DE19847705A1 - Arrangement for varying internal combustion engine gas changing valve control times has camshaft control drive containing hydraulically operated, axially movable piston arrangement - Google Patents

Abstract

The arrangement has a control drive for a camshaft containing drive arrangement, at least one hydraulically operated, axially movable piston arrangement with working surface for accommodating hydraulic fluid, at least two torque transfer arrangements, and at least one hydraulic device for controlled application of hydraulic fluid to the piston controlled by at least one valve. At least one torque transfer device of the arrangement has a device for converting an essentially translational motion into a motion with at least one rotational component. Independent claims are also included for a 4/4-way valve and for a method of varying the control times.

Description

Field of application of the invention

The invention relates to a device and a method for changing the Control times of gas exchange valves of an internal combustion engine.

Background of the Invention

Devices for adjusting the timing of gas exchange valves one Internal combustion engines are already known and are based in part on the Prin zip that on the drive means and / or on the cams the input or Exhaust valve-controlling camshaft a superimposed rotary or Swiveling movement is applied. This superimposed movement becomes achieved by an axial displacement of a piston, which corresponds to a Coupling with the drive means or the camshaft the desired Rotating or swiveling movement causes. The axial displacement of the piston is activated by (alternating) hydraulic action on the piston, possibly in cooperation with one or more spring elements.  

To control the hydraulic loading is within one Hydraulic system - depending on the version - a 3 / 3- or a 4/3-way valve in front seen.

Another part of these devices is based on the principle that in Torque flow between a belt drive and the camshaft Ra dial piston or vane cell adjuster is arranged. Such, e.g. B. in the Arrangements disclosed in DE 39 37 644 A1 or EP 0 777 037 A1 an impeller provided with radial vanes, which with a camshaft is rotatably coupled. These wings extend in several, in um cells extending in the longitudinal direction of a cellular wheel connected to the drive wheel is rotatably connected and surrounds the impeller radially on the outside. Here the cells from the wings came into a first and a second came more divided. These chambers are via hydraulic oil supply lines each can be loaded with hydraulic oil. With different loads these chambers - as a rule due to the pressure difference - a right sulting force on the wings. The Flü follow this resulting force gel in the circumferential direction, so that depending on the orientation of the resulting Force the angle of rotation of the camshaft in a first or second orientation adjusted with respect to the angle of rotation of the drive wheel.

DE 40 13 633 C2, for example, describes a device for switching on represent the timing of an internal combustion engine, in which a piston is loaded from one end with a spring, while on the second A force can be applied to the end face of a hydraulic system. Within the ses hydraulic system is a 3/3-way valve, one of which is arranged end with the chamber and its other connections with a pressure line or a drain line are coupled. The 3/3-way valve enables in egg ner middle position the "decoupling" of the three lines and in its final position lungs the connection of the chamber with the pressure or drain line.

This arrangement is suitable for one-sided hydraulic loading supply of an impeller or a piston face, but is for both sides,  or alternating, unsuitable.

DE 42 29 201 A1 also shows an arrangement in which the piston is under the action of a spring force on both sides and additionally from its a hydraulic force can be applied to two end faces. The hydrauli force is generated by a hydraulic system within which a 4/3-way valve is arranged. In addition to two with the face of the piston in Connected connections, this 4/3-way valve has an on connection for a pressure line and a fourth connection with one itself closing line, which - depending on the switching state - the function of a Pressure or drain line comes. The switching states of the 4/3-way valve enable the connection of the first chamber (end face) with the four pipe with simultaneous connection of the second chamber (end face) with the pressure line, the connection of the pressure line with the first chamber with simultaneous connection of the fourth connection with the second cam mer and - in the middle position - the "interruption" of the connections. For Increasing the incompressibility of the hydraulic flows acting on the piston liquid allows a certain leakage around a piston ring surrounding the piston, a separate collecting container for the leakage oil thus occurring is provided.

