Apparatus for angular adjustment of camshafts relative to crankshafts in combustion engines

US6234125A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Aft Atlas Fahrzeugtechnik GmbH · DE

Inventors

• Dirk Neubauer · Altena, DE
• Dirk Heintzen · Hagen, DE
• Klaus Breuer · Kaiserslautern, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 25, 1999
• Grant date: May 22, 2001
• Expiry date: Mar 25, 2019

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F15B2211/71
• WIPO field: Mechanical elements
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

An apparatus for varying the phase of the camshaft in the combustion engine of a motor vehicle has an adjuster which is connected to the camshaft and is operable to adjust the phase of the camshaft prior and subsequent to starting of the engine. To this end, the adjuster is connected with a hydraulic drive system which can operate the adjuster while the engine is idle. Once the engine is started, the drive system receives pressurized fluid from the lubricating circuit of the engine. Prior to starting of the engine, the drive system receives pressurized fluid from a source other than the lubricating circuit or from a source which is provided in addition to the lubricating circuit. The other source is preferably the hydraulic circuit of the power steering system (such as a speed-sensitive power steering system) of the motor vehicle.