Title of Invention	CONCENTRIC CAMSHAFT WITH INDEPENDENT BEARING SURFACE FOR FLOATING LOBES
Abstract	A camshaft may include a first shaft, a first lobe member fixed to the first shaft, a second lobe member fixed to the first shaft, and a third lobe member. The first lobe member may include a first lobe portion and a first bearing portion extending axially from the first lobe portion. The second lobe member may include a second lobe portion and a second bearing portion extending axially from the second lobe portion toward the first bearing portion. The third lobe member may include a first end that is rotatably supported on the first bearing portion and a second end that is rotatably supported on the second bearing portion.

Title of Invention

CONCENTRIC CAMSHAFT WITH INDEPENDENT BEARING SURFACE FOR FLOATING LOBES

Abstract

A camshaft may include a first shaft, a first lobe member fixed to the first shaft, a second lobe member fixed to the first shaft, and a third lobe member. The first lobe member may include a first lobe portion and a first bearing portion extending axially from the first lobe portion. The second lobe member may include a second lobe portion and a second bearing portion extending axially from the second lobe portion toward the first bearing portion. The third lobe member may include a first end that is rotatably supported on the first bearing portion and a second end that is rotatably supported on the second bearing portion.

Full Text	CONCENTRIC CAMSHAFT WITH INDEPENDENT BEARING SURFACE FOR FLOATING LOBES FIELD [0001] The present disclosure relates to engine camshaft assemblies, and more specifically to concentric camshaft assemblies. BACKGROUND [0002] The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art. [0003] Engines typically include a camshaft to actuate intake and exhaust valves. Some camshafts are concentric camshafts that provide for relative rotation between the intake and exhaust lobes. The intake lobes may be fixed to an outer shaft for rotation with the shaft and the exhaust lobes may be rotatably supported on the shaft. Alternatively, the exhaust lobes may be fixed to the outer shaft for rotation with the shaft and the intake lobes may be rotatably supported on the shaft. In either arrangement, the lobes that are rotatably supported on the shaft may use an outer surface of the outer shaft as a bearing surface. The use of the outer surface of the shaft as a bearing surface may require tighter tolerances for the outer diameter of the outer shaft, and therefore additional machining operations resulting in additional cost. SUMMARY [0004] A camshaft may include a first shaft, a first lobe member fixed to the first shaft, a second lobe member fixed to the first shaft, and a third lobe member. The first lobe member may include a first lobe portion and a first bearing portion extending axially from the first lobe portion. The second lobe member may include a second lobe portion and a second bearing portion extending axially from the second lobe portion toward the first bearing portion. The third lobe member may include a first end that is rotatably supported on the first bearing portion and a second end that is rotatably supported on the second bearing portion. [0005] An engine assembly may include an engine structure, a camshaft supported on the engine structure, and a cam phaser coupled to the camshaft. The camshaft may include a first shaft, a first lobe member fixed to the first shaft, a second lobe member fixed to the first shaft, and a third lobe member. The first lobe member may include a first lobe portion and a first bearing portion extending axially from the first lobe portion. The second lobe member may include a second lobe portion and a second bearing portion extending axially from the second lobe portion toward the first bearing portion. The third lobe member may include a first end that is rotatably supported on the first bearing portion and a second end that is rotatably supported on the second bearing portion. The cam phaser may selectively rotate the third lobe member on the first and second bearing portions. [0006] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. It should be understood that the description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. DRAWINGS [0007] The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way. [0008] Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of an engine assembly according to the present disclosure; [0009] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the camshaft and cam phaser of Figure 1; [0010] Figure 3 is a perspective exploded view of the camshaft of Figure 1; and [0011] Figure 4 is a fragmentary section view of the camshaft of Figure 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0012] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate like or corresponding parts and features. [0013] Referring now to Figure 1, an exemplary engine assembly 10 is schematically illustrated. The engine