The arrangement of such a 4/3-way valve within a hydraulic system that controls the two end faces of a piston is also known from DE 37 09 504 A1, in which, however, the piston is not additionally acted upon by spring elements. The use of such 4/3-way valves in a hydraulic system for controlling a piston represents a not insignificant alternative to the use of 3/3-way valves, since the former enables the control of a piston from both end faces using only one valve. However, arrangements of this type, which are used to switch the pressure states in the chambers adjoining the piston ends, are in need of improvement, since the "decoupling" or "separation" of the working connections leading into the chambers does not actually decouple the working lines from the pressure or Represents drain line, but rather forms a "decoupling" of the working lines from the pressure differences occurring between pressure and drain lines, since strictly speaking the pressure and working line is coupled to both chambers in this middle position, whereby a pressure equalization between the pressure and the drain line is avoided by interposing chokes in the corresponding lines. These relationships are illustrated, for example, in FIG. 2 of DE 42 28 308 A1, which essentially corresponds to DE 37 09 504 A1 with regard to the piston design and the ( 4 / 3- way) valve selection. In such an arrangement, there is thus the risk that - especially when Mo torstillstand, in which usually the 4/3-way valve is switched to the central position, air penetrates into the chambers and thus the hydraulic oil located in the chamber becomes more compressible, what affects nega tively in particular on the accuracy of the actuating movements and noise pollution.

The in DE 42 29 201 A1 to avoid or reduce compresses Isolation of leakage oil proposed in and described above the chambers are certainly a suitable countermeasure, they has the disadvantage, however, that it does not result in the occurrence of compressible hy prevents draulic oil in the chambers, but only isolates it, after the piston is in an initial phase with this compressible oil was opened.

Object of the invention

The invention is therefore based on the object, a device and a Process for changing the timing of gas exchange valves from To create internal combustion engines by or through which, in particular in the starting phase of the internal combustion engine, the accuracy of the actuating movement of a hydraulically operated piston or impeller and at the same time tig can reduce noise pollution.  

Summary of the invention

The object is achieved by a device according to Ge object of claim 1 or 3 or 7 or 20 solved. An inventive The process is the subject of claims 23 and 26. Preferred further Formations of the invention are the subject of the respective dependent claims.

According to the invention, a device for changing the tax is provided times of the gas exchange valves of an internal combustion engine, which are within a Control drive of at least one camshaft is arranged and at least a hydraulically actuated impeller or a hydraulically actuated as well has axially displaceably mounted piston device with at least one Hydraulic device for the controlled application of a hydraulic fluid to be provided within the at least one valve device for at least partial and / or at least temporary control of the application of Pressure active surfaces is arranged, the valve device at least one a / b directional valve, with a, b ≧ 4 and a, b ∈ N. Here, the impeller or the piston device preferably in the power flow between a drive means and the camshaft. In the respective power flow between the wing rad or the piston device, which preferably has an annular piston and particularly preferably represents an annular piston, and the drive means or the camshaft, is in each case at least one torque transmission means, such as a gear arrangement provided, at least one of these transmission means a device for converting a we substantial translational movement in a movement with at least one includes rotational part. This is, for example, as helical teeth a gear pair realized.

The piston device is provided with active surfaces, these active surfaces in vectorial representation a vectorial component parallel to the free movement direction of the piston device. Per orientation of the free Movement of the piston device, an active surface is provided, this Active areas do not have to be continuous and where  with these active surfaces preferably at least partially one each Hydraulic oil fillable chamber connects, so that the chamber at least is partially limited by the respective effective area.

