JP2001059574A - Sealing device, and valve timing changing device for internal combustion engine provided with same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a sealing device capable of preventing a colllision noise and abrasion in a sealing member and capable of selecting a material for the member, and to provide a valve timing changing device with the sealing device. SOLUTION: A relative rotation means 31 constituted, as main elements, of a housing member 18, and a vane member 30 stored inside the housing member 18 to be rotated together with a cam shaft 1 is provided in this device. An oil chamber 24 for a hydraulic fluid supplied to the rotation means 31 is formed in the vane member 30. A spider 3 formed with passages 5, 6 for introducing the hydraulic oil to the oil chamber 24 is arranged inside the chamber 24. A sealing device 11 for forming a pair of hydraulic oil chambers 25, 6 inside the chamber 24 is provided between the spider 3 and the vane member 30. The sealing member 11 is formed of two sealing grooves formed in the spider 3, seal members fitted thereto respectively, and an intermediate chamber formed between the two seal members.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a seal device for forming a pair of hydraulic oil chambers in an oil chamber and a valve timing changing device for an internal combustion engine provided with the seal device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A valve timing changing apparatus for changing the opening / closing timing of an intake valve or an exhaust valve during operation of an internal combustion engine includes a rotating body driven by a crankshaft of the internal combustion engine and an intake valve or an exhaust valve. It is provided between a driving camshaft and the camshaft is relatively rotated with respect to the rotating body to change the opening / closing timing of the intake valve or the exhaust valve.

For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-324612 discloses a housing that rotates with a sprocket (rotator) that is rotated by a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine, and a rotor that is housed in the housing and rotates with a camshaft. Relative rotating means is configured as a main element,
A valve timing device is shown in which a sprocket (rotary body) is relatively rotated with respect to a camshaft by this relative rotation means.

[0004] The relative rotation means is driven by operating hydraulic pressure, an oil chamber is formed in the housing, and a pair of operating oil chambers is defined in the oil chamber between the housing and the rotor. A sealing device to be formed is provided.
In this conventional example, four pairs of hydraulic oil chambers partitioned by the sealing device are formed in a housing.

Accordingly, the conventional valve timing changing device selectively opens and closes the intake valve or the exhaust valve by selectively sucking and discharging hydraulic oil into a pair of hydraulic oil chambers and rotating the housing and the rotor relatively. Is to be changed.

[0006]

When the internal combustion engine is operated, the camshaft to which the rotor is connected receives an alternating load due to a valve spring. As a result, the operating oil pressure of the pair of operating oil chambers partitioned by the sealing device fluctuates alternately under the influence of the alternating load.

Here, in the above-mentioned conventional example, a seal device for forming a pair of hydraulic oil chambers in the oil chamber is provided with one seal groove formed in one of the housing and the rotor. It is formed by a seal member mounted in the seal groove and in contact with one of the other members.

For this reason, if the hydraulic pressure of the pair of hydraulic oil chambers fluctuates alternately, the seal member repeatedly moves in the seal groove and collides with both side surfaces of the seal groove. There is a possibility that a collision sound (hitting sound) of the seal member may occur, or abnormal wear of the seal member due to the collision may occur.

In order to prevent this, it is conceivable to make the gap between the seal member and the seal groove as small as possible in order to prevent the seal member from moving in the seal groove. In this case, in consideration of the thermal expansion between the seal groove and the seal member, the coefficient of linear expansion between the member forming the seal groove and the seal member must be equal, and the degree of freedom in selecting the material of the seal member Becomes smaller.

The present invention has been devised in view of the above-mentioned conventional circumstances, and prevents generation of a collision sound of the seal member and abnormal wear of the seal member due to the collision, and allows the seal member to be selected from a wide range of materials. It is an object to provide a simple sealing device and a valve timing changing device for an internal combustion engine provided with the sealing device.

[0011]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, the invention according to claim 1 includes an oil chamber forming member forming an oil chamber, and a partition member disposed in the oil chamber of the oil chamber forming member. In a seal device provided between a forming member and a partition member to partition and form a pair of hydraulic oil chambers in an oil chamber, two seals formed on one of the oil chamber forming member and the partition member A groove, a seal member attached to each of the two seal grooves, and capable of contacting either of the other members, and an intermediate chamber formed between the seal members by the two seal members. Configuration.

Further, the invention according to claim 2 is configured such that in the structure of the invention according to claim 1, an intermediate chamber formed between the seal members is opened to the atmosphere.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the configuration of the first aspect of the invention, the sectional shape of the seal groove and the seal member is substantially rectangular.

Further, the invention according to claim 4 is provided between a rotating body that is rotated in synchronization with the rotation of the internal combustion engine and a cam shaft that drives an intake valve or an exhaust valve, and In a valve timing changing apparatus for an internal combustion engine capable of changing the opening / closing timing of an intake valve or an exhaust valve by relatively rotating a camshaft, relative rotating means for rotating the rotating body relative to the camshaft; An oil chamber forming member that forms an oil chamber of hydraulic oil supplied to the rotating means,
A spider disposed in the oil chamber of the oil chamber forming member and having a passage for guiding hydraulic oil to the oil chamber, and a pair of hydraulic oil chambers provided in the oil chamber between the spider and the oil chamber forming member. And a sealing device for forming a compartment, wherein the sealing device comprises:
2 formed on one of the oil chamber forming member and the spider
One seal groove, a seal member attached to each of the two seal grooves, and capable of contacting one of the other members, an intermediate chamber formed between the seal members by the two seal members, Is provided.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the configuration of the fourth aspect of the present invention, the relative rotating means rotates with one of a rotating body and a camshaft; A rotary member and a vane member that rotates together with the other of the camshaft as a main element, and the oil chamber forming member is a vane member of a relative rotating means. .

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the configuration of the fourth aspect of the invention, an intermediate chamber formed between the seal members is opened to the atmosphere.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the configuration of the fourth aspect of the invention, the sectional shape of the seal groove and the seal member is formed to be substantially rectangular.

The invention according to claim 8 is provided between a rotating body that is rotated in synchronization with the rotation of the internal combustion engine and a cam shaft that drives an intake valve or an exhaust valve. In a valve timing changing device for an internal combustion engine capable of changing the opening / closing timing of an intake valve or an exhaust valve by relatively rotating a camshaft, a housing that rotates together with one of the rotating body and the camshaft to form an oil chamber A vane member disposed in the oil chamber of the housing member, the vane member rotating with the other of the rotating body and the camshaft, and a pair of hydraulic oils provided between the housing member and the vane member in the oil chamber. A seal device for partitioning a chamber, wherein the seal device includes two seal grooves formed in one of a housing member and a vane member;
A configuration including a seal member mounted in each of the two seal grooves and capable of contacting either of the other members, and an intermediate chamber formed between the seal members by the two seal members. It is.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the configuration of the eighth aspect, an intermediate chamber formed between the seal members is opened to the atmosphere.