assembly 10 may include an engine 12 defining a plurality of cylinders 14 having pistons 16 disposed therein. The engine 12 may further include an intake valve 18, an exhaust valve 20, and intake and exhaust valve lift mechanisms 22, 24 for each cylinder 14, as well as a camshaft 26 and a cam phaser 28. [0014] The intake valve lift mechanism 22 may include a pushrod 30 and a rocker arm 32. The exhaust valve lift mechanism 24 may additionally include a pushrod 30 and a rocker arm 32. The camshaft 26 may be supported by an engine structure such as an engine block. Pushrods 30 may be engaged with the camshaft 26 to actuate the rocker arms 32 and may selectively open the intake and exhaust valves 18, 20. While the engine assembly 10 is illustrated as a pushrod engine, it is understood that the present disclosure may be applicable to a variety of other engine configurations as well, such as overhead cam engines, where the camshaft 26 is supported by a cylinder head. [0015] With reference to Figures 2-4, the camshaft 26 may include first and second shafts 34, 36, a first set of lobe members 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, a second set of lobe members 48, 50, 52, 54, and drive pins 55. In the present example, the first set of lobe members 38, 40, 42, 44, 46 may form an intake lobe set and the second set of lobe members 48, 50, 52, 54 may form an exhaust lobe set. However, it is understood that alternate arrangements may be provided where the first set of lobe members 38, 40, 42, 44, 46 may form an exhaust lobe set and the second set of lobe members 48, 50, 52, 54 may form an intake lobe set. [0016] The second shaft 36 may be rotatably disposed within the first shaft 34. The first shaft 34 may include slots 57 therethrough and the second shaft 36 may include apertures 59 that receive the pins 55 therein and couple the second set of lobe members 48, 50, 52, 54 for rotation with the second shaft 36. The slots 57 in the first shaft 34 may generally allow for a rotational travel of the pins 55 therein. [0017] The first set of lobe members 38, 40, 42, 44, 46 may be fixed for rotation with the first shaft 34. The engagement between the first set of lobe members 38, 40, 42, 44, 46 and the first shaft 34 may include a friction fit engagement. The second set of lobe members 48, 50, 52, 54 may be disposed between adjacent ones of the first set of lobe members 38, 40, 42, 44, 46. [0018] The lobe members 38, 46 may be generally similar to one another. Therefore, the lobe member 38 will be described with the understanding that the description applies equally to the lobe member 46. The lobe member 38 may include a journal portion 56, a lobe portion 58, and a bearing portion 60. [0019] As seen in Figure 4, the lobe member 38 may include a bore 62 defining a first radial inner surface 64 at the journal and lobe portions 56, 58 and a second radial inner surface 66 at the bearing portion 60. The second radial inner surface 66 may be offset radially outwardly relative to the first radial inner surface 64, forming a stepped region 68 therebetween. More specifically, the first radial inner surface 64 may define a first diameter (D1) that is less than a second diameter (D2) defined by the second radial inner surface 66. [0020] The lobe members 40, 42, 44 may be generally similar to one another. Therefore, the lobe member 40 will be described with the understanding that the description applies equally to the lobe members 42, 44. The lobe member 40 may include a journal portion 70, first and second lobe portions 72, 74, and first and second bearing portions 76, 78. The first bearing portion 76 may extend axially from the first lobe portion 72 and toward the bearing portion 60 of the lobe member 38. [0021] The lobe member 40 may include a bore 80 defining a first radial inner surface 82 at the journal and lobe portions 70, 72, 74, a second radial inner surface 84 at the first bearing portion 76, and a third radial inner surface 86 at the second bearing portion 78. The second and third radial inner surfaces 84, 86 may be offset radially outwardly relative to the first radial inner surface 82, forming stepped regions 88, 90 therebetween. More specifically, the first radial inner surface 82 may define a third diameter (D3) that is less than a fourth diameter (D4) defined by the second and third radial inner surfaces 84, 86. [0022] The lobe members 48, 50, 52, 54 may be generally similar to one another. Therefore, the lobe member 48 will be described with the understanding that the description applies equally to the lobe members 50, 52, 54. The lobe member 48 may include first and second lobe portions 92, 94 and a connecting portion 96 extending axially between the first and second lobe portions 92, 94 and fixing the first and second lobe portions 92, 94 to one another. The connecting portion 96 may generally form a fixation region for the lobe member 48 and may include an aperture 98 that receives the pin 55 to couple