It is also preferred to use an adjusting device instead of the piston device Provide radial piston or vane adjustment device. These wings According to the invention, the cell adjusting device has a camshaft side ordered impeller, which has wings that are essentially in ra extend dialer direction. This impeller is non-rotatable with the camshaft coupled. The blades of the impeller extend into the cells of one around the impeller extending cellular wheel. The wings divide the Cells each in a first and a second chamber. These chambers are each connected to a hydraulic oil supply line. By The impeller can be counteracted by corresponding filling of these chambers Adjust relative to the cell wheel in the circumferential direction. With that the Angle of rotation between the drive device connected to the cellular wheel and the camshaft changed.

The invention is advantageous in that the arrangement of an a / b directional valve, where a and b are each greater than or equal to four, with a compact design an increase in control accuracy, noise reduction and - what is also linked to the tax accuracy - a clear ver reduction or elimination of compressibility of the hydraulic oil - esp especially within the chambers - enables. Also the (cold) starting ability Nes engine can be improved significantly by the invention, so that tax loss of time can be reduced.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the number corresponds to Connections of the a / b directional valve of the number of positions that the valve on can take (a = b). According to the invention, a 4/4-way is particularly preferred valve provided.

In a preferred development of the invention, the valve device  a venting device. This is particularly preferred leads that in a valve position the working connections from the pressure or Drain connection are separated (interrupted) and between the pressure and the drain connection a connecting line with at least one throttle and / or at least one check valve that is one of the drain always blocked flow to the pressure connection, at is ordered.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, a first on a first end face of the piston device or the wing device gen subsequent chamber via a first flow line with a first Connection of the a / b directional valve connected and a second, connected to a second End of the piston device or the wing devices adjoining Chamber via a second flow line with a second connection of the a / b directional valve connected. A third connection of the a / b directional valve is with a fluid supply device or a pressure line connected and a fourth Connection of the a / b directional valve is with a fluid collecting device or Drain line connected. The valve, preferably a solenoid valve, can be there assume at least four switching states, whereby in a first switching position sition the chambers neither with the third (pressure connection) nor with the four ten connection (drain connection) are connected. In a second valve position is the first with the fourth connector and the second with the third connector connected. The third and fourth on are in the third valve position circuit connected to the first and the second connection, respectively, in the respective connecting lines chokes are arranged. In a four The third valve position is the third with the first and the fourth with the second connection in connection.

It is particularly preferred that one out as a solenoid valve Valve carried the first to the xth, preferably fourth, position in this row can start up due to increasing current supply to the coil. Especially before is that the first switching position automatically when the coil is de-energized is approached or stopped. The pressure is on in the first valve position  circuit and the drain connection preferably also completely decoupled.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention these two connections in the first switching position with each other - at for example via a connecting line with a check valve and throttle - in Connection. This enables ventilation, in particular can also be carried out in the starting phase of the engine. Furthermore, in Engine standstill, the entry of air into the chambers and thus the increase or the appearance of compressibilities in the chambers Prevents fluid.

In a preferred development of the invention there is a control device provided to control the switching states of the a / b directional valve, wherein this control device, for example, the engine electronics or the engine pressure oil switch, which is usually present in motor vehicles anyway, includes and in the latter case, for example, that of the engine pressure oil switch transmitted signal can fall back. But also one, possibly delayed, control is dependent on the intake air temperature prefers.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the Control device a delay element or a delay characteristic has by or through which the valve in the starting phase of the engine for a time period predetermined by a characteristic in the first position is held. Such a delay device can be used Reduce or filter air components in the hydraulic fluid - if available term, so that the compressibility of the hydraulic fluid is further reduced or converted to incompressibility. It is preferred that the cha characteristic always specifies a constant (delay) period, preferred is also that the (delay) period according to a characteristic in Dependency of other parameters, such as certain detected or Known engine parameters and / or parameters external to the vehicle, such as the Au Outside temperature is specified by the control device. It is  also preferred that the pressure in the pressure line during this (delays time) varies, for example increasing monotonically.

In this regard, it should be mentioned that, for example, one of the invention anyway Constant pressure source is included as well as a variable pressure source Print.

