US20090272348A1 - Valve timing control device and engine device and vehicle including the same - Google Patents
Valve timing control device and engine device and vehicle including the same Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20090272348A1 US20090272348A1 US11/721,895 US72189505A US2009272348A1 US 20090272348 A1 US20090272348 A1 US 20090272348A1 US 72189505 A US72189505 A US 72189505A US 2009272348 A1 US2009272348 A1 US 2009272348A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- camshaft
- engine
- phase
- valve
- control device
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
- F01L—CYCLICALLY OPERATING VALVES FOR MACHINES OR ENGINES
- F01L1/00—Valve-gear or valve arrangements, e.g. lift-valve gear
- F01L1/02—Valve drive
- F01L1/022—Chain drive
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
- F01L—CYCLICALLY OPERATING VALVES FOR MACHINES OR ENGINES
- F01L1/00—Valve-gear or valve arrangements, e.g. lift-valve gear
- F01L1/34—Valve-gear or valve arrangements, e.g. lift-valve gear characterised by the provision of means for changing the timing of the valves without changing the duration of opening and without affecting the magnitude of the valve lift
- F01L1/344—Valve-gear or valve arrangements, e.g. lift-valve gear characterised by the provision of means for changing the timing of the valves without changing the duration of opening and without affecting the magnitude of the valve lift changing the angular relationship between crankshaft and camshaft, e.g. using helicoidal gear
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
- F01L—CYCLICALLY OPERATING VALVES FOR MACHINES OR ENGINES
- F01L1/00—Valve-gear or valve arrangements, e.g. lift-valve gear
- F01L1/02—Valve drive
- F01L1/04—Valve drive by means of cams, camshafts, cam discs, eccentrics or the like
- F01L1/08—Shape of cams
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
- F01L—CYCLICALLY OPERATING VALVES FOR MACHINES OR ENGINES
- F01L1/00—Valve-gear or valve arrangements, e.g. lift-valve gear
- F01L1/12—Transmitting gear between valve drive and valve
- F01L1/18—Rocking arms or levers
- F01L1/181—Centre pivot rocking arms
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
- F01L—CYCLICALLY OPERATING VALVES FOR MACHINES OR ENGINES
- F01L1/00—Valve-gear or valve arrangements, e.g. lift-valve gear
- F01L1/02—Valve drive
- F01L1/04—Valve drive by means of cams, camshafts, cam discs, eccentrics or the like
- F01L1/047—Camshafts
- F01L1/053—Camshafts overhead type
- F01L2001/0535—Single overhead camshafts [SOHC]
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
- F01L—CYCLICALLY OPERATING VALVES FOR MACHINES OR ENGINES
- F01L2301/00—Using particular materials
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
- F01L—CYCLICALLY OPERATING VALVES FOR MACHINES OR ENGINES
- F01L2305/00—Valve arrangements comprising rollers
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
- F01L—CYCLICALLY OPERATING VALVES FOR MACHINES OR ENGINES
- F01L2820/00—Details on specific features characterising valve gear arrangements
- F01L2820/01—Absolute values
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
- F01L—CYCLICALLY OPERATING VALVES FOR MACHINES OR ENGINES
- F01L2820/00—Details on specific features characterising valve gear arrangements
- F01L2820/03—Auxiliary actuators
- F01L2820/035—Centrifugal forces
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a valve timing control device that controls the valve timing of an engine in a variable manner, and an engine device and a vehicle including such a control device.
- VVT variable valve timing
- variable valve timing mechanisms use an actuator such as a hydraulic cylinder and an electric motor.
- actuators are expensive and the use of such an actuator increases the size of the variable valve timing mechanism.
- variable valve timing mechanisms In general, the space occupied by an engine in a motorcycle is smaller than that of a four-wheeled automobile and the like. There has been a demand for motorcycles that can be manufactured less costly. Therefore, there is a demand for more inexpensive and compact variable valve timing mechanisms for use in motorcycles. This is why the variable valve timing mechanisms including actuators as described above cannot be used in motorcycles.
- a rotation phase generator has been suggested as a variable valve timing mechanism that can be made compact (see Patent Document 1).
- an input member including two intermediate members is rotated with the rotation of the engine.
- centrifugal force acting on a weight portion of the two intermediate members is greater than the energizing force of a coil spring connecting these intermediate members, the rotation phases of the input member and an output member connected to a camshaft change, so that the valve timing changes.
- the valve timing is controlled depending on the mechanical arrangement, and therefore the cost and size can be reduced.
- the hunting gives rise to noises and degradation in the durability of components.
- the cam profile is affected by the hunting and changed in particular, the performance and durability of the engine is lowered in some cases.
- valve timing control device having reduced hunting is known (see Patent Document 2).
- the disclosed valve timing control device employs a mechanism (one-way clutch mechanism) to fix the positional relation between the camshaft and the driven sprocket before and after change in the running torque.
- the one-way clutch mechanism is implemented based on the frictional force acting between the inner circumferential surface of the main body of the driven sprocket and the components.
- the components are liable to degradation caused by the friction, and therefore the material for the components must have high abrasion resistance. Consequently, the cost cannot be reduced.
- An object of the present invention is to provide a compact valve timing control device that can be manufactured more easily and less costly, and an engine device and a vehicle including the valve timing control device.
- a valve timing control device controls the opening/closing timings of first and second valves in response to the engine speed of an engine, and includes a rotation member provided rotatably in synchronization with the rotation of the engine, a first camshaft provided in abutment against the first valve and rotated together with the rotation member to open/close the first valve, a second camshaft provided in abutment against the second valve and provided rotatably relative to the first camshaft, the second camshaft being rotated together with the rotation member to open/close the second valve, and a phase changing mechanism that changes the phase of the second camshaft relative to the first camshaft between first and second phases.
- the phase changing mechanism includes a first engaging mechanism that engages the second camshaft while the second camshaft has the first phase relative to the first camshaft, and a second engaging mechanism that engages the second camshaft while the second camshaft has the second phase relative to the first camshaft.
- the first engaging mechanism is energized in the direction to engage the second camshaft and provided movably in the direction to disengage the second camshaft by centrifugal force
- the second engaging mechanism is energized in the direction to disengage the second camshaft and provided movably in the direction to engage the second camshaft by centrifugal force.
- the rotation member rotates in synchronization with the rotation of the engine, and the first camshaft and the second camshaft rotate together with the rotation member.
- the first valve in abutment against the first camshaft and the second valve in abutment against the second camshaft are opened/closed.
- the second camshaft can rotate relative to the first camshaft.
- the first engaging mechanism is energized in the direction to engage the second camshaft and the second engaging mechanism is energized in the direction to disengage the second camshaft.
- centrifugal force acts on the first and second engaging mechanisms.
- the centrifugal force acts to allow the first engaging mechanism to disengage the second camshaft and the second engaging mechanism to engage the second camshaft.
- the energizing force in the direction to engage the second camshaft is greater than the centrifugal force acting to disengage the second camshaft.
- the second camshaft is engaged with the first engaging mechanism.
- the energizing force in the direction to disengage the second camshaft is greater than the centrifugal force acting in the direction to engage the second camshaft. Therefore, the second camshaft is not engaged with the second engaging mechanism. Consequently, the second camshaft is engaged with the first engaging mechanism while it has the first phase relative to the first camshaft.
- the energizing force in the direction to engage the second camshaft is smaller than the centrifugal force acting to disengage the second camshaft. In this way, the second camshaft is not engaged with the first engaging mechanism.
- the energizing force acting to disengage the second camshaft is smaller than the centrifugal force acting in the direction to engage the second camshaft. Therefore, the second camshaft is engaged with the second engaging mechanism. Consequently, the second camshaft is engaged with the second engaging mechanism while it has the second phase relative to the first camshaft.
- the phase of the second camshaft relative to the first camshaft is changed between the first and second phases. Therefore, the opening/closing timings of the first and second valves are controlled in response to the engine speed of the engine.
- the phase of the second camshaft relative to the first camshaft is switched based on complementary movements between the first and second engaging mechanisms without using frictional force between components. Therefore, there is little degradation caused by abrasion between the components. As a result, the useful life of the valve timing control device can be prolonged without having to use abrasion resistant components, and the device can be manufactured less costly.
- the first engaging mechanism may include a first engaging portion provided at the second camshaft, a first engagement member provided movably between the state of being engaged with the first engaging portion and the state of being disengaged from the first engaging portion, a first energizing member for energizing the first engagement member in the direction in which the first engagement member is to be engaged with the first engaging portion, and a first weight that moves the first engagement member in the direction in which the first engagement member is to be disengaged from the first engaging portion by centrifugal force.
- the second engaging mechanism may include a second engaging portion provided at the second camshaft, a second engagement member provided movably between the state of being engaged with the second engaging portion and the state of being disengaged from the second engaging portion, a second energizing member for energizing the second engagement member in the direction in which the second engagement member is to be disengaged from the second engaging portion, and a second weight that moves the second engagement member in the direction in which the second engagement member is to be engaged with the second engaging portion by centrifugal force.
- the second camshaft may be provided rotatably relative to the first camshaft between the first phase and the second phase while the first engagement member is disengaged from the first engaging portion and the second engagement member is disengaged from the second engaging portion.
- the force of the first energizing member is greater than the centrifugal force acting on the first weight.
- the first engagement member is engaged with the first engaging portion
- the second camshaft is engaged with the first engaging mechanism.
- the force of the second energizing member is greater than centrifugal force acting on the second weight. This allows the second engagement member to be disengaged from the second engaging portion, and the second camshaft is not engaged with the second engaging mechanism. Consequently, the second camshaft is engaged with the first engaging mechanism while it has the first phase relative to the first camshaft.
- the force of the first energizing member is smaller than the centrifugal force acting on the first weight. In this way, the first engagement member is disengaged from the first engaging portion, so that the second camshaft is not engaged with the first engaging mechanism.
- the force of the second energizing member is smaller than the centrifugal force acting on the second weight. In this way, the second engagement member is inserted in the second engaging portion, and the second camshaft is engaged with the second engaging mechanism. Consequently, the second camshaft is engaged with the second engaging mechanism while it has the second phase relative to the first camshaft.
- the force of the first energizing member is smaller than the centrifugal force acting on the first weight. Therefore, the second camshaft engaged with the first engaging mechanism by then is no longer engaged with the first engaging mechanism. In this way, the second camshaft rotates relative to the first camshaft from the first phase to the second phase.
- the force of the second energizing member is greater than the centrifugal force acting on the second weight. Therefore, the second camshaft engaged with the second engaging mechanism by then is no longer engaged with the second engaging mechanism. Consequently, the second camshaft rotates relative to the first camshaft from the second phase to the first phase.
- the complementary movements between the first and second engaging mechanisms are implemented by a simple arrangement by using the first and second engaging portions, the first and second engagement members, the first and second energizing members, and the first and second weights.
- the first engaging portion may be a first hole provided in the second camshaft
- the first engagement member may be a first pin member provided movably between the state in which the first pin member is inserted in the first hole and the state in which the pin member stays out of the first hole
- the second engaging portion may be a second hole provided in the second camshaft
- the second engagement member may be a second pin member provided movably between the state in which the second pin member is inserted in the second hole and the state in which the second pin member stays out of the second hole.
- the force of the first energizing member is greater than the centrifugal force acting on the first weight. This allows the first pin member to be inserted in the first hole, and the second camshaft to be engaged with the first engaging mechanism.
- the force of the second energizing member is greater than the centrifugal force acting on the second weight. In this way, the second pin member is pulled out from the second hole, and the second camshaft is not engaged with the second engaging mechanism. Consequently, the second camshaft is engaged with the first engaging mechanism while it has the first phase relative to the first camshaft.
- the force of the first energizing member is smaller than centrifugal force acting on the first weight. Therefore, the first pin member is moved out from the first hole, so that the second camshaft is not engaged with the first engaging mechanism.
- the force of the second energizing member is smaller than the centrifugal force acting on the second weight. Therefore, the second pin member is inserted in the second hole, so that the second camshaft is engaged with the second engaging mechanism. Consequently, the second camshaft is engaged with the second engaging mechanism while it has the second phase relative to the first camshaft.
- the force of the first energizing member is smaller than centrifugal force acting on the first weight. Therefore, the second camshaft engaged with the first engaging mechanism by then is no longer engaged with the first engaging mechanism. In this way, the second camshaft rotates relative to the first camshaft from the first phase to the second phase.
- the force of the second energizing member is greater than centrifugal force acting on the second weight. Therefore, the second camshaft engaged with the second engaging mechanism by then is no longer engaged with the second engaging mechanism. In this way, the second camshaft rotates relative to the first camshaft from the second phase to the first phase.
- the phase changing mechanism may further include a restricting mechanism for restricting the rotation operation of the second camshaft relative to the first camshaft within the range between the first phase and the second phase.
- the restricting mechanism may include a preventing mechanism for preventing the second camshaft from rotating when the phase of the second camshaft relative to the first camshaft changes from the first phase to the second phase, and vice versa.
- the second camshaft rotates relative to the first camshaft from the first phase to the second phase. Then, the rotation of the second camshaft relative to the first camshaft is surely stopped in the second phase by the preventing mechanism.
- the second camshaft rotates relative to the first camshaft from the second phase to the first phase. Then, the rotation of the second camshaft relative to the first camshaft is surely stopped in the first phase by the preventing mechanism.
- phase of the second camshaft relative to the first camshaft can surely and readily be changed between the first and second phases.
- the preventing mechanism may include a groove provided in the circumferential direction of the second camshaft, and an abutment member fixed to the rotation member so that the abutment member can move in the groove and can abut against both end surfaces in the groove.
- the second camshaft rotates relative to the first camshaft from the first phase to the second phase. Then, the rotation of the second camshaft relative to the first camshaft is surely stopped in the second phase as the abutment member abuts against one end in the groove.
- the second camshaft rotates relative to the first camshaft from the second phase to the first phase. Then, the rotation of the second camshaft relative to the first camshaft is surely stopped in the first phase as the abutment member abuts against the other end in the groove.
- phase of the second camshaft relative to the first camshaft can surely and readily be changed between the first and second phases.
- An engine device includes an engine having first and second valves, and a valve timing control device that controls the opening/closing timings of the first and second valves in response to the engine speed of the engine.
- the valve timing control device includes a rotation member provided rotatably in synchronization with the rotation of the engine, a first camshaft provided in abutment against the first valve and rotated together with the rotation member to open/close the first valve, a second camshaft provided in abutment against the second valve and provided rotatably relative to the first camshaft, the second camshaft being rotated together with the rotation member to open/close the second valve, and a phase changing mechanism that changes the phase of the second camshaft relative to the first camshaft between first and second phases.
- the phase changing mechanism includes a first engaging mechanism that engages the second camshaft while the second camshaft has the first phase relative to the first camshaft, and a second engaging mechanism that engages the second camshaft while the second camshaft has the second phase relative to the first camshaft.
- the first engaging mechanism is energized in the direction to engage the second camshaft and provided movably in the direction to disengage the second camshaft by centrifugal force
- the second engaging mechanism is energized in the direction to disengage the second camshaft and provided movably in the direction to engage the second camshaft by centrifugal force.
- the opening/closing timings of the first and second valves are controlled by the valve timing control device in response to the engine speed of the engine.
- the rotation member rotates in synchronization with the rotation of the engine, and the rotation of the rotation member allows the first and second camshafts to rotate. In this way, the first valve in abutment against the first camshaft and the second valve in abutment against the second camshaft are opened/closed. In this case, the second camshaft can rotate relatively to the first camshaft.
- the first engaging mechanism is energized in the direction in which the first engaging mechanism is to engage the second camshaft, and the second engaging mechanism is energized in the direction in which the second engaging mechanism is to disengage the second camshaft.
- centrifugal force acts on the first and second engaging mechanisms.
- the centrifugal force acts to cause the first engaging mechanism to disengage the second camshaft and the second engaging mechanism to engage the second camshaft.
