In one embodiment, the weight 48 may be pivotally coupled to the valve housing 40. The control valve assembly 20 may include a pivot pin 61 coupled to the valve housing 40 and the weight 48, wherein the weight 48 may pivot about the pivot pin 61. The pivot pin 61 may be disposed within the valve housing interior 46. The weight 48 may be freely pivotally coupled to the valve housing 40 and the pivot pin 61 (when present). The weight 48 may pivot between a first weight position corresponding to the first control valve position (as Figure 4 shown) and a second weight position corresponding to the second control valve position (as Figure 5 shown). It should also be recognized that the weight 48 may move to additional weight positions between the first weight position and the second weight position, such as a third control valve position. Like the control valve 47, the weight 48 may also move to a number of positions, which typically depends on the RPM of the valve housing 40 about the axis A. In other words, as described in further detail below, depending on the RPM of the valve housing 40 about the axis A, the weight 48 may move relative to the valve housing 40, typically pivot relative to the valve housing 40.

[0012] When the weight 48 pivots relative to the valve housing 40, the weight 48 defines a second weight angle WA2 relative to the axis A. As Figure 4 andFigure 5 As shown, as the heavy object 48 pivots from the first heavy object position towards the second heavy object position, the second heavy object angle WA2 increases.

[0013] As Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the heavy object 48 can engage with the control valve 47 to move the control valve 47 between a first control valve position and a second control valve position. Specifically, when the heavy object 48 moves relative to the valve housing 40, and in some embodiments, when the heavy object 48 pivots relative to the valve housing 40, the heavy object 48 engages the control valve 47 to move the control valve 47 between the first control valve position and the second control valve position. The heavy object 48 can directly engage the control valve 47 to move the control valve 47 between the first control valve position and the second control valve position, or the heavy object 48 can have an intermediate member disposed between the heavy object 48 and the control valve 47.

[0014] The heavy object 48 can have a pivot portion 50 pivotally coupled to the valve housing 40 and an extension portion 52 extending from the pivot portion 50 away from the control valve 47. In such embodiments, the extension portion 52 can be movable between a first extended position and a second extended position. As Figure 4 As shown, when the extension portion 52 is in the first extended position, the control valve 47 is typically in the first control valve position, as Figure 5 As shown, when the extension portion 52 is in the second extended position, the control valve 47 is typically in the second control valve position. Although not required, the pivot portion 50 can be disposed inside the valve housing 46, and the extension portion 52 can be disposed outside the inside of the valve housing 46. As described above, the second heavy object angle WA2 changes as the heavy object 48 moves relative to the axis A.

[0015] The extension portion 52 of the heavy object 48 typically includes the center of gravity 62 of the heavy object 48, which allows the extension portion 52 to move relative to the axis A. As described in further detail below, the position of the center of gravity 62 of the heavy object 48 can be adjusted based on the configuration of the extension portion 52 of the heavy object 48.

[0016] The pivot portion 50 may have an engagement surface 54 that can engage with the control valve 47, where the engagement surface 54 can slide against the control valve 47 as the extension portion 52 moves between the first extended position and the second extended position. The engagement surface 54 may have a curved configuration. Specifically, since the engagement surface 54 slides against the control valve 47 as the extension portion 52 moves between the first extended position and the second extended position, the configuration of the engagement surface 54 (such as the curved configuration) causes the control valve 47 to move within the valve housing interior 46 as the heavy weight 48 moves relative to the axis A. More specifically, as the extension portion 52 moves away from the axis A during the rotation of the valve housing 40, the engagement surface 54 moves such that the control valve 47 moves relative to the axis A within the valve housing interior 46. As described in further detail below, the configuration of the engagement surface 54 can be adjusted based on the desired movement of the control valve 47.

[0017] The control valve assembly 20 may include a biasing member 56, such as a spring, disposed within the valve housing interior 46. When present, the biasing member 56 biases the control valve 47 toward the first valve housing end 42 and against the engagement surface 54 of the pivot portion 50. As described in further detail below, the force applied to the biasing member 56 of the control valve 47 can be tuned based on the desired operation of the variable cam timing phaser 22.

[0018] During operation of the variable cam timing phaser 22, the valve housing 40 rotates about the axis A due to the rotation of the camshaft 38. During the rotation about the axis A, the heavy weight 48 moves relative to the valve housing 40 and actuates the control valve 47 against the bias of the biasing member 56. Typically, the heavy weight 48 pivots about a pivot pin 61.

[0019] In one embodiment, as Figure 4 、 5 shown in 7 and 8, the pivot portion 50 of the heavy weight 48 is configured to push the control valve 47 from the first control valve position toward the second control valve position as the extension portion 52 moves from the first extended position toward the second extended position. In such embodiments, the biasing member 56 is typically disposed near the second valve housing end 44.

