Title of Invention

AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE WITH OIL FEED SYSTEM FOR HYDRAULICALLY ACTUATED CAM PHASER

Abstract An internal combustion engine is provided having an engine block defining a pressurized oil source and rotatably supporting a crankshaft. A camshaft is rotatably mounted within the engine block and defines an axially extending cavity. The cavity extends between opposed first and second ends of the camshaft. A cam phaser is mounted to the second end of the camshaft and is operable to vary the timing of the camshaft with respect to the crankshaft in response to pressurized oil. A cover is removably mounted to the engine block and is operable to substantially enclose the first end of the camshaft. The cover at least partially defines a passage in communication with the pressurized oil source and cavity. The passage and the cavity are operable to communicate pressurized oil from the pressurized oil source to the cam phaser to actuate the cam phaser.
Full Text GP-308798-PTE-JK
1
OIL FEED SYSTEM FOR A HYDRAULICALLY ACTUATED CAM PHASER
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to an oil feed system operable to
communicate pressurized oil to a hydraulically actuated cam phaser.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] A cam phaser is a device operable to selectively create a variable
rotational offset between a camshaft and a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine.
The degree of rotational offset created by the cam phaser enables the operating
characteristics of the internal combustion engine to be tuned for specific performance
requirements. The operation of the cam phaser is typically facilitated by providing
pressurized oil to the cam phaser.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] An internal combustion engine is provided having an engine block with a
pressurized oil source and rotatably supporting a crankshaft. The internal combustion
engine includes a camshaft rotatably mounted within the engine block and defines an
axially extending cavity. The axially extending cavity extends between opposed first
and second ends of the camshaft. A selectively actuatable cam phaser is mounted to the
second end of the camshaft and is operable to vary the timing of the camshaft with
respect to the crankshaft in response to pressurized oil. A cover is removably mounted
to the engine block and is operable to substantially enclose the first end of the camshaft.
The cover at least partially defines a passage in communication with the pressurized oil
source, defined by the engine block, and the axially extending cavity, defined by the
camshaft. The passage and the axially extending cavity are operable to communicate
pressurized oil from the pressurized oil source to the cam phaser to actuate the cam
phaser.

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[0004] The cover may be mounted to the engine block via a plurality of
fasteners. Preferably, the cover is sealed with respect to the engine block. A portion
of the cam phaser may be at least partially housed within the axially extending cavity.
The portion defines a cam phaser feed passage operable to communicate pressurized oil
from the axially extending cavity defined by the camshaft to the cam phaser.
[0005] The above features and advantages and other features and advantages of
the present invention are readily apparent from the following detailed description of the
best modes for carrying out the invention when taken in connection with the
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] Figure 1 is a exploded view of a portion of an internal combustion engine
illustrating an engine block having a cover mountable thereto;
[0007] Figure 2 is a front view of the cover of Figure 1 illustrating a passage
partially defined therein; and
[0008] Figure 3 is a cross sectional view of a cam phaser mounted to a camshaft
of the internal combustion engine, shown in Figure 1.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0009] Referring to the drawings wherein like reference numbers correspond to
like or similar components throughout the several figures, there is shown in Figure 1 a
portion of an internal combustion engine, generally indicated at 10. The internal
combustion engine 10 includes a cylinder block or engine block 12 defining at least one
cylinder 14 within which a piston, not shown, is reciprocally movable. A crankshaft 16 is
rotatably supported by the engine block 12 and is operatively connected to a camshaft 17
through a cam drive assembly 18, shown in Figure 3, to effect rotation of the camshaft
17. The camshaft 17 is rotatably supported within the engine bock 12 and is operable to
selectively open and close intake and exhaust valves, not shown, during the operation of
the internal combustion engine 10. The camshaft 17 defines a hollow passageway or

