Patent · US Expired

Variable camshaft timing system

US4878461A · kind A · utility

18Cited by
4References
8Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJun 30, 1988
Grant dateNov 7, 1989
Priority date
Expiry dateJun 30, 2008

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10S474/90
  • WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A variable camshaft timing system for an internal combustion engine varies the relative angular position between the intake camshaft and the exhaust camshaft by controlling the path of the timing belt means. A first belt means is interconnected at one end of the engine between the crankshaft and the exhaust camshaft. At the other end of the engine the intake camshaft and the exhaust camshaft are connected by a second belt means for rotating the intake camshaft from the rotational drive supplied via exhaust camshaft. Idler arms are positioned for controlling the path and tension in the second belt means for varying the timing of the intake camshaft relative to the exhaust camshaft. A motor means operates to position the idler arms through a positioning cam means. The motor is controlled from an electronic control unit which receives signals indicating the engine operating characteristics and through a look-up table steps the positioning cam means to pivot the idler arms to rotate the intake camshaft relative to the exhaust camshaft thereby changing the intake valve timing.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.