- the energizing force to engage the second camshaft is smaller than the centrifugal force acting to disengage the second camshaft. In this way, the second camshaft is not engaged with the first engaging mechanism.
- the energizing force acting in the direction to disengage the second camshaft is smaller than the centrifugal force acting in the direction to engage the second camshaft. Therefore, the second camshaft is engaged with the second engaging mechanism. Consequently, the second camshaft is engaged with the second engaging mechanism while it has the second phase relative to the first camshaft.
- the phase of the second camshaft relative to the first camshaft is changed between the first and second phases.
- the opening/closing timings of the first and second valves are controlled in response to the engine speed of the engine.
- the phase of the second camshaft relative to the first camshaft is switched based on complementary movements between the first and second engaging mechanisms without using frictional force between components. Therefore, there is little degradation caused by abrasion between the components. As a result, the useful life of the valve timing control device can be prolonged without having to use abrasion resistant components, and the device can be manufactured less costly.
- a vehicle includes an engine device, driving wheels, and a transmission mechanism that transmits power generated by the engine device to the driving wheels.
- the engine device includes an engine having first and second valves, and a valve timing control device that controls the opening/closing timings of the first and second valves in response to the engine speed of the engine.
- the valve timing control device includes a rotation member provided so that the member can rotate in synchronization with the rotation of the engine, a first camshaft provided in abutment against the first valve and rotated together with the rotation member to open/close the first valve, a second camshaft provided in abutment against the second valve and provided rotatably relative to the first camshaft, the second camshaft being rotated together with the rotation member to open/close the second valve, and a phase changing mechanism that changes the phase of the second camshaft relative to the first camshaft between first and second phases.
- the phase changing mechanism includes a first engaging mechanism that engages the second camshaft while the second camshaft has the first phase relative to the first camshaft, and a second engaging mechanism that engages the second camshaft while the second camshaft has the second phase relative to the first camshaft.
- the first engaging mechanism is energized in the direction to engage the second camshaft and provided movably in the direction to disengage the second camshaft by centrifugal force
- the second engaging mechanism is energized in the direction to disengage the second camshaft and provided movably in the direction to engage the second camshaft by centrifugal force.
- the opening/closing timings of the first and second valves are controlled by the valve timing control device in response to the engine speed of the engine.
- valve timing control device in the engine device, there is little degradation caused by abrasion between components. As a result, the useful life of the valve timing control device can be prolonged without having to use abrasion resistant components, and the device can be manufactured less costly.
- valve timing control device there is little degradation caused by abrasion between components. As a result, the useful life of the valve timing control device can be prolonged without having to use abrasion resistant components, and the device can be manufactured less costly. Furthermore, high working precision is not required, and the complementary movements between the first and second engaging mechanisms can be achieved simply by the mechanical arrangement, so that the device can be more readily manufactured. Therefore, a valve timing control device, an engine device, and a vehicle having high performance and high durability can be implemented. In addition, there is no need for a control system including a hydraulic circuit, an electric circuit, and software to control the movement of the first and second engaging mechanisms. This allows the valve timing control device to have a reduced size, and therefore the engine device and the vehicle can be reduced in size accordingly.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a motorcycle according to one embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 2 is a view for use in illustrating the general structure of a valve timing control device according to the embodiment
- FIGS. 3 to 5 are perspective views for use in illustrating how a valve timing control device is assembled
- FIG. 6 is a detailed sectional view of a cylinder head taken along line P-P in FIG. 2( b );
- FIG. 7 is an external side view of the cylinder head removed of the side cover in FIG. 6 ;
- FIG. 8 includes a partly cutaway sectional view of the cylinder head taken along line R-R in FIG. 6 and a view for use in illustrating the phase relation between an intake cam and an exhaust cam;
- FIG. 9 is a chart for use in illustrating the relation between the phases of the exhaust cam and the intake cam relative to the crank shaft in FIG. 2 and the lift amounts of the exhaust valve and the intake valve as the crank shaft rotates;
- FIGS. 10 to 14 are cutaway perspective views for use in illustrating the operation of the valve timing control device.
- valve timing control device according to one embodiment of the invention and an engine device and a vehicle including the control device will be described.
- a small size motorcycle having a displacement of about 250 cc or less will be described as the embodiment.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic view of the motorcycle according to the embodiment of the invention.
- a head pipe 3 is provided at the front end of a main body frame 6 .
- a front fork 2 provided at the head pipe 3 can swing from side to side.
- the front wheel 1 is rotatably supported.
- a handle 4 is attached to the upper end of the head pipe 3 .
- An engine 7 is held in the center of the main body frame 6 .
- a fuel tank 8 is provided above the engine 7 , and a seat 9 is provided behind the fuel tank 8 .
- a rear arm 10 is connected to the main body frame 6 to extend behind the engine 7 .
- the rear arm 10 holds the rear wheel 11 and a rear wheel driven sprocket 12 in a rotatable manner.
- An exhaust pipe 13 is connected to the exhaust port of the engine 7 .
- a muffler 14 is attached to the rear end of the exhaust pipe 13 .
- a rear wheel drive sprocket 15 is attached to the drive shaft 26 of the engine 7 .
- the rear wheel drive sprocket 15 is coupled to the rear wheel driven sprocket 12 of the rear wheel 11 through a chain 16 .
- the engine 7 includes a valve timing control device. Now, the valve timing control device according to the embodiment will be described.
- FIG. 2 illustrates the general structure of the valve timing control device according to the embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 2( a ) is a schematic top view of the valve timing control device provided in the engine 7 .
- FIG. 2( b ) is a schematic side view of the valve timing control device provided in the engine 7 .
- the valve timing control device 200 is provided at a cylinder head 7 S.
- the valve timing control device 200 includes a cam driven sprocket 220 , an intake cam 231 , and an exhaust cam 241 .
- crankshaft 23 rotates, and the cam drive sprocket 24 provided at the crankshaft 23 rotates.
- the turning force of the cam drive sprocket 24 is transmitted to the cam driven sprocket 220 of the valve timing control device 200 through a chain 25 . In this way, the valve timing control device 200 rotates.
- valve timing control device 200 the phase relation between the intake cam 231 and the exhaust cam 241 changes in response to the engine speed of the engine 7 and changes in the engine speed (rise and fall in the engine speed). This changes the valve timing.
- FIGS. 3 to 5 are perspective views for use in illustrating how the valve timing control device 200 is assembled.
- the three directions orthogonal to one another as indicated by arrows X, Y, and Z are defined as the X-, Y-, and Z-directions, respectively.
- the valve timing control device 200 mainly includes a lock pin holding mechanism 210 (see FIG. 3 ), a cam driven sprocket 220 (see FIG. 4 ), an intake camshaft 230 (see FIG. 5 ), and an exhaust camshaft 240 (see FIG. 5 ).
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing how the lock pin holding mechanism 210 is assembled. As shown in FIG. 3 , two support members 211 and 212 elongated in the Z-direction are provided a prescribed distance apart from each other in the X-direction.
- the support member 211 has a substantially circular arc shaped, plate portion 211 A parallel to the X-Z plane and elongated in the Z-direction.
- One side of the plate portion 211 A in the Z-direction has a circular arc shape, and the other side has a linear shape.
- a through hole 211 a is formed each in the vicinity of the upper and lower end portions of the plate portion 211 A.
- Projections 211 B and 211 D are formed to extend in the Y-direction from the upper and lower ends of one side along the Z-direction of the plate portion 211 A.
- a spring holding member 211 C is formed to extend in the X-direction from the part below the center of the side of the plate portion 211 A along the Z-direction and then bent in the Y-direction.
- the projections 211 B and 211 D and the spring holding member 211 C have through holes 211 b , 211 d , and 211 c , respectively.
- the projection 211 B is the shortest
- the spring holding member 211 C is the second shortest
- the projection 211 D is the third shortest among these three parts. In this way, in the Y-direction, the through holes 211 b , 211 c , and 211 d are closer to the plate portion 211 A in this order.
- the support members 212 and 211 are substantially symmetric with respect to the X-Z plane. Projections 212 B and 212 D are formed to extend in the Y-direction from the upper and lower ends of one side along the Z-direction of the plate portion 212 A.
- the through holes 212 a are formed in the vicinity of the upper and lower ends of the plate portion 212 A.
- a spring holding member 212 C is formed to extend from the position above the center of the end of the plate portion 212 A along the Z-direction and then bent in the Y-direction.
- the projections 212 B and 212 D and the spring holding member 212 C have through holes 212 b , 212 d , and 212 c , respectively.
- the lengths of the projections 212 B and 212 D of the support member 212 in the Y-direction are equal to the projections 211 B and 211 D of the support member 211 in the Y-direction.
- the length of the spring holding member 212 C of the support member 212 in the Y-direction is different from the length of the spring holding member 211 C of the support member 211 in the Y-direction.
- a weight 213 has a weight main body 213 a , a plate shaped extension 213 d , two tubular portions 213 e , and two hook portions 213 f .
- the weight main body 213 a has a substantially rectangular shape extending in the X-direction.
- One surface (lower surface) of the weight main body 213 a parallel to the X-Y plane has a groove 213 b along the Y-direction and a projection 213 c projecting in the Z-direction.
- the projection 213 c has a through hole extending in the X-direction.
- the extension 213 d extends in the Y-direction from the other surface (upper surface) of the weight main body 213 a parallel to the X-Y plane.
- the two tubular portions 213 e are formed in the X-direction on both ends of the extension 213 d in the X-direction.
- the two hook portions 213 f extend to be inclined from the center of the extension 213 d in the X-direction to the lower side of the extension 213 d .
- the two hook portions 213 f have their tip ends bent like hooks.
- the two hook portions 213 f are provided with high speed lock pin 214 that extends in the Y-direction. At one end of the high speed lock pin 214 , a support pin 214 t extending in the X-direction is formed. Since the support pin 214 t is provided at the hook portion 213 f , the high speed lock pin 214 is pivotably held by the weight 213 . Part of the high speed lock pin 214 can abut against the groove 213 b.
- a pivot shaft 215 is inserted into the tubular portions 213 e of the weight 213 . In this way, the pivot shaft 215 can hold the weight 213 in a pivotable manner. In this state, both ends of the pivot shaft 215 are inserted into the through holes 211 b and 212 b of the support members 211 and 212 , respectively. In this way, the weight 213 is pivotably held between the support members 211 and 212 .
- a weight 216 has the same structure as the weight 213 . However, during assembling the lock pin holding mechanism 210 , the weight 216 is provided symmetrically to the weight 213 with reference to an axis parallel to the X-direction.
- the weight main body 216 a , an extension 216 d , two tubular portions 216 e and two hook portions 216 f of the weight 216 correspond to the weight main body 213 a , the extension 213 d , the two tubular portions 213 e and the two hook portions 213 f of the weight 213 , respectively.
- the groove 216 b and the projection 216 c of the weight 216 correspond to the groove 213 b and the projection 213 c of the weight 213 , respectively.
- the two hook portions 216 f are provided with a low speed lock pin 217 extending in the Y-direction.
- the low speed lock pin 217 is shorter than the high speed lock pin 214 .
- a support pin 217 t is formed to extend in the X-direction at one end of the low speed lock pin 217 . Since the support pin 217 t is provided at the hook portion 216 f , the low speed lock pin 217 is pivotably held by the weight 216 .
- the low speed lock pin 217 has its pivotable range restricted as will be described. In this way, the low speed lock pin 217 does not abut against the groove 216 b.
- a pivot shaft 218 is inserted to the tubular portions 216 e of the weight 216 . In this way, the pivot shaft 218 can hold the weight 216 in a pivotable manner. In this state, both ends of the pivot shaft 218 are inserted into the through holes 211 d and 212 d of the support members 211 and 212 . In this way, the weight 216 is held pivotably between the support members 211 and 212 .
- the weights 213 and 216 are provided to oppose each other in the Z-direction.
- Screws 219 are inserted into the two through holes 211 a of the support member 211 and the two through holes 212 a of the support members 212 .
- FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing how the lock pin holding mechanism 210 and the cam driven sprocket 220 are assembled.
- the cam driven sprocket 220 is provided parallel to the X-Z plane.
- a spring S 1 has its both ends attached in a through hole provided at the projection 213 c of the weight 213 and the through hole 211 c of the spring holding portion 211 C.
- a spring S 2 has its both ends attached in a through hole provided at the projection 216 c of the weight 216 and the through hole 212 c of the spring holding member 212 C.
- the cam driven sprocket 220 has a plurality of through holes 220 a to 220 f .
- a through hole 220 a having the largest diameter among all the through holes is formed.
- the four through holes 220 b , 220 c , 220 e , and 220 f are formed at equiangular intervals on a circle centered around the through hole 220 a of the cam driven sprocket 220 .
- the four through holes 220 d are formed at equiangular intervals on another circle around the through hole 220 a of the cam driven sprocket 220 .
- the four through holes 220 d are each threaded.
- a projection 220 T is formed in the vicinity of the through hole 220 c at one surface 220 A of the cam driven sprocket 220 .
- the screws 219 of the lock pin holding mechanism 210 are fixed through the four through holes 220 d of the cam driven sprocket 220 . In this way, the lock pin holding mechanism 210 is fixed to the side of the surface 220 A of the cam driven sprocket 220 .
- the high speed lock pin 214 is inserted in the through hole 220 b
- the low speed lock pin 217 is inserted in the through hole 220 c .
- the high speed lock pin 214 does not project to the side of the other surface 220 B of the cam driven sprocket 220 and the low speed lock pin 217 projects a prescribed length from the side of the other surface 220 B of the cam driven sprocket 220 .
- FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the structure assembled as shown in FIG. 4 (hereinafter referred to as “assembled structure”) and the assembly of the intake camshaft 230 and the exhaust camshaft 240 . Note that the intake camshaft 230 and the exhaust camshaft 240 have their axial center J arranged parallel to the Y-direction.
- the intake camshaft 230 is included an intake cam 231 , a stepped portion 232 , and a pivot shaft 233 .
- the intake camshaft 230 has the cylindrical pivot shaft 233 on one end side, the stepped portion 232 having a diameter slightly greater than the diameter of the pivot shaft 233 , and the intake cam 231 on the other end side.
- a pivot through hole 230 H is formed to extend in the Y-direction from the center of the end of the pivot shaft 233 to the center of the end of the intake cam 231 . More specifically, the pivot through hole 230 H is formed from one end to the other end of the intake camshaft 230 in the Y-direction.
- a high speed pin introduction hole 233 c On the end surface of the pivot shaft 233 , a high speed pin introduction hole 233 c , a low speed pin introduction hole 233 d , two pin floating grooves 233 a and 233 b are formed on a circle around the axial center J.
- the high speed pin introduction hole 233 c and the low speed pin introduction hole 233 d are formed substantially opposing to each other through the pivot through hole 230 H. Note however that the high speed pin introduction hole 233 c and the low speed pin introduction hole 233 d are provided so that the straight line connecting each other does not pass through the axial center J.
- the pin floating grooves 233 a and 233 b are formed to extend in the circumferential direction around the axial center J and oppose to each other through the pivot through hole 230 H.
- the exhaust camshaft 240 has an exhaust cam 241 , a stepped portion 242 , a cam fixing shaft 243 , and a projection shaft 244 .
- the exhaust camshaft 240 has the cam fixing shaft 243 extending in the Y-direction on one end side in the Y-direction, the stepped portion 242 and the exhaust cam 241 in the center, and the projection shaft 244 extending in the Y-direction on the other end side.
- a sprocket screw hole 240 H is formed at an end of the cam fixing shaft 243 .
- the intake camshaft 230 When the assembled structure, the intake camshaft 230 , and the exhaust camshaft 240 are assembled, the intake can shaft 230 and the exhaust camshaft 240 are provided on the side of the surface 220 B of the cam driven sprocket 220 .
- the cam fixing shaft 243 of the exhaust camshaft 240 is inserted in the pivot through hole 230 H of the intake camshaft 230 .
