Figures 1A-8 illustrate a tensioner system using manual control to maintain the position of the movable sleeve relative to the piston. Manual control is defined as a system that does not use feedback to adjust the position of the movable sleeve relative to the piston of the tensioner. Conversely, Figures 9 and 10 are active control systems that use real-time feedback of the components of the engine and / or the movable sleeve itself to adjust the position of the sleeve.
The tensioner system of the present invention includes a tensioner (described in more detail below) for a closed-loop chain drive system used in an internal combustion engine. This can be used on a closed-loop power transmission system between the drive shaft and the at least one camshaft or on a balance shaft system between the drive shaft and the balance shaft. The tensioner system may also include an oil pump and may be used with a fuel pump drive. In addition, the tensioner system of the present invention may also be used with a belt drive.
Figures 1A-1C illustrate a tensioner of a first embodiment applying tension under various chain conditions; Figure 1A shows tensioning a new chain; FIG. 1B shows the tension applied to the worn chain in the absence of a high load; Figure 1c applies tension to the worn chain in the presence of high loads.
The tensioner consists of a housing (2) with an axially extending piston bore (2a). The piston bore 2a includes an interior having a first diameter D1 and a second diameter D2, wherein the second diameter D2 is larger than the first diameter D1.
The movable sleeve 18 is received in the bore 2a of the housing 2. The movable sleeve 18 is of a hollow shape and is formed with the bore 2a of the housing 2, the inner diameter portion 17 or the hollow interior of the hollow movable sleeve 18 and the inside 3a of the piston 3 Thereby forming the pressure chamber 16 having the pressure P1.
The sleeve spring 5 is present in the bore 2a and is received in the inner diameter portion 17 of the movable sleeve 18 so that the first end 5a of the sleeve spring 5 is inserted into the inner flange of the movable sleeve 18 22 and the second end 5b of the sleeve spring 5 contacts the bottom 2c of the bore 2a. The sleeve spring 5 provides a biasing force to reduce the control force required to keep the movable sleeve 18 in the desired position relative to the piston 3. [
The movable sleeve 18 has an outer peripheral flange 20 that increases the diameter of the movable sleeve 18 to be approximately equal to the diameter of the second diameter D2, 2 diameter portion D2 and the fluid chamber 14 can be formed between the lower surface 27 of the outer peripheral flange 20 and the second diameter portion D2 of the bore 2a. The fluid chamber 14 is in fluid communication with the oil pressure source 7 via a supply line 12 comprising a check valve 10. The source 7 supplies fluid to the fluid chamber 14 to compensate for all possible leaks. The check valve 10 prevents fluid in the fluid chamber 14 from entering the source 7 again. It should be noted that the fluid pressure is not supplied to the area between the upper surface 29 of the peripheral flange 20 and the bore 2a.
At least a part of the movable sleeve 18 in front of the outer flange 2 is slidably received in the hollow piston 3. A piston spring 4 for deflecting the piston 3 out of the housing 2 is also present in the hollow piston 3. The piston spring 4 has a first end 4a in contact with the inside 3a of the hollow piston 3 and a second end 4b in contact with the upper surface 26 of the inner flange 22 of the movable sleeve 18. [ (4b). A through hole 25 is present in the inner flange 22 to allow fluid to flow from the inflow feed line 6 into the interior 3a of the piston 3 and the upper surface 26 of the inner flange 22 of the movable sleeve 18. [ .
At the bottom of the bore 2a there may also be an inlet check valve (not shown) as well as an inlet feed line 6 to provide oil pressure to the pressure chamber 16. The source 7 for supplying the fluid to the fluid chamber 14 may be the same as the source for supplying the fluid to the inflow and supply line 6. Alternatively, the source for supplying the fluid to the inlet feed line 6 may be different from the source 7 in fluid communication with the fluid chamber 14. In addition, a vent hole or pressure relief valve (not shown) may be present in the hollow piston 3.
Referring to FIG. 1A, when the tensioner applies tension to a new chain during operation, the fluid pressurizes the hydraulic chamber 16 in addition to the spring force from the piston spring 4, in order to deflect the span of the closed- And is selectively supplied from the inflow feed line 6 to the hydraulic chamber 16 through the inflow check valve to deflect the piston 3 out of the housing 2.
1B, when the tensioner applies tension to the worn chain in the absence of a high load during operation, the fluid, in addition to the spring force from the piston spring 4, in order to deflect the span of the closed loop chain, Is supplied from the inlet feed line 6 to the hydraulic chamber 16 via an inlet check valve (not shown) to pressurize the hydraulic chamber 16 and deflect the piston 3 out of the housing 2. As the chain wears, the piston 3 must be deflected further out of the housing 2 to apply appropriate tension to the chain. As more fluid is required to add the spring force to deflect the piston 3 out of the housing 2, some of the fluid supplied to the hydraulic chamber 16 leaks into the fluid chamber 14 , The movable sleeve 18 is moved out of the housing 2. It should be noted that the movable sleeve 18 is not moved out of the hydraulic chamber 16 but mainly by the oil from the supply source 7.
Referring to FIG. 1C, when the tensioner applies tension to the worn chain in the presence of a high chain load during operation, a high force causes the piston 3 to move from the piston position (shown in dashed lines) ). Since the check valve 10 in the supply line 12 prevents fluid from escaping the fluid chamber 14 and essentially pressurizes the fluid chamber 14, (14). ≪ / RTI > Due to the pressurization of the fluid chamber 14, the inner flange 22 of the movable sleeve 18 exerts an outward force on the piston 3 through the piston spring 4 against the impelling force. Once the high load is removed from the piston 3 and essentially depressurizes the chamber 14 the source 7 supplies the fluid through the check valve 10 and fills the fluid chamber 14 and the piston 3 And maintains the position of the sleeve 18 relative to the piston 3. The fluid chamber 14 is fluidly connected to the sleeve 18 via a sleeve 18,
The movement of the movable sleeve 18 moves the second end 4b of the piston spring 4 which deflects the piston 3 out of the housing 2 so that the spring force acting on the piston 3 is variable, The piston (3) constantly applies tension to the chain even when the chain is worn and stretched.
A seal (not shown) may be provided between the outer flange 20 and the movable sleeve 18 and between the second diameter D2 of the bore 2a and the first diameter of the bore D1, It can be in another place.
The hydraulic stiffness of the tensioner is generated by the pressure chamber 16 and the fluid chamber 14 of the tensioner and the inward movement of the piston 3 and the movable sleeve 18 toward the housing 2 when the chain span is under load Substantially prevent it.
Fig. 2 shows a tensioner for a manual tensioner system which utilizes the supply pressure to move the movable sleeve 33 received by the hollow piston 3 of the second embodiment.
The tensioner consists of a housing (2) with an axially extending piston bore (2a). The piston bore 2a includes an interior having a first diameter D1 and a second diameter D2, wherein the second diameter D2 is larger than the first diameter D1.
A hollow movable sleeve 33 is received in the bore 2a of the housing 2. [ The hollow fastening sleeve 30 is received in the hollow movable sleeve 33. The sleeve spring 5 is in the hollow fastening sleeve 30. The first end portion 5a of the sleeve spring 5 contacts the lower surface 36 of the inner flange 34 of the movable sleeve 33 and the second end portion 5b of the sleeve spring 5 contacts the hollow fixed sleeve The lower surface 32 of the inner flange 31 of the flange 30 or the bottom of the bore 29a when the flange 31 is not present. The sleeve spring 5 provides a biasing force to reduce the control force required to keep the movable sleeve 33 in the desired position relative to the piston 3. [ The pressure chamber 16 is formed between the inner diameter portion 38 of the fixed sleeve 30, the inner diameter portion 17 of the hollow inner portion of the hollow movable sleeve 33, and the inner portion 3a of the piston 3 .
The movable sleeve 33 has a diameter approximately equal to the diameter of the second diameter portion D2, but still the movable sleeve 33 can slide within the bore 2a. The fluid chamber 37 is formed between the bottom 2c of the bore 2a, the fixed sleeve 30 and the bottom surface 39 of the movable sleeve 33. [ The fluid chamber 37 is in fluid communication with the oil pressure source 7 via a supply line 12 comprising a check valve 10. The source 7 supplies fluid to the fluid chamber 37 to compensate for all possible leaks. The check valve 10 prevents fluid in the fluid chamber 37 from entering the source 7 again. It should be noted that the fluid pressure is not supplied to the region between the piston 3, the movable sleeve 33, and the second diameter D2 of the bore 2a.