The invention according to claim 10 is the invention according to claim 8.
In the configuration of the invention described above, the cross-sectional shape of the seal groove and the seal member is formed to be substantially rectangular.

The invention according to claim 11 is the invention according to claim 8
In the configuration of the invention described above, the housing member includes a substantially annular housing body and a plate member that covers an open end of the housing body, and an intermediate chamber formed between the seal members includes a housing body and a plate member. And a groove formed between the housing member and the vane member.

Here, the seal member is formed by selecting from various materials such as a metal material and a synthetic resin material.

First, in the first aspect of the invention, when the operating oil pressure of the operating oil chamber partitioned and formed in the oil chamber by the sealing device fluctuates, the sealing device operates as follows.

That is, when one of the pair of hydraulic oil chambers has a high pressure, the seal member on the high-pressure hydraulic oil chamber side is pressed by the high-pressure hydraulic oil, and any one of the oil chamber forming member and the partition member is formed. The inside of the seal groove formed on one side moves to the intermediate chamber side, and at the same time it comes into contact with the side face of the seal groove on the intermediate chamber side, it comes into contact with one of the oil chamber forming member and the partition member,
Responsible for liquid-tight sealing. In this state, when the operating oil pressure of the pair of operating oil chambers fluctuates alternately, the high-pressure operating oil chamber-side seal member has a seal groove side surface on the intermediate chamber side and any one of the oil chamber forming member and the partition member. Maintains liquid-tight sealing while maintaining the state in contact with the other. On the other hand, the seal member on the low-pressure hydraulic oil chamber side does not receive the pressure of the high-pressure hydraulic oil chamber, so that it is in contact with the side surface of the seal groove on the intermediate chamber side and any one of the oil chamber forming member and the partition member. To maintain liquid-tight sealing. That is, even if the operating oil pressure of the pair of operating oil chambers fluctuates alternately, the seal member does not move in the seal groove.

At this time, if the oil chamber forming member and the partition member may move relative to each other, the seal member on the high pressure hydraulic oil chamber side is pressed by the high pressure hydraulic oil.
The state in which the seal groove is in contact with the side surface on the intermediate chamber side is maintained, and the sealing action is maintained. On the other hand, if the seal member on the low-pressure hydraulic oil chamber side moves from the state in contact with the side face of the seal groove on the intermediate chamber side to the low-pressure hydraulic oil chamber side, a negative pressure will be generated in the intermediate chamber, and the low pressure Therefore, the state of contact with the side surface of the seal groove on the side of the intermediate chamber is maintained, and the sealing action is maintained.

Accordingly, the seal member does not move in the seal groove even when the operating oil pressure in the operating oil chamber fluctuates and also when the oil chamber forming member and the partition member move relative to each other. It will be responsible for the liquid-tight sealing between the oil chambers. Also, it is not necessary to pay special attention to the thermal expansion between the seal groove and the seal member.

Therefore, it is possible to obtain a sealing device which prevents generation of collision sound of the seal member and abnormal wear of the seal member due to the collision, and can select the seal member from a wide range of materials.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, since the intermediate chamber formed between the seal members is opened to the atmosphere, the seal members are operated at a high pressure or a low pressure, respectively. Pressed by the pressure of the oil chamber, it can easily come into contact with the side surface of the seal groove on the side of the intermediate chamber, thereby exhibiting a sealing function.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, since the cross-sectional shape of the seal groove and the seal member is substantially rectangular, the contact area of the seal member, that is, the seal member is located between the seal grooves. A large area in contact with the side surface on the chamber side and an area in contact with one of the oil chamber forming member and the partition member can be ensured to be large, and the sealing performance can be improved.

In the invention according to claim 4, the operation is as follows. That is, the rotating body is rotated in synchronization with the internal combustion engine, and the camshaft is rotated via the valve timing changing device. Thereby, the camshaft drives the intake valve or the exhaust valve.

The relative rotation of the camshaft with respect to the rotating body is mainly composed of a housing member that rotates with one of the rotating body and the camshaft and a vane member that rotates with one of the other. Done by means. In this case, the suction and discharge of the hydraulic oil to and from the relative rotation means is performed via a hydraulic oil chamber defined and formed by a sealing device in the oil chamber forming member.

The rotation phase of the camshaft is changed by the relative rotation of the camshaft with respect to the rotating body, and as a result, the opening / closing timing of the intake valve or the exhaust valve is changed.

Here, when the working oil pressure of the working oil chamber partitioned and formed in the oil chamber by the sealing device fluctuates, the sealing device operates as follows.

That is, when one of the pair of hydraulic oil chambers has a high pressure, the seal member on the high-pressure hydraulic oil chamber side is pressed by the high-pressure hydraulic oil, and any one of the oil chamber forming member and the partition member is formed. The inside of the seal groove formed on one side moves to the intermediate chamber side, and at the same time it comes into contact with the side face of the seal groove on the intermediate chamber side, it comes into contact with one of the oil chamber forming member and the partition member,
Responsible for liquid-tight sealing. In this state, when the operating oil pressure of the pair of operating oil chambers fluctuates alternately, the high-pressure operating oil chamber-side seal member has a seal groove side surface on the intermediate chamber side and any one of the oil chamber forming member and the partition member. Maintains liquid-tight sealing while maintaining the state in contact with the other. On the other hand, the seal member on the low-pressure hydraulic oil chamber side does not receive the pressure of the high-pressure hydraulic oil chamber, so that it is in contact with the side surface of the seal groove on the intermediate chamber side and any one of the oil chamber forming member and the partition member. To maintain liquid-tight sealing. That is, even if the operating oil pressure of the pair of operating oil chambers fluctuates alternately, the seal member does not move in the seal groove.

At this time, when the oil chamber forming member and the partition member may move relative to each other, the seal member on the high pressure hydraulic oil chamber side is pressed by the high pressure hydraulic oil.
The state in which the seal groove is in contact with the side surface on the intermediate chamber side is maintained, and the sealing action is maintained. On the other hand, if the seal member on the low-pressure hydraulic oil chamber side moves from the state in contact with the side face of the seal groove on the intermediate chamber side to the low-pressure hydraulic oil chamber side, a negative pressure will be generated in the intermediate chamber, and the low pressure Therefore, the state of contact with the side surface of the seal groove on the side of the intermediate chamber is maintained, and the sealing action is maintained.

Thus, the seal member does not move in the seal groove even when the operating oil pressure in the operating oil chamber fluctuates and also when the oil chamber forming member and the partition member move relative to each other. It will be responsible for the liquid-tight sealing between the oil chambers. Also, it is not necessary to pay special attention to the thermal expansion between the seal groove and the seal member.

Therefore, it is possible to obtain a valve timing changing device for an internal combustion engine which is provided with a seal device capable of preventing generation of a collision sound of the seal member and abnormal wear of the seal member due to the collision, and having a seal device capable of selecting a seal member from a wide range of materials. Can be

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, since the oil chamber forming member is a vane member of a relative rotating means, there is no need to provide a separate oil chamber forming member, and the structure is simplified. be able to.