It should be noted that the a / b directional valve according to the invention with a, b ≧ 4 and a, b ∈ N is also claimed in isolation, i.e. in a form that is not on the device for changing the timing of an internal combustion engine - ge is aimed. In particular, this valve is also used in terms of other hydraulic systems in motor vehicles or in machine tools claims. The use of the a / b directional control valve is also according to the invention not on adjusters with linear piston devices or vane adjusters or radial piston limited. The a / b directional valve according to the invention is used for any hydraulic system, and in particular any hydraulic system designed by a camshaft adjusting device is claimed. It is further emphasizes that the ventilation device according to the invention for an a / b way Valve in this sense is also claimed in isolation, with this regarding the restriction a, b ≧ 4 does not apply.

The object is further achieved by a method for changing the tax times of gas exchange valves of an internal combustion engine operating within a Control drive of at least one camshaft is arranged, according to An saying 23. According to this method according to the invention, if an adjustment of the tax times is desired, depending on the desired orientation tion, a chamber that is at least partially hydraulically adjustable ren component, such as a piston device or a wing device limited is, with a pressure line and a second, corresponding chamber with a Drain line connected. These steps are carried out in the operating phase of Mon tors made, as well as the step that the pressure or drain line are each connected to the management, whereby in the connections gen chokes are provided. This step is done if the target orientation is neutral, d. H. no adjustment of the hydraulic  adjustable component to be made. The position of the Component or piston or the wing directly or indirectly detected. Indirect Capturing means capturing other variables that make up about the system sizes can determine the piston position or the wing position. Alles this is preferably taken into account in a predetermined characteristic, so that non-ongoing measurements are required. When the engine is at a standstill stood, the pressure and the drain connection of the Be drive connections separated.

According to a preferred development of this method, the start phase of the motor is not the connection between the operating connections and the pressure or drain line is completely interrupted.

According to an alternative, particularly preferred embodiment of the invention In the starting phase of the engine, the operational management of both the pressure as well as the drain connection for one according to one specific characteristic period separately. Particularly preferred the hydraulic fluid is vented, for example by coupling Pressure and drain connection via a throttle and a check valve.

The object is further achieved by a method according to claim 26 noted that the interaction of the individual fiction moderate features in any combination is preferred. In particular are also the combination of features disclosed by the independent claims nations are preferred with omission of one or more characteristics. Any combination of the claims is also preferred. The applicant reserves the right especially before, in the course of the examination procedure, the reference in the respective gene to change subclaims in "according to any one of the preceding claims" other. It should also be noted that the term "taxes" and the like derived term i.S.d. Invention are to be understood broadly and esp in particular the terms of "controlling" and "regulating" i.S.d. DIN include.  

Brief description of the drawings

The invention is based on exemplary embodiments ago explained. It is apparent to the person skilled in the art that from the illustrated leadership examples of the invention, a variety of other modifications are conceivable, which are covered by the invention. The invention is limited especially not only to the embodiments shown here. In the associated drawings show:

Fig. 1 is a simplified equivalent circuit diagram of a 4/3-way valve known to be used in devices for setting the timing of an internal combustion engine;

FIG. 2 shows a more detailed illustration of the equivalent circuit diagram according to FIG. 1;

Fig. 3 shows a first embodiment of a device according to the invention for Vorrich lines for changing the control times of gas exchange valves of an internal combustion engine as an equivalent circuit; and

Fig. 4 shows a second embodiment of an inventive for Vorrich lines for changing the control times of gas exchange valves of an internal combustion engine valve as an equivalent circuit image.

Detailed description of the drawings

Fig. 1 shows a simplified equivalent circuit diagram of a 4/3-way valve known to be used in prior devices for changing the timing of gas exchange valves of an internal combustion engine. The operating connection 12 is connected to a first chamber, not shown, via a flow connection, not shown. In a corresponding manner, the Betriebsan circuit 14 is connected to a second chamber. The first and the second chamber adjoin a piston device. A third connection 16 of the 4/3-way valve is a pressure connection to which a flow line, not shown, can be connected, which leads to a pressure source. The fourth connection 18 or a drain line (not shown) connected to it leads to an oil collecting tank (not shown).