[0020] In another embodiment, as Figure 9 shown in

[0021] As described above, the configuration of the weight 48, the configuration of the engagement surface 54, the force of the biasing member 56, the center of gravity 62 of the extension portion 52, and / or the configuration of the control valve 47 can be adjusted based on the desired starting RPM of the valve housing 40. In other words, the desired starting RPM of the valve housing 40 in which the control valve 47 moves can be changed by adjusting any one or a combination of the factors listed above in this paragraph. For example, if the desired starting RPM is low (referring to the RPM of the valve housing 40 when the control valve 47 begins to move along the axis A), the force of the biasing member 56 can be reduced, the center of gravity 62 of the weight 48 can be moved further away from the pivot pin 61, the mass of the weight 48 can be increased, and / or the configurations of the engagement surface 54 and the control valve 47 can be adjusted. On the other hand, if the desired starting RPM is high, the force of the biasing member 56 can be increased, the center of gravity 62 of the weight 48 can be moved closer to the pivot pin 61, the mass of the weight 48 can be reduced, and / or the configurations of the engagement surface 54 and the control valve 47 can be adjusted. As the RPM of the valve housing 40 decreases, when the RPM of the valve housing 40 is below the starting RPM, the control valve 47 begins to move back toward the first control valve position. Additionally, the configuration of the weight 48 can be adjusted to balance the variable cam timing phaser 22, such as in embodiments where the rotor 30 is unbalanced.

[0022] Although not necessary, for further controlling the movement of the control valve 47, the control valve assembly 20 can include a stop 49 for limiting the movement of the control valve 47 beyond a predetermined distance. The stop 49 can be disposed within the valve housing interior 46. For example, as the valve housing 40 begins to rotate about the axis A, the weight 48 can cause the control valve 47 to move along the axis A, which in turn allows oil to flow into and out of the valve housing 40 to actuate the rotor 30 relative to the housing 26. After achieving the predetermined movement of the control valve 47, the control valve 47 can be held in place, such as by the stop 49, and then the control valve 47 can move back as the RPM of the valve housing 40 decreases. During the movement of the control valve 47, the oil is controlled by the control valve 47 to direct hydraulic fluid into and out of the advance chamber 37 and the retard chamber 39 to rotate the rotor 30 and the camshaft 35 relative to the housing 26.

[0023] In one embodiment, as Figures 6-9 shown, the weight 48 is further defined as a first weight 48, and the control valve assembly 20 further includes a second weight 64 movably coupled to the valve housing 40. When present, the first weight 48 and the second weight 64 are configured to actuate the control valve 47 between a first control valve position and a second control valve position during rotation of the valve housing 40 about the axis A. It should be appreciated that the descriptions provided above with respect to the weight 48 (such as the configuration of the engagement surface 54, the configuration of the extension portion 52, the position of the center of gravity 62 of the extension portion 52, etc.) equally apply to the second weight 64.

[0024] Refer to Figures 6-8 The pivot portion 50 of the first weight 48 is further defined as the first pivot portion 50, and the extension portion 52 of the first weight 48 is further defined as the first extension portion 52. The second weight 64 may have a second pivot portion 66 pivotally coupled to the valve housing 40 and a second extension portion 68 extending from the second pivot portion 66 away from the control valve 47. When the first extension portion 52 and the second extension portion 68 are in the first extended position, the control valve 47 may be in the first control valve position, and when the first extension portion 52 and the second extension portion 68 are in the second extended position, the control valve 47 may be in the second control valve position.

[0025] The first extension portion 52 may define a first extension groove 70, and the second extension portion 68 may define a second extension groove 72. When present, when the first extension portion 52 and the second extension portion 68 are in the first extended position, the first extension portion 52 may be disposed in the second extension groove 72.

[0026] The first extension groove 70 may be defined by a first arm 74 and a second arm 76 of the first extension portion 52, and the second extension groove 72 may be defined by a first arm 78 and a second arm 80 of the second extension portion 68. In such embodiments, when the first extension portion 52 is in the first extended position, the first arm 74 of the first extension portion 52 may be disposed in the second extension groove 72, and when the second extension portion 68 is in the first extended position, the first arm 78 of the second extension portion 68 may be disposed in the first extension groove 70.

[0027] Refer to Figure 9 The control valve 47 may define a groove 58 and a second groove 60. In such embodiments, the pivot portion 50 may extend into the groove 58, and the second pivot portion 66 may extend into the second groove 60 such that the first pivot portion 50 and the second pivot portion 66 of the weight 48 and the second weight 64 are respectively configured to pull the control valve 47 from the second control valve position toward the first control valve position as the extension portion 52 moves from the first extended position toward the second extended position. The second pivot portion 66 may have a second engagement surface 86 that may engage the control valve 47.

[0028] The valve housing 40 may include a threaded portion 82 that is adapted to engage the camshaft 38 to secure the valve housing 40 to the camshaft 38. It should be appreciated that the valve housing 40 including the threaded portion 82 that is adapted to engage the camshaft 38 to secure the valve housing 40 to the camshaft 38 may also be adapted to secure the variable cam timing phaser 22 to the camshaft 38, or alternatively adapted to secure the variable cam timing phaser 22 to the camshaft 38. The valve housing 40 may include a body portion 84 that is axially spaced from the threaded portion 82 along an axis A. The body portion 84 typically defines the valve housing interior 46. It should be appreciated that the valve housing 40 may be coupled to the camshaft 38 in any suitable manner, such as pressing the valve housing 40 into the rotor 30, as Figure 11 shown, and such as using a snap ring to axially retain the valve housing 40 relative to the camshaft 38.