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cavity 20. The cavity 20 extends generally axiaily along the entire length of the camshaft
17 between a first end 22 and an opposed second end 24, shown in Figure 3.
[0010] The engine block 12 is preferably cast from a metal, such as cast iron or
aluminum, and includes a pressurized oil source 26. The pressurized oil source 26 is
configured to communicate pressurized oil to lifter galleries to enable operation of
hydraulic lash adjusters or lifters, not shown. A cover 28 is configured to be removably
mounted to the engine block 12 by a plurality of fasteners 30. The cover 28 is operable
to substantially enclose the pressurized oil source 26 and the first end 22 of the camshaft
17. The cover 28 sealingly engages the engine block 12. Those skilled in the art will
recognize suitable means of sealing the cover 28 to the engine block 12 such as, for
example, room temperature vulcanization (RTV) sealant, gasket, etc.
[0011] The cover 28 defines a bore 32 configured to receive a generally
cylindrical portion 34 of the crankshaft 16 therethrough. A lip seal 36 is provided within
the bore 32 and is operable to sealingly engage the portion 34 of the crankshaft 16. The
lip seal 36 is operable to prevent foreign material from entering the internal combustion
engine 10 through the cover 28 to crankshaft 16 interface. Additionally, the lip seal 36 is
operable to prevent the external leakage of oil from within the internal combustion engine
10.
[0012] Referring to Figure 2, and with continued reference to Figure 1, there is
shown a front view of the cover 28, i.e. the side of the cover 28 that engages the engine
block 12 when mounted thereto. The cover 28 at least partially defines a passage 40 that,
when the cover 28 is installed on the engine block 12, is in communication with
pressurized oil source 26 and the cavity 20. Therefore, pressurized oil contained within
the pressurized oil source 26 is communicated directly to the cavity 20 via the passage
40. The engine block 12 may partially define the passage 40 while remaining within the
scope of that which is claimed herein.
[0013] Referring to Figure 3, and with continued reference to Figures 1 and 2.
there is shown a cam phaser assembly 42 mounted to the second end 24 of the camshaft
17 and configured to be driven by the crankshaft 16 through the cam drive assembly 18.
The cam drive assembly 18 includes a crankshaft sprocket 44, mounted to the crankshaft

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16, and a camshaft sprocket 46, mounted to the cam phaser assembly 42. The crankshaft
sprocket 44 is drivingly connected to the camshaft sprocket 46 by a timing chain 48.
Those skilled in the art will recognize other methods of providing drive force between the
crankshaft 16 and the cam phaser assembly 42 such as, for example, a gear drive. The
cam drive assembly 18 further includes a tensioner or snubber 50 operable to tension and
stabilize the timing chain 48 during operation of the internal combustion engine 10.
[0014] The cam phaser assembly 42 is hydraulically actuated and includes a valve
body 52 that extends at least partially into the cavity 20 defined by the camshaft 17. The
valve body 52 is operable to selectively and variably communicate pressurized oil from
within the cavity 20 to the cam phaser 42 to effect actuation thereof. In operation,
pressurized oil is communicated from the pressurized oil source 26 to the cavity 20 via
the passage 40. The cavity 20 communicates the pressurized oil the entire length of the
camshaft 17 to the valve body 52. The valve body 52 defines a cam phaser feed passage
53 operable to communicate pressurized oil from the cavity 20 to the cam phaser
assembly 42. The valve body 52, in response to control signals, selectively and variably
actuates the cam phaser assembly 42 to vary the rotational offset or timing of the
camshaft 17 with respect to the crankshaft 16. A target wheel 54 is mounted to the cam
phaser assembly 42 and cooperates with a sensor, not shown, to communicate the
position, i.e. advanced or retarded, of the camshaft 17.
[0015] While the internal combustion engine 10 illustrated in Figure 1 is shown
having only one camshaft 17, those skilled in the art will recognize that additional
camshafts 17 may be provided while remaining within the scope of that which is
claimed. By providing a main or priority pressurized oil supply circuit to the cam
phaser 42, performance of the cam phaser 42 may be improved since pressurized oil
provided to the cam phaser 42 is not significantly affected by leakage within other
components of the internal combustion engine 10, nor is it significantly affected by
engine speed.
[0016] While the best modes for carrying out the invention have been described
in detail, those familiar with the art to which this invention relates will recognize various

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alternative designs and embodiments for practicing the invention within the scope of the
appended claims.

