CONTROL VALVE ARRANGEMENT OF A VARIABLE CAMSHAFT PHASER

Abstract

A control valve assembly for a variable camshaft phaser includes a valve housing defining a valve housing interior, a control valve disposed within 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 the variable camshaft phaser. The weight is movably coupled to the valve housing and configured to actuate the control valve 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. The weight is configured to actuate the control valve between the first and second control valve positions during rotation of the valve housing about the axis.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 611,399, filed December 18, 2023, which is expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates generally to a control valve assembly and, more particularly, to a control valve assembly of a variable camshaft phaser of a variable camshaft timing system. 2. Description of the state of the art

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

[0004] There remains a need to provide an improved control valve arrangement of a variable camshaft phaser of a variable camshaft timing system. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] A control valve assembly of a variable camshaft phaser includes 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. The valve housing is configured to rotate about the axis during operation of the variable camshaft phaser. The control valve assembly also includes 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. 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 and second control valve positions during rotation of the valve body about the axis. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Further advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent as the invention becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a variable camshaft timing system including a variable camshaft phaser and a camshaft, and wherein the variable camshaft phaser includes a control valve assembly and a housing; Fig. 2 a front view of the variable camshaft control system of Fig. 1, wherein the variable camshaft phaser comprises a rotor and the housing; Fig. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the control valve assembly, the control valve assembly including a valve housing and a weight; Fig. 4 a cross-sectional view of the control valve arrangement of Fig. 3, wherein the valve housing defines a valve housing interior, wherein the control valve arrangement comprises a control valve arranged in the valve housing interior, and wherein the control valve is in a first control valve position; Fig. 5 a cross-sectional view of the control valve arrangement of Fig. 3, wherein the control valve is in a second control valve position; Fig. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the control valve assembly, wherein the weight is further defined as a first weight and wherein the control valve assembly further includes a second weight; Fig. 7 a cross-sectional view of the control valve arrangement of Fig. 6, wherein the control valve is in a first control valve position; Fig. 8 a cross-sectional view of the control valve arrangement of Fig. 6, wherein the control valve is in a second control valve position; Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the control valve assembly; Fig. 10 shows a further embodiment of the variable camshaft adjuster; Fig. 11 a cross-sectional view of the variable camshaft adjuster of Fig. 10. Fig. 12 shows a further embodiment of the variable camshaft adjuster; and Fig. 13 a cross-sectional view of the variable camshaft adjuster of Fig. 12. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] With reference to the figures, in which like reference numerals indicate like parts throughout the several views, Fig. 1 shows a control valve arrangement 20 of a variable camshaft phaser 22 of a variable camshaft timing system 24. Referring to Fig. 2, the variable camshaft phaser 22 includes a housing 26 defining a housing interior 28 and a rotor 30 disposed within the housing interior 28 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 to the outer wall 32 of the housing 26. The plurality of vanes 36 may be integral with the hub (i.e., one-piece with the hub 34), or the plurality of vanes 36 may be a separate component from the hub 34. The rotor 30 and the housing define chambers 35, with the plurality of vanes 36 dividing the chambers 35 into an advance chamber 37 and a retard chamber 39. The variable camshaft timing system 24 also includes a camshaft 38 that is rotationally coupled to the rotor 30.The variable camshaft adjuster 22 can be used in any internal combustion engine that uses variable cam timing.

[0008] With reference to Fig. 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 a valve housing interior 46. The valve housing 40 is configured to rotate about the axis A during operation of the variable camshaft phaser 22. The control valve assembly 20 also includes a control valve 47 that is disposed within the valve housing interior 46 and is movable along the axis A between a first control valve position adjacent the first valve housing end 42 as shown in Fig. 4 and a second control valve position which is axially spaced from the first control valve position towards the second valve housing end 44, as shown in Fig. 5 is movable. The first control valve position may be referred to as a default position, which refers to the position in which the control valve 47 is located when the RPM of the valve body 40, and thus of the camshaft 38, is at zero or below a predetermined value. The control valve assembly 20 further includes a weight 48 movably coupled to the valve body 40. The weight 48 is configured to actuate the control valve 47 between the first and second control valve positions during rotation of the valve body 40 about the axis A. It will be understood that the control valve 47 may be movable 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 will be described in more detail below, the control valve 47 may be movable to numerous positions, which is typically dependent upon the revolutions per minute (rpm) of the valve body 40 about the axis A, which is effected by rotation of the camshaft 38. .

[0009] In other words, the control valve 47 is movable about the axis A along the axis A depending on the rpm of the valve body 40, as will be described in more detail below.