At least a part of the movable sleeve (33) is slidably received in the hollow piston (3). A piston spring 4 for deflecting the piston 3 out of the housing 2 is also present in the hollow piston 3. The piston spring 4 has a first end 4a in contact with the inside 3a of the hollow piston 3 and a second end 4b in contact with the upper surface 35 of the inner flange 34 of the movable sleeve 33. [ (4b). A through hole 25 is present in the inner flange 34 to allow fluid to flow from the inlet feed line 6 to the interior 3a of the piston 3 and the upper surface 35 of the inner flange 34 of the movable sleeve 33 .
At the bottom of the bore 2a there may also be an inlet check valve (not shown) as well as an inlet feed line 6 to provide oil pressure to the pressure chamber 16. The source 7 for supplying the fluid to the fluid chamber 37 may be the same as the source for supplying the fluid to the inflow and supply line 6. Alternatively, the source for supplying the fluid to the inlet feed line 6 may be different from the source 7 in fluid communication with the fluid chamber 37. In addition, a vent hole or pressure relief valve (not shown) may be present in the hollow piston 3.
When the tensioner applies tension to a new chain during operation, the fluid pressurizes the hydraulic chamber 16, in addition to the spring force from the piston spring 4, to deflect the span of the closed-loop chain, similar to Fig. (Not shown) from the inflow feed line 6 to deflect the piston 3 out of the housing 2. In this way,
When the tensioner applies tension to the worn chain in the absence of a high load during operation, the fluid is forced into the hydraulic chamber 16, in addition to the spring force from the piston spring 4, to deflect the span of the closed- Is selectively supplied from the inflow feed line 6 to the hydraulic chamber 16 through the inflow check valve in order to pressurize and deflect the piston 3 out of the housing 2. As the chain wears, the piston 3 must be deflected further out of the housing 2 to apply appropriate tension to the chain. A greater amount of fluid is required to add the spring force when deflecting the piston 3 out of the housing 2 so that a portion of the fluid supplied to the hydraulic chamber 16 flows into the movable sleeve 33, The movable sleeve 33 leaks into the fluid chamber 37 between the housing 30 and the bore 2a of the housing and moves the movable sleeve 33 out of the housing 2 similarly to Fig. It should be noted that the movable sleeve is not moved out of the hydraulic chamber 16 but mainly out by the oil from the supply source 7.
When the tensioner applies tension to the worn chain in the presence of a high chain load during operation, a high force pushes the piston 3 from the piston position shown in Fig. 1C (indicated by the dashed line) towards the housing 2. Since the check valve 10 in the supply line 12 prevents the fluid from escaping the fluid chamber 37 and essentially pressurizes the fluid chamber 37 the inward force and inward movement of the piston 2 is transmitted to the fluid chamber 37, (37). Due to the pressurization of the fluid chamber 37, the inner flange 34 of the movable sleeve 33 exerts an outward force on the piston 3 through the piston spring against the inward force. Once the high load is removed from the piston 3 and essentially depressurizes the chamber 37 the source 7 supplies the fluid through the check valve 10 and the fluid chamber 37 is filled and the piston 3 And maintains the position of the sleeve 33 with respect to the piston 3. The fluid chamber 37 is fluidly connected to the piston 33 via a sleeve 33,
The movement of the movable sleeve 33 moves the second end 4b of the piston spring 4 which deflects the piston 3 out of the housing 2 so that the spring force acting on the piston 3 is variable, The piston (3) constantly applies tension to the chain even when the chain is worn and stretched.
A sealing material (not shown) is provided between the movable sleeve 33 and the second diameter D2 of the bore 2a and between the first diameter and the second diameter D2 of the bore D1, But may be at any other location within the tensioner.
The hydraulic stiffness of the tensioner is generated by the pressure chamber 16 and the fluid chamber 37 of the tensioner and is controlled so that the inward movement of the piston 3 and the movable sleeve 33 toward the housing 2 when the chain span is under load Substantially prevent it.
Figure 3 shows a tensioner for a manual tensioner system that uses a supply pressure to move a movable sleeve 40 that receives a hollow piston 3 of a third embodiment.
The tensioner consists of a housing (2) with an axially extending piston bore (2a). A movable sleeve 40 is received in the bore 2a of the housing 2. The movable sleeve 40 includes a first opening 46a defined by the upper surface 43 and the upper inner diameter portion 46 of the central inner flange 41 and a second opening 46a defined by the lower surface 42 of the central inner flange 41, And a second opening 45a defined by the neck 45. The through hole 47 of the central inner flange 41 connects the first opening 46a of the movable sleeve 40 to the second opening 45a. The upper surface 48 of the movable sleeve 40 is exposed to atmospheric pressure.
The hollow piston 3 is accommodated in the first opening 46a of the movable sleeve 40 defined by the upper surface 43 and the upper inner diameter portion 46 of the central inner flange 41. [ A piston (4) for deflecting the piston (3) out of the housing (2) is in the hollow piston (3). The piston spring 4 has a first end 4a in contact with the inside 3a of the hollow piston 3 and a second end 4b in contact with the upper surface 43 of the central inner flange 41 of the movable sleeve 40. [ And an end portion 4b.
The hollow fixing sleeve 30 is received in the second opening 45a of the movable sleeve 40 defined by the lower surface 42 and the lower inner diameter portion 45 of the central inner flange 41. [ The sleeve spring 5 is in the hollow fastening sleeve 30. The first end 5a of the sleeve spring 5 contacts the lower surface 42 of the central inner flange 41 of the movable sleeve 40 and the second end 5b of the sleeve spring 5 contacts the hollow fixed (32) of the inner flange (31) of the sleeve (30). The sleeve spring 5 provides a biasing force to reduce the control force required to keep the movable sleeve 40 in the desired position relative to the piston 3. [ The pressure chamber 16 is positioned on the inner side 38 of the fixed sleeve 30 or on the bottom of the bore if the flange 31 is not present, the inner diameter portion 17 of the second opening 45a of the movable sleeve 40, And the inner portion 3a of the piston 3 as shown in Fig. A through hole 47 is present in the central interior flange 41 to allow fluid to flow from the inlet feed line 6 to the interior of the piston 3a and the upper surface 43 of the central interior flange 41 of the movable sleeve 40 Allow.
A fluid chamber 37 is formed between the bottom of the bore 2a, the fixed sleeve 30 and the bottom surface 39 of the movable sleeve 40. The fluid chamber 37 is in fluid communication with the oil pressure source 7 via a supply line 12 comprising a check valve 10. The check valve 10 prevents fluid in the fluid chamber 37 from entering the source 7 again.
At the bottom of the bore 2a there may also be an inlet check valve (not shown) as well as an inlet feed line 6 to provide oil pressure to the pressure chamber 16. The source 7 for supplying the fluid to the fluid chamber 37 may be the same as the source for supplying the fluid to the inflow and supply line 6. Alternatively, the source for supplying the fluid to the inlet feed line 6 may be different from the source 7 in fluid communication with the fluid chamber 37. In addition, a vent hole or pressure relief valve (not shown) may be present in the hollow piston 3.
When the tensioner applies tension to a new chain during operation, the fluid pressurizes the hydraulic chamber 16, in addition to the spring force from the piston spring 4, to deflect the span of the closed-loop chain, similar to Fig. Is supplied from the inlet feed line 6 to the hydraulic chamber 16 through the inlet check valve selectively to deflect the piston 3 out of the housing 2.