[0029] In another embodiment of the variable cam timing phaser 22, as Figure 12 and Figure 13 shown, the rotor 30 extends along the axis A between a first rotor end 90 and a second rotor end 92. The rotor 30 defines a rotor interior 88. The rotor 30 is configured to rotate about the axis A during operation of the variable cam timing phaser 22. The variable cam timing phaser 22 further includes a control valve 47 that is disposed within the rotor interior 46 and is movable along the axis A between a first control valve position adjacent the first rotor end 90 and a second control valve position that is axially spaced from the first control valve position toward the second rotor end 92. The first control valve position may be referred to as a default position, which refers to the position of the control valve 47 when the RPM of the rotor 30 (and thus the RPM of the camshaft 38) is zero or below a predetermined amount. The variable cam timing phaser 22 further includes a weight 48 that is movably coupled to the rotor 30. The weight 48 is configured to actuate the control valve 47 between the first control valve position and the second control valve position during rotation of the rotor 30 about the axis A. It should be appreciated that the control valve 47 may be moved to additional control valve positions between the first control valve position and the second control valve position, such as a third control valve position. As described in further detail above, the control valve 47 may be moved to a number of positions, which typically depends on the revolutions per minute (RPM) of the rotor 30 about the axis A caused by the rotation of the camshaft 38. In other words, as described in further detail below, depending on the RPM of the rotor 30 about the axis A, the control valve 47 may be moved along the axis A.

[0030] The variable cam timing phaser 22 includes a weight 48 movably coupled to a rotor 30, and wherein the weight 48 is configured to actuate a control valve 47 between a first control valve position and a second control valve position during rotation of the rotor 30 about an axis A, provides several advantages. First, movably coupling the weight 48 to the rotor 30, and wherein the weight 48 is configured to actuate the control valve 47 between a first control valve position and a second control valve position during rotation of the rotor 30 results in a more compact variable cam timing phaser 22. Having a more compact variable cam timing phaser 22 allows the variable cam timing phaser 22 to occupy less space in the engine compartment. In one example, the variable cam timing phaser 22 may not have an actuator (such as a solenoid) for moving the control valve 47 between a first control valve position and a second control valve position. Making the variable cam timing phaser 22 without an actuator (such as a solenoid) allows for a more compact design than a variable cam timing phaser that includes an actuator. Additionally, as described in further detail below, the weight 48 can be adjusted based on the requirements of the variable cam timing phaser 22.

[0031] In one embodiment, the weight 48 may be referred to as a centrifugal weight. It should be appreciated that, as described in further detail below, other suitable configurations of the weight 48 may be used, such as including two or more weights. Additionally, in embodiments where the variable cam timing phaser 22 includes two weights, the weights may be located in the same plane or multiple planes depending on the angular layout. Umbrella weights and ball weights may also be used.

[0032] In one embodiment, the weight 48 may be pivotally coupled to the rotor 30. The variable cam timing phaser 22 may include a pivot pin 61 coupled to the rotor 30 and the weight 48, wherein the weight 48 may pivot about the pivot pin 61. The pivot pin 61 may be disposed within the rotor interior 88. The weight 48 may be freely pivotally coupled to the rotor 30 and the pivot pin 61 (when present). The weight 48 may be pivotable between a first weight position corresponding to the first control valve position and a second weight position corresponding to the second control valve position. It should be appreciated that the movement of the weight 48 described above for Figures 3-9 also applies to Figure 12 and 13 . It should also be appreciated that the weight 48 may be capable of moving to additional weight positions between the first weight position and the second weight position, such as a third control valve position. Like the control valve 47, the weight 48 may also be capable of moving to a number of positions, which typically depends on the RPM of the rotor 30 about the axis A. In other words, as described in further detail below, depending on the RPM of the rotor 30 about the axis A, the weight 48 may move relative to the rotor 30, typically pivot relative to the rotor 30.

[0033] When the heavy weight 48 pivots relative to the rotor 30, the heavy weight 48 defines a second heavy weight angle WA2 relative to the axis A. As the heavy weight 48 pivots from the first heavy weight position toward the second heavy weight position, the second heavy weight angle WA2 increases. It should be appreciated that Figure 4 and Figure 5 the description of the heavy weight 48 shown in Figure 12 and Figure 13 also applies to the heavy weight 48 shown in

[0034] As previously referenced with respect to Figure 4 and Figure 5 described above, Figure 12 and Figure 13 the heavy weight 48 can similarly engage the control valve 47 to move the control valve 47 between a first control valve position and a second control valve position. Specifically, when the heavy weight 48 moves relative to the rotor 30, and in some embodiments when the heavy weight 48 pivots relative to the rotor 30, the heavy weight 48 engages the control valve 47 to move the control valve 47 between a first control valve position and a second control valve position. The heavy weight 48 can directly engage the control valve 47 to move the control valve 47 between a first position and a second position, or the heavy weight 48 can have an intermediate member disposed between the heavy weight 48 and the control valve 47.