[0010] The control valve assembly 20, which includes the weight 48 movably coupled to the valve housing 40 and in which the weight 48 is configured to actuate the control valve 47 between the first and second control valve positions during rotation of the valve housing 40 about the axis A, offers several advantages. First, by having the weight 48 movably coupled to the valve housing 40 and the weight 48 configured to actuate the control valve 47 between the first and second control valve positions during rotation of the valve housing 40, a more compact variable camshaft phaser 22 is created. A more compact variable camshaft phaser 22 allows the variable camshaft phaser 22 to occupy less space in an engine compartment. In one example, the variable camshaft phaser 22 may not include an actuator, such as aan electromagnet, for moving the control valve 47 between the first and second control valve positions. The fact that the variable cam phaser 22 does not include an actuator, such as an electromagnet, allows for a more compact design than variable cam phasers that include an actuator. Furthermore, the weight 48 can be adjusted based on the requirements of the variable cam phaser 22, as described in more detail below.

[0011] In one embodiment, the weight 48 may be referred to as a flyweight. It should be understood that other suitable configurations of the weight 48 may be used, such as two or more weights, as described in more detail below. Additionally, in embodiments where the control valve assembly 20 includes two weights, the weights may be in the same plane or in multiple planes, depending on the angular position. Umbrella-type weights and ball-type weights may also be used.

[0012] In one embodiment, the weight 48 is 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 is pivotable about the pivot pin 61. The pivot pin 61 may be arranged in the valve housing interior 46. The weight 48 may be freely pivotally coupled to the valve housing 40 and, if present, the pivot pin 61. The weight 48 may be movable between a first weight position corresponding to the first control valve position, as shown in Fig. 4 and a second weight position corresponding to the second control valve position, as shown in Fig. 5. It will also be understood that the weight 48 may be movable to additional weight positions between the first and second weight positions, such as a third weight position. As with the control valve 47, the weight 48 may be movable to numerous positions, typically dependent upon the RPM of the valve body 40 about the axis A. In other words, the weight 48 is movable about the axis A relative to the valve body 40 depending upon the RPM of the valve body 40, typically pivotable relative to the valve body 40, as will be described in more detail below.

[0013] 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. When the weight 48 pivots from the first weight position to the second weight position, as shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, the second weight angle WA2 increases.

[0014] As in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, the weight 48 may be engaged with the control valve 47 to move the control valve 47 between the first and second control valve positions. In particular, as the weight 48 moves relative to the valve housing 40, and in some embodiments, as the weight 48 pivots relative to the valve housing 40, the weight 48 engages the control valve 47 to move the control valve 47 between the first and second control valve positions. The weight 48 may be directly engaged with the control valve 47 to move the control valve 47 between the first and second control valve positions, or the weight 48 may include an intermediate component disposed between the weight 48 and the control valve 47.

[0015] The weight 48 may include 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 may be movable between a first extension position and a second extension position. The control valve 47 is typically in the first control valve position when the extension portion 52 is in the first extension position, as shown in Fig. 4, and the control valve 47 is typically in the second control valve position when the extension section 52 is in the second extension position, as shown in Fig. 5. Although not required, the pivot portion 50 may be disposed within the valve housing interior 46, and the extension portion 52 may be disposed outside the valve housing interior 46. As noted above, the second weight angle WA2 changes as the weight 48 moves relative to the axis A.

[0016] The extension portion 52 of the weight 48 typically includes the center of gravity 62 of the weight 48, thereby allowing the extension portion 52 to move with respect to the axis A. As described in more detail below, the position of the center of gravity 62 of the weight 48 can be adjusted based on the configuration of the extension portion 52 of the weight 48.

[0017] The pivot portion 50 may include an engagement surface 54 engageable with the control valve 47, wherein the engagement surface 54 is slidable on the control valve 47 as the extension portion 52 moves between the first and second extension positions. The engagement surface 54 may have a curved configuration. Specifically, the configuration of the engagement surface 54, such as a curved configuration, causes the control valve 47 to move within the valve housing interior 46 as the weight 48 moves with respect to the axis A. More specifically, when the extension portion 52 moves away from the axis A during rotation of the valve housing 40, the engagement surface 54 moves such that the control valve 47 moves with respect to the axis A within the valve housing interior 46.The configuration of the engagement surface 54 can be adjusted based on the desired movement of the control valve 47, as described in more detail below.

[0018] The control valve assembly 20 may include a biasing member 56, such as a spring, disposed within the valve housing interior 46. If 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. The force of the biasing member 56 applied to the control valve 47 may be adjusted based on the desired operation of the variable camshaft phaser 22, as described in more detail below.

[0019] During operation of the variable camshaft adjuster 22, the valve housing 40 rotates about the axis A due to rotation of the camshaft 38. During the rotation about the axis A, the 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 weight 48 pivots about the pivot pin 61.

[0020] In an embodiment as shown in Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 7 and Fig. 8, the pivot portion 50 of the weight 48 is configured to push the control valve 47 from the first control valve position to the second control valve position when the extension portion 52 moves from the first extension position to the second extension position. In such embodiments, the biasing member 56 is typically disposed adjacent the second valve housing end 44.