Further, in the invention according to claim 6, since the intermediate chamber formed between the seal members is opened to the atmosphere, the seal members are each operated at a high pressure or a low pressure. Pressed by the pressure of the oil chamber, it can easily come into contact with the side surface of the seal groove on the side of the intermediate chamber, thereby exhibiting a sealing function.

In the invention according to claim 7, the cross-sectional shape of the seal groove and the seal member is substantially rectangular, so that the contact area of the seal member, that is, the seal member is located in the middle of the seal groove. A large area in contact with the side surface on the chamber side and an area in contact with one of the oil chamber forming member and the partition member can be ensured to be large, and the sealing performance can be improved.

In the invention according to claim 8, the operation is as follows. That is, the rotating body is rotated in synchronization with the internal combustion engine, and the camshaft is rotated via the valve timing changing device. Thereby, the camshaft drives the intake valve or the exhaust valve.

The relative rotation of the camshaft with respect to the rotary body is performed by sucking and discharging hydraulic oil into a hydraulic oil chamber in a housing member that rotates together with either the rotary body or the camshaft.
This is performed by relatively rotating the housing member and the vane member. In this case, the suction and discharge of the hydraulic oil to and from the hydraulic oil chamber can be controlled by a hydraulic control device.

By rotating the camshaft relative to the rotating body, the rotation phase of the camshaft is changed, and as a result, the opening / closing timing of the intake valve or the exhaust valve is changed.

Here, when the working oil pressure of the working oil chamber partitioned and formed in the oil chamber by the sealing device fluctuates, the sealing device operates as follows.

That is, when one of the pair of hydraulic oil chambers has a high pressure, the seal member on the high-pressure hydraulic oil chamber side is pressed by the high-pressure hydraulic oil, and any one of the oil chamber forming member and the partition member is formed. The inside of the seal groove formed on one side moves to the intermediate chamber side, and at the same time it comes into contact with the side face of the seal groove on the intermediate chamber side, it comes into contact with one of the oil chamber forming member and the partition member,
Responsible for liquid-tight sealing. In this state, when the operating oil pressure of the pair of operating oil chambers fluctuates alternately, the high-pressure operating oil chamber-side seal member has a seal groove side surface on the intermediate chamber side and any one of the oil chamber forming member and the partition member. Maintains liquid-tight sealing while maintaining the state in contact with the other. On the other hand, the seal member on the low-pressure hydraulic oil chamber side does not receive the pressure of the high-pressure hydraulic oil chamber, so that it is in contact with the side surface of the seal groove on the intermediate chamber side and any one of the oil chamber forming member and the partition member. To maintain liquid-tight sealing. That is, even if the operating oil pressure of the pair of operating oil chambers fluctuates alternately, the seal member does not move in the seal groove.

At this time, when the oil chamber forming member and the partition member may move relative to each other, the seal member on the high-pressure hydraulic oil chamber side is pressed by the high-pressure hydraulic oil.
The state in which the seal groove is in contact with the side surface on the intermediate chamber side is maintained, and the sealing action is maintained. On the other hand, if the seal member on the low-pressure hydraulic oil chamber side moves from the state in contact with the side face of the seal groove on the intermediate chamber side to the low-pressure hydraulic oil chamber side, a negative pressure will be generated in the intermediate chamber, and the low pressure Therefore, the state of contact with the side surface of the seal groove on the side of the intermediate chamber is maintained, and the sealing action is maintained.

Thus, the seal member does not move in the seal groove even when the operating oil pressure in the operating oil chamber fluctuates and also when the oil chamber forming member and the partition member move relative to each other. It will be responsible for the liquid-tight sealing between the oil chambers. Also, it is not necessary to pay special attention to the thermal expansion between the seal groove and the seal member.

Therefore, it is possible to obtain a valve timing changing device for an internal combustion engine which is provided with a seal device capable of preventing generation of a collision sound of the seal member and abnormal wear of the seal member due to the collision, and having a seal device capable of selecting a seal member from a wide range of materials. Can be

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, since the intermediate chamber formed between the seal members is open to the atmosphere, the seal members are each operated at a high pressure or a low pressure. Pressed by the pressure of the oil chamber, it can easily come into contact with the side surface of the seal groove on the side of the intermediate chamber, thereby exhibiting a sealing function.

In the invention according to claim 10,
Since the cross-sectional shape of the seal groove and the seal member is formed in a substantially rectangular shape, the contact area of the seal member, that is, the area where the seal member is in contact with the side surface of the seal groove on the intermediate chamber side, and the oil chamber forming member and the partition member A large area in contact with one of the two can be secured, and the sealing performance can be improved.

In the invention according to claim 11,
Since the intermediate chamber formed between the seal members is open to the atmosphere via a groove formed between the housing body and the plate member and a groove formed between the housing member and the vane member, The groove can be easily formed as compared with a case where a vent is provided for opening to the atmosphere.

[0052]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings as an embodiment applied to a valve timing changing device for an internal combustion engine.

FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing a valve timing changing device for an internal combustion engine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing an enlarged main part of FIG. 1, and FIGS. 4 to 6 are cross-sectional views showing an enlarged main part of FIG.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a camshaft for driving an intake valve or an exhaust valve of an internal combustion engine, and in this embodiment, a camshaft for driving an intake valve.

The camshaft 1 is rotatably supported by a bearing (not shown) fixed to the cylinder head 2. A cam (not shown) is formed on a main portion (not shown) of the camshaft 1 on the right side in FIG. 1 of the bearing (not shown), and the intake valve is opened and closed by this cam. .

Reference numeral 3 denotes a spider mounted on the front cover 4 side of the internal combustion engine. The spider 3 is formed by a shaft 3a and a cover 3b. The shaft portion 3a of the spider 3 is inserted into an axial oil chamber 24 formed on a vane member 30 as an oil chamber forming member described in detail later.

That is, the vane member 30 (to be described in detail later) serves as an oil chamber forming body, and the oil chamber 24 is formed in the vane member 30.
(Specifically, the shaft 3a of the spider 3) is disposed as a partition member.

The shaft portion 3a of the spider 3 has axial passages 5, 6 and a circumferential groove 7 formed therein. The axial passages 5 and 6 are open at the end face of the shaft portion 3 a, and the open end of the passage 5 is sealed by a plug member 8. The passage 5 communicates with the circumferential groove 7 via a radial passage 9.

The vane member 30 as the oil chamber forming member
A sealing device 10 for sealing the opening side of the oil chamber 24 is provided between the spider 3 (which will be described later in detail) and the pair of hydraulic oil chambers 25 and 26 in the oil chamber 24. A sealing device 11 for partitioning is provided.

