JP2010223170A - Valve opening/closing timing control device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a valve opening/losing timing control device quickly and surely in a starting lock by shortening an arrival time up to a lock phase while restraining the diametrical enlargement of the device. <P>SOLUTION: A rotational phase regulating mechanism R1 is composed of a pair of first and second rotational phase regulating mechanisms. A groove Rb forming at least one rotational phase regulating mechanism R1 has a step Rc for regulating relative rotation in the predetermined first direction by engaging regulating bodies Ra1 and Ra2. The stepped rotational phase regulating mechanism is constituted so that relative rotational regulation can be imparted in a plurality of relative rotational phases. The relative rotational regulation is alternately applied in a different relative rotational phase in a recorded order of a deep part side groove from the step Rc of the first rotational phase regulating mechanism, the step Rc of the second rotational phase regulating mechanism the step Rc of the first rotational phase regulating mechanism. At least the two regulating bodies Ra1 and Ra2 are arranged in at least one rotational phase regulating mechanism of the first rotational phase regulating mechanism and the second rotational phase regulating mechanism, and a chipped part Ra1a engaged with the step Rc is arranged in at least one of the regulating bodies Ra1 and Ra2. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention can variably control the relative rotational phase between a driving side rotating member that rotates synchronously with respect to the crankshaft and a driven side rotating member that is arranged coaxially with the driving side rotating member and rotates together with the camshaft. A rotational phase restraining mechanism that restrains the relative rotational phase of the driving side rotational member and the driven side rotational member at the lock phase, and the relative rotational phase that allows the relative rotational phase to approach the lock phase and separates them. A rotational phase restricting mechanism for restricting rotation, and the rotational phase restricting mechanism enters a groove provided in the other rotating member from one rotating member of the driving side rotating member and the driven side rotating member and relatively rotates. The present invention relates to a valve opening / closing timing control device provided with a regulating body that regulates the above.

  This type of valve opening / closing timing control device is configured so that, during normal operation of the engine, a relative rotational phase between a driving side rotating member (external rotor) that rotates synchronously with the crankshaft and a driven side rotating member (internal rotor) connected to the camshaft. To ensure proper engine operation.

  A rotation phase restraining mechanism (hereinafter also referred to as a lock mechanism as appropriate) provided in the valve opening / closing timing control device is provided to restrain and allow relative rotation between the driving side rotating member and the driven side rotating member. Yes, when the relative rotational phase is changed, the unlocked state is maintained. For example, when it is desired to secure a predetermined relative rotational phase such as when the engine is started, the locked state is set.

  That is, the lock mechanism takes the locked posture when the engine is started, and takes the unlocked posture in the normal operation state. In this way, an appropriate starting state is ensured at the time of starting.

  The lock mechanism is provided with a so-called lock body. The lock body enters from the one rotary member side to the other rotary member side, and the lock body is interposed between the two lock members. It is assumed to be a posture. On the other hand, when the lock body is retracted toward the one rotating member, a lock releasing posture is allowed in which relative rotation between the two is allowed.

  While having substantially the same configuration as the above-described locking mechanism, a groove width or the like extending in the circumferential direction formed in the rotating member on the entry side of a regulating body (corresponding to the locking body in the locking mechanism) provided in this mechanism In some cases, the relative rotation phase between the drive side rotation member and the driven side rotation member restricts the relative rotation that separates while allowing the relative rotation approaching the lock phase.

  This is called a rotational phase restriction mechanism, and when the lock phase is set in the intermediate phase region between the most retarded phase and the most advanced angle phase from the most retarded phase, for example, the most retarded angle In a regulation phase set between the phase and the lock phase, relative rotation to the retard angle side is regulated, and relative rotation to the advance angle side is allowed. When the restriction by this mechanism is applied, the relative rotation does not change to the retard side beyond the restriction phase.

  The purpose of providing this type of rotational phase restricting mechanism is, for example, to quickly perform a start lock operation that locks by changing the relative rotational phase from the most retarded phase to the lock phase when the engine is started (for example, (See Patent Document 1).