[0021] In a further embodiment as shown in Fig. 9, the control valve 47 defines a groove 58. In such embodiments, the pivot portion 50 may extend into the groove 58 and the pivot portion 50 of the weight 48 is configured to pull the control valve 47 from the second control valve position to the first control valve position when the extension portion 52 moves from the first extension position to the second extension position.

[0022] As described above, the configuration of weight 48, the configuration of engagement surface 54, the force of biasing member 56, the center of gravity 62 of extension portion 52, and / or the configuration of control valve 47 may be adjusted based on the desired activation RPM of valve housing 40. In other words, the desired activation RPM of valve housing 40, within which control valve 47 moves, may be changed by adjusting any one or a combination of the factors listed above in this section.For example, if the desired activation rpm, which refers to the rpm of the valve body 40 at which the control valve 47 begins to move along axis A, is lower, 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 configuration of the engagement surface 54 and the control valve 47 can be adjusted. Conversely, if the desired activation rpm is higher, 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 configuration of the engagement surface 54 and the control valve 47 can be adjusted.As the RPM of the valve body 40 is reduced, the control valve 47 begins to move back to the first control valve position when the RPM of the valve body 40 is below the activation RPM. Furthermore, the configuration of the weight 48 can be adjusted to balance the variable camshaft phaser 22, such as in embodiments where the rotor 30 is unbalanced.

[0023] Although not required, to further control the movement of the control valve 47, the control valve assembly 20 may include a stop 49 for limiting the movement of the control valve 47 beyond a predetermined distance. The stop 49 may be disposed within the valve housing interior 46. For example, as the valve housing 40 begins to rotate about axis A, the weight 48 may move the control valve 47 along axis A, then allowing oil to flow into and out of the valve housing 40 to actuate the rotor 30 with respect to the housing 26. After achieving a predetermined movement of the control valve 47, the control valve 47 may be held in position, such as by the stop 49, and then the control valve 47 may move back as the RPM of the valve housing 40 decreases.During movement of the control valve 47, oil from the control valve 47 is controlled to direct the hydraulic fluid into and out of the advance chambers 37 and retard chambers 39 to rotate the rotor 30 and the camshaft 35 with respect to the housing 26.

[0024] In an embodiment as shown in Fig. 6-9, 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. If present, the first and second weights 48, 64 are configured to actuate the control valve 47 between the first and second control valve positions during rotation of the valve housing 40 about the axis A. It should be understood that the above description regarding the weight 48 applies equally to 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.

[0025] With reference to Fig. 6-8, the pivot portion 50 of the first weight 48 is further defined as a first pivot portion 50, and the extension portion 52 of the first weight 48 is further defined as a first extension portion 52. The second weight 64 may include 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. The control valve 47 may be in the first control valve position when the first and second extension portions 52, 68 are in a first extension position, and the control valve 47 may be in the second control valve position when the first and second extension portions 52, 68 are in a second extension position.

[0026] 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. If present, the first extension portion 52 may be disposed in the second extension groove 72 when the first and second extension portions 52, 68 are in the first extension position.

[0027] The first extension groove 70 may be defined by first and second arms 74, 76 of the first extension portion 52, and the second extension groove 72 may be defined by first and second arms 78, 80 of the second extension portion 68. In such embodiments, the first arm 74 of the first extension portion 52 may be disposed in the second extension groove 72 when the first extension portion 52 is in the first extension position, and the first arm 78 of the second extension portion 68 may be disposed in the first extension groove 70 when the second extension portion 68 is in the first extension position.

[0028] With reference to Fig. 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 and second pivot portions 50, 66 of the weight 48 and the second weight 64, respectively, are configured to pull the control valve 47 from the second control valve position to the first control valve position when the extension portion 52 moves from the first extension position to the second extension position. The second pivot portion 66 may include a second engagement surface 86 engageable with the control valve 47.

[0029] The valve housing 40 may include a threaded portion 82 configured to engage the camshaft 38 to secure the valve housing 40 to the camshaft 38. It should be understood that the valve housing 40, which includes the threaded portion 82 configured to engage the camshaft 38 to secure the valve housing 40 to the camshaft 38, may also or alternatively be configured to secure the variable camshaft phaser 22 to the camshaft 38. The valve housing 40 may include a body portion 84 axially spaced from the threaded portion 82 along the axis A. The body portion 84 typically defines the valve housing interior 46. It should be understood that the valve housing 40 may be coupled to the camshaft 38 in any suitable manner, such as by a camshaft drive. B. by the valve housing 40 being pressed into the rotor 30, as in Fig. 11, and such as using a retaining ring to axially retain the valve body 40 relative to the camshaft 38.