The sealing device 10 includes a shaft 3 of the spider 3.
1A, a sealing groove 12 formed at a position on the left side of the circumferential groove 7 in FIG. 1 and a seal that is mounted in the sealing groove 12 and can contact the vane member 30 (the inner periphery of the oil chamber 24). The stop member 13 is formed. The sealing member 13 is selected from various materials such as a metal material and a synthetic resin material. The cross-sectional shapes of the sealing groove 12 and the sealing member 13 are formed in a substantially rectangular shape.

A spring member is provided on the bottom side of the sealing groove 12, and the vane member 30 (oil chamber 24) of the sealing member 13 is provided.
(The inner periphery of the contact). Also,
The sealing device 10 may have a configuration in which a sealing groove is provided in the vane member 30 (the inner periphery of the oil chamber 24), and a sealing member capable of contacting the spider 3 is provided in the sealing groove. It is.

The sealing device 11 is formed on the shaft 3a of the spider 3 on the right side of the circumferential groove 7 in FIG.
One seal groove 14, 14 and the two seal grooves 14,
The seal member 15 is attached to the seal member 14 and can contact the vane member 30 (the inner periphery of the oil chamber 24), and the intermediate chamber 16 is formed between the two seal members 15. It is. The seal member 15 is selected from various materials such as a metal material and a synthetic resin material. Further, the cross-sectional shapes of the seal groove 14 and the seal member 15 are formed in a substantially rectangular shape.

A spring member may be provided on the bottom side of the seal groove 14 to increase the contact pressure on the vane member 30 of the seal member 15 (the inner periphery of the oil chamber 24). The sealing device 11 includes a vane member 30 (oil chamber 24).
It is also possible to provide a seal groove on the inner periphery of the seal member, and to provide a seal member capable of contacting the spider 3 in the seal groove.

Reference numeral 17 denotes a rotating body which is rotated in synchronization with the internal combustion engine. In this embodiment, the rotating body 17 is a sprocket which is rotationally driven by a crankshaft (not shown) of the internal combustion engine. The sprocket 17
Is rotatable together with the housing member 18 in this embodiment, and is rotatable relative to the camshaft 1 by a predetermined angle.

More specifically, the housing member 18 includes a substantially annular housing body 19 and the housing body 19.
The sprocket 17 is connected to the housing member 18 by connecting bolts (not shown). I have.

The sprocket 17 is supported on the outer periphery of a bearing portion 22 of a vane member 30 (to be described in detail later) fixed to the camshaft 1. It is rotatable.

External teeth 2 are provided on the outer peripheral side of the sprocket 17.
A timing chain 27 driven by a crankshaft (not shown) is wound around the external teeth 23.

The inside of the housing member 18 is hollow as a whole, and a plurality of (four in this embodiment) projections 28 projecting inward in the radial direction of the annular housing body 19 are formed. Thus, four oil chambers 29 connected at the center are formed radially outward (see FIG. 2).

Reference numeral 30 denotes a vane member housed in the housing member 18, and this vane member 30 is a bolt 30a
The vane member 30 and the housing member 18 are used as main elements to constitute a relative rotation means 31 described later in detail.

A plurality of the vane members 30 project radially from the body 32 (four in this embodiment).
The vane 33 is accommodated in the housing member 18 in a state where the vane 33 is arranged in the oil chamber 29.

The housing member 18 and the vane member 30
A seal device 36 is provided between the first and second housing members 18 to define a pair of hydraulic oil chambers 34 and 35 in the oil chamber 29 of the housing member 18. The pair of hydraulic oil chambers 34 and 35 are formed so as to face both sides in the circumferential direction of the vane 33, and four sets are formed in this embodiment according to the number of the vanes 33.

One of the seal devices 36 includes a seal groove 37 formed at the tip (housing member 18) of the projection 28 formed on the inner peripheral side of the housing main body 19, and a vane member 30 mounted in the seal groove 37. And a seal member 38 that can come into contact with the outer periphery (vane member 30) of the body portion 32 of FIG. Another one of the sealing devices 36 is a seal groove 37 formed at the tip of the vane 33 (vane member 30) and an inner periphery (housing member 18) of the housing body 19 mounted on the seal groove 37. It is formed from a seal member 38 that can be in contact. The seal member 38 is selected from various materials such as a metal material and a synthetic resin. Further, the cross-sectional shapes of the seal groove 37 and the seal member 38 are formed in a substantially rectangular shape.

The vane member 30 is formed with a radial passage 40 communicating the hydraulic oil chamber 25 on the axial center side with the hydraulic oil chamber 34 on the outer peripheral side. A radial passage 41 communicating between the hydraulic fluid chamber 26 and the hydraulic oil chamber 35 is formed.

The hydraulic oil chambers 25 and 26, to which the radial passages 40 and 41 communicate, respectively, communicate with the passages 5 and 6 formed in the spider 2, respectively.
The reference numeral 35 communicates with the passages 5 and 6 formed in the spider 2. For this reason, the housing member 18 and the vane member 30 can be relatively rotated by selectively sucking and discharging the working oil into the working oil chambers 34 and 35 through the passages 5 and 6. .

Here, the sprocket 17 is connected to the housing member 18 and is rotatable relative to the camshaft 1.
Numeral 1 indicates that the sprocket 17 can rotate relative to the camshaft 1 within a predetermined angle range. Therefore, relative rotation means 31 for rotating the sprocket 17 relative to the camshaft 1 is constituted by using the vane member 30 and the housing member 18 as main elements.

Reference numeral 44 denotes a rotation restricting means provided between the housing member 18 and the vane member 30 for restricting the relative rotation between the housing member 18 and the vane member 30.
In this embodiment, the rotation restricting means 44 includes an engaging member 4 housed in a cylinder hole 45 formed radially in the vane member 30 together with a spring member 46 so as to be able to protrude and retract.
7 is engaged with an engagement hole 48 formed in the housing member 18.
It is configured to be able to engage with.

The cylinder hole 45 is provided in the vane member 30.
More specifically, the outer periphery of the trunk 32 of the vane member 30 and the vane 3
3 and is formed radially open to one of the hydraulic oil chambers 34 in a stepped portion 49 formed therebetween. In this embodiment, the cylinder hole 45 is formed by embedding a cylindrical cylinder hole member 50 made of a material having a hardness higher than that of the vane member 30 in the cylinder hole 45. Therefore, the cylinder hole 45 has a stepped shape in which the diameter of the portion in which the cylinder hole member 50 is embedded is reduced and the diameter of the bottom is increased. That is, the cylinder hole 4
5 is formed in a stepped shape in which a small diameter portion 45a is formed on the opening end side and a large diameter portion 45b is formed on the bottom side (FIG. 4).
reference).

The inside of the cylinder hole 45 has a stepped hole-like passage 51 formed in the vane 33 on the bottom side.
The passage 51 is open to the inner periphery of the cylinder hole 45.