[0035] Referring to Figure 13 , the heavy weight 48 can have a pivot portion 50 pivotally coupled to the rotor 30 and an extension portion 52 extending from the pivot portion 50 away from the control valve 47. In such embodiments, the extension portion 52 can move between a first extended position and a second extended position. When the extension portion is in the first extended position, the control valve 47 is typically in the first control valve position, and when the extension portion 52 is in the second extended position, the control valve 47 is typically in the second control valve position. Although not required, the pivot portion 50 can be disposed within the rotor interior 88, and the extension portion 52 can be disposed outside of the rotor interior 88.

[0036] The extension portion 52 of the heavy weight 48 typically includes the center of gravity 62 of the heavy weight 48, which allows the extension portion 52 to move relative to the axis A. As described in further detail above, the position of the center of gravity 62 of the heavy weight 48 can be adjusted based on the configuration of the extension portion 52 of the heavy weight 48.

[0037] Continuing to refer to Figure 13, the pivot portion 50 may have an engagement surface 54 that can engage with the control valve 47, wherein when the extension portion 52 moves between the first extended position and the second extended position, the engagement surface 54 can slide against the control valve 47. The engagement surface 54 may have a curved configuration. Specifically, since the engagement surface 54 slides against the control valve 47 when the extension portion 52 moves between the first extended position and the second extended position, the configuration of the engagement surface 54 (such as the curved configuration) causes the control valve 47 to move within the valve housing interior 46 as the heavy weight 48 moves relative to the axis A. More specifically, as the extension portion 52 moves away from the axis A during the rotation of the rotor 30, the engagement surface 54 moves such that the control valve 47 moves relative to the axis A within the valve housing interior 46. As described in further detail above, the configuration of the engagement surface 54 can be adjusted based on the desired movement of the control valve 47.

[0038] The variable cam timing phaser 22 may include a biasing member 56 disposed within the rotor interior 88, such as a spring. When present, the biasing member 56 biases the control valve 47 toward the first rotor end 90 and against the engagement surface 54 of the pivot portion 50. As described in further detail above, the force applied to the biasing member 56 of the control valve 47 can be tuned based on the desired operation of the variable cam timing phaser 22.

[0039] During operation of the variable cam timing phaser 22, the rotor 30 rotates about the axis A due to the rotation of the camshaft 38. During rotation about the axis A, the heavy weight 48 moves relative to the rotor 30 and actuates the control valve 47 against the bias of the biasing member 56. Typically, the heavy weight 48 pivots about the pivot pin 61.

[0040] Figure 13 The pivot portion 50 of the heavy weight 48 in is configured to push the control valve 47 from the first control valve position toward the second control valve position when the extension portion 52 moves from the first extended position toward the second extended position. In such embodiments, the biasing member 56 is typically disposed near the second valve housing end 44. It should be appreciated that the pivot portion 50 of the heavy weight 48 can also be configured to pull the control valve 47 from the first control valve position toward the second control valve position when the extension portion 52 moves from the first extended position toward the second extended position. In other words, Figure 9 The embodiments of the control valve 47 and the heavy weight 48 shown in can be similarly used in Figure 13 embodiments such that the heavy weight 48 is movably coupled to the rotor 30.

[0041] As described above, the configuration of the weight 48, the configuration of the engagement surface 54, the force of the biasing member 56, the center of gravity 62 of the extension portion 52, and / or the configuration of the control valve 47 can be adjusted based on the desired starting RPM of the rotor 30. In other words, the desired starting RPM of the rotor 30 in which the control valve 47 moves can be changed by adjusting any one or a combination of the factors listed above in this paragraph. For example, if the desired starting RPM is low (referring to the RPM of the rotor 30 when the control valve 47 starts to move along the axis A), the force of the biasing member 56 can be reduced, the center of gravity 62 of the weight 48 can be moved further away from the pivot pin 61, the mass of the weight 48 can be increased, and / or the configurations of the engagement surface 54 and the control valve 47 can be adjusted. On the other hand, if the desired starting RPM is high, the force of the biasing member 56 can be increased, the center of gravity 62 of the weight 48 can be moved closer to the pivot pin 61, the mass of the weight 48 can be reduced, and / or the configurations of the engagement surface 54 and the control valve 47 can be adjusted. As the RPM of the rotor 30 decreases, when the RPM of the rotor 30 is below the starting RPM, the control valve 47 starts to move back towards the first control valve position. Additionally, the configuration of the weight 48 can be adjusted to balance the variable cam timing phaser 22, such as in embodiments where the rotor 30 is unbalanced.

