Patent ID: 6814037
Filing Date: 2004-11-09
Classification: F01L,Y10T

Abstract:
A variable camshaft timing device for an internal combustion engine having at least one camshaft comprising:a vane-type rotor having at least one lobe secured to the camshaft for rotation therewith, the rotor being non-oscillatable with respect to the camshaft; an annular housing surrounding the rotor and having a first annular array of teeth and at least one recess having a circumferential extent greater than the circumferential extent of the at least one lobe and receiving the at least one lobe, the annular housing being rotatable with the camshaft and the rotor, and being oscillatable with respect to the camshaft and the rotor; a locking means reactive to engine oil pressure for preventing relative circumferential motion between the housing and the rotor at one of a plurality of relative circumferential position of the housing and the rotor during periods of low engine oil pressure, the locking means comprising an annular locking plate having a second annular array of teeth in engagement with the first annular array of teeth in a first position of the annular locking plate to prevent relative motion between the housing and the rotor and being out of engagement with the first annular array of teeth in a second position of the annular locking plate to permit relative circumferential motion between the annular housing and the rotor, and at least one metallic strap having an end secured to the annular locking plate and an opposed end secured to the rotor for urging the locking means to the first position in locking engagement with the rotor during periods of low engine oil pressure.