The engaging member 47 is formed in a stepped shape having a small-diameter portion 47a and a large-diameter portion 47b which are aligned with the stepped shape of the cylinder hole 45, and has a tapered tip end. The diameter part 47b is located on the bottom side (large diameter part 45b) where the diameter of the cylinder hole 45 is enlarged, and the small diameter part 47a is located on the inner surface of the cylinder hole member 50 (the small diameter part 45 of the cylinder hole 45).
It is housed in the cylinder hole 45 while being supported by a).

The engaging member 47 is constantly urged in the radial direction by a spring member 46, and a tapered distal end can protrude from the cylinder hole 45. The engaging member 4
When the distal end of the projection 7 protrudes from the cylinder hole 45, the large diameter portion 47b of the engagement member 47 is located on the bottom side (large diameter portion 45b) where the diameter of the cylinder hole 45 is enlarged. The stepped portion abuts on the cylinder hole member 50 of the cylinder hole 45 to prevent the engaging member 47 from being pulled out of the cylinder hole 45.

An annular chamber 47A is provided between the large diameter portion 47b of the engagement member 47 and the small diameter portion 45a of the cylinder hole 45.
Is formed. The annular chamber 47A includes:
The outer diameter of the large diameter portion 47b of the engagement member 47 is
The size of the large-diameter portion 45b has a gap corresponding to the inner diameter of the large-diameter portion 45b, so that it communicates with the bottom side of the cylinder hole 45 through this gap.

Since the engaging member 47 is accommodated in the cylinder hole 45 facing one of the working oil chambers 34, the distal end of the engaging member 47 crosses one of the working chambers 34 in the radial direction. It protrudes and engages with the engagement hole 48.

The engaging member 47 has a recess 52 at its tip and a blind hole 53 which is open at the end face on the large diameter portion 47b side. by this,
The weight of the engaging member 47 is reduced, and the spring member 46 is arranged in the blind hole 53.
That is, the spring member 46 has one end in contact with the bottom of the cylinder hole 45 and the other end in contact with the bottom of the blind hole 53 formed in the engagement member 47, and constantly urges the engagement member 47 in the radial direction. I have. The spring member 46 employs a coil spring in this embodiment, but is not limited to this, and various spring members can be employed.

The engagement hole 48 is provided in the housing member 18.
More specifically, a step 54 formed between the inner periphery of the housing body 19 and the projection 28 is formed so as to open toward one of the hydraulic oil chambers 34. The engagement hole 48
In the present embodiment, the engaging hole member 55 made of a material harder than the housing main body 19 is connected to the engaging hole 4.
8 to be formed.

The shape of the engaging hole 48 is such that the opening end side is formed in a cup shape having a large diameter, and the oil chamber 56 is formed at the bottom of the engaging hole 48 when the engaging member 47 is engaged. Is formed. In the engagement hole 48 and the oil chamber 56, the step 49 of the vane member 30 and the step of the housing member 18 are in a state where the tip of the engagement member 47 is not engaged in the engagement hole 48. Through a gap 58 between
It communicates with the working oil chamber 34.

The stepped portion 5 having the engagement hole 48 is formed.
4, the housing member 18 in this embodiment
An inclined surface 59 which is inclined toward the hydraulic oil chamber 34 side is formed in the step portion 54 formed as shown in FIG.

A cylinder hole 45 and an engagement hole 48 are formed in (the step 54 of) the housing member 18 in which the engagement hole 48 is formed and (the step 49 of) the vane member 30 in which the cylinder hole 45 is formed. In the vicinity of the formed portion, the hydraulic oil chamber 34
Is formed with a depression 60 connected to one of them.

An axial passage 60a for supplying hydraulic oil into the engagement hole 48 (and the oil chamber 56) is opened in the recess 60, whereby the hydraulic oil in the hydraulic oil chamber 34 is supplied. It is guided through the depression 60.

Reference numeral 66 denotes a hydraulic supply / discharge means. The hydraulic supply / discharge means 66 includes a supply / discharge passage 6 communicating with the passages 6 and 5, respectively.
A switching valve 73 for selectively switching the supply / discharge passages 67, 68 between a supply passage 70 from an oil pump 69 and a discharge passage 72 communicating with an oil storage tank 71, or for shutting off; A control device 74 for controlling the switching valve 73 is configured as a main element. The switching valve 73 employs a four-port valve in this embodiment, and various signals indicating the operating state of the internal combustion engine are input to a control device 74 that controls the switching valve 73.

In such a configuration, when the internal combustion engine is started, when hydraulic oil is not sufficiently supplied from the oil pump 69, or when a signal for maintaining the most retarded state is input to the control device 74, The vane member 30 of the relative rotation unit 31 is at the most retarded position with respect to the housing member 18 (see FIG. 2), and the engagement member 47 of the rotation restriction unit 44 is urged by the spring force of the spring member 46. The tip of the engagement member 47 is engaged with the engagement hole 48, and the housing member 18
And the vane member 30. For this reason, a rotational driving force applied to the sprocket 17 as a rotating body from a crankshaft (not shown) via the timing chain 27 is transmitted to the camshaft 1 via the housing member 18 and the vane member 30. In this case, the step portion 49 of the vane member 30 can abut on the side surface of the projection 28 forming the oil chamber 29 in the housing member 18, but preferably, the vane 33 is in contact with the projection 28. Absent.

As the camshaft 1 rotates, the intake valve of the internal combustion engine is driven, and the opening and closing of the intake valve is controlled.

When the vane member 30 is at the most retarded position with respect to the housing member 18, the rotation restricting means 4
The engagement member 47 of No. 4 is pressed by the centrifugal force and the spring force of the spring member 46, and its tip is engaged with the engagement hole 48, so that the relative rotation between the housing member 18 and the vane member 30 can be performed. Regulated. For this reason, the camshaft 1
When a positive or negative reversing torque acts on the camshaft 1 when driving an intake valve (not shown), the vane member 30 does not rotate relative to the housing member 18. Collision with the housing member 18 can be prevented, and generation of a tapping sound or the like is advantageously prevented.

Next, when the advance angle is controlled, the switching valve 73 of the hydraulic supply / discharge means 66 is switched by the control device 74, and the supply passage 70 from the oil pump 69 is connected to the supply / discharge passage 68. At the same time, the supply / discharge passage 67 is connected to the discharge passage 72.

Thus, the hydraulic oil from the oil pump 69 is guided from the supply / discharge passage 68 into the hydraulic oil chamber 25 through the passage 5 and the radial passage 9, and further through the radial passage 40. 34. The hydraulic oil guided into the hydraulic oil chamber 34 passes through the depression 60 and the passage 60a,
The tip of the engaging member 47 is guided into the engaging hole 48 with which the engaging member 47 engages (and into the oil chamber 56 provided at the bottom of the engaging hole 48).

At the same time, the inside of the hydraulic oil chamber 35 communicates with the discharge passage 72 via the radial passage 41, the hydraulic oil chamber 26, the passage 6, and the supply / discharge passage 67.