- the exhaust camshaft 240 holds the intake camshaft 230 in a rotatable manner.
- One end of the cam fixing shaft 243 of the exhaust camshaft 240 is inserted in the through hole 220 a from the side of the surface 220 B of the cam driven sprocket 220 .
- a sprocket screw 250 is screwed in the sprocket screw hole 240 H of the cam fixing shaft 243 from the side of the surface 220 A of the cam driven sprocket 220 .
- the cam driven sprocket 220 is fixed to the exhaust camshaft 240 .
- exhaust cam 241 , the stepped portion 242 , the cam fixing shaft 243 , and the projection shaft 244 of the exhaust camshaft 240 may be formed either integrally or discretely.
- the intake cam 231 , the stepped portion 232 , and the pivot shaft 233 of the intake camshaft 230 may be formed either integrally or discretely.
- a fixing mechanism that restricts the rotation of the exhaust camshaft 240 relative to the cam driven sprocket 220 may be provided at the connecting part of the cam fixing shaft 243 and the through hole 220 a.
- the fixing mechanism may be implemented for example by providing a projection portion at a tip end of the cam fixing shaft 243 of the exhaust camshaft 240 and providing a groove that can be engaged with the projection portion of the cam fixing shaft 243 at the through hole 220 a of the cam driven sprocket 220 .
- the intake camshaft 230 is positioned as it is held by the exhaust camshaft 240 as follows.
- the fixing pins 230 A and 230 B and part of the low speed lock pin 217 project in the Y-direction from the side of the surface 220 B of the cam driven sprocket 220 .
- the intake camshaft 230 is positioned such that the fixing pin 230 A is inserted into the pin floating groove 233 a , the fixing pin 230 B is inserted in the pin floating groove 233 b , and part of the low speed lock pin 217 is inserted into the low speed pin introduction hole 233 d.
- valve timing control device 200 as described above is attached to the engine 7 will be described.
- FIG. 6 is a detailed sectional view of a cylinder head 7 S taken along line P-P in FIG. 2( b ).
- the three directions orthogonal to one another as indicated by X, Y, and Z are defined as the X-, Y-, and Z-directions, respectively. Note that in FIGS. 7 and 8 , the X-, Y-, and Z-directions are defined in the same manner.
- valve timing control device 200 there is a space for attaching the valve timing control device 200 in the center of the cylinder head 7 S.
- valve head timing control device 200 When the valve head timing control device 200 is attached to the cylinder head 7 S, bearings B 1 and B 2 are attached to the pivot shaft 233 and the projection shaft 244 of the valve timing control device 200 .
- one end surface of the bearing B 1 perpendicular to the shaft in the Y-direction abuts against the inner abutment surface HB 1 of the cylinder head 7 S.
- One end surface of the bearing B 2 perpendicular to the axis in the Y-direction abuts against the inner abutment surface BH 2 of the cylinder head 7 S.
- valve timing control device 200 As the valve timing control device 200 is accommodated in the cylinder head 7 S, part of the other end surface of the bearing B 1 perpendicular to the axis in the Y-direction abuts against a fixing plate BH 3 connected to the cylinder head 7 S. In this way, the valve timing control device 200 is pivotably fixed in the cylinder head 7 S.
- roller rocker arms 330 and 340 are provided above the valve timing control device 200 .
- the roller rocker arm 330 is provided above the intake camshaft 230 , and a roller 330 T attached to the arm 330 R abuts against the intake camshaft 230 .
- the roller rocker arm 340 is provided above the exhaust camshaft 240 , and a roller 340 T attached to the arm 340 R abuts against the exhaust camshaft 240 .
- a side cover SC is provided to the cylinder head 7 S to cover the side of the lock pin holding mechanism 210 of the valve timing control device 200 .
- FIG. 7 is an external side view of the cylinder head 7 S removed of the side cover SC in FIG. 6 .
- the chain 25 is engaged with the cam driven sprocket 220 .
- the valve timing control device 200 rotates in the direction denoted by the arrow Q 1 .
- FIG. 8 shows a partly cutaway sectional view of the cylinder head 7 S taken along line R-R in FIG. 6 , and a view for use in illustrating the phase relation between the intake cam 231 and the exhaust cam 241 .
- FIG. 8( a ) is a partly cutaway sectional view of the cylinder head 7 S taken along line R-R in FIG. 6 .
- the section is partly removed around the intake valve and the exhaust valve for the ease of understanding.
- the roller rocker arm 330 provided above the intake cam 231 includes the roller 330 T, the arm 330 R, a shaft 331 , an adjuster 332 , and a nut 333 .
- the arm 330 R extending in the X-direction is pivotably held by the shaft 331 in its central part.
- the roller 330 T is provided at one end of the arm 330 R in the X-direction, and the adjuster 332 is attached at the other end by the nut 333 .
- the roller 330 T moves up and down according to the rotation operation of the intake cam 231 .
- the arm 330 R pivots around the shaft 331 .
- the adjuster 332 attached to the other end of the arm 330 R moves up and down.
- the upper end of the intake valve 334 is positioned at the lower end of the adjuster 332 .
- a valve spring 335 is provided at the intake valve 334 , and the valve spring 335 energizes the upper end of the intake valve 334 in the upward direction.
- the intake valve 334 also moves up and down. This allows the intake valve 334 to be opened/closed.
- the roller rocker arm 340 provided above the exhaust cam 241 has the same structure as the roller rocker arm 330 and operates in the same manner.
- the roller 340 T, an arm 340 R, a shaft 341 , an adjuster 342 , and a nut 343 of the roller rocker arm 340 correspond to the roller 330 T, the arm 330 R, the shaft 331 , the adjuster 332 , and the nut 333 , respectively of the roller rocker arm 330 .
- the exhaust valve 344 is provided with the valve spring 345 .
- valve timing control device 200 rotates in the direction denoted by the arrow Q 2 .
- the phase of the intake cam 231 relative to the phase of the exhaust cam 241 varies depending on the structure of the above-described valve timing control device 200 .
- FIG. 8( b ) is a view for use in illustrating the phase relation between the intake cam 231 and the exhaust cam 241 .
- the exhaust cam 241 is shown by a thick solid line in FIG. 8( b ).
- the intake cam 231 is shown by a thin solid line and a two dot chain line.
- first engine speed the prescribed engine speed when the engine speed increases from a low value
- the tip end of the cam nose of the intake cam 231 is at position T 2 .
- the tip end of the cam nose of the intake cam 231 moves to position T 1 .
- the prescribed engine speed when the engine speed drops from a high value is referred to as “second engine speed.”
- the phase of the intake cam 231 relative to the exhaust cam 241 changes depending on the engine speed of the engine 7 and changes in the engine speed (rise and fall in the engine speed).
- the change amount in the phase of the intake cam 231 is represented by angle ⁇ .
- the valve timing is different between when the engine 7 operates at low engine speed and when the engine operates at high engine speed.
- the overlap between the period in which the intake valve is open and the period in which the exhaust valve is open is small, so that toxic substances in the exhaust gas are reduced, which reduces the fuel consumption.
- the overlap between the period in which the intake valve is open and the period in which the exhaust valve is open is large, so that high power can efficiently be provided.
- FIG. 9 is a view for use in illustrating the relation between the phases of the exhaust cam 241 and the intake cam 231 relative to the crankshaft 23 in FIG. 2 and the lift amounts of the exhaust valve 344 and the intake valve 334 as the crankshaft 23 rotates.
- the abscissa represents the crank angle (the rotational angle of the crank shaft 23 ), and the ordinate represents the lift amounts of the exhaust valve 344 and the intake valve 334 (the displacements of the exhaust valve 344 and the intake valve 334 in the upper and lower directions).
- the exhaust valve 344 and the intake valve 334 are open when the lift amounts are greater than zero, and closed when the lift amounts are zero.
- the crank angle ranges from ⁇ 360° to +360°.
- the crank angle is 0°, 360°, and ⁇ 360°
- the piston 21 is positioned at the top dead center TDC in the cylinder 20
- the crank angle is 180° and ⁇ 180°
- the piston 21 is positioned at the bottom dead center BDC in the cylinder 20 .
- the thick solid line 241 L in FIG. 9 shows changes in the lift amount of the exhaust valve 344 caused by the rotation of the exhaust cam 241 .
- the lift amount of the exhaust valve 344 increases for the crank angle about in the range from ⁇ 240° to ⁇ 110°, and decreases for the crank angle about in the range from ⁇ 110° to 20°.
- the solid line TL 1 in FIG. 9 shows changes in the lift amount of the intake valve 334 caused by the rotation of the intake cam 231 when the engine 7 operates at low engine speed.
- the lift amount of the intake valve 334 increases for the crank angle about in the range from 40° to 170°, and decreases for the crank angle about in the range from 170° to 300°.
- the overlap amount between the period in which the intake valve 334 is open and the period in which the exhaust valve 344 is open is small. In the example in FIG. 9 , the overlap amount is zero.
- the dash double dotted line TL 2 in FIG. 9 represents the lift amount of the intake valve 334 caused by the rotation of the intake cam 231 when the engine 7 operates at high engine speed.
- the lift amount of the intake valve 334 increases for the crank angle about in the range from ⁇ 30° to 100°, and decreases for the crank angle about in the range from 100° to 230°.
- phase of the intake cam 231 changes by angle ⁇ relative to the exhaust cam 241 between when the engine 7 operates at low engine speed and when the engine operates at high engine speed, so that the overlap between the period in which the exhaust valve 344 is open and the period in which the intake valve 334 is open changes, and the above described advantage can be provided.
- valve timing control device 200 As shown in FIG. 6 , the lock pin holding mechanism 210 has a relatively small length in the Y-direction. In this way, the valve timing control device 200 has great flexibility in attachment (flexibility in layout), and good general versatility. Therefore, the valve timing control device 200 can also be applied effectively to an engine having a structure other than those described above.
- FIGS. 10 to 14 are cutaway perspective views for use in illustrating the operation of the valve timing control device 200 .
- the lock pin holding mechanism 210 in the valve timing control device 200 , the cam driven sprocket 220 , and the intake camshaft 230 are partly cut away.
- the direction denoted by the arrow Z is defined as the Z-direction. Note that the direction of the arrow in the Z-direction is defined as the +direction, while the direction opposite to the direction is defined as the ⁇ direction.
- the dashed line represents the axial center J of the valve timing control device 200 .
- FIG. 10 shows the state of the valve timing control device 200 when the assembling of the device is completed.
- the lock pin holding mechanism 210 and the cam driven sprocket 220 are cut away in the Z-direction from the center.
- the fixing pin 230 B is actually connected to the cam driven sprocket 220 as described above.
- the weight main body 213 a of the weight 213 is energized in the ⁇ Z-direction by the spring S 1 .
- the weight 213 holds the high speed lock pin 214 inserted in the through hole 220 b of the cam driven sprocket 220 .
- the rotation operation of the weight 213 around the pivot shaft 215 is limited.
- a part of the high speed lock pin 214 abuts against the groove 213 b of the weight 213 .
- the weight main body 216 a of the weight 216 is energized in the +Z-direction by the spring S 2 that is not shown (see FIG. 4 ).
- the weight 216 holds the low speed lock pin 217 inserted in the through hole 220 c of the cam driven sprocket 220 . In this way, the rotation operation of the weight 216 around the pivot shaft 218 is restricted.
- one end of the high speed lock pin 214 inserted in the cam driven sprocket 220 substantially abuts against a contact surface 230 M that is orthogonal to the axial center J of the intake camshaft 230 .
- the low speed lock pin 217 is inserted in the low speed pin introduction hole 233 d of the intake camshaft 230 .
- One end of the low speed lock pin 217 inserted in the low speed pin introduction hole 233 d substantially abuts against the bottom surface of the low speed pin introduction hole 233 d.
- the pin floating groove 233 b extends in the circumferential direction around the axial center J.
- one end of the pin floating groove 233 b in the circumferential direction is referred to as “low speed groove end LP” and the other end of the pin floating groove 233 b in the circumferential direction is referred to as “high speed groove end HP.”
- the fixing pin 230 B inserted in the pin floating groove 233 b is positioned at the low speed groove end LP.
- the fixing pin 230 B is fixed to the cam driven sprocket 220 , so that the rotation of the intake camshaft 230 in the direction denoted by the arrow M 1 relative to the cam driven sprocket 220 and the exhaust camshaft 240 is restricted.
- the low speed lock pin 217 is inserted in the low speed pin introduction hole 233 d , and therefore the intake camshaft 230 cannot rotate relative to the cam driven sprocket 220 and the exhaust camshaft 240 either in the direction denoted by the arrow M 1 or M 2 .
- FIG. 11 shows the state of the valve timing control device 200 at low engine speed.
- small centrifugal force acts on the weights 213 and 216 . This generates force to rotate the weight main body 213 a around the pivot shaft 215 as indicated by the thick arrow M 3 .
- Force to rotate the weight main body 216 a around the pivot shaft 218 is generated as indicated by the thick arrow M 4 .
- the spring S 2 that is not shown (see FIG. 4 ) energizes the weight main body 216 a in the +Z direction, and therefore the elastic force by the spring S 2 and the force acting in the direction of the thick arrow M 4 are balanced. Consequently, the low speed lock pin 217 is not completely pulled out from the low speed pin introduction hole 233 d.
- FIGS. 12 and 13 show the state of the valve timing control device 200 when the engine speed of the engine 7 is raised to the first engine speed.
- centrifugal force is exerted on the weights 213 and 216 .
- the engine speed of the engine 7 changes from a low value to a high value, larger centrifugal force is exerted on the weights 213 and 216 .
- the force acting in the direction of the thick arrow M 4 generated at the weight main body 216 a is greater than the elastic force of the spring S 2 in FIG. 4 , and becomes greater than the force acting in the direction of the arrow M 6 to pull out the low speed lock pin 217 from the low speed pin introduction hole 233 d.
- the intake camshaft 230 is allowed to rotate relative to the cam driven sprocket 220 and the exhaust camshaft 240 .
- the fixing pin 230 B inserted in the pin floating groove 233 b is positioned at the low speed groove end LP. Therefore, the intake camshaft 230 is allowed to rotate only in the direction of the arrow M 2 .
- the elastic force of the valve spring 335 is transmitted to the intake cam 231 of the intake camshaft 230 through the roller rocker arm 330 .
- the roller 330 T of the roller rocker arm 330 abuts against the upper end of the intake cam 231 .
- the upper end of the intake cam 231 is energized downwardly by the elastic force of the valve spring 335 .
- the force acts to rotate the intake camshaft 230 in the direction of the arrow M 2 , so that the intake camshaft 230 rotates in the direction of the arrow M 2 relative to the cam driven sprocket 220 and the exhaust camshaft 240 .
- the pin floating groove 233 b having the fixing pin 230 B inserted therein rotates around the axial center J.
- the pin floating groove 233 b has the low speed groove end LP and the high speed groove end HP as described above. Therefore, the rotation of the pin floating groove 233 b in the direction of the arrow M 2 is restricted by the high speed groove end HP.
- the high speed pin introduction hole 233 c is in communication with the through hole 220 b of the cam driven sprocket 220 . Consequently, the high speed lock pin 214 in abutment against the contact surface 230 M has one end inserted to the high speed pin introduction hole 233 c by the centrifugal force acting on the weight 213 (see FIG. 14 ).
- the projection 220 T in FIG. 3 is indicated by a broken line.
- the projection 220 T is provided to restrict the rotation of the weight main body 216 a around the pivot shaft 218 . For example, if the weight main body 216 a rotates by a prescribed amount, one surface of the weight main body 216 a abuts against the projection 220 T. In this way, the weight main body 216 a rotates largely in the direction of the arrow M 4 , and the low speed lock pin 217 is prevented from being pulled out from the through hole 220 c.
- FIG. 14 shows the state of the valve timing control device 200 after change in the valve timing of the engine 7 based on the first engine speed.