[0042] Although not required, for further controlling the movement of the control valve 47, the variable cam timing phaser 22 can include a stop 49 for limiting the movement of the control valve 47 beyond a predetermined distance. The stop 49 can be disposed within the rotor interior 88. For example, as the rotor 30 begins to rotate about the axis A, the weight 48 can cause the control valve 47 to move along the axis A, which in turn allows oil to flow into and out of the rotor interior 88 to actuate the rotor 30 relative to the housing 26. After achieving the predetermined movement of the control valve 47, the control valve 47 can be held in place, such as by the stop 49, and then the control valve 47 can move back as the RPM of the rotor 30 decreases. During the movement of the control valve 47, the hydraulic fluid is controlled by the control valve 47 to direct the hydraulic fluid into and out of the advance chamber 37 and the retard chamber 39 to rotate the rotor 30 and the camshaft 35 relative to the housing 26.

[0043] As described in detail above, the weight 48 can be further defined as a first weight 48, and the variable cam timing phaser 22 can further include a second weight 64 movably coupled to the rotor 30. Although Figure 12 and 13 the variable cam timing phaser 22 shown in Figure 12 and 13 shows the first weight 48 and the second weight 64, it should be appreciated that Figures 3-5The may have only one weight 48. When present, the first weight 48 and the second weight 64 are configured to actuate the control valve 47 between a first control valve position and a second control valve position during rotation of the rotor 30 about the axis A. It should be appreciated that the descriptions provided above with respect to the weight 48 and the second weight 64 (such as the configuration of the engagement surface 54, the configuration of the extension portion 52, the position of the center of gravity 62 of the extension portion 52, etc.) apply equally to Figure 12 and 13 the first weight 48 and the second weight 64 of

[0044] In another embodiment of the variable cam timing phaser 22, the variable cam timing phaser 22 includes a member extending along the axis A between a first member end and a second member end. The member defines an interior of the member. The member is configured to rotate about the axis A during operation of the variable cam timing phaser 22. The variable cam timing phaser 22 further includes a control valve 47 disposed within the interior of the member and movable along the axis A between a first control valve position adjacent the first member end and a second control valve position axially spaced from the first control valve position toward the second member end. The first control valve position may be referred to as a default position, which means the position where the control valve 47 is located when the RPM of the member is zero or below a predetermined amount. The variable cam timing phaser 22 further includes a weight 48 movably coupled to the member. The weight 48 is configured to actuate the control valve 47 between the first control valve position and the second control valve position during rotation of the member about the axis A. It should be appreciated that the control valve 47 may be capable of moving to additional control valve positions between the first control valve position and the second control valve position, such as a third control valve position. As described in further detail above, the control valve 47 may be capable of moving to a number of positions, typically depending on the revolutions per minute (RPM) of the member about the axis A caused by the rotation of the camshaft 38. In other words, as described in further detail above, depending on the RPM of the member about the axis A, the control valve 47 may move along the axis A. It should be appreciated that the member may be any suitable member of the variable cam timing phaser 22 to which the weight is movably coupled, such as the rotor 30, the valve housing 40, etc.

[0045] Embodiment 1: A control valve assembly for a variable cam timing phaser, the control valve assembly comprising: A valve housing extending along an axis between a first valve housing end and a second valve housing end and defining an interior of the valve housing, wherein the valve housing is configured to rotate about the axis during operation of the variable cam timing phaser; A control valve disposed within the interior of the valve housing and movable along the axis between a first control valve position adjacent the first valve housing end and a second control valve position axially spaced from the first control valve position toward the second valve housing end; and A heavy object movably coupled to the valve housing; wherein the heavy object is configured to actuate the control valve between the first control valve position and the second control valve position during rotation of the valve housing about the axis.

[0046] Example 2: The control valve assembly according to Example 1, wherein the heavy object is pivotally coupled to the valve housing.

[0047] Example 3: The control valve assembly according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the heavy object engages the control valve to move the control valve between the first control valve position and the second control valve position.

[0048] Example 4: The control valve assembly according to Example 3, wherein the heavy object directly engages the control valve to move the control valve between the first control valve position and the second control valve position.

[0049] Example 5: The control valve assembly according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the heavy object has a pivot portion pivotally coupled to the valve housing and an extension portion extending away from the control valve from the pivot portion, and wherein when the extension portion is in a first extended position, the control valve is in the first control valve position, and when the extension portion is in a second extended position, the control valve is in the second control valve position.

[0050] Example 6: The control valve assembly according to Example 5, wherein the pivot portion is disposed inside the valve housing and the extension portion is disposed outside the inside of the valve housing.

[0051] Example 7: The control valve assembly according to any one of Examples 5 and 6, wherein the pivot portion has an engagement surface engageable with the control valve, and wherein when the extension portion moves between the first extended position and the second extended position, the engagement surface can slide against the control valve.

[0052] Example 8: The control valve assembly according to Example 7, wherein the engagement surface has a curved configuration.

[0053] Example 9: The control valve assembly according to any one of the preceding examples, further comprising a biasing member disposed inside the valve housing, wherein the biasing member biases the control valve toward the first valve housing end.

[0054] Example 10: The control valve assembly according to any one of Examples 6-9, wherein the control valve defines a groove, wherein the pivot portion extends into the groove, and wherein the pivot portion of the weight is configured to pull the control valve from the second control valve position toward the first control valve position as the extension portion moves from the first extended position toward the second extended position.