The rotation restricting means 44 is provided in the hydraulic oil chamber 34.
Is introduced into the engagement hole 48 (oil chamber 56) of the, the hydraulic oil pressure of the hydraulic oil chamber 34 acts on the engagement member 47, and the engagement member 47 exerts the centrifugal force and the spring member 46. And is pushed back into the cylinder hole 45 against the spring force of. For this reason, the tip of the engagement member 47 is disengaged from the inside of the engagement hole 48, and the engagement is released, whereby the housing member 18 and the vane member 30 are released from the restraint by the engagement member 47. Become.

While the working oil is supplied into the working oil chamber 34, the inside of the working oil chamber 35 communicates with the discharge passage 72, so that the oil pressure in the working oil chamber 34 acts on the side surface of the vane 33, The vane member 30 is rotated with respect to the housing member 18 in the direction of the arrow in FIG. As a result, the sprocket 17 and the camshaft 1 rotate relatively, the rotational phase of the camshaft 1 is changed, the camshaft 1 is advanced, and the intake valve driven by the camshaft 1 is controlled. Opening / closing timing is advanced.

When the camshaft 1 is advanced and the vane member 30 is at the most advanced position with respect to the housing member 18, the engaging member 47 is moved into the cylinder hole 45 by the hydraulic pressure in the hydraulic oil chamber 34. , And the front end of the engaging member 47 does not contact the inner periphery of the housing 18.

Next, the switching valve 7 of the hydraulic supply / discharge means 66
3 is controlled by the control device 74 to switch the supply / discharge passage 6
7 is connected to a supply passage 70 from an oil pump 69 and a supply / discharge passage 68 is connected to a discharge passage 72.
The hydraulic oil from the oil pump 69 is guided to the hydraulic oil chamber 35 through the hydraulic oil chamber 26 and the radial passage 41. Also,
The hydraulic oil in the hydraulic oil chamber 34 is discharged to the oil storage tank 71 via the radial passage 40 and the hydraulic oil chamber 25.

When the hydraulic oil in the hydraulic oil chamber 34 is discharged, the engaging member 47 protrudes in the radial direction due to the centrifugal force acting on the engaging member 47. It does not contact the inner periphery of the housing member 18. When the engaging member 47 is located closer to the hydraulic oil chamber 34 than the step portion 54 of the housing body 19, the engaging member 48 does not engage with the engaging hole 48. Therefore, the housing member 18 and the vane member 30 The state in which the restraint by the rotation restricting means 44 is released is continued.

While the working oil is supplied into the working oil chamber 35, the inside of the working oil chamber 34 communicates with the discharge passage 72, so that the oil pressure in the working oil chamber 35 acts on the side surface of the vane 33, The vane member 30 is rotated counterclockwise in FIG.
Thereby, the sprocket 17 and the camshaft 1
Are relatively rotated, the rotation phase of the camshaft 1 is changed, the camshaft 1 is retarded, and the opening / closing timing of the intake valve driven by the camshaft 1 is delayed. become.

When the camshaft 1 is retarded and the vane member 30 is at the most retarded position with respect to the housing member 18, the engaging member 4 projecting into the hydraulic oil chamber 34.
The tip of 7 moves while being guided by the inclined surface 59 formed in the step portion 54 of the housing 18, and is again engaged in the engagement hole 48.

When the vane member 30 is rotating with respect to the housing member 18 in the advance or retard direction, the switching valve 73 of the hydraulic supply / discharge means 66 is controlled by the control device 7.
4, when the communication between the supply / discharge passages 67 and 68 and the supply passage 70 or the discharge passage 72 is interrupted,
The housing member 18 and the vane member 30 are held at an intermediate position of the relative rotation. As a result, the sprocket 17 and the camshaft 1 are held at an intermediate position of the relative rotation, and the camshaft 1 controls the intake valve driven by the camshaft 1 at a desired timing. Will be.

In this case, since the inside of the hydraulic oil chamber 34 is maintained in a predetermined pressure state and is closed, a centrifugal force acts on the engaging member 47. Since the engaging member 47 does not protrude in the radial direction and does not engage with the engaging hole 48, the housing member 18 and the vane member 30
Is released.

Here, when the operating oil pressure of the operating oil chambers 25 and 26 defined in the oil chamber 24 by the sealing device 11 fluctuates, the sealing device 11 operates as follows.

That is, when one of the pair of hydraulic oil chambers 25 and 26 has a high pressure, the seal member 15 on the high hydraulic oil chamber side is pressed by the high pressure hydraulic oil, and the seal formed on the spider 3 is formed. The groove 14 moves toward the intermediate chamber 16 and contacts the side surface of the seal groove 14 on the intermediate chamber 16 side, and at the same time, contacts the vane member 30 (the inner periphery of the oil chamber 24).
Responsible for liquid-tight sealing. In this state, the pair of hydraulic oil chambers 2
When the hydraulic pressures 5 and 26 alternately change, the high-pressure hydraulic oil chamber side seal member 15 contacts the side surface of the seal groove 14 on the intermediate chamber 16 side and the vane member 30 (the inner periphery of the oil chamber 24). Maintain the liquid-tight sealing. On the other hand, since the low-pressure hydraulic oil chamber side seal member 15 does not receive the high-pressure hydraulic oil chamber pressure, the seal member 15 contacts the side surface of the seal groove 14 on the intermediate chamber 16 side and the vane member 30 (the inner periphery of the oil chamber 24). In this state, liquid-tight sealing is maintained. That is, even if the operating oil pressure of the pair of operating oil chambers 25 and 26 alternates, the seal member 15 does not move in the seal groove 14.

At this time, if the vane member 30 and the spider 3 may move relative to each other for some reason,
Since the seal member 15 on the high-pressure hydraulic oil chamber side is pressed by the high-pressure hydraulic oil, the state in which the seal groove 14 is in contact with the side surface on the intermediate chamber 16 side is maintained, and the sealing action is maintained.
On the other hand, when the low-pressure hydraulic oil chamber-side seal member 15 attempts to move to the low-pressure hydraulic oil chamber side from a state in which it is in contact with the side surface of the seal groove 14 on the intermediate chamber 16 side, a negative pressure is generated in the intermediate chamber 16. In other words, since the pressure is pressed by the low-pressure hydraulic oil, the state in which the seal groove 14 is in contact with the side surface of the seal groove 14 on the side of the intermediate chamber 16 is maintained, and the sealing action is maintained.

As a result, the seal member 15 moves in the seal groove 14 not only when the operating oil pressure in the operating oil chambers 25 and 26 fluctuates but also when the vane member 30 and the spider 3 move relative to each other. Therefore, liquid-tight sealing between the hydraulic oil chambers 25 and 26 is controlled. Also, it is not necessary to pay special attention to the thermal expansion between the seal groove 14 and the seal member 15.