- the high speed lock pin 214 has one end inserted through the high speed pin introduction hole 233 c .
- the intake camshaft 230 cannot rotate either in the direction of the arrow M 1 or M 2 . Therefore, at high engine speed, the phase relation between the intake cam 231 and the exhaust cam 241 is fixed to a phase relation different from the phase relation at low engine speed.
- the weight main body 216 a rotates in the opposite direction to the direction of the thick arrow M 4 by the elastic force of the spring S 2 that is not shown (see FIG. 4 ). Consequently, one end of the low speed lock pin 217 is pressed against the contact surface 230 M of the intake camshaft 230 .
- the elastic force of the valve spring 335 acting on the intake cam 231 rotates the intake camshaft 230 in the direction of M 1 .
- the low speed lock pin 217 is inserted into the low speed pin introduction hole 233 d of the intake camshaft 230 , so that the intake camshaft 230 is fixed.
- the valve timing of the engine 7 changes stably without being affected by the elastic force of the valve springs 335 and 345 .
- valve timing changes at different engine speeds between when the engine speed of the engine 7 is raised and when the engine speed is lowered. More specifically, the first and second engine speeds are different.
- the first and second engine speeds are achieved based on conditions set for the elements of the valve timing control device 200 .
- the springs S 1 and S 2 are set to have different elastic forces from each other. In this case, force acting on the high speed lock pin 214 held by the weight 213 and force acting on the low speed lock pin 217 held by the weight 216 are different.
- valve timing changes at different engine speeds between when the engine speed of the engine 7 is raised and when the engine speed is lowered. Therefore, hunting, in other words, unstable behavior of the valves caused by the effect of the elastic force of the valve springs 335 and 345 in response to change in the valve timing is sufficiently prevented. Consequently, change in the cam profile caused by hunting can be prevented, so that the performance and durability of the engine can be prevented from degrading.
- the phase of the intake camshaft 230 relative to the exhaust camshaft 240 changes.
- the valve timings of the exhaust valve 344 and the intake valve 334 are controlled in response to the engine speed of the engine 7 .
- the phase of the intake camshaft 230 relative to the exhaust camshaft 240 is switched based on complementary movements between the low speed lock pin 217 and low speed pin introduction hole 233 d and the high speed lock pin 214 and the high speed pin introduction hole 233 c and the frictional force between the components is not used. Therefore, there is little degradation caused by abrasion between the components. As a result, the useful life of the valve timing control device 200 can be prolonged without having to use abrasion resistant components, and the device can be manufactured less costly.
- the phase of the intake camshaft 230 relative to the exhaust camshaft 240 is changed by the lock pin holding mechanism 210 .
- the opening/closing timings of the exhaust valve 344 and the intake valve 334 are controlled.
- the first engine speed when the engine 7 is accelerated and the second engine speed when the engine 7 is decelerated are different.
- the phase of the intake camshaft 230 relative to the exhaust camshaft 204 does not repeatedly change. In this way, the hunting that makes the behavior of the exhaust valve 344 and the intake valve 334 unstable can sufficiently be prevented.
- valve timing control device 200 is provided in the engine 7 of SOHC (single overhead camshaft) type, but the valve timing control device 200 may be provided in any engine as far as the engine has a camshaft.
- SOHC single overhead camshaft
- the engine 7 may be an engine of SV (side valve) type, OHV (overhead valve) type, or DOHC (double overhead camshaft) type.
- SV side valve
- OHV overhead valve
- DOHC double overhead camshaft
- valve timing control device 200 is provided in the engine 7 including the roller rocker arms 330 and 340 , the device 200 may be provided in an engine of direct striking type.
- the valve timing control device 200 includes the springs S 1 and S 2 in order to energize the weight main bodies 213 a and 216 a in prescribed directions.
- rubber members or the like may be used instead of the springs S 1 and S 2 as far as the elastic members can energize the weight main bodies 213 a and 216 a in the prescribed directions.
- valve timing control device 200 may be provided in an engine in a small vehicle with a small displacement such as a tractor or a cart and a small ship.
- the engine 7 corresponds to the engine; the exhaust valve 344 to the first valve; the intake valve 334 to the second valve; the valve timing control device 200 to the valve timing control device; the cam driven sprocket 220 to the rotation member; the exhaust camshaft 240 to the first camshaft; the intake camshaft 230 to the second camshaft; the lock pin holding mechanism 210 to the phase changing mechanism; the low speed lock pin 217 and the low speed pin introduction hole 233 d to the first engaging mechanism; and the high speed lock pin 214 and the high speed pin introduction hole 233 c to the second engaging mechanism.
- the low speed introduction hole 233 d corresponds to the first engaging portion; the low speed lock pin 217 to the first engagement member; the spring S 2 to the first energizing member; the weight main body 216 a to the first weight; the high speed pin introduction hole 233 c to the second engaging portion; the high speed lock pin 214 to the second engagement member; the spring S 1 to the second energizing member; and the weight main body 213 a to the second weight.
- the low speed pin introduction hole 233 d corresponds to the first hole; the low speed lock pin 217 to the first pin member; the high speed pin introduction hole 233 c to the second hole; the high speed lock pin 214 to the second pin member; and the fixing pins 230 A and 230 B and the pin floating grooves 233 a and 233 b to the restricting mechanism or the preventing mechanism.
- the pin floating grooves 233 a and 233 b correspond to the grooves; the low speed groove end LP and the high speed groove end HP to both end surfaces in the grooves; the fixing pins 230 A and 230 B to the abutment members; the engine 7 to the engine device; and the motorcycle 100 to the vehicle.
- phase of the intake cam 231 relative to the exhaust cam 241 indicated by the solid line corresponds to the first phase and the phase of the intake cam 231 relative to the exhaust cam 241 indicated by the dash double dotted line corresponds to the second phase.
- the invention is applicable to various vehicles and crafts including an engine such as a motorcycle and a four-wheeled automobile.
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Abstract
When an engine speed of an engine is low, a force by a spring to bias a low speed lock pin in the direction in which the pin is to be inserted into a low speed pin introduction hole is greater than a centrifugal force acting on a weight. This causes the low speed lock pin to be inserted into the low speed pin introduction hole, so that the phase of an intake camshaft relative to an exhaust camshaft is fixed. When the engine speed of the engine is high, a force to bias a high speed lock pin in the direction in which the pin is to be inserted in a high speed pin introduction hole by a centrifugal force acting on a weight is greater than a force by a spring to bias the high speed lock pin in the direction in which the pin is pulled out from the high speed lock pin introduction hole. This causes the high speed lock pin to be inserted into the high speed pin introduction hole, so that the phase of the intake camshaft relative to the exhaust camshaft is fixed.
Description
- The present invention relates to a valve timing control device that controls the valve timing of an engine in a variable manner, and an engine device and a vehicle including such a control device.
- Many kinds of variable valve timing (VVT) mechanisms that control the opening/closing timing of an intake valve or an exhaust valve have been developed in order to improve fuel consumption, reduce toxic substances in exhaust gas, and achieve high power output in a target engine speed range.
- Some of those variable valve timing mechanisms use an actuator such as a hydraulic cylinder and an electric motor. However, these actuators are expensive and the use of such an actuator increases the size of the variable valve timing mechanism.
- In general, the space occupied by an engine in a motorcycle is smaller than that of a four-wheeled automobile and the like. There has been a demand for motorcycles that can be manufactured less costly. Therefore, there is a demand for more inexpensive and compact variable valve timing mechanisms for use in motorcycles. This is why the variable valve timing mechanisms including actuators as described above cannot be used in motorcycles.
- A rotation phase generator has been suggested as a variable valve timing mechanism that can be made compact (see Patent Document 1).
- In the rotation phase generator, an input member including two intermediate members is rotated with the rotation of the engine. When centrifugal force acting on a weight portion of the two intermediate members is greater than the energizing force of a coil spring connecting these intermediate members, the rotation phases of the input member and an output member connected to a camshaft change, so that the valve timing changes.
- With the rotation phase generator, the valve timing is controlled depending on the mechanical arrangement, and therefore the cost and size can be reduced.
- However, such a rotation phase generator has suffered from the following disadvantage.
- In the rotation phase generator disclosed by
Patent Document 1, when the valve timing changes, centrifugal force acting on the weight portion balances with the energizing force of the coil spring in a certain engine speed range of the engine. If the engine speed of the engine is maintained in the engine speed range, the valve timing changes unstably, and the behavior of the valve becomes unstable, in other words, a phenomenon called hunting is caused. - The hunting gives rise to noises and degradation in the durability of components. When the cam profile is affected by the hunting and changed in particular, the performance and durability of the engine is lowered in some cases.
- Meanwhile, a valve timing control device having reduced hunting is known (see Patent Document 2). The disclosed valve timing control device employs a mechanism (one-way clutch mechanism) to fix the positional relation between the camshaft and the driven sprocket before and after change in the running torque.
- [Patent Document 1] JP 9-324614 A
- [Patent Document 2] JP 5-21104 U
- However, in order to implement such a one-way clutch mechanism, high working precision is required when the components of the mechanism are processed. Therefore, it is not easy to manufacture the one-way clutch mechanism.
- In addition, the one-way clutch mechanism is implemented based on the frictional force acting between the inner circumferential surface of the main body of the driven sprocket and the components. In such a case, the components are liable to degradation caused by the friction, and therefore the material for the components must have high abrasion resistance. Consequently, the cost cannot be reduced.
- An object of the present invention is to provide a compact valve timing control device that can be manufactured more easily and less costly, and an engine device and a vehicle including the valve timing control device.
- (1) A valve timing control device according to one aspect of the invention controls the opening/closing timings of first and second valves in response to the engine speed of an engine, and includes a rotation member provided rotatably in synchronization with the rotation of the engine, a first camshaft provided in abutment against the first valve and rotated together with the rotation member to open/close the first valve, a second camshaft provided in abutment against the second valve and provided rotatably relative to the first camshaft, the second camshaft being rotated together with the rotation member to open/close the second valve, and a phase changing mechanism that changes the phase of the second camshaft relative to the first camshaft between first and second phases.
- The phase changing mechanism includes a first engaging mechanism that engages the second camshaft while the second camshaft has the first phase relative to the first camshaft, and a second engaging mechanism that engages the second camshaft while the second camshaft has the second phase relative to the first camshaft. The first engaging mechanism is energized in the direction to engage the second camshaft and provided movably in the direction to disengage the second camshaft by centrifugal force, and the second engaging mechanism is energized in the direction to disengage the second camshaft and provided movably in the direction to engage the second camshaft by centrifugal force.
- In the valve timing control device, the rotation member rotates in synchronization with the rotation of the engine, and the first camshaft and the second camshaft rotate together with the rotation member. In this way, the first valve in abutment against the first camshaft and the second valve in abutment against the second camshaft are opened/closed. In this case, the second camshaft can rotate relative to the first camshaft.
- In the phase changing mechanism, the first engaging mechanism is energized in the direction to engage the second camshaft and the second engaging mechanism is energized in the direction to disengage the second camshaft.
- As the rotation member rotates, centrifugal force acts on the first and second engaging mechanisms. The centrifugal force acts to allow the first engaging mechanism to disengage the second camshaft and the second engaging mechanism to engage the second camshaft.
- When the engine speed is low, in the first engaging mechanism, the energizing force in the direction to engage the second camshaft is greater than the centrifugal force acting to disengage the second camshaft. In this way, the second camshaft is engaged with the first engaging mechanism. At the time, in the second engaging mechanism, the energizing force in the direction to disengage the second camshaft is greater than the centrifugal force acting in the direction to engage the second camshaft. Therefore, the second camshaft is not engaged with the second engaging mechanism. Consequently, the second camshaft is engaged with the first engaging mechanism while it has the first phase relative to the first camshaft.
- When the engine speed is high, in the first engaging mechanism, the energizing force in the direction to engage the second camshaft is smaller than the centrifugal force acting to disengage the second camshaft. In this way, the second camshaft is not engaged with the first engaging mechanism. At the time, in the second engaging mechanism, the energizing force acting to disengage the second camshaft is smaller than the centrifugal force acting in the direction to engage the second camshaft. Therefore, the second camshaft is engaged with the second engaging mechanism. Consequently, the second camshaft is engaged with the second engaging mechanism while it has the second phase relative to the first camshaft.
- In this way, as the engine speed changes from low speed to high speed, or vice versa, the phase of the second camshaft relative to the first camshaft is changed between the first and second phases. Therefore, the opening/closing timings of the first and second valves are controlled in response to the engine speed of the engine.
- The phase of the second camshaft relative to the first camshaft is switched based on complementary movements between the first and second engaging mechanisms without using frictional force between components. Therefore, there is little degradation caused by abrasion between the components. As a result, the useful life of the valve timing control device can be prolonged without having to use abrasion resistant components, and the device can be manufactured less costly.
- Furthermore, high working precision is not required, and the complementary movements between the first and second engaging mechanisms can be achieved simply by the mechanical arrangement, so that the device can be more readily manufactured. There is no need for a control system including a hydraulic circuit, an electric circuit, software and the like to control the movement of the first and second engaging mechanisms. This allows the valve timing control device to have a reduced size.
- (2) The first engaging mechanism may include a first engaging portion provided at the second camshaft, a first engagement member provided movably between the state of being engaged with the first engaging portion and the state of being disengaged from the first engaging portion, a first energizing member for energizing the first engagement member in the direction in which the first engagement member is to be engaged with the first engaging portion, and a first weight that moves the first engagement member in the direction in which the first engagement member is to be disengaged from the first engaging portion by centrifugal force. The second engaging mechanism may include a second engaging portion provided at the second camshaft, a second engagement member provided movably between the state of being engaged with the second engaging portion and the state of being disengaged from the second engaging portion, a second energizing member for energizing the second engagement member in the direction in which the second engagement member is to be disengaged from the second engaging portion, and a second weight that moves the second engagement member in the direction in which the second engagement member is to be engaged with the second engaging portion by centrifugal force. The second camshaft may be provided rotatably relative to the first camshaft between the first phase and the second phase while the first engagement member is disengaged from the first engaging portion and the second engagement member is disengaged from the second engaging portion.
- When the engine speed is low, in the first engaging mechanism, the force of the first energizing member is greater than the centrifugal force acting on the first weight. In this way, the first engagement member is engaged with the first engaging portion, and the second camshaft is engaged with the first engaging mechanism. At the time, in the second engaging mechanism, the force of the second energizing member is greater than centrifugal force acting on the second weight. This allows the second engagement member to be disengaged from the second engaging portion, and the second camshaft is not engaged with the second engaging mechanism. Consequently, the second camshaft is engaged with the first engaging mechanism while it has the first phase relative to the first camshaft.
- When the engine speed of the engine is high, in the first engaging mechanism, the force of the first energizing member is smaller than the centrifugal force acting on the first weight. In this way, the first engagement member is disengaged from the first engaging portion, so that the second camshaft is not engaged with the first engaging mechanism. At the time, in the second engaging mechanism, the force of the second energizing member is smaller than the centrifugal force acting on the second weight. In this way, the second engagement member is inserted in the second engaging portion, and the second camshaft is engaged with the second engaging mechanism. Consequently, the second camshaft is engaged with the second engaging mechanism while it has the second phase relative to the first camshaft.
- When the engine speed of the engine changes from low speed to high speed, in the first engaging mechanism, the force of the first energizing member is smaller than the centrifugal force acting on the first weight. Therefore, the second camshaft engaged with the first engaging mechanism by then is no longer engaged with the first engaging mechanism. In this way, the second camshaft rotates relative to the first camshaft from the first phase to the second phase.
- When the engine speed of the engine changes from high speed to low speed, in the second engaging mechanism, the force of the second energizing member is greater than the centrifugal force acting on the second weight. Therefore, the second camshaft engaged with the second engaging mechanism by then is no longer engaged with the second engaging mechanism. Consequently, the second camshaft rotates relative to the first camshaft from the second phase to the first phase.