When the tensioner applies tension to the worn chain in the absence of a high load during operation, the fluid is forced into the hydraulic chamber 16, in addition to the spring force from the piston spring 4, to deflect the span of the closed- Is selectively supplied from the inflow feed line 6 to the hydraulic chamber 16 through the inflow check valve in order to pressurize and deflect the piston 3 out of the housing 2. As the chain wears, the piston 3 must be deflected further out of the housing 2 to apply appropriate tension to the chain. A larger amount of fluid is required to add the spring force when deflecting the piston 3 out of the housing 2 so that a part of the fluid supplied to the hydraulic chamber 16 is supplied to the movable sleeve 33 and the fixed sleeve & (30), and moves the movable sleeve (40) out of the housing (2) similarly to Fig. 1 (b). It should be noted that the movable sleeve is not moved out of the hydraulic chamber 16 but mainly out by the oil from the supply source 7.
When the tensioner applies tension to the worn chain in the presence of a high chain load during operation, a high force pushes the piston 3 from the piston position shown in Fig. 1C (indicated by the dashed line) towards the housing 2. Since the check valve 10 in the supply line 12 prevents fluid from escaping the fluid chamber 37 and essentially pressurizes the fluid chamber 37, As shown in FIG. Due to the pressurization of the fluid chamber 37, the central inner flange 41 of the movable sleeve 40 exerts an outward force on the piston 3 through the piston spring 4 against the impelling force.
Once the high load is removed from the piston 3 and essentially depressurizes the chamber 37 the source 7 supplies the fluid through the check valve 10 and the fluid chamber 37 is filled and the piston 3 And maintains the position of the sleeve 40 relative to the piston 3. The fluid chamber 37 is fluidly connected to the sleeve 40 via a sleeve 40,
The movement of the movable sleeve 40 moves the second end 4b of the piston spring 4 which deflects the piston 3 out of the housing 2 so that the spring force acting on the piston 3 is variable, The piston (3) constantly applies tension to the chain even when the chain is worn and stretched.
A sealing material (not shown) may be present between the bore 2a and the movable sleeve 40 or, if necessary, at any other location in the tensioner.
The hydraulic stiffness of the tensioner is generated by the pressure chamber 16 and the fluid chamber 37 of the tensioner and the inward movement of the piston 3 and the movable sleeve 40 toward the housing 2 when the chain span is under load Substantially prevent it.
Fig. 4 shows a tensioner for a manual tensioner system which utilizes the supply pressure to move the movable sleeve 33 received by the hollow piston 3 of the fourth embodiment.
The tensioner consists of a housing (2) with an axially extending piston bore (2a). The piston bore 2a includes an interior having a first diameter D1 and a second diameter D2, wherein the second diameter D2 is larger than the first diameter D1. The bore flange 150 is engaged with the second diameter D2 of the bore 2a receiving the piston 3 and the other second diameter D2 of the bore receiving the outer flange 141 of the movable sleeve 140 ).
The movable sleeve 140 is received in the bore 2a of the housing 2. The movable sleeve 140 is hollow and has a bore 2a of the housing 2, an inner diameter portion 17 of the hollow movable sleeve 140, and an inner portion 3a of the piston 3, ). A sleeve spring 5 is present in the bore 2a and is received in the inner diameter portion 17 of the movable sleeve 140 so that the first end 5a of the spring 5 engages with the inner flange of the movable sleeve 140 145 and the second end 5b of the spring 5 contacts the bottom 2c of the bore 2a. The sleeve spring 5 provides a biasing force to reduce the control force required to keep the movable sleeve 140 in the desired position relative to the piston 3. [
The movable sleeve 140 includes an outer peripheral flange 141 having an upper surface 142 having an area A2 and a lower surface 143 having an area A1. The area A2 of the upper surface 142 is smaller than the area A1 of the lower surface 143. [ The first fluid chamber 58 is formed between the upper surface 142 of the outer peripheral flange 141 and the lower surface 152 of the bore flange 150 and the second fluid chamber 57 is formed between the lower surface of the outer peripheral flange 141 143 and the other wall 73 of the second diameter portion D2.
The first fluid chamber 58 is preferably connected to the source 7 via a line 55 with a check valve 53 and the second fluid chamber 57 also preferably comprises a check valve 54, To a source (7) through a line (56) with an outlet. The check valves 53, 54 prevent fluid in the fluid chambers 58, 57 from entering the source 7 again. The source 7 supplies fluid to the fluid chambers 58, 57 to compensate for all possible leaks.
At least a portion of the movable sleeve 140, which is in front of the outer flange 141, is slidably received in the hollow piston 3. A piston spring 4 for deflecting the piston 3 out of the housing 2 is also present in the hollow piston 3. The piston spring 4 has a first end 4a in contact with the inside 3a of the hollow piston 3 and a second end in contact with the upper surface 146 of the inner flange 145 of the movable sleeve 140. [ (4b). A through hole 144 is present in the inner flange 145 to allow fluid to flow from the inlet feed line 6 to the interior 3a of the piston 3 and the upper surface 146 of the inner flange 145 of the movable sleeve 140 .
At the bottom of the bore 2a there may also be an inlet check valve (not shown) as well as an inlet feed line 6 to provide oil pressure to the pressure chamber 16. The source 7 supplying the fluid to the fluid chambers 57, 58 may be the same as the source supplying the fluid to the inflow supply line 6. Alternatively, the source for supplying the fluid to the inlet feed line 6 may be different from the source 7 in fluid communication with the fluid chambers 57, 58. In addition, a vent hole or pressure relief valve (not shown) may be present in the hollow piston 3.
When the tensioner applies tension to a new chain during operation, the fluid pressurizes the hydraulic chamber 16, in addition to the spring force from the piston spring 4, to deflect the span of the closed-loop chain, similar to Fig. Is supplied from the inlet feed line 6 to the hydraulic chamber 16 through the inlet check valve selectively to deflect the piston 3 out of the housing 2.
When the tensioner applies tension to the worn chain in the absence of a high load during operation, the fluid is forced into the hydraulic chamber 16, in addition to the spring force from the piston spring 4, to deflect the span of the closed- Is selectively supplied from the inflow feed line 6 to the hydraulic chamber 16 through the inflow check valve in order to pressurize and deflect the piston 3 out of the housing 2. As the chain wears, the piston 3 must be deflected further out of the housing 2 to apply appropriate tension to the chain. A larger amount of fluid is required to add the spring force when deflecting the piston 3 out of the housing 2 so that some of the fluid supplied to the hydraulic chamber 16 is forced out of the housing 2 And leaks into the fluid chambers 57, 58 between the bores 2a. It should be noted that the movable sleeve 140 is not moved out of the hydraulic chamber 16 but mainly by the oil from the supply source 7. Since the area A1 of the lower surface 143 of the outer peripheral flange 141 is larger than the area A2 of the upper surface 142 of the outer peripheral flange 141, The fluid pressure required to move the movable sleeve 140 out of the housing is less than the fluid pressure required by the chamber 58 to move the movable sleeve 140 in the opposite direction.
When the tensioner applies tension to the worn chain in the presence of a high chain load during operation, a high force pushes the piston 3 from the piston position shown in Fig. 1C (indicated by the dashed line) towards the housing 2. Since the check valve 54 in the supply line 56 prevents fluid from escaping the fluid chamber 57 and essentially pressurizes the fluid chamber 57 the inward force and inward movement of the piston 2 is transmitted to the fluid chamber 57, (57). Further, due to the pressure of the fluid chamber 57, the area A1 of the lower surface 143 of the outer peripheral flange 141 is larger than the area A2 of the upper surface 142 of the outer peripheral flange 141, The inner flange 145 of the piston 33 is pumped up and moves the movable sleeve 140 out of the housing 2 and moves the piston 3 against the inward force through the piston spring 4 ). Once the high load is removed from the piston 3 and essentially depressurizes the fluid chamber 57 the source 7 supplies the fluid through the check valve 54 and fills the fluid chamber 57, 3 to compensate for the movement of the sleeve 140 and to maintain the position of the sleeve 140 relative to the piston 3. [
The movement of the movable sleeve 140 moves the second end 4b of the piston spring 4 which deflects the piston 3 out of the housing 2 so that the spring force acting on the piston 3 is variable, The piston (3) constantly applies tension to the chain even when the chain is worn and stretched.
