EP2933446B1 - Decompression device - Google Patents
Decompression device Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP2933446B1 EP2933446B1 EP15159032.0A EP15159032A EP2933446B1 EP 2933446 B1 EP2933446 B1 EP 2933446B1 EP 15159032 A EP15159032 A EP 15159032A EP 2933446 B1 EP2933446 B1 EP 2933446B1
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- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- camshaft
- weight member
- shaft
- flange
- lobe
- 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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- 230000006837 decompression Effects 0.000 title claims description 24
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 5
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 12
- 230000004913 activation Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000002485 combustion reaction Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000009467 reduction Effects 0.000 description 4
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000009977 dual effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000004806 packaging method and process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000007704 transition Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005266 casting Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005242 forging Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000446 fuel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000006872 improvement Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001788 irregular Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000003754 machining Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005086 pumping Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000284 resting effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Images
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
- F01L13/00—Modifications of valve-gear to facilitate reversing, braking, starting, changing compression ratio, or other specific operations
- F01L13/08—Modifications of valve-gear to facilitate reversing, braking, starting, changing compression ratio, or other specific operations for decompression, e.g. during starting; for changing compression ratio
- F01L13/085—Modifications of valve-gear to facilitate reversing, braking, starting, changing compression ratio, or other specific operations for decompression, e.g. during starting; for changing compression ratio the valve-gear having an auxiliary cam protruding from the main cam profile
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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
- F01L2001/0471—Assembled camshafts
- F01L2001/0473—Composite camshafts, e.g. with cams or cam sleeve being able to move relative to the inner camshaft or a cam adjusting rod
Definitions
- This invention relates to a compression release system. Particularly, the invention relates to a decompressor system on an internal combustion engine.
- Decompression devices are used on internal combustion engines to release in-cylinder pressure at low engine rpm such that starting the engine is made easier. This is usually achieved by a small opening of the exhaust valve when the engine is turning-over below its idle speed. This opening of the valve opens the cylinder to the atmosphere which reduces the pressure in the cylinder and thus reduces the starting torque of the engine.
- the compression release mechanism works to ease the starting of the engine by allowing it to accelerate to starting speed whilst reducing the work required to overcome the pumping action of the pistons in the cylinder. Once ignition occurs, the engine speed increases above a predetermined value and the decompressor no longer opens the exhaust valve.
- the opening of the valve can be achieved by a local increase in the base circle height of the exhaust valve camshaft lobe, via a pin or similar lifter piece.
- the pin is provided in a bore in the camshaft lobe and when the speed of the engine is below a predetermined number of revolutions per minute the pin extends above the face of the camshaft lobe.
- the pin is commonly actuated by a bob-weight mounted to one end of the camshaft. The weight is pivoted such that it will open or close the lifter pin according to a predetermined engine speed. When the speed of the engine is above the predetermined engine speed, the centripetal force throws the bob-weight outwards such that the pin retracts below the face of the camshaft lobe.
- the decompression device comprises a variety of parts and consequently increases the size of the cylinder head portion of the engine and also restricts the positions where components of the engine can be located.
- DE 10 2008 020909A1 discloses a compression release device for an internal combustion engine which translates a movement of a centrifugal force element into a radial movement of a valve lifter via a concentrically arranged coupling device in the camshaft.
- US 2002/139343A1 discloses a cam shaft positioning structure of an engine where the cam shaft is axially positioned with respect to a cylinder head so as to be placed at a normal position.
- US 2009/0301419A1 discloses a decompression mechanism provided in a valve operating system configured to drive a valve for opening and closing a port.
- the present invention has therefore been devised with the foregoing in mind.
- the invention seeks to overcome or ameliorate at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art, or provide a useful alternative.
- a camshaft comprising a decompression device for reducing pressure in a cylinder when an engine starts according to claim 1.
- the camshaft is supported for rotation at or near each end of the camshaft, the at least one lobe and the camshaft flange being disposed along the camshaft between the ends.
- the weight member and drive pin may be located between the first and second lobes. This has the advantage of simultaneously actuating both lifters in operation. This central mounting with subsequent dual activation gives a reduction in number of parts, mass of the engine and cost.
- the flange may be located between the first and second lobes. This has the advantage of giving a reduction in engine width when compared to end mounted decompression devices and gives improved spark plug packaging/orientation.
- camshaft sprocket through which a rotational drive is provided to the camshaft, located between the flange and at least one lobe. This has the advantage of allowing adjustment of the cam timing without affecting the decompression function.
- the weight member may be located between the camshaft sprocket and at least one lobe.
- the sprocket may be located between the first and second lobes.
- the camshaft sprocket may be mounted to the flange. This has the advantage of rotating the camshaft and the weight member with the sprocket.
- the bias member may comprise a coil spring placed between the weight member and a connection pin mounted to the flange.
- the pivot point of the weight member and an actuation end of the weight member may be on opposite sides of the camshaft axis.
- the shaft may have a partial circumferential face at a shaft section corresponding to the location of the lobe for actuation of the lifter.
- the shaft section may have a flat face portion and a circumferential face portion. This has the advantage of retracting and extending the lifter inside and outside of the cam face.
- the shaft section may have a radiused portion between the flat face portion and the circumferential face portion. This has the advantage of providing a smoother transition from a flat face portion to a circumferential face portion. The radiused portion reduces the torque and loading on the shaft as it rotates.
- the diameter of the shaft section corresponding to the location of the lobe may be less than the maximum diameter of the shaft. This has the advantage of providing space to form the flat and circumferential face portions.