the lobe member 48 to the second shaft 36. [0023] The lobe member 48 may include a bore 100 defining first and second radial inner surfaces 102, 104 at the first and second lobe portions 92, 94 and a third radial inner surface 106 at the connecting portion 96. The first and second radial inner surfaces 102, 104 may be offset radially outwardly relative to the third radial inner surface 106, forming stepped regions 108, 110 therebetween. More specifically, the first and second radial inner surfaces 102, 104 may define a fifth diameter (D5) that is greater than a sixth diameter (D6) defined by the third radial inner surface 106. [0024] As seen in Figure 4, the first and second radial inner surfaces 102, 104 of lobe member 48 may be rotationally supported on the bearing portions 60, 76. The sixth diameter (D6) may be less than the outer diameter (D7) of the bearing portions 60, 76. [0025] As discussed above, the first shaft 34 may be located within the bores 62, 80, 100 of the lobe members 38, 40, 48. The first shaft 34 may have an outer diameter (D8) that is less than the second diameter (D2) defined by the second radial inner surface 66 of the lobe member 38 and that is less than the fourth diameter (D4) defined by the second and third radial inner surfaces 84, 86 of the lobe member 40. An annular clearance (C1) may exist radially between an entire circumference of the first shaft 34 and the second radial inner surface 66 of the lobe member 38 and between an entire circumference of the first shaft 34 and the second and third radial inner surfaces 84, 86 of the lobe member 40. [0026] During assembly, the second radial inner surface 66 of the lobe member 38 and the second and third radial inner surfaces 84, 86 of the lobe member 43 may be free from direct contact with the first shaft 34. Therefore, the coupling between the lobe members 38, 42 and the first shaft 34 does not distort the bearing portions 60, 76, 78. For example, a radial outward force may be applied from within the first shaft 34 to deform the first shaft 34 and provide the frictional engagement between the lobe members 38, 42 and the first shaft .34 at the first radial inner surface 64 of the lobe member 38 and at the first radial inner surface 82 of the lobe member 42. Due to the offset between the second radial inner surface 66 of the lobe member 38 and the first shaft 34 and the offset between the second and third radial inner surfaces 84, 86 of the lobe member 40 and the first shaft 34, the portion of the first shaft 34 located within the 60, 76, 78 may be deformed without deforming or distorting the bearing portions 60, 76, 78. The radial outward force may be applied in a variety of ways including ballizing, expanding mandrel, and hydraulic expansion. [0027] The sixth diameter (D6) defined by the third radial inner surface 106 of the lobe member 48 may also be greater than the outer diameter (D8) of the first shaft 34. An annular clearance (C2) may exist radially between an entire circumference of the first shaft 34 and the third radial inner surface 106 of the lobe member 48. Therefore, the surface finish of the first shaft 34 does not affect the bearing support of the lobe member 48. The tolerance for the outer diameter (D8) of the first shaft 34 may also be increased since the first shaft 34 does not provide any direct bearing support for the lobe member 48. CLAIMS What is claimed is: 1. A camshaft comprising: a first shaft; a first lobe member fixed to the first shaft and including a first lobe portion and a first bearing portion extending axially from the first lobe portion; a second lobe member fixed to the first shaft and including a second lobe portion and a second bearing portion extending axially from the second lobe portion toward the first bearing portion; and a third lobe member including a first end rotatably supported on the first bearing portion and a second end rotatably supported on the second bearing portion. 2. The camshaft of claim 1, wherein the first lobe member includes a bore defining a first radial inner surface at the first lobe portion that abuts the first shaft and is frictionally engaged with the first shaft. 3. The camshaft of claim 2, wherein the bore defines a second radial inner surface at the first bearing portion that is radially offset relative to the first shaft. 4. The camshaft of claim 1, wherein the first lobe member includes a bore defining a first radial inner surface at the first lobe portion and a second radial inner surface at the first bearing portion that is offset radially outwardly relative to the first radial inner surface. 5. The camshaft of claim 1, further comprising a second shaft, the first shaft including a bore therethrough and the second shaft being disposed within the bore for rotation relative to the first shaft, the third lobe member being fixed for rotation with the second shaft. 