  The invention described in Patent Document 1 is based on the applicant of the present patent application. In order to set the rotation phase from the most retarded phase to the lock phase that is the intermediate advance angle, the invention is provided with a plurality of rotation phase regulating mechanisms. A relative rotation restriction in a predetermined first direction can be imparted in different relative rotation phases, and a restriction body is engaged with a groove forming at least one of the rotation phase restriction mechanisms so that the relative rotation in the predetermined first direction is performed. And the stepped rotation phase restriction mechanism is configured to be capable of providing relative rotation restriction in the predetermined first direction with a plurality of relative rotation phases. Disclosed corner shelving technology.

JP 2004-257313 A

  In the above-mentioned document, when the relative rotation is performed from the pre-starting phase (for example, the most retarded angle) to the lock phase that is the intermediate phase by the fluctuation torque acting on the camshaft, the relative rotation in the retarded direction is regulated in the middle. By installing the stepped portion, the initial value of relative rotation is raised by a predetermined amount, and the arrival time to the lock phase is shortened.

  However, when the temperature is low, the resistance when the residual oil in the fluid pressure chamber used for adjusting the relative rotation phase is discharged increases, the relative rotation width due to the camshaft torque decreases, and the step portion is reduced. It becomes difficult to get off, and the time to reach the lock phase becomes longer.

  In order to shorten the arrival time to the lock phase, it is conceivable to reduce the width of the step portion and increase the number of steps so as to be able to descend in small steps. However, in order to increase the stepped portion, it is necessary to increase the depth of the groove, and the lock body becomes long because it enters into the deep groove, and the diameter of the external rotor may be increased to accommodate the lengthened lock body. There is. In addition, the lengthened lock body is easily affected by centrifugal force and may cause malfunction.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a valve opening / closing timing control device that can quickly and surely start a lock by shortening an arrival time to a lock phase while suppressing an increase in diameter of the device.

The first technical means taken in order to solve the above problems is a drive side rotating member that rotates synchronously with respect to the crankshaft, and is assembled so as to be relatively rotatable with respect to the drive side rotating member. A rotating driven side rotating member, a rotating phase restricting mechanism for restricting a relative rotating phase of the driving side rotating member and the driven side rotating member in a lock phase, and a relative rotation in which the relative rotating phase approaches the lock phase. And a rotational phase regulating mechanism that regulates the separated relative rotation and one of the driving side rotating member and the driven side rotating member into a groove provided in the other rotating member. A restricting body that restricts relative rotation, and the rotational phase restricting mechanism comprises a pair of a first rotating phase restricting mechanism and a second rotating phase restricting mechanism, wherein the first rotating phase restricting mechanism and the second rotating phase restricting mechanism The relative rotation restriction in a predetermined first direction can be imparted at a relative rotation phase different from that of the rotation phase restriction mechanism, and the restriction body is engaged with a groove forming at least one of the rotation phase restriction mechanisms. A step portion that restricts relative rotation in a predetermined first direction, and the rotation phase restriction mechanism having the step portion is configured to be capable of imparting relative rotation restriction in the predetermined first direction at a plurality of relative rotation phases; At different relative rotational phases, the stepped portion of the first rotational phase restricting mechanism, the stepped portion of the second rotational phase restricting mechanism, and the groove portion on the deeper side than the stepped portion of the first rotational phase restricting mechanism. Relative rotation regulation is applied alternately,
At least two of the restricting bodies are arranged in at least one of the first rotating phase restricting mechanism and the second rotating phase restricting mechanism, and at least one of the restricting bodies is associated with the stepped portion. This is to provide a notched portion to match.

  A second technical means is that, in the first technical means, the rotational phase restricting mechanism is composed of a pair of rotational phase restricting mechanisms.

  The third technical means is the first technical means or the second technical means, wherein the groove is formed in the radial direction of the other rotating member, and the restricting body moves in the radial direction. And rushing into the groove.

