JP4218199B2

JP4218199B2 - Valve timing adjustment device

Info

Publication number: JP4218199B2
Application number: JP2000288224A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 浩行衣川
Original assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corp
Current assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corp
Priority date: 2000-09-22
Filing date: 2000-09-22
Publication date: 2009-02-04
Anticipated expiration: 2020-09-22
Also published as: JP2002097910A

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a valve timing adjusting device which is stable in control performance by restraining the leakage of the oil in a clearance by positively eliminating the clearance extending in the shaft center direction between a seal and a housing even if dimensions are changed caused by the dispersion of the machining accuracy of parts and temperature changing. SOLUTION: In a valve timing adjusting device provided with a housing 10 which is connected to and rotated in synchronism with a crankshaft and constitutes a hydraulic chamber 16 between shoes 15, a rotor 20 which has a vane 23 which is secured and fixed to a cam shaft 21 which opens and closes an intake and exhaust valve and partitions the hydraulic chamber 16 into an advance timing hydraulic chamber 17 and a retard timing hydraulic chamber 18 and is rotatable at a specified angle in the housing 10, sealing members 30 which are contained in a tip of the shoes 15 or the vane 23 for preventing the leakage of the oil between both hydraulic chambers 16 and 17, and first energizing member 32 which energizes the sealing member 30 radially, the sealing member 30 is divided in the direction of the shaft center and is provided with dividing structure which can move relatively in the direction of the shaft center and a second energizing member 35 which energizes the sealing member 30 having been divided toward the shaft center.