6. The camshaft of claim 5, wherein the third lobe member includes a third lobe portion and a fixation portion, the third lobe portion being bearingly supported on the first bearing portion and the first fixation portion being fixed for rotation with the second shaft. 7. The camshaft of claim 1, wherein the first end of the third lobe member includes a third lobe portion. 8. The camshaft of claim 7, wherein the second end of the third lobe member includes a fourth lobe portion, the third and fourth lobe portions being connected by a connecting portion that extends axially between the third and fourth lobe portions, the third lobe member including a bore defining a first radial inner surface at the third lobe portion, a second radial inner surface at the fourth lobe portion, and a third radial inner surface at the connecting portion that is disposed radially inwardly relative to the first and second radial inner surfaces. 9. The camshaft of claim 8, wherein a stepped region is formed between the first and third radial inner surfaces, the third radial inner surface being located radially inwardly relative to an outer surface of the first bearing portion. 10. The camshaft of claim 8, wherein an annular clearance is defined between the third radial inner surface of the connecting portion and an outer surface of the first shaft. 11. An engine assembly comprising: an engine structure; a camshaft supported on the engine structure and including: a first shaft; a first lobe member fixed to the first shaft and including a first lobe portion and a first bearing portion extending axially from the first lobe portion; a second lobe member fixed to the first shaft and including a second lobe portion and a second bearing portion extending axially from the second lobe portion toward the first bearing portion; and a third lobe member including a first end rotatably supported on the first bearing portion and a second end rotatably supported on the second bearing portion; and a cam phaser coupled to the camshaft that selectively rotates the third lobe member on the first and second bearing portions. 12. The engine assembly of claim 11, wherein the first lobe member includes a bore defining a first radial inner surface at the first lobe portion that abuts the first shaft and is frictionally engaged with the first shaft. 13. The engine assembly of claim 12, wherein the bore defines a second radial inner surface at the first bearing portion that is radially offset relative to the first shaft. 14. The engine assembly of claim 11, wherein the first lobe member includes a bore defining a first radial inner surface at the first lobe portion and a second radial inner surface at the first bearing portion that is offset radially outwardly relative to the first radial inner surface. 15. The engine assembly of claim 11, further comprising a second shaft, the first shaft including a bore therethrough and the second shaft being disposed within the bore for rotation relative to the first shaft, the third lobe member being fixed for rotation with the second shaft. 16. The engine assembly of claim 15, wherein the third lobe member includes a third lobe portion and a fixation portion, the third lobe portion being bearingly supported on the first bearing portion and the first fixation portion being fixed for rotation with the second shaft. 17. The engine assembly of claim 11, wherein the first end of the third lobe member includes a third lobe portion. 18. The engine assembly of claim 17, wherein the second end of the third lobe member includes a fourth lobe portion, the third and fourth lobe portions being connected by a connecting portion that extends axially between the third and fourth lobe portions, the third lobe member including a bore defining a first radial inner surface at the third lobe portion, a second radial inner surface at the fourth lobe portion, and a third radial inner surface at the connecting portion that is disposed radially inwardly relative to the first and second radial inner surfaces. 19. The engine assembly of claim 18, wherein a stepped region is formed between the first and third radial inner surfaces, the third radial inner surface being located radially inwardly relative to an outer surface of the first bearing portion. 20. The engine assembly of claim 18, wherein an annular clearance is defined between the third radial inner surface of the connecting portion and an outer surface of the first shaft. A camshaft may include a first shaft, a first lobe member fixed to the first shaft, a second lobe member fixed to the first shaft, and a third lobe member. The first lobe member may include a first lobe portion and a first bearing portion extending axially from the first lobe portion. The second lobe member may include a second lobe portion and a second bearing portion extending axially from the second lobe portion toward the first bearing portion. The third lobe member may include a first end that is rotatably supported on the first bearing portion and a second end that is rotatably supported on the second bearing portion.