- the lifter may be biased to be in contact with the face of the shaft by a second biasing member. This has the advantage of holding the lifter against the shaft so it can be actuated by the flat or circumferential face portions.
- the lifter may be held in the lobe by a retainer. This has the advantage of holding the lifter within the cam face and not allowing the lifter to extend too far outside of the cam face.
- a decompression device 1 incorporated in a camshaft 2 of an overhead cam type engine.
- the decompression device 1 comprises a weight member 4, a bias member 6 (i.e. a spring), a drive pin 8, a shaft 10 and lifters 12, 13.
- the camshaft 2 extends axially between two camshaft ends 2A, 2B, and is supported for rotation about the camshaft axis.
- Two camshaft exhaust valve lobes (exhaust cams) 14, 15, two camshaft intake valve lobes (intake cams) 16, 17 and a camshaft flange 18 are located along the camshaft between the two ends 2A, 2B.
- a camshaft sprocket 20 abuts and affixes via bolts 19 to the camshaft flange.
- the sprocket 20 is a toothed wheel which is driven by a crankshaft (not shown) to rotate the camshaft 2.
- the flange 18 and the sprocket 20 are located substantially axially centrally in the camshaft 2 between the exhaust cams 14, 15.
- the shaft 10 is located concentrically with the camshaft 2 in a central bore 22 in the camshaft 2 and extends axially from approximately the axial centre of one intake cam 16 to approximately the axial outside of the other intake cam 17.
- the shaft 10 is substantially a cylindrical shaft with two shaft sections 24, 26, corresponding to the location of the exhaust cams 14, 15, where the diameter of the shaft 10 is less than the maximum diameter of the shaft 10.
- the shaft section 24 is only partially circumferential and has a radiused portion 27 providing a smoother transition from a flat face portion 28 to a circumferential face portion 29.
- the flat face portion 28 and the circumferential face portion 29 enable operation of the lifters 12, 13 (described in more detail later).
- the radiused portion 27 is included to reduce the torque and loading on the shaft 10 as it rotates.
- Shaft section 26 is similar to shaft section 24.
- the shaft sections 24, 26 may have a curved portion instead of a flat face portion 28, with a smaller diameter than the circumferential face portion 29, or an eccentric portion of smaller diameter than the shaft 10 that allows the lifters 12, 13 to be retracted.
- the shaft 10 has a hole 30 in an axially central portion that extends transversely through the shaft 10.
- the hole 30 is suitably sized for insertion of the drive pin 8 which is a cylindrical member longitudinally orientated perpendicularly to the axis of the shaft 10.
- the drive pin 8 is inserted into the shaft 10 and a first end of the drive pin extends radially outside the diameter of the shaft 10 in one direction through a recess 32 in the camshaft 2 to a distance greater than the diameter of the camshaft 2 main body.
- a second end of the drive pin 8 extends inside the shaft 10 to beyond the radial centre of the shaft 10 but does not extend through the shaft 10 fully.
- the drive pin 8 is a press fit into the shaft 10 at a controlled depth.
- the lifter 12 is a hollow cylinder orientated perpendicularly to the axis of the camshaft 2, with an open face at an inner end, with respect to the radial centre of the camshaft 2, and a closed partially spherical face at an outer end.
- Figure 2 shows the lifter extended as in Figure 1B and Figure 4B .
- Figure 3 shows the lifter retracted as in Figure 1A and Figure 4A .
- the lifter 12 is positioned in the exhaust cam 14 in a radial bore 34 which extends from the face of the exhaust cam 14 to the central bore 22 in the camshaft 2.
- the inner end of the lifter 12 has a shoulder 36 around its circumference for abutment of an inner end of a spring 38.
- the spring 38 is a helical spring which encloses the lifter 12, and is held in place in the exhaust cam 14 by a retainer 40.
- the retainer 40 is a hollow cylinder which is open at both its inner and outer ends and sits flush with the exhaust cam 14 face.
- the retainer 40 surrounds the circumference of the lifter 12 and extends partially along the length of the lifter 12.
- the lifter 12 can extend through the outer face of the retainer 40 and the retainer has an inner abutment section 41, at its outer end, to abut the outer end of the spring 38.
- the inner end face of the lifter 12 contacts with the partial circumferential face of the shaft 10 in the shaft section 24, which may be, as shown in Figure 3 , the flat face portion 28 or, as shown in Figure 2 , the circumferential face portion 29 of the shaft section 24.
- this embodiment shows the lifters 12, 13 are positioned in the exhaust cams 14, 15, in another embodiment a lifter 12 may be, instead, positioned in one or both of the intake cams 16, 17.
- the camshaft 2 may have a single lobe, e.g. a single cylinder engine with a single valve.
- the weight member 4 will now be described with reference to Figures 1A and 4A .
- the weight member 4, or flyweight arm, is mounted adjacent, but not directly, to the sprocket 20 and has a pivot pin 42 that is mounted to the flange 18 and extends through a slot 43 in the sprocket 20.
- the slot 43 allows the camshaft 2 timing to be adjusted without affecting the position or timing of the decompression device 1.
- the weight member 4 is mounted in an axially central location on the camshaft 2, between the flange 18 and the exhaust cam 15.
- the sprocket 20 is located between the flange 18 and the weight member such that the weight member 4 is also located between the sprocket 20 and the exhaust cam 15.
- the sprocket 20 may be on the opposite side of the flange 18.
- gear teeth may be cut into the flange 18 and there would not be a separate sprocket 20.
- a separate sprocket 20 is preferred as it allows for angular adjustment of the sprocket 20 for adjustment of the camshaft 2 timing.