[0055] Example 11: The control valve assembly according to any one of Examples 5-9, wherein the pivot portion of the weight is configured to push the control valve from the first control valve position toward the second control valve position as the extension portion moves from the first extended position toward the second extended position.

[0056] Example 12: The control valve assembly according to any one of the foregoing examples, further comprising a pivot pin coupled to the valve housing and the weight, wherein the weight is pivotable about the pivot pin.

[0057] Example 13: The control valve assembly according to Example 12, wherein the pivot pin is disposed inside the valve housing.

[0058] Example 14: The control valve assembly according to any one of the foregoing examples, wherein the weight is further defined as a first weight, and further comprising a second weight movably coupled to the valve housing, and wherein the first weight and the second weight are configured to actuate the control valve between the first control valve position and the second control valve position during rotation of the valve housing about the axis.

[0059] Example 15: The control valve assembly according to Example 14, wherein the pivot portion of the first weight is further defined as a first pivot portion, wherein the extension portion of the first weight is further defined as a first extension portion, and wherein the second weight has a second pivot portion pivotally coupled to the valve housing and a second extension portion extending away from the control valve from the second pivot portion, and wherein the control valve is in the first control valve position when the first extension portion and the second extension portion are in a first extended position, and the control valve is in the second control valve position when the first extension portion and the second extension portion are in a second extended position.

[0060] Example 16: The control valve assembly according to Example 15, wherein the first extension portion defines a first extension portion groove, wherein the second extension portion defines a second extension portion groove, and wherein the first extension portion is disposed in the second extension portion groove when the first extension portion and the second extension portion are in the first extended position.

[0061] Embodiment 17: The control valve assembly according to Embodiment 16, wherein the first extension part groove is defined by a first arm and a second arm of the first extension part, wherein the second extension part groove is defined by a first arm and a second arm of the second extension part, and wherein when the first extension part is in the first extended position, the first arm of the first extension part can be disposed in the second extension groove, and when the second extension part is in the first extended position, the first arm of the second extension part can be disposed in the first extension groove.

[0062] Embodiment 18: The control valve assembly according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the valve housing includes a threaded portion adapted to engage a camshaft to fix the valve housing to the camshaft; and a body portion axially spaced from the threaded portion along the axis, and wherein the body portion is disposed around the axis and defines the interior of the valve housing.

[0063] Embodiment 19: A variable cam timing phaser of a variable cam timing system, wherein the variable cam timing system includes a camshaft, and the variable cam timing phaser includes: A housing defining an interior of the housing; A rotor disposed inside the housing and movable relative to the housing; and The control valve assembly according to any one of the foregoing embodiments.

[0064] Embodiment 20: A variable cam timing system, comprising: The variable cam timing phaser according to Embodiment 19; and A camshaft rotatably coupled to the rotor of the variable cam timing phaser.

[0065] Embodiment 21: A variable cam timing phaser of a variable cam timing system, wherein the variable cam timing system includes a camshaft, and the variable cam timing phaser includes: A housing defining an interior of the housing; A rotor disposed inside the housing and movable relative to the housing, wherein the rotor extends along an axis between a first rotor end and a second rotor end, and defines an interior of the rotor, and wherein the rotor is configured to rotate about the axis during operation of the variable cam timing phaser; A control valve disposed inside the rotor and movable along the axis between a first control valve position adjacent the first rotor end and a second control valve position axially spaced from the first control valve position toward the second rotor end; and A heavy weight movably coupled to the rotor; wherein the heavy weight is configured to actuate the control valve between the first control valve position and the second control valve position during rotation of the rotor about the axis.

[0066] Embodiment 22: The variable cam timing phaser according to Embodiment 21, wherein the heavy weight is pivotally coupled to the rotor.

[0067] Embodiment 23: The variable cam timing phaser according to any one of Embodiments 21 and 22, wherein the heavy weight engages the control valve to move the control valve between the first control valve position and the second control valve position.

[0068] Embodiment 24: The variable cam timing phaser according to Embodiment 23, wherein the heavy weight directly engages the control valve to move the control valve between the first control valve position and the second control valve position.

[0069] Embodiment 25: The variable cam timing phaser according to any one of Embodiments 21-24, wherein the heavy weight has a pivot portion pivotally coupled to the rotor and an extension portion extending away from the control valve from the pivot portion, and wherein when the extension portion is in a first extended position, the control valve is in the first control valve position, and when the extension portion is in a second extended position, the control valve is in the second control valve position.

[0070] Embodiment 26: The variable cam timing phaser according to Embodiment 25, wherein the pivot portion is disposed inside the rotor and the extension portion is disposed outside the inside of the rotor.

[0071] Embodiment 27: The variable cam timing phaser according to any one of Embodiments 25 and 26, wherein the pivot portion has an engagement surface engageable with the control valve, and wherein when the extension portion moves between the first extended position and the second extended position, the engagement surface can slide against the control valve.

[0072] Embodiment 28: The variable cam timing phaser according to Embodiment 27, wherein the engagement surface has a curved configuration.

[0073] Embodiment 29: The variable cam timing phaser according to any one of Embodiments 21-28, further comprising a biasing member disposed inside the rotor, wherein the biasing member biases the control valve toward the first rotor end.