It should be noted that the fluid chamber 58 is pressurized when the fluid chamber 57 is depressurized. When the fluid chamber 57 is filled with the fluid from the source 7, the movable sleeve 140 is moved. The check valve 53 in the supply line 55 is required to maintain the position of the piston 3 relative to the chain since fluid is essentially prevented from escaping the fluid chamber 58 and pressurizing the chamber 58 Movement of the movable sleeve 140 beyond the travel is blocked by the fluid in the fluid chamber 58. Once the load is removed from the sleeve the chamber 58 is depressurized and the source 7 supplies fluid through the check valve 53 and supplies fluid to the chamber 58 to fill the fluid chamber 58 Compensates for the movement of the sleeve 140 relative to the piston 3 and maintains the position of the sleeve 140 relative to the piston 3 regardless of other forces acting on the sleeve.
A sealing material (not shown) may be present between the bore 2a and the movable sleeve 140 or, if necessary, at any other location in the tensioner.
The hydraulic stiffness of the tensioner is generated by the pressure chamber 16 and the fluid chambers 57 and 58 of the tensioner and is applied to the piston 3 and the movable sleeve 140 toward the housing 2 when the chain span is under load Substantially preventing inward movement.
5 shows a tensioner for a passive tensioner system that utilizes the supply pressure to move the movable sleeve received by the piston of the fifth embodiment.
The tensioner consists of a housing (2) with an axially extending piston bore (2a). A movable sleeve 163 is received in the bore 2a of the housing 2. The movable sleeve 163 is hollow and has a bore 2a of the housing 2, an inner diameter portion 169 of the hollow movable sleeve 163, and an inner portion 3a of the piston 3, ).
A sleeve spring 5 is present in the bore 2a and is received in the inner diameter portion 169 of the movable sleeve 163 so that the first end 5a of the spring 5 is engaged with the inner flange 163 of the movable sleeve 163. [ 164 and the second end 5b of the spring 5 contacts the bottom 2c of the bore 2a. The sleeve spring 5 provides a biasing force to reduce the control force required to keep the movable sleeve 163 in the desired position relative to the piston 3. [
An outer cutout portion 168 is formed along the outer peripheral portion of the movable sleeve 163. [ The cutout 168 of the movable sleeve 163 slidably receives the bore flange 160. The bore flange 160 has a top surface 161 having an area A1 and a bottom surface 162 having an area A2. The area A1 of the upper surface 161 of the bore flange 160 is larger than the area A2 of the lower surface 162 of the bore flange 160. [
A first fluid chamber 58 is formed between the upper surface 161 of the bore flange 160 and the cutout 168 of the movable sleeve 163 and a second fluid chamber 57 is formed between the lower surface of the bore flange 160 (162) and the other side of the cutout (168) of the movable sleeve (163). The first fluid chamber 58 is preferably connected to the source 7 via a line 55 with a check valve 53 and the second fluid chamber 57 also preferably comprises a check valve 54, To a source (7) through a line (56) with an outlet. The check valves 53, 54 prevent fluid in the fluid chambers 58, 57 from entering the source 7 again. The source 7 supplies fluid to the fluid chambers 58, 57 to compensate for all possible leaks.
At least a portion of the movable sleeve 163 in front of the cutout 168 is slidably received in the hollow piston 3. A piston spring 4 for deflecting the piston 3 out of the housing 2 is also present in the hollow piston 3. The piston spring 4 has a first end 4a in contact with the inside 3a of the hollow piston 3 and a second end 4b in contact with the upper surface 165 of the inner flange 164 of the movable sleeve 163. [ (4b). A through hole 144 is present in the inner flange 164 to allow fluid to flow from the inlet feed line 6 to the interior 3a of the piston 3 and the upper surface 165 of the inner flange 164 of the movable sleeve 163. [ .
At the bottom of the bore 2a there may also be an inlet check valve (not shown) as well as an inlet feed line 6 to provide oil pressure to the pressure chamber 16. The source 7 supplying the fluid to the fluid chambers 57, 58 may be the same as the source supplying the fluid to the inflow supply line 6. Alternatively, the source for supplying the fluid to the inlet feed line 6 may be different from the source 7 in fluid communication with the fluid chambers 57, 58. In addition, a vent hole or pressure relief valve (not shown) may be present in the hollow piston 3.
When the tensioner applies tension to a new chain during operation, the fluid pressurizes the hydraulic chamber 16, in addition to the spring force from the piston spring 4, to deflect the span of the closed-loop chain, similar to Fig. Is supplied from the inlet feed line 6 to the hydraulic chamber 16 through the inlet check valve selectively to deflect the piston 3 out of the housing 2.
When the tensioner applies tension to the worn chain in the absence of a high load during operation, the fluid is forced into the hydraulic chamber 16, in addition to the spring force from the piston spring 4, to deflect the span of the closed- Is selectively supplied from the inflow feed line 6 to the hydraulic chamber 16 through the inflow check valve in order to pressurize and deflect the piston 3 out of the housing 2. As the chain wears, the piston 3 must be deflected further out of the housing 2 to apply appropriate tension to the chain. A greater amount of fluid is required to add the spring force when deflecting the piston 3 out of the housing 2 so that some of the fluid supplied to the hydraulic chamber 16 is forced out of the movable sleeve 163 and the housing And leaks into the fluid chambers 57, 58 between the bores 2a. Since the area A1 of the upper surface 161 of the bore flange 160 is larger than the area A2 of the lower surface 162 of the bore flange 160, the chamber 58 is moved in the same direction as the movable sleeve 163, The fluid pressure required to move the chamber 57 out of the housing is less than the chamber 57. It should be noted that the movable sleeve 163 is not moved out of the hydraulic chamber 16, but is moved out mainly by the oil from the supply source 7.
When the tensioner applies tension to the worn chain in the presence of a high chain load during operation, a high force pushes the piston 3 from the piston position shown in Fig. 1C (indicated by the dashed line) towards the housing 2. Since the check valve 53 in the supply line 55 prevents fluid from escaping the fluid chamber 58 and essentially pressurizes the chamber 58 the inward force and the inward movement of the piston 3 is transmitted to the fluid chamber 58 58). ≪ / RTI > Further, due to the pressure of the fluid chamber 58, the area A1 of the upper surface 161 of the bore flange 160 is larger than the area A2 of the lower surface 162 of the bore flange 160, The inner flange 164 of the piston 163 is pushed up or out and moves out of the housing 2 and exerts an outward force on the piston 3 through the piston spring 4 against the inward force. Once the high load is removed from the piston 3 and essentially depressurizes the chamber 58 the source 7 supplies the fluid through the check valve 53 and fills the fluid chamber 58 and the piston 3 And maintains the position of the sleeve 163 relative to the piston 3. The fluid chamber 58 is fluidly connected to the sleeve 163 via the sleeve 163,
The movement of the movable sleeve 163 moves the second end 4b of the piston spring 4 which deflects the piston 3 out of the housing 2 so that the spring force acting on the piston 3 is variable, The piston (3) constantly applies tension to the chain even when the chain is worn and stretched.
It should be noted that the fluid chamber 57 is pressurized when the fluid chamber 58 is depressurized. When the fluid chamber 58 is filled with fluid from the source 7, the movable sleeve 163 is moved. The check valve 54 in the supply line 56 is required to maintain the position of the piston 3 relative to the chain since fluid is essentially prevented from escaping the fluid chamber 57, The movement of the movable sleeve 163 beyond the stroke is blocked by the fluid in the fluid chamber 57. [ Once the load is removed from the sleeve, the fluid chamber 57 is depressurized, the source 7 supplies fluid through the check valve 54, supplies fluid to fill the chamber 57, and the piston 3 To maintain the position of the sleeve 163 relative to the piston 3 regardless of other forces acting on the sleeve.
A sealing material (not shown) may be present between the bore 2a and the movable sleeve 163, or at any other location in the tensioner, if desired.
The hydraulic stiffness of the tensioner is generated by the chamber 16 and the fluid chambers 57 and 58 of the tensioner and is directed to the interior of the piston 3 and the movable sleeve 163 toward the housing 2 when the chain span is under load Thereby substantially preventing movement.
Figure 6 shows a passive tensioner system that utilizes an internal pressure area and flange pressure to move a movable sleeve received by a piston of the sixth embodiment.