- the pivot pin 42 extends through a hole 44 in the flange 18 and is retained by an e-clip 45.
- the weight member 4 is partially enclosed in a sprocket recess 46 and has a radially extending portion 47 which contacts the inside lip 48 of the sprocket 20.
- the weight member 4 has a cut out section 49 where the bias member 6 connects to weight member for clearance to the spring during operation and assembly.
- the weight member 4 has an outer periphery having a curvature radius which is less than a curvature radius of an outer periphery of the sprocket 20 and extends to a radius less than the outer periphery to an actuator end 50, i.e. the other end of the weight member 4 from the pivot pin 42 end, where it comes into contact with the drive pin 8.
- the actuator end 50, and also the first end of the drive pin 8, are located on the opposite side to the pivot pin 42 with respect to the camshaft 2 axis.
- the weight member 4 may be sized or orientated differently in other embodiments of the invention.
- the bias member 6 is connected at one end to the weight member 4 relatively close to the pivot pin 42, i.e. in the cut out section 49, and extends to connect at its other end to a connection pin 51.
- the connection pin 51 is located at a substantially similar diameter around the camshaft 2 axis as the pivot pin 42 and at a different circumferential location.
- the connection pin 51 is mounted to the flange 18 through another hole in the sprocket 20 and extends from the flange 18 with a parallel axis to the camshaft 2.
- the connection pin 51 is retained by an e-clip (not shown), in a similar manner to the pivot pin 42 which is shown in Figure 5 .
- the bias member 6 may be located in and connected to different locations in other embodiments of the invention.
- the camshaft 2 is shown without the sprocket 20 or the other components of the decompression device 1.
- the recess 32 is shown formed into the body of the camshaft 2 to provide space for the drive pin 8 to both insert through the body of the camshaft 2 into the shaft 10 and to partially rotate around the central axis of the camshaft 2 (the actuation of the drive pin 8 will be described later).
- the recess 32 is a cast-in pocket and is formed when the camshaft 2 is formed - e.g. by casting.
- the camshaft 2 and recess 32 may also be formed by other methods, such as forging or machining.
- the weight member 4 When the engine is off or during starting the engine, the speed of the engine is below a predetermined number of revolutions per minute (rpm), the weight member 4 is biased by the bias member 6 so that the weight member 4 is relatively close to the camshaft 2 and in its most radially inward position - see Figure 1B and Figure 4B .
- the camshaft 2 When the engine is running, the camshaft 2 is rotated due to the sprocket 20 being driven by its connection to the crankshaft which is in turn rotated by the movement of the pistons in the cylinders of the engine (not shown).
- Figure 7 shows the weight member 4 in its most outward position with the radially extending portion 47 in contact with the sprocket lip 48 restricting further outward movement.
- Figure 8 shows the weight member 4 in its most inward position with an inner portion of the weight member 4 resting on the camshaft surface 2 restricting further inward movement.
- the drive pin 8 is in contact with the weight member 4 but not actively fixed to it.
- the weight member 4 has a recess 52 facing the sprocket 20 and suitably sized to allow the drive pin 8 to freely rotate.
- one radially extending wall 54 of the recess 52 impacts a first side of the drive pin 8 and rotates the drive pin 8 in an anti-clockwise direction (as viewed in Figures 7 and 8 ).
- a second radially extending wall 56 of the recess 52 impacts a second side of the drive pin 8, and rotates the drive pin 8 in a clockwise direction (as viewed in Figures 7 and 8 ).
- the weight member 4 is in contact with the drive pin 8 and the drive pin 8 can rotate partially around the axis of the camshaft 2 due to the space created by the recess 32 and because the shaft 10 is freely rotatable inside the camshaft 2.
- the drive pin 8 rotates, so too does the shaft 10 due to the drive pin 8 being inserted into the hole 30 in the shaft 10.
- the shaft 10 will be rotated in the same direction along with the drive pin 8.
- the bias force of the bias member will overcome the centripetal force of the weight member 4 and the weight member 4 will return to its inward position.
- any member that is suitable to connect the weight member 4 to the shaft 10 and actuate the shaft 10 may be used.
- the inner end face of the lifter 12 contacts with the face of the shaft 10 in the shaft section 24.
- the spring 38 is held by the retainer 40 and the spring force holds the lifter 12 against the face of the shaft 10.
- the shaft 10 presents the circumferential face portion 29 to the inner end face of the lifter 12.
- the distance from the circumferential face portion 29 to the outer face of the exhaust cam 14 is such that the lifter 12 radially extends outside the body of the exhaust cam 14 when the lifter 12 is in contact with the circumferential face portion 29.
- the shaft 10 When the engine speed is above the predetermined rpm and the weight member 4 is therefore in its outward position the shaft 10 is rotated such that the flat face portion 28 of the shaft section 24 is presented to the inner end face of the lifter 12.
- the distance from the flat face portion 28 to the outer face of the exhaust cam 14 is such that the lifter 12 is fully retracted within the body of the exhaust cam 14.
- the spring force of the spring 38 holds the inner end of the lifter 12 against the face of the shaft section 24 and the spring force restricts the radial distance the lifter 12 is able to move.