[0030] In a further embodiment of the variable camshaft adjuster 22 as shown in Fig. 12 and Fig. 13, the rotor 30 extends along 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 axis A during operation of the variable camshaft phaser 22. The variable camshaft phaser 22 also includes the control valve 47 disposed within the rotor interior 46 and movable along axis A between a first control valve position adjacent the first rotor end 90 and a second control valve position 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 in which the control valve 47 is when the RPM of the rotor 30, and thus the camshaft 38, is at zero or below a predetermined value.The variable camshaft phaser 22 further includes the weight 48 movably coupled to the rotor 30. The weight 48 is configured to actuate the control valve 47 between the first and second control valve positions during rotation of the rotor 30 about the axis A. It will be appreciated that the control valve 47 may be movable 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 more detail above, the control valve 47 may be movable to numerous positions, typically dependent upon the revolutions per minute (RPM) of the rotor 30 about the axis A caused by rotation of the camshaft 38. In other words, the control valve 47 is movable along the axis A depending upon the RPM of the rotor 30 about the axis A, as described in more detail below.

[0031] The variable camshaft phaser 22, which includes the weight 48 movably coupled to the rotor 30 and in which the weight 48 is configured to actuate the control valve 47 between the first and second control valve positions during rotation of the rotor 30 about the axis A, offers several advantages. First, by having the weight 48 movably coupled to the rotor 30 and the weight 48 configured to actuate the control valve 47 between the first and second control valve positions during rotation of the rotor 30, a more compact variable camshaft phaser 22 is created. A more compact variable camshaft phaser 22 allows the variable camshaft phaser 22 to occupy less space in an engine compartment. In one example, the variable camshaft phaser 22 may not include an actuator, such as aan electromagnet, for moving the control valve 47 between the first and second control valve positions. The fact that the variable cam phaser 22 does not include an actuator, such as an electromagnet, allows for a more compact design than variable cam phasers that include an actuator. Furthermore, the weight 48 can be adjusted based on the requirements of the variable cam phaser 22, as described in more detail below.

[0032] In one embodiment, weight 48 may be referred to as a flyweight. It should be understood that other suitable configurations of weight 48 may be used, such as two or more weights, as described in more detail below. Additionally, in embodiments where variable camshaft phaser 22 includes two weights, the weights may be in the same plane or in multiple planes, depending on the angular position. Umbrella-type weights and ball-type weights may also be used.

[0033] In one embodiment, the weight 48 is pivotally coupled to the rotor 30. The variable camshaft phaser 22 may include the pivot pin 61 coupled to the rotor 30 and the weight 48, wherein the weight 48 is pivotable 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, if present, the pivot pin 61. 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 will be understood that the movement of the weight 48 described above with reference to Fig. 3-9, equally on Fig. 12 and Fig. 13 applies. It will also be understood that the weight 48 may be movable to additional weight positions between the first and second weight positions, such as a third control valve position. As with the control valve 47, the weight 48 may be movable to numerous positions, typically dependent upon the RPM of the rotor 30 about the axis A. In other words, the weight 48 is movable about the axis A relative to the rotor 30 depending upon the RPM of the rotor 30, typically pivotable relative to the rotor 30, as will be described in more detail below.

[0034] When the weight 48 pivots relative to the rotor 30, the weight 48 defines a second weight angle WA2 relative to the axis A. When the weight 48 pivots from the first weight position to the second weight position, the second weight angle WA2 increases. It is understood that the description of the weight 48 as shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 equally on the Fig. 12 and Fig. 13 shown weight 48 applies.

[0035] As above with reference to Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, the weight 48 of Fig. 12 and Fig. 13 can similarly be engaged with the control valve 47 to move the control valve 47 between the first and second control valve positions. In particular, when the weight 48 moves with respect to the rotor 30, and in some embodiments, when the weight 48 pivots with respect to the rotor 30, the weight 48 engages the control valve 47 to move the control valve 47 between the first and second control valve positions. The weight 48 can be directly engaged with the control valve 47 to move the control valve 47 between the first and second positions, or the weight 48 can include an intermediate component disposed between the weight 48 and the control valve 47.

[0036] With reference to Fig. 13, the weight 48 may include the pivot portion 50 pivotally coupled to the rotor 30 and the extension portion 52 extending from the pivot portion 50 away from the control valve 47. In such embodiments, the extension portion 52 may be movable between a first extension position and a second extension position. The control valve 47 is typically in the first control valve position when the extension portion is in the first extension position, and the control valve 47 is typically in the second control valve position when the extension portion 52 is in the second extension position. Although not required, the pivot portion 50 may be disposed within the rotor interior 88 and the extension portion 52 may be disposed outside the rotor interior 88.

[0037] The extension portion 52 of the weight 48 typically includes the center of gravity 62 of the weight 48, thereby allowing the extension portion 52 to move relative to the axis A. As described in more detail above, the position of the center of gravity 62 of the weight 48 can be adjusted based on the configuration of the extension portion 52 of the weight 48.