Accordingly, generation of collision sound of the seal member 15 and abnormal wear of the seal member 15 due to the collision are prevented, and the seal device 11 which can select the seal member 15 from a wide range of materials and the seal device 11 are provided. An apparatus for changing a valve timing of an internal combustion engine is obtained.

The seal groove 14 and the seal member 1
5 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape, the contact area of the seal member 15, that is, the seal member 15 is
4 and the area in contact with the side surface on the side of the intermediate chamber 16 and the vane member 3
0 (the inner circumference of the oil chamber 24) can secure a large area,
Sealability can be improved.

Since the oil chamber forming member forming the oil chamber 24 is the vane member 30 of the relative rotation means 31, there is no need to provide a separate oil chamber forming member, and the structure can be simplified. Can be.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show another embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment is different from the above embodiment in that the intermediate chamber 16 of the sealing device 11 is opened to the atmosphere. is there.

That is, a passage 61 for communicating the intermediate chamber 16 with the inside of the cover 3b of the spider 3 is provided in the shaft 3a of the spider 3, and the interior of the intermediate chamber 16 is opened to the atmosphere. The passage 61 includes a radial passage 61a that opens into the intermediate chamber 16, and an oblique passage 61b that communicates the radial passage 61a with the inside of the cover 3b. The opening end of the oblique passage 61b on the oil chamber 24 side is closed by a plug member 62.

Since the other structure is the same as that of the above-described embodiment, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

According to this configuration, the same operation and effect as those of the above embodiment can be obtained, and in addition, the intermediate chamber 16 formed between the sealing members 15 of the sealing device 11 can
, The seal member 15 is pressed by the pressure of the high-pressure hydraulic oil chamber or the pressure of the low-pressure hydraulic oil chamber, and easily comes into contact with the side surface of the seal groove 14 on the side of the intermediate chamber 16. Thus, a sealing function can be exhibited.

FIGS. 9 to 11 show another embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment differs from the above embodiment in that the housing member 18 and the vane member 30 are different from each other.
And a pair of hydraulic oil chambers 3 in the oil chamber 29.
The point is that the sealing device of the present invention is employed for the sealing device 36 for forming the sections 4 and 35.

That is, the housing member 18 serves as an oil chamber forming body, and an oil chamber 29 is formed in the housing member 18. A vane member 30 is arranged in the oil chamber 29 as a partition member. .

The housing member 1 as the oil chamber forming body
8 and a vane member 30 as a partition member, a pair of hydraulic oil chambers 34 and 3 are provided in the oil chamber 29 of the housing member 18.
5 is provided. The pair of hydraulic oil chambers 34 and 35 are formed so as to face both sides in the circumferential direction of the vane 33, and four sets are formed in this embodiment according to the number of the vanes 33.

One of the seal devices 36 includes two seal grooves 37, 37 formed at the tip (housing member 18) of the projection 28 formed on the inner peripheral side of the housing main body 19;
Seal members 38, 38 which are mounted in the two seal grooves 37, 37 and can come into contact with the outer periphery (vane member 30) of the body 32 of the vane member 30, and are formed between the two seal members 38, 38. And the formed intermediate chamber 39. Another one of the sealing devices 36 includes two seal grooves 37, 37 formed at the tip (the vane member 30) of the vane 33, and the two seal grooves 37, 37 mounted on the housing body 19. Inner circumference (housing member 1
8), and an intermediate chamber 39 formed between the two seal members 38, 38. The seal member 38 is selected from various materials such as a metal material and a synthetic resin. The cross-sectional shapes of the seal groove 37 and the seal member 38 are formed in a substantially rectangular shape.

In this case, a spring member is provided on the bottom side of the seal groove 37, and the vane member 3 of the seal member 38 is provided.
0 to the outer periphery of the body 32 or the housing body 19
The contact pressure on the inner periphery of the first embodiment may be increased. Since the other configurations are the same as those of the above-described embodiment, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and overlapping description thereof will be omitted. I do.

According to such a configuration, the sealing device 36
Hydraulic chambers 34, 3 defined in the oil chamber 29 by the
When the operating oil pressure of No. 5 fluctuates, the sealing device 36 operates as follows.

That is, when one of the pair of hydraulic oil chambers 34, 35 has a high pressure, the seal member 38 on the high-pressure hydraulic oil chamber side is pressed by the high-pressure hydraulic oil, and the housing member 18 or the vane member 30 is pressed. Is moved to the intermediate chamber 39 side in the seal groove 37 formed in
Of the vane member 30 at the same time
Alternatively, it is in contact with the housing member 18 and controls liquid-tight sealing.
In this state, when the operating oil pressure of the pair of operating oil chambers 34 and 35 alternately changes, the high-pressure operating oil chamber side seal member 38 and the side surface of the seal groove 37 on the intermediate chamber 39 side and the housing member 18 or the vane The liquid-tight sealing is maintained while maintaining the state in contact with the member 30. On the other hand, the seal member 38 on the low-pressure hydraulic oil chamber side does not receive the pressure of the high-pressure hydraulic oil chamber.
Alternatively, the state of contact with the vane member 30 is maintained to control liquid-tight sealing. That is, the pair of hydraulic oil chambers 34,
Even if the operating oil pressure of the cylinder 35 changes alternately, the sealing member 38
Does not move in the seal groove 37.

At this time, when the housing member 18 and the vane member 30 may move relative to each other, the seal member 38 on the high-pressure hydraulic oil chamber side is pressed by the high-pressure hydraulic oil. The state in contact with the side surface on the side of the intermediate chamber 39 is maintained, and the sealing action is maintained. On the other hand, when the low-pressure hydraulic oil chamber side seal member 38 tries to move to the low-pressure hydraulic oil chamber side from a state in contact with the side surface of the seal groove 37 on the intermediate chamber 39 side, a negative pressure is generated in the intermediate chamber 39. In other words, since the pressure is pressed by the low-pressure hydraulic oil, the state where the seal groove 37 is in contact with the side surface on the intermediate chamber 39 side is maintained, and the sealing action is maintained.

As a result, when the operating oil pressure in the operating oil chambers 34 and 35 fluctuates, the housing member 1
8 and the vane member 30 are relatively moved,
The seal member 38 does not move in the seal groove 37 and performs liquid-tight sealing between the hydraulic oil chambers 34 and 35. Also, it is not necessary to pay special attention to the thermal expansion of the seal groove 37 and the seal member 38.

Therefore, also in this embodiment,
A seal device 36 capable of preventing generation of a collision sound of the seal member 38 and abnormal wear of the seal member 38 due to the collision, and selecting the seal member 38 from a wide range of materials, and a valve timing of an internal combustion engine provided with the seal device 36 A change device is obtained.

The seal groove 37 and the seal member 3
8 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape, the contact area of the seal member 38, that is, the seal member 38
7 and the area in contact with the side surface on the side of the intermediate chamber 39 and the area in contact with the housing member 18 or the vane member 30 can be ensured to be large, and the sealing performance can be improved.