Full Text

CONCENTRIC CAMSHAFT WITH INDEPENDENT BEARING SURFACE FOR
FLOATING LOBES
FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to engine camshaft assemblies,
and more specifically to concentric camshaft assemblies.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The statements in this section merely provide background
information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.
[0003] Engines typically include a camshaft to actuate intake and
exhaust valves. Some camshafts are concentric camshafts that provide for
relative rotation between the intake and exhaust lobes. The intake lobes may be
fixed to an outer shaft for rotation with the shaft and the exhaust lobes may be
rotatably supported on the shaft. Alternatively, the exhaust lobes may be fixed to
the outer shaft for rotation with the shaft and the intake lobes may be rotatably
supported on the shaft. In either arrangement, the lobes that are rotatably
supported on the shaft may use an outer surface of the outer shaft as a bearing
surface. The use of the outer surface of the shaft as a bearing surface may
require tighter tolerances for the outer diameter of the outer shaft, and therefore
additional machining operations resulting in additional cost.

SUMMARY
[0004] A camshaft may include a first shaft, a first lobe member fixed to
the first shaft, a second lobe member fixed to the first shaft, and a third lobe
member. The first lobe member may include a first lobe portion and a first
bearing portion extending axially from the first lobe portion. The second lobe
member may include a second lobe portion and a second bearing portion
extending axially from the second lobe portion toward the first bearing portion.
The third lobe member may include a first end that is rotatably supported on the
first bearing portion and a second end that is rotatably supported on the second
bearing portion.
[0005] An engine assembly may include an engine structure, a
camshaft supported on the engine structure, and a cam phaser coupled to the
camshaft. The camshaft may include a first shaft, a first lobe member fixed to
the first shaft, a second lobe member fixed to the first shaft, and a third lobe
member. The first lobe member may include a first lobe portion and a first
bearing portion extending axially from the first lobe portion. The second lobe
member may include a second lobe portion and a second bearing portion
extending axially from the second lobe portion toward the first bearing portion.
The third lobe member may include a first end that is rotatably supported on the
first bearing portion and a second end that is rotatably supported on the second
bearing portion. The cam phaser may selectively rotate the third lobe member
on the first and second bearing portions.

[0006] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the
description provided herein. It should be understood that the description and
specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not
intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
DRAWINGS
[0007] The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only
and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way.
[0008] Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of an engine assembly
according to the present disclosure;
[0009] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the camshaft and cam phaser
of Figure 1;
[0010] Figure 3 is a perspective exploded view of the camshaft of
Figure 1; and
[0011] Figure 4 is a fragmentary section view of the camshaft of Figure
1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0012] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is
not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses. It should be
understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals
indicate like or corresponding parts and features.

[0013] Referring now to Figure 1, an exemplary engine assembly 10 is
schematically illustrated. The engine assembly 10 may include an engine 12
defining a plurality of cylinders 14 having pistons 16 disposed therein. The
engine 12 may further include an intake valve 18, an exhaust valve 20, and
intake and exhaust valve lift mechanisms 22, 24 for each cylinder 14, as well as
a camshaft 26 and a cam phaser 28.
[0014] The intake valve lift mechanism 22 may include a pushrod 30
and a rocker arm 32. The exhaust valve lift mechanism 24 may additionally
include a pushrod 30 and a rocker arm 32. The camshaft 26 may be supported
by an engine structure such as an engine block. Pushrods 30 may be engaged
with the camshaft 26 to actuate the rocker arms 32 and may selectively open the
intake and exhaust valves 18, 20. While the engine assembly 10 is illustrated as
a pushrod engine, it is understood that the present disclosure may be applicable
to a variety of other engine configurations as well, such as overhead cam
engines, where the camshaft 26 is supported by a cylinder head.
[0015] With reference to Figures 2-4, the camshaft 26 may include first
and second shafts 34, 36, a first set of lobe members 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, a
second set of lobe members 48, 50, 52, 54, and drive pins 55. In the present
example, the first set of lobe members 38, 40, 42, 44, 46 may form an intake lobe
set and the second set of lobe members 48, 50, 52, 54 may form an exhaust lobe
set. However, it is understood that alternate arrangements may be provided
where the first set of lobe members 38, 40, 42, 44, 46 may form an exhaust lobe