  The fourth technical means is the technical means according to any one of the first technical means to the third technical means, wherein the first rotational phase restricting mechanism and the second rotational phase restricting mechanism are different in relative rotation. In the phase, relative rotation restriction is sequentially applied by the different rotation phase restriction mechanisms to restrict the relative rotation restriction in the predetermined first direction in a stepwise manner.

  A fifth technical means is the technical means according to any one of the first technical means to the fourth technical means, wherein the first rotational phase regulating mechanism and the second rotational phase regulating mechanism are different relative rotations. Regarding the rotation phase restriction mechanism that applies the restriction in the same direction stepwise in terms of phase, the restriction at the different relative rotation phases is applied in stages as the camshaft rotates.

  According to the present invention, at least two restricting bodies are provided in the rotation phase restricting mechanism, and at least one of the restricting bodies is provided with the notch that engages with the step that restricts relative rotation. The regulating body can descend in small increments without increasing the number of stages, and the arrival time to the lock phase can be shortened while suppressing an increase in the diameter of the valve opening / closing timing control device.

  Further, since the rotational phase restraining mechanism is composed of the pair of rotational phase restricting mechanisms, two functions of restraining and restricting can be obtained with a simple structure.

  In addition, a groove is formed in the radial direction of the other rotating member, and the restricting body moves in the radial direction and enters into the groove, so that the influence of the centrifugal force generated with the rotation of the rotating member is reduced by the elastic member. Can be received evenly as a compressive force, the mechanism can be stabilized, and at the same time, the engaged state when the restriction is applied can be ensured.

  In addition, in order to restrict the relative rotation restriction in the predetermined first direction in stages in the relative rotation phases different between the first rotation phase restriction mechanism and the second rotation phase restriction mechanism, the relative rotation restriction is sequentially performed by the different rotation phase restriction mechanisms. Thus, when the relative rotation in the predetermined first direction is sequentially regulated so that the relative phase is close to the lock phase, the different rotation phase regulation mechanisms can alternately regulate the relative rotation.

  In addition, regarding a rotation phase restriction mechanism that performs stepwise restriction in the same direction with different relative rotation phases, the rotation phase restriction mechanism is applied in stages with different relative rotation phases as the camshaft rotates. With this structure, it becomes possible to increase the phase difference, and the processing of the groove provided with the stepped portion can be facilitated.

Side sectional view showing schematic configuration of valve timing control device Elevated sectional view of valve timing control mechanism in the locked state Elevated sectional view of valve timing control mechanism in unlocked state Explanatory drawing of staged regulation by rotational phase regulation mechanism Diagram showing regulations after Fig. 4 The figure which shows the regulation / restraint state after FIG. Cross section of moving body Perspective view of moving body Diagram showing the operating configuration of the oil control valve Timing chart showing control state of valve opening / closing timing control device at engine start

  An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

[Basic configuration]
As shown in FIG. 1, the valve opening / closing timing control device has an external rotor 2 as a driving side rotating member that rotates synchronously with a crankshaft (not shown) of an automobile engine, and is coaxial with the external rotor 2. And an internal rotor 1 as a driven side rotating member that is disposed and rotates integrally with a camshaft (not shown).

  The internal rotor 1 is integrally assembled with the tip of the camshaft 3 supported by the cylinder head of the engine.

  The outer rotor 2 is externally mounted so as to be rotatable relative to the inner rotor 1 within a range of a predetermined relative rotational phase, and a timing sprocket 20 integrally provided on the outer periphery of the front plate 22, the rear plate 23, and the outer rotor 2 is provided. I have.

  A power transmission member 24 such as a timing chain or a timing belt is installed between the timing sprocket 20 and a gear attached to a crankshaft of an engine (not shown).

  When the crankshaft of the engine rotates, the rotational power is transmitted to the timing sprocket 20 via the power transmission member 24, so that the external rotor 2 provided with the timing sprocket 20 rotates along the rotational direction S shown in FIG. As a result, the internal rotor 1 rotates along the rotation direction S and the camshaft 3 rotates, and the cam provided on the camshaft 3 pushes down the intake valve or exhaust valve of the engine to open it.