The tensioner consists of a housing (2) with an axially extending piston bore (2a). The movable sleeve 80 is received in the bore 2a of the housing 2. The movable sleeve 80 includes a first opening 89a defined by an upper surface 81 and an upper inner diameter portion 89 of the central inner flange 82 and a second opening 89b defined by the lower surface 83 of the central inner flange 82, And a second opening 96a defined by the neck portion 96. A through hole 97 of the central inner flange 82 connects the first opening 89a of the movable sleeve 80 to the second opening 96a. The upper surface 98 of the movable sleeve 80 is exposed to the atmospheric pressure of the engine.
The hollow piston 3 is accommodated in the first opening 89a of the movable sleeve 80 defined by the upper surface 81 and the upper inner diameter portion 89 of the central inner flange 82. [ A piston (4) for deflecting the piston (3) out of the housing (2) is in the hollow piston (3). The piston spring 4 has a first end 4a in contact with the inside 3a of the hollow piston 3 and a second end 4b in contact with the upper surface 81 of the central inner flange 82 of the movable sleeve 80. [ And an end portion 4b.
The sleeve spring 5 is accommodated in the second opening 96a of the movable sleeve 80 defined by the lower surface 83 and the lower inner diameter portion 96 of the central inner flange 82. [ The first end 5a of the sleeve spring 5 contacts the lower surface 83 of the central flange 82 of the movable sleeve 80 and the second end 5b of the sleeve spring 5 contacts the bore 2a, As shown in Fig. The sleeve spring 5 provides a biasing force to reduce the control force required to keep the movable sleeve 80 in the desired position relative to the piston 3. [ The pressure chamber 16 is formed between the upper inner diameter portion 89 of the sleeve 80, the lower inner diameter portion 96 of the sleeve 80, the bore 2a of the housing, and the inner portion 3a of the piston. A through hole 97 is present in the central interior flange 81 and allows fluid from the inlet feed line 6 to flow from the second opening 96a to the first opening 89a.
At the bottom of the bore 2a there may also be an inlet check valve (not shown) as well as an inlet feed line 6 to provide oil pressure to the pressure chamber 16. The source 7 for supplying the fluid to the fluid chambers 94, 95 may be the same as the source for supplying the fluid to the inflow supply line 6. Alternatively, the source supplying the fluid to the inlet feed line 6 may be different from the source 7 in fluid communication with the fluid chambers 94, 95. In addition, a vent hole or pressure relief valve (not shown) may be present in the hollow piston 3.
The movable sleeve 80 has an outer peripheral flange 84 that is approximately equal to the width of the second diameter D2 but the flange 84 is slidable within the second diameter D2 of the bore 2a And may form a first fluid chamber 95 and a second fluid chamber 94. The first fluid chamber 95 is preferably connected to the source 7 via a line 93 comprising a check valve 92 and the second fluid chamber 94 is also preferably connected to a check valve 90, To a source (7) via a line (91) with a line. The check valves 92, 90 prevent fluid in the fluid chambers 95, 94 from entering the source 7 again. The source 7 supplies fluid to the fluid chambers 94, 95 as needed to compensate for the leakage. The outer diameter of the movable sleeve 80 below the outer flange 84 is received by the first diameter D1 of the bore 2a. The second diameter portion D2 is larger than the first diameter portion D1.
When the tensioner applies tension to a new chain during operation, the fluid pressurizes the hydraulic chamber 16, in addition to the spring force from the piston spring 4, to deflect the span of the closed-loop chain, similar to Fig. Is supplied from the inlet feed line 6 to the hydraulic chamber 16 through the inlet check valve selectively to deflect the piston 3 out of the housing 2.
When the tensioner applies tension to the worn chain in the absence of a high load during operation, the fluid is forced into the hydraulic chamber 16, in addition to the spring force from the piston spring 4, to deflect the span of the closed- Is selectively supplied from the inflow feed line 6 to the hydraulic chamber 16 through the inflow check valve in order to pressurize and deflect the piston 3 out of the housing 2. As the chain wears, the piston 3 must be deflected further out of the housing 2 to apply appropriate tension to the chain. A larger amount of fluid is required to add the spring force when deflecting the piston 3 out of the housing 2 so that a portion of the fluid supplied to the hydraulic chamber 16 is forced out of the housing 2 The fluid pressure in the chamber 16 on the lower surface 83 of the central inner flange 82 and the lower surface 99 of the sleeve 80 leaks into the fluid chambers 94 and 95 between the bores 2a, To move the sleeve 80 out of the housing. It should be noted that the movable sleeve is not moved out of the hydraulic chamber 16, but is moved out mainly by the oil from the supply source.
When the tensioner applies tension to the worn chain in the presence of a high chain load during operation, a high force pushes the piston 3 from the piston position shown in Fig. 1C (indicated by the dashed line) towards the housing 2. Since the check valve 90 in the supply line 91 prevents fluid from escaping the fluid chamber 94 and essentially pressurizes the chamber 94, the reciprocal force and inward movement of the piston is maintained within the fluid chamber 94 It is blocked by the fluid. The central inner flange 82 of the movable sleeve 80 is urged against the impelling force by the pressure of the fluid chamber 94 in addition to the pressure on the lower surface 99 of the movable sleeve 80, (3). Once the high load is removed from the piston 3 and essentially depressurizes the chamber 94 the source 7 supplies the fluid through the check valve 10 and fills the fluid chamber 94 and the piston 3 And maintains the position of the sleeve 80 relative to the piston 3. In this case,
The movement of the movable sleeve 80 moves the second end 4b of the piston spring 4 which deflects the piston 3 out of the housing 2 so that the spring force acting on the piston 3 is variable, The piston (3) constantly applies tension to the chain even when the chain is worn and stretched.
It should be noted that the fluid chamber 95 is pressurized when the fluid chamber 94 is depressurized. When the fluid chamber 94 is filled with the fluid from the source 7, the movable sleeve 80 is moved. The check valve 92 in the supply line 93 is necessary to maintain the position of the piston 3 relative to the chain since fluid is essentially prevented from escaping the fluid chamber 95 and pressurizing the chamber 95 The movement of the movable sleeve beyond the stroke is blocked by the fluid in the fluid chamber 95. Once the load is removed from the sleeve 80, the chamber 95 is depressurized and the source 7 supplies fluid through the check valve 92 and into the chamber 95 to fill the fluid chamber 95. Feeds the fluid, compensates for movement of the sleeve 80 relative to the piston 3, and maintains the position of the sleeve 80 relative to the piston regardless of other forces acting on the sleeve.
A sealing material (not shown) may be present between the bore 2a and the movable sleeve 80 or, if necessary, at any other location in the tensioner.
The hydraulic stiffness of the tensioner is generated by the pressure chamber 16 and the fluid chambers 94 and 95 of the tensioner and is generated by the piston 3 and the movable sleeve 80 toward the housing 2 when the chain span is under load Substantially preventing inward movement.
7 shows a tensioner for the manual tensioner system of the seventh embodiment.
The tensioner consists of a housing (2) with an axially extending piston bore (2a). The piston bore 2a includes an interior having a first diameter D1 and a second diameter D2, wherein the second diameter D2 is larger than the first diameter D1. A bore flange 52 is formed on the second diameter D2 of the bore 2a for receiving the piston 3 and the other second diameter D2 of the bore receiving the outer flange 20 of the movable sleeve 18. [ ).
The movable sleeve 18 is received in the bore 2a of the housing 2. The movable sleeve 18 is hollow and forms a pressure chamber 16 together with the bore 2a of the housing 2, the inner diameter portion 17 of the hollow movable sleeve 18, and the interior of the piston 3 do. A sleeve spring 5 is present in the bore 2a and is received in the inner diameter portion 17 of the movable sleeve 18 so that the first end 5a of the spring 5 engages the inner flange of the movable sleeve 18 22 and the second end 5b of the spring 5 contacts the bottom 2c of the bore 2a. The sleeve spring 5 provides a biasing force to reduce the control force required to keep the movable sleeve 18 in the desired position relative to the piston 3. [
The movable sleeve 18 includes a peripheral flange 20 having an upper surface 29 and a lower surface 27. The outer flange 20 separates the second diameter D2 of the housing into first and second fluid chambers 58, 57. The first fluid chamber 58 is formed between the upper surface 29 of the outer flange 20 and the lower surface 51 of the bore flange 52 and the second fluid chamber 57 is formed between the lower surface 51 of the outer flange 20 27 and the other wall 73 of the second diameter portion D2.