[0074] Embodiment 30: The variable cam timing phaser according to any one of Embodiments 25-29, wherein the pivot portion of the weight is configured to urge the control valve from the first control valve position toward the second control valve position as the extension portion moves from the first extended position toward the second extended position.

[0075] Embodiment 31: The variable cam timing phaser according to any one of Embodiments 21-30, further comprising a pivot pin coupled to the rotor and the weight, wherein the weight is pivotable about the pivot pin.

[0076] Embodiment 32: The variable cam timing phaser according to any one of Embodiments 21-31, wherein the pivot pin is disposed inside the rotor.

[0077] Embodiment 33: The variable cam timing phaser according to any one of Embodiments 21-32, wherein the weight is further defined as a first weight, and further comprising a second weight movably coupled to the rotor, and wherein the first weight and the second weight are configured to actuate the control valve between the first control valve position and the second control valve position during rotation of the rotor about the axis.

[0078] Embodiment 34: The variable cam timing phaser according to Embodiment 33, wherein the pivot portion of the first weight is further defined as a first pivot portion, wherein the extension portion of the first weight is further defined as a first extension portion, and wherein the second weight has a second pivot portion pivotally coupled to the rotor and a second extension portion extending away from the control valve from the second pivot portion, and wherein the control valve is in the first control valve position when the first extension portion and the second extension portion are in a first extended position, and the control valve is in the second control valve position when the first extension portion and the second extension portion are in a second extended position.

[0079] Embodiment 35: The variable cam timing phaser according to Embodiment 34, wherein the first extension portion defines a first extension portion groove, wherein the second extension portion defines a second extension portion groove, and wherein the first extension portion is disposed in the second extension portion groove when the first extension portion and the second extension portion are in the first extended position.

[0080] Embodiment 36: The variable cam timing phaser according to Embodiment 35, wherein the first extended portion groove is defined by a first arm and a second arm of the first extended portion, wherein the second extended portion groove is defined by a first arm and a second arm of the second extended portion, and wherein when the first extended portion is in the first extended position, the first arm of the first extended portion can be disposed in the second extended groove, and when the second extended portion is in the first extended position, the first arm of the second extended portion can be disposed in the first extended groove.

[0081] Embodiment 37: A variable cam timing system, comprising: The variable cam timing phaser according to any one of Embodiments 21 - 36; and A camshaft rotatably coupled to the rotor of the variable cam timing phaser.

[0082] Embodiment 38: A variable cam timing phaser of a variable cam timing system, wherein the variable cam timing system includes a camshaft, and the variable cam timing phaser includes: A housing defining an interior of the housing, a member coupled to the housing and disposed within the housing and movable relative to the housing, wherein the member extends along an axis between a first member end and a second member end and defines a member interior, and wherein the member is configured to rotate about the axis during operation of the variable cam timing phaser, A control valve disposed within the member interior and movable along the axis between a first control valve position adjacent the first member end and a second control valve position axially spaced from the first control valve position toward the second member end, and A weight movably coupled to the member; wherein the weight is configured to actuate the control valve between the first control valve position and the second control valve position during rotation of the member about the axis.

[0083] Embodiment 39: The variable cam timing phaser according to Embodiment 38, wherein the member is further defined as a rotor.

[0084] Embodiment 40: The variable cam timing phaser according to Embodiment 38, wherein the member is further defined as a valve housing.

[0085] Embodiment 41: A variable cam timing system, comprising: The variable cam timing phaser according to any one of Embodiments 38 - 40; and A camshaft rotatably coupled to the member of the variable cam timing phaser.

[0086] The present invention is described in an illustrative manner, and it will be understood that the terminology used is descriptive in nature and not restrictive. Many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings, and the present invention may be practiced in other ways than as specifically described.

Claims

1. A control valve assembly of a variable cam timing phaser, the control valve assembly comprising: a valve housing extending along an axis between a first valve housing end and a second valve housing end and defining a valve housing interior, wherein the valve housing is configured to rotate about the axis during operation of the variable cam timing phaser; a control valve disposed within the valve housing interior and movable along the axis between a first control valve position adjacent the first valve housing end and a second control valve position axially spaced from the first control valve position toward the second valve housing end; as well as a weight movably coupled to the valve housing; Wherein the weight is configured to actuate the control valve between the first control valve position and the second control valve position during rotation of the valve housing about the axis. 2 . The control valve assembly of claim 1 , wherein the weight is pivotally coupled to the valve housing.

3. A control valve assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the weight engages the control valve to move the control valve between the first control valve position and the second control valve position.

4. The control valve assembly of claim 3, wherein the weight directly engages the control valve to move the control valve between the first control valve position and the second control valve position.

5. A control valve assembly according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the weight has a pivot portion pivotally connected to the valve housing and an extension portion extending from the pivot portion away from the control valve, and wherein when the extension portion is in a first extended position, the control valve is in the first control valve position, and when the extension portion is in a second extended position, the control valve is in the second control valve position. 6 . The control valve assembly according to claim 5 , wherein the pivot portion is disposed in the valve housing interior, and the extension portion is disposed outside the valve housing interior.