  FIG. 2 is a functional explanatory diagram partially using the outline of the AA cross section of FIG.

[Rotation phase adjustment mechanism]
As shown in FIG. 2, the outer rotor 2 is provided with a plurality of protrusions 4 functioning as shoes protruding in the radially inward direction and spaced apart from each other along the rotational direction. A fluid pressure chamber 40 defined by the outer rotor 2 and the inner rotor 1 is formed between the adjacent protrusions 4 of the outer rotor 2.

  A vane groove 41 is formed in the outer peripheral portion of the inner rotor 1 facing each fluid pressure chamber 40, and the fluid pressure chamber 40 is placed in the vane groove 41 in the relative rotational direction (arrow S 1, FIG. 2). In the direction S2), the vane 5 that partitions the advance chamber 43 and the retard chamber 42 is slidably inserted in the radial direction.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the vane 5 is biased toward the fluid pressure chamber wall surface w by a spring 51 provided on the inner diameter side thereof.

  The advance chamber 43 communicates with the advance passage 11 formed in the inner rotor 1, and the retard chamber 42 communicates with the retard passage 10 formed in the inner rotor 1. The passage 10 is connected to a hydraulic circuit 7 described later.

[Rotation phase constraint mechanism]
Between the inner rotor 1 and the outer rotor 2 when the relative rotational phase is at a predetermined lock phase (phase shown in FIGS. 2 and 3) set between the most advanced angle phase and the most retarded angle phase. In addition, the relative rotation between the inner rotor 1 and the outer rotor 2 can be restricted. The rotational phase restraining mechanism R1 includes a pair of rotational phase restraining restricting mechanisms R, and is configured to be capable of restricting rotation in a specific rotation direction and a direction opposite to the rotation. The lock function is exhibited in a state where the rotation restriction in the reverse direction is applied between the phase constraint restriction mechanisms R.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 to 8, the rotational phase constraint regulating mechanism R includes two moving bodies Ra1 and Ra2 that slide and move in the mechanism, and a groove Rb and the like in which the moving bodies Ra1 and Ra2 enter and engage. In the case where the lock function is exhibited, the moving bodies Ra1 and Ra2 are the lock bodies, and the groove Rb is the lock groove. When exhibiting the regulation function, the moving bodies Ra1 and Ra2 are regulation bodies, and the groove Rb is a regulation groove.

  Hereinafter, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the rotational phase constraint mechanism R <b> 1 is formed by including a pair of rotational phase constraint regulation mechanisms R in a predetermined portion. As shown in the figure, the retard lock portion 6A and the advance lock portion 6B provided in the outer rotor 2 and a pair of concave grooves Rb in a part of the outer peripheral portion of the inner rotor 1 are configured. .

  As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, 7, and 8, the rotational phase constraint restricting mechanism R includes movable bodies Ra <b> 1 and Ra <b> 2 that are slidable in the radial direction on the external rotor 2, and a movable body Ra <b> 1. Two springs s are provided as mechanical biasing means for biasing Ra2 in the radial direction. The springs s are fitted in the recesses Raa of the moving bodies Ra1 and Ra2, and urge the moving bodies Ra1 and Ra2 toward the inner diameter side from the external rotor 2 side.

  In the example shown in FIGS. 2, 3, 7, and 8, the moving bodies Ra <b> 1 and Ra <b> 2 are plate types having a plate shape, but may be a pin type having a pin shape, Furthermore, other shapes can be employed.

  In the lock phase where the rotational phase restraining mechanism R1 works, as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 6 (i), the moving bodies Ra1 and Ra2 of both lock portions of the retard lock portion 6A and the advance lock portion 6B are used. Then, the relative rotational phase between the inner rotor 1 and the outer rotor 2 is constrained to a predetermined lock phase set between the most advanced angle phase and the most retarded angle phase by entering the grooves RbA and RbB. This is a so-called locked state.

  The posture that the rotational phase constraint regulating mechanism R takes in this state is called a locked posture. The lock phase is set so that the opening and closing timing of the valve provides a smooth startability of the engine.