In a first valve position 20 , the third connection 16 (pressure connection) is connected to the second connection 14 and the fourth connection 18 is connected to the first operating connection 12 . In a third valve position 22 , the first 12 and the third 16 and the second 14 and the fourth connection 18 are connected. In a second valve position 24 , the connections between all connections in all combinations are interrupted in a simplified representation.

In fact, however, the circuit between the connections is as shown in the second valve position 24 in FIG. 2. The third circuit 16 is connected via line 30 , line 32 to inductor 34 and line 36 to the first connection 12 and connected via line 30 , line 38 to inductor 40 and line 42 to the second connection 14 . Correspondingly, the fourth connection 18 is connected via line 44 , line 46 with throttle 48 and line 36 to the first connection 12, as well as via line 44 , line 50 with throttle 52 and line 42 to the second connection 14 .

Fig. 3 shows a first embodiment of an a / b-way valve according to the invention for use in a device according to the invention, not shown, for changing the control times of gas exchange valves of an internal combustion engine in the form of a 4/4-way valve 60 . The 4/4-way valve has a first connection 70 , which is connected, for example, via a connecting line, not shown, to a first chamber, not shown, a second connection 72 , for example, via a connecting line, not shown, to a second chamber, not shown, in Ver is connected, a third connection 74 , which is connected, for example, to a pressure source, not shown, and a fourth connection 76 , which is connected, for example, to a hydraulic fluid drain device, not shown. In a first valve position or valve position 78 , all connections 70 , 72 , 74 , 76 are decoupled from one another. In a second valve position or valve position 80 , the first connection 70 is connected to the fourth connection 76 and the second connection 72 is connected to the third connection 74 . In a third valve position or valve position 82 , the third connection 74 is coupled via line 84 , line 86 with throttle 88 and line 90 to first connection 70 . Furthermore, the third connection 74 is coupled via the line 84 , the line 92 to the throttle 94 and the line 96 to the second connection 72 . The fourth connection 76 is coupled in this third valve position 82 via line 98 , line 100 with throttle 102 and line 90 to first connection 70 . Furthermore, the third connection 74 is coupled via line 98 , line 104 with throttle 106 and line 96 to the second connection 72 . In a third valve position or valve position 108 , the first 70 is connected to the third connection 74 and the second 72 is connected to the fourth connection 76 .

The embodiment of the 4/4-way valve 60 according to the invention in FIG. 4 un differs from the embodiment according to FIG. 3 essentially by the fact that in the first switching position 78 the operating connections 70 , 72 also from the pressure connection 74 and the drain connection 76 are decoupled, but between these connections 74 , 76 a ventilation unit 120 is switched ge. This ventilation unit 120 here has a throttle 122 and a check valve 124 .

List of reference numbers

12th

(first) service connection

14

(second) service connection

16

third connection

18th

fourth connection

20th

first valve position

22

third valve position

24th

second valve position

30th

management

32

management

34

throttle

36

management

38

management

40

throttle

42

management

44

management

46

management

48

throttle

50

management

52

throttle

60

4/4-way valve

70

first connection

72

second connection

74

third connection

76

fourth connection

78

first valve position or valve position

80

second valve position or valve position

82

third valve position or valve position

84

management

86

management

88

throttle

90

management

92

management

94

throttle

96

management

98

management

100

management

102

throttle

104

management

106

throttle

120

Ventilation unit

122

throttle

124

check valve

Claims (26)

1. Device for changing the control times of gas exchange valves of an internal combustion engine, the device being arranged within a control drive of at least one camshaft