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
この発明は、内燃機関の吸気バルブと排気バルブのいずれか一方もしくは両方の開閉タイミングを変化させる油圧式バルブタイミング調整装置に関するものである。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
内燃機関の吸気バルブもしくは排気バルブのバルブ開閉タイミングを調節するためのベーン式バルブタイミング調整装置として、特開平１０−１４１０２４号公報にて開示されたものが知られている。これらのバルブタイミング調整装置は、エンジンのクランクシャフトとチェーン等で連結駆動されるハウジングと、カムシャフトに挿着固定されハウジング内で所定角度範囲で相対回動可能に収容されるロータによって構成され、ハウジングのシューとロータのベーンとの間で構成される進角油圧室と遅角油圧室の油圧力の差をもって、ハウジングに対するロータの回転角が制御されている。
【０００３】
特開平１０−１４１０２４号公報に開示されるバルブタイミング調整装置において、進角油圧室と遅角油圧室の油の漏洩を防ぐため、シール部材と、それを径方向内向きまたは外向きに付勢する板バネ状の第１の付勢部材とを、ハウジングのシュー先端とロータのベーン先端にそれぞれ設けられたスリット内に配設している。
【０００４】
図１５は、このような従来のバルブタイミング調整装置に用いられるシール部材とスリットの構造例を示す斜視図である。また図１６はその要部拡大図、図１７はそのシール部材の斜視図である。
従来のバルブタイミング調整装置でのシール部材１０１は、樹脂製の一部材にて構成されており、第１の付勢部材（図示せず）と油圧力によってカムシャフトの回転軸心と垂直な径方向（以下、径方向と言う）にシール部材１０１が押し当てられるため、この部分の油の漏洩はほとんどなくなる。しかし、カムシャフトの回転軸心と平行な軸心方向（以下、軸心方向と言う）については、シール部材１０１がハウジング１０３内で突張らないよう熱膨張による伸びを考慮したうえで、シール部材１０１の全長Ｌをハウジング１０３の軸心方向の長さ(厚み)Ｔより短く設計する必要があり、図１６に示すように、ハウジング１０３とシール部材１０１との間に軸心方向のクリアランスＸが必ず存在する。
【０００５】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
このような従来のバルブタイミング調整装置においては、この軸心方向のクリアランスＸの大きさは、ハウジング１０３の加工精度のばらつきや、内燃機関運転中の温度変化による寸法変化等により常に変動しており、またこのクリアランスＸをなくす方向に対しては付勢力が働かないため、このクリアランスＸからの油の漏洩が常に発生し、バルブタイミング調整装置の性能低下をもたらすという問題があった。
【０００６】
また、シール部材１０１の材料である樹脂は、金属または軽金属で構成されるハウジング１０３に較べ一般に熱膨張係数が大きいため、バルブタイミング調整装置運転中の温度変化によって、軸心方向のクリアランスＸが変化する。例えば高油温時には、部品の寸法精度のばらつきおよび熱膨張によってシール部材１０１の全長Ｌがハウジング１０３の軸心方向の長さＴより長くなり、シール部材１０１がハウジング１０３内で突っ張る状態が発生する場合がある。その状態でロータがハウジング１０３内を回動すると、シール部材１０１の軸心方向端面摺動部が極端に磨耗することになり、低温に変化した時のクリアランスＸがさらに拡大するため、バルブタイミング調整装置内の油の漏洩がさらに大きくなるという問題があった。
【０００７】
また、これを防止するために、シール部材１０１の樹脂材料に無機質充填材等を配合して、シール部材１０１の熱膨張係数をハウジング１０３の材料の熱膨張係数に近づける方法が提案されている。しかし、この方法だけでは、温度変化によるクリアランスＸの変動を完全になくすことは不可能であり、また加工精度のばらつきによって発生するクリアランスＸについては対応できないという問題があった。
【０００８】
本発明は上記のような問題点を解消するためになされたもので、部品の加工精度のばらつきや温度変化による寸法変化が生じても、シールとハウジングとの軸心方向のクリアランスを能動的になくして内部の油の漏洩を抑制し、制御性能の安定したバルブタイミング調整装置を得ることを目的としている。
【０００９】
【課題を解決するための手段】
この発明に係るバルブタイミング調整装置においては、内燃機関の出力軸であるクランクシャフトとチェーン等で連結されクランクシャフトと同期回転し径方向内側に突起した複数のシューを有しそのシュー間で油圧室を構成するハウジングと、内燃機関の吸気バルブまたは排気バルブの開閉を行うためのカムシャフトに挿着固定され油圧室を進角油圧室と遅角油圧室に２分する径方向外側に突起した複数のベーンを有しハウジング内で所定角度範囲内で相対回動可能なロータと、シューまたはベーンの先端に収納され両油圧室間の油漏洩を防ぐためのシール部材と、シール部材を径方向内向きまたは外向きに付勢する第１の付勢部材とを備えたバルブタイミング調整装置において、シール部材は、カムシャフトの回転軸心と平行な軸心方向に分割され、かつ分割されたシール部材が軸心方向に相対移動可能な分割構造を備え、かつ分割されたシール部材を軸心方向に付勢する第２の付勢部材を備えるようにしたものである。
【００１０】
また、この発明に係るバルブタイミング調整装置においては、シール部材は、樹脂を主体とする材質からなるようにしたものである。
【００１１】
また、この発明に係るバルブタイミング調整装置においては、分割されたシール部材は、互いを係止する第１の係止手段を備えるようにしたものである。
【００１２】
また、この発明に係るバルブタイミング調整装置においては、第１の係止手段は、シール部材より軟質な弾性部材からなる部分を有するようにしたものである。
【００１３】
また、この発明に係るバルブタイミング調整装置においては、弾性部材は、ゴムまたはエラストマーを主体とする材質からなるようにしたものである。
【００１４】
また、この発明に係るバルブタイミング調整装置においては、弾性部材は、シール部材との２色成形により形成されるようにしたものである。
【００１５】
また、この発明に係るバルブタイミング調整装置においては、分割構造は、シール部材の中心から軸心方向に偏心した位置で分割されるようにしたものである。
【００１６】
また、この発明に係るバルブタイミング調整装置においては、第１の付勢部材と第２の付勢部材は、１部品で構成されるようにしたものである。
【００１７】
また、この発明に係るバルブタイミング調整装置においては、分割されたシール部材は、１部品で構成された付勢部材を係止する第２の係止手段を備えるようにしたものである。
【００１８】
また、この発明に係るバルブタイミング調整装置においては、第２の付勢部材は、ゴムまたはエラストマーを主体とする弾性部材からなり、分割されたシール部材の分離面を一体的に結合するようにしたものである。
【００１９】
【発明の実施の形態】
実施の形態１．
図１は、本発明の実施の形態１を示すバルブタイミング調整装置の軸心方向断面図（図２のＢ−Ｂ断面）である。また図２は、その径方向断面図（図１のＡ−Ａ断面）である。
まず、バルブタイミング調整装置の全体の構成と役割について説明する。
バルブタイミング調整装置は、主としてハウジング１０とロータ２０とシール部材３０から構成されている。
【００２０】
ハウジング１０は、スプロケット１１とケース１２とカバー１３とがボルト等の複数の第１の締結部材１４で締結されて一体的に構成されている。スプロケット１１は、内燃機関の出力軸であるクランクシャフト（図示せず）とチェーンやベルト（図示せず）等で連結され、クランクシャフトと同期回転する。ケース１２は、径方向内側に突起した複数のシュー１５を備え、そのシュー１５の間に複数の油圧室１６を形成している。カバー１３は、油圧室１６を密閉している。
【００２１】
ロータ２０は、カムシャフト２１にボルト等の第２の締結部材２２で締結され、油圧室１６を進角油圧室１７と遅角油圧室１８に２分する径方向外側に突起した複数のベーン２３を備え、ハウジング１０内で所定角度範囲内で相対回動可能となっている。また、第１の油路２４により、進角油圧室１７への油圧を給排し、第２の油路２５により、遅角油圧室１８への油圧を給排している。この進角油圧室１７と遅角油圧室１８の油圧力の差をもって、ハウジング１０に対するロータ２０の回転角が制御されている。
【００２２】
シール部材３０は、シュー１５およびベーン２３の先端部に軸心方向に配設されたスリット３１内に収納されており、板バネ等の弾性体から成る第１の付勢部材３２により径方向内向きまたは外向きに付勢されて、進角油圧室１７と遅角油圧室１８との間の油漏洩を防止している。
【００２３】
図３は、本発明の実施の形態１を示すバルブタイミング調整装置に用いるシール部材３０の一例としての３０ａの斜視図である。また図４は、その軸心方向分解図である。
この実施の形態１におけるシール部材３０ａは、分割構造を備え、第１のシール３３ａと第２のシール３４ａと第２の付勢部材３５ａとを軸心方向に組み合わすことで構成される。第１のシール３３ａは、軸心方向に開口部を有する凹形スリット３６ａを有する。第２のシール３４ａは、第１のシール３３ａの凹形スリット３６ａに勘合可能な凸形リブ３７ａと、それに面垂直に構成される第２の台座３８ａと、軸心方向の円筒形底付き穴３９ａを有する。第２の付勢部材３５ａは、コイルバネ等の弾性体から成り、第２のシール３４ａに配設された円筒形底付き穴３９ａに収納され、第１のシール３３ａと第２のシール３４ａを軸心方向に付勢する。
第１のシール３３ａおよび第２のシール３４ａは、成形可能な樹脂を主体とする材質とすることで、このような複雑な分割構造を可能にしており、また大量生産により部品コストを削減することができる。
【００２４】
実施の形態１のシール部材３０ａによれば、第１のシール３３ａの凹形スリット３６ａと第２のシール３４ａの凸形リブ３７ａが互いに交叉した状態で勘合することで、バルブタイミング調整装置の径方向に対するシール面に直接的に連通した部分がなくなる。また、第１のシール３３ａの凹形スリット３６ａと第２のシール３４ａの第２の台座３８ａにより、シュー１５およびベーン２３のスリット３１側壁に対するシール面に直接的に連通した部分がなくなる。これにより、進角油圧室１７と遅角油圧室１８の間の油の漏洩を抑制することができる。
【００２５】
また、実施の形態１のシール部材３０ａによれば、第１のシール３３ａと第２のシール３４ａは互いに軸心方向に摺動可能であり、第２の付勢部材３５ａにより軸心方向外側に付勢されている。このため、部品の加工精度のばらつきや温度変化により、ハウジング１０の軸心方向の寸法に変化が生じた場合でも、シール部材３０ａとハウジング１０との軸心方向のクリアランスを能動的になくすことができる。これにより、バルブタイミング調整装置内の油の漏洩がなくなり、バルブタイミング調整装置の制御を安定させることができる。
【００２６】
さらに、実施の形態１のシール部材３０ａによれば、第１のシール３３ａおよび第２のシール３４ａの軸心方向両端の摺動面の面圧は、第２の付勢部材３５ａの弾性定数のみで決定されるので、温度変化による面圧の変動がほとんどなく、摺動面の摩耗を低減できる。
【００２７】
実施の形態２．
図５は、本発明の実施の形態２を示すバルブタイミング調整装置に用いるシール部材３０ｂの斜視図である。また図６は、その軸心方向分解図である。
この実施の形態２におけるシール部材３０ｂは、第１のシール３３ｂと第２のシール３４ｂと第２の付勢部材３５ｂ（図示せず）とを軸心方向に組み合わすことで構成される。第１のシール３３ｂは、軸心方向に開口部を有する凹形スリット３６ｂと、第１の係止手段として、軸心方向離別防止用に設けた第１の爪４０ｂと、径方向シール面と平行な片持梁構造を有し径方向離別防止用に設けた第１の台座４１ｂとを有する。第２のシール３４ｂは、凹形スリット３６ｂに勘合可能な凸形リブ３７ｂと、第１の係止手段として、凸形リブ３７ｂの先端に設けられ第１の爪４０ｂに勘合する第２の爪４２ｂと、凸形リブ３７ｂに面垂直に構成される第２の台座３８ｂとを有する。第２の付勢部材３５ｂは図示されていないが、実施の形態１の図４で示した第２の付勢部材３５ａと同様であり、コイルバネ等の弾性体から成り、第２のシール３４ｂに配設された円筒形底付き穴３９ｂ（図示せず）に収納され、第１のシール３３ｂと第２のシール３４ｂを軸心方向に付勢する。
【００２８】
次に、このシール部材３０ｂの組み合わせ時の動作について説明する。
第１のシール３３ｂと第２のシール３４ｂは、一体化する際に、凸形リブ３７ｂ先端の第２の爪４２ｂにより凹形スリット３６ｂの間隔を広げながら軸心方向に組み合わせる。組み合わせた後は、弾性により凹形スリット３６ｂの間隔が狭まり第１の爪４０ｂに第２の爪４２ｂが勘合する。また組み合わせた後は、第２の台座３８ｂが凹形スリット３６ｂと第１の台座４１ｂにより挟まれる。
【００２９】
このように、実施の形態２のシール部材３０ｂによれば、第１のシール３３ｂと第２のシール３４ｂは、一度組み付けたら互いに離別できない構造となっているため、あらかじめ一体に組み付けることができ、バルブタイミング調整装置へシール部材３０ｂを組み付ける際の組み付け性を向上することができる。
【００３０】
また、実施の形態２のシール部材３０ｂによれば、第１のシール３３ｂの凹形スリット３６ｂと第２のシール３４ｂの凸形リブが互いに交叉勘合することでバルブタイミング調整装置の径方向に対するシール面に直接的に連通した部分がなくなる。また、第１のシール３３ｂの凹形スリット３６ｂおよび第１の台座４１ｂと、第２のシール３４ｂの第２の台座３８ｂにより、シュー１５およびベーン２３のスリット３１側壁に対するシール面に直接的に連通した部分がなくなる。これにより、進角油圧室１７と遅角油圧室１８の間の油の漏洩を抑制することができる。
【００３１】
実施の形態３．
図７は、本発明の実施の形態３を示すバルブタイミング調整装置に用いるシール部材３０ｃの斜視図である。また図８はその軸心方向分解図、図９はその正面図である。
この実施の形態３におけるシール部材３０ｃは、第１のシール３３ｃと第２のシール３４ｃと第３の付勢部材４３ｃとを軸心方向に組み合わすことで構成される。第１のシール３３ｃは、軸心方向に開口部を有する凹形スリット３６ｃと、第１の係止手段として、軸心方向離別防止用に設けた第１の爪４０ｃと、径方向シール面と平行な片持梁構造を有し径方向離別防止用に設けた第１の台座４１ｃとを有し、また第２の係止手段としての第１のスカート４４ｃを有する。第２のシール３４ｃは、凹形スリット３６ｃに勘合可能な凸形リブ３７ｃと、第１の係止手段として、凸形リブ３７ｃの先端に設けられ第１の爪４０ｃに勘合する第２の爪４２ｃと、凸形リブ３７ｃに面垂直に構成される第２の台座３８ｃとを有し、また第２の係止手段としての第２のスカート４５ｃを有する。第３の付勢部材４３ｃは、両シールと軸心方向付勢側に当接するツバ部４６ｃと、両シールと径方向付勢側に当接する平面部４７ｃと、２つの曲面４８ｃと、その交叉部分にできた凹部４９ｃとを有する。
【００３２】
この実施の形態３のシール部材３０ｃにおいては、図９に示すとおり、第３の付勢部材４３ｃの紙面に垂直方向への抜け止めとして、両シール３３ｃ、３４ｃの第３の付勢部材４３ｃ当接側にそれぞれ第１のスカート４４ｃ、第２のスカート４５ｃを設けており、これが第２の係止手段として機能している。
【００３３】
このように、実施の形態３のシール部材３０ｃによれば、第３の付勢部材４３ｃは、第２の係止手段である両スカート４４ｃ、４５ｃ内で軸心方向に両シール３３ｃ、３４ｃを付勢したまま組み付けられ、両シール３３ｃ、３４ｃが第１の係止手段により離別防止構造となっているため、両シール３３ｃ、３４ｃと第３の付勢部材４３ｃも互いに離別防止構造となる。これにより、シール部材３０ｃ単独の組立工程にてあらかじめ両シール３３ｃ、３４ｃと第３の付勢部材４３ｃとを組み付けることができるため、バルブタイミング調整装置へのシール部材３０ｃの組み付け性を向上することができる。
【００３４】
また、実施の形態３のシール部材３０ｃによれば、第３の付勢部材４３ｃは、軸心方向付勢のたわみと径方向付勢のたわみの両方を、２つの曲面４８ｃおよび凹部４９ｃで受けることができる。これにより、実施の形態１における第１の付勢部材３２および第２の付勢部材３５ａ、すなわち径方向および軸心方向の両方の付勢部材を、第３の付勢部材４３ｃとして１部品にまとめることができ、部品点数および部品コストの削減が可能になる。
【００３５】
また、実施の形態３のシール部材３０ｃによれば、各シール面に直接的に連通した部分がなくなり、進角油圧室１７と遅角油圧室１８の間の油の漏洩を抑制することができる。
【００３６】
実施の形態４．
図１０は、本発明の実施の形態４を示すバルブタイミング調整装置に用いるシール部材３０ｄの斜視図である。また図１１は、その軸心方向分解図である。
この実施の形態４におけるシール部材３０ｄは、第１のシール３３ｄと第２のシール３４ｄと第２の付勢部材３５ｄ（図示せず）とを軸心方向に組み合わすことで構成される。第１のシール３３ｄは、軸心方向に開口部を有する凹形スリット３６ｄと、第１の係止手段として、軸心方向離別防止用に設けた第１の爪４０ｄと、径方向シール面と平行な片持梁構造を有し径方向離別防止用に設けた第１の台座４１ｄとを、軸心方向端面側に有する。第２のシール３４ｄは、凹形スリット３６ｄに勘合可能な凸形リブ３７ｄと、第１の係止手段として、凸形リブ３７ｄの先端に設けられ第１の爪４０ｄに勘合する第２の爪４２ｄと、凸形リブ３７ｄに面垂直に構成される第２の台座３８ｄとを、第１のシール３３ｄの軸心方向端面側に有する。第２の付勢部材３５ｄは図示されていないが、実施の形態１の図４で示した第２の付勢部材３５ａと同様であり、コイルバネ等の弾性体から成り、第２のシール３４ｄに配設された円筒形底付き穴３９ｄ（図示せず）に収納され、第１のシール３３ｄと第２のシール３４ｄを軸心方向に付勢する。
【００３７】
この実施の形態４におけるシール部材３０ｄでは、軸心方向の分割位置を、実施の形態２で示したようなシール部材全長のほぼ中心ではなく、軸心方向端面側に片寄って配置した構造となっている。
【００３８】
このような実施の形態４のシール部材３０ｄによれば、第１のシール３３ｄ単独にて、第１の付勢部材３２ｄ（図示せず）の収納構造を形成することができる等、シール部材３０ｄの中心に分割位置を配置した場合に比べて、設計の自由度が向上する。
【００３９】
また、実施の形態４のシール部材３０ｄによれば、第１のシール３３ｄと第２のシール３４ｄの大きさが異なるので、両部品の判別が容易であり、組立時の両部品の混入による誤組み付けの発生を防止することができ、自動化設備における組み付け性を向上することができる。
【００４０】
また、実施の形態４のシール部材３０ｄによれば、各シール面に直接的に連通した部分がなくなり、進角油圧室１７と遅角油圧室１８の間の油の漏洩を抑制することができる。
【００４１】
実施の形態５．
図１２は、本発明の実施の形態５を示すバルブタイミング調整装置に用いるシール部材３０ｅの斜視図である。また図１３は、その軸心方向分解図である。
この実施の形態５におけるシール部材３０ｅは、第１のシール３３ｅと第２のシール３４ｅと第２の付勢部材３５ｅ（図示せず）とを軸心方向に組み合わすことで構成される。第１のシール３３ｅは、軸心方向に開口部を有する凹形スリット３６ｅと、第１の係止手段として、軸心方向離別防止用に設けた第１の爪４０ｅと、径方向シール面と平行な片持梁構造を有し径方向離別防止用に設けた第１の台座４１ｅとを有する。また、第１の爪４０ｅは、シール部材より軟質な別部材、例えばエラストマー（ elastomer 、常温付近で弾性の顕著な高分子物質）等の２色成形可能な樹脂で構成される。第２のシール３４ｅは、凹形スリット３６ｅに勘合可能な凸形リブ３７ｅと、第１の係止手段として、凸形リブ３７ｅの先端に設けられ第１の爪４０ｅに勘合する第２の爪４２ｅと、凸形リブ３７ｅに面垂直に構成される第２の台座３８ｅとを有する。第２の付勢部材３５ｅは図示されていないが、実施の形態１の図４で示した第２の付勢部材３５ａと同様であり、コイルバネ等の弾性体から成り、第２のシール３４ｅに配設された円筒形底付き穴３９ｅ（図示せず）に収納され、第１のシール３３ｅと第２のシール３４ｅを軸心方向に付勢する。
【００４２】
次に、このシール部材３０ｅの組み合わせ時の動作について説明する。
第１のシール３３ｅと第２のシール３４ｅは、一体化する際に、凸形リブ３７ｅ先端の第２の爪４２ｅによって凹形スリット３６ｅの間隔を広げながら軸心方向に組み合わせる。組み合わせた後は、弾性により凹形スリット３６ｅの間隔が狭まり第１の爪４０ｅに第２の爪４２ｅが勘合する。
【００４３】
実施の形態５のシール部材３０ｅによれば、この凹形スリット３６ｅの第１の爪４０ｅの部分を軟質な別材料で構成することで、両シール３３ｅ、３４ｅの組み付けが容易となる。また、軟質材料をゴムまたはエラストマー等の弾性部材で構成することで、この部分のシール性を向上することができる。
【００４４】
また、実施の形態５のシール部材３０ｅによれば、第１の爪４０ｅをゴムまたはエラストマー等の弾性部材の２色成形により形成することで、第１のシール３３ｅへ第１の爪４０ｅを別工程で組み付ける必要がなくなり、シール部材３０ｅの大量生産への対応が可能となり、部品コストを削減することができる
【００４５】
また、実施の形態５のシール部材３０ｅによれば、各シール面に直接的に連通した部分がなくなり、進角油圧室１７と遅角油圧室１８の間の油の漏洩を抑制することができる。
【００４６】
実施の形態６．
図１４は、本発明の実施の形態６を示すバルブタイミング調整装置に用いるシール部材３０ｆの斜視図である。
この実施の形態６におけるシール部材３０ｆは、第１のシール３３ｆと、第２のシール３４ｆと、その接合面に配置されゴムまたはエラストマー等の弾性を有する樹脂にて構成された弾性部材５０ｆとによって構成される。
【００４７】
実施の形態６のシール部材３０ｆによれば、第１のシール３３ｆと第２のシール３４ｆとの接合面に弾性を有する弾性部材５０ｆを配置したことにより、シール部材３０ｆの軸心方向に突張り力が発生した場合でも、この突張り力をこの弾性部材５０ｆにより吸収することができる。
【００４８】
また、実施の形態６のシール部材３０ｆによれば、部品の加工精度のばらつき部品の加工精度のばらつきや温度変化により、ハウジング１０の軸心方向の寸法に変化が生じた場合でも、弾性部材５０ｆによる軸心方向の付勢力により、シール部材３０ｆとハウジング１０との軸心方向のクリアランスを能動的になくすことができる。これにより、バルブタイミング調整装置内の油の漏洩がなくなり、バルブタイミング調整装置の制御を安定させることができる。
【００４９】
また、実施の形態６のシール部材３０ｆによれば、分割されたシール部材３０ｆを弾性部材５０ｆを介して一体化することでバルブタイミング調整装置への組み付け性を向上することができる。
【００５０】
また、実施の形態６のシール部材３０ｆによれば、各シール面に直接的に連通した部分がなくなり、進角油圧室１７と遅角油圧室１８の間の油の漏洩を抑制することができる。
【００５１】
【発明の効果】
このように本発明は、以上説明したように構成されているので、以下に示すような効果がある。
【００５２】
この発明に係るバルブタイミング調整装置によれば、内燃機関の出力軸であるクランクシャフトとチェーン等で連結されクランクシャフトと同期回転し径方向内側に突起した複数のシューを有しそのシュー間で油圧室を構成するハウジングと、内燃機関の吸気バルブまたは排気バルブの開閉を行うためのカムシャフトに挿着固定され油圧室を進角油圧室と遅角油圧室に２分する径方向外側に突起した複数のベーンを有しハウジング内で所定角度範囲内で相対回動可能なロータと、シューまたはベーンの先端に収納され両油圧室間の油漏洩を防ぐためのシール部材と、シール部材を径方向内向きまたは外向きに付勢する第１の付勢部材とを備えたバルブタイミング調整装置において、シール部材は、カムシャフトの回転軸心と平行な軸心方向に分割され、かつ分割されたシール部材が軸心方向に相対移動可能な分割構造を備え、かつ分割されたシール部材を軸心方向に付勢する第２の付勢部材を備えるようにしたので、部品の加工精度のばらつきや温度変化による寸法変化が生じても、シール部材とハウジングとの軸心方向のクリアランスを能動的になくして内部の油の漏洩を抑制することができ、制御性能の安定したバルブタイミング調整装置が得られるという効果がある。また、シール部材の寸法変化による軸心方向の突張り力を第２の付勢部材により吸収してシール部材両端の摺動面の面圧の増加を抑制し、摺動摩耗を軽減することができるという効果がある。
【００５３】
また、この発明に係るバルブタイミング調整装置によれば、シール部材は、樹脂を主体とする材質からなるようにしたので、シール部材の分割構造における形状設計の自由度が向上するとともに、大量生産への対応が可能となり、部品コストを削減することができるという効果がある。
【００５４】
また、この発明に係るバルブタイミング調整装置によれば、分割されたシール部材は、互いを係止する第１の係止手段を備えるようにしたので、分割されたシール部材をあらかじめ一体に組み付けることができ、バルブタイミング調整装置へシール部材を組み付ける際の組み付け性を向上することができるという効果がある。
【００５５】
また、この発明に係るバルブタイミング調整装置によれば、第１の係止手段は、シール部材より軟質な弾性部材からなる部分を有するようにしたので、分割されたシール部材を互いに組み合わせる際の組み付け性を向上することができるという効果がある。
【００５６】
また、この発明に係るバルブタイミング調整装置によれば、弾性部材は、ゴムまたはエラストマーを主体とする材質からなるようにしたので、組み合わせ部のシール性を向上することができるという効果がある。
【００５７】
また、この発明に係るバルブタイミング調整装置によれば、弾性部材は、シール部材との２色成形により形成されるようにしたので、シール部材の大量生産への対応が可能となり、部品コストを削減することができるという効果がある。
【００５８】
また、この発明に係るバルブタイミング調整装置によれば、分割構造は、シール部材の中心から軸心方向に偏心した位置で分割されるようにしたので、片方のシール部材単独にて、第１の付勢部材の収納構造を形成できる等、シール部材の形状設計の自由度が向上するという効果がある。また、分割されたシール部材の大きさが異なるため、両部品の判別が容易となり、組立時の両部品の混入による誤組み付けの発生を防止することができ、自動化設備における組み付け性を向上することができるという効果がある。
【００５９】
また、この発明に係るバルブタイミング調整装置によれば、第１の付勢部材と第２の付勢部材は、１部品で構成されるようにしたので、部品点数および部品コストを削減することができるという効果がある。
【００６０】
また、この発明に係るバルブタイミング調整装置によれば、分割されたシール部材は、１部品で構成された付勢部材を係止する第２の係止手段を備えるようにしたので、別工程にてシール部材と付勢部材を組み付けることができ、バルブタイミング調整装置への組み付け性を向上することができるという効果がある。
【００６１】
また、この発明に係るバルブタイミング調整装置によれば、第２の付勢部材は、ゴムまたはエラストマーを主体とする弾性部材からなり、分割されたシール部材の分離面を一体的に結合するようにしたので、シール部材のバルブタイミング調整装置への組み付け性を向上することができるという効果がある。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の実施の形態１を示すバルブタイミング調整装置の軸心方向断面図である。
【図２】本発明の実施の形態１を示すバルブタイミング調整装置の径方向断面図である。
【図３】本発明の実施の形態１を示すシール部材の斜視図である。
【図４】本発明の実施の形態１を示すシール部材の軸心方向分解図である。
【図５】本発明の実施の形態２を示すシール部材の斜視図である。
【図６】本発明の実施の形態２を示すシール部材の軸心方向分解図である。
【図７】本発明の実施の形態３を示すシール部材の斜視図である。
【図８】本発明の実施の形態３を示すシール部材の軸心方向分解図である。
【図９】本発明の実施の形態３を示すシール部材の正面図である。
【図１０】本発明の実施の形態４を示すシール部材の斜視図である。
【図１１】本発明の実施の形態４を示すシール部材の軸心方向分解図である。
【図１２】本発明の実施の形態５を示すシール部材の斜視図である。
【図１３】本発明の実施の形態５を示すシール部材の軸心方向分解図である。
【図１４】本発明の実施の形態６を示すシール部材の斜視図である。
【図１５】従来のバルブタイミング調整装置に用いられるシール部材とスリットの構造例を示す斜視図である。
【図１６】従来のバルブタイミング調整装置に用いられるシール部材とスリットの構造例を示す要部拡大図である。
【図１７】従来のバルブタイミング調整装置に用いられるシール部材の斜視図である。
【符号の説明】
１０ハウジング、１１スプロケット、１２ケース、１３カバー、１４第１の締結部材、１５シュー、１６油圧室、１７進角油圧室、１８遅角油圧室、２０ロータ、２１カムシャフト、２２第２の締結部材、２３ベーン、２４第１の油路、２５第２の油路、３０シール部材、３１スリット、３２第１の付勢部材、３３第１のシール、３４第２のシール、３５第２の付勢部材、３６凹形スリット、３７凸形リブ、３８第２の台座、３９円筒形底付き穴、４０第１の爪、４１第１の台座、４２第２の爪、４３第３の付勢部材、４４第１のスカート、４５第２のスカート、４６ツバ部、４７平面部、４８曲面、４９凹部、５０弾性部材、１０１シール部材、１０２スリット、１０３ハウジング[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a hydraulic valve timing adjusting device that changes the opening / closing timing of one or both of an intake valve and an exhaust valve of an internal combustion engine.
[0002]
[Prior art]
As a vane type valve timing adjusting device for adjusting the valve opening / closing timing of an intake valve or an exhaust valve of an internal combustion engine, one disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-141024 is known. These valve timing adjusting devices are composed of a housing that is coupled and driven by a crankshaft and a chain of the engine, and a rotor that is inserted and fixed to the camshaft and accommodated so as to be relatively rotatable in a predetermined angle range within the housing. The rotation angle of the rotor relative to the housing is controlled by the difference in hydraulic pressure between the advance hydraulic chamber and the retard hydraulic chamber configured between the shoe of the housing and the vane of the rotor.
[0003]
In the valve timing adjusting device disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-141024, in order to prevent leakage of oil in the advance hydraulic chamber and the retard hydraulic chamber, the seal member is biased radially inward or outward. The leaf spring-like first biasing member is disposed in slits provided at the shoe tip of the housing and the vane tip of the rotor, respectively.
[0004]
FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a structure example of a seal member and a slit used in such a conventional valve timing adjusting device. FIG. 16 is an enlarged view of the main part, and FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the seal member.
The seal member 101 in the conventional valve timing adjusting device is composed of a single resin member, and has a diameter perpendicular to the rotation axis of the camshaft by a first urging member (not shown) and hydraulic pressure. Since the seal member 101 is pressed in the direction (hereinafter referred to as the radial direction), there is almost no oil leakage in this portion. However, in the axial direction parallel to the rotational axis of the camshaft (hereinafter referred to as the axial direction), the seal member 101 is considered in consideration of elongation due to thermal expansion so that the seal member 101 does not protrude in the housing 103. The total length L of 101 needs to be designed to be shorter than the length (thickness) T of the housing 103 in the axial direction. As shown in FIG. 16, the clearance X in the axial direction is between the housing 103 and the seal member 101. It must exist.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In such a conventional valve timing adjusting device, the size of the clearance X in the axial direction always fluctuates due to variations in processing accuracy of the housing 103, dimensional changes due to temperature changes during operation of the internal combustion engine, and the like. Further, since the urging force does not work in the direction in which the clearance X is eliminated, there is a problem that oil leakage from the clearance X always occurs and the performance of the valve timing adjusting device is deteriorated.
[0006]
Further, since the resin that is the material of the seal member 101 generally has a larger coefficient of thermal expansion than the housing 103 made of metal or light metal, the clearance X in the axial direction changes due to a temperature change during operation of the valve timing adjusting device. To do. For example, when the oil temperature is high, the overall length L of the seal member 101 becomes longer than the length T in the axial direction of the housing 103 due to variations in dimensional accuracy of components and thermal expansion, and the seal member 101 is stretched in the housing 103. There is a case. When the rotor rotates in the housing 103 in this state, the axial end face sliding portion of the seal member 101 is extremely worn, and the clearance X when the temperature is changed to a low temperature is further expanded. There was a problem that the leakage of oil in the apparatus was further increased.
[0007]
In order to prevent this, a method has been proposed in which an inorganic filler or the like is blended in the resin material of the seal member 101 so that the thermal expansion coefficient of the seal member 101 is close to the thermal expansion coefficient of the material of the housing 103. However, this method alone has a problem that it is impossible to completely eliminate the variation of the clearance X due to the temperature change, and it is impossible to deal with the clearance X generated due to variations in processing accuracy.
[0008]
The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and even if the machining accuracy of parts or dimensional changes due to temperature changes occur, the clearance in the axial direction between the seal and the housing is actively increased. The purpose is to obtain a valve timing adjusting device that eliminates internal oil leakage and has stable control performance.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In the valve timing adjusting apparatus according to the present invention, a crankshaft, which is an output shaft of an internal combustion engine, is connected by a chain or the like, and has a plurality of shoes that rotate synchronously with the crankshaft and project radially inward, and between the shoes, a hydraulic chamber And a plurality of housings that are inserted and fixed to camshafts for opening and closing an intake valve or an exhaust valve of an internal combustion engine and projecting outward in the radial direction to divide the hydraulic chamber into an advance hydraulic chamber and a retard hydraulic chamber A rotor that can rotate relative to each other within a predetermined angle range within the housing, a seal member that is housed at the tip of the shoe or vane to prevent oil leakage between the hydraulic chambers, and the seal member is disposed in the radial direction. And a first biasing member that biases outward or outward, wherein the seal member has an axial direction parallel to the rotational axis of the camshaft. The divided seal member is provided with a split structure in which the split seal member is relatively movable in the axial direction, and a second biasing member that biases the split seal member in the axial direction. is there.
[0010]
In the valve timing adjusting apparatus according to the present invention, the seal member is made of a material mainly composed of resin.
[0011]
In the valve timing adjusting device according to the present invention, the divided seal members are provided with first locking means for locking each other.
[0012]
In the valve timing adjusting apparatus according to the present invention, the first locking means has a portion made of an elastic member softer than the seal member.
[0013]
In the valve timing adjusting apparatus according to the present invention, the elastic member is made of a material mainly composed of rubber or elastomer.
[0014]
In the valve timing adjusting device according to the present invention, the elastic member is formed by two-color molding with a seal member.
[0015]
In the valve timing adjusting apparatus according to the present invention, the divided structure is divided at a position eccentric from the center of the seal member in the axial direction.
[0016]
In the valve timing adjusting apparatus according to the present invention, the first urging member and the second urging member are configured by one component.
[0017]
Further, in the valve timing adjusting device according to the present invention, the divided seal member is provided with a second locking means for locking the urging member constituted by one part.
[0018]
In the valve timing adjusting apparatus according to the present invention, the second urging member is made of an elastic member mainly composed of rubber or elastomer, and integrally couples the separation surfaces of the divided seal members. Is.
[0019]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiment 1 FIG.
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view in the axial direction of the valve timing adjusting device (Embodiment BB in FIG. 2) showing Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Moreover, FIG. 2 is the radial direction sectional drawing (AA cross section of FIG. 1).
First, the overall configuration and role of the valve timing adjusting device will be described.
The valve timing adjusting device mainly includes a housing 10, a rotor 20, and a seal member 30.
[0020]
The housing 10 is integrally configured by a sprocket 11, a case 12, and a cover 13 being fastened by a plurality of first fastening members 14 such as bolts. The sprocket 11 is connected to a crankshaft (not shown), which is an output shaft of the internal combustion engine, by a chain, a belt (not shown) or the like, and rotates synchronously with the crankshaft. The case 12 includes a plurality of shoes 15 protruding radially inward, and a plurality of hydraulic chambers 16 are formed between the shoes 15. The cover 13 seals the hydraulic chamber 16.
[0021]
The rotor 20 is fastened to the camshaft 21 by a second fastening member 22 such as a bolt, and a plurality of vanes 23 projecting radially outward to divide the hydraulic chamber 16 into an advance hydraulic chamber 17 and a retard hydraulic chamber 18. And is relatively rotatable within a predetermined angle range within the housing 10. Further, the hydraulic pressure to the advance hydraulic chamber 17 is supplied and discharged by the first oil passage 24, and the hydraulic pressure to the retard hydraulic chamber 18 is supplied and discharged by the second oil passage 25. The rotation angle of the rotor 20 relative to the housing 10 is controlled by the difference in hydraulic pressure between the advance hydraulic chamber 17 and the retard hydraulic chamber 18.
[0022]
The seal member 30 is housed in a slit 31 disposed in the axial direction at the tip of the shoe 15 and the vane 23, and is radially inward by a first biasing member 32 made of an elastic body such as a leaf spring. It is biased in the direction or outward to prevent oil leakage between the advance hydraulic chamber 17 and the retard hydraulic chamber 18.
[0023]
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of 30a as an example of the seal member 30 used in the valve timing adjusting apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is an exploded view in the axial direction.
The seal member 30a according to the first embodiment has a split structure, and is configured by combining the first seal 33a, the second seal 34a, and the second urging member 35a in the axial direction. The first seal 33a has a concave slit 36a having an opening in the axial direction. The second seal 34a includes a convex rib 37a that can be fitted into the concave slit 36a of the first seal 33a, a second pedestal 38a configured perpendicular to the surface, and a cylindrical bottomed hole in the axial direction. 39a. The second urging member 35a is made of an elastic body such as a coil spring, and is housed in a cylindrical bottomed hole 39a disposed in the second seal 34a, and the first seal 33a and the second seal 34a are pivoted. Energize in the direction of the heart.
The first seal 33a and the second seal 34a are made of a material mainly composed of a moldable resin, thereby enabling such a complicated divided structure and reducing the cost of parts by mass production. Can do.
[0024]
According to the seal member 30a of the first embodiment, the concave slit 36a of the first seal 33a and the convex rib 37a of the second seal 34a are engaged with each other so that the diameter of the valve timing adjusting device can be obtained. There is no direct communication with the sealing surface for the direction. In addition, the concave slit 36a of the first seal 33a and the second pedestal 38a of the second seal 34a eliminate a portion that directly communicates with the sealing surface of the shoe 15 and the side wall of the slit 31 of the vane 23. Thereby, oil leakage between the advance hydraulic chamber 17 and the retard hydraulic chamber 18 can be suppressed.
[0025]
Further, according to the seal member 30a of the first embodiment, the first seal 33a and the second seal 34a are slidable in the axial direction with each other, and are moved outward in the axial direction by the second urging member 35a. It is energized. For this reason, the axial clearance between the seal member 30a and the housing 10 can be actively eliminated even when the dimension in the axial direction of the housing 10 changes due to variations in the processing accuracy of parts or temperature changes. it can. Thereby, oil leakage in the valve timing adjusting device is eliminated, and the control of the valve timing adjusting device can be stabilized.
[0026]
Furthermore, according to the seal member 30a of the first embodiment, the surface pressure of the sliding surfaces at both axial ends of the first seal 33a and the second seal 34a is only the elastic constant of the second urging member 35a. Therefore, there is almost no variation in surface pressure due to temperature change, and wear on the sliding surface can be reduced.
[0027]
Embodiment 2. FIG.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a seal member 30b used in the valve timing adjusting device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. FIG. 6 is an exploded view in the axial direction.
The seal member 30b in the second embodiment is configured by combining a first seal 33b, a second seal 34b, and a second urging member 35b (not shown) in the axial direction. The first seal 33b includes a concave slit 36b having an opening in the axial direction, a first claw 40b provided as a first locking means for preventing separation in the axial direction, a radial seal surface, A first pedestal 41b having a parallel cantilever structure provided for preventing radial separation. The second seal 34b includes a convex rib 37b that can be fitted into the concave slit 36b, and a second claw that is provided at the tip of the convex rib 37b as a first locking means and engages with the first claw 40b. 42b, and a second pedestal 38b configured to be perpendicular to the convex rib 37b. Although the second urging member 35b is not shown, it is the same as the second urging member 35a shown in FIG. 4 of the first embodiment, is made of an elastic body such as a coil spring, and is attached to the second seal 34b. It is accommodated in the provided cylindrical bottomed hole 39b (not shown), and biases the first seal 33b and the second seal 34b in the axial direction.
[0028]
Next, an operation when the seal member 30b is combined will be described.
When the first seal 33b and the second seal 34b are integrated, they are combined in the axial direction while widening the interval between the concave slits 36b by the second claws 42b at the tips of the convex ribs 37b. After the combination, the interval between the concave slits 36b is narrowed due to elasticity, and the second claw 42b is engaged with the first claw 40b. After the combination, the second pedestal 38b is sandwiched between the concave slit 36b and the first pedestal 41b.
[0029]
Thus, according to the seal member 30b of the second embodiment, the first seal 33b and the second seal 34b have a structure that cannot be separated from each other once assembled, and can be assembled together in advance. The assembling property when assembling the seal member 30b to the valve timing adjusting device can be improved.
[0030]
Further, according to the seal member 30b of the second embodiment, the concave slit 36b of the first seal 33b and the convex rib of the second seal 34b are engaged with each other so that the seal in the radial direction of the valve timing adjusting device can be obtained. There is no direct communication with the surface. Further, the concave slit 36b and the first pedestal 41b of the first seal 33b and the second pedestal 38b of the second seal 34b directly communicate with the sealing surface of the shoe 15 and the vane 23 on the side wall of the slit 31. The part that was done disappears. Thereby, oil leakage between the advance hydraulic chamber 17 and the retard hydraulic chamber 18 can be suppressed.
[0031]
Embodiment 3 FIG.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a seal member 30c used in the valve timing adjusting device according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. FIG. 8 is an exploded view in the axial direction, and FIG. 9 is a front view thereof.
The seal member 30c in the third embodiment is configured by combining the first seal 33c, the second seal 34c, and the third urging member 43c in the axial direction. The first seal 33c includes a concave slit 36c having an opening in the axial direction, a first claw 40c provided as a first locking means for preventing separation in the axial direction, and a radial seal surface. A first pedestal 41c having a parallel cantilever structure provided for preventing radial separation, and a first skirt 44c as a second locking means; The second seal 34c includes a convex rib 37c that can be fitted into the concave slit 36c, and a second claw that is provided at the tip of the convex rib 37c as a first locking means and engages with the first claw 40c. 42c and a second pedestal 38c configured to be perpendicular to the convex rib 37c, and a second skirt 45c as a second locking means. The third urging member 43c includes a flange portion 46c that abuts both seals and the axially urging side, a flat portion 47c that abuts both seals and the radial urging side, two curved surfaces 48c, and a crossing thereof. And a concave portion 49c formed in the portion.
[0032]
In the seal member 30c according to the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the third urging member 43c is pressed against the third urging member 43c to prevent the third urging member 43c from coming off in the direction perpendicular to the paper surface. A first skirt 44c and a second skirt 45c are provided on the contact side, respectively, and these function as second locking means.
[0033]
Thus, according to the seal member 30c of the third embodiment, the third urging member 43c has the seals 33c, 34c in the axial direction within the skirts 44c, 45c as the second locking means. Since both the seals 33c and 34c have the separation preventing structure by the first locking means, the seals 33c and 34c and the third urging member 43c also have the separation preventing structure. Thereby, since both the seals 33c and 34c and the third urging member 43c can be assembled in advance in the assembly process of the seal member 30c alone, the assembling property of the seal member 30c to the valve timing adjusting device is improved. Can do.
[0034]
Further, according to the seal member 30c of the third embodiment, the third biasing member 43c receives both the deflection in the axial direction bias and the deflection in the radial direction by the two curved surfaces 48c and the recess 49c. be able to. Thereby, the first urging member 32 and the second urging member 35a in the first embodiment, that is, the urging members in both the radial direction and the axial direction are made into one component as the third urging member 43c. The number of parts and the cost of parts can be reduced.
[0035]
Further, according to the seal member 30c of the third embodiment, there is no portion directly communicating with each seal surface, and oil leakage between the advance hydraulic chamber 17 and the retard hydraulic chamber 18 can be suppressed. .
[0036]
Embodiment 4 FIG.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a seal member 30d used in the valve timing adjusting device according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. FIG. 11 is an exploded view in the axial direction.
The seal member 30d in the fourth embodiment is configured by combining a first seal 33d, a second seal 34d, and a second urging member 35d (not shown) in the axial direction. The first seal 33d includes a concave slit 36d having an opening in the axial direction, a first claw 40d provided as a first locking means for preventing separation in the axial direction, a radial seal surface, A first pedestal 41d that has a parallel cantilever structure and is provided for preventing radial separation is provided on the end face side in the axial direction. The second seal 34d includes a convex rib 37d that can be fitted into the concave slit 36d and a second claw that is provided at the tip of the convex rib 37d as a first locking means and engages with the first claw 40d. 42d and a second pedestal 38d configured to be perpendicular to the surface of the convex rib 37d are provided on the end surface side in the axial direction of the first seal 33d. Although the second urging member 35d is not shown, it is the same as the second urging member 35a shown in FIG. 4 of the first embodiment, is made of an elastic body such as a coil spring, and is attached to the second seal 34d. It is accommodated in the provided cylindrical bottomed hole 39d (not shown), and biases the first seal 33d and the second seal 34d in the axial direction.
[0037]
The seal member 30d according to the fourth embodiment has a structure in which the axially divided positions are arranged so as to be offset toward the axial end face side rather than substantially the center of the entire length of the seal member as shown in the second embodiment. ing.
[0038]
According to the seal member 30d of the fourth embodiment as described above, the first seal 33d alone can form a housing structure for the first biasing member 32d (not shown). The degree of freedom in design is improved as compared with the case where the division position is arranged at the center of the.
[0039]
Further, according to the seal member 30d of the fourth embodiment, since the sizes of the first seal 33d and the second seal 34d are different, it is easy to distinguish both parts, and an error due to mixing of both parts during assembly. Generation | occurrence | production of an assembly | attachment can be prevented and the assembly | attachment property in automation equipment can be improved.
[0040]
Further, according to the seal member 30d of the fourth embodiment, there is no portion directly communicating with each seal surface, and oil leakage between the advance hydraulic chamber 17 and the retard hydraulic chamber 18 can be suppressed. .
[0041]
Embodiment 5 FIG.
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a seal member 30e used in the valve timing adjusting device according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention. FIG. 13 is an exploded view in the axial direction.
The seal member 30e in the fifth embodiment is configured by combining a first seal 33e, a second seal 34e, and a second urging member 35e (not shown) in the axial direction. The first seal 33e includes a concave slit 36e having an opening in the axial direction, a first claw 40e provided as a first locking means for preventing separation in the axial direction, a radial seal surface, A first pedestal 41e having a parallel cantilever structure and provided for preventing radial separation. The first claw 40e is made of a resin that can be molded in two colors, such as another member that is softer than the seal member, for example, an elastomer (elastomer, a high-molecular substance that is remarkably elastic near normal temperature). The second seal 34e includes a convex rib 37e that can be fitted into the concave slit 36e and a second claw that is provided at the tip of the convex rib 37e as a first locking means and engages with the first claw 40e. 42e and a second pedestal 38e configured to be perpendicular to the convex rib 37e. Although the second urging member 35e is not shown, it is the same as the second urging member 35a shown in FIG. 4 of the first embodiment, is made of an elastic body such as a coil spring, and is attached to the second seal 34e. It is accommodated in the provided cylindrical bottomed hole 39e (not shown), and biases the first seal 33e and the second seal 34e in the axial direction.
[0042]
Next, an operation when the seal member 30e is combined will be described.
When integrating the first seal 33e and the second seal 34e, the first seal 33e and the second seal 34e are combined in the axial direction while increasing the interval between the concave slits 36e by the second claw 42e at the tip of the convex rib 37e. After the combination, the interval between the concave slits 36e is reduced due to elasticity, and the second claw 42e is fitted into the first claw 40e.
[0043]
According to the seal member 30e of the fifth embodiment, the first claw 40e portion of the concave slit 36e is made of a soft separate material, so that the assembly of both the seals 33e and 34e is facilitated. Moreover, the sealing property of this part can be improved by comprising a soft material with elastic members, such as rubber | gum or an elastomer.
[0044]
Further, according to the seal member 30e of the fifth embodiment, the first claw 40e is formed by two-color molding of an elastic member such as rubber or elastomer, so that the first claw 40e is separated from the first seal 33e. It is not necessary to assemble in the process, and it becomes possible to cope with mass production of the seal member 30e, and the parts cost can be reduced.
[0045]
Further, according to the seal member 30e of the fifth embodiment, there is no portion directly communicating with each seal surface, and oil leakage between the advance hydraulic chamber 17 and the retard hydraulic chamber 18 can be suppressed. .
[0046]
Embodiment 6 FIG.
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a seal member 30f used in the valve timing adjusting device according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention.
The seal member 30f according to the sixth embodiment includes a first seal 33f, a second seal 34f, and an elastic member 50f that is arranged on the joint surface and is made of a resin having elasticity such as rubber or elastomer. Composed.
[0047]
According to the seal member 30f of the sixth embodiment, the elastic member 50f having elasticity is arranged on the joint surface between the first seal 33f and the second seal 34f, so that the seal member 30f is stretched in the axial direction. Even when a force is generated, this elastic force can be absorbed by the elastic member 50f.
[0048]
Further, according to the seal member 30f of the sixth embodiment, even when the dimension of the housing 10 varies in the axial direction due to variations in the machining accuracy of parts or due to temperature changes, the elastic member 50f. The axial clearance between the seal member 30f and the housing 10 can be actively eliminated by the biasing force in the axial direction. Thereby, oil leakage in the valve timing adjusting device is eliminated, and the control of the valve timing adjusting device can be stabilized.
[0049]
Further, according to the seal member 30f of the sixth embodiment, it is possible to improve the assembling property to the valve timing adjusting device by integrating the divided seal member 30f via the elastic member 50f.
[0050]
Further, according to the seal member 30f of the sixth embodiment, there is no portion directly communicating with each seal surface, and oil leakage between the advance hydraulic chamber 17 and the retard hydraulic chamber 18 can be suppressed. .
[0051]
【The invention's effect】
Since the present invention is configured as described above, the following effects are obtained.
[0052]
According to the valve timing adjusting device of the present invention, a crankshaft, which is an output shaft of an internal combustion engine, is connected with a chain or the like, and has a plurality of shoes that rotate synchronously with the crankshaft and project radially inward. The housing constituting the chamber and the camshaft for opening and closing the intake valve or the exhaust valve of the internal combustion engine are inserted and fixed, and the hydraulic chamber protrudes radially outward to divide into the advance hydraulic chamber and the retard hydraulic chamber A rotor having a plurality of vanes and capable of relative rotation within a predetermined angle range within the housing, a seal member that is housed at the tip of the shoe or vane to prevent oil leakage between the hydraulic chambers, and the seal member in the radial direction And a first biasing member that biases inward or outward, wherein the seal member is arranged in a direction parallel to the rotational axis of the camshaft. Since the split and divided seal member has a split structure that is relatively movable in the axial direction, and has a second biasing member that biases the split seal member in the axial direction. Stable control performance can be achieved by eliminating the axial clearance between the seal member and the housing in an active manner, even if there are variations in the machining accuracy of parts or dimensional changes due to temperature changes. There is an effect that the valve timing adjusting device can be obtained. Also, the axial force due to the dimensional change of the seal member can be absorbed by the second urging member to suppress an increase in the surface pressure of the sliding surfaces at both ends of the seal member and reduce the sliding wear. There is an effect that can be done.
[0053]
Further, according to the valve timing adjusting device according to the present invention, the seal member is made of a material mainly made of resin, so that the degree of freedom of shape design in the divided structure of the seal member is improved and mass production is performed. It is possible to reduce the cost of parts.
[0054]
Further, according to the valve timing adjusting apparatus according to the present invention, the divided seal members are provided with the first locking means for locking each other, so that the divided seal members are assembled together in advance. As a result, it is possible to improve the assembling property when assembling the seal member to the valve timing adjusting device.
[0055]
According to the valve timing adjusting apparatus of the present invention, since the first locking means has a portion made of an elastic member that is softer than the seal member, the assembly is performed when the divided seal members are combined with each other. This has the effect of improving the performance.
[0056]
Further, according to the valve timing adjusting device of the present invention, the elastic member is made of a material mainly composed of rubber or elastomer, so that there is an effect that the sealing performance of the combined portion can be improved.
[0057]
In addition, according to the valve timing adjusting device according to the present invention, the elastic member is formed by two-color molding with the seal member, so that it is possible to cope with mass production of the seal member and reduce the component cost. There is an effect that can be done.
[0058]
Further, according to the valve timing adjusting device according to the present invention, the split structure is split at a position that is eccentric in the axial direction from the center of the seal member. There is an effect that the degree of freedom in designing the shape of the seal member is improved, such as the formation of a housing structure for the urging member. In addition, since the size of the divided seal members is different, it is easy to distinguish between both parts, and it is possible to prevent erroneous assembly due to mixing of both parts at the time of assembly, and to improve the ease of assembly in automated equipment. There is an effect that can be.
[0059]
Further, according to the valve timing adjusting apparatus according to the present invention, the first urging member and the second urging member are configured by one component, so that the number of components and the component cost can be reduced. There is an effect that can be done.
[0060]
Further, according to the valve timing adjusting device of the present invention, the divided seal member is provided with the second locking means for locking the urging member constituted by one component, so that the separate sealing member is provided in a separate process. Thus, the seal member and the urging member can be assembled, and the assembling property to the valve timing adjusting device can be improved.
[0061]
According to the valve timing adjusting apparatus of the present invention, the second urging member is made of an elastic member mainly composed of rubber or elastomer, and integrally couples the separation surfaces of the divided seal members. Therefore, there is an effect that the assembling property of the seal member to the valve timing adjusting device can be improved.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view in the axial direction of a valve timing adjusting apparatus showing a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a radial cross-sectional view of the valve timing adjusting device showing Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a seal member showing Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is an exploded view in the axial direction of a seal member showing Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a seal member showing a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is an exploded view in the axial direction of a seal member showing Embodiment 2 of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a seal member showing a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is an exploded view in the axial direction of a seal member showing Embodiment 3 of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a front view of a seal member showing a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a seal member showing a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is an exploded view in the axial direction of a seal member showing Embodiment 4 of the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a seal member showing a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 13 is an exploded view in the axial direction of a seal member showing a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a seal member showing Embodiment 6 of the present invention.
FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a structural example of a seal member and a slit used in a conventional valve timing adjusting device.
FIG. 16 is an enlarged view of a main part showing a structural example of a seal member and a slit used in a conventional valve timing adjusting device.
FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a seal member used in a conventional valve timing adjusting device.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 housing, 11 sprocket, 12 case, 13 cover, 14 first fastening member, 15 shoe, 16 hydraulic chamber, 17 advance hydraulic chamber, 18 retard hydraulic chamber, 20 rotor, 21 camshaft, 22 second fastening Member, 23 vane, 24 first oil passage, 25 second oil passage, 30 seal member, 31 slit, 32 first biasing member, 33 first seal, 34 second seal, 35 second Biasing member, 36 concave slit, 37 convex rib, 38 second pedestal, 39 cylindrical bottom hole, 40 first claw, 41 first pedestal, 42 second claw, 43 third attachment Urging member, 44 first skirt, 45 second skirt, 46 brim portion, 47 flat surface portion, 48 curved surface, 49 concave portion, 50 elastic member, 101 sealing member, 102 slit, 103 housing

Claims

A housing that has a plurality of shoes that are connected to a crankshaft, which is an output shaft of the internal combustion engine, by a chain or the like and that rotates synchronously with the crankshaft and protrudes radially inward, and forms a hydraulic chamber between the shoes, The housing includes a plurality of vanes that are inserted and fixed to a camshaft for opening and closing an intake valve or an exhaust valve and projecting radially outward to divide the hydraulic chamber into an advance hydraulic chamber and a retard hydraulic chamber. And a rotor that can be relatively rotated within a predetermined angle range, a seal member that is housed at the tip of the shoe or the vane to prevent oil leakage between the hydraulic chambers, and that the seal member is radially inward or outward. And a first biasing member biasing in the direction, wherein the seal member is divided in an axial direction parallel to the rotational axis of the camshaft. The divided seal member has a divided structure that is relatively movable in the axial direction, and has a second urging member that urges the divided seal member in the axial direction. Valve timing adjustment device.

2. The valve timing adjusting device according to claim 1, wherein the seal member is made of a material mainly composed of resin.

2. The valve timing adjusting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the divided seal members include first locking means for locking each other.

4. The valve timing adjusting device according to claim 3, wherein the first locking means has a portion made of an elastic member softer than the seal member.

5. The valve timing adjusting device according to claim 4, wherein the elastic member is made of a material mainly composed of rubber or elastomer.

The valve timing adjusting device according to claim 4, wherein the elastic member is formed by two-color molding with a seal member.

2. The valve timing adjusting device according to claim 1, wherein the divided structure is divided at a position eccentric in the axial direction from the center of the seal member.

2. The valve timing adjusting device according to claim 1, wherein the first urging member and the second urging member are composed of one part.

9. The valve timing adjusting device according to claim 8, wherein the divided seal member includes a second locking means for locking an urging member constituted by one part.

2. The valve timing adjusting device according to claim 1, wherein the second urging member is made of an elastic member mainly composed of rubber or elastomer, and integrally couples the separation surfaces of the divided seal members.