[0038] With continued reference to Fig. 13, the pivot portion 50 may include the engagement surface 54 engageable with the control valve 47, wherein the engagement surface 54 is slidable on the control valve 47 as the extension portion 52 moves between the first and second extension positions. The engagement surface 54 may have a curved configuration. Specifically, the configuration of the engagement surface 54, such as a curved configuration, causes the control valve 47 to move within the valve housing interior 46 as the weight 48 moves with respect to the axis A. More specifically, when the extension portion 52 moves away from the axis A during rotation of the rotor 30, the engagement surface 54 moves such that the control valve 47 moves with respect to the axis A within the valve housing interior 46.The configuration of the engagement surface 54 can be adjusted based on the desired movement of the control valve 47, as described in more detail above.

[0039] The variable camshaft phaser 22 may include the biasing member 56, such as a spring, disposed within the rotor interior 88. If 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. The force of the biasing member 56 applied to the control valve 47 may be adjusted based on the desired operation of the variable camshaft phaser 22, as described in more detail above.

[0040] During operation of the variable camshaft phaser 22, the rotor 30 rotates about the axis A due to rotation of the camshaft 38. During the rotation about the axis A, the weight 48 moves relative to the rotor 30 and actuates the control valve 47 against the bias of the biasing member 56. Typically, the weight 48 pivots about the pivot pin 61.

[0041] The pivoting section 50 of the weight 48 in Fig. 13 is configured to push the control valve 47 from the first control valve position to the second control valve position when the extension portion 52 moves from the first extension position to the second extension position. In such embodiments, the biasing member 56 is typically disposed adjacent the second valve housing end 44. It should be understood that the pivot portion 50 of the weight 48 may also be configured to pull the control valve 47 from the first control valve position to the second control valve position when the extension portion 52 moves from the first extension position to the second extension position. In other words, the embodiment of the control valve 47 and the weight 48 as shown in Fig. 9 equally in the embodiment of Fig. 13, so that the weight 48 is movably coupled to the rotor 30.

[0042] As described above, the configuration of weight 48, the configuration of engagement surface 54, the force of biasing member 56, the center of gravity 62 of extension section 52, and / or the configuration of control valve 47 may be adjusted based on the desired activation RPM of rotor 30. In other words, the desired activation RPM of rotor 30, at which control valve 47 moves, may be changed by adjusting any one or a combination of the factors listed above in this section.For example, if the desired activation rpm, which refers to the rpm of the rotor 30 at which the control valve 47 begins to move along the axis A, is lower, 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 configuration of the engagement surface 54 and the control valve 47 can be adjusted. Conversely, if the desired activation rpm is higher, 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 configuration of the engagement surface 54 and the control valve 47 can be adjusted.As the RPM of rotor 30 is reduced, control valve 47 begins to move back to the first control valve position when the RPM of rotor 30 is below the activation RPM. Furthermore, the configuration of weight 48 can be adjusted to balance variable camshaft phaser 22, such as in embodiments where rotor 30 is unbalanced.

[0043] Although not required, to further control the movement of the control valve 47, the variable camshaft phaser 22 may include a stop 49 for limiting the movement of the control valve 47 beyond a predetermined distance. The stop 49 may be disposed within the rotor interior 88. For example, as the rotor 30 begins to rotate about axis A, the weight 48 may move the control valve 47 along axis A, then allowing oil to flow into and out of the rotor interior 88 to actuate the rotor 30 relative to the housing 26. After achieving a predetermined movement of the control valve 47, the control valve 47 may be held in position, such as by the stop 49, and then the control valve 47 may move back as the RPM of the rotor 30 decreases.During movement of the control valve 47, hydraulic fluid is controlled by the control valve 47 to direct the hydraulic fluid into and out of the advance chambers 37 and retard chambers 39 to rotate the rotor 30 and the camshaft 35 with respect to the housing 26.

[0044] As described in more detail above, the weight 48 may further be defined as the first weight 48 and the variable camshaft phaser 22 may further include the second weight 64 movably coupled to the rotor 30. Although the Fig. 12 and Fig. 13, the variable camshaft adjuster 22 is shown to have the first and second weights 48, 64, it is understood that the variable camshaft adjuster 22 of Fig. 12 and Fig. 13 may only have a weight 48, as described above with reference to Fig. 3-5. If present, the first and second weights 48, 64 are configured to actuate the control valve 47 between the first and second control valve positions during rotation of the rotor 30 about the axis A. It is understood that the above description regarding the weight 48 and the second weight 64, such as the configuration of the engagement surface 54, the configuration of the extension section 52, the position of the center of gravity 62 of the extension section 52, etc., equally applies to the first and second weights 48, 64 of Fig. 12 and Fig. 13 applies.