• - a drive means;
• - At least one hydraulically operated and axially displaceably gela ger piston device with active surfaces for receiving a hydrau likfluids;
• - At least a first torque transmission means for the transmission of a torque from the drive means to the Kolbenein direction;
• - At least a second torque transmission means for transmission of a torque from the piston device to the cam shaft;
• - At least one hydraulic device for the controlled application of a hydraulic fluid to the piston device;
• - At least one arranged within the hydraulic device Ven tileinrichtung for at least partial control of the action, wherein the valve device has at least one a / b-way valve ( 60 );
• - At least one torque transmission means has a device for converting an essentially translatory movement into a movement with at least one rotary component and
• - where a is a natural number that is greater than 3 and where b is a natural number that is greater than 3.

2. Device according to claim 1, in which a and b are each the same, preferred wise equal to 4, are. 3. Device for changing the control times of an internal combustion engine, which is net angeord within a control drive of at least one camshaft

• - a drive means;
• - At least one vane adjustment device, which is arranged essentially in the torque flow between the drive means and the camshaft;
• - At least one hydraulic device for the controlled application of a hydraulic fluid to the vane-cell adjustment device; and
• - At least one arranged within the hydraulic device Ven tileinrichtung for at least partial control of the action, wherein the valve device has at least one a / b-way valve ( 60 );
  in which
• - The vane adjustment device has at least two sub-devices, of which at least one is an impeller with substantially in the radial direction extending vanes and at least one is a cellular wheel with at least partially extending substantially in the circumferential direction cells;
• - In each case at least one wing of the impeller extends into a cell of the cellular wheel, so that the cells of the wings are each divided into a first and a second chamber;
• - These chambers are at least partially connected to at least one hydraulic oil supply line;
• - The impeller is at least partially and at least temporarily rotatably arranged with respect to the cellular wheel;
• - At least one of the sub-devices with the drive means and we at least one of the sub-devices with the camshaft is rotatably coupled ge; and
• - a is a natural number that is greater than 3 and b is a natural number that is greater than 3.

4. The device according to claim 3, wherein a and b are the same, preferred wise equal to 4, are. 5. The device of claim 1, wherein the valve means a Ent has ventilation device. 6. The device according to claim 1, wherein in at least one of the b-switching positions of the a / b-way valve ( 60 ) a venting position ( 78 ) is approached. 7. The device of claim 1, wherein

• - The piston device has a first piston active surface for receiving a force for axial adjustment of the piston device in a first direction and a second piston active surface for receiving a force for axial adjustment of the piston device in the second direction; and
• - At least one of these piston active surfaces at least partially forms at least part of a wall of a first chamber for receiving a hydraulic fluid, the first chamber being in no operative connection with the hydraulic system.

8. The device of claim 1, comprising a first and a second chamber has, of these chambers each at least temporarily and we at least partially a hydraulic fluid can be taken up and from it Hydraulic fluid exerts a force on each of the piston active surfaces for axial adjustment of the piston device in one of the two opposite set orientations can be applied. 9. The device according to claim 3, wherein of the first chambers and the second chambers at least temporarily and at least partially se against a hydraulic fluid to change the position of the impeller can be picked up over the position of the cellular wheel. 10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein

• - The first chamber is connected via a first flow line to a first connection ( 70 ) of the a / b directional valve ( 60 );
• - The second chamber is connected via a second flow line with a two-th connection ( 72 ) of the a / b-way valve ( 60 );
• - A third connection ( 74 ) of the a / b-way valve ( 60 ) is connected to a fluid supply device; and
• - A fourth connection ( 76 ) of the a / b directional valve ( 60 ) is connected to a fluid collecting device;
  in which
• - In a first valve position ( 78 ) the chambers are neither connected to the third (pressure connection) ( 74 ) nor to the fourth connection (drain connection) ( 76 );
• - In a second valve position ( 80 ) the first ( 70 ) is connected to the fourth connection ( 76 ) and the second ( 72 ) is connected to the third connection ( 74 );
• - In a third valve position ( 82 ), the third ( 74 ) and the fourth connection ( 76 ) are each connected to the first ( 70 ) and the second connection ( 72 ), the respective connecting lines ( 86 , 92 , 100 , 104 ) throttles ( 88 , 94 , 102 , 106 ) are arranged;
• - In a fourth valve position ( 108 ), the third ( 74 ) is connected to the first ( 70 ) and the fourth ( 76 ) to the second connection ( 72 ).

