Patent Application
20060096090
This invention relates to tools for aligning and/or installing reluctor rings on a crank shaft. In at least one preferred embodiment, this invention relates to a tool having at least first and second alignment mechanisms for aligning a reluctor ring in a correct phased position on a crankshaft.
In the field of automotive repair there is an occasional need for the removal and reinstallation of a reluctor ring. The reluctor ring is typically attached to the crankshaft for the purpose of controlling cylinder timing. In a conventional automotive engine, the reluctor ring provides information about the rotational position and speed of the crankshaft in order to signal the need and/or timing of a spark in appropriate cylinders (i.e. to trigger ignition thereof). In such electronic ignition systems the current of a sensor circuit, in conjunction with the reluctor ring, is intermittently broken by the teeth rotating on the crankshaft mounted reluctor ring. This, in turn, provides the necessary information for correctly timed cylinder ignition.
Replacement of the reluctor ring may be necessitated, or at least recommended, in various circumstances. For example, when repairing or reconditioning a crankshaft, the reluctor ring is often damaged upon its removal. Damage to a reluctor ring can occur in other circumstances as well and/or it may become necessary to periodically clean debris from between the reluctor ring and crankshaft. Circumstances in which reluctor rings are damaged are not uncommon since the reluctor ring is traditionally a relatively weak structure that is highly susceptible to warping or breakage e.g. such as during removal.
A difficulty encountered in the reassembly of the crankshaft and reluctor ring is the alignment of the reluctor ring with respect to the crankshaft. In particular, the alignment of the ring is critical for the engine to start and ignite properly i.e. because the rotational position of the reluctor ring determines the timing of cylinder ignition, and, when improperly installed, the engine will not start. Since typical factory installed reluctor rings do not contain a notch or reference for indexing crank angle degrees, and because it is difficult to adjust the rotational orientation of a reluctor ring once installed (e.g. because they are typically press-fit or heat-fit onto a crankshaft) there exists a need for a reluctor ring alignment and installation tool which simplifies reluctor ring installation processes.
In view of the above drawbacks in the prior art, there exists a need for apparatus and/or methods, or combination thereof, which overcome, or at least ameliorate, the above drawbacks. It is a purpose of this invention to fulfill these needs in the art, as well as other needs which will become apparent to the skilled artisan once given the above disclosure.
Generally speaking, this invention addresses the above drawbacks by providing:
a tool for installing a reluctor ring on a crankshaft comprising:
a tool body;
a first alignment mechanism;
a second alignment mechanism located spaced apart from the first alignment mechanism;
wherein the first and second alignment mechanisms are so located and spaced, one with respect to the other, such that when a preselected crankshaft reference aperture is aligned with the first alignment mechanism and a preselected reluctor ring reference aperture is aligned with the second alignment mechanism, the reluctor ring is in a substantially correct phase orientation for installation on the crankshaft.
In an alternative embodiment there is provided:
a method of installing a reluctor ring on a crankshaft in a correct phased orientation for calibrating ignition timing utilizing a reluctor ring installation tool comprising:
a tool body;
a first alignment mechanism;
a second alignment mechanism located spaced apart from the first alignment mechanism;
wherein the first and second alignment mechanisms are so located and spaced, one with respect to the other, such that when a preselected crankshaft reference aperture is aligned with the first alignment mechanism and a preselected reluctor ring reference aperture is aligned with the second alignment mechanism, the reluctor ring is in a substantially correct phase orientation for installation on the crankshaft; and
wherein the method comprises:
placing a reluctor ring having a central aperture over a crankshaft end such that the crankshaft end resides within the central aperture;
placing the reluctor ring installation tool over the crankshaft end such that the reluctor ring is located substantially between a portion of the crankshaft and the tool, aligning the first alignment mechanism with a preselected crankshaft reference aperture;
aligning the second alignment mechanism with a preselected reluctor ring reference aperture;
wherein, when the first and second alignment mechanisms are aligned with the preselected crankshaft reference aperture and the preselected reluctor ring reference aperture, respectively, the reluctor ring is in a substantially correct phase orientation for engine ignition timing.
