Patent · US Expired

Variable cam phaser and method of assembly

US5588404A · kind A · utility

31Cited by
8References
18Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateDec 12, 1994
Grant dateDec 31, 1996
Priority date
Expiry dateDec 12, 2014

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10T74/2102
  • WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A variable cam phaser has drive and driven members connected by helical splines of an annular phase control piston and a lash control piston, axial motion of which varies the angular phase relation between the drive and driven members. A single wave spring received in a groove in one of the pistons biases them apart to take up lash in the splines. A return spring biases the phase control piston to an initial phase setting. Pre-timing of the members is provided for by a driven (or drive) member comprising two components, a hub flange that supports the other member and a splined hub carried by and initially rotatable on a tubular protrusion of the hub flange. After assembly of the phasing mechanism, the hub is rotated on the hub flange to pre-time the initial phasing of the members. An end of the tubular protrusion is then deformed into a flange engaging an annular shoulder on the hub to lock the hub and hub flange members together and maintain the pre-timing. An annular cover is then installed and retained by a retaining ring to close a hydraulic pressure chamber and help support the members. Upon assembly to a camshaft, a center bolt clamps the cover, hub and hub flange to the cams…

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