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CLAIMS
1. An internal combustion engine having an engine block including a
pressurized oil source and rotatably supporting a crankshaft, the internal combustion
engine comprising:
a camshaft rotatably mounted within the engine block and defining
an axially extending cavity;
wherein said axially extending cavity extends between opposed
first and second ends of said camshaft;
a selectively actuatable cam phaser mounted to said second end of
said camshaft and operable to vary the timing of said camshaft with respect to the
crankshaft in response to pressurized oil;
a cover removably mounted to the engine block and operable to
substantially enclose said first end of said camshaft; and
wherein said cover at least partially defines a passage in
communication with the pressurized oil source defined by the engine block and said
axially extending cavity defined by said camshaft, said passage and said axially
extending cavity being operable to communicate pressurized oil from the pressurized oil
source to said cam phaser to actuate said cam phaser.
2. The internal combustion engine of claim 1, wherein said cover is
sealed with respect to said engine block.
3. The internal combustion engine of claim 1, wherein said cover is
removably mounted to the engine block by a plurality of fasteners.
4. The internal combustion engine of claim 1, wherein said passage is
partially defined by the engine block.

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5. The internal combustion engine of claim 1, wherein a portion of
said cam phaser is at least partially housed within said axially extending cavity, said
portion defining a cam phaser feed passage operable to communicate pressurized oil from
said axially extending cavity defined by said camshaft to said cam phaser.
6. The internal combustion engine of claim 1, further comprising a
seal member mounted within said cover and operable to sealingly engage the crankshaft.
7. The internal combustion engine of claim 6, wherein said seal
member is a lip seal.
8. The internal combustion engine of claim 1, wherein said cover is
formed from one of aluminum and plastic.
9. An internal combustion engine having a source of pressurized oil
and a rotatable crankshaft, the internal combustion engine comprising:
a camshaft rotatably mounted within the engine and defining an
axially extending cavity;
wherein said axially extending cavity extends between opposed
first and second ends of said camshaft;
a selectively actuatable cam phaser mounted to said second end of
said camshaft and operable to vary the timing of said camshaft with respect to the
crankshaft in response to pressurized oil;
a cover removably mounted to the engine and operable to
substantially enclose said first end of said camshaft; and
wherein said cover at least partially defines a passage in
communication with the source of pressurized oil and said axially extending cavity
defined by said camshaft, said passage and said axially extending cavity being operable
to communicate pressurized oil from the source of pressurized oil to said cam phaser to
actuate said cam phaser.

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10. The internal combustion engine of claim 9, further comprising an
engine block operable to rotatably support said camshaft.
11. The internal combustion engine of claim 10, wherein said cover is
removably mounted to said engine block.
12. The internal combustion engine of claim 11, wherein said cover is
sealed with respect to said engine block.
13. The internal combustion engine of claim 10, wherein said passage
is partially defined by the engine block.
14. The internal combustion engine of claim 9, wherein a portion of
said cam phaser is at least partially housed within said axially extending cavity, said
portion defining a cam phaser feed passage operable to communicate pressurized oil from
said axially extending cavity defined by said camshaft to said cam phaser.
15. The internal combustion engine of claim 9, further comprising a
seal member mounted within said cover and operable to sealingly engage the crankshaft.
16. An internal combustion engine comprising:
an engine block having a pressurized oil source;
a crank shaft rotatably supported by said engine block;
a camshaft rotatably mounted within the engine block and defining
an axially extending cavity;
wherein said axially extending cavity extends between opposed
first and second ends of said camshaft;
a selectively actuatable cam phaser mounted to said second end of
said camshaft and operable to vary the timing of said camshaft with respect to the
crankshaft in response to pressurized oil;