[Rotation phase restriction mechanism]
The above is the configuration of the rotational phase constraint mechanism R1, and each of the rotational phase constraint regulation mechanisms R that constitute this mechanism as a pair functions as the rotational phase regulation mechanism R2 referred to in the present application.

  The rotation phase restricting mechanism R1 almost completely prevents the relative rotation at the lock phase, whereas the rotation phase restricting mechanism R2 has a relative rotation phase toward the lock phase with respect to the relative rotation. In a predetermined direction, it works in multiple stages, restricts the return of relative rotation to the side away from the lock phase (for example, the retard side), and allows relative rotation (advanced rotation) toward the lock phase.

  As described above, the valve opening / closing timing control device of the present application includes the retard lock portion 6A and the advance lock portion 6B, and the function as the rotation phase restraint mechanism R1 is as described above. The movable bodies Ra1 and Ra2 are brought into contact with different end faces in the rotation direction of the groove Rb provided corresponding to the portions 6A and 6B to exert a restraining function. As for the advance angle lock portion 6B, as shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 6, the advance side groove side surface Rba of the groove Rb (this side is originally locked) Is not set to a position unique to the present application. Further, a stepped portion Rc is provided on the advance side groove side surface Rba of both grooves Rb, and is characterized by its circumferential position (phase that acts as a rotational phase restriction). Further, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, a cutout portion Ra1a that is substantially half the plate thickness is formed at the tip of the protruding portion of the moving body Ra1 into the groove Rb. The notch Ra1a is engaged with the stepped portion Rc, thereby contributing to the function of the regulation function in small increments.

  This will be described in more detail below.

  As shown in FIG. 4 and the like, a predetermined step portion Rc is provided on the retard side of each groove Rb. These step portions Rc are configured such that the moving bodies Ra1 and Ra2 enter and engage with each other, and the notch Ra1a of the moving body Ra1 is engaged, and in this entering and engaging state, In each rotation phase, relative rotation with respect to the retarded angle side is restricted, and relative rotation toward the advanced angle side is permitted.

  That is, the rotation restricting directions for the moving bodies Ra1 and Ra2 on the stepped portion side wall Rca and the groove side wall Rba are the same.

  As will be described later in the operation section, as shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 6, this restriction is applied to (b) a stepped portion Ra 1 a in the step portion Rc provided in the advance angle groove RbB. (C) The notch Ra1a is applied to the stepped portion Rc provided in the retarding angle groove RbA, (d) the moving body Ra2 is applied to the stepped portion Rc provided in the advanced angle groove RbB, and (e) The moving body Ra2 is applied to the stepped portion Rc provided in the retarding groove RbA, (f) the notched portion Ra1a is applied to the deep portion of the advanced angle groove RbB, and (g) the notched portion Ra1a is applied to the deep portion of the retarding groove RbA. (H) The phase is set so that the moving body Ra2 is applied to the deep portion of the advance angle groove RbB, and (i) the moving body Ra2 is applied to the deep portion of the retard angle groove RbA.

  Specifically, the restriction works so as to restrict the relative rotation in the eight-step retardation direction as shown in the relative rotation phase of FIG. As a result, the movable bodies Ra1 and Ra2 are sequentially engaged with the rotation of the crankshaft, so that the shelving referred to in the present application can be realized.

(Hydraulic system)
The rush of the moving bodies Ra1 and Ra2 into the groove Rb is caused by the urging force of the spring s while the oil supplied via the hydraulic circuit 7 is drained into the groove Rb.

  On the other hand, the retraction of the moving bodies Ra1 and Ra2 from the groove Rb occurs in a state where oil is supplied to the groove Rb via the hydraulic circuit 7. The posture that the rotational phase constraint regulating mechanism R takes in this state is called a lock release posture.

  The supply and discharge of the lock oil dominates the operation of the rotation phase restriction regulating mechanism R. However, in order to be locked, it is natural that the relative position between the external rotor 2 and the internal rotor 1 described above needs to be in the lock phase.