In at least one embodiment of the subject invention, it is an object to simplify and/or make more efficient the installation of a reluctor ring on a crankshaft. In another embodiment, it is an object of the invention to provide a device that simplifies the rotational alignment and installation of a reluctor ring on a crankshaft through the use of at least two alignment mechanisms (e.g. pins or dowels) in cooperation with a tool body.
In still further embodiments of the subject invention, it is an object to provide a reluctor ring installation tool in which at least one, or both, of the alignment mechanisms are configurable in a plurality of spatial orientations thereby to allow the installation tool to be used with a plurality of reluctor ring and/or crankshaft types. In a preferred embodiment, at least one of the alignment mechanisms is user locatable in at least two dimensions, but more preferably in at least three dimensions. In still further preferred embodiments, both alignment mechanisms are user adjustable at least axially, but more preferably at least axially and spatially one with respect to the other.
In still additional embodiments, it is an object to provide a method of installing a reluctor ring, employing an installation tool, which is more time efficient, accurate, and less prone to error.
For a more complete understanding of the present invention and advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following description of various illustrative and non-limiting embodiments thereof, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like reference numbers indicate like features.
With reference initially to
In
Referring now to
Alignment mechanisms 5 and 7, in preferred embodiments, are pins or dowel like rods which are specifically sized to fit in pre-selected, particularly dimensioned apertures located on crankshaft 101 and reluctor ring 103. In further preferred embodiments, the alignment mechanisms are adjustable axially within apertures 13 and 15 (see
Turning now to
In addition to the above described features and configurations, in further alternative embodiments, additional and/or alternative structures which permit radial adjustability of first and second alignment mechanisms 5 and 7 are contemplated. In this regard, it is recognized that different automotive manufacturers will typically manufacture reluctor rings and/or crankshafts with different dimensions and/or configurations and, therefore, a reluctor ring installation tool which accounts for such differences is desired. In view of these differences inherent among different brands of reluctor rings and crankshafts, in at least one embodiment of tool 1, one or both of first and second alignment mechanisms 5 and 7 are adjustable radially about the circumference of tool body 3, thereby to accommodate potential alternate locations of reluctor ring and crankshaft alignment reference apertures 102 and 104 (e.g. in certain embodiments such as illustrated in
Notwithstanding the above features, the embodiment of tool 1 illustrated in
As such, in order to install reluctor ring 103 on crankshaft 101, tool 1 is simply oriented such that alignment mechanism 7 registers with uniquely sized reference aperture 104 (an 8 mm aperture), and so that alignment mechanism 5 registers with aperture 102 (a 11 mm aperture located on the flywheel flange). If it is necessary to adjust the length of alignment mechanisms 5 and 7 so that sufficient engagement with the reference apertures is possible, such adjustments can be made at this time. Once properly aligned, reluctor ring 103 can be press fit (i.e. friction fit) onto the crankshaft end or heated (e.g. to approximately 450° F.) and then installed thereon to cool. If the alignment mechanisms are properly registered with the respective, matching reference apertures, the reluctor ring will be installed in the correct phase orientation, and proper ignition timing will result.
Although the above described exemplar embodiments are particularly efficacious for their described purposes, it is understood, of course, that other embodiments and configurations can be employed utilizing the same principles as delineated above. For example, tool body 3 need not be cylindrical or tubular, and instead may be comprised of a simple framework carrying first and second alignment mechanisms for registration with the reference apertures. Furthermore, alternatives to the dowel-type alignment mechanisms can be employed and/or other alignment reference structures on the crankshaft and/or reluctor ring used.
Once given the above disclosure, many other features, modifications, and improvements will become apparent to the skilled artisan. Such other features, modifications, and improvements are therefore considered to be part of this invention, the scope of which is to be determined by the following claims:
