Abstract: The invention relates to a device for interrupting the power flow between at least one valve and at least one cam of a camshaft, especially in a valve mechanism of a reciprocating internal combustion engine. The device comprises a first actuating lever cooperating with the at least one valve, a second actuating lever that is pivotally mounted in relation to the first actuating lever cooperating with the at least one cam of the camshaft and a coupling element arranged in such a way that it can rotate about an axis parallel to the swiveling axis of the second actuating lever. The coupling element couples both actuating levers in a first swiveling position and decouples both actuating levers in a second swiveling position. In order to reduce overall dimensions, the first actuating lever is mounted on fixed compensation elements and carries the swiveling axis for locating the second actuating lever.

Abstract: An actuating mechanism for three inlet valves of a cylinder of an internal combustion engine has three first rocker arms, each of which actuates an inlet valve and is actuated by a first cam for a lower revolution speed range, and two second rocker arms which are arranged between adjacent first rocker arms and are actuated by second cams for the upper speed range. The first and second rocker arms are coupled in the upper speed range so that the valves are actuated in accordance with the contour of the second cams.