- In this way, the complementary movements between the first and second engaging mechanisms are implemented by a simple arrangement by using the first and second engaging portions, the first and second engagement members, the first and second energizing members, and the first and second weights.
- (3) The first engaging portion may be a first hole provided in the second camshaft, the first engagement member may be a first pin member provided movably between the state in which the first pin member is inserted in the first hole and the state in which the pin member stays out of the first hole, the second engaging portion may be a second hole provided in the second camshaft, and the second engagement member may be a second pin member provided movably between the state in which the second pin member is inserted in the second hole and the state in which the second pin member stays out of the second hole.
- When the engine speed of the engine is low, in the first engaging mechanism, the force of the first energizing member is greater than the centrifugal force acting on the first weight. This allows the first pin member to be inserted in the first hole, and the second camshaft to be engaged with the first engaging mechanism. At the time, in the second engaging mechanism, the force of the second energizing member is greater than the centrifugal force acting on the second weight. In this way, the second pin member is pulled out from the second hole, and the second camshaft is not engaged with the second engaging mechanism. Consequently, the second camshaft is engaged with the first engaging mechanism while it has the first phase relative to the first camshaft.
- When the engine speed of the engine is high, in the first engaging mechanism, the force of the first energizing member is smaller than centrifugal force acting on the first weight. Therefore, the first pin member is moved out from the first hole, so that the second camshaft is not engaged with the first engaging mechanism. At the time, in the second engaging mechanism, the force of the second energizing member is smaller than the centrifugal force acting on the second weight. Therefore, the second pin member is inserted in the second hole, so that the second camshaft is engaged with the second engaging mechanism. Consequently, the second camshaft is engaged with the second engaging mechanism while it has the second phase relative to the first camshaft.
- When the engine speed of the engine changes from low speed to high speed, in the first engaging mechanism, the force of the first energizing member is smaller than centrifugal force acting on the first weight. Therefore, the second camshaft engaged with the first engaging mechanism by then is no longer engaged with the first engaging mechanism. In this way, the second camshaft rotates relative to the first camshaft from the first phase to the second phase.
- When the engine speed of the engine changes from high speed to low speed, in the second engaging mechanism, the force of the second energizing member is greater than centrifugal force acting on the second weight. Therefore, the second camshaft engaged with the second engaging mechanism by then is no longer engaged with the second engaging mechanism. In this way, the second camshaft rotates relative to the first camshaft from the second phase to the first phase.
- In this way, using the first and second holes, the first and second pin members, the first and second energizing members, and the first and second weights, the complementary movements between the first and second engaging mechanisms are implemented with a simple arrangement.
- (4) The phase changing mechanism may further include a restricting mechanism for restricting the rotation operation of the second camshaft relative to the first camshaft within the range between the first phase and the second phase.
- When the engine speed of the engine changes from low speed to high speed, the second camshaft engaged with the first engaging mechanism by then is no longer engaged with the first engaging mechanism. This allows the second camshaft to rotate relative to the first camshaft from the first phase to the second phase.
- Then, the rotation operation of the second camshaft relative to the first camshaft is restricted within the range between the first phase and the second phase by the restricting mechanism, so that the rotation of the second camshaft is surely stopped in the second phase. In this state, the second camshaft engaged with the first engaging mechanism by then is engaged with the second engaging mechanism.
- When the engine speed of the engine changes from high speed to low speed, the second camshaft engaged with the second engaging mechanism by then is no longer engaged with the second engaging mechanism. This allows the second camshaft to rotate relative to the first camshaft from the second phase to the first phase.
- Then, the rotation operation of the second camshaft relative to the first camshaft is restricted within the range between the first phase and the second phase by the restricting mechanism, so that the rotation of the second camshaft is surely stopped in the first phase. In this state, the second camshaft engaged with the second engaging mechanism by then is engaged with the first engaging mechanism.
- (5) The restricting mechanism may include a preventing mechanism for preventing the second camshaft from rotating when the phase of the second camshaft relative to the first camshaft changes from the first phase to the second phase, and vice versa.
- When the engine speed of the engine changes from low speed to high speed, the second camshaft rotates relative to the first camshaft from the first phase to the second phase. Then, the rotation of the second camshaft relative to the first camshaft is surely stopped in the second phase by the preventing mechanism.
- When the engine speed of the engine changes from high speed to low speed, the second camshaft rotates relative to the first camshaft from the second phase to the first phase. Then, the rotation of the second camshaft relative to the first camshaft is surely stopped in the first phase by the preventing mechanism.
- In this way, the phase of the second camshaft relative to the first camshaft can surely and readily be changed between the first and second phases.
- (6) The preventing mechanism may include a groove provided in the circumferential direction of the second camshaft, and an abutment member fixed to the rotation member so that the abutment member can move in the groove and can abut against both end surfaces in the groove.
- When the engine speed of the engine changes from low speed to high speed, the second camshaft rotates relative to the first camshaft from the first phase to the second phase. Then, the rotation of the second camshaft relative to the first camshaft is surely stopped in the second phase as the abutment member abuts against one end in the groove.
- When the engine speed of the engine changes from high speed to low speed, the second camshaft rotates relative to the first camshaft from the second phase to the first phase. Then, the rotation of the second camshaft relative to the first camshaft is surely stopped in the first phase as the abutment member abuts against the other end in the groove.
- In this way, the phase of the second camshaft relative to the first camshaft can surely and readily be changed between the first and second phases.
- (7) An engine device according to another aspect of the invention includes an engine having first and second valves, and a valve timing control device that controls the opening/closing timings of the first and second valves in response to the engine speed of the engine. The valve timing control device includes a rotation member provided rotatably in synchronization with the rotation of the engine, a first camshaft provided in abutment against the first valve and rotated together with the rotation member to open/close the first valve, a second camshaft provided in abutment against the second valve and provided rotatably relative to the first camshaft, the second camshaft being rotated together with the rotation member to open/close the second valve, and a phase changing mechanism that changes the phase of the second camshaft relative to the first camshaft between first and second phases. The phase changing mechanism includes a first engaging mechanism that engages the second camshaft while the second camshaft has the first phase relative to the first camshaft, and a second engaging mechanism that engages the second camshaft while the second camshaft has the second phase relative to the first camshaft. The first engaging mechanism is energized in the direction to engage the second camshaft and provided movably in the direction to disengage the second camshaft by centrifugal force, and the second engaging mechanism is energized in the direction to disengage the second camshaft and provided movably in the direction to engage the second camshaft by centrifugal force.
- In the engine device, the opening/closing timings of the first and second valves are controlled by the valve timing control device in response to the engine speed of the engine.
- In the valve timing control device, the rotation member rotates in synchronization with the rotation of the engine, and the rotation of the rotation member allows the first and second camshafts to rotate. In this way, the first valve in abutment against the first camshaft and the second valve in abutment against the second camshaft are opened/closed. In this case, the second camshaft can rotate relatively to the first camshaft.
- In the phase changing mechanism, the first engaging mechanism is energized in the direction in which the first engaging mechanism is to engage the second camshaft, and the second engaging mechanism is energized in the direction in which the second engaging mechanism is to disengage the second camshaft.
- As the rotation member rotates, centrifugal force acts on the first and second engaging mechanisms. The centrifugal force acts to cause the first engaging mechanism to disengage the second camshaft and the second engaging mechanism to engage the second camshaft.
- When the engine speed of the engine is low, in the first engaging mechanism, energizing force to engage the second camshaft is greater than the centrifugal force acting to disengage the second camshaft. In this way, the second camshaft is engaged with the first engaging mechanism. At the time, in the second engaging mechanism, the energizing force in the direction to disengage the second camshaft is greater than centrifugal force acting in the direction to engage the second camshaft. Therefore, the second camshaft is not engaged with the second engaging mechanism. Consequently, the second camshaft is engaged with the first engaging mechanism while it has the first phase relative to the first camshaft.
- When the engine speed of the engine is high, in the first engaging mechanism, the energizing force to engage the second camshaft is smaller than the centrifugal force acting to disengage the second camshaft. In this way, the second camshaft is not engaged with the first engaging mechanism. At the time, in the second engaging mechanism, the energizing force acting in the direction to disengage the second camshaft is smaller than the centrifugal force acting in the direction to engage the second camshaft. Therefore, the second camshaft is engaged with the second engaging mechanism. Consequently, the second camshaft is engaged with the second engaging mechanism while it has the second phase relative to the first camshaft.
- In this way, when the engine speed changes from low speed and high speed, or vice versa, the phase of the second camshaft relative to the first camshaft is changed between the first and second phases. In this way, the opening/closing timings of the first and second valves are controlled in response to the engine speed of the engine.
- Furthermore, the phase of the second camshaft relative to the first camshaft is switched based on complementary movements between the first and second engaging mechanisms without using frictional force between components. Therefore, there is little degradation caused by abrasion between the components. As a result, the useful life of the valve timing control device can be prolonged without having to use abrasion resistant components, and the device can be manufactured less costly.
- Furthermore, high working precision is not required, and the complementary movements between the first and second engaging mechanisms can be achieved simply by the mechanical arrangement, so that the device can be more readily manufactured. In this way, an engine device having high performance and high durability can be provided. There is no need for a control system including a hydraulic circuit, an electric circuit, and software to control the movement of first and second engaging mechanisms. This allows the valve timing control device to have a reduced size and the engine device can be reduced in size accordingly.
- (8) A vehicle according to yet another aspect of the invention includes an engine device, driving wheels, and a transmission mechanism that transmits power generated by the engine device to the driving wheels. The engine device includes an engine having first and second valves, and a valve timing control device that controls the opening/closing timings of the first and second valves in response to the engine speed of the engine. The valve timing control device includes a rotation member provided so that the member can rotate in synchronization with the rotation of the engine, a first camshaft provided in abutment against the first valve and rotated together with the rotation member to open/close the first valve, a second camshaft provided in abutment against the second valve and provided rotatably relative to the first camshaft, the second camshaft being rotated together with the rotation member to open/close the second valve, and a phase changing mechanism that changes the phase of the second camshaft relative to the first camshaft between first and second phases. The phase changing mechanism includes a first engaging mechanism that engages the second camshaft while the second camshaft has the first phase relative to the first camshaft, and a second engaging mechanism that engages the second camshaft while the second camshaft has the second phase relative to the first camshaft. The first engaging mechanism is energized in the direction to engage the second camshaft and provided movably in the direction to disengage the second camshaft by centrifugal force, and the second engaging mechanism is energized in the direction to disengage the second camshaft and provided movably in the direction to engage the second camshaft by centrifugal force.
- In the vehicle, power generated by the engine device is transmitted to the driving wheels by the transmission mechanism, and the driving wheels are driven. In the engine device, the opening/closing timings of the first and second valves are controlled by the valve timing control device in response to the engine speed of the engine.
- In this case, in the valve timing control device in the engine device, there is little degradation caused by abrasion between components. As a result, the useful life of the valve timing control device can be prolonged without having to use abrasion resistant components, and the device can be manufactured less costly.
- Furthermore, high working precision is not required, and the complementary movements between the first and second engaging mechanisms can be achieved simply by the mechanical arrangement, so that the device can be more readily manufactured. In this way, a vehicle having high performance and high durability can be provided. There is no need for a control system including a hydraulic circuit, an electric circuit, and software to control the movement of the first and second engaging mechanisms. This allows the valve timing control device and the engine device to have a reduced size and the vehicle can be reduced in size accordingly.
- In the valve timing control device according to the invention, there is little degradation caused by abrasion between components. As a result, the useful life of the valve timing control device can be prolonged without having to use abrasion resistant components, and the device can be manufactured less costly. Furthermore, high working precision is not required, and the complementary movements between the first and second engaging mechanisms can be achieved simply by the mechanical arrangement, so that the device can be more readily manufactured. Therefore, a valve timing control device, an engine device, and a vehicle having high performance and high durability can be implemented. In addition, there is no need for a control system including a hydraulic circuit, an electric circuit, and software to control the movement of the first and second engaging mechanisms. This allows the valve timing control device to have a reduced size, and therefore the engine device and the vehicle can be reduced in size accordingly.
- The foregoing and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
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FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a motorcycle according to one embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 2 is a view for use in illustrating the general structure of a valve timing control device according to the embodiment; -
FIGS. 3 to 5 are perspective views for use in illustrating how a valve timing control device is assembled; -
FIG. 6 is a detailed sectional view of a cylinder head taken along line P-P inFIG. 2( b); -
FIG. 7 is an external side view of the cylinder head removed of the side cover inFIG. 6 ; -
FIG. 8 includes a partly cutaway sectional view of the cylinder head taken along line R-R inFIG. 6 and a view for use in illustrating the phase relation between an intake cam and an exhaust cam; -
FIG. 9 is a chart for use in illustrating the relation between the phases of the exhaust cam and the intake cam relative to the crank shaft inFIG. 2 and the lift amounts of the exhaust valve and the intake valve as the crank shaft rotates; and -
FIGS. 10 to 14 are cutaway perspective views for use in illustrating the operation of the valve timing control device. - Now, a valve timing control device according to one embodiment of the invention and an engine device and a vehicle including the control device will be described. In the following, a small size motorcycle having a displacement of about 250 cc or less will be described as the embodiment.