[0045] In another embodiment of the variable camshaft phaser 22, the variable camshaft phaser 22 includes a component extending along the axis A between a first component end and a second component end. The component defines a component interior. The component is configured to rotate about the axis A during operation of the variable camshaft phaser 22. The variable camshaft phaser 22 also includes the control valve 47 disposed within the component interior and movable along the axis A between a first control valve position adjacent the first component end and a second control valve position axially spaced from the first control valve position toward the second component end.The first control valve position may be referred to as a default position, which refers to the position in which the control valve 47 is when the component's RPM is at zero or below a predetermined value. The variable camshaft phaser 22 further includes the weight 48 movably coupled to the component. The weight 48 is configured to actuate the control valve 47 between the first and second control valve positions during rotation of the component about axis A. It should be understood that the control valve 47 may be movable 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 more detail above, the control valve 47 is movable to numerous positions, typically dependent upon the revolutions per minute (RPM) of the component about axis A caused by rotation of the camshaft 38. In other words, the control valve 47 is movable along axis A depending upon the RPM of the component about axis A, as described in more detail above. It should be understood that the component may be any suitable component of the variable camshaft phaser 22 to which the weight is movably coupled, such as the rotor 30, the valve body 40, and the like.

[0046] Embodiment 1: Control valve arrangement of a variable camshaft phaser, the control valve arrangement 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, the valve housing configured to rotate about the axis during operation of the variable camshaft 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; and a weight movably coupled to the valve body; wherein the weight is configured to actuate the control valve between the first and second control valve positions during rotation of the valve housing about the axis.

[0047] Embodiment 2: Control valve assembly according to embodiment 1, wherein the weight is pivotally coupled to the valve housing.

[0048] Embodiment 3: A control valve assembly according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the weight is engaged with the control valve to move the control valve between the first and second control valve positions.

[0049] Embodiment 4: The control valve assembly of embodiment 3, wherein the weight is directly engaged with the control valve to move the control valve between the first and second control valve positions.

[0050] Embodiment 5: The control valve assembly of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the weight includes a pivot portion pivotally coupled to the valve housing and an extension portion extending from the pivot portion away from the control valve, and wherein the control valve is in the first control valve position when the extension portion is in a first extension position, and the control valve is in the second control valve position when the extension portion is in a second extension position.

[0051] Embodiment 6: Control valve arrangement according to embodiment 5, wherein the pivoting portion is arranged in the valve housing interior and the extension portion is arranged outside the valve housing interior.

[0052] Embodiment 7: The control valve assembly of any of Embodiments 5 and 6, wherein the pivot portion has an engagement surface engageable with the control valve, and wherein the engagement surface is slidable on the control valve when the extension portion moves between the first and second extension positions.

[0053] Embodiment 8: The control valve assembly according to embodiment 7, wherein the engagement surface has a curved configuration.

[0054] Embodiment 9: The control valve assembly of any of the preceding embodiments, further comprising a biasing member disposed within the valve housing interior, the biasing member biasing the control valve toward the first valve housing end.

[0055] Embodiment 10: The control valve assembly of any of Embodiments 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 to the first control valve position when the extension portion moves from the first extension position to the second extension position.

[0056] Embodiment 11: The control valve assembly of any of Embodiments 5-9, wherein the pivoting portion of the weight is configured to push the control valve from the first control valve position to the second control valve position when the extension portion moves from the first extension position to the second extension position.

[0057] Embodiment 12: The control valve assembly of any preceding embodiment, further comprising a pivot pin coupled to the valve housing and the weight, the weight being pivotable about the pivot pin.

[0058] Embodiment 13: Control valve arrangement according to embodiment 12, wherein the pivot pin is arranged in the valve housing interior.

[0059] Embodiment 14: The control valve assembly of any of the preceding embodiments, 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 and second weights are configured to actuate the control valve between the first and second control valve positions during rotation of the valve housing about the axis.

[0060] Embodiment 15: The control valve assembly of Embodiment 14, wherein the pivoting portion of the first weight is further defined as a first pivoting portion, wherein the extending portion of the first weight is further defined as a first extending portion, and wherein the second weight has a second pivoting portion pivotally coupled to the valve housing and a second extending portion extending from the second pivoting portion away from the control valve, and wherein the control valve is in the first control valve position when the first and second extending portions are in a first extending position, and the control valve is in the second control valve position when the first and second extending portions are in a second extending position.

[0061] Embodiment 16: The control valve assembly of Embodiment 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 and second extension portions are in the first extension position.

[0062] Embodiment 17: The control valve assembly of Embodiment 16, wherein the first extension portion groove is defined by first and second arms of the first extension portion, wherein the second extension portion groove is defined by first and second arms of the second extension portion, and wherein the first arm of the first extension portion can be disposed in the second extension groove when the first extension portion is in the first extension position, and the first arm of the second extension portion can be disposed in the first extension groove when the second extension portion is in the first extension position.