- the faces of the exhaust cams 14, 15 are in contact with cam followers 58 of exhaust valve rocker arm assemblies 60 and the irregular shape of the exhaust cams 14, 15 activates the rocker arms 60 to open exhaust valves 62 in the cylinder (not shown). While this embodiment shows the rocker arms 60 actuating two exhaust valves 62 each, the rocker arms 60 may actuate only one exhaust valve 62 or more than two exhaust valves 62. Also in different embodiments, the rocker arms 60 may actuate intake valves. When the lifters 12, 13 are radially extended the rocker arms 60 are also activated at this point in the rotation of the camshaft 2 to allow the exhaust valves 62 to be opened slightly and therefore the cylinder pressure is relieved.
- the rocker arms 60 are not activated at this point in the rotation of the camshaft 2 and thus the cylinder pressure is not reduced. Due to nature of the decompression device 1, as described above, the lifters 12, 13 only extend when the speed of the engine is below the predetermined rpm. The opening of the exhaust valves 62 to the atmosphere at low rpm of the engine reduces the pressure in the cylinders and makes it easier for the pistons (not shown) to be moved in the cylinders to reach the rpm of the engine where the engine has sufficient momentum to start through ignition, i.e. the starting torque of the engine is reduced. At this point the lifters 12, 13 are retracted, the ignition is engaged and the normal engine cycle begins without the additional pressure release of the lifters 12, 13.
- the flange 18, the sprocket 20 and the weight member mounted to the flange are located axially centrally in the camshaft 2 between the exhaust cams 14, 15.
- the weight member 4 is located between the flange 18 and the exhaust cam 15.
- the weight member 4 is located between the sprocket 20 and the exhaust cam 15.
- the weight member 4 may be located between the flange 18 and the exhaust cam 14.
- the weight member 4 may be located between the sprocket 20 and the exhaust cam 14.
- the weight member 4 of the present invention simultaneously actuates both lifters 12, 13 in operation. This central mounting with subsequent dual activation gives a reduction in number of parts, mass of the engine and cost.
- the weight member 4 is mounted to the camshaft 2, through the sprocket 20 directly into the flange 18 which allows for adjustment of the cam timing without affecting the decompression function.
- the present invention gives a reduction in engine width when compared to end mounted decompression devices and gives improved spark plug (not shown) packaging/orientation, i.e. the spark plugs can have a more vertical orientation which gives an improvement in combustion speed and efficiency. This also results in better emissions and fuel economy.
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- Valve Device For Special Equipments (AREA)
Description
- This invention relates to a compression release system. Particularly, the invention relates to a decompressor system on an internal combustion engine.
- Decompression devices are used on internal combustion engines to release in-cylinder pressure at low engine rpm such that starting the engine is made easier. This is usually achieved by a small opening of the exhaust valve when the engine is turning-over below its idle speed. This opening of the valve opens the cylinder to the atmosphere which reduces the pressure in the cylinder and thus reduces the starting torque of the engine. The compression release mechanism works to ease the starting of the engine by allowing it to accelerate to starting speed whilst reducing the work required to overcome the pumping action of the pistons in the cylinder. Once ignition occurs, the engine speed increases above a predetermined value and the decompressor no longer opens the exhaust valve.
- The opening of the valve can be achieved by a local increase in the base circle height of the exhaust valve camshaft lobe, via a pin or similar lifter piece. The pin is provided in a bore in the camshaft lobe and when the speed of the engine is below a predetermined number of revolutions per minute the pin extends above the face of the camshaft lobe. The pin is commonly actuated by a bob-weight mounted to one end of the camshaft. The weight is pivoted such that it will open or close the lifter pin according to a predetermined engine speed. When the speed of the engine is above the predetermined engine speed, the centripetal force throws the bob-weight outwards such that the pin retracts below the face of the camshaft lobe.
- The decompression device comprises a variety of parts and consequently increases the size of the cylinder head portion of the engine and also restricts the positions where components of the engine can be located.
-
DE 10 2008 020909A1 discloses a compression release device for an internal combustion engine which translates a movement of a centrifugal force element into a radial movement of a valve lifter via a concentrically arranged coupling device in the camshaft. -
US 2002/139343A1 discloses a cam shaft positioning structure of an engine where the cam shaft is axially positioned with respect to a cylinder head so as to be placed at a normal position. -
US 2009/0301419A1 discloses a decompression mechanism provided in a valve operating system configured to drive a valve for opening and closing a port. - The present invention has therefore been devised with the foregoing in mind. The invention seeks to overcome or ameliorate at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art, or provide a useful alternative.
- According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a camshaft comprising a decompression device for reducing pressure in a cylinder when an engine starts according to claim 1. Preferably the camshaft is supported for rotation at or near each end of the camshaft, the at least one lobe and the camshaft flange being disposed along the camshaft between the ends. The advantage of this is that when the speed of the engine is below a predetermined rpm the lifters are radially extended, the valves are opened slightly and the cylinder pressure is relieved. This means it is easier for the pistons to be moved in the cylinders to reach the rpm of the engine where the engine has sufficient momentum to start through ignition. When the speed of the engine is above a predetermined rpm the lifters are radially retracted and the valves do not have the additional slight opening to relive the cylinder pressure as it is not required. This has the further advantage of allowing rotation of the weight member.
- There may be a second lifter provided inwardly of a second lobe in a radial direction of the camshaft. This gives the advantage of allowing pressure in another cylinder to be relived. Also, the activation of the lifters in both lobes rather than a more common method of only operating a single valve from a single lobe gives greater decompression in the cylinders of the engine and improved starting capability. This also means a smaller battery for starting the engine can be packaged saving further mass and cost. The weight member and drive pin may be located between the first and second lobes. This has the advantage of simultaneously actuating both lifters in operation. This central mounting with subsequent dual activation gives a reduction in number of parts, mass of the engine and cost.
