Camshaft

• US 7,621,245 B2
• Filed: 01/04/2007
• Issued: 11/24/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 01/05/2006
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Mahle International GmbH (MAHLE-STIFTUNG GmbH)
• Original Assignee: Mahle International GmbH (MAHLE-STIFTUNG GmbH)
• Inventors: Lechner, Martin
• Primary Examiner(s): Chang; Ching
• Application Number:
  US11/649,918
• Publication Number:
  US 20070151530A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,055 Days
• Field of Search: 123/90.27, 123/90.31, 123/90.6, 123/90.16, 123/90.44, 745/67, 298/881
• US Class Current: 123/90.6
• CPC Class Codes: F01L 1/047 Camshafts
• CPC Class Codes: F01L 1/46 Component parts, details, or accessories, not provided for in preceding subgroups
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49293 Camshaft making
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 74/2101 Cams

Abstract

The present invention relates to a camshaft (1) for more preferably motor vehicle engines with a termination element (2) arranged with an axial end side in or on the camshaft (1) and permanently joined to the latter which closes off the camshaft (1) in axial direction and which is designed as drive element for an auxiliary unit on the output side. Here it is essential to the invention that the termination element (2) is formed as a formed sheet metal part.

Claims

1. A camshaft (1) for motor vehicle engines, with a termination element (2) arranged in or on the camshaft (1) at an axial end side and permanently connected with the camshaft (1) which closes off the camshaft (1) in axial direction and which is formed as a drive element for an auxiliary unit on an output side, wherein,

said termination element (2) is formed as a formed sheet metal part,

said termination element (2) has a first coupling area (3) by way of which it is permanently connected with the camshaft (1) and a second coupling area (4), by way of which it can be drive-connected with an auxiliary unit on the output side,

said second coupling area (4) of the termination element (2) is formed as an open bearing shell (8) or slot running transversely to the camshaft axis (7) and is open towards the axial end of the camshaft (1), and as a result has a large support surface for a driver of the auxiliary unit arranged on the output side formed complimentarily to this driver and engaging in the bearing shell (8) or the slot.

2. The camshaft according to claim 1, wherein,

said termination element (2) is punched, drawn and/or hardened.

3. The camshaft according to claim 1, wherein,

said termination element (2) with its first coupling area (3) embraces the camshaft (1) on the axial end side or rests on and/or supports itself on an inner cylindrical surface (6) of the camshaft (1).

4. The camshaft according to claim 3, wherein,

said termination element (2) via its first coupling area (3) is permanently bonded with the camshaft (1), pressed, welded or via a circumferential thread formed on the first coupling area (3), which interacts with a counter thread on the inner cylindrical surface (6) of the camshaft (1), screwed to the camshaft (1).

5. The camshaft according to claim 3, wherein,

said second coupling area (4) formed as bearing shell (8) or as slot engages in recesses (10) in camshaft cylindrical surfaces (11) which are open towards the axial end of the camshaft (1).

6. The camshaft according to claim 3, wherein,

said second coupling area (4) extends radially outward starting from an outer cylindrical surface of the camshaft (1).

7. The camshaft according to claim 3, wherein,

said second coupling area (4) starting from the camshaft axis (7) extends radially outward to the inner cylindrical surface of the camshaft (1) at the longest.

8. The camshaft according to claim 3, wherein,

said second coupling area (4) starting from the camshaft axis (7) extends radially outward to beyond an outer cylindrical surface of the camshaft (1).

9. The camshaft according to claim 1, wherein,

said termination element (2) tightly seals off the camshaft (1) on the axial end side.

10. The camshaft according to claim 1, wherein,

said termination element (2) is designed as an assembly aid.