The first fluid chamber 58 is connected to the source 7 via line 101 and control valve 108. The second fluid chamber 57 is connected to the source 7 via line 100 and control valve 108. The source 7 only supplies fluid to the fluid chambers 57, 58 to compensate for the leakage from the fluid chambers 57, 58. The control valve 108, preferably a spool valve, includes a spool 109 having at least two cylindrical lands 109a, 109b slidably received in the bore 106. The control valve 108, The bore 106 may be in the tensioner housing 2 or may be located remote from the tensioner housing within the engine. One end of the spool contacts a spring (110) that deflects the spool in a first direction.
At least a portion of the movable sleeve 18 in front of the outer flange 20 is slidably received in the hollow piston 3. A piston spring 4 for deflecting the piston 3 out of the housing 2 is also present in the hollow piston 3. The piston spring 4 has a first end 4a in contact with the inside 3a of the hollow piston 3 and a second end 4b in contact with the upper surface 26 of the inner flange 22 of the movable sleeve 18. [ (4b). A through hole 47 is present in the inner flange 22 to allow fluid from the inlet feed line 6 to the interior of the piston 3a and the top surface 26 of the inner flange 22 of the movable sleeve 18 .
At the bottom of the bore 2a there may also be an inlet check valve (not shown) as well as an inlet feed line 6 to provide oil pressure to the pressure chamber 16. The source 7 supplying the fluid to the fluid chambers 57, 58 may be the same as the source supplying the fluid to the inflow supply line 6. Alternatively, the source for supplying the fluid to the inlet feed line 6 may be different from the source 7 in fluid communication with the fluid chambers 57, 58. In addition, a vent hole or pressure relief valve (not shown) may be present in the hollow piston 3.
When the tensioner applies tension to a new chain during operation, the fluid pressurizes the hydraulic chamber 16, in addition to the spring force from the piston spring 4, to deflect the span of the closed-loop chain, similar to Fig. Is supplied from the inlet feed line 6 to the hydraulic chamber 16 through the inlet check valve selectively to deflect the piston 3 out of the housing 2.
When the tensioner applies tension to the worn chain in the absence of a high load during operation, the fluid is forced into the hydraulic chamber 16, in addition to the spring force from the piston spring 4, to deflect the span of the closed- Is selectively supplied from the inflow feed line 6 to the hydraulic chamber 16 through the inflow check valve in order to pressurize and deflect the piston 3 out of the housing 2. As the chain wears, the piston 3 must be deflected further out of the housing 2 to apply appropriate tension to the chain. A larger amount of fluid is required to add the spring force when deflecting the piston 3 out of the housing 2 so that a portion of the fluid supplied to the hydraulic chamber 16 is forced out of the housing 2 Leaks into the fluid chambers 57, 58 between the bores 2a and moves the movable sleeve 18 out of the housing similarly to Figure 1b.
When the tensioner applies tension to the worn chain in the presence of a high chain load during operation, a high force pushes the piston 3 from the piston position shown in Fig. 1C (indicated by the dashed line) towards the housing 2. The spring force of the spool valve 108 from the spring 110 places the land 109a at a predetermined position relative to the line 100 to prevent fluid from escaping the fluid chamber 57, 57, the inward force and the inward movement of the piston are blocked by the fluid in the fluid chamber 57. As a result, Due to the pressurization of the fluid chamber 57, the inner flange 22 of the movable sleeve 40 exerts an outward force on the piston 3 through the piston spring 4 against the impelling force. Once the high load is removed from the piston 3 and essentially depressurizes the chamber 57, the source 7 supplies fluid to the fluid chamber 57 through the spool valve 108, Compensates for the movement of the sleeve 40 relative to the piston 3 and maintains the position of the sleeve 40 relative to the piston 3.
The movement of the movable sleeve 18 moves the second end 4b of the piston spring 4 which deflects the piston 3 out of the housing 2 so that the spring force acting on the piston 3 is variable, The piston (3) constantly applies tension to the chain even when the chain is worn and stretched.
It should be noted that the fluid chamber 58 is pressurized when the fluid chamber 57 is depressurized. When the fluid chamber 57 is filled with the fluid from the source 7, the movable sleeve 18 is moved. The spool valve 108 prevents the fluid from escaping from the fluid chamber 58 and thus essentially compresses the chamber 58 so that the movable sleeve 18 Is blocked by the fluid in the fluid chamber 58. [ Once the load is removed from the sleeve, the chamber 58 is depressurized and the source 7 supplies fluid through the spool 108 and supplies fluid to the chamber 58 to fill the fluid chamber 58 Compensates for the movement of the sleeve 18 relative to the piston 3 and maintains the position of the sleeve 18 relative to the piston irrespective of other forces acting on the sleeve.
A sealing material (not shown) may be present between the bore 2a and the movable sleeve 18 or, if necessary, at any other location in the tensioner.
The hydraulic stiffness of the tensioner is generated by the chamber 16 and the pressure chambers 57 and 58 of the tensioner and is set such that the piston 3 and the movable sleeve 40 toward the housing 2 when the chain span is under load Thereby substantially preventing movement.
8 is an alternative embodiment of FIG. 7 in which the control valve 108 is in fluid communication with the accumulator 114. FIG. The accumulator 114 is also connected to the bore 2a of the housing 2, the inner diameter portion 17 of the hollow movable sleeve 18 and the inner portion 3a of the piston 3 via the check valve 125 And is in fluid communication with the pressure chamber 16. The accumulator 114 stores or accumulates the fluid from the pressure chamber 16 to supply it to the fluid chambers 57, 58 upon leakage.
The tensioner consists of a housing (2) with an axially extending piston bore (2a). The piston bore 2a includes an interior having a first diameter D1 and a second diameter D2, wherein the second diameter D2 is larger than the first diameter D1. A bore flange 52 is formed on the second diameter D2 of the bore 2a for receiving the piston 3 and the other second diameter D2 of the bore receiving the outer flange 20 of the movable sleeve 18. [ ).
The movable sleeve 18 is received in the bore 2a of the housing 2. The movable sleeve 18 is hollow and forms the pressure chamber 16 together with the bore 2a of the housing 2, the interior of the piston 3 and the inside diameter 17 of the hollow movable sleeve 18 do. A sleeve spring 5 is present in the bore 2a and is received in the inner diameter portion 17 of the movable sleeve 18 so that the first end 5a of the spring 5 engages the inner flange of the movable sleeve 18 22 and the second end 5b of the spring 5 contacts the bottom 2c of the bore 2a. The sleeve spring 5 provides a biasing force to reduce the control force required to keep the movable sleeve 18 in the desired position relative to the piston 3. [
The movable sleeve 18 includes a peripheral flange 20 having an upper surface 29 and a lower surface 27. The outer flange 20 separates the second diameter D2 of the housing into first and second fluid chambers 58, 57. The first fluid chamber 58 is formed between the upper surface 29 of the outer flange 20 and the lower surface 51 of the bore flange 52 and the second fluid chamber 57 is formed between the lower surface 51 of the outer flange 20 27 and the other wall 73 of the second diameter portion D2.
The first fluid chamber 58 is connected to the accumulator 114 via a line 101, a control valve 108 and a line 111. The second fluid chamber 57 is connected to the accumulator 114 via a line 100, a control valve 108 and a line 112. The accumulator 114 supplies fluid to the chambers 57, 58 for purposes of leakage compensation only. The control valve 108, preferably a spool valve, includes a spool 109 having at least two cylindrical lands 109a, 109b slidably received in the bore 106. The control valve 108, The bore 106 may be in the tensioner housing 2 or may be located remote from the tensioner housing within the engine. One end of the spool contacts a spring (110) that deflects the spool valve in a first direction.