set and the second set of lobe members 48, 50, 52, 54 may form an intake lobe
set.
[0016] The second shaft 36 may be rotatably disposed within the first
shaft 34. The first shaft 34 may include slots 57 therethrough and the second
shaft 36 may include apertures 59 that receive the pins 55 therein and couple the
second set of lobe members 48, 50, 52, 54 for rotation with the second shaft 36.
The slots 57 in the first shaft 34 may generally allow for a rotational travel of the
pins 55 therein.
[0017] The first set of lobe members 38, 40, 42, 44, 46 may be fixed for
rotation with the first shaft 34. The engagement between the first set of lobe
members 38, 40, 42, 44, 46 and the first shaft 34 may include a friction fit
engagement. The second set of lobe members 48, 50, 52, 54 may be disposed
between adjacent ones of the first set of lobe members 38, 40, 42, 44, 46.
[0018] The lobe members 38, 46 may be generally similar to one
another. Therefore, the lobe member 38 will be described with the
understanding that the description applies equally to the lobe member 46. The
lobe member 38 may include a journal portion 56, a lobe portion 58, and a
bearing portion 60.
[0019] As seen in Figure 4, the lobe member 38 may include a bore
62 defining a first radial inner surface 64 at the journal and lobe portions 56, 58
and a second radial inner surface 66 at the bearing portion 60. The second
radial inner surface 66 may be offset radially outwardly relative to the first radial
inner surface 64, forming a stepped region 68 therebetween. More specifically,

the first radial inner surface 64 may define a first diameter (D1) that is less than a
second diameter (D2) defined by the second radial inner surface 66.
[0020] The lobe members 40, 42, 44 may be generally similar to one
another. Therefore, the lobe member 40 will be described with the
understanding that the description applies equally to the lobe members 42, 44.
The lobe member 40 may include a journal portion 70, first and second lobe
portions 72, 74, and first and second bearing portions 76, 78. The first bearing
portion 76 may extend axially from the first lobe portion 72 and toward the
bearing portion 60 of the lobe member 38.
[0021] The lobe member 40 may include a bore 80 defining a first
radial inner surface 82 at the journal and lobe portions 70, 72, 74, a second radial
inner surface 84 at the first bearing portion 76, and a third radial inner surface 86
at the second bearing portion 78. The second and third radial inner surfaces 84,
86 may be offset radially outwardly relative to the first radial inner surface 82,
forming stepped regions 88, 90 therebetween. More specifically, the first radial
inner surface 82 may define a third diameter (D3) that is less than a fourth
diameter (D4) defined by the second and third radial inner surfaces 84, 86.
[0022] The lobe members 48, 50, 52, 54 may be generally similar to
one another. Therefore, the lobe member 48 will be described with the
understanding that the description applies equally to the lobe members 50, 52,
54. The lobe member 48 may include first and second lobe portions 92, 94 and a
connecting portion 96 extending axially between the first and second lobe
portions 92, 94 and fixing the first and second lobe portions 92, 94 to one

another. The connecting portion 96 may generally form a fixation region for the
lobe member 48 and may include an aperture 98 that receives the pin 55 to
couple the lobe member 48 to the second shaft 36.
[0023] The lobe member 48 may include a bore 100 defining first and
second radial inner surfaces 102, 104 at the first and second lobe portions 92, 94
and a third radial inner surface 106 at the connecting portion 96. The first and
second radial inner surfaces 102, 104 may be offset radially outwardly relative to
the third radial inner surface 106, forming stepped regions 108, 110
therebetween. More specifically, the first and second radial inner surfaces 102,
104 may define a fifth diameter (D5) that is greater than a sixth diameter (D6)
defined by the third radial inner surface 106.
[0024] As seen in Figure 4, the first and second radial inner surfaces
102, 104 of lobe member 48 may be rotationally supported on the bearing
portions 60, 76. The sixth diameter (D6) may be less than the outer diameter
(D7) of the bearing portions 60, 76.
[0025] As discussed above, the first shaft 34 may be located within the
bores 62, 80, 100 of the lobe members 38, 40, 48. The first shaft 34 may have
an outer diameter (D8) that is less than the second diameter (D2) defined by the
second radial inner surface 66 of the lobe member 38 and that is less than the
fourth diameter (D4) defined by the second and third radial inner surfaces 84, 86
of the lobe member 40. An annular clearance (C1) may exist radially between an
entire circumference of the first shaft 34 and the second radial inner surface 66 of