7. The control valve assembly of claim 5, wherein the pivot portion has an engagement surface engageable with the control valve, and wherein the engagement surface is slidable against the control valve when the extension portion moves between the first extended position and the second extended position.

8. The control valve assembly of claim 7, wherein the engagement surface has a curved configuration.

9. The control valve assembly of any one of claims 1 and 2, further comprising a biasing member disposed within the valve housing interior, wherein the biasing member biases the control valve toward the first valve housing end.

10. A control valve assembly according to claim 6, wherein the control valve defines a groove, wherein the pivot portion extends into the groove, and wherein the pivot portion of the weight is configured to pull the control valve from the second control valve position toward the first control valve position when the extension portion moves from the first extended position toward the second extended position.

11. The control valve assembly of claim 5, wherein the pivoting portion of the weight is configured to urge the control valve from the first control valve position toward the second control valve position when the extending portion moves from the first extended position toward the second extended position.

12. The control valve assembly of any one of claims 1 and 2, further comprising a pivot pin coupled to the valve housing and the weight, wherein the weight is pivotable about the pivot pin.

13. A control valve assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the weight is further defined as a first weight and further includes a second weight movably connected to the valve housing, and wherein the first weight and the second weight are configured to actuate the control valve between the first control valve position and the second control valve position during rotation of the valve housing about the axis.

14. A control valve assembly according to claim 13, wherein the pivot portion of the first weight is further defined as a first pivot portion, wherein the extension portion of the first weight is further defined as a first extension portion, and wherein the second weight has a second pivot portion pivotally connected to the valve housing and a second extension portion extending away from the control valve from the second pivot portion, and wherein when the first extension portion and the second extension portion are in a first extended position, the control valve is in the first control valve position, and when the first extension portion and the second extension portion are in a second extended position, the control valve is in the second control valve position.

15. The control valve assembly of claim 14, wherein the first extension portion defines a first extension portion groove, wherein the second extension portion defines a second extension portion groove, and wherein when the first extension portion and the second extension portion are in the first extended position, the first extension portion is disposed in the second extension portion groove.

16. A control valve assembly according to claim 15, wherein the first extension portion groove is defined by a first arm and a second arm of the first extension portion, wherein the second extension portion groove is defined by the first arm and the second arm of the second extension portion, and wherein when the first extension portion is in the first extended position, the first arm of the first extension portion is capable of being set in the second extension groove, and when the second extension portion is in the first extended position, the first arm of the second extension portion is capable of being set in the first extension groove.

17. A control valve assembly according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the valve housing includes a threaded portion, the threaded portion being suitable for engaging the camshaft to fix the valve housing to the camshaft; and a body portion, the body portion being axially spaced apart from the threaded portion along the axis, and wherein the body portion is arranged around the axis and defines the interior of the valve housing.

18. A variable cam timing phaser of a variable cam timing system, wherein the variable cam timing system comprises a camshaft, and the variable cam timing phaser comprises: a housing defining a housing interior; a rotor disposed within the housing and movable relative to the housing; as well as A control valve assembly according to any one of claims 1 and 2.

19. A variable cam timing system comprising: The variable cam timing phaser according to claim 18; as well as A camshaft is rotatably coupled to the rotor of the variable cam timing phaser.

20. A variable cam timing phaser of a variable cam timing system, wherein the variable cam timing system comprises a camshaft, and the variable cam timing phaser comprises: a housing defining a housing interior; a rotor disposed in the housing interior and movable relative to the housing, wherein the rotor extends along an axis between a first rotor end and a second rotor end and defines a rotor interior, and wherein the rotor is configured to rotate about the axis during operation of the variable cam timing phaser; a control valve disposed within the rotor interior and movable along the axis between a first control valve position adjacent the first rotor end and a second control valve position axially spaced from the first control valve position toward the second rotor end; as well as a weight movably coupled to the rotor; Wherein the weight is configured to actuate the control valve between the first control valve position and the second control valve position during rotation of the rotor about the axis.

21. The variable cam timing phaser of claim 20 wherein said weight is pivotally coupled to said rotor.

22. The variable cam timing phaser of claim 20 wherein said weight engages said control valve to move said control valve between said first control valve position and said second control valve position.

23. A variable cam timing phaser according to any one of claims 20 to claim 22, wherein the weight is further defined as a first weight and further includes a second weight movably coupled to the rotor, and wherein the first weight and the second weight are configured to actuate the control valve between the first control valve position and the second control valve position during rotation of the rotor about the axis.

24. A variable cam timing phaser according to claim 23, wherein the first weight has a first pivot portion pivotally connected to the rotor and a first extension portion extending from the first pivot portion away from the rotor, wherein the second weight has a second pivot portion pivotally connected to the rotor and a second extension portion extending from the second pivot portion away from the rotor, and wherein when the first extension portion and the second extension portion are in a first extended position, the control valve is in the first control valve position, and when the first extension portion and the second extension portion are in a second extended position, the control valve is in the second control valve position.

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