- The flange may be located between the first and second lobes. This has the advantage of giving a reduction in engine width when compared to end mounted decompression devices and gives improved spark plug packaging/orientation.
- There may be a camshaft sprocket, through which a rotational drive is provided to the camshaft, located between the flange and at least one lobe. This has the advantage of allowing adjustment of the cam timing without affecting the decompression function.
- The weight member may be located between the camshaft sprocket and at least one lobe.
- The sprocket may be located between the first and second lobes.
- The camshaft sprocket may be mounted to the flange. This has the advantage of rotating the camshaft and the weight member with the sprocket.
- The bias member may comprise a coil spring placed between the weight member and a connection pin mounted to the flange.
- The pivot point of the weight member and an actuation end of the weight member may be on opposite sides of the camshaft axis.
- The shaft may have a partial circumferential face at a shaft section corresponding to the location of the lobe for actuation of the lifter.
- The shaft section may have a flat face portion and a circumferential face portion. This has the advantage of retracting and extending the lifter inside and outside of the cam face.
- The shaft section may have a radiused portion between the flat face portion and the circumferential face portion. This has the advantage of providing a smoother transition from a flat face portion to a circumferential face portion. The radiused portion reduces the torque and loading on the shaft as it rotates.
- The diameter of the shaft section corresponding to the location of the lobe may be less than the maximum diameter of the shaft. This has the advantage of providing space to form the flat and circumferential face portions.
- The lifter may be biased to be in contact with the face of the shaft by a second biasing member. This has the advantage of holding the lifter against the shaft so it can be actuated by the flat or circumferential face portions.
- The lifter may be held in the lobe by a retainer. This has the advantage of holding the lifter within the cam face and not allowing the lifter to extend too far outside of the cam face.
- According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of decompression for reducing pressure in a cylinder when an engine starts according to
claim 14. - An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
-
Figure 1A shows a cross sectional view of a camshaft having a decompression device with a weight member in its outward position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; -
Figure 1B shows a cross sectional view of a camshaft having a decompression device with a weight member in its inward position of the embodiment ofFigure 1A ; -
Figure 2 shows a radial cross section view of a shaft and a lifter extending outside a cam of the embodiment ofFigure 1A ; -
Figure 3 shows a radial cross section view of a shaft and a lifter retracted within a cam of the embodiment ofFigure 1A ; -
Figure 4A shows a perspective side view of the embodiment ofFigure 1A with a weight member in its outward position; -
Figure 4B shows a perspective side view of the embodiment ofFigure 1A with a weight member in its inward position; -
Figure 5 shows an axial cross section view of a pivot pin in a camshaft of the embodiment ofFigure 1A ; -
Figure 6 shows a perspective side view of a camshaft of the embodiment ofFigure 1A ; -
Figure 7 shows a radial cross section view of a weight member, in its outward position, of the embodiment ofFigure 1A . -
Figure 8 shows a radial cross section view of a weight member, in its inward position, of the embodiment ofFigure 1A . -
Figure 9 shows a perspective side view of the decompression device according to the embodiment ofFigure 1A with rocker arm assemblies and exhaust valves; - With reference to
Figure 1A , there is provided a decompression device 1 incorporated in acamshaft 2 of an overhead cam type engine. The decompression device 1 comprises aweight member 4, a bias member 6 (i.e. a spring), adrive pin 8, ashaft 10 andlifters - The
camshaft 2 extends axially between two camshaft ends 2A, 2B, and is supported for rotation about the camshaft axis. Two camshaft exhaust valve lobes (exhaust cams) 14, 15, two camshaft intake valve lobes (intake cams) 16, 17 and acamshaft flange 18 are located along the camshaft between the two ends 2A, 2B. Acamshaft sprocket 20 abuts and affixes viabolts 19 to the camshaft flange. Thesprocket 20 is a toothed wheel which is driven by a crankshaft (not shown) to rotate thecamshaft 2. Theflange 18 and thesprocket 20 are located substantially axially centrally in thecamshaft 2 between theexhaust cams shaft 10 is located concentrically with thecamshaft 2 in acentral bore 22 in thecamshaft 2 and extends axially from approximately the axial centre of oneintake cam 16 to approximately the axial outside of theother intake cam 17. Theshaft 10 is substantially a cylindrical shaft with twoshaft sections exhaust cams shaft 10 is less than the maximum diameter of theshaft 10. As seen inFigure 2 andFigure 3 , theshaft section 24 is only partially circumferential and has a radiusedportion 27 providing a smoother transition from aflat face portion 28 to acircumferential face portion 29. Theflat face portion 28 and thecircumferential face portion 29 enable operation of thelifters 12, 13 (described in more detail later). The radiusedportion 27 is included to reduce the torque and loading on theshaft 10 as it rotates.Shaft section 26 is similar toshaft section 24. In another embodiment, theshaft sections flat face portion 28, with a smaller diameter than thecircumferential face portion 29, or an eccentric portion of smaller diameter than theshaft 10 that allows thelifters - Referring once more to
Figure 1A , theshaft 10 has ahole 30 in an axially central portion that extends transversely through theshaft 10. Thehole 30 is suitably sized for insertion of thedrive pin 8 which is a cylindrical member longitudinally orientated perpendicularly to the axis of theshaft 10. Thedrive pin 8 is inserted into theshaft 10 and a first end of the drive pin extends radially outside the diameter of theshaft 10 in one direction through arecess 32 in thecamshaft 2 to a distance greater than the diameter of thecamshaft 2 main body. A second end of thedrive pin 8 extends inside theshaft 10 to beyond the radial centre of theshaft 10 but does not extend through theshaft 10 fully. Thedrive pin 8 is a press fit into theshaft 10 at a controlled depth. - With reference to
