Abstract: Secondary vibration generated accompanying reciprocation of a piston (21) of a multi-link variable compression ratio engine (E) can be eliminated effectively, even when the direction of the secondary vibration is inclined relative to a cylinder axis (L1), by inclining the direction (shown by arrow) of an excitation force generated by a secondary balancer system (43) so that it coincides with the direction of the secondary vibration. The secondary balancer system (43) is formed by supporting balancer weights (44a, 45a) on a pair of balancer shafts (44, 45) rotating in directions opposite to each other, and by displacing the phases of these balancer weights (44a, 45a) the direction of the excitation force generated can be inclined so as to coincide with the direction of secondary vibration of the engine (E).

Abstract: Secondary vibration generated accompanying reciprocation of a piston (21) of a multi-link variable compression ratio engine (E) can be eliminated effectively, even when the direction of the secondary vibration is inclined relative to a cylinder axis (L1), by inclining the direction (shown by arrow) of an excitation force generated by a secondary balancer system (43) so that it coincides with the direction of the secondary vibration. The secondary balancer system (43) is formed by supporting balancer weights (44a, 45a) on a pair of balancer shafts (44, 45) rotating in directions opposite to each other, and by displacing the phases of these balancer weights (44a, 45a) the direction of the excitation force generated can be inclined so as to coincide with the direction of secondary vibration of the engine (E).

Abstract: A main journal 25a of a crank-shaped swinging shaft 25 which swings in a range of a predetermined angle is supported by bearing metals 51 and 52 each divided into two pieces. In supplying a lubrication oil through an oil bore 51b in the bearing metal 51 to a sliding surface of the main journal 25a and to inlet openings of lubrication oil passages P1 and P2 of the swinging shaft 25 open to the sliding surface, the inlet openings of the lubrication oil passages P1 and P2 of the swinging shaft 25 are designed so that they do not move past division portions 55 of the bearing metals 51 and 52 upon swing of the swinging shaft 25 in the range of the predetermined angle. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the lubrication oil to be supplied to the lubrication oil passages P1 and P2 from leaking from the division portions 55 of the bearing metals 51 and 52, thereby reliably lubricating a pin journal 25b of the swinging shaft 25 by the lubrication oil supplied from the lubrication oil passages P1 and P2.

Abstract: There is provided a solenoid-type valve actuator for an internal combustion engine, having an inexpensive and single construction which is capable of maintaining stability of operation of a valve and reducing sliding resistance to the valve at the same time, thereby achieving improved response of the valve and reduced power consumption of electromagnets. The solenoid-type valve actuator electromagnetically opens and closes a valve. Two electromagnets are arranged in a manner opposed to each other with a space therebetween. An armature is arranged between the two electromagnets, for reciprocating motion by energization and deenergization of the two electromagnets. Two shafts project from respective opposite sides of the armature and extend through the two electromagnets, respectively, one of the shafts being connected to the valve.

Abstract: Displacement of a mechanical element is accurately detected by a simple and inexpensive structure. To provide displacement detecting device including: a mechanical element capable of being displaced; a magnet connected to the mechanical element and magnetized in displacement direction of the mechanical element; and a magnetic sensor for detecting a magnetic flux generated by the magnet and outputting a sensor output corresponding to a detected magnetic-flux value, so as to detect displacement of the mechanical element in accordance with the sensor output. In one embodiment, a Hall element is used as the magnetic sensor and the magnet longer than distance of movement of the mechanical element is used. Thus, an output having a linear relation with displacement of the mechanical element is obtained, and detection of the displacement is easily implemented. The displacement detecting device can be applied to an actuator of intake/exhaust valves of an engine.

Abstract: The invention provides an electromagnetic driving valve of an internal combustion engine provided with a significantly compact shock absorbing means which can reduce an impact sound and a vibration in a contact portion between a first transmission shaft and a second transmission shaft and reduce an impact sound and a vibration generated at a time when a valve portion sits on an intake and exhaust port at a time of closing a valve. A shock absorbing means (27) is provided between a first transmission shaft (14a) extended upward from a valve portion (3) and a second transmission shaft (14b) extended on the same axis thereof and supporting a movable plate (7) between a pair of electromagnets (5, 6).

Abstract: There is provided a solenoid actuator which is easy to carry out wiring work for coils thereof, and at the same time allows reduction of manufacturing costs through common application of a fixed wiring. A solenoid actuator is supplied with electric power from a power source, for generating an electromagnetic force to drive a driven member such that the driven member performs reciprocating motion. Two electromagnets each have a coil and arranged such that they are opposed to each other and spaced from each other. An armature is connected to the driven member, and arranged between the two electromagnets, for performing reciprocating motion in accordance with energization and deenergization of the two electromagnets to thereby drive the driven member such that the driven member performs the reciprocating motion.

Abstract: There is provided a provide a solenoid actuator which is capable of smoothly driving a driven member, with enhanced durability, and at the same time permits the stroke of the driven member to be changed with ease. A solenoid actuator drives a valve by an electromagnetic force such that the valve performs reciprocating motion. An armature is connected to the valve, for performing reciprocating motion in accordance with energization and deenergization of at least one electromagnet to thereby drive the valve such that the valve performs the reciprocating motion. The armature has two end faces extending in parallel with each other in a direction orthogonal to a direction of the reciprocating motion thereof. Two guide joints have respective two guide surface opposed to the two end faces of the armature, each formed with two armature guides.