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein in the first valve position

• - the third (74) and the fourth port (76) (120) are interconnected via a venting unit, so that the pressure connection (74) and said drain port (76) are miteinan the connected through the venting unit (120); and
• - The ventilation unit ( 120 ) has at least one throttle ( 124 ).

12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein in the first valve position

• - the third (74) and the fourth port (76) (120) are interconnected via a venting unit, so that the pressure connection (74) and said drain port (76) are miteinan the connected through the venting unit (120); and
• - The ventilation unit ( 120 ) has at least one check valve ( 124 ).

13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the valve device comprises a magnetic valve with a coil which can be energized with different currents, the valve device being moved into the first position ( 78 ) in a substantially de-energized state of the coil. 14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the valve device comprises a magnetic valve with a coil which can be energized with different currents, the valve device being held in the first position ( 78 ) in the de-energized state of the coil. 15. The apparatus of claim 1, which a control device for control tion of the switching states of the a / b directional valve. 16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the control device is a ver has a delay element or a delay characteristic, the or which the valve in the starting phase of the engine for one of a character stik predetermined time in the first position. 17. Device for changing the timing of an internal combustion engine, which is net angeord within a control drive of at least one camshaft

• - a drive means;
• - At least one adjustment device;
• - At least one hydraulic device for the controlled application of a hydraulic fluid to the adjusting device, a valve device with an a / b directional control valve ( 60 ) being arranged within the hydraulic device, where a represents the number of connections ( 70 , 72 , 74 , 76 ) of the valve device and is a natural number and b indicates the number of switching positions ( 78 , 80 , 82 , 108 ) of the valve device and is also a natural number, and at least one connection ( 74 ) is connected to a pressure line and at least one connection ( 76 ) connected to a drain line;
• - A ventilation unit ( 120 ), the egg ne connection between the pressure line and the drain line in one of the switching positions ( 78 ) and decouples these two lines from the remaining lines gene;
• - At least one torque transmission means has a device for converting an essentially translatory movement into a movement with at least one rotary component.

18. The apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the adjusting device

• - At least one hydraulically actuated and axially displaceable gela ger piston device with active surfaces for receiving a hydraulic medium;
• - At least a first torque transmission means for transmitting a torque from the drive means to the piston device;
• has at least one second torque transmission means for transmitting a torque from the piston device to the camshaft,
• - At least one torque transmission means has a device for converting an essentially translatory movement into a movement with at least one rotary component.

19. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the adjusting device is a vane adjusting device with at least two sub-devices, at least one of which has an impeller with wings extending substantially in the radial direction and at least one a cellular wheel with at least partially substantially in the circumferential direction is first recruiting cells, whereby

• - In each case at least one wing of the impeller extends into a cell of the cellular wheel, so that the cells of the wings are each divided into a first and a second chamber;
• - These chambers are at least partially connected to at least one hydraulic oil supply line;
• - The impeller is at least partially and at least temporarily rotatably arranged with respect to the cellular wheel;
• - At least one of the sub-devices with the drive means and we at least one of the sub-devices with the camshaft is rotatably coupled ge.