[Fluid supply / discharge configuration]
As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, the hydraulic circuit 7 basically operates with respect to one or both of the advance chamber 43 and the retard chamber 42 via the advance passage 11 and the retard passage 10. Oil is supplied and discharged as hydraulic oil, the relative position of the vane 5 in the fluid pressure chamber 40 is changed, and the relative rotational phase between the external rotor 2 and the internal rotor 1 is changed to the most advanced angle phase (in the advanced angle chamber 43). Adjustment is made between the relative rotation phase when the volume is maximized and the most retarded phase (relative rotation phase when the volume of the retard chamber 42 is maximized).

  Furthermore, the hydraulic circuit 7 also performs lock and unlock operations related to the rotation phase constraint regulating mechanism R that is required when executing the relative rotation phase setting.

  Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, the hydraulic circuit 7 is driven by the driving force or electric power of the engine to supply hydraulic oil or oil that will be described later as lock oil to the oil control valve OCV side. And a solenoid-type oil control valve OCV that changes the position of the spool by controlling the amount of power supplied by the electronic control unit ECU to supply and discharge oil at a plurality of ports, and an oil pan 75 that stores oil. Has been.

  The advance passage 11 and the retard passage 10 are connected to a predetermined port of the oil control valve OCV.

  The groove Rb communicates with a lock oil passage 63 formed in the internal rotor 1, and the lock oil passage 63 is connected to a predetermined port in the oil control valve OCV of the hydraulic circuit 7.

  That is, the hydraulic circuit 7 is configured to supply and discharge oil as lock oil to the groove Rb via the lock oil passage 63, and when lock oil is supplied to the groove Rb from the oil control valve OCV, As shown in FIG. 3, the moving bodies Ra <b> 1 and Ra <b> 2 are retracted toward the external rotor 2, and the locked state of relative rotation between the external rotor 2 and the internal rotor 1 is released.

[Control valve operation control]
As shown in FIG. 9, the oil control valve OCV of the hydraulic circuit 7 changes the spool position from the position W1 to the position W4 in proportion to the amount of power supplied from the electronic control unit ECU. In addition, it is configured to switch supply, drain, stop, and the like of oil to be hydraulic oil or lock oil to the groove Rb.

  That is, by setting the spool position of the oil control valve OCV to the position W1, the drain operation for draining the lock oil in the groove Rb to the oil pan 75 side together with the hydraulic oil in the advance chamber 43 and the retard chamber 42 can be executed. it can.

  By setting the spool position of the oil control valve OCV to the position W2, the lock oil is supplied to the groove Rb to release the locked state of the relative rotation between the external rotor 2 and the internal rotor 1, and the operation of the retard chamber 42 is further performed. While the oil is drained, hydraulic oil is supplied to the advance chamber 43, and an advance transition operation for moving the relative rotational phase between the external rotor 2 and the internal rotor 1 in the advance direction S2 can be executed.

  By setting the spool position of the oil control valve OCV to the position W3, the supply of the hydraulic oil to the advance chamber 43 and the retard chamber 42 is stopped while the locked state of the relative rotation between the external rotor 2 and the internal rotor 1 is released. Thus, a holding operation for holding the relative rotational phase between the external rotor 2 and the internal rotor 1 at the phase at that time can be executed.

  By setting the spool position of the oil control valve OCV to the position W4, the locked state of the relative rotation between the outer rotor 2 and the inner rotor 1 is released, and further, the retarding chamber is drained while draining the hydraulic oil in the advance chamber 43. The hydraulic oil is supplied to 42, and a retard transition operation for moving the relative rotational phase between the outer rotor 2 and the inner rotor 1 in the retard direction S1 can be executed.

  The operation configuration of the oil control valve OCV is not limited to the above, and can be changed as appropriate.

(Operation control)
An electronic control unit ECU provided in the engine incorporates a memory storing a predetermined program, a CPU, an input / output interface, and the like.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the electronic control unit ECU includes a cam angle sensor 90a for detecting the phase of the camshaft, a crank angle sensor 90b for detecting the phase of the crankshaft, an oil temperature sensor 90c for detecting the temperature of the engine oil, Rotational speed sensor 90d for detecting the rotational speed of the crankshaft (engine rotational speed), IG key switch (abbreviated as IG / SW) 90e, other vehicle speed sensor, engine coolant temperature sensor, or slot opening sensor Detection signals of various sensors such as are input.