Figure 2 andFigure 3 , thelifter 12 is a hollow cylinder orientated perpendicularly to the axis of thecamshaft 2, with an open face at an inner end, with respect to the radial centre of thecamshaft 2, and a closed partially spherical face at an outer end.Figure 2 shows the lifter extended as inFigure 1B andFigure 4B .Figure 3 shows the lifter retracted as inFigure 1A andFigure 4A . Thelifter 12 is positioned in theexhaust cam 14 in a radial bore 34 which extends from the face of theexhaust cam 14 to thecentral bore 22 in thecamshaft 2. The inner end of thelifter 12 has ashoulder 36 around its circumference for abutment of an inner end of aspring 38. Thespring 38 is a helical spring which encloses thelifter 12, and is held in place in theexhaust cam 14 by aretainer 40. Theretainer 40 is a hollow cylinder which is open at both its inner and outer ends and sits flush with theexhaust cam 14 face. Theretainer 40 surrounds the circumference of thelifter 12 and extends partially along the length of thelifter 12. Thelifter 12 can extend through the outer face of theretainer 40 and the retainer has aninner abutment section 41, at its outer end, to abut the outer end of thespring 38. The inner end face of thelifter 12 contacts with the partial circumferential face of theshaft 10 in theshaft section 24, which may be, as shown inFigure 3 , theflat face portion 28 or, as shown inFigure 2 , thecircumferential face portion 29 of theshaft section 24. Similarly, there is anidentical lifter 13 with corresponding components (not shown inFigure 1A ) in theexhaust cam 15. Although this embodiment shows thelifters exhaust cams lifter 12 may be, instead, positioned in one or both of theintake cams camshaft 2 may have a single lobe, e.g. a single cylinder engine with a single valve. - The
weight member 4 will now be described with reference toFigures 1A and4A . Theweight member 4, or flyweight arm, is mounted adjacent, but not directly, to thesprocket 20 and has apivot pin 42 that is mounted to theflange 18 and extends through aslot 43 in thesprocket 20. Theslot 43 allows thecamshaft 2 timing to be adjusted without affecting the position or timing of the decompression device 1. Theweight member 4 is mounted in an axially central location on thecamshaft 2, between theflange 18 and theexhaust cam 15. Thesprocket 20 is located between theflange 18 and the weight member such that theweight member 4 is also located between thesprocket 20 and theexhaust cam 15. In another embodiment, thesprocket 20 may be on the opposite side of theflange 18. In another embodiment, gear teeth may be cut into theflange 18 and there would not be aseparate sprocket 20. However, aseparate sprocket 20 is preferred as it allows for angular adjustment of thesprocket 20 for adjustment of thecamshaft 2 timing. With reference toFigure 5 , thepivot pin 42 extends through ahole 44 in theflange 18 and is retained by ane-clip 45. Theweight member 4 is partially enclosed in asprocket recess 46 and has aradially extending portion 47 which contacts theinside lip 48 of thesprocket 20. - Referring to
Figures 1A and4A once more, theweight member 4 has a cut outsection 49 where thebias member 6 connects to weight member for clearance to the spring during operation and assembly. Theweight member 4 has an outer periphery having a curvature radius which is less than a curvature radius of an outer periphery of thesprocket 20 and extends to a radius less than the outer periphery to anactuator end 50, i.e. the other end of theweight member 4 from thepivot pin 42 end, where it comes into contact with thedrive pin 8. Theactuator end 50, and also the first end of thedrive pin 8, are located on the opposite side to thepivot pin 42 with respect to thecamshaft 2 axis. Theweight member 4 may be sized or orientated differently in other embodiments of the invention. - Referring to
Figure 4A , thebias member 6 is connected at one end to theweight member 4 relatively close to thepivot pin 42, i.e. in the cut outsection 49, and extends to connect at its other end to aconnection pin 51. Theconnection pin 51 is located at a substantially similar diameter around thecamshaft 2 axis as thepivot pin 42 and at a different circumferential location. Theconnection pin 51 is mounted to theflange 18 through another hole in thesprocket 20 and extends from theflange 18 with a parallel axis to thecamshaft 2. Theconnection pin 51 is retained by an e-clip (not shown), in a similar manner to thepivot pin 42 which is shown inFigure 5 . Thebias member 6 may be located in and connected to different locations in other embodiments of the invention. - Referring now to
Figure 6 , thecamshaft 2 is shown without thesprocket 20 or the other components of the decompression device 1. Therecess 32 is shown formed into the body of thecamshaft 2 to provide space for thedrive pin 8 to both insert through the body of thecamshaft 2 into theshaft 10 and to partially rotate around the central axis of the camshaft 2 (the actuation of thedrive pin 8 will be described later). Therecess 32 is a cast-in pocket and is formed when thecamshaft 2 is formed - e.g. by casting. Thecamshaft 2 andrecess 32 may also be formed by other methods, such as forging or machining. - When the engine is off or during starting the engine, the speed of the engine is below a predetermined number of revolutions per minute (rpm), the
weight member 4 is biased by thebias member 6 so that theweight member 4 is relatively close to thecamshaft 2 and in its most radially inward position - seeFigure 1B andFigure 4B . When the engine is running, thecamshaft 2 is rotated due to thesprocket 20 being driven by its connection to the crankshaft which is in turn rotated by the movement of the pistons in the cylinders of the engine (not shown). As thecamshaft 2 rotates, it, and the other components that rotate with the camshaft, become subject to centripetal forces and as theweight member 4 is pivotably attached to thecamshaft 2 it is free to move within its restrictions. When the speed of the engine exceeds the predetermined number of rpm, the centripetal force of theweight member 4 will overcome the bias force of thebias member 6 holding theweight member 4 in its inward position and theweight member 4 will swing around the pivot point (i.e. the pivot pin 42) to its most radially outward position - seeFigure 1A andFigure 4A . -