-
FIG. 1 is a schematic view of the motorcycle according to the embodiment of the invention. - In the
motorcycle 100, a head pipe 3 is provided at the front end of amain body frame 6. Afront fork 2 provided at the head pipe 3 can swing from side to side. At the lower end of thefront fork 2, thefront wheel 1 is rotatably supported. A handle 4 is attached to the upper end of the head pipe 3. - An
engine 7 is held in the center of themain body frame 6. Afuel tank 8 is provided above theengine 7, and aseat 9 is provided behind thefuel tank 8. - A
rear arm 10 is connected to themain body frame 6 to extend behind theengine 7. Therear arm 10 holds therear wheel 11 and a rear wheel drivensprocket 12 in a rotatable manner. Anexhaust pipe 13 is connected to the exhaust port of theengine 7. Amuffler 14 is attached to the rear end of theexhaust pipe 13. - A rear
wheel drive sprocket 15 is attached to thedrive shaft 26 of theengine 7. The rearwheel drive sprocket 15 is coupled to the rear wheel drivensprocket 12 of therear wheel 11 through achain 16. - The
engine 7 includes a valve timing control device. Now, the valve timing control device according to the embodiment will be described. -
FIG. 2 illustrates the general structure of the valve timing control device according to the embodiment of the invention.FIG. 2( a) is a schematic top view of the valve timing control device provided in theengine 7.FIG. 2( b) is a schematic side view of the valve timing control device provided in theengine 7. - As shown in
FIG. 2 , the valvetiming control device 200 is provided at acylinder head 7S. The valvetiming control device 200 includes a cam drivensprocket 220, anintake cam 231, and anexhaust cam 241. - As a
piston 21 reciprocates in thecylinder 20, acrankshaft 23 rotates, and thecam drive sprocket 24 provided at thecrankshaft 23 rotates. - The turning force of the
cam drive sprocket 24 is transmitted to the cam drivensprocket 220 of the valvetiming control device 200 through achain 25. In this way, the valvetiming control device 200 rotates. - In the valve
timing control device 200, the phase relation between theintake cam 231 and theexhaust cam 241 changes in response to the engine speed of theengine 7 and changes in the engine speed (rise and fall in the engine speed). This changes the valve timing. - The structure and operation of the valve
timing control device 200 will be described in detail.FIGS. 3 to 5 are perspective views for use in illustrating how the valvetiming control device 200 is assembled. InFIGS. 3 to 5 , the three directions orthogonal to one another as indicated by arrows X, Y, and Z are defined as the X-, Y-, and Z-directions, respectively. - The valve
timing control device 200 mainly includes a lock pin holding mechanism 210 (seeFIG. 3 ), a cam driven sprocket 220 (seeFIG. 4 ), an intake camshaft 230 (seeFIG. 5 ), and an exhaust camshaft 240 (seeFIG. 5 ). -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing how the lockpin holding mechanism 210 is assembled. As shown inFIG. 3 , twosupport members - The
support member 211 has a substantially circular arc shaped,plate portion 211A parallel to the X-Z plane and elongated in the Z-direction. One side of theplate portion 211A in the Z-direction has a circular arc shape, and the other side has a linear shape. A throughhole 211 a is formed each in the vicinity of the upper and lower end portions of theplate portion 211A. -
Projections plate portion 211A. Aspring holding member 211C is formed to extend in the X-direction from the part below the center of the side of theplate portion 211A along the Z-direction and then bent in the Y-direction. - The
projections spring holding member 211C have throughholes projection 211B is the shortest, thespring holding member 211C is the second shortest, and theprojection 211D is the third shortest among these three parts. In this way, in the Y-direction, the throughholes plate portion 211A in this order. - The
support members Projections plate portion 212A. - The through
holes 212 a are formed in the vicinity of the upper and lower ends of theplate portion 212A. Aspring holding member 212C is formed to extend from the position above the center of the end of theplate portion 212A along the Z-direction and then bent in the Y-direction. Theprojections spring holding member 212C have throughholes - Note that the lengths of the
projections support member 212 in the Y-direction are equal to theprojections support member 211 in the Y-direction. The length of thespring holding member 212C of thesupport member 212 in the Y-direction is different from the length of thespring holding member 211C of thesupport member 211 in the Y-direction. - A
weight 213 has a weight main body 213 a, a plate shapedextension 213 d, twotubular portions 213 e, and twohook portions 213 f. The weight main body 213 a has a substantially rectangular shape extending in the X-direction. One surface (lower surface) of the weight main body 213 a parallel to the X-Y plane has agroove 213 b along the Y-direction and aprojection 213 c projecting in the Z-direction. Theprojection 213 c has a through hole extending in the X-direction. - The
extension 213 d extends in the Y-direction from the other surface (upper surface) of the weight main body 213 a parallel to the X-Y plane. The twotubular portions 213 e are formed in the X-direction on both ends of theextension 213 d in the X-direction. - The two
hook portions 213 f extend to be inclined from the center of theextension 213 d in the X-direction to the lower side of theextension 213 d. The twohook portions 213 f have their tip ends bent like hooks. - The two
hook portions 213 f are provided with highspeed lock pin 214 that extends in the Y-direction. At one end of the highspeed lock pin 214, asupport pin 214 t extending in the X-direction is formed. Since thesupport pin 214 t is provided at thehook portion 213 f, the highspeed lock pin 214 is pivotably held by theweight 213. Part of the highspeed lock pin 214 can abut against thegroove 213 b. - A
pivot shaft 215 is inserted into thetubular portions 213 e of theweight 213. In this way, thepivot shaft 215 can hold theweight 213 in a pivotable manner. In this state, both ends of thepivot shaft 215 are inserted into the throughholes support members weight 213 is pivotably held between thesupport members - A
weight 216 has the same structure as theweight 213. However, during assembling the lockpin holding mechanism 210, theweight 216 is provided symmetrically to theweight 213 with reference to an axis parallel to the X-direction. - In
FIG. 3 , the weightmain body 216 a, anextension 216 d, twotubular portions 216 e and two hook portions 216 f of theweight 216 correspond to the weight main body 213 a, theextension 213 d, the twotubular portions 213 e and the twohook portions 213 f of theweight 213, respectively. - The
groove 216 b and theprojection 216 c of theweight 216 correspond to thegroove 213 b and theprojection 213 c of theweight 213, respectively. - The two hook portions 216 f are provided with a low
speed lock pin 217 extending in the Y-direction. The lowspeed lock pin 217 is shorter than the highspeed lock pin 214. Asupport pin 217 t is formed to extend in the X-direction at one end of the lowspeed lock pin 217. Since thesupport pin 217 t is provided at the hook portion 216 f, the lowspeed lock pin 217 is pivotably held by theweight 216. The lowspeed lock pin 217 has its pivotable range restricted as will be described. In this way, the lowspeed lock pin 217 does not abut against thegroove 216 b. - A
pivot shaft 218 is inserted to thetubular portions 216 e of theweight 216. In this way, thepivot shaft 218 can hold theweight 216 in a pivotable manner. In this state, both ends of thepivot shaft 218 are inserted into the throughholes support members weight 216 is held pivotably between thesupport members - In this way, the
weights -
Screws 219 are inserted into the two throughholes 211 a of thesupport member 211 and the two throughholes 212 a of thesupport members 212. -
FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing how the lockpin holding mechanism 210 and the cam drivensprocket 220 are assembled. When the lockpin holding mechanism 210 and the cam drivensprocket 220 are assembled, the cam drivensprocket 220 is provided parallel to the X-Z plane. - Note that in
FIG. 4 , in the lockpin holding mechanism 210, a spring S1 has its both ends attached in a through hole provided at theprojection 213 c of theweight 213 and the throughhole 211 c of thespring holding portion 211C. In the lockpin holding mechanism 210, a spring S2 has its both ends attached in a through hole provided at theprojection 216 c of theweight 216 and the throughhole 212 c of thespring holding member 212C. - As shown in
FIG. 4 , the cam drivensprocket 220 has a plurality of throughholes 220 a to 220 f. In the center of the cam drivensprocket 220, a throughhole 220 a having the largest diameter among all the through holes is formed. - The four through
holes hole 220 a of the cam drivensprocket 220. The four throughholes 220 d are formed at equiangular intervals on another circle around the throughhole 220 a of the cam drivensprocket 220. The four throughholes 220 d are each threaded. - A
projection 220T is formed in the vicinity of the throughhole 220 c at onesurface 220A of the cam drivensprocket 220. - The
screws 219 of the lockpin holding mechanism 210 are fixed through the four throughholes 220 d of the cam drivensprocket 220. In this way, the lockpin holding mechanism 210 is fixed to the side of thesurface 220A of the cam drivensprocket 220. - When the lock
pin holding mechanism 210 is fixed to the cam drivensprocket 220, the highspeed lock pin 214 is inserted in the throughhole 220 b, and the lowspeed lock pin 217 is inserted in the throughhole 220 c. As described in conjunction withFIG. 3 , the highspeed lock pin 214 does not project to the side of theother surface 220B of the cam drivensprocket 220 and the lowspeed lock pin 217 projects a prescribed length from the side of theother surface 220B of the cam drivensprocket 220. - On the side of the
surface 220B of the cam drivensprocket 220, ends of two fixingpins -
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the structure assembled as shown inFIG. 4 (hereinafter referred to as “assembled structure”) and the assembly of theintake camshaft 230 and theexhaust camshaft 240. Note that theintake camshaft 230 and theexhaust camshaft 240 have their axial center J arranged parallel to the Y-direction. - As shown in
FIG. 5 , theintake camshaft 230 is included anintake cam 231, a steppedportion 232, and apivot shaft 233. - In the Y-direction, the
intake camshaft 230 has thecylindrical pivot shaft 233 on one end side, the steppedportion 232 having a diameter slightly greater than the diameter of thepivot shaft 233, and theintake cam 231 on the other end side. - A pivot through
hole 230H is formed to extend in the Y-direction from the center of the end of thepivot shaft 233 to the center of the end of theintake cam 231. More specifically, the pivot throughhole 230H is formed from one end to the other end of theintake camshaft 230 in the Y-direction. - On the end surface of the
pivot shaft 233, a high speedpin introduction hole 233 c, a low speedpin introduction hole 233 d, twopin floating grooves 233 a and 233 b are formed on a circle around the axial center J. - The high speed
pin introduction hole 233 c and the low speedpin introduction hole 233 d are formed substantially opposing to each other through the pivot throughhole 230H. Note however that the high speedpin introduction hole 233 c and the low speedpin introduction hole 233 d are provided so that the straight line connecting each other does not pass through the axial center J. - The
pin floating grooves 233 a and 233 b are formed to extend in the circumferential direction around the axial center J and oppose to each other through the pivot throughhole 230H. - The
exhaust camshaft 240 has anexhaust cam 241, a steppedportion 242, acam fixing shaft 243, and aprojection shaft 244. - The
exhaust camshaft 240 has thecam fixing shaft 243 extending in the Y-direction on one end side in the Y-direction, the steppedportion 242 and theexhaust cam 241 in the center, and theprojection shaft 244 extending in the Y-direction on the other end side. Asprocket screw hole 240H is formed at an end of thecam fixing shaft 243. - When the assembled structure, the
intake camshaft 230, and theexhaust camshaft 240 are assembled, the intake canshaft 230 and theexhaust camshaft 240 are provided on the side of thesurface 220B of the cam drivensprocket 220. - More specifically, the
cam fixing shaft 243 of theexhaust camshaft 240 is inserted in the pivot throughhole 230H of theintake camshaft 230. In this way, theexhaust camshaft 240 holds theintake camshaft 230 in a rotatable manner. One end of thecam fixing shaft 243 of theexhaust camshaft 240 is inserted in the throughhole 220 a from the side of thesurface 220B of the cam drivensprocket 220. - In this state, a
sprocket screw 250 is screwed in thesprocket screw hole 240H of thecam fixing shaft 243 from the side of thesurface 220A of the cam drivensprocket 220. In this way, the cam drivensprocket 220 is fixed to theexhaust camshaft 240. - Note that the
exhaust cam 241, the steppedportion 242, thecam fixing shaft 243, and theprojection shaft 244 of theexhaust camshaft 240 may be formed either integrally or discretely. Theintake cam 231, the steppedportion 232, and thepivot shaft 233 of theintake camshaft 230 may be formed either integrally or discretely. - Although not shown in
FIG. 5 , a fixing mechanism that restricts the rotation of theexhaust camshaft 240 relative to the cam drivensprocket 220 may be provided at the connecting part of thecam fixing shaft 243 and the throughhole 220 a. - The fixing mechanism may be implemented for example by providing a projection portion at a tip end of the
cam fixing shaft 243 of theexhaust camshaft 240 and providing a groove that can be engaged with the projection portion of thecam fixing shaft 243 at the throughhole 220 a of the cam drivensprocket 220. - Meanwhile, during the assembling operation described above, the
intake camshaft 230 is positioned as it is held by theexhaust camshaft 240 as follows. - Here, the fixing
pins speed lock pin 217 project in the Y-direction from the side of thesurface 220B of the cam drivensprocket 220. Theintake camshaft 230 is positioned such that the fixingpin 230A is inserted into the pin floating groove 233 a, the fixingpin 230B is inserted in thepin floating groove 233 b, and part of the lowspeed lock pin 217 is inserted into the low speedpin introduction hole 233 d. - In this way, at the end of assembling operation, the pivotal movement of the
intake camshaft 230 is restricted by the lowspeed lock pin 217 and the low speedpin introduction hole 233 d. Consequently, theintake camshaft 230 and theexhaust camshaft 240 are fixed to the cam drivensprocket 220 so that they cannot pivot. - How the valve
timing control device 200 as described above is attached to theengine 7 will be described. -
FIG. 6 is a detailed sectional view of acylinder head 7S taken along line P-P inFIG. 2( b). InFIG. 6 , the three directions orthogonal to one another as indicated by X, Y, and Z are defined as the X-, Y-, and Z-directions, respectively. Note that inFIGS. 7 and 8 , the X-, Y-, and Z-directions are defined in the same manner. - As shown in
FIG. 6 , there is a space for attaching the valvetiming control device 200 in the center of thecylinder head 7S. - When the valve head
timing control device 200 is attached to thecylinder head 7S, bearings B1 and B2 are attached to thepivot shaft 233 and theprojection shaft 244 of the valvetiming control device 200. - In the
cylinder head 7S, one end surface of the bearing B1 perpendicular to the shaft in the Y-direction abuts against the inner abutment surface HB1 of thecylinder head 7S. One end surface of the bearing B2 perpendicular to the axis in the Y-direction abuts against the inner abutment surface BH2 of thecylinder head 7S. - As the valve
timing control device 200 is accommodated in thecylinder head 7S, part of the other end surface of the bearing B1 perpendicular to the axis in the Y-direction abuts against a fixing plate BH3 connected to thecylinder head 7S. In this way, the valvetiming control device 200 is pivotably fixed in thecylinder head 7S. - Two
roller rocker arms timing control device 200. Theroller rocker arm 330 is provided above theintake camshaft 230, and aroller 330T attached to thearm 330R abuts against theintake camshaft 230. - The
roller rocker arm 340 is provided above theexhaust camshaft 240, and aroller 340T attached to thearm 340R abuts against theexhaust camshaft 240. A side cover SC is provided to thecylinder head 7S to cover the side of the lockpin holding mechanism 210 of the valvetiming control device 200. -
FIG. 7 is an external side view of thecylinder head 7S removed of the side cover SC inFIG. 6 . As shown inFIG. 7 , thechain 25 is engaged with the cam drivensprocket 220. InFIG. 7 , the valvetiming control device 200 rotates in the direction denoted by the arrow Q1. -
FIG. 8 shows a partly cutaway sectional view of thecylinder head 7S taken along line R-R inFIG. 6 , and a view for use in illustrating the phase relation between theintake cam 231 and theexhaust cam 241. -
FIG. 8( a) is a partly cutaway sectional view of thecylinder head 7S taken along line R-R inFIG. 6 . InFIG. 8( a), the section is partly removed around the intake valve and the exhaust valve for the ease of understanding. - As shown in
FIG. 8( a), theroller rocker arm 330 provided above theintake cam 231 includes theroller 330T, thearm 330R, ashaft 331, anadjuster 332, and anut 333. - The
arm 330R extending in the X-direction is pivotably held by theshaft 331 in its central part. Theroller 330T is provided at one end of thearm 330R in the X-direction, and theadjuster 332 is attached at the other end by thenut 333. - The
roller 330T moves up and down according to the rotation operation of theintake cam 231. In this way, thearm 330R pivots around theshaft 331. Then, theadjuster 332 attached to the other end of thearm 330R moves up and down. - The upper end of the
intake valve 334 is positioned at the lower end of theadjuster 332. Avalve spring 335 is provided at theintake valve 334, and thevalve spring 335 energizes the upper end of theintake valve 334 in the upward direction. - In this state, as the
adjuster 332 moves up and down, theintake valve 334 also moves up and down. This allows theintake valve 334 to be opened/closed. - In this way, the rotation force of the
intake cam 231 is transmitted to theintake valve 334 through theroller rocker arm 330. Meanwhile, the elastic force of thevalve spring 335 is transmitted to theintake cam 231 through theroller rocker arm 330. - The
roller rocker arm 340 provided above theexhaust cam 241 has the same structure as theroller rocker arm 330 and operates in the same manner. Theroller 340T, anarm 340R, ashaft 341, anadjuster 342, and anut 343 of theroller rocker arm 340 correspond to theroller 330T, thearm 330R, theshaft 331, theadjuster 332, and thenut 333, respectively of theroller rocker arm 330. Theexhaust valve 344 is provided with thevalve spring 345. - Note that in
FIG. 8 , the valvetiming control device 200 rotates in the direction denoted by the arrow Q2. - According to the embodiment, the phase of the