[0063] Embodiment 18: A control valve assembly according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the valve housing comprises a threaded portion adapted to engage the 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 about the axis and defines the valve housing interior.

[0064] Embodiment 19: Variable camshaft phaser of a variable camshaft timing system, the variable camshaft timing system comprising a camshaft, the variable camshaft phaser comprising: a housing defining a housing interior; a rotor disposed within the housing interior and movable relative to the housing; and the control valve arrangement according to any of the preceding embodiments.

[0065] Embodiment 20: Variable camshaft timing system comprising: the variable camshaft adjuster according to embodiment 19; and a camshaft that is rotationally coupled to the rotor of the variable camshaft adjuster.

[0066] Embodiment 21: Variable camshaft phaser of a variable camshaft timing system, the variable camshaft timing system comprising a camshaft, the variable camshaft phaser comprising: a housing defining a housing interior; a rotor disposed within the housing interior and movable relative to the housing, the rotor extending along an axis between a first rotor end and a second rotor end and defining a rotor interior, and the rotor configured to rotate about the axis during operation of the variable camshaft 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; and a weight movably coupled to the rotor; wherein the weight is configured to actuate the control valve between the first and second control valve positions during rotation of the rotor about the axis.

[0067] Embodiment 22: Variable camshaft phaser according to embodiment 21, wherein the weight is pivotally coupled to the rotor.

[0068] Embodiment 23: The variable camshaft phaser of any of embodiments 21 and 22, wherein the weight is engaged with the control valve to move the control valve between the first and second control valve positions.

[0069] Embodiment 24: A variable camshaft phaser according to embodiment 23, wherein the weight is directly engaged with the control valve to move the control valve between the first and second control valve positions.

[0070] Embodiment 25: The variable camshaft phaser of any of Embodiments 21-24, wherein the weight has a pivot portion pivotally coupled to the rotor and an extension portion extending from the pivot portion away from the control valve, and wherein the control valve is in the first control valve position when the extension portion is in a first extension position and the control valve is in the second control valve position when the extension portion is in a second extension position.

[0071] Embodiment 26: Variable camshaft phaser according to embodiment 25, wherein the pivot portion is arranged in the rotor interior and the extension portion is arranged outside the rotor interior.

[0072] Embodiment 27: The variable camshaft phaser of any of Embodiments 25 and 26, wherein the pivot portion has an engagement surface engageable with the control valve, and wherein the engagement surface is slidable on the control valve when the extension portion moves between the first and second extension positions.

[0073] Embodiment 28: Variable camshaft phaser according to embodiment 27, wherein the engagement surface has a curved configuration.

[0074] Embodiment 29: The variable camshaft phaser of any of the preceding embodiments 21-28, further comprising a biasing member disposed within the rotor interior, the biasing member biasing the control valve toward the first rotor end.

[0075] Embodiment 30: The variable camshaft phaser of any of Embodiments 25-29, wherein the pivoting portion of the weight is configured to push the control valve from the first control valve position to the second control valve position when the extending portion moves from the first extended position to the second extended position.

[0076] Embodiment 31: The variable camshaft phaser of any of Embodiments 21-30, further comprising a pivot pin coupled to the rotor and the weight, the weight being pivotable about the pivot pin.

[0077] Embodiment 32: Variable camshaft phaser according to any of embodiments 21-31, wherein the pivot pin is arranged in the rotor interior.

[0078] Embodiment 33: The variable camshaft phaser of any 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 and second weights are configured to actuate the control valve between the first and second control valve positions during rotation of the rotor about the axis.

[0079] Embodiment 34: The variable camshaft phaser of embodiment 33, wherein the pivoting portion of the first weight is further defined as a first pivoting portion, wherein the extending portion of the first weight is further defined as a first extending portion, and wherein the second weight has a second pivoting portion pivotally coupled to the rotor and a second extending portion extending from the second pivoting portion away from the control valve, and wherein the control valve is in the first control valve position when the first and second extending portions are in a first extending position, and the control valve is in the second control valve position when the first and second extending portions are in a second extending position.

[0080] Embodiment 35: The variable camshaft phaser of 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 and second extension portions are in the first extension position.

[0081] Embodiment 36: The variable camshaft phaser of embodiment 35, wherein the first extension portion groove is defined by first and second arms of the first extension portion, wherein the second extension portion groove is defined by first and second arms of the second extension portion, and wherein the first arm of the first extension portion is operable in the second extension groove when the first extension portion is in the first extension position, and the first arm of the second extension portion is operable in the first extension groove when the second extension portion is in the first extension position.

[0082] Embodiment 37: Variable camshaft timing system comprising: the variable camshaft phaser according to any of embodiments 21-36; and a camshaft that is rotationally coupled to the rotor of the variable camshaft adjuster.