Figure 7 shows theweight member 4 in its most outward position with theradially extending portion 47 in contact with thesprocket lip 48 restricting further outward movement.Figure 8 shows theweight member 4 in its most inward position with an inner portion of theweight member 4 resting on thecamshaft surface 2 restricting further inward movement. With reference to bothFigures 7 and8 , thedrive pin 8 is in contact with theweight member 4 but not actively fixed to it. Theweight member 4 has arecess 52 facing thesprocket 20 and suitably sized to allow thedrive pin 8 to freely rotate. When theweight member 4 moves outwards from its most inward position, one radially extendingwall 54 of therecess 52 impacts a first side of thedrive pin 8 and rotates thedrive pin 8 in an anti-clockwise direction (as viewed inFigures 7 and8 ). When theweight member 4 moves inwards from its most outward position, a secondradially extending wall 56 of therecess 52 impacts a second side of thedrive pin 8, and rotates thedrive pin 8 in a clockwise direction (as viewed inFigures 7 and8 ). - As described above, the
weight member 4 is in contact with thedrive pin 8 and thedrive pin 8 can rotate partially around the axis of thecamshaft 2 due to the space created by therecess 32 and because theshaft 10 is freely rotatable inside thecamshaft 2. When thedrive pin 8 rotates, so too does theshaft 10 due to thedrive pin 8 being inserted into thehole 30 in theshaft 10. Thus, when theweight member 4 swings due to the speed of the engine reaching the predetermined rpm, theshaft 10 will be rotated in the same direction along with thedrive pin 8. When the speed of the engine returns below the predetermined rpm, the bias force of the bias member will overcome the centripetal force of theweight member 4 and theweight member 4 will return to its inward position. Although in this embodiment adrive pin 8 is used, any member that is suitable to connect theweight member 4 to theshaft 10 and actuate theshaft 10 may be used. - As described above in
Figures 2 and3 , the inner end face of thelifter 12 contacts with the face of theshaft 10 in theshaft section 24. Thespring 38 is held by theretainer 40 and the spring force holds thelifter 12 against the face of theshaft 10. When theweight member 4 is in its inward position, theshaft 10 presents thecircumferential face portion 29 to the inner end face of thelifter 12. The distance from thecircumferential face portion 29 to the outer face of theexhaust cam 14 is such that thelifter 12 radially extends outside the body of theexhaust cam 14 when thelifter 12 is in contact with thecircumferential face portion 29. When the engine speed is above the predetermined rpm and theweight member 4 is therefore in its outward position theshaft 10 is rotated such that theflat face portion 28 of theshaft section 24 is presented to the inner end face of thelifter 12. In this case, the distance from theflat face portion 28 to the outer face of theexhaust cam 14 is such that thelifter 12 is fully retracted within the body of theexhaust cam 14. The spring force of thespring 38 holds the inner end of thelifter 12 against the face of theshaft section 24 and the spring force restricts the radial distance thelifter 12 is able to move. - With reference to
Figure 9 , the faces of theexhaust cams cam followers 58 of exhaust valverocker arm assemblies 60 and the irregular shape of theexhaust cams rocker arms 60 to openexhaust valves 62 in the cylinder (not shown). While this embodiment shows therocker arms 60 actuating twoexhaust valves 62 each, therocker arms 60 may actuate only oneexhaust valve 62 or more than twoexhaust valves 62. Also in different embodiments, therocker arms 60 may actuate intake valves. When thelifters rocker arms 60 are also activated at this point in the rotation of thecamshaft 2 to allow theexhaust valves 62 to be opened slightly and therefore the cylinder pressure is relieved. When thelifters rocker arms 60 are not activated at this point in the rotation of thecamshaft 2 and thus the cylinder pressure is not reduced. Due to nature of the decompression device 1, as described above, thelifters exhaust valves 62 to the atmosphere at low rpm of the engine reduces the pressure in the cylinders and makes it easier for the pistons (not shown) to be moved in the cylinders to reach the rpm of the engine where the engine has sufficient momentum to start through ignition, i.e. the starting torque of the engine is reduced. At this point thelifters lifters - As mentioned above, and shown in
Figures 1 and4 , theflange 18, thesprocket 20 and the weight member mounted to the flange are located axially centrally in thecamshaft 2 between theexhaust cams weight member 4 is located between theflange 18 and theexhaust cam 15. Also, theweight member 4 is located between thesprocket 20 and theexhaust cam 15. In another embodiment, theweight member 4 may be located between theflange 18 and theexhaust cam 14. In another embodiment, theweight member 4 may be located between thesprocket 20 and theexhaust cam 14. Theweight member 4 of the present invention simultaneously actuates bothlifters exhaust cams weight member 4 is mounted to thecamshaft 2, through thesprocket 20 directly into theflange 18 which allows for adjustment of the cam timing without affecting the decompression function. The present invention gives a reduction in engine width when compared to end mounted decompression devices and gives improved spark plug (not shown) packaging/orientation, i.e. the spark plugs can have a more vertical orientation which gives an improvement in combustion speed and efficiency. This also results in better emissions and fuel economy. - It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that various modifications may be made to the above embodiment without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the claims. For example, whilst the above discussion has been concerned with a two cylinder engine, the invention is equally applicable to engines with one cylinder or more than two cylinders.