Abstract: There is provided a solenoid-type valve actuator for an internal combustion engine, having an inexpensive and single construction which is capable of maintaining stability of operation of a valve and reducing sliding resistance to the valve at the same time, thereby achieving improved response of the valve and reduced power consumption of electromagnets. The solenoid-type valve actuator electromagnetically opens and closes a valve. Two electromagnets are arranged in a manner opposed to each other with a space therebetween. An armature is arranged between the two electromagnets, for reciprocating motion by energization and deenergization of the two electromagnets. Two shafts project from respective opposite sides of the armature and extend through the two electromagnets, respectively, one of the shafts being connected to the valve.

Abstract: The invention provides an electromagnetic driving valve of an internal combustion engine provided with a significantly compact shock absorbing means which can reduce an impact sound and a vibration in a contact portion between a first transmission shaft and a second transmission shaft and reduce an impact sound and a vibration generated at a time when a valve portion sits on an intake and exhaust port at a time of closing a valve. A shock absorbing means (27) is provided between a first transmission shaft (4a) extended upward from a valve portion (3) and a second transmission shaft (4b) extended on the same axis thereof and supporting a movable plate (7) between a pair of electromagnets (5, 6).

Abstract: A core of a solenoid actuator is provided which is improved in durability and at the same time ensures high energy efficiency of the solenoid actuator. The core of the solenoid actuator attracts an armature during operation of the solenoid actuator. A plurality of core plates are formed of a magnetically soft material and laminated in a predetermined direction orthogonal to a direction of attracting the armature to form a laminated stack. The core plates form magnetic circuits between the armature and the core plates themselves during the operation of the solenoid actuator. Two core holders formed of a non-magnetic material sandwiches the laminated stack of the plurality of core plates from opposite sides along the predetermined direction. The plurality of core plates are each coated with insulating film, which insulate adjacent two core plates from each other.

Abstract: A solenoid-operated valve for use in an internal combustion engine has a valve body movable into and out of abutment of an intake/exhaust port in the internal combustion engine to close and open an intake/exhaust passage in communication therewith, a movable plate connected to the valve body by a transmission valve stem, a first solenoid for magnetically attracting the movable plate to cause the valve body to close the intake/exhaust port, and a second solenoid disposed in confronting relation to the first solenoid with the movable plate interposed therebetween, for magnetically attracting the movable plate to cause the valve body to open the intake/exhaust port. A piston is movable in a cylinder in unison with the transmission valve stem until the valve body closes the intake/exhaust port when the first solenoid magnetically attracts the movable plate to position the valve body closely to the intake/exhaust port.

Abstract: A solenoid-operated valve for use in an internal combustion engine has a valve body movable upwardly for closing an exhaust or intake passage and movable downwardly for opening the exhaust or intake passage, a valve stem extending upwardly from the valve body, a pair of upper and lower solenoids spaced from each other in an axial direction of the valve stem and confronting each other vertically, the valve stem extending through the upper and lower solenoids, a movable plate mounted on the valve stem and disposed between the solenoids, the movable plate being movable between the solenoids to cause the valve stem to open and close the valve body in response to being magnetically attracted by the solenoids, a first spring for normally biasing the valve body to open the exhaust or intake passage, and a second spring for normally biasing the valve body to close the exhaust or intake passage against the first spring. The first spring has a resilient force greater than a resilient force of the second spring.

Abstract: A valve operating system in an internal combustion engine including rollers which are in rolling contact with valve operating cams and rotatably supported by support shafts fixed to rocker arms in a manner such that the support shafts can be easily fixed to the rocker arms. In one embodiment, a rocker arm 25.sub.1 is provided with a fitting bore 37 in which a support shaft 34.sub.1 is fitted and with a press-fit bore 40 leading to an inner surface of the fitting bore 37. A locking groove 43 is provided in an outer surface of the support shaft 34.sub.1 in correspondence to an opening of the press-fit bore 40 into the inner surface of the fitting bore 37, and extends in a direction tangent to a phantom circle C.sub.1 about an axis of the support shaft 34.sub.1. A pin 46 is press-fitted into the press-fit bore 40 and engaged in the locking groove 43.

Abstract: A valve operating system for an internal combustion engine includes a valve-opening electromagnet and a valve-closing electromagnet for exhibiting an electromagnetic force for attracting an armature to operate an engine valve, and a valve-opening resilient means and a valve-closing resilient means for maintaining the armature at a predetermined neutral position during deenergization of the electromagnets. In each electromagnet, a coil is inserted between inner and outer yokes which are disposed in the form of a double-cylinder such that they open at their ends opposed to the armature and are magnetically coupled to each other at their ends opposite from the armature, and the coil is positioned so that the coil protrudes from at least one of the yokes toward the armature. The armature has an annular accommodating portion provided in a surface thereof opposed to each the electromagnets and capable of accommodating that portion of the coil which protrudes from the yoke.

Abstract: A valve operating system in an internal combustion engine which provides a stable seating force for an engine valve and includes an armature operatively connected to a stem of the engine valve that is capable of being seated on a valve seat member provided to a cylinder head, valve-opening and valve-closing electromagnets for exhibiting electromagnetic forces for attracting the armature to open and close the engine valve, respectively, and valve-opening and valve-closing resilient means for exhibiting resilient forces for biasing the engine valve in opening and closing directions, respectively, and for retaining the armature in a predetermined neutral position by cooperation with each other during deenergization of both the valve-opening and valve-closing electromagnets.