20. 4/4-way valve with

• - Four connections ( 70 , 72 , 74 , 76 ) of which one connection is a pressure connection ( 74 ), one connection is a drain connection ( 76 ) and two connections ( 70 , 72 ) are each a working connection; and
• - four acceptable switching positions ( 78 , 80 , 82 , 108 ),
  in which
• - In a first valve position ( 78 ), the pressure connection ( 74 ) and the drain connection ( 76 ) are each separated from the working connections ( 70 , 72 );
• - In a second valve position ( 80 ) the first working connection (70 with the drain connection ( 76 ) and the second working connection ( 72 ) is connected to the pressure connection ( 74 );
• - In a third valve position ( 82 ) both the pressure connection ( 74 ) and the drain connection ( 76 ) are each connected to the first ( 70 ) and the second working connection ( 72 ) via connecting devices ( 86 , 92 , 100 , 104 ), wherein at least one throttle ( 88 , 94 , 102 , 106 ) is arranged in each case between the connection devices between two connections ( 70 , 72 , 74 , 76 );
• - In a fourth valve position ( 108 ) the pressure connection ( 74 ) with which it is the most working connection and the drain connection ( 76 ) is connected to the second working connection ( 72 ).

21. 4/4-way valve according to claim 20, in which between the Druckan connection ( 74 ) and the drain connection ( 76 ) in the first valve position ( 78 ) a venting device, for example in the form of a connecting line with at least one throttle ( 122 ) and / or at least one check valve ( 124 ) is arranged. 22. 4/4-way valve according to claim 20 for use as an element Control device for controlling a hydraulic device in one Motor vehicle. 23. A method for changing the control times of an internal combustion engine which is arranged within a control drive of at least one camshaft, comprising the steps:

• - Specifying a setpoint for the control time when the engine is in the operating phase;
• - Detection of the actual position of an at least partially movably arranged adjusting device which has two active surfaces for exposure to a fluid in different orientations, the adjusting device being arranged between the drive means and the camshaft when the engine is in the operating phase;
• - Determining the target orientation of the hydraulic application to be brought to the adjusting device for adjusting the control time to the target position;
• - Adjustment of the valve arranged within the hydraulic device in a second valve position, in which a connection between a pressure chamber and a second chamber, which is at least partially delimited by a second effective surface of the adjusting device, is provided and in which a connection between an outlet chamber and a The first chamber, which is at least partially delimited by a first active surface of the adjusting device, is produced when a vector directed from the second chamber into the first chamber and aligned parallel to the direction of the target orientation has the same orientation as the target orientation when the engine is in the operating phase
  and
• - Adjustment of the valve in a fourth valve position, in which a connection between the pressure chamber and a first chamber is made and in which a connection between the drain chamber and the second chamber is made when a directed from the first chamber towards the second chamber and vector oriented parallel to the direction of the target orientation has the same orientation as the target orientation when the engine is in the operating phase;
  and
• - Adjusting the valve to a third valve position, in which the pressure chamber is in a throttled connection with the first and the second chamber and in which the outlet chamber is in a throttled connection with the first and the second chamber when the target orientation is neutral, when the engine is in the operating phase
  and
• - Adjustment of the valve in a first valve position in which neither the pressure chamber nor the drain chamber communicates with the first or second chamber and in which the pressure chamber communicates with the run-off chamber when the engine is substantially at a standstill.

24. The method of claim 23, further comprising the step of:

• - Moving to the second, third or fourth valve position when the engine is in the start phase.

25. The method of claim 23, further comprising the step of:

• - Approaching the first valve position for a period of time determined according to a predetermined characteristic when the engine is in the starting phase.

26. A method for changing the control times of an internal combustion engine which is arranged within a control drive of at least one camshaft, comprising the steps:

• - Filling at least one chamber with a hydraulic fluid according to a first predetermined characteristic, the chamber being at least partially delimited by at least one hydraulically movable component;
• - at least partially emptying the at least one chamber according to a second predetermined characteristic; and
• - Bleeding the hydraulic fluid at times and periods determined by a third predetermined characteristic before the hydraulic fluid reaches the at least one chamber.