FIGS. 12 to 14 show another embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment is different from the above embodiment in that the intermediate chamber 39 of the sealing device 36 is opened to the atmosphere. is there.

That is, the intermediate chamber 39 has a groove 63 formed between the housing body 19 and the plate member 21 and a groove 64 formed between (the plate member 21 of) the housing member 18 and the vane member 30. Cover 3a of the spider 3 through the
It is open to the atmosphere. More specifically, the groove 63 is formed on the axial end surface of the housing body 19 in contact with the plate member 21, and the groove 64 is formed on the axial end surface of the vane member 30 in contact with the plate member 21 constituting the housing 18. .

Since the other structure is the same as that of the above-described embodiment, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

According to this configuration, the same operation and effect as those of the above embodiment can be obtained, and in addition, the intermediate chamber 39 formed between the sealing members 38 of the sealing device 36 has the grooves 63,
64, the sealing member 38
Are easily pressed by the pressure of the high-pressure hydraulic oil chamber or the pressure of the low-pressure hydraulic oil chamber, respectively, so that the intermediate chamber 39 of the seal groove 37 can be easily formed.
It is possible to exhibit a sealing function in contact with the side surface on the side.

An intermediate chamber 39 formed between the seal members 38 is formed between a groove 63 formed between the housing body 19 and the plate member 21 and between the housing member 18 and the vane member 30. Groove 64, that is, the plate member 21
Is open to the atmosphere through a groove 63 formed on the axial end face of the housing body 19 contacting the housing and a groove 64 formed on the axial end face of the vane member 30 contacting the plate member 21 constituting the housing 18. The grooves 63 and 64 can be easily formed as compared with a case where a ventilation hole is formed for opening.

Although the embodiment has been described with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and can be changed without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0133]

As described above in detail, according to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the generation of a collision sound of the seal member and the abnormal wear of the seal member due to the collision, and to select the seal member from a wide range of materials. And a valve timing changing device for an internal combustion engine provided with the sealing device.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory view showing a cross section of a valve timing device for an internal combustion engine, showing an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line AA of FIG.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged sectional view showing a main part of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged sectional view showing a main part of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged sectional view showing a main part of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged sectional view showing a main part of FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a main part of a valve timing changing device for an internal combustion engine according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged view showing a main part of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 2, showing another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged sectional view showing a main part of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is an enlarged sectional view showing a main part of FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is a view similar to FIG. 2, showing another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is an enlarged sectional view showing a main part of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is an enlarged sectional view showing a main part of FIG. 12;

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Camshaft 3 Spider (compartment member) 11 Seal device 14 Seal groove 15 Seal member 16 Intermediate chamber 17 Sprocket (rotating body) 18 Housing member 24 Oil chamber 25, 26 Hydraulic oil chamber 29 Oil chamber 30 Vane member 31 Relative rotation means 34, 35 Hydraulic oil chamber 36 Sealing device 37 Seal groove 38 Seal member 39 Intermediate chamber

Claims (11)

[Claims] An oil chamber forming member that forms an oil chamber; and a partition member disposed in the oil chamber of the oil chamber forming member. The oil chamber is provided between the oil chamber forming member and the partition member. In the seal device for partitioning a pair of hydraulic oil chambers, two seal grooves formed in one of the oil chamber forming member and the partition member, and mounted in each of the two seal grooves, A seal device comprising: a seal member capable of contacting one of the other members; and an intermediate chamber formed between the seal members by the two seal members. 2. The sealing device according to claim 1, wherein an intermediate chamber formed between the sealing members is opened to the atmosphere. 3. The seal device according to claim 1, wherein the cross-sectional shapes of the seal groove and the seal member are formed in a substantially rectangular shape. 4. A camshaft that is provided between a rotating body that is rotated in synchronization with the rotation of the internal combustion engine and a camshaft that drives an intake valve or an exhaust valve, and that rotates the camshaft relative to the rotating body. In a valve timing changing device for an internal combustion engine capable of changing the opening / closing timing of an intake valve or an exhaust valve, relative turning means for turning the rotating body relative to a cam shaft, and hydraulic oil supplied to the relative turning means An oil chamber forming member that forms the oil chamber of the above, a spider that is disposed in the oil chamber of the oil chamber forming member, and has a passage that guides hydraulic oil to the oil chamber, and a spider between the spider and the oil chamber forming member. A sealing device provided to partition a pair of hydraulic oil chambers in the oil chamber, wherein the sealing device includes two sealing grooves formed in one of the oil chamber forming member and the spider; Each of the seal grooves An internal combustion engine, comprising: a seal member mounted on the first member and capable of contacting one of the other members; and an intermediate chamber formed between the seal members by the two seal members. Valve timing change device. 5. A housing member, wherein said relative rotating means rotates with one of a rotating body and a camshaft;
A vane member that is disposed in the housing member and rotates together with the other of the rotating body and the camshaft as a main element, and the oil chamber forming member is a vane member of a relative rotating unit. The valve timing changing device for an internal combustion engine according to claim 4, characterized in that: 6. The valve timing changing device for an internal combustion engine according to claim 4, wherein an intermediate chamber formed between the seal members is opened to the atmosphere. 7. The valve timing changing device for an internal combustion engine according to claim 4, wherein the seal groove and the seal member have a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape. 8. A camshaft, which is provided between a rotating body that is rotated in synchronization with the rotation of the internal combustion engine and a camshaft that drives an intake valve or an exhaust valve, rotates the camshaft relative to the rotating body. In a valve timing changing device for an internal combustion engine capable of changing the opening / closing timing of an intake valve or an exhaust valve, the device rotates with one of the rotating body and the camshaft,
A housing member forming an oil chamber, a vane member disposed in the oil chamber of the housing member, and rotating with one of the rotating body and the camshaft, and an oil provided between the housing member and the vane member. A sealing device that defines a pair of hydraulic oil chambers in the chamber, wherein the sealing device includes two sealing grooves formed in one of a housing member and a vane member; and a sealing device formed in each of the two sealing grooves. An internal combustion engine, comprising: a seal member mounted and capable of contacting one of the other members; and an intermediate chamber formed between the seal members by the two seal members. Valve timing change device. 9. The valve timing changing device for an internal combustion engine according to claim 8, wherein an intermediate chamber formed between the seal members is open to the atmosphere. 10. The valve timing changing device for an internal combustion engine according to claim 8, wherein the cross-sectional shapes of the seal groove and the seal member are substantially rectangular. 11. The housing member includes a substantially annular housing main body and a plate member covering an open end of the housing main body, and an intermediate chamber formed between the seal members includes a housing main body, a plate member, 9. The device is open to the atmosphere via a groove formed between the housing member and the groove between the housing member and the vane member.
An apparatus for changing valve timing of an internal combustion engine according to claim 1.