intake cam 231 relative to the phase of theexhaust cam 241 varies depending on the structure of the above-described valvetiming control device 200. -
FIG. 8( b) is a view for use in illustrating the phase relation between theintake cam 231 and theexhaust cam 241. For ease of understanding, theexhaust cam 241 is shown by a thick solid line inFIG. 8( b). Theintake cam 231 is shown by a thin solid line and a two dot chain line. - As denoted by the solid line in
FIG. 8( b), when theengine 7 operates at low engine speed, the tip end of the cam nose of theintake cam 231 is at position T1. When the engine speed of theengine 7 is raised from this state and beyond a prescribed engine speed, the tip end of the cam nose of theintake cam 231 moves to position T2. Hereinafter, the prescribed engine speed when the engine speed increases from a low value will be referred to as “first engine speed.” - Meanwhile, as denoted by the two dot chain line in
FIG. 8( b), when theengine 7 operates at high engine speed, the tip end of the cam nose of theintake cam 231 is at position T2. When the engine speed of theengine 7 is lowered from the state and below a prescribed engine speed, the tip end of the cam nose of theintake cam 231 moves to position T1. Hereinafter, the prescribed engine speed when the engine speed drops from a high value is referred to as “second engine speed.” - In this way, according to the embodiment, the phase of the
intake cam 231 relative to theexhaust cam 241 changes depending on the engine speed of theengine 7 and changes in the engine speed (rise and fall in the engine speed). InFIG. 8( b), the change amount in the phase of theintake cam 231 is represented by angle θ. - As described above, the valve timing is different between when the
engine 7 operates at low engine speed and when the engine operates at high engine speed. When theengine 7 operates at low engine speed, the overlap between the period in which the intake valve is open and the period in which the exhaust valve is open is small, so that toxic substances in the exhaust gas are reduced, which reduces the fuel consumption. When theengine 7 operates at high engine speed, the overlap between the period in which the intake valve is open and the period in which the exhaust valve is open is large, so that high power can efficiently be provided. - Changes in the overlap caused by changes in the phase of the
intake cam 231 relative to theexhaust cam 241 will be described in conjunction withFIG. 9 .FIG. 9 is a view for use in illustrating the relation between the phases of theexhaust cam 241 and theintake cam 231 relative to thecrankshaft 23 inFIG. 2 and the lift amounts of theexhaust valve 344 and theintake valve 334 as thecrankshaft 23 rotates. - In
FIG. 9 , the abscissa represents the crank angle (the rotational angle of the crank shaft 23), and the ordinate represents the lift amounts of theexhaust valve 344 and the intake valve 334 (the displacements of theexhaust valve 344 and theintake valve 334 in the upper and lower directions). - In
FIG. 9 , theexhaust valve 344 and theintake valve 334 are open when the lift amounts are greater than zero, and closed when the lift amounts are zero. - The crank angle ranges from −360° to +360°. When the crank angle is 0°, 360°, and −360°, the
piston 21 is positioned at the top dead center TDC in thecylinder 20, and when the crank angle is 180° and −180°, thepiston 21 is positioned at the bottom dead center BDC in thecylinder 20. - The thick
solid line 241L inFIG. 9 shows changes in the lift amount of theexhaust valve 344 caused by the rotation of theexhaust cam 241. As denoted by the thicksolid line 241L, the lift amount of theexhaust valve 344 increases for the crank angle about in the range from −240° to −110°, and decreases for the crank angle about in the range from −110° to 20°. - The solid line TL1 in
FIG. 9 shows changes in the lift amount of theintake valve 334 caused by the rotation of theintake cam 231 when theengine 7 operates at low engine speed. As denoted by the solid line TL1, the lift amount of theintake valve 334 increases for the crank angle about in the range from 40° to 170°, and decreases for the crank angle about in the range from 170° to 300°. - As described above, when the
engine 7 operates at low engine speed, the overlap amount between the period in which theintake valve 334 is open and the period in which theexhaust valve 344 is open is small. In the example inFIG. 9 , the overlap amount is zero. - Meanwhile, the dash double dotted line TL2 in
FIG. 9 represents the lift amount of theintake valve 334 caused by the rotation of theintake cam 231 when theengine 7 operates at high engine speed. As denoted by the dash double dotted line TL2, the lift amount of theintake valve 334 increases for the crank angle about in the range from −30° to 100°, and decreases for the crank angle about in the range from 100° to 230°. - In this way, when the
engine 7 operates at high engine speed, the overlap between the period in which theintake valve 334 is open and the period in which theexhaust valve 344 is open is large. - In this way, the phase of the
intake cam 231 changes by angle θ relative to theexhaust cam 241 between when theengine 7 operates at low engine speed and when the engine operates at high engine speed, so that the overlap between the period in which theexhaust valve 344 is open and the period in which theintake valve 334 is open changes, and the above described advantage can be provided. - Note that in the valve
timing control device 200 according to the embodiment, as shown inFIG. 6 , the lockpin holding mechanism 210 has a relatively small length in the Y-direction. In this way, the valvetiming control device 200 has great flexibility in attachment (flexibility in layout), and good general versatility. Therefore, the valvetiming control device 200 can also be applied effectively to an engine having a structure other than those described above. -
FIGS. 10 to 14 are cutaway perspective views for use in illustrating the operation of the valvetiming control device 200. InFIGS. 10 to 14 , in the valvetiming control device 200, the lockpin holding mechanism 210, the cam drivensprocket 220, and theintake camshaft 230 are partly cut away. - In
FIGS. 10 to 14 , the direction denoted by the arrow Z is defined as the Z-direction. Note that the direction of the arrow in the Z-direction is defined as the +direction, while the direction opposite to the direction is defined as the − direction. The dashed line represents the axial center J of the valvetiming control device 200. -
FIG. 10 shows the state of the valvetiming control device 200 when the assembling of the device is completed. InFIG. 10 , the lockpin holding mechanism 210 and the cam drivensprocket 220 are cut away in the Z-direction from the center. The fixingpin 230B is actually connected to the cam drivensprocket 220 as described above. - As shown in
FIG. 10 , when the assembling of the valvetiming control device 200 is completed, the weight main body 213 a of theweight 213 is energized in the −Z-direction by the spring S1. Here, theweight 213 holds the highspeed lock pin 214 inserted in the throughhole 220 b of the cam drivensprocket 220. In this way, the rotation operation of theweight 213 around thepivot shaft 215 is limited. In this state, a part of the highspeed lock pin 214 abuts against thegroove 213 b of theweight 213. - Meanwhile, the weight
main body 216 a of theweight 216 is energized in the +Z-direction by the spring S2 that is not shown (seeFIG. 4 ). Here, theweight 216 holds the lowspeed lock pin 217 inserted in the throughhole 220 c of the cam drivensprocket 220. In this way, the rotation operation of theweight 216 around thepivot shaft 218 is restricted. - In
FIG. 10 , one end of the highspeed lock pin 214 inserted in the cam drivensprocket 220 substantially abuts against acontact surface 230M that is orthogonal to the axial center J of theintake camshaft 230. - Meanwhile, the low
speed lock pin 217 is inserted in the low speedpin introduction hole 233 d of theintake camshaft 230. One end of the lowspeed lock pin 217 inserted in the low speedpin introduction hole 233 d substantially abuts against the bottom surface of the low speedpin introduction hole 233 d. - As described above, the
pin floating groove 233 b extends in the circumferential direction around the axial center J. Here, one end of thepin floating groove 233 b in the circumferential direction is referred to as “low speed groove end LP” and the other end of thepin floating groove 233 b in the circumferential direction is referred to as “high speed groove end HP.” - In
FIG. 10 , the fixingpin 230B inserted in thepin floating groove 233 b is positioned at the low speed groove end LP. The fixingpin 230B is fixed to the cam drivensprocket 220, so that the rotation of theintake camshaft 230 in the direction denoted by the arrow M1 relative to the cam drivensprocket 220 and theexhaust camshaft 240 is restricted. - However, in the state in
FIG. 10 , the lowspeed lock pin 217 is inserted in the low speedpin introduction hole 233 d, and therefore theintake camshaft 230 cannot rotate relative to the cam drivensprocket 220 and theexhaust camshaft 240 either in the direction denoted by the arrow M1 or M2. -
FIG. 11 shows the state of the valvetiming control device 200 at low engine speed. In the valvetiming control device 200 operating at low engine speed, small centrifugal force acts on theweights pivot shaft 215 as indicated by the thick arrow M3. Force to rotate the weightmain body 216 a around thepivot shaft 218 is generated as indicated by the thick arrow M4. - In this case, the rotation of the weight
main body 216 a in the direction of the thick arrow M4 generates force to pull out the lowspeed lock pin 217 held by theweight 216 from the low speedpin introduction hole 233 d of the intake camshaft 230 (see the arrow M6). - At low engine speed, the spring S2 that is not shown (see
FIG. 4 ) energizes the weightmain body 216 a in the +Z direction, and therefore the elastic force by the spring S2 and the force acting in the direction of the thick arrow M4 are balanced. Consequently, the lowspeed lock pin 217 is not completely pulled out from the low speedpin introduction hole 233 d. - Meanwhile, once force acting in the direction of the thick arrow M3 is generated at the weight main body 213 a, force is generated in the direction in which the high
speed lock pin 214 held by theweight 213 is drawn to the intake camshaft 230 (see the arrow M5). However, one end of the lowspeed lock pin 217 abuts against thecontact surface 230M, and therefore the highspeed lock pin 214 does not move toward the axial center J. Consequently, the weight main body 213 a does not rotate. -
FIGS. 12 and 13 show the state of the valvetiming control device 200 when the engine speed of theengine 7 is raised to the first engine speed. - As describe above, when the valve
timing control device 200 rotates, centrifugal force is exerted on theweights engine 7 changes from a low value to a high value, larger centrifugal force is exerted on theweights - In this way, the force acting in the direction of the thick arrow M4 generated at the weight
main body 216 a is greater than the elastic force of the spring S2 inFIG. 4 , and becomes greater than the force acting in the direction of the arrow M6 to pull out the lowspeed lock pin 217 from the low speedpin introduction hole 233 d. - As a result, as shown in
FIG. 12 , the engine speed attains the first engine speed, and the lowspeed lock pin 217 is pulled out from the low speedpin introduction hole 233 d. In this state, centrifugal force by theweight 213 is generated in the direction of the arrow M5 at the highspeed lock pin 214. - As described above, when the low
speed lock pin 217 is pulled out from the low speedpin introduction hole 233 d, theintake camshaft 230 is allowed to rotate relative to the cam drivensprocket 220 and theexhaust camshaft 240. - However, the fixing
pin 230B inserted in thepin floating groove 233 b is positioned at the low speed groove end LP. Therefore, theintake camshaft 230 is allowed to rotate only in the direction of the arrow M2. - Now, as described in conjunction with
FIG. 8 , the elastic force of thevalve spring 335 is transmitted to theintake cam 231 of theintake camshaft 230 through theroller rocker arm 330. - In this way, at the
intake camshaft 230, force to rotate the cam drivensprocket 220 and theexhaust camshaft 240 in the direction of the arrow M1 or M2 is generated. - The force to rotate the
intake camshaft 230 in the direction of the arrow M1 or M2 will be described in conjunction withFIG. 8 . - As shown in
FIG. 8 , theroller 330T of theroller rocker arm 330 abuts against the upper end of theintake cam 231. In this case, the upper end of theintake cam 231 is energized downwardly by the elastic force of thevalve spring 335. - When the
intake cam 231 rotates in the direction of the arrow Q2 and the cam nose comes near theroller 330T, force to press theintake cam 231 downwardly by theroller 330T acts to rotate theintake cam 231 in the direction opposite to the direction of the arrow Q2. - Similarly, when the
intake cam 231 rotates in the direction of the arrow Q2 and the cam nose moves away from theroller 330T, force to press theintake cam 231 downwardly by theroller 330T acts to rotate theintake cam 231 in the direction of the arrow Q2. In this example, the arrow Q2 inFIG. 8 corresponds to the arrow M2. - In the state in
FIG. 12 , the force acts to rotate theintake camshaft 230 in the direction of the arrow M2, so that theintake camshaft 230 rotates in the direction of the arrow M2 relative to the cam drivensprocket 220 and theexhaust camshaft 240. - As shown in
FIG. 13 , as theintake camshaft 230 rotates in the direction of the arrow M2, thepin floating groove 233 b having the fixingpin 230B inserted therein rotates around the axial center J. In this example, thepin floating groove 233 b has the low speed groove end LP and the high speed groove end HP as described above. Therefore, the rotation of thepin floating groove 233 b in the direction of the arrow M2 is restricted by the high speed groove end HP. - In this way, the rotation of the
intake camshaft 230 in the direction of the arrow M2 is restricted by positioning thefixing pin 230B at the high speed groove end HP of thepin floating groove 233 b. - Therefore, when the fixing
pin 230B is positioned at the high speed groove end HP of thepin floating groove 233 b, the high speedpin introduction hole 233 c is in communication with the throughhole 220 b of the cam drivensprocket 220. Consequently, the highspeed lock pin 214 in abutment against thecontact surface 230M has one end inserted to the high speedpin introduction hole 233 c by the centrifugal force acting on the weight 213 (seeFIG. 14 ). - As the
intake camshaft 230 rotates as described above, the phase of theintake cam 231 relative to theexhaust cam 241 changes by angle θ. In this way, the valve timing of theengine 7 changes stably as it is unaffected by the elastic force of the valve springs 335 and 345. - Note that although the operation of the pin floating groove 233 a (see
FIG. 4 ) that is not shown inFIGS. 10 to 14 is not described, the operation of the pin floating groove 233 a is the same as that of thepin floating groove 233 b. - In
FIG. 13 , theprojection 220T inFIG. 3 is indicated by a broken line. Theprojection 220T is provided to restrict the rotation of the weightmain body 216 a around thepivot shaft 218. For example, if the weightmain body 216 a rotates by a prescribed amount, one surface of the weightmain body 216 a abuts against theprojection 220T. In this way, the weightmain body 216 a rotates largely in the direction of the arrow M4, and the lowspeed lock pin 217 is prevented from being pulled out from the throughhole 220 c. -
FIG. 14 shows the state of the valvetiming control device 200 after change in the valve timing of theengine 7 based on the first engine speed. - As described above, after the change in the valve timing of the
engine 7 based on the first engine speed, the highspeed lock pin 214 has one end inserted through the high speedpin introduction hole 233 c. In this way, theintake camshaft 230 cannot rotate either in the direction of the arrow M1 or M2. Therefore, at high engine speed, the phase relation between theintake cam 231 and theexhaust cam 241 is fixed to a phase relation different from the phase relation at low engine speed. - Meanwhile, when the engine speed of the
engine 7 is lowered from a high value, and theengine 7 operates at the second engine speed, the operation opposite to that described above is carried out. - More specifically, in
FIG. 14 , when the engine speed of theengine 7 is lowered from a high value to the second engine speed, the weight main body 213 a rotates in the direction opposite to the direction of the thick arrow M3 by the elastic force of the spring S1. Consequently, one end of the highspeed lock pin 214 is pulled out from the high speedpin introduction hole 233 c of theintake camshaft 230. - In
FIG. 14 , the weightmain body 216 a rotates in the opposite direction to the direction of the thick arrow M4 by the elastic force of the spring S2 that is not shown (seeFIG. 4 ). Consequently, one end of the lowspeed lock pin 217 is pressed against thecontact surface 230M of theintake camshaft 230. - As described above, at the
intake camshaft 230, force to rotate the cam drivensprocket 220 and theexhaust camshaft 240 in the direction of M1 or M2 is generated. - In this way, the elastic force of the
valve spring 335 acting on theintake cam 231 rotates theintake camshaft 230 in the direction of M1. Then, the lowspeed lock pin 217 is inserted into the low speedpin introduction hole 233 d of theintake camshaft 230, so that theintake camshaft 230 is fixed. As a result, the valve timing of theengine 7 changes stably without being affected by the elastic force of the valve springs 335 and 345. - As described above, the valve timing changes at different engine speeds between when the engine speed of the
engine 7 is raised and when the engine speed is lowered. More specifically, the first and second engine speeds are different. - Now, the first and second engine speeds are achieved based on conditions set for the elements of the valve
timing control device 200. For example, the springs S1 and S2 are set to have different elastic forces from each other. In this case, force acting on the highspeed lock pin 214 held by theweight 213 and force acting on the lowspeed lock pin 217 held by theweight 216 are different. - Consequently, the engine speed at which the high
speed lock pin 214 is pulled out from the high speedpin introduction hole 233 c (second engine speed) and the engine speed at which the lowerspeed lock pin 217 is pulled out from the low speedpin introduction hole 233 d (first engine speed) are different. - In this way, the valve timing changes at different engine speeds between when the engine speed of the
engine 7 is raised and when the engine speed is lowered. Therefore, hunting, in other words, unstable behavior of the valves caused by the effect of the elastic force of the valve springs 335 and 345 in response to change in the valve timing is sufficiently prevented. Consequently, change in the cam profile caused by hunting can be prevented, so that the performance and durability of the engine can be prevented from degrading. - As in the foregoing, according to the embodiment, as the engine speed of the