Claims (13)
- A camshaft (2) comprising a decompression device (1) for reducing pressure in a cylinder when an engine starts, the camshaft (2) having a flange (18) and one or more lobes (14, 15, 17) having a lobe face for actuating corresponding cylinder valves (62), the decompression device (1) comprising:a bias member (6) for biasing a portion of a weight member (4) toward the axis of the camshaft (2);the weight member (4) pivotably connected to the camshaft (2) for actuating a drive pin (8);the drive pin (8) connecting the weight member (4) and a shaft (10) such that the weight member (4) rotates the shaft (10);wherein said shaft (10) is located axially within the camshaft (2), and is rotatable relative to the camshaft (2) to extend or retract a lifter (12) radially;the lifter (12) is provided inwardly of the lobe face of one of said lobes (14, 15, 17) on the camshaft (2) in a radial direction of the camshaft (2) such that the lifter (12) can extend outwardly or retract inwardly in the radial direction from the lobe face;wherein the weight member (4) and the drive pin (8) are located on the camshaft between the flange (18) and one of the said lobes (14, 15, 17), wherein a camshaft sprocket (20), through which a rotational drive is provided to the camshaft (2), is located between the flange (18) and said one of said lobes (14, 15, 17) and wherein the weight member is mounted via a pivot pin (42) to the flange (18), charaterised in that the pivot pin extends through a slot in the sprocket.
- The camshaft (2) according to claim 1, wherein a second lifter (13) is provided inwardly of a second lobe (15) in a radial direction of the camshaft (2).
- The camshaft (2) according to claim 2, wherein the weight member (4) and drive pin (8) are located between a first and the second lobe (14, 15).
- The camshaft (2) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the flange (18) is located between the first and second lobes (14, 15).
- The camshaft (2) according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the weight member (4) is located between the camshaft sprocket (20) and at least one lobe (14, 15).
- The camshaft (2) according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the sprocket (20) is located between the first and second lobes (14, 15).
- The camshaft (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the camshaft sprocket (20) is mounted to the flange (18).
- The camshaft (2) according to any preceding claim, wherein the bias member (6) comprises a coil spring placed between the weight member (4) and a connection pin (51) mounted to the flange (18).
- The camshaft (2) according to any preceding claim, wherein the pivot point of the weight member (4) and an actuation end of the weight member (4) are on opposite sides of the camshaft (2) axis.
- The camshaft (2) according to any preceding claim, wherein the shaft (10) has a partial circumferential face at a shaft section (24) corresponding to the location of one of said lobes (14, 17) for actuation of the lifter (12), and the shaft section (24) has a flat face portion (28) and a circumferential face portion (29).
- The camshaft (2) according to claim 10, wherein the shaft section (24) has a radiused portion (27) between the flat face portion (28) and the circumferential face portion (29).
- The camshaft (2) according to any preceding claim, wherein the lifter (12) is biased to be in contact with the face of the shaft (10) by a second biasing member (38), and the lifter (12) is held in one of said lobes (14, 17) by a retainer (40).
- A method of decompression for reducing pressure in a cylinder when an engine starts comprising:biasing a portion of a weight member (4) toward the centre axis of a camshaft (2);rotating the weight member (4) located between a flange (18) and a lobe (14, 17) on the camshaft (2) by centripetal force, the weight member (4) being mounted via a pivot pin to the flange (18), the pivot pin extending through a slot in a sprocket located between the flange and the lobe (14, 17), wherein the sprocket provides rotational drive to the camshaft;rotating a drive pin (8) located between a flange (18) and the lobe (14, 17) on the camshaft (2) in contact with the weight member (4);actuating a shaft (10) located axially within the camshaft (2), and rotatable relative to the camshaft (2), with the drive pin (8); androtating the shaft (10) to actuate a lifter (12) provided inwardly of a lobe face of the lobe (14, 17) on the camshaft (2) in a radial direction of the camshaft (2) to extend and retract in the radial direction from the lobe face.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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GB201406661A GB201406661D0 (en) | 2014-04-14 | 2014-04-14 | Decompression device |
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EP2933446A1 EP2933446A1 (en) | 2015-10-21 |
EP2933446B1 true EP2933446B1 (en) | 2018-10-31 |
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EP15159032.0A Active EP2933446B1 (en) | 2014-04-14 | 2015-03-13 | Decompression device |
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GB (1) | GB201406661D0 (en) |
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DE102016119105A1 (en) * | 2016-10-07 | 2018-04-12 | Uwe Eisenbeis | Camshaft for internal combustion engine |
CN114320517B (en) * | 2022-01-05 | 2022-09-27 | 浙江钱江摩托股份有限公司 | Pressure reducing mechanism |
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JP2002285906A (en) * | 2001-03-27 | 2002-10-03 | Kawasaki Heavy Ind Ltd | Positioning structure for camshaft of engine |
DE102008020909B4 (en) * | 2008-04-17 | 2014-10-09 | Weber Technology Ag | Decompression device for an internal combustion engine |
JP5027739B2 (en) * | 2008-06-10 | 2012-09-19 | 川崎重工業株式会社 | Decompression mechanism |
-
2014
- 2014-04-14 GB GB201406661A patent/GB201406661D0/en not_active Ceased
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