  Also, the electronic control unit ECU determines the relative rotational phase of the camshaft and the crankshaft, that is, the valve opening / closing timing, from the camshaft phase detected by the cam angle sensor 90a and the crankshaft phase detected by the crank angle sensor 90b. The relative rotational phase between the inner rotor 1 and the outer rotor 2 in the control device can be obtained.

  The electronic control unit ECU adjusts the amount of power supplied to the oil control valve OCV of the hydraulic circuit 7 based on the engine operating state such as the engine oil temperature, the crankshaft rotation speed, the vehicle speed, and the slot opening as described above. Thus, the relative rotational phase between the internal rotor 1 and the external rotor 2 is controlled to a phase suitable for the operating state.

[Operation]
Next, the start lock control of the valve opening / closing timing control device at the time of engine start will be described based on FIG. 2, FIG. 3, FIG. 4, FIG.

Start lock operation When an input signal is input from the IG / SW 90e, the electronic control unit ECU cranks the crankshaft (means that the crankshaft is forcibly rotated by a starter) and starts the engine. When the engine is started, the spool position of the oil control valve OCV is set to the position W1, and the hydraulic oil in the advance chamber 43 and the retard chamber 42 and the lock oil in the groove Rb are drained.

  At the time of starting, the relative rotational phase is the most retarded phase as shown in FIG. In this state, as shown in FIG. 4A, the moving bodies Ra1 and Ra2 are in the unlocked posture and are urged toward the inner rotor 1 by the spring s.

  Then, when the crankshaft is cranked in a state where the hydraulic oil in the advance chamber 43 and the retard chamber 42 is drained, the fluid pressure is generated by the periodic fluctuation torque generated to open and close the valve in the camshaft. The vane 5 reciprocates in the chamber 40, and the relative rotational phase between the internal rotor 1 and the external rotor 2 periodically varies toward the lock phase.

  In other words, the relative rotational phase increases periodically toward the advance side while the moving bodies Ra1 and Ra2 are urged toward the inner rotor 1 side and periodically change.

  At this stage, as shown in FIG. 4B and FIG. 10, with the first periodic fluctuation, the notch portion Ra1a of the moving body Ra1 of the advance angle lock portion 6B is first provided in the advance angle groove RbB. It fits into the stepped portion Rc, and is subjected to phase retardation regulation on the retarded side at this portion.

  In the subsequent rotation of the crankshaft, the fluctuation starts from this regulation phase, and as shown in FIG. 4C, the missing portion Ra1a of the moving body Ra1 of the retardation locking unit 6A is used for the retardation as shown in FIG. It fits into a stepped portion Rc provided in the groove RbA, and is similarly subject to phase-restriction on the retard side at this portion.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5 (d), the moving body Ra2 of the advance angle lock portion 6B is fitted into the stepped portion Rc provided in the advance angle groove RbB in accordance with the period variation, and the rotation phase is restricted. To do.

  Further, similarly, as shown in FIG. 5 (e), the moving body Ra2 of the retardation locking portion 6A fits into the stepped portion Rc provided in the retardation groove RbA and rotates as the period varies. Regulate the phase.

  Further, similarly, as shown in FIG. 5 (f), with the periodic variation, the missing portion Ra1a of the moving body Ra1 of the advance angle lock portion 6B is fitted into the advance angle groove RbB itself, and the rotation phase is restricted. do.

  Further, similarly, as shown in FIG. 6 (g), along with the period variation, the missing portion Ra1a of the moving body Ra1 of the retardation locking portion 6A is fitted into the retardation groove RbA itself, and the rotation phase regulation is performed. do.

  Further, similarly, as shown in FIG. 6 (h), the moving body Ra2 of the advance angle lock portion 6B fits into the advance angle groove RbB itself in accordance with the period variation, thereby restricting the rotational phase.