engine 7 changes from low speed to high speed, or vice versa, the phase of theintake camshaft 230 relative to theexhaust camshaft 240 changes. In this way, the valve timings of theexhaust valve 344 and theintake valve 334 are controlled in response to the engine speed of theengine 7. - According to the embodiment, the phase of the
intake camshaft 230 relative to theexhaust camshaft 240 is switched based on complementary movements between the lowspeed lock pin 217 and low speedpin introduction hole 233 d and the highspeed lock pin 214 and the high speedpin introduction hole 233 c and the frictional force between the components is not used. Therefore, there is little degradation caused by abrasion between the components. As a result, the useful life of the valvetiming control device 200 can be prolonged without having to use abrasion resistant components, and the device can be manufactured less costly. - High working precision is not required, and the complementary movements between the low
speed lock pin 217 and the low speedpin introduction hole 233 d and the highspeed lock pin 214 and the highspeed introduction hole 233 c can be achieved simply by the mechanical arrangement, so that the device can be more readily manufactured. - There is no need for a control system including a hydraulic circuit, an electric circuit, and software to control the complementary movements between the low
speed lock pin 217 and the low speedpin introduction hole 233 d and the highspeed lock pin 214 and highspeed introduction hole 233 c. This allows the valvetiming control device 200 to have a reduced size. - In addition, according to the embodiment, when the engine speed of the
engine 7 increases, the phase of theintake camshaft 230 relative to theexhaust camshaft 240 is changed by the lockpin holding mechanism 210. In this state, the opening/closing timings of theexhaust valve 344 and theintake valve 334 are controlled. - When the engine speed of the
engine 7 is lowered, the phase of theintake camshaft 230 relative to theexhaust camshaft 240 is changed by the lockpin holding mechanism 210 at the second engine speed lower than the first engine speed. In this state, the opening/closing timings of theexhaust valve 344 and theintake valve 334 are controlled. - In this way, the first engine speed when the
engine 7 is accelerated and the second engine speed when theengine 7 is decelerated are different. When the engine speed of theengine 7 is maintained in the range of the first or second engine speed, the phase of theintake camshaft 230 relative to the exhaust camshaft 204 does not repeatedly change. In this way, the hunting that makes the behavior of theexhaust valve 344 and theintake valve 334 unstable can sufficiently be prevented. - According to the embodiment, the valve
timing control device 200 is provided in theengine 7 of SOHC (single overhead camshaft) type, but the valvetiming control device 200 may be provided in any engine as far as the engine has a camshaft. - For example, the
engine 7 may be an engine of SV (side valve) type, OHV (overhead valve) type, or DOHC (double overhead camshaft) type. - As described in conjunction with
FIG. 8 , although the valvetiming control device 200 is provided in theengine 7 including theroller rocker arms device 200 may be provided in an engine of direct striking type. - As described in conjunction with
FIGS. 10 to 14 , the valvetiming control device 200 includes the springs S1 and S2 in order to energize the weightmain bodies 213 a and 216 a in prescribed directions. However, rubber members or the like may be used instead of the springs S1 and S2 as far as the elastic members can energize the weightmain bodies 213 a and 216 a in the prescribed directions. - Furthermore, the embodiment has been described about the motorcycle as the vehicle by way of illustration, but the valve
timing control device 200 may be provided in an engine in a small vehicle with a small displacement such as a tractor or a cart and a small ship. - As in the foregoing, according to the embodiment, the
engine 7 corresponds to the engine; theexhaust valve 344 to the first valve; theintake valve 334 to the second valve; the valvetiming control device 200 to the valve timing control device; the cam drivensprocket 220 to the rotation member; theexhaust camshaft 240 to the first camshaft; theintake camshaft 230 to the second camshaft; the lockpin holding mechanism 210 to the phase changing mechanism; the lowspeed lock pin 217 and the low speedpin introduction hole 233 d to the first engaging mechanism; and the highspeed lock pin 214 and the high speedpin introduction hole 233 c to the second engaging mechanism. - The low
speed introduction hole 233 d corresponds to the first engaging portion; the lowspeed lock pin 217 to the first engagement member; the spring S2 to the first energizing member; the weightmain body 216 a to the first weight; the high speedpin introduction hole 233 c to the second engaging portion; the highspeed lock pin 214 to the second engagement member; the spring S1 to the second energizing member; and the weight main body 213 a to the second weight. - Furthermore, the low speed
pin introduction hole 233 d corresponds to the first hole; the lowspeed lock pin 217 to the first pin member; the high speedpin introduction hole 233 c to the second hole; the highspeed lock pin 214 to the second pin member; and the fixing pins 230A and 230B and thepin floating grooves 233 a and 233 b to the restricting mechanism or the preventing mechanism. - Furthermore, the
pin floating grooves 233 a and 233 b correspond to the grooves; the low speed groove end LP and the high speed groove end HP to both end surfaces in the grooves; the fixing pins 230A and 230B to the abutment members; theengine 7 to the engine device; and themotorcycle 100 to the vehicle. - As shown in
FIG. 8( b), the phase of theintake cam 231 relative to theexhaust cam 241 indicated by the solid line corresponds to the first phase and the phase of theintake cam 231 relative to theexhaust cam 241 indicated by the dash double dotted line corresponds to the second phase. - The invention is applicable to various vehicles and crafts including an engine such as a motorcycle and a four-wheeled automobile.
- Although the present invention has been described and illustrated in detail, it is clearly understood that the same is by way of illustration and example only and is not to be taken by way of limitation, the spirit and scope of the present invention being limited only by the terms of the appended claims.
Claims (9)
1-8. (canceled)
9. A valve timing control device for controlling opening/closing timings of first and second valves in response to a speed of an engine, comprising:
a rotation member arranged to rotate in synchronization with a rotation of the engine;
a first camshaft arranged to abut against the first valve and rotate together with the rotation member to open/close the first valve;
a second camshaft arranged to abut against the second valve and rotate relative to the first camshaft, the second camshaft arranged to rotate together with the rotation member to open/close the second valve; and
a phase changing mechanism arranged to change a phase of the second camshaft relative to the first camshaft between first and second phases, the phase changing mechanism including:
a first engaging mechanism arranged to engage the second camshaft while the second camshaft has the first phase relative to the first camshaft; and
a second engaging mechanism arranged to engage the second camshaft while the second camshaft has the second phase relative to the first camshaft; wherein
the first engaging mechanism is biased in a direction to engage the second camshaft and arranged to move in a direction to pull out the second camshaft by centrifugal force; and
the second engaging mechanism is biased in a direction to pull out the second camshaft and arranged to move in a direction to engage the second camshaft by centrifugal force.
10. The valve timing control device according to claim 9 , wherein the first engaging mechanism includes:
a first engaging portion provided on the second camshaft;
a first engagement member arranged to move between a state of being engaged with the first engaging portion and a state of being pulled out from the first engaging portion;
a first biasing member arranged to bias the first engagement member in the direction in which the first engagement member is to be engaged with the first engaging portion; and
a first weight arranged to move the first engagement member in the direction in which the first engagement member is to be pulled out from the first engaging portion by the centrifugal force; and
the second engaging mechanism includes:
a second engaging portion provided on the second camshaft;
a second engagement member arranged to move between a state of being engaged with the second engaging portion and a state of being pulled out from the second engaging portion;
a second biasing member arranged to bias the second engagement member in a direction in which the second engagement member is to be pulled out from the second engaging portion; and
a second weight arranged to move the second engagement member in the direction in which the second engagement member is to be engaged with the second engaging portion by centrifugal force; wherein
the second camshaft is arranged to rotate relative to the first camshaft between the first phase and the second phase while the first engagement member is pulled out from the first engaging portion and the second engagement member is pulled out from the second engaging portion.
11. The valve timing control device according to claim 10 , wherein the first engaging portion includes a first hole provided in the second camshaft;
the first engagement member includes a first pin member arranged to move between a state in which the first pin member is inserted into the first hole and a state in which the first pin member is pulled out from the first hole;
the second engaging portion includes a second hole provided in the second camshaft; and
the second engagement member includes a second pin member arranged to move between the state in which the second pin member is inserted into the second hole and the state in which the second pin member is pulled out from the second hole.
12. The valve timing control device according to claim 9 , wherein the phase changing mechanism further includes a restricting mechanism arranged to restrict rotation of the second camshaft relative to the first camshaft within the range between the first phase and the second phase.
13. The valve timing control device according to claim 12 , wherein the restricting mechanism includes a preventing mechanism arranged to prevent the second camshaft from rotating when the phase of the second camshaft relative to the first camshaft changes from the first phase to the second phase, and from the second phase to the first phase.
14. The valve timing control device according to claim 13 , wherein the preventing mechanism includes:
a groove arranged in the circumferential direction of the second camshaft; and
an abutment member fixed to the rotation member so that the abutment member can move in the groove and abut against both end surfaces in the groove.
15. An engine device comprising:
an engine having first and second valves; and
a valve timing control device arranged to control opening/closing timings of the first and second valves in response to an engine speed of the engine, the valve timing control device including:
a rotation member arranged to rotate in synchronization with a rotation of the engine;
a first camshaft arranged to abut against the first valve and rotate together with the rotation member to open/close the first valve;
a second camshaft arranged to abut against the second valve and rotate relative to the first camshaft, the second camshaft being rotated together with the rotation member to open/close the second valve; and
a phase changing mechanism arranged to change a phase of the second camshaft relative to the first camshaft between first and second phases, the phase changing mechanism including:
a first engaging mechanism arranged to engage the second camshaft while the second camshaft has the first phase relative to the first camshaft; and
a second engaging mechanism arranged to engage the second camshaft while the second camshaft has the second phase relative to the first camshaft; wherein
the first engaging mechanism is biased in a direction to engage the second camshaft and arranged to move in a direction to pull out the second camshaft by centrifugal force; and
the second engaging mechanism is biased in a direction to pull out the second camshaft and arranged to move in a direction to engage the second camshaft by centrifugal force.
16. A vehicle comprising:
an engine device;
driving wheels; and
a transmission mechanism arranged to transmit power generated by the engine device to the driving wheels;
the engine device including:
an engine having first and second valves; and
a valve timing control device arranged to control opening/closing timings of the first and second valves in response to an engine speed of the engine, the valve timing control device including:
a rotation member arranged to rotate in synchronization with a rotation of the engine;
a first camshaft arranged to abut against the first valve and rotate together with the rotation member to open/close the first valve;
a second camshaft arranged to abut against the second valve and rotate relative to the first camshaft, the second camshaft being rotated together with the rotation member to open/close the second valve; and
a phase changing mechanism arranged to change a phase of the second camshaft relative to the first camshaft between first and second phases, the phase changing mechanism including:
a first engaging mechanism arranged to engage the second camshaft while the second camshaft has the first phase relative to the first camshaft; and
a second engaging mechanism arranged to engage the second camshaft while the second camshaft has the second phase relative to the first camshaft; wherein
the first engaging mechanism is biased in a direction to engage the second camshaft and arranged to move in a direction to pull out the second camshaft by centrifugal force;
the second engaging mechanism is biased in a direction to pull out the second camshaft and arranged to move in a direction to engage the second camshaft by centrifugal force.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP2004-365549 | 2004-12-17 | ||
JP2004365549A JP2006170117A (en) | 2004-12-17 | 2004-12-17 | Valve timing control device, engine device and vehicle having this control device |
PCT/JP2005/022484 WO2006064707A1 (en) | 2004-12-17 | 2005-12-07 | Valve timing controller, engine device having the same, and vehicle |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20090272348A1 true US20090272348A1 (en) | 2009-11-05 |
Family
ID=36587765
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/721,895 Abandoned US20090272348A1 (en) | 2004-12-17 | 2005-12-07 | Valve timing control device and engine device and vehicle including the same |
Country Status (7)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20090272348A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1835133A4 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2006170117A (en) |
CN (1) | CN100455774C (en) |
BR (1) | BRPI0519514A2 (en) |
TW (1) | TW200624657A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2006064707A1 (en) |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20090240420A1 (en) * | 2005-12-13 | 2009-09-24 | Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha | Variable valve system, and engine system and vehicle including the same |
US20120152194A1 (en) * | 2009-09-14 | 2012-06-21 | Honda Motor Co., Ltd | Variable valve operating device for internal combustion engine |
US20180010487A1 (en) * | 2016-07-05 | 2018-01-11 | Suzuki Motor Corporation | Variable valve mechanism, engine, and automatic two-wheeled vehicle |
RU2684856C1 (en) * | 2018-06-25 | 2019-04-15 | Общество с ограниченной ответственностью "Челябинский компрессорный завод" (ООО "ЧКЗ") | Device for correcting angular position of the cam shaft of internal combustion engine |
Families Citing this family (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP4590384B2 (en) * | 2006-09-26 | 2010-12-01 | 本田技研工業株式会社 | Valve operating device for internal combustion engine |
JP2008157129A (en) * | 2006-12-25 | 2008-07-10 | Yamaha Motor Co Ltd | Variable valve gear, engine device with same, and vehicle |
DE102008039038B4 (en) * | 2008-08-21 | 2021-01-28 | Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG | Camshaft adjuster |
JP5353465B2 (en) * | 2009-06-18 | 2013-11-27 | スズキ株式会社 | Engine valve gear |
JP6248876B2 (en) * | 2014-09-17 | 2017-12-20 | スズキ株式会社 | Engine valve gear |
JP6457577B2 (en) * | 2017-03-27 | 2019-01-23 | 本田技研工業株式会社 | Valve timing control device |
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- 2005-12-07 US US11/721,895 patent/US20090272348A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2005-12-07 BR BRPI0519514-4A patent/BRPI0519514A2/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2005-12-07 CN CNB200580043369XA patent/CN100455774C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2005-12-07 EP EP05814483A patent/EP1835133A4/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2005-12-07 WO PCT/JP2005/022484 patent/WO2006064707A1/en active Application Filing
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US20090240420A1 (en) * | 2005-12-13 | 2009-09-24 | Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha | Variable valve system, and engine system and vehicle including the same |
US7684922B2 (en) * | 2005-12-13 | 2010-03-23 | Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha | Variable valve system, and engine system and vehicle including the same |
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US20180010487A1 (en) * | 2016-07-05 | 2018-01-11 | Suzuki Motor Corporation | Variable valve mechanism, engine, and automatic two-wheeled vehicle |
US10364709B2 (en) * | 2016-07-05 | 2019-07-30 | Suzuki Motor Corporation | Variable valve mechanism, engine, and automatic two-wheeled vehicle |
RU2684856C1 (en) * | 2018-06-25 | 2019-04-15 | Общество с ограниченной ответственностью "Челябинский компрессорный завод" (ООО "ЧКЗ") | Device for correcting angular position of the cam shaft of internal combustion engine |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CN101080552A (en) | 2007-11-28 |
TW200624657A (en) | 2006-07-16 |
JP2006170117A (en) | 2006-06-29 |
CN100455774C (en) | 2009-01-28 |
EP1835133A1 (en) | 2007-09-19 |
WO2006064707A1 (en) | 2006-06-22 |
EP1835133A4 (en) | 2009-08-26 |
BRPI0519514A2 (en) | 2009-02-25 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
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AS | Assignment |
Owner name: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA, JAPAN Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:YAMAMOTO, MINORU;MORITA, TOSHIMASA;REEL/FRAME:019602/0602 Effective date: 20070703 |
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |