Adjusting device for a camshaft of an internal combustion engine

Abstract

In an adjusting device for a camshaft of an internal combustion engine having a drive element which is driven by a crankshaft of the internal combustion engine, an output element which drives the camshaft of the internal combustion engine, and an actuating element controlled by a brake so as to provide for a relative rotation between the drive element and output element by varying the braking torque effective on the actuating element.

1 . An adjusting device ( 1 ) for a camshaft ( 2 ) of an internal combustion engine, including a drive element ( 3 ) which is driven by a crankshaft of the internal combustion engine, an output element ( 4 ) which is connected to the camshaft ( 2 ) of the internal combustion engine, and an actuating element ( 5 ) including a brake ( 6 ) for generating relative rotation between the drive element ( 3 ) and output element ( 4 ) by varying the braking torque effective on the actuating element ( 5 ), the arrangement permitting the setting of any desired phase angle between the drive element ( 3 ) and output element ( 4 ).  
   
   
       2 . The adjusting device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the phase angle between the drive element ( 3 ) and the output element ( 4 ) is adjustable exclusively by means of the brake ( 6 ).  
   
   
       3 . The adjusting device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the brake ( 6 ) is one of a single-acting and multiple-acting brake.  
   
   
       4 . The adjusting device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the brake ( 6 ) is an electrically actuated brake which operates in a contact-free fashion.  
   
   
       5 . The adjusting device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the adjustment of the phase angle can be limited by means of a stop.  
   
   
       6 . The adjusting device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the adjusting device ( 1 ) is embodied in such a way that the actuating element ( 5 ) and the output element ( 4 ) have opposite directions of rotation.  
   
   
       7 . The adjusting device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the adjusting device ( 1 ) is embodied in such a way that the actuating element ( 5 ) and the output element ( 4 ) have the same direction of rotation.  
   
   
       8 . The adjusting device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein an actuating spring ( 17 ) is effective between two of the three elements ( 3  to  5 ) of the adjusting device ( 1 ).  
   
   
       9 . The adjusting device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the adjusting device ( 1 ) is embodied as a gear mechanism.  
   
   
       10 . The adjusting device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the adjusting device ( 1 ) is embodied as at least one planetary gear mechanism.  
   
   
       11 . The adjusting device as claimed in  claim 10 , wherein the adjusting device ( 1 ) includes two planetary gear mechanisms ( 3 ,  5 ,  8  and  13 ,  5 ,  8 ) which are coupled to one another, the two planetary gear mechanisms having common elements ( 5 ,  8 ).  
   
   
       12 . The adjusting device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the three elements ( 3  to  5 ) of the adjusting device are each embodied as one of the elements of a planetary gear mechanism, the planetary gear mechanism having a ring gear ( 3 ,  4 ,  13 ), planet carriers ( 3 ,  4 ) and a sun gear ( 5 ).