  Furthermore, similarly, as shown in FIG. 6 (i), the moving body Ra2 of the retardation locking portion 6A fits into the retardation groove RbA itself and regulates the rotational phase as the period varies. Thus, the transition to the lock phase is completed.

  In this state, the moving bodies Ra1 and Ra2 enter into the corresponding grooves Rb, respectively, so that the relative rotational phase is well constrained to the lock phase.

  In this way, when the engine is started, the above-described relative rotational phase is quickly locked to the lock phase, whereby a good engine startability can be obtained.

  As described above, after starting in the locked state, the relative rotational phase control can be executed in accordance with the operating state of the engine.

  In addition, although the case where each of the retard lock portion 6A and the advance lock portion 6B includes the two moving bodies Ra1 and Ra2 has been described so far, the number of moving bodies is limited to two. Rather, three or more.

1 ... Drive-side rotating member (external rotor)
2 ... Driven side rotation member (internal rotor)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 3 ... Camshaft 4 ... Projection part 5 ... Vane 6 ... Lock part 6A ... Delay angle lock part 6B ... Advance angle lock part 7 ... Hydraulic circuit 10 ... -Retard passage 11 ... advance passage R ... rotation phase restriction regulating mechanism R1 ... rotation phase restriction mechanism R2 ... rotation phase restriction mechanisms Ra1, Ra2 ... restriction bodies (moving bodies)
Ra1a ... notch Rb ... groove (lock groove)
Rc ... Step

Claims (5)

A driving side rotating member that rotates synchronously with the crankshaft;
A driven-side rotating member that is assembled so as to be relatively rotatable with respect to the driving-side rotating member and rotates together with the camshaft;
A rotational phase restraining mechanism for restraining a relative rotational phase between the driving side rotational member and the driven side rotational member at a lock phase;
A rotation phase restriction mechanism that allows relative rotation of the relative rotation phase approaching the lock phase and restricts relative rotation away from the lock phase;
A regulating body for restricting relative rotation by entering into a groove provided in the other rotating member from one rotating member of the driving side rotating member and the driven side rotating member;
The rotational phase restricting mechanism includes a pair of a first rotational phase restricting mechanism and a second rotational phase restricting mechanism. The first rotational phase restricting mechanism and the second rotational phase restricting mechanism have a predetermined first direction in different relative rotational phases. It is configured to be able to give the relative rotation restriction of
The groove forming at least one of the rotational phase restriction mechanisms includes a step portion that engages the restriction body to restrict relative rotation in the predetermined first direction, and a plurality of the rotation phase restriction mechanisms having the step portion. The relative rotation restriction in the predetermined first direction can be imparted with a relative rotation phase of
The relative rotational phases differing in the order of description of the step portion of the first rotational phase restricting mechanism, the step portion of the second rotational phase restricting mechanism, and the groove portion deeper than the step portion of the first rotational phase restricting mechanism. The relative rotation restriction is applied alternately,
At least two of the restriction bodies are disposed on at least one of the first rotation phase restriction mechanism and the second rotation phase restriction mechanism,
A valve opening / closing timing control device, wherein at least one of the regulating bodies is provided with a notch that engages with the stepped portion. In claim 1,
The valve timing control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the rotational phase restricting mechanism is composed of a pair of rotational phase restricting mechanisms. In claim 1 or claim 2,
The valve opening / closing timing control device, wherein the groove is formed in a radial direction of the other rotating member, and the restricting body moves in the radial direction and enters the groove. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 3,
In the relative rotational phase different between the first rotational phase restricting mechanism and the second rotational phase restricting mechanism, the relative rotational restriction in the predetermined first direction is regulated in a stepwise manner. Is a valve opening / closing timing control device characterized by the following. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 4,
The rotation phase restriction mechanism that applies the restriction in the same direction stepwise in the relative rotation phases that are different between the first rotation phase restriction mechanism and the second rotation phase restriction mechanism. A valve opening / closing timing control device characterized by the stepwise restriction on the rotational phase.

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