GP-308798-PTE-JK
9
a cover removably mounted to the engine block and operable to
substantially enclose said first end of said camshaft;
wherein said cover at least partially defines a passage in
communication with the pressurized oil source defined by the engine block and said
15 axially extending cavity defined by said camshaft, said passage and said axially
extending cavity being operable to communicate pressurized oil from the pressurized oil
source to said cam phaser; and
wherein a portion of said cam phaser is at least partially housed
within said axially extending cavity, said portion defining a cam phaser feed passage
20 operable to communicate pressurized oil from said axially extending cavity defined by
said camshaft to said cam phaser.
17. The internal combustion engine of claim 16, wherein said cover is
sealed with respect to said engine block.
18. The internal combustion engine of claim 16, wherein said passage
is partially defined by the engine block.
19. The internal combustion engine of claim 16, further comprising a
seal member mounted within said cover and operable to sealingly engage the crankshaft.
Dated this 29th day of FEBRUARY 2008

An internal combustion engine is provided having an engine block
defining a pressurized oil source and rotatably supporting a crankshaft. A camshaft is
rotatably mounted within the engine block and defines an axially extending cavity. The
cavity extends between opposed first and second ends of the camshaft. A cam phaser is
mounted to the second end of the camshaft and is operable to vary the timing of the
camshaft with respect to the crankshaft in response to pressurized oil. A cover is
removably mounted to the engine block and is operable to substantially enclose the first
end of the camshaft. The cover at least partially defines a passage in communication with
the pressurized oil source and cavity. The passage and the cavity are operable to
communicate pressurized oil from the pressurized oil source to the cam phaser to actuate
the cam phaser.

Documents:

00389-kol-2008-abstract.pdf

00389-kol-2008-claims.pdf

00389-kol-2008-correspondence others.pdf

00389-kol-2008-description complete.pdf

00389-kol-2008-drawings.pdf

00389-kol-2008-form 1.pdf

00389-kol-2008-form 2.pdf

00389-kol-2008-form 3.pdf

00389-kol-2008-form 5.pdf

389-KOL-2008-(13-06-2013)-ABSTRACT.pdf

389-KOL-2008-(13-06-2013)-ANNEXURE TO FORM 3.pdf

389-KOL-2008-(13-06-2013)-CLAIMS.pdf

389-KOL-2008-(13-06-2013)-CORRESPONDENCE.pdf

389-KOL-2008-(13-06-2013)-DESCRIPTION (COMPLETE).pdf

389-KOL-2008-(13-06-2013)-DRAWINGS.pdf

389-KOL-2008-(13-06-2013)-FORM-1.pdf

389-KOL-2008-(13-06-2013)-FORM-2.pdf

389-KOL-2008-(13-06-2013)-OTHERS.pdf

389-KOL-2008-(13-06-2013)-PA.pdf

389-KOL-2008-(13-06-2013)-PETITION UNDER RULE 137.pdf

389-KOL-2008-ASSIGNMENT.pdf

389-KOL-2008-CORRESPONDENCE OTHERS 1.1.pdf

389-KOL-2008-CORRESPONDENCE OTHERS 1.2.pdf

389-kol-2008-form 18.pdf

389-KOL-2008-PRIORITY DOCUMENT.pdf


Patent Number 259580
Indian Patent Application Number 389/KOL/2008
PG Journal Number 12/2014
Publication Date 21-Mar-2014
Grant Date 19-Mar-2014
Date of Filing 29-Feb-2008
Name of Patentee GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
Applicant Address 300 GM RENAISSANCE CENTER DETROIT, MICHIGAN
Inventors:
# Inventor's Name Inventor's Address
1 STEPHEN B. PASS 48574 LEAFDALE COURT, UTICA, MICHIGAN 48317
PCT International Classification Number F01L1/34; F01L1/047; F01L13/00
PCT International Application Number N/A
PCT International Filing date
PCT Conventions:
# PCT Application Number Date of Convention Priority Country
1 11/734882 2007-04-13 U.S.A.