[0083] Embodiment 38: Variable camshaft phaser of a variable camshaft timing system, the variable camshaft timing system comprising a camshaft, the variable camshaft phaser comprising: a housing that defines a housing interior, a component coupled to the housing and disposed within the housing interior and movable relative to the housing, the component extending along an axis between a first component end and a second component end and defining a component interior, and the component being configured to rotate about the axis during operation of the variable camshaft phaser, a control valve disposed within the component interior and movable along the axis between a first control valve position adjacent the first component end and a second control valve position axially spaced from the first control valve position toward the second component end, and a weight movably coupled to the component; wherein the weight is configured to actuate the control valve between the first and second control valve positions during rotation of the component about the axis.

[0084] Embodiment 39: Variable camshaft phaser according to embodiment 38, wherein the component is further defined as a rotor.

[0085] Embodiment 40: Variable camshaft phaser according to embodiment 38, wherein the component is further defined as a valve body.

[0086] Embodiment 41: Variable camshaft timing system comprising: the variable camshaft phaser according to any of embodiments 38-40; and a camshaft that is rotationally coupled to the variable camshaft phaser component.

[0087] The invention has been described in an illustrative manner, and it is to be understood that the terminology which has been used is intended to be in the nature of description rather than limitation. Many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings, and the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 63 / 611,399

[0001]

Claims

[1] Control valve arrangement of a variable camshaft phaser, the control valve arrangement 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, the valve housing configured to rotate about the axis during operation of the variable camshaft 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; and a weight movably coupled to the valve body; wherein the weight is configured to actuate the control valve between the first and second control valve positions during rotation of the valve housing about the axis. [2] Control valve assembly according to 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 is engaged with the control valve to move the control valve between the first and second control valve positions. [4] The control valve assembly of claim 3, wherein the weight is directly engaged with the control valve to move the control valve between the first and second control valve positions. [5] A control valve assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the weight has a pivot portion pivotally coupled to the valve housing and an extension portion extending from the pivot portion away from the control valve, and wherein the control valve is in the first control valve position when the extension portion is in a first extension position, and the control valve is in the second control valve position when the extension portion is in a second extension position. [6] Control valve assembly according to claim 5, wherein the pivot portion is arranged in the valve housing interior and the extension portion is arranged outside the valve housing interior. [7] A control valve assembly according to any one of claims 5 or 6, wherein the pivot portion has an engagement surface engageable with the control valve, and wherein the engagement surface is slidable on the control valve when the extension portion moves between the first and second extension positions. [8] The control valve assembly of claim 7, wherein the engagement surface has a curved configuration. [9] A control valve assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a biasing member disposed within the valve housing interior, the biasing member biasing the control valve toward the first valve housing end. [10] The control valve assembly of any of claims 5-9, wherein the control valve defines a groove, the pivot portion extending into the groove, and the pivot portion of the weight configured to pull the control valve from the second control valve position to the first control valve position when the extension portion moves from the first extension position to the second extension position. [11] The control valve assembly of any of claims 5-9, wherein the pivoting portion of the weight is configured to push the control valve from the first control valve position to the second control valve position when the extension portion moves from the first extension position to the second extension position. [12] A control valve assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a pivot pin coupled to the valve housing and the weight, the weight being pivotable about the pivot pin. [13] A control valve assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, 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 and second weights are configured to actuate the control valve between the first and second control valve positions during rotation of the valve housing about the axis. [14] The control valve assembly of claim 13, wherein the pivoting portion of the first weight is further defined as a first pivoting portion, wherein the extending portion of the first weight is further defined as a first extending portion, and wherein the second weight has a second pivoting portion pivotally coupled to the valve housing and a second extending portion extending from the second pivoting portion away from the control valve, and wherein the control valve is in the first control valve position when the first and second extending portions are in a first extending position, and the control valve is in the second control valve position when the first and second extending portions are in a second extending position. [15] The control valve assembly of claim 14, wherein the first extension portion defines a first extension portion groove, the second extension portion defines a second extension portion groove, and the first extension portion is disposed in the second extension portion groove when the first and second extension portions are in the first extension position. [16] The control valve assembly of claim 15, wherein the first extension portion groove is defined by first and second arms of the first extension portion, the second extension portion groove is defined by first and second arms of the second extension portion, and the first arm of the first extension portion is operable in the second extension groove when the first extension portion is in the first extension position, and the first arm of the second extension portion is operable in the first extension groove when the second extension portion is in the first extension position. [17] A control valve assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the valve housing comprises a threaded portion adapted to engage the 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 about the axis and defines the valve housing interior. [18] A variable camshaft phaser of a variable camshaft timing system, the variable camshaft timing system comprising a camshaft, the variable camshaft phaser comprising: a housing defining a housing interior; a rotor disposed within the housing and movable relative to the housing; and the control valve arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims. [19] Variable camshaft timing system comprising: the variable camshaft adjuster according to claim 18; and a camshaft that is rotationally coupled to the rotor of the variable camshaft adjuster.

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