the lobe member 38 and between an entire circumference of the first shaft 34
and the second and third radial inner surfaces 84, 86 of the lobe member 40.
[0026] During assembly, the second radial inner surface 66 of the
lobe member 38 and the second and third radial inner surfaces 84, 86 of the lobe
member 43 may be free from direct contact with the first shaft 34. Therefore, the
coupling between the lobe members 38, 42 and the first shaft 34 does not distort
the bearing portions 60, 76, 78. For example, a radial outward force may be
applied from within the first shaft 34 to deform the first shaft 34 and provide the
frictional engagement between the lobe members 38, 42 and the first shaft .34 at
the first radial inner surface 64 of the lobe member 38 and at the first radial inner
surface 82 of the lobe member 42. Due to the offset between the second radial
inner surface 66 of the lobe member 38 and the first shaft 34 and the offset
between the second and third radial inner surfaces 84, 86 of the lobe member 40
and the first shaft 34, the portion of the first shaft 34 located within the 60, 76, 78
may be deformed without deforming or distorting the bearing portions 60, 76, 78.
The radial outward force may be applied in a variety of ways including ballizing,
expanding mandrel, and hydraulic expansion.
[0027] The sixth diameter (D6) defined by the third radial inner surface
106 of the lobe member 48 may also be greater than the outer diameter (D8) of
the first shaft 34. An annular clearance (C2) may exist radially between an entire
circumference of the first shaft 34 and the third radial inner surface 106 of the
lobe member 48. Therefore, the surface finish of the first shaft 34 does not affect
the bearing support of the lobe member 48. The tolerance for the outer diameter

(D8) of the first shaft 34 may also be increased since the first shaft 34 does not
provide any direct bearing support for the lobe member 48.

CLAIMS
What is claimed is:
1. A camshaft comprising:
a first shaft;
a first lobe member fixed to the first shaft and including a first lobe
portion and a first bearing portion extending axially from the first lobe portion;
a second lobe member fixed to the first shaft and including a
second lobe portion and a second bearing portion extending axially from the
second lobe portion toward the first bearing portion; and
a third lobe member including a first end rotatably supported on the
first bearing portion and a second end rotatably supported on the second bearing
portion.
2. The camshaft of claim 1, wherein the first lobe member includes a
bore defining a first radial inner surface at the first lobe portion that abuts the first
shaft and is frictionally engaged with the first shaft.
3. The camshaft of claim 2, wherein the bore defines a second radial
inner surface at the first bearing portion that is radially offset relative to the first
shaft.

4. The camshaft of claim 1, wherein the first lobe member includes a
bore defining a first radial inner surface at the first lobe portion and a second
radial inner surface at the first bearing portion that is offset radially outwardly
relative to the first radial inner surface.
5. The camshaft of claim 1, further comprising a second shaft, the first
shaft including a bore therethrough and the second shaft being disposed within
the bore for rotation relative to the first shaft, the third lobe member being fixed
for rotation with the second shaft.
6. The camshaft of claim 5, wherein the third lobe member includes a
third lobe portion and a fixation portion, the third lobe portion being bearingly
supported on the first bearing portion and the first fixation portion being fixed for
rotation with the second shaft.
7. The camshaft of claim 1, wherein the first end of the third lobe
member includes a third lobe portion.

8. The camshaft of claim 7, wherein the second end of the third lobe
member includes a fourth lobe portion, the third and fourth lobe portions being
connected by a connecting portion that extends axially between the third and
fourth lobe portions, the third lobe member including a bore defining a first radial
inner surface at the third lobe portion, a second radial inner surface at the fourth
lobe portion, and a third radial inner surface at the connecting portion that is
disposed radially inwardly relative to the first and second radial inner surfaces.
9. The camshaft of claim 8, wherein a stepped region is formed
between the first and third radial inner surfaces, the third radial inner surface
being located radially inwardly relative to an outer surface of the first bearing
portion.
10. The camshaft of claim 8, wherein an annular clearance is defined
between the third radial inner surface of the connecting portion and an outer
surface of the first shaft.