At least a part of the movable sleeve 18 in front of the outer flange 20 is slidably received in the hollow piston 3. A piston spring 4 for deflecting the piston 3 out of the housing 2 is also present in the hollow piston 3. The piston spring 4 has a first end 4a in contact with the inside 3a of the hollow piston 3 and a second end 4b in contact with the upper surface 26 of the inner flange 22 of the movable sleeve 18. [ (4b). A through hole 47 is present in the inner flange 22 to allow fluid to flow from the inlet feed line 6 to the interior 3a of the piston 3 and the upper surface 26 of the inner flange 22 of the movable sleeve 18. [ .
At the bottom of the bore 2a there may also be an inlet check valve (not shown) as well as an inlet feed line 6 to provide oil pressure to the pressure chamber 16. In addition, a vent hole or pressure relief valve (not shown) may be present in the hollow piston 3.
When the tensioner applies tension to a new chain during operation, the fluid pressurizes the hydraulic chamber 16, in addition to the spring force from the piston spring 4, to deflect the span of the closed-loop chain, similar to Fig. Is supplied from the inlet feed line 6 to the hydraulic chamber 16 through the inlet check valve selectively to deflect the piston 3 out of the housing 2.
When the tensioner applies tension to the worn chain in the absence of a high load during operation, the fluid is forced into the hydraulic chamber 16, in addition to the spring force from the piston spring 4, to deflect the span of the closed- Is selectively supplied from the inflow feed line 6 to the hydraulic chamber 16 through the inflow check valve in order to pressurize and deflect the piston 3 out of the housing 2. As the chain wears, the piston 3 must be deflected further out of the housing 2 to apply appropriate tension to the chain. A larger amount of fluid is required to add the spring force when deflecting the piston 3 out of the housing 2 so that a portion of the fluid supplied to the hydraulic chamber 16 is forced out of the housing 2 Leaks into the fluid chambers 57, 58 between the bores 2a and moves the movable sleeve 18 out of the housing similarly to Figure 1b.
When the tensioner applies tension to the worn chain in the presence of a high chain load during operation, a high force pushes the piston 3 from the piston position shown in Fig. 1c (indicated by the dashed line) towards the housing. The spring force of the spool valve 108 from the spring 110 places the land 109a at a predetermined position relative to the line 100 to prevent fluid from escaping the fluid chamber 57, 57, the inward force and the inward movement of the piston are blocked by the fluid in the fluid chamber 57. As a result, Due to the pressurization of the fluid chamber 57, the inner flange 22 of the movable sleeve 40 exerts an outward force on the piston 3 through the piston spring 4 against the impelling force. Once the high load is removed from the piston 3 and essentially depressurizes the chamber 57 the accumulator 114 will fill the fluid chamber 57 and compensate for the movement of the sleeve 40 relative to the piston 3 And supplies the fluid to the fluid chamber 57 through the spool valve 108 for the fluid.
The movement of the movable sleeve 40 moves the second end 4b of the piston spring 4 which deflects the piston 3 out of the housing 2 so that the spring force acting on the piston 3 is variable, The piston (3) constantly applies tension to the chain even when the chain is worn and stretched.
It should be noted that the fluid chamber 58 is pressurized when the fluid chamber 57 is depressurized. When the fluid chamber 57 is filled with the fluid from the source 7, the movable sleeve 40 is moved. The spool valve 108 prevents the fluid from escaping from the fluid chamber 58 and thus essentially pressurizes the chamber 57 so that the movable sleeve 40 or more than the stroke required to maintain the position of the piston 3 relative to the chain. Is blocked by the fluid in the fluid chamber 58. [ Once the load is removed from the piston 3, the fluid chamber 58 is depressurized and the fluid chamber 57 is pressurized.
A sealing material (not shown) may be present between the bore 2a and the movable sleeve 40 or, if necessary, at any other location in the tensioner.
The hydraulic stiffness of the tensioner is generated by the chamber 16 and the pressure chambers 57 and 58 of the tensioner and is set such that the piston 3 and the movable sleeve 40 toward the housing 2 when the chain span is under load Thereby substantially preventing movement.
9 shows an active tensioner control system of a ninth embodiment.
The tensioner consists of a housing (2) with an axially extending piston bore (2a). The piston bore 2a includes an interior having a first diameter D1 and a second diameter D2, wherein the second diameter D2 is larger than the first diameter D1. A bore flange 52 is formed in the bore 2a for receiving the piston 3 through the check valve 125 and a second diameter D2 of the bore receiving the outer flange 20 of the movable sleeve 18. [ And separates the other second diameter portion D2.
The movable sleeve 18 is received in the bore 2a of the housing 2. The movable sleeve 18 is hollow and has a bore 2a of the housing 2 and an inner portion 3a of the piston 3 and an inner diameter portion 17 of the hollow movable sleeve 18 together with the pressure chamber 16 ). A sleeve spring 5 is present in the bore 2a and is received in the inner diameter portion 17 of the movable sleeve 18 so that the first end 5a of the spring 5 engages the inner flange of the movable sleeve 18 22 and the second end 5b of the spring 5 contacts the bottom 2c of the bore 2a. The sleeve spring 5 provides a biasing force to reduce the control force required to keep the movable sleeve 18 in the desired position relative to the piston 3. [
The movable sleeve 18 includes a peripheral flange 20 having an upper surface 29 and a lower surface 27. The outer flange 20 separates the second diameter D2 of the housing 2 into the first and second fluid chambers 58, 57. The first fluid chamber 58 is formed between the upper surface 29 of the outer flange 20 and the lower surface 51 of the bore flange 52 and the second fluid chamber 57 is formed between the lower surface 51 of the outer flange 20 27 and the other wall 73 of the second diameter portion D2.
The first fluid chamber 58 is connected to the accumulator 114 via a line 101, a control valve 108 and a line 112. The second fluid chamber 57 is connected to the accumulator 114 via a line 100, a control valve 108 and a line 112. The accumulator 114 is also in fluid communication with the pressure chamber 16 formed by the bore 2a of the housing 2 and the inner diameter portion 17 of the hollow movable sleeve 18.
The control valve 108, preferably a spool valve, includes a spool 109 having at least two cylindrical lands 109a, 109b slidably received in a bore 106, The flow to the fluid chambers 57, 58 can be blocked or allowed. The bore 106 may be in the tensioner housing 2 or may be located remote from the tensioner housing within the engine. One end of the control valve 108 contacts the actuator 116. In this embodiment, the actuator 116 is a positioning actuator or a linear actuator that sets an actuator to a particular position of the control valve 108. In an alternative embodiment, the actuator 116 may also be a force actuator with a force present on one side of the control valve. It should be noted that when the actuator 116 is a force actuator, there is a spring on the opposite side of the control valve that is affected by the actuator 116.
The actuator is controlled by a controller 118 that receives a setpoint input 122 from a setpoint algorithm or map 124. The controller 118 also receives the position feedback 120 of the movable sleeve 118 of the tensioner via a sensor (not shown). The setpoint algorithm or map 124 receives inputs from different engine parameters 126, such as but not limited to cam timing, engine speed, throttle, temperature, life span, and tensioner position.
At least a part of the movable sleeve 18 in front of the outer flange 20 is slidably received in the hollow piston 3. A piston spring 4 for deflecting the piston 3 out of the housing 2 is also present in the hollow piston 3. The piston spring 4 has a first end 4a in contact with the inside 3a of the hollow piston 3 and a second end 4b in contact with the upper surface 26 of the inner flange 22 of the movable sleeve 18. [ (4b). A through hole 47 is present in the inner flange 22 to permit fluid from the inlet feed line 6 to the interior 3a of the piston 3.
At the bottom of the bore 2a there may also be an inlet check valve (not shown) as well as an inlet feed line 6 to provide oil pressure to the pressure chamber 16. In addition, a vent hole or pressure relief valve (not shown) may be present in the hollow piston 3.
During operation, the fluid pressurizes the chamber 9 formed in the hydraulic chamber 16 and the interior 3a of the piston, together with the spring force from the piston spring 4, to deflect the span of the closed- Is selectively supplied from the inflow feed line 6 to the hydraulic chamber 16 via the inflow check valve in order to deflect the fluid 3 from the housing 2.
A sensor (not shown) provides the position feedback 120 of the movable sleeve 18 to the controller 118. The controller 118 compares the position feedback of the movable sleeve with the setpoint 122 from the setpoint algorithm or map 124 based on the different engine parameters 126.
The control valve 118 is not moved or driven when the position of the movable sleeve 18 corresponds to the set point 122 and the lands 109a and 109b are moved from the accumulator 114 to the fluid chambers 57 and 58 ). ≪ / RTI > In addition, since there is no fluid added to or removed from the fluid chambers 57, 58, the position of the movable sleeve 18 relative to the bore 2a of the housing and the piston 3 maintain.
When the position of the movable sleeve 18 does not correspond to the set point 122, the control valve 118 controls the flow of fluid to the accumulator 18 to move the movable sleeve 18 relative to the bore 2a of the housing and the piston 3. [ Is driven by the actuator 116 to a position where it flows from the fluid chamber 114 to the fluid chambers 57, 58. The movement of the movable sleeve 18 moves the position of the second end 4b of the piston spring 4 in contact with the upper surface 26 of the inner flange 22 of the movable sleeve 18, Is deflected out of the housing 2 to bring it into contact with the span of a chain or belt (not shown). The spring force acting on the piston 3 is variable while the second end 4b of the piston spring 4 that deflects the piston 3 out of the housing 2 is movable, Continuously tension the chain even when it is worn and stretched.
The movement of the movable sleeve 40 moves the second end 4b of the piston spring 4 which deflects the piston 3 out of the housing 2 so that the spring force acting on the piston 3 is variable, The piston (3) constantly applies tension to the chain even when the chain is worn and stretched.
The hydraulic stiffness of the tensioner is generated by the chamber 16 and the fluid chambers 57 and 58 of the tensioner and is transmitted to the piston 3 and the movable sleeve 18 toward the housing 2 when the chain span is under load Thereby substantially preventing movement.
A sealing material (not shown) may be present between the bore 2a and the movable sleeve 40 or, if necessary, at any other location in the tensioner.
10 shows an active control tensioner system of a tenth embodiment.
The tensioner consists of a housing (2) with an axially extending piston bore (2a). The movable sleeve 80 is received in the bore 2a of the housing 2. The movable sleeve 80 has a first opening 89a defined by an upper surface 82 and an upper inner diameter portion 89 of the central inner flange 81 and a second opening 89b defined by the lower surface 83 of the central inner flange 81, And a second opening 96a defined by the neck portion 96. The through hole 97 of the central inner flange 81 connects the first opening 89a of the movable sleeve 80 to the second opening 96a. The movable sleeve 80 also has an upper surface 98.
The hollow piston 3 is accommodated in the first opening 89a of the movable sleeve 80 defined by the upper surface 82 and the upper inner diameter portion 89 of the central inner flange 81. [ A piston (4) for deflecting the piston (3) out of the housing (2) is in the hollow piston (3). The piston spring 4 has a first end 4a in contact with the inside 3a of the hollow piston 3 and a second end 4b in contact with the upper surface 82 of the central inner flange 81 of the movable sleeve 80. [ And an end portion 4b.
The sleeve spring 5 is accommodated in the second opening of the movable sleeve 80 defined by the lower inner diameter portion 96 and the lower inner surface flange 81 of the central inner flange 81. [ The first end portion 5a of the sleeve spring 5 contacts the lower surface 83 of the central inner flange 81 of the movable sleeve 80 and the second end portion 5b of the sleeve spring 5 contacts the bore 2a As shown in Fig. The sleeve spring 5 provides a biasing force to reduce the control force required to keep the movable sleeve 80 in the desired position relative to the piston 3. [ A pressure chamber 16 is formed between the first and second openings 89 and 96 of the movable sleeve 80, the bore 2a and the inside 3a of the piston 3. A through hole 97 is present in the central interior flange 81 to allow fluid to flow from the inlet feed line 6 to the interior of the piston 3a and the upper surface 82 of the central interior flange 81 of the movable sleeve 80 Allow.
At the bottom 2c of the bore 2a there may also be an inlet check valve (not shown) as well as an inlet feed line 6 to provide oil pressure to the pressure chamber 16. In addition, a vent hole or pressure relief valve (not shown) may be present in the hollow piston 3.
The movable sleeve 80 has an outer peripheral flange 84 that is approximately equal to the width of the second diameter D2 but the flange 84 is slidable within the second diameter D2 of the bore 2a And may form a first fluid chamber 95 and a second fluid chamber 94. The first fluid chamber 95 is connected to the accumulator 114 via a line 101, a control valve 108 and a line 112. The second fluid chamber 94 is connected to the accumulator 114 via line 100, control valve 108, and line 112. The accumulator 114 also preferably includes a pressure chamber (not shown) defined by the bore 2a of the housing 2 and the lower inner surface 96a of the second opening 96 of the movable sleeve 80 via the check valve 125 16.
The control valve 108, preferably a spool valve, includes a spool 109 having at least two cylindrical lands 109a, 109b slidably received in the bore 106, To block or allow flow to the fluid chambers 94, 95. The bore 106 may be in the tensioner housing 2 or may be located remote from the tensioner housing within the engine. One end of the control valve 108 contacts the actuator 116. In this embodiment, the actuator 116 is a positioning actuator or a linear actuator in which the actuator sets a specific position of the control valve. In an alternative embodiment, the actuator 116 may also be a force actuator with a force present on one side of the control valve. It should be noted that when the actuator 116 is a force actuator, there is a spring on the opposite side of the control valve that is affected by the actuator 116.
The actuator position is controlled by a controller 118 that receives a setpoint input 122 from a setpoint algorithm or map 124. The controller 118 also receives the position feedback 120 of the movable sleeve 118 of the tensioner via a sensor (not shown). The setpoint algorithm or map 124 receives inputs from different engine parameters 126, such as but not limited to cam timing, engine speed, throttle, temperature, life span, and tensioner position.
In operation, the fluid, together with the spring force from the piston spring 4, presses the hydraulic chamber 16 and deflects the piston out of the housing 2, in order to deflect the span of the closed- (6) to the hydraulic chamber (16) via an inlet check valve.
A sensor (not shown) provides the position feedback 120 of the movable sleeve 80 to the controller 118. The controller 118 compares the position feedback of the movable sleeve with the setpoint 122 from the setpoint algorithm or map 124 based on the different engine parameters 126.
The control valve 118 is not moved or driven when the position of the movable sleeve 18 corresponds to the set point 122 and the lands 109a and 109b are moved from the accumulator 114 to the fluid chambers 94 and 95 ). ≪ / RTI > In addition, since there is no fluid added to or removed from the fluid chambers 94, 95, the position of the movable sleeve 80 relative to the bore 2a of the housing and the piston 3 maintain.
The control valve 118 is configured to allow fluid to flow through the accumulator 80 to move the movable sleeve 80 relative to the bore 2a of the housing and the piston 3. In the event that the position of the movable sleeve 80 does not correspond to the set point 122, Is driven by the actuator to a position where it flows from the fluid chamber (114) to the fluid chambers (94, 95). The movement of the movable sleeve 80 moves the position of the second end 4b of the piston spring 4 in contact with the upper surface 81 of the inner flange 81 of the movable sleeve 80, Is deflected out of the housing 2 to bring it into contact with the span of a chain or belt (not shown). The spring force acting on the piston 3 is variable while the second end 4b of the piston spring 4 that deflects the piston 3 out of the housing 2 is movable, Continuously tension the chain even when it is worn and stretched.
The movement of the movable sleeve 40 moves the second end 4b of the piston spring 4 which deflects the piston 3 out of the housing 2 so that the spring force acting on the piston 3 is variable, The piston (3) constantly applies tension to the chain even when the chain is worn and stretched.
The hydraulic stiffness of the tensioner is generated by the chamber 16 and the fluid chambers 94 and 95 of the tensioner and is directed to the interior of the piston 3 and the movable sleeve 80 toward the housing 2 when the chain span is under load Thereby substantially preventing movement.
A sealing material (not shown) may be present between the bore 2a and the movable sleeve 80 or, if necessary, at any other location in the tensioner.
It is therefore to be understood that the embodiments of the invention described herein are merely illustrative of the application of the principles of the invention. References herein to details of the illustrated implementations are not intended to limit the claims describing features that are themselves regarded as essential to the invention.