11. An engine assembly comprising:
an engine structure;
a camshaft supported on the engine structure and including:
a first shaft;
a first lobe member fixed to the first shaft and including a
first lobe portion and a first bearing portion extending axially from the first lobe
portion;
a second lobe member fixed to the first shaft and including
a second lobe portion and a second bearing portion extending axially from the
second lobe portion toward the first bearing portion; and
a third lobe member including a first end rotatably supported
on the first bearing portion and a second end rotatably supported on the second
bearing portion; and
a cam phaser coupled to the camshaft that selectively
rotates the third lobe member on the first and second bearing portions.
12. The engine assembly of claim 11, wherein the first lobe member
includes a bore defining a first radial inner surface at the first lobe portion that
abuts the first shaft and is frictionally engaged with the first shaft.
13. The engine assembly of claim 12, wherein the bore defines a
second radial inner surface at the first bearing portion that is radially offset
relative to the first shaft.

14. The engine assembly of claim 11, wherein the first lobe member
includes a bore defining a first radial inner surface at the first lobe portion and a
second radial inner surface at the first bearing portion that is offset radially
outwardly relative to the first radial inner surface.
15. The engine assembly of claim 11, further comprising a second
shaft, the first shaft including a bore therethrough and the second shaft being
disposed within the bore for rotation relative to the first shaft, the third lobe
member being fixed for rotation with the second shaft.
16. The engine assembly of claim 15, wherein the third lobe member
includes a third lobe portion and a fixation portion, the third lobe portion being
bearingly supported on the first bearing portion and the first fixation portion being
fixed for rotation with the second shaft.
17. The engine assembly of claim 11, wherein the first end of the third
lobe member includes a third lobe portion.

18. The engine assembly of claim 17, wherein the second end of the
third lobe member includes a fourth lobe portion, the third and fourth lobe
portions being connected by a connecting portion that extends axially between
the third and fourth lobe portions, the third lobe member including a bore defining
a first radial inner surface at the third lobe portion, a second radial inner surface
at the fourth lobe portion, and a third radial inner surface at the connecting
portion that is disposed radially inwardly relative to the first and second radial
inner surfaces.
19. The engine assembly of claim 18, wherein a stepped region is
formed between the first and third radial inner surfaces, the third radial inner
surface being located radially inwardly relative to an outer surface of the first
bearing portion.
20. The engine assembly of claim 18, wherein an annular clearance is
defined between the third radial inner surface of the connecting portion and an
outer surface of the first shaft.

A camshaft may include a first shaft, a first lobe member fixed to the first
shaft, a second lobe member fixed to the first shaft, and a third lobe member.
The first lobe member may include a first lobe portion and a first bearing portion
extending axially from the first lobe portion. The second lobe member may
include a second lobe portion and a second bearing portion extending axially
from the second lobe portion toward the first bearing portion. The third lobe
member may include a first end that is rotatably supported on the first bearing
portion and a second end that is rotatably supported on the second bearing
portion.

Documents:

http://ipindiaonline.gov.in/patentsearch/GrantedSearch/viewdoc.aspx?id=x167U1H6BSP2x8fYGINeuA==&loc=wDBSZCsAt7zoiVrqcFJsRw==

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Patent Number

271324

Indian Patent Application Number

161/KOL/2009

PG Journal Number

08/2016

Publication Date

19-Feb-2016

Grant Date

16-Feb-2016

Date of Filing

29-Jan-2009

Name of Patentee

GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.

Applicant Address

300 GM RENAISSANCE CENTER DETROIT, MICHIGAN

Inventors:

#	Inventor's Name	Inventor's Address
1	GLENN E. CLEVER	3419 FOXHOLLOW COURT WASHINGTON, MICHIGAN 48094
2	ROY GLENN KAYWOOD	1342 KATHMAR DRIVE JACKSON, MI 49203
3	RODNEY K. ELNICK	68601 CORNERSTONE DRIVE WASHINGTON, MICHIGAN 48095

PCT International Classification Number

F01L1/047

PCT International Application Number

N/A

PCT International Filing date

PCT Conventions:

#	PCT Application Number	Date of Convention	Priority Country
1	12